SEXTONS Prince G. Hayden Edward A. Vandoorn THESE personal sketches would be incomplete without reference to two faithful servants of the Church, in the persons of Prince G. Hayden and Edward A. Vandoorn. As sextons and care-takers of the church property, their united service covers nearly half a century of church history. PRINCE G. HAYDEN was the sexton of the Old Church; and EDWARD A. VANDOORN, of the New Church. Mr. Hayden was a charter member of the Central Church, poor and humble, without great mental gifts, but strong in the faith. The Bible was to him a holy book; the church, a holy place, the very gate of heaven. It was a privilege to minister even in the humblest capacity in the house of God. Mr. Hayden was born in Nantucket, and acquired the neat and thrifty habits of that island people, celebrated for its sailors, its whale fisheries, and its strict sect of Quakers. Coming to Fall River, he very soon assumed the duties of sexton of the Old Church, which he held until his death, January 7, 1867, at the age of fifty-seven years. Not only did he perform his duties faithfully, but, he developed a devout christian spirit, which manifested itself in the social meetings of the Church, and especially in private vocal prayer for his beloved Zion. The benches and corners of the "old vestry " oft echoed to his strong pleadings for spiritual guidance and for blessings on the Central Church. The pastor, at least, was encouraged and sustained by the faithful devotion of this pious soul. Soon after the death of Mr. Hayden, MR. EDWARD A. VANDOORN was appointed sexton, and he served the remaining years in which the Old Church was occupied, and for a quarter century at the New Church. His failing health and strength then obliged him to retire from active service, but not to yield his interest in the Church and people, nor to be forgotten by them. The Church Society voted him a small annual pension for his remaining days, and, on his eightieth birthday, a sum of money was presented to him from remembering friends. These tokens of appreciation have lifted the burdens of old age, brightened his thought and conversation, and cheered his declining days. |