George C. Betts 1894-1895
George C. Betts was a native of Ireland and a convert from
Methodism. In 1868 he was rector of Trinity Church (now Cathedral), in Omaha,
Nebraska. Father Betts was a high
churchman and it created some complaints in that congregation. For this reason he left Trinity parish and
became the first rector of St. Barnabas Church, also in Omaha, which was
founded as an “Oxford Movement” parish.
An interesting anecdote about Father Betts comes to us from the parish records of St. Barnabas Church. We learned that on the 10th of March 1872 Bishop Robert Clarkson demanded he relinquish the use of chasuble or any other vestment save surplice and black stole, that he stop the choir from turning to the altar for Creed and Glorias, that he not make the sign of the cross except at Baptism. “Those the Rector declined to comply with, promising however if the bishop showed them to be wrong or in violation of any law of the church, to make submission. The bishop stated it was his ‘wish’ and ought to be obeyed. The Rector declined to obey a mere personal wish.” The conference was here ended. Shortly after this meeting, he resigned as rector and left the city.
Another story about Father Betts comes to us via the history of the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin, New York City.
“During the autumn of 1885 a Mission was conducted at St. Mary’s by the Reverend Fathers George C. Betts and Edward A. Larrabee, which seems to have made a deep impression. In a long minute of thanks and appreciation, the following expressions occur, amongst others: ‘To their powerful and soul stirring sermons and addresses, to their pleadings and warnings, to their great sympathy in their personal dealings with individuals, is due, under God, the great success of their Mission. The board wishes to express the grateful thanks of the Parish to these Fathers, and to assure them they will ever be lovingly remembered in our prayers.’ This would seem to have been the first Mission preached at St Mary’s.” We also know that Father Betts was a pallbearer at the funeral of St. Mary’s founder, Father Thomas McKee Brown on December 22, 1898.
Father Betts assumed duties of rector at Saint John’s on March 26, 1894. In May 1894 he established the daily celebration of Mass, “to the Glory of God and in recognition of those great Catholic principles that should mark the services of the Church.” During his one-year rectorate at St. John’s the present church building, designed and built by one of the leading architects of the country, William Halsey Wood, was completed. The two men must have worked well together since they both were firmly committed to the principles and rituals of the Oxford Movement. When it was completed, St. John’s had a fine example of Norman Gothic architecture. A great service of rejoicing was held on Christmas Day –a peculiarly Episcopal festivity, for Christmas was scarcely observed by the other denominations in Passaic.
Father Betts was a charter member and organizer of the American branch of the Guild of All Souls.
He resigned effective April 25, 1895.