Democratic Sentinel, Volume 14, Number 51, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 9 January 1891 — Old King's Chapel. [ARTICLE]

Old King's Chapel.

But my heart went out to King’s Chapel. I felt upon entering that I must Jjneel in silent prayer, writes a correspondent of the Parkersburg (W. Y a. ) Index. It is a plain square stone building with square tower, nothing attractive from the outside except its quaintness and God’s acre adjoining it. But, upon entering it, the beautiful chancel windows, which aie modern and of the famous Munich glass, the high square pews, no two alike, furnished with arm rests and little closets to keep the prayer books in, the mural tablets, the Queen Anne communion service, the old pulpit with its sound-ing-board. The Book of Common Prayer, 1766, is just as clean and new as ever, so superior is the paper and binding. Communion table and chairs over 2UI) years old. Clock 103 years old, set flat in the organ loft, and, being wound regularly, never loses time. The sexton, Mr. Robert Hamilton Keer, has held that position for twen-ty-one years, and knows the chapel “from a to izzard,” and loves every spot in it. Through his courtesy I saw everything in it, even to a notice taken from the register when “Clark Hill paid for a gug which he broak ” He also showed how the electric lights were turned on as well as the water for the organ; then raising the organ lid, he asked me to play. Trembling, I played, ! “Son of My Soul,” and I felt as if I’d had “an honor thrust upon me.” The organ is not very large, originally had two banks of keys, but a third has been added. It was selected by Handel, and is 135 years old. It has a gilt crown in the center, miters on either end, and “squares” between. The first time Gen. Washington entered this church was in his youth, when he came to announce to Gov. Shirley the death of his son. There is a bust of “Lady'” Shirley, which is, hs she was, noted for its beauty. The burying ground is now unused, excepting by old families who have been connected with the congregation for centuries, who are allowed to use the vaults. We could have spent hours in this sacred spot.