St. Paul's Church, Newburyport, MA
St. Anna's Chapel
This stone Gothic Chapel of rough Rockport granite was erected in 1862 -63. It was the gift of the Reverend William Horton, D.D., Rector of St. Paul's Church from 1853 to 1863, in memory of his only daughter, Anna, who died August 31, 1857, at the age of 25.
The chapel was designed by Dr. Chase. The architect was Mr. Rufus Sargent, the builder was John Bayley & Sons, and Mr. Albert Currier was the Superintendent. St. Anna's Chapel was constructed at a cost of $8,300.
On May 23, 1863, the chapel was dedicated by the Rt. Rev. Eastburn, Bishop of Massachusetts.
Stained Glass Windows
Mr. Henry Sharp of New York designed and executed our beautiful stained glass windows.
| On the East Wall - Epistle side of the chapel | ||
| First Window - closest to Sanctuary A saint, holding a cross - the symbol of her faith Inscription: "In Thee have I trusted." This window was the gift of Edward S. Rand in memory of his wife, Hanna Rand, who died April 8, 1854. | ||
| Second Window - Believed to be Moses Inscription: "Who after a pilgrimage of more than four score years reached his home on October 22, 1863." In memory of Edward S. Rand | ||
| Third Window - in rear of chapel Gothic stained glass window of the Good Shepherd coming for his flock. A memorial to the infant children of the Rev. James Morss, a former rector of St. Paul's Church. | ||
| On the West Wall - Gospel side of the chapel | ||
| First Window - closest to the Sanctuary Depicts the infant Jesus in the arms of the Archangel Michael. The flowers above and below are lilies symbolizing Purity. The window was the gift of Edward S. Moseley, in memory of George Chapman Moseley who died December 6, 1848, and Arthur Chapman Moseley who died April 19, 1854. | ||
| Stained Glass Reredos - the unit of three stained glass windows over the altar are in memory of Anna M. Horton, who died August 31, 1857. All of these Christian symbols are contained within a circle which represent God - it has no beginning, no end, it is "eternal." |  photograph by Robert L. Roger, 45 Prospect St. Newburyport | |
| Middle Window - Depicts Christ in his majesty. The dove represents the Holy Spirit descending from heaven. The lamb symbolizes Jesus Christ, the lamb of God who was sacrificed to us. The flag is his "Banner of Victory". |  | |
| Window over Epistle side - A crown is symbolic of the victory and sovereignty of Christ the King. Jeweled cross - represents faith; the jewels which are pearls symbolize the teachings of Jesus. | ||
| Window over the Gospel side - Triangle within three intersecting circles. this is an age-old symbol for the Trinity. The three circles represent the three in one - God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Ghost; and the triangle means all equal and complete. The anchor below is the symbol for Hope. |   | |
| Stained glass unit of three in the rear. | ||
| Middle Window - Depicts Christ blessing the little children. Inscription: "Suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not." Given in memory of Anna M. Horton by the children of the Sunday School. The bird above, rising from the flames is the Phoenix, an imaginary bird which burned to death and arose from the flame and ashes to live again. This was an early Christian symbol of Christ's resurrection. The bird below, a pelican, is feeding its young with its own blood - a very early Christian symbol for Christ who gave his body and blood for man's redemption. | ||
| Window on the Epistle side - Depicts a baptismal font, whereby we all became members of Christ's body and continue to be his faithful soldiers and servants. | ||
| Window on the Gospel side - The chalice represents Holy Communion whereby we offer ourselves in thanksgiving and receive the body and blood of Christ as spiritual nourishment. |  | |
The Portraits - in the rear of the chapel
| The portrait on the Gospel side is of the Rev. William Horton who had St. Anna's Chapel built as a memorial to his daughter Anna. |
| The portrait on the Epistle side is of Anna. |
The Chapel Furnishings
| The altar of black walnut was built originally for the church. After the fire, it was placed in the chapel. It was the gift of Mr. Albert Titcomb in memory of Mr. George Titcomb. Given in 1878. |
| The Altar Cross was the gift of Mrs. E.R.N. Foster in memory of her mother, Katherine D. Titcomb, and her mother's sister, Sarah Titcomb. Given in 1878. |
| Baptismal Font - Cut from a solid block of Cleveland stone was given by George W.A. Williams in memory of his wife, Susan Lydia (Moody) Williams. This font was in the church at the time of the fire. In 1906, a cover was added to the font, the gift of Miss F.E. Cushing. |
| Lectern Bible - of black Morocco leather, gilt edges, stamped "St. Anna's Chapel" on the cover, was the fifth of Mrs. Sarah C. Hoyt and her sister in memory of their father, Captain Nathaniel Jackson, Given in 1908. |
| Bronze Chandelier - (originally gas-operated) was the gift of the Ladies' Sewing Circle of St. Paul's Church. Given in 1863. |
| Sanctuary Lights were installed in 1931 - a gift from Mr. Robert J. McKinney. |
| Horton Tablet - The marble tablet on the wall of the chapel was erected in grateful remembrance of the Rev. William Horton by his parishioners. It was given in Thanksgiving for his beneficence which built the chapel and for the fidelity with which for ten years he ministered to his people. Inscription: "Speaking the truth in love." |
| Ivy Plants on the outside walls of the chapel were given by F. S. Moseley. |
| Steel Railings on the outside steps were installed in 1968 as a gift of Mrs. Leander Brown. They were designed and constructed by Omer Cloutier. |