William T. Leacock Biographical Files Document 14

Rev. Wm. T. Leacock, D.D. by P.M. Radford

Was born in 1798 in Barbadoes W.I. was educated at Oxford England. Ordained in 1824 by the Bishop of London. Began his ministry in the Island of Jamaica. In 1835 by the advice of his Physician he came to the United States and located in Kentucky where he engaged in an educational enterprise. The Institution under his care becoming involved in the financial storms of that period he came to Tennessee and took charge of a select scholl for boys at Columbia in Nov. 1838 and remained in charge of that school until Oct. 25 1840 (Preaching occasionally in the St. Peter's Ch. Columbia) when he accepted acall to the Rectorship of St. Marks Williamsport in Maury County succeeding rev. John H. Norment the first rector of St. Marks Church (which was consecrated by Bishop Polk Octr 25, 1841). On Novr 9, 1843 Mr. Leacock resigned this rectorship to accept from Natchez. I 1852 he removed to New Orleans and became the Rector of Christ Church in that city and where he ministered for more than 30 years. During the war and when Genl Butler was in command in New Orleans this incident happened. One Sunday morning early in October Major Strong entereed the office of the General in plain clothes and said "I haven't been able to go the Church since we came to New Orleans this morning I am going." He crossed the street and took a front seat in the Episcopal Church and of Dr. Goodrich. He joined in the exercises with the earnestness which was natural to his devout mind until the clergyman reached that part of the service where the Prayer for the President of the United States occurs. That the prayer was omitted and the minister invited the Congregation to spend a few moments in silent prayer. The young officer

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not previously heard of this mode of evading, at once, the requirements of the Church and the Commanding General. He rose in his place and said, "Stop sir, it is my duty to bring these excercises to a close; I came here for the sole purpose of worshipping God but inasmuch as your minister has seen fit to omit invoking a blessing as our Church services requires upon the President of the United States I propose to close the services. This house will be shut in tne minutes" The clergyman astounded began to remonstrate "This is no time for discussion Sir," said the Major. The minister was indignant and speechless. The ladies flashed wrath upon the officer who stold motionless with folded arems. The men scowled on him. The minister pronounced the benediction, the Congregation dispersed and Major Strong retired to report the circumstances at head-quarters." This brought matters to a crisis. General Butler sent for the Episcopal Cleryman Dr. Leacock, Dr. Goodrich, Dr. Fulton and others who were accustomed to omit prayer for the President and pray in silence for the triumph of treason. The general patiently and courteously argued the point with them quoting Bible Rubrics and History. They replied that in omitting the Prayer they were only obeying the orders of Rt. Rev. Maj. General Polk their ecclesiasstical superior. The General denied the authority of that Military Prelate to change the liturgy and contended that omission of the prayer in the peculiar circumstances of the time and place was an overt act of treason. "But General" said Dr. Leacock "your insisting upon taking of the Oath of allegiance is causing half of my Church members to perjure themselves. "Well" replied the General "if that is the result of your nine years preaching, if your people commit perjury so freely the sooner you leave

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pulpit the better." After further conversation Dr. Leacock said "Well General are you goingto shut up the Churches?" "No sir I am more likely to shut up the ministers." The Clergymen showed no disposition to yield General Butler ended the interview by stating his ultimatum "Read the prayer for the President, omit the silent Act of devotion or leave New Orleans prisoners os State for Fort Lafayette." They chose the latter Dr. Leacock, Dr. Goodrich and Dr. Fulton were duly shipped on board one of the transports. The War over Dr. Leacock returned to his charge. His tastes were domestic and nis sympathies with all immediatley around him deep and strong. His sermons were brief written with great condensation and vigor of style, and delivered with earnestness to which his voice and manner gave a peculiar attractiveness. He was buried from Christ Church, the Vestry acting as Pall bearers and all the City Clergy vested in surplices assisting at the service