Annals and Reminiscences of Jamaica Plain — John Shaqi
Annals and Reminiscences of Jamaica PlainWhitcomb, Harriet Manning
History
Annals and Reminiscences of Jamaica Plain
Whitcomb, Harriet Manning
Jamaica Plain (Boston, Mass.) -- History
In 1797, just one hundred years ago, was erected the stately brick
mansion which, with the ample grounds extending to the pond, was called
"Lakeville." Mr. Du Ballet first resided here; later it was the home of
Horatio Greenough, the sculptor, and it is said that he carved his
celebrated group, "The Chanting Cherubs," while living here. In 1840
Lakeville Place was opened, dividing this estate, and later made
beautiful by the several residences upon it. Since 1842, the Lakeville
Mansion has been the home of Mr. Thomas Seaverns and Family. The
inception of the Episcopal Church in our village was largely due to Mr.
Charles Beaumont, father of Mr. Frank Beaumont, who resided in the
Lakeville mansion in 1833. The first services were held here, and later
in the Village Hall on Thomas Street, Rev. Mr. Howe of St. James Church,
Roxbury, officiating. In 1840 a lot of land was purchased of Mr. Charles
Beaumont on the site of the present St. John Street, and a chapel built
which was consecrated on 1841 by Bishop Griswold. The rectory was
completed in 1849, and "was paid for, in large part, with money raised by
the exertion of the Ladies' League." Many of us remember the attractive
avenue, bordered with greensward and graceful elms, which led to the
little brown church and rectory, the retirement of its situation seeming
to be suited to its purpose of worship and quietness. The membership was
very small at first, but in a few years it became the church home of some
of the most influential people on our town. Rev. E.F. Slafter was the
first regularly settled rector, assuming his duties September 1846. The
beautiful stone edifice erected upon land bequeathed by General William
H. Sumner, son of Governor Increase Sumner, was ready for the enlarged
church congregation in 1882.
General Sumner's old residence on the hill near the present church is
beautiful in situation, and still very attractive.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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