President, scholar, architect, historian, farmer, author, statesman, governor, founding father...the list seems almost endless. To call Thomas Jefferson a "Renaissance Man" seems a bit understated. He certainly has the longest resume in the august group of men known as the “Founding Fathers”.
But,
when talking about Jefferson's many occupations and offices, there is one that
seems to be passed over quickly and without a lot of fanfare: Vestryman. It
sounds pretty regal and definitely of a church or religious nature. Yet, it's
not that regal at all but it certainly deserves more ink than it's given in
many biographies.
I
do write about Thomas Jefferson, as well as his father Peter, as vestrymen, in my book, Thomas Jefferson-From Boy to Man.
On pages 174-175, I quote from an 1802 letter by Jefferson where he regrets
having to resign the office at the Middle Church so he can be more involved
with his family businesses, the local politics and to design and build
Monticello. The Middle Church no longer stands, but on that same historical property was build Grace Church in 1855, which is located in Cismont, Virginia. The congregation is one of the longest existing in Virginia. I write extensively about the history of both churches in my book...and it is fascinating!
So, what exactly is a "vestryman"? First, a "vestry" is a room directly attached to the
church worship area. Typically, in colonial times, church committees would meet
there to discuss business, property and other church business. Vestries also
were used for clergy and choir members to hang their robes and to store sacred
items used in the worship service such as collection plates. Many vestries were
also storage places for official marriage records.
Second,
"vestry" could also mean a body of lay members who are elected by the
congregation, or parish, to negotiate, arrange and maintain the secular
activities and business of the church. Some vestries met annually, while others
met on a monthly basis.
Jefferson
service as a dedicated vestryman should come as no surprise. Henry Stevens
Randall in his book, The Life of Thomas
Jefferson, stated that Jefferson regularly "attended church ... sometimes
going alone on horseback, when his family remained at home. He carried his
prayer-book, and joined in the responses and prayers of the congregation. He was
baptized into the Episcopal Church in his infancy; he was married by one of its
clergymen; his wife lived and died a member of it; his children were baptized
into it, and when married were married according to it rites; its burial
services were read over those of them who preceded him to the grave, over his
wife, and finally himself."
His service to the church, while not considered as romantic as his many other
accomplishments, certainly deserves more scholarship and credit. Perhaps, one
day it will.
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