FROM THE ARCH-BISHOP OF THE Isle of Samos in Greece.
An Account of his building the Grecian Church in So-hoe Feilds, and the disposal thereof by the Masters of the Parish of St. Mar­tins in the Feilds.

IN the Year 1676 I came into England with intentions to publish a Book in print called Anthologion, for the use of the Eastern Greek Church, but finding they had no place allotted for the Exercise of our Religion, but that some Persons of our Country, Daniel Bulgaris a Priest, and others, who had earnestly in­deavoured to get one builded, and in order thereunto had obtained his Ma­jesties gracious Grant for the same, two years before my arrival; but wanting means, methods, and interest to proceed to the accomplishing this their purpose, they desired me to take the business upon me; in which, though some difficulties appeared unsuta­ble to my Function; yet in Piety to the Church, and to promote the exercise of the Divine Service thereof, I undertook the charge, and proceeded therein, as followeth Viz. I first applyed my self to the Right Reverend the Lord Bishop of London, to ac­quaint him therewith, and his Lordship did so far approve thereof, that he promised to speak to the other Bishops, and other Gentlemen to bestow their benevolent Contri­butions towards the building the said Church: Next I applyed my self to Doctor Bar­bone, who was then concerned in building in So-hoe Feilds. He as soon as he was ac­quainted with my design, promised to give me a peice of ground, and to build the Foundation at his own charge; thereupon I went again to his said Lordship, and telling him thereof, he promised to give me a peice of ground himself, and sent one Mr. Thrift with me, and marked out the ground.

Hereupon I went to his Majesty, the Duke of York, and most of the Nobility and Clergy, who were pleased to contribute freely to the Building, there being gathered both in City and Country fifteen hundred pounds. I began the foundation at my own charge, and as I received the Contributions I went on; and expended therein, as may appear by the Workmens Receipts, eight hundred pounds; and the remainder of the mony was expended in Charges, Servants wages, and Horse hire in going about the Country, and in my maintenance for these six years last past.

After some time the Church being found inconveniently situated, being too remote from the abodes of most of the Grecians, (dwelling cheifly in the furthermost parts of the City,) it was upon mature consideration thought fit to be sold, another to be build­ed in a more convenient place; whereupon I applyed my self again to his Lordship the Bishop of London, who was pleased to tell me, that when the said Church was sold, his Lordship would give his Grant and Title for the building of another.

Hereupon I indeavoured to sell it, and finding two persons that would buy the same, the Lord Bishop of London would not consent thereto, lest the Party should make a Meeting House thereof. Hereupon I went to the Doctor of St. Martins, who proposing it to the Parish, they consented before the said Lord Bishop, to let it be apprais'd by two able Workmen: The Church was accordingly veiwed, and rated to be worth 626 l. The Parish proffered 168 l. alledging that the ground was theirs, and not the Bishops: This agreement falling off, I found out others, who proffered 62 l. more than the Parish had done, which they of the Parish coming to understand, they proffered 200 l. which I refusing to take, the Lord Bishop required me to give them the Key, which I denying to do, they told me they would take the Church without it, as they did accordingly, breaking open the dore, and taking possession: Hereupon I indea­voured to carry the person who broke open the door before a Justice, that I might ju­stifie my self, but the Parish no [...] permitting him to go, I went my self, but not finding the Justice I desisted from any further proceeding.

This Relation I have thought fit to make, that thereby all Persons may see, I never sold the said Church [...]

London, Printed for A. F. 1682.

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