Church for the Deaf and Dumb

Church for the Deaf and Dumb

Article on the creation of services for the deaf in New York.

Rev. Thomas Gallaudet

The American Annals for the Deaf and Dumb

1853-04

CHURCH FOR THE DEAF AND DUMB.

[By a brief notice in our last number, information was given concerning the undertaking of the Rev. Mr. Gallaudet, in behalf of the educated deaf mutes cf the city of New York. As an evidence that matters are going on toward a successful issue, We give the following report of a public meeting which was held on Thursday evening, the 3rd of March last, in the small chapel of the University; which has been sent to us for publication in the ANNALS EDITOR]

AT half past seven o’clock, Rt. Rev. Dr. Wainwright, the Provisional Bishop of the Diocese of New a York, took the chair, and having opened the meeting with prayer, briefly stated the object which had called together so many friends of the deaf and dumb. He alluded to the large number of deaf mutes in the city who are deprived of the ordinary access to the means of grace, and said that they had assembled to consider a plane which had been proposed, to offer to this class of persons the privilege of public worship in their own language of signs. Having spoken of the qualifications of Mr. Gallaudet to enter upon this sphere of usefulness, and of the intimate social relations which existed between him and that portion of the community for. whom he desired specially to labor, the Bishop remarked, that this idea of establishing a church. for deaf mutes was not an untried scheme, for the experiment had already been tried for five months, in that very room, with a truly encouraging result.
On motion of Gen. Wetmore, seconded by Dr. Peet, President of the New York lnstitutioni for the Deaf and Dumb, Professor Jacob Van Nostrand was appointed the Secretary of the meeting.

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Mr. Gallaudet then came forward and spoke substantially as follows:

Right Reverend Sir, Ladies and Gentlemen: It would be a pleasing task for me to- trace the rise and progress of the education of deaf mutes, from the establishment of the Institution at Hartford, Conn., to the one which has been recently founded in Louisiana, making fifteen now in active operation in different parts of the country; to tell of the persevering and self-denying labors of those who have consecrated their time and their talents to this great work; and to notice the various improvements which have been made in the process of shedding light upon minds so long shroud. ed in darkness; but time will not permit me to take up so vast a subject. I have called you together, my Christian brethren, that I may speak to you of a humble project of my own, and let me, I beseech you, tell a plain and unvarnished tale. When I make use of the pronoun I, do not consider me egotistical, but rather look upon me as an instrument in the hands of Providence; for really, when I look back upon What has been accomplished, it seems as if I had done nothing of myself. The successive events which have thus far taken place are simply these.
In the summer of 1850, I was, in the providence of God, admitted to the precious privileges and great responsibilities of a minister of Christ. Soon afterward, my attention was particularly turned toward the deaf-mute residents of this city, and I felt it to be -my duty to do something for their improvement. Having obtained permission from the rector and vestry of St. Stephen’s Church to use the vestry-room, I appointed a weekly evening gathering of deaf mutes, at which I might use with them some short devotional exercises, explain to them a portion of Scripture, and give them some general information upon various topics of interest. For several Weeks the number in attendance was only four or five. But soon it increased so rapidly that we were obliged to seek out other quarters, and finally removed to the schoolroom, No. 59 Bond St., where the meetings are still held on Friday evening. The average attendance has been thirty or

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thirty-five, there having been present on several occasions, fifty or sixty. At length the idea forced itself upon my- mind, that ought to attempt to gather these persons around me in pastoral relations, and to establish for them a church. This idea gained strength from time to time, and having obtained the unanimous consent of the rectors of the different Episcopal churches in this city, I commenced holding the regular services of our church on the first Sunday of October, 1852, in this room in which we are now assembled. I have the morning service with the voice, that the parents, children, other relatives and friends of deaf mutes, may have the opportunity of joining with them in forming one parish. The afternoon I devote to the deaf mutes, translating to them our service,-and preaching the same sermon which I use in the forenoon. The deaf mutes have apparently taken great interest in this service, and have been present several times to the number of seventy and eighty. The responses of the service are at present given only by Mr. Gamage, a deaf mute gentleman, connected with the Institution as an instructor, but I entertain the opinion that eventually, the whole congregation will be able to unite in them. The Holy Communion is administered on the third Sunday of every month, and among the communicants there are twelve deaf mutes. I have had occasion to use among this class of persons all the offices of our church, except that for the burial of the dead. I desire to express my gratitude for the great kindness which a has been shown toward my project on all sides, and especially--for the liberal appropriation of three hundred dollars, made by the vestry of Trinity Church for the payment of the rent of this chapel during the present year. The practical question now arises, shall we have —a church building in which to assemble for public worship, and attached to which there can be a lecture-room, reading-room, and library, for the moral and intellectual improvement of the persons whose cause I plead this evening? If I can secure a piece of ground, I have no doubt at all as to the feasibility of raising money enough to erect the church, and I shall be more than satisfied if the obtaining of the ground is

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effected by this meeting. I do not ask for a large church~ two common lots will be amply sufiicient. May I not hope to have them speedily?
After his address, at the request of the bishop, and with a view of showing the definite and precise character of the sign-language, Mr. Gallaudet translated the creed, explaining the particular significance of each sign as he proceeded, After which he repeated it, without interruption, in the same way as he would do in divine service.
There were quite a number of deaf mutes present at this meeting, for the benefit of whom, Mr. Gallaudet reported the proceedings and speeches, in which they took a lively interest.
Mr. Robert Gracie moved the following resolution:
“Resolved, That a committee of twelve be appointed to counsel and assist Rev. Mr. Gallaudet, in carrying out the details of his undertaking.”
Mr. Gracie expressed his interest in the work and his readiness to cooperate in it.
Mr. Wetmore said it gave him pleasure to second the motion of his friend, Mr. Gracie. He had long been an attentive observer of the benevolent efforts of Mr. Gallaudet to promote the present and future welfare of the deaf and dumb, and was happy in the opportunity of bearing testimony to the merits of this most excellent enterprise. It would not be expected of him to speak of what had been done, or what was yet to be accomplished for the benefit of that interesting portion of the human family. There sat beside him one far better qualified to discuss that subject, and whose opinions would be entitled to much greater weight than any which he, Mr. W., could advance. The gentleman to whom he referred—President Peet—-had endeared himself to every friend of deaf-mute education; his name had become memorable in the annals of science; and his works of benevolence would secure to him a monument more enduring than marble.

Mr. Wetmore said he was proud of the city in which his lot was cast, for the number and the excellence of its chari-

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table and religious institutions, He sincerely hoped that these good works would be still further extended, and that among the first to receive assurance of a cordial and adequate support, would be that so ably presented to the notice of the meeting by Gallaudet.
After some further observations, Mr. Wetmore expressed his earnest hoped that those who shared in the wealth and public spirit of the community, would bid Mr. Gallaudet God-speed in his undertaking.

Gen. J. Watson Webb, editor of the Courier and Enquirer, then moved the following resolution :

"Resolved, That the object brought before this meeting by Rev. Thomas Gallaudet, is one calculated to call forth the cordial encouragement and support of this community.”

ln moving this resolution, Gen. ,Webb said, that though he had come to this meeting feeling not a little interested in its object, yet it had been with a belief that no such plan was at present feasible. He was now satisfied on that point. The statements of Mr. Gallaudet had removed all his doubts and difficulties. The object should receive his hearty advocacy and aid; and he had no doubt that the liberality of the citizens of New York would soon bring the experiment to a successful issue.

The resolution was seconded by Dr. Peet, who spoke as follows:

From my position it may be expected, that I should express some opinion in relation to the enterprise, to promote, which, is the object of our present meeting.
The deaf-mute population of this city, numbering as has been stated, from a hundred to a hundred and thirty, is made up for the most part of those who have been inmates of the institution under my care ; the remainder are foreigners principally from Germany: and the British Isles, and those who have been instructed in other American institutions.
It were unnatural to suppose that, after laboring for so many years to bring, them from the lowest point, I had almost said, of intellectual existence, to the dignity of social and thinking beings, when they leave us we should cease

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to feel an interest in their welfare. As a son, who has reached his majority, leaves the home of his childhood, and goes——it may be far away——to work out his own destiny, is followed .by the benedictions and prayers of his anxious parents; so these graduates of our institution continue to be the objects of our earnest solicitude, and to receive, as circumstances may require, our counsel and encouragement wherever, in the providence of God, their lot may be cast.
We have in our institution no church organization. To incorporate such a feature into our system of instruction would not be politic or wise. Our pupils come to us from different denominations of Christians, and we do not directly interfere with the peculiarities of their religious belief. But it must not hence be inferred that religion is not inculcated, or that we fail to bring to our aid its sanctions in our system of government and instruction. The Bible, which is acknowledged by all sects, is the broad platform on which we stand. We teach the historic truths which it reveals; the existence and attributes of its great Author; the relations which subsist between him and his creatures, and the duties which on their part grow out of these relations. We trace the lives of those “who through faith and patience have inherited the promises.” We explain its divine precepts, its precious promises, its awful warnings. In short, we hold up this sacred book, which inculcates individual, personal accountability, and reveals the conditions of our acceptance with God, as the only rule of faith and practice.
With minds stored with such truths and such principles of action, they leave us, and our responsibility ceases. Many of them are pious, and join such churches as they, or their friends may select. Others, still, by the blessing of God, on the perusal of his word and the simple lectures to which they attended on the Sabbath while at school—a copy of which they carry away with them—become converted, and attach themselves to the company of the redeemed. Most of them are isolated and widely separated from each other; and though they may be constant attendants upon the public

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ministrations of the sanctuary, are yet precluded by the nature of their infirmity, from the privilege of social worship.
But in this citythe case is different. Here is the home of a considerable number, Which is increased by imrnigrations from the country and from abroad——influenced by alike motive that leads professional and business men to resort hither. What reason can exist for withholding from them the means of grace within the reach of their more favored brethren who hear; the social and public worship of God; a pastor to break to them the bread of life——-to visit them in their afflictions——to gather their children into a Sunday-school—and to instruct and guide them in their way to heaven?
To neglect them would be a dereliction of duty. ‘Said our Saviour, “the poor -ye have with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good.” The deaf mute may be embraced in this category, and during the period of his earthly ministry, no class of the afflicted received from him more compassionate attentions than they. In their deprivation and comparative obscurity, they are less influenced -by public opinion than other men. But like other men they are susceptible to sympathy and kindness. In a great city like this, where temptation meets them at every" corner, they are in danger of being enticed to places of improper resort, and liable to contract habits, and vices, and diseases, which will prove their ruin. Hence, they should be sought out, and encouraged to place themselves under the protecting shield of the gospel.
It was remarked by Dr. Franklin, that the influence of the ‘Sabbath Would be great, if it produced no other effect than ‘to induce‘ men to wash their faces and hands and put on clean linen. But how mighty must this influence be, if, in addition to the formation of habits of personal cleanliness, it were to interrupt their worldly associations, and lead their minds to the contemplation of those great truths which pertain to their everlasting well-being.
Should a place of public Worship for deaf mutes be permanently established in this city, some, who would not otherwise go any where, might be induced to come at first from

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motives of curiosity, and finding its exercises interesting and instructive, might, by a little encouragement, become constant attendants. The distance of the Institution from the mass of the population, unpleasant weather, and the necessity of using a public conveyance, must render it inconvenient, if not impracticable, at times, even for those who value religious instruction, to be regular in their attendance upon the services of our chapel.
But not only in a religious point of view is the enterprise in question important, but the collateral advantages are by no means inconsiderable. The deaf mute needs a friend to whom he can look for encouragement in his daily employment——one whom he can consult in the purchase and sale of property, in the execution of contracts, to see that he is not overreached and defrauded, and make explanations so as to secure a good understanding between him and his employer.
But we derive an argument in favor of this undertaking from its indirect advantages, by contrasting the condition of the adult deaf and dumb, in London for instance, where no provision exists for their religious instruction and personal visitation. At the lowest computation, there are in that city one thousand deaf mutes, and the number has been estimated as high as fifteen hundred, a majority of whom may, perhaps, have been in some one or other of the English schools.
In those schools pupils are received at a younger, and consequently leave at an earlier age, than in our American institutions. This course of policy is dictated by a desire to apprentice them at trades at the proper age—-—for such is the tone of public sentiment in England, that no deaf mute can find employment as a journeyman, unless he has passed through a regular apprenticeship.
From the fact that the mind of a deaf mute is developed more slowly than that of a hearing child, it must be evident that his attainments, on leaving school at the age of fourteen or fifteen, must be very imperfect, even under the best intellectual training. Added to this his want of practical knowl-

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edge.— the contrast between the workshop and the school— and the imperfect medium of intercourse between him and his master— it is not surprising that he should become impatient and dissatisfied. This feeling, which may have been produced or increased, in some cases, by the treatment of the master himself, must render him less attentive and faithful. Hence the master’s interests become affected—misunderstanding ensues— the indentures are broken, and the boy leaves his place. Such cases—and they are not unfrequent-— are deplorable; but those of the uninstructed still more so.
In view of the destitution of this large class of persons, a society was formed a few years ago for their benefit. I had the pleasure of attending a meeting of its committee in the summer of 1851, convened to inquire if something could not be done to invigorate it, which, even then, had fallen into decay. Some of the features embodied in its programme of operations were impracticable, and hence too expensive and unwieldy. I have recently received intelligence that it has been given up. But had it confined itself to the two objects which I trust are contemplated in this undertaking, viz., biblical instruction and worship on the Sabbath, and a kind visitation and encouragement in their secular affairs, it would have proved an efficient agency for good.
But though, in contrasting the condition of the deaf and dumb in this city, with that of those in the great metropolis of England, the advantage may be found on the side of the former, by reason of the difference in the usages of society, the conventional rules which regulate labor, and the greater experience and practical tact in some handicraft, which our pupils have acquired while under instruction; yet it is not such as to exempt them from trials and embarrassments, or render undesirable the interposition of kind oflices by. some friend and counselor. And who can better perform such offices than he to whom they are accustomed to look as their spiritual guide and pastor?
One word more, Mr. President, and I have done. Nearly thirty-six years ago, the system of deaf-mute instruction was introduced into this country by the Rev. Thomas H. Gallaudet,

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who first employed the language of signs as the medium of devotion and of social and public worship. In every institution which has since been established, this feature is embodied in its system of instruction. The son, following in the footsteps of the father, is the first to organize a church of the deaf and dumb, and institute a form of service conducted in this silent language addressed only to the eye. May it be his happiness and reward to know, “when the Lord writeth up the people, that this man was born there.”
With these remarks I cordially second the resolution.
The next resolution was then moved by Rev. Dr. Haight, professor in the Episcopal General Theological Seminary. “Resolved, That St. Ann’s Church for the deaf mutes be commended to the favorable consideration of the clergy and laity of this city and vicinity, with the earnest expectation that its services may, ere long, be held in an appropriate ed. ifice, consecrated. to Almighty God.”
Dr. Haight maintained that it was manifestly the duty of the Church, at once to press forward and occupy any field which the hand of Providence had evidently opened before her. Here they found such a case. The field was ready; there was no one else prepared or desirous to occupy it. There was the man, whose peculiar training had made him, of all others, the fittest for the execution of a work like this; and it was therefore the.bounden duty of the Church to strengthen his hands, and support him freely and fully. But besides the naked duty, it was a case singularly interesting, and qualified to enlist the feelings and sympathies of the community at large. He gave it his hearty approbation, and promised to use his best efforts to insure its success.
The resolution was seconded by Rev. G. T. Bedell, rector of the Church of the Ascension, who warmly commended the design, and spoke favorably of Mr. Gallaudet. It was the duty of the church toimprove the advantage thus held out to her. He alluded to the isolation of the deaf and dumb, and the fact that they were beyond the reach of the ordinary means of grace. The gospel is now made to reach to distant heathen nations. But, without the execution of

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this design, we should eventually have among us a class of unfortunates, who would be more inaccessible to the gospel than even the heathen themselves.
Mr. John Carlin, the distinguished deaf-mute artist, delivered a brief address in the sign-language, which was translated by Prof. Bartlett. Mr. Carlin said that though he was a Presbyterian himself, yet he rejoiced in the privilege afforded him of public worship through the ministrations of Mr. Gallaudet, and hoped that this movement might result in great good to all deaf mutes.
Prof. Van Nostrand very briefly expressed his good-wishes for the success of the undertaking, and pointed out some of the important advantages which must thereby accrue to that portion of the community, in whose welfare he and his colleagues took such a deep interest. He cordially concurred in the remarks of Dr. Peet.
The resolutions were unanimously adopted.
A gentleman then rose and said that though unaccustomed to speak in public, he could not refrain from expressing his interest in the undertaking, and pledged himself to raise five hundred dollars in furtherance of the object.
Gen. Wetmore stated that he was authorized by Dr. Peet to say, that he would give an exhibition of the pupils of the Institution, the net proceeds of which would be devoted to the proposed church.
The president of the meeting having been authorized to appoint the committee, made it to consist of the following gentlemen :
The Rev. Drs. Haight, Vinton and Cutler; Rev. Messrs. Bedell, Geer and Weston; Messrs. Wetmore, Webb, Gracie, Curtiss, Weeks and Winthrop.
Bishop Wainwright, Dr. Peet and Mr. Augustin Averill were subsequently added to this committee.
On motion of Dr. Peet the meeting adjourned.

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CHURCH FOR THE DEAF AND DUMB

The undersigned, appointed a Committee, at a meeting held on Thursday, the third day of March, instant, to consider the expediency of providing a permanent place of worship for the deaf and dumb, submit the following statement:
The number of the deaf and dumb, at present residing in this city, and who are chiefly the graduates of our Institution, is not far from one. hundred. This class of persons will increase with the increase of the general population, so‘ that instead of being reckoned by tens, as they now are, the time is not remote, when they will be counted by hundreds; for the same motives, which induce professional and business men to resort hither, will also lead them to select the city as the place of their residence.
Since it must be obvious, from the nature of their infirmity, that they can not enjoy the privilege of public worship, conducted in the ordinary mode through the medium of vocal speech, it is the dictate of Christian philanthropy to make provision to meet their spiritual wants, by the erection of a church edifice, and by instituting a form of service adapted to their condition, in which they can participate intelligibly and profitably through the medium. of their own vernacular language of signs.
No man can habitually absent himself from the ministrations of God’s house, without endangering his best interests for eternity; and the deaf and dumb, though compelled from necessity to forego these privileges, are not an exception to this remark, especially, as some of them are wholly untaught, and others still have too imperfect acquaintance with language to understand written discourse. Their only means, then, for religious instruction and improvement is through the language of action.
But not to dwell upon the importance of this enterprise, in a religious point of view, which none can question, there are many collateral advantages which plead earnestly in its behalf. It is reasonable to hope that it will lead them to a better observance of the Lord’s day; withdraw them from temptation, or give them strength to resist it; inculcate the virtues of industry, frugality, temperance; promote their intellectual improvement, and by awakening mutual sympathy, prompt to acts of charity and benevolence.
This undertaking is not to be regarded in the light of an experiment merely. For five months past a small congregation of deaf mutes has been assembled on the Lord’s day, in the small chapel of the University, which enjoys the ministrations of the Rev. Thomas Gallaudet, one of the professors in our Institution, through whose commendable efforts it has been gathered. A Church has been organized under the sanction of the Provisional Bishop of the Diocese; the Communion has been celebrated, and there are several prepared to present themselves for’ ‘Confirmation.
In view of the foregoing brief statement of the wants of the deaf and dumb, and of what has already been done in their behalf, the way is prepared for an urgent appeal to the benevolent and wealthy of our citizens for funds to erect a Church for their benefit. To secure this object the sum of twenty thousand dollars is needed. The appeal is made in the confident belief that it will-be heard and answered. No class of the afllicted, during the personal ministrations of our Saviour, received from him more compassionate attentions than they.

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By the blessing of God on this instrumentality, their temporal interests will be promoted, and they will be taught to look with the eye of faith to that better land, where tears shall be wiped from all faces, and where the ears, closed to all earthly music, shall waken to the symphonies of angels’ harps.
"Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

JONA. M. WAINWRIGHT, CYRUS CURTIS,
BENJAMIN C. CUTLER, ROBERT D. WEEKS,
BENJAMIN I. HAIGHT, PROSPER M. WETMOBE,
GREGORY T. BEDELL, BENJAMIN R. WINTHROP,
FRANCIS VINTON, HARVEY P. PEET,
G. JARVIS GEER, ROBERT GRACIE,
SULLIVAN H. WESTON, AUGUSTIN AVERILL,
J. WATSON WEBB, W. A: SPENCER.

New York, March 14, 1353.
*** Subscriptions will be gratefully received by either of the above named Committee, or by Mr. Averill, who has kindly consented to act as Treasurer. His address is No. 47 South Street.

Journal article