Rev. Eugene Charles Pattison, Fourth Rector, 1856-1858
Pattison's rectorate of two years was largely uneventful. The parish grew steadily from 54 to 69 communicants, but because of the so-called Panic of 1857, a nationwide economic Depression, the parish faced a severe shortage of funds. The parish languished with the continuing debt of the parsonage, and the Ladies Sewing Society organized a fair to help raise additional funds. Pattison had a delicate constitution, and his health suffered greatly during his time in Fort Wayne. In the spring of 1858, he announced his resignation and returned to Wisconsin, accepting a post at St. John's Church in Portage where he hoped his health would improve. Later, in 1860, he left Portage for Dutchess County, New York, and later to Bethel, Connecticut, where he spent his remaining time as rector, dying there on 10 April 1881 at the age of only 51.