Notes Relative to the Restoration of Bruton Parish Church
The work of restoring Bruton Parish Church was begun by writing the history of the Parish which was undertaken with the view of preserving the ancient records, and ascertaining facts relative to the colonial form and appearance of the church. These facts having been ascertained, the work of securing sufficient funds to justify us in beginning the work was undertaken. Much encouragement was received at the outset by the generous contributions made by Mrs. Eva. S. Cochran, of New York, and Mr. Joseph Bryan and Mrs. Stewart, and daughters, of Richmond, Va. Through the courtesy of Mr. J. Stewart Barney, Architect, New York City, plans and specifications for the restoration of the church were gratuitously furnished.
At a meeting of the Vestry, held the 8th of April, 1905, it was decided that the work of restoration should begin on Monday, May 15, 1905. On Sunday, May 14, the restoration was inaugurated by a sermon preached by the Rev. B. D. Tucker, D. D., Rector of St. Paul's Church, Norfolk, Virginia, on "The Continuity of the Life of the Church."
On May 15th, the furniture was removed from the building and carefully stored, the chancel furniture being placed in the Parish House, and the rest of the furniture and heart flooring being subsequently stored in a temporary building erected in the churchyard, and the cushions in one of the basement rooms of the Eastern State Hospital.
The organ was taken down by the Hutchings-Votey
