Leading up to St. Paul’s 150th anniversary, let’s take a look at some of the former church members. Looking around the church we see many plaques that name former members of the congregation who are memorialized by their gifts to the glory of God and in remembrance of loved ones.
Rev. William H. Stoy was rector if St. Paul’s Church from 1880 to 1892. He had two daughters and two sons. His younger daughter, Anna was active in St. Paul’s choir and played the organ. She had many acquaintances and enjoyed an active social life. However, she was hiding her depression and on April 1, 1892 she hung herself in her home. The shock waves spread throughout the community as friends and church members heard the news. Her father and sister who found her body were crippled with grief.
Funeral services were held at St. Paul’s on April 7th led by Bishop Nichols. The church was decked with flowers and the congregation spilled out the doors of the church.
A coroners jury established that death was by suicide and was caused by temporary insanity. Anna’s mother and brother had both been institutionalized for insanity.
On April 21, Rev. Stoy resigned from St. Paul’s and he and his surviving daughter went to Honolulu to recover. Later Rev. Stoy took up the ministry at St. John’s in Marysville.
Rev. Stoy died in 1906 after suffering a fall when boarding a train.
Anna Stoy is memorialized at St. Paul’s by the baptismal font. The font is inscribed”To the Glory of God. Blessed are the pure in heart. In Memory of Anna Gasmann Stoy.
Rev. Stoy is memorialized on the brass plaque on the former pulpit that is now hung on the wall in Duncan Hall.
~ Joy Moss