This Journal is also available as a Word Document: 1849journal.doc and as a PDF file
JOURNAL
OF THE
PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
TWENTY-SEVENTH ANNUAL CONVENTION
OF THE
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH,
IN THE DIOCESE OF GEORGIA,
HELD IN CHRIST CHURCH,
MACON, GEORGIA,
Commencing on the 10th day of May, 1849.
___________
MARIETTA, GEORGIA:
PRINTED AT THE ADVOCATE OFFICE.
_____
1849.
LIST OF THE CLERGY
OF THE
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH,
IN THE DIOCESE OF GEORGIA.
Rt. Rev. STEPHEN ELLIOTT, Jr., D.D., Bishop of the Diocese, residing in Montpelier—Post
Office, Macon.
Rev. *THEODORE B. BARTOW, Chaplain U.S. Navy.
“ SENECA G. BRAGG, Assistant Rector of St. Luke’s Church, Montpelier—Post Office,
Macon.
“ *EDMUND P. BROWN, Rector of Christ Church, St. Simon’s Island.
“ WILLIAM D. CAIRNS, Rector of Trinity Church, Columbus.
“ JOHN FIELDING, Beaufort, S. C.
“ *EDWARD E. FORD, D. D., Rector of St. Paul’s Church, Augusta.
“ JAMES D. GIBSON, Deacon, Missionary at Rome.
“ WILLIAM D. HARLOW, Rector of the Church of the Messiah, St. Mary’s.
“ JOHN J. HUNT, Missionary at Atlanta and Jonesboro’—Post Office, Marietta.
“ RICHARD JOHNSON, Rector of Zion Church, Talbotton.
“ WILLIAM JOHNSON, Rector of St. Stephen’s Church, Milledgeville.
“ *GARDINER JONES.
“ GEORGE MACAULEY, Deacon.
“ *BENJ’N F. MOWER, Rector of Grace Church, Clarkesville.
“ *EDWARD NEUFVILLE, D.D., Rector of Christ Church, Savannah.
“ WILLIAM J. PERDUE, Deacon, Athens.
“ THOMAS F. SCOTT, Rector of St. James’ Church, Marietta.
“ JOSEPH A. SHANKLIN, Rector of Christ Church, Macon.
“ THOMPSON L. SMITH, Rector of Emmanuel Church, Athens.
“ *GEORGE WHITE, Marietta.
“ RUFUS M. WHITE, Rector of St. John’s Church, Savannah.
“ WILLIAM C. WILLIAMS, Missionary to the Negroes on Ogeehee River—Post Office,
Savannah.
“ *J.A. WOODWARD.
__________
* Not present at Convention.
LIST OF LAY DELEGATES
TO THE
Twenty-Seventh Annual Convention,
DIOCESE OF GEORGIA:
From Christ Church, Savannah:
*Robert Habersham,
R. R. Cuyler,
*George Jones.
From St. Paul’s Church, Augusta:
*Edward F. Campbell,
*R. H. Gardiner,
George Parrott.
From Christ Church, Macon:
N. C. Munroe,
L. N. Whittle,
W. S. Williford.
From Trinity Church, Columbus:
*Elias Hall,
*Thomas M. Nelson,
*John A. Deblois.
From Grace Church, Clarkesville:
*Jacob Waldburg,
*Richard W. Habersham,
*George J. Kollock.
From St. Stephen’s Church, Milledgeville:
*John J. Thomas,
*John R. Cotting,
*W. S. Rockwell.
From St. James’ Church, Marietta:
William Root,
*Samuel C. House,
*Henry H. Stotesbury.
From St. John’s Church, Savannah:
*John W. Nevitt,
George S. Harding,
*George Johnson.
From Emmanuel Church, Athens:
R. D. Moore,
James Camak,
Edward P. Clayton.
From St. Luke’s Church, Montpelier:
Thomas W. Cullins.
From the Church of the Messiah, St. Mary’s:
*Miller Hallows,
*James M. Smith.
From Zion Church, Talbotton: A. G. Perryman.
__________
*Not present at Convention.
JOURNAL.
_____
CHRIST CHURCH, Macon,
10th May, 1849.
This being the time and place appointed for holding the Twenty-Seventh Annual Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Georgia, the order of Morning Prayer was read by the Rev. Thomas F. Scott, and the Convention Sermon was preached by Rev. Jos. A. Shanklin, from Malachi 3:16.
After Sermon, the Convention was called to order by the Bishop, and the list of the Clergy being called, the following answered to their names:
Rt. Rev. STEPHEN ELLIOTT, D. D. Rev. THOMAS F. SCOTT,
Rev. SENECA G. BRAGG, “ JOS. A. SHANKLIN,
“ JOHN J. HUNT, “ WM. C. WILLIAMS,
“ RICHARD JOHNSON. “ WILLIAM JOHNSON.
Certificates of the appointment of Lay Delegates were presented, and referred to Rev. Messrs. Bragg, Hunt and Wm. Johnson, and upon their report, the following Delegates answered to their names:
From St. Paul’s, Augusta—George Parrott.
From Christ Church, Macon—N. C. Munroe, L. N. Whittle.
From St. James’, Marietta—William Root.
From Emmanuel Church, Athens—Dr. James Camak.
From St. Luke’s, Montpelier—Thomas W. Collins.
A quorum being present, the President declared the Convention duly organised.
It was Resolved, That the Rules of Order of the last Convention be adopted for the government of this body.
Rev. Thomas F. Scott was unanimously re-elected Secretary of the Convention.
6
JOURNAL.
The following Standing Committees were announced by the President:
On the State of the Church—Rev. Messrs. Bragg, Hunt, and R. Johnson.
On Unfinished Business—Rev. W. Johnson, Messrs. Whittle, and Collins.
On Finance—Messrs. Munroe, Parrott, and Root.
On the admission of new Parishes—Rev. Mr. Williams, and Messrs. Whittle, and Camak.
After Prayers by the Bishop, Convention adjourned to the hour of public worship to-morrow morning.
_____
At night, Evening Prayer was read by Rev. Wm. Johnson, and a Sermon preached by Rev. Thomas F. Scott.
__________
FRIDAY MORNING, 11th May, 1849.
Morning Prayer was read by Rev. Richard Johnson, and a Sermon preached by Rev. William C. Williams.
After public worship, Convention was called to order, and the roll called. Present as on yesterday, together with Rev. William D. Harlow, Rev. Thompson L. Smith, and Rev. Rufus M. White; Richard D. Moore and Edward P. Clayton, from Emmanuel Church, Athens; and William S. Williford, from Christ Church, Macon.
Certificates of the election of Lay Delegates were presented from Christ Church, Savannah; St. John’s Church, Savannah; Grace Church, Clarkesville; Church of the Messiah, St. Mary’s, and Zion Church, Talbotton, which were referred to the Committee on Elections, upon whose report the following Delegates answered to their names: Geo. S. Harding, from St. John’s Church, Savannah, and A. G. Perryman, from Zion Church, Talbotton.
The minutes of yesterday’s proceedings were read and confirmed.
It was Resolved, That candidates for Holy Orders present, be invited to attend the deliberations of this Convention.
The Bishop then read his Annual Address:
7
BISHOP’S ADDRESS.
_____
BISHOP’S ADDRESS.
Brethren of the Clergy and Laity:
It is with sincere gratitude to the disposer of all human events, that, at the close of another Ecclesiastical year, I am permitted to consult with you in reference to the temporal and spiritual welfare of that portion of Christ’s Church which has been allotted to my care. There is one heavy draw-back, however, to the pleasure which generally attends these reunions, arising out of the absence of so many familiar faces, whom disease and accident and domestic afflictions have kept away from our sacred meeting. May the Holy Ghost, the Comforter, be with them in their hours of suffering, and while he fills us with wisdom and spiritual understanding for the performance of our active duties, enable them to glorify their Lord in bearing patiently all that he may send upon them.
We cannot look out upon the world, under the aspect it has worn for the last fifteen months, without feeling that God is indeed troubling the nations. How the events which are almost daily startling us by their suddenness and importance stand connected with the great chain of Apocalyptic prophecy, this is neither the time nor place to discuss; but considered in a practical point of view, they should fill us with fervent thanksgiving for our exemption as a Nation and as a church from such disturbing influences, and with sober watchfulness lest that day come upon us as a thief in the night. Especially should the Ministers of the Church, the watchmen upon the towers of Zion, watch to see what the Lord is saying to the nations, and make it plain to those who look to the Priest’s lips for knowledge, and who seek the law at his mouth. It is not for us, my beloved brethren in the Ministry, who are entrusted with an inspired book of unfulfilled prophecy, to suffer such movements, religious and political, as are shaking the world from its old foundations, to pass unregarded and unstudied. And while I would earnestly deprecate any rash or presumptuous application of passing events to the yet unfulfilled prophecies of the Bible, I commend those prophecies
8
BISHOP’S ADDRESS.
to your especial study and meditation at this moment. If the wisdom, which cometh from on high, be faithfully sought in your communings with him who was in the spirit in the Isle of Patmos, you need not fear being misled by crude interpretations, or carried away by unhallowed theories. The promise is yours for unfulfilled prophecy as for every other part of the inspired writings, that it is “profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”
Besides the call to the study of prophecy, which these rapidly occurring and widely spreading movements make upon the Ministers of the Church, they likewise warn all who profess themselves the servants of Christ to arm themselves with the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, and to be prepared to work while it is called to-day. We know not how soon, my beloved brethren, whether of the Laity or Clergy, we may be involved in this shaking of the nations, and be obliged to witness for Christ under circumstances giving us no time for preparation either in knowledge or spiritual wisdom. Now, while the hand of the Lord is yet withheld from us, is it our duty to “cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armour of light,” so that when the distress of nations shall reach us, we may be found ready to rejoice in tribulation, if need be, for Christ’s sake. The wars and rumors of wars, the perplexity of nations, the famine, the pestilence, the heresy, the schism, that are coming to us daily upon the lightning’s wings, are calling us to humiliation, to godly fear, to special prayer, to fresh devotion to our work. May we all receive the warning, and rejoice that it has been given us through God’s mercy and grace.
During the session of the last Convention at Marietta, I baptized an adult, and confirmed two persons. These official acts are noticed here because performed after the delivery of my last annual address.
I commenced my official acts for the Ecclesiastical year, which has just closed, at Augusta, where I remained several days, and confirmed one person. This Parish continues in a very flourishing and increasing condition, and although suffer-
9
BISHOP’S ADDRESS.
ing just now from the distressing accident which has befallen its esteemed and devoted Rector, it has passed through too many hours of darkness to permit any depression to rest upon it from this temporary trouble. The blessing of the Lord has rested so largely upon it, that it may well say “shall I receive good of the Lord, and shall I not receive evil?”
On Sunday, May 28th, I consecrated St. Philip’s Church, Atlanta, upon which occasion I preached the consecration sermon. This is a small, but neat Church edifice, erected at a moderate cost, but yet quite large enough to accommodate any congregation that may be formed even in that rapidly increasing town for many years to come. The Rev. J. J. Hunt is the Missionary at that point.
And here let me observe, that the policy which has been pursued at Atlanta in erecting a small, but cheap Church, is that which should guide us in carrying forward a weak Diocese, like ours. It is not likely that the Episcopal Church will increase rapidly in any of the towns or villages of a Diocese so unaccustomed to its forms or usages, and in many places so prejudiced against its teaching. Our progress must necessarily be slow, and a generation must elapse before we can expect to have even a fair hearing before the people. In the mean time, that generation must be made acquainted with the Church, must learn that she unites truth of doctrine with all her other recommendations, and that she is not obnoxious to the charges which are so freely lavished upon her. Cheap Churches, erected at as many points as we can maintain Missionaries, are the means, under God, for the removal of this intense prejudice—leaving it to a future generation to build edifices more suitable to the growth of the congregation and the increase of the Church. From six to eight hundred dollars will suffice to complete such Church buildings as we need at present—thus avoiding debt upon the building, and reserving the funds of the Church for the support of our Missionaries.
Early in July, I commenced my visitation of the Churches lying beyond the Chattahoochee, spending several days at Marietta, preaching and attending the examination of the School connected with the Parish. It gives me great pleas-
A
10
BISHOP’S ADDRESS.
ure to state, that this Parish is making a very sure increase, and now feels strong enough to cast off our Missionary care, and take her place among the Churches which feel that “it is more blessed to give than to receive.” The examination of the School satisfied me of its continues efficiency and blessedness. I confirmed one person upon this occasion.
On Wednesday, July 5th, I held service during the evening in the parlour at the Rowland Springs, where a small congregation was collected for the occasion, and on Thursday, July 6, officiated at the Church of the Ascension, Etowah valley, Cass county. Only a small congregation was collected, as the notice had been very short, and it was an important moment with the Farmers. The Church I found in good repair, but I regret to say that the parsonage has suffered somewhat from decay and ill usage. Uninhabited as it has been for several years, much of this was unavoidable, but a part was evidently the result of wanton aggression. Mr. Smith, the then Missionary in Cass and Floyd counties, held regular services at this point, and his report will give the result of those labors. I was not called upon to perform any official acts at this Church.
On Friday, the 7th July, I officiated, according to appointment at the house of Mr. George, a Candidate for Orders in the Diocese. Many of the neighbors were gathered together to witness, for the first time, the services of the Church, and the admission of three persons by confirmation into the Church. Seldom have I enjoyed a service more, or been more gratified than I was upon that occasion.
On Saturday, July 8, I commenced a series of services at Rome, in Floyd county, during which time I baptized a child, and confirmed one person. Throughout these ministrations in Cass and Floyd counties, I was accompanied by the Rev. Mr. Scott of Marietta, and the Rev. Mr. Smith, the acting Missionary. During this visit to Rome, a plan was adopted for the Church edifice, which has since been progressing as rapidly as the collection of funds would admit. Since this visitation, those counties have been without a Missionary, in consequence of the transfer of Mr. Smith to Emmanuel Church, Athens.
11
BISHOP’S ADDRESS.
During the first week in August, I paid my visit to the Church at Athens, and officiated on Sunday, August 6. Owing to the condition of the Parish, it being in the act of separating from its late Pastor, the Rev. Dr. Stevens, there were no candidates for confirmation. At a meeting of the Vestry held during my visit, a call was made of the Rev. Thompson L. Smith as Rector, which resulted in his acceptance of the place, and his resignation as a Missionary of the General Church.
On the second Sunday of November, I held the usual autumn confirmation in the Chapel at Montpelier, when seven persons were confirmed, four of whom were pupils of the Institute.
On the first Sunday in March, 1849, I preached in St. Stephen’s Church, Milledgeville, confirmed two persons, and administered the Holy Communion. This congregation maintains its original number of communicants.
Easter week was spent with Trinity Church, Columbus. I found the Rev. Mr. Cairns upon a bed of intense suffering, which so affected his nervous system as to induce a dangerous condition of fever. I could not leave him in such a state of pain and danger, and remained with him and his people a fortnight. I found a very interesting class of fifteen candidates for confirmation, and it would have been still larger, had the Rector been enabled to prepare his people up to the day of my arrival. But prostrated as he was upon a bed of anguish, he could only commend such as he had previously prepared to the prayers of the Church, and the laying on of hands. With this interesting condition of his Parish was mingled the chastening hand of God, and I was called upon to commit to the earth the remains of one of the original communicants of the Parish, a devoted and whole-hearted woman,* who, from the beginning, had consecrated herself and her affections to the Church and its children. It is but meet that she should be remembered here, as this now flourishing Parish owes much to the energy and single-mindedness of this earnest woman.
_____
*Miss Mary Collidge.
12
BISHOP’S ADDRESS.
It was my purpose to have visited Apalachicola immediately after the close of my services at Columbus, but my detention at that point, and our approaching Convention, warned me not to wander too far from home. I regret this the more, as a large class was awaiting confirmation in that place.
On Sunday, the 6th May, I visited Zion Church, Talbotton, and found the Church edifice at that station sufficiently advanced to admit of services being held within its walls. It is a very beautiful Gothic Church, in fine keeping as far as it is finished, and reflecting great credit upon the taste and architectural skill of the Rector, the Rev. Richard Johnson, who designed and superintended its whole construction. When completed it will be an ornament to the Diocese. Mr. Johnson has collected a very respectable congregation, three of whom were confirmed as the first fruits of his labor.
I have not been able from circumstances beyond my control to visit the Churches in Savannah, and upon the seaboard, during this Spring. I will endeavor to make it up at some future time by laboring among them for a season.
During the past year, I have transferred the Rev. W. B. Stevens to the Diocese of Pennsylvania, the Rev. Owen P. Thackara to the Diocese of Rhode-Island, and the Rev. Wm. J. Ellis to the Diocese of Alabama. The two last named Clergymen had not been laboring within the limits of our Diocese for a year or more before their transference. I have not received any Clergymen into the Diocese upon letters, although the Rev. Mr. Cleveland, of Vermont, has served the Parish of St. David’s, Glynn county, during the winter.
Since our last Convention, Mr. J. H. George, a Minister of the Presbyterian Church, Mr. B. E. Habersham of Elbert county, and Mr. James D. Gibson, a Licentiate of the Methodist Church, have been received as Candidates for Orders. Mr. Terry has been transferred as a candidate from the Diocese of Virginia. These, together with Messrs. Gahagan, Perdue and Macauley, seven in all, make up our number of Candidates for Orders.
This influx of young men into the Ministry of the Church,
13
BISHOP’S ADDRESS.
a matter which has long lain near my heart, and which God seems to have brought about, suddenly as it were, and in his own good time, leads me to draw your attention to the subject of our Diocesan Missionary funds, and to urge upon the Ministry and the Laity an earnest co-operation in their increase. We cannot expect the Parishes in the act of organization, or for a few years afterwards, will do much towards the support of the Ministry. The congregations collected through this Diocese conceive themselves to be conferring a sufficient favor, if they receive and attend upon the ministrations which are offered them. The sum appropriated by the Domestic Committee of our General Missionary Society is but a pittance, and can go but very little way towards the maintenance of our Ministers. We must depend upon ourselves, therefore, if we desire the Church to extend her borders; and I trust that our Parishes will make it a matter of special effort to increase our annual income, so that the Missionary Committee may likewise increase the number of Missionaries. It is casting a heavy burden upon the Missionary Committee to expect them to be active in the duties assigned them as your representatives, and yet deny them the means of sustaining that activity. It is but natural that they should catch the spirit of the Church, and sink with them into a lethargy, which shall be satisfied with things as they are, and despair of any future progress. Besides laying upon that Committee the labor of superintending the whole work of the Diocese, you likewise impose upon its Treasurer the necessity of unceasing struggle to supply the wants of the Missionaries. All this can be prevented by a little foresight; and I would urge upon the Parishes which are able to contribute towards this fund, and which of them is not able to contribute something, to see that a fair proportion of their collection is made to circulate through this channel. It is but a poor generosity which sends its contributions to distant Dioceses, or even to the Heathen, while its own Missionaries, brethren with whom we are accustomed to take sweet counsel, are left hampered and embarrassed in their work. I fear not to speak plainly in this matter, because you all know my deep
14
BISHOP’S ADDRESS.
interest in Missions at large; but it is necessary here to say, that the Missionary Committee cannot consent to enlarge its work, until it can see its way clearly to a prompt meeting of the liabilities it may incur. It is nothing less than cruelty, cruelty felt in the keenest manner by a man of sensibility, to subject a Missionary to pecuniary embarrassment, who has gone forward in full confidence that you would sustain him in his labor and work of love. Five hundred dollars a year to support a man, oft times with a wife and family, who is obliged to maintain a respectable appearance, and is necessarily subjected to extraordinary expenses of which a layman can know nothing, is but little at best—but when that little is paid irregularly, there are but few who can make it sufficient for their absolute wants. There is no service upon earth so poorly recompensed as that of a Clergyman. Educated generally in the highest manner, gifted for the most part with talents which would have well served him in other occupations, forbid by the Canons of the Church to undertake any work which may interfere with the sacredness of his Holy office, you are yet satisfied to give such men a salary which would be scoffed at if offered to a competent clerk in any store of respectability, and even that is given grudgingly. It were better for the Church to say at once to her Ministry, that they must imitate to the letter those who founded the early Christian Churches, and go forth depending upon Him who feedeth the ravens—for then, at least, they would incur no liabilities, and would understand from the very beginning their position in worldly matters. And it is no answer to all this to say, that it is paid in the end—for before the end comes, who can tell the anxiety of mind, the personal harassment, the pecuniary obligation, to which that Missionary has been subjected, nay, perhaps, the actual injury which his work has suffered from a cause honestly beyond his control. If the love of Christ did not constrain the Ministry of the Church, we should all be tempted, from the highest to the lowest, to leave the world to itself, and give it up to its idols. And if these remarks are true here in this Diocese, which has been liberal to a high degree, by comparison, I
15
JOURNAL.
leave you to infer what is the state of things elsewhere, where that liberality has not been dispensed.
Commending you, Brethren of the Clergy and Laity, to that Lord who has promised to be with his Church always even to the end, I invite your attention to the necessary business for which we are convened.
STEPHEN ELLIOTT, Jr.
Bishop of the Diocese of Georgia.
_____
After the Bishop’s Address, the Parochial Reports were read and ordered to be printed in the appendix to the Journal.
The Standing Committee made the following report, which was accepted:
The Standing Committee of the Diocese of Georgia report, that they have recommended to the Bishop, to be received as Candidates for Orders, Messrs. James H. George, James D. Gibson, and B. Elliott Habersham; and for ordination as Deacons, Messrs. W. J. Perdue, George Macauley, and James D. Gibson.
EDW’D NEUFVILLE, President.
Savannah, May 8th, 1849.
The Treasurers of the Diocese and of the Committee on Missions presented their annual reports, which were received and referred to the Committee on Finance.
The Committee on Unfinished Business made the following report, which was accepted:
The Committee on Unfinished Business report, that they find no unfinished business on the Journal of the last Convention.
Convention proceeded to the annual elections, which resulted as follows:
FOR THE STANDING COMMITTEE.
Of the Clergy. Of the Laity.
Rev. Edward Neufville, D. D. William B. Bulloch,
Rev. Edward E. Ford, D. D. William P. Hunter,
Rev. Seneca G. Bragg. Robert M. Charlton.
COMMITTEE ON MISSIONS.
Of the Clergy. Of the Laity.
Rev. Edward Neufville, D. D. N. C. Munroe,
Rev. Joseph A. Shanklin. Wm. S. Williford,
L. N. Whittle.
16
JOURNAL.
DELEGATES TO THE GENERAL CONVENTION.
Of the Clergy. Of the Laity.
Rev. Edward Neufville, D. D. James Potter,
Rev. Seneca G. Bragg, Hon. John M. Berrien,
Rev. Edward E. Ford, D. D. N. C. Munroe,
Rev. Thomas F. Scott. Thomas M. Nelson.
After Prayers by the Bishop, Convention adjourned to the hour of public worship to-morrow morning.
_____
At night, Evening Prayer was read by Rev. William C. Williams, and a Sermon preached by Rev. John J. Hunt.
__________
SATURDAY MORNING, 12th May, 1849.
Morning Prayer was read by Rev. John J. Hunt, and a Sermon preached by Rev. William D. Harlow.
After public worship, Convention was called to order, and the roll called. Present as on yesterday, together with Richard R. Cuyler, from Christ Church, Savannah.
The Committee on the state of the Church made the following report, which was accepted:
The Committee on the state of the Church respectfully report, that they find, in the Parochial and other reports, gratifying evidence of the continued blessing of the Lord, in various portions of the Diocese. Yet, they are convinced, that more might be done for the advancement of the cause of Missions, within the State of Georgia, if the Clergy and Laity would combine their energies, and employ their means, with a special regard to that object. They trust, that the recent and successful effort in the youngest Parish of the Diocese will stimulate all, who desire the prosperity of Zion, to sustain and encourage the small, but increasing number of devoted laborers in the field of Diocesan Missions. The events and trials of the past year admonish us to “do quickly” and faithfully “what our hands find to do,” in obedience to the command of our Redeemer,
SENECA G. BRAGG, Chairman.
The Committee on Missions presented their report, which was received, and on motion, it was
Resolved, That the report of the Missionary Committee be referred back to the Committee, with instructions to report only the present state of the Missionary treasury and its necessities.
17
JOURNAL.
The Committee then made the following report, which was adopted:
The Committee on Missions report, that the sum of $1,282 73 has been contributed by the Churches of the Diocese, within the last year, which has been disbursed among the several Missionaries, as will more fully appear from the report of the Treasurer of the fund, and that there is a balance due the different Missionaries, up to this time, of $298 84.
To support the Missions at St. Mary’s, Athens, Floyd and Cass, Atlanta, Clarkesville, St. Simon’s, and Talbotton, during the year, will require the sum of $1,500, which, added to the amount now due, will make the sum of $1,800, to be raised in the Diocese for Missions during this year. Your Committee feel the great importance not only of raising this amount during the year, but that it be done at the earliest possible day, and that the payments be made to the Missionaries promptly at the end of each quarter.
STEPHEN ELLIOTT, Jr., Chairman of the Committee.
It was Resolved, That it be recommended to the Committee on Missions for the Diocese to correspond with the Rectors of the different Churches, and ascertain what amounts they will severally be able to contribute to Diocesan Missions for the year; and that the Committee on Missions make only such appointment of Missionaries as they will have a reasonable probability of promptly paying from the amounts that may be thus ascertained.
Convention proceeded to the election of Treasurers, which resulted unanimously as follows:
Treasurer of the Committee on Missions—William S. Williford, of Macon.
Treasurer of the Diocese—George Parrott, of Augusta.
After Prayers by the Bishop, Convention adjourned to half past three o’clock, P. M.
__________
SATURDAY, 3 ½ O’Clock, P.M.
Convention met—present as in the morning. The minutes of the morning’s session were read and confirmed.
Resolved, That the next Annual Convention of the Church in this Diocese be held in Zion Church, Talbotton, unless that be the year of the centennial anniversary of Christ Church, Savannah; in which case, the Bishop shall have power to call the meeting of Convention in that place.
B
18
JOURNAL.
The Committee on Finance made the following report, which was accepted:
The Committee on Finance, to whom was referred the accounts of the Treasurer of the Diocese and the Treasurer of the Missionary Committee, respectfully report, that they have carefully examined each account and find both accounts correct, every charge supported by a proper voucher. GEO. PARROTT,
Macon, Ga., May 12, 1849. WILLIAM ROOT.
Resolved, That the thanks of this Convention be hereby tendered to the Rev. Edward Neufville, D. D., late Treasurer of the Committee on Missions, for his faithful and efficient labors in the duties of that office.
Resolved, That six hundred copies of the Journal of this Convention be printed under the direction of the Secretary.
The Committee to whom Article XI. Of the Constitution was referred during last Convention, was continued.
Rev. Richard Johnson was appointed to preach the next Convention Sermon, and Rev. W. C. Williams his substitute.
Rev. William Johnson was appointed to preach the next Missionary Sermon, and the Rev. T. L. Smith his substitute.
After Prayers and Benediction by the Bishop, Convention adjourned sine die.
STEPHEN ELLIOTT, Jr.
Bishop of the Diocese.
Thomas F. Scott, Secretary.
_____
At night, Evening Prayer was read by Rev. J. A. Shanklin, and a Sermon preached by Rev. T. L. Smith.
On Sunday Morning, the Bishop held an ordination, when Messrs. W. J. Perdue, George Macauley and James D. Gibson were admitted to the Holy Order of Deacons.
Morning Prayer was read by Rev. Thomas F. Scott, and the Sermon preached by Rev. W. Johnson. Mr. Gibson was presented by Rev. Mr. Bragg, and Messrs. Perdue and Macauley by Rev. Mr. Scott, who also assisted the Bishop at the Communion.
In the afternoon, Evening Prayer was read by Rev. T. L. Smith, and a Sermon preached by Rev. Mr. Gibson.
At night, after Prayers by Rev. Mr. Scott, the Missionary Sermon was preached by Rev. Richard Johnson, and a collection taken up in aid of Diocesan Missions, amounting to $50.
19
PAROCHIAL REPORTS.
_____
APPENDIX.
_____
PAROCHIAL REPORTS.
_____
Christ Church, Savannah.
Rev. Edward Neufville, D. D., Rector.
Baptisms—white infants 19, colored 3– – – – – – – 22
Marriages – – – – – – – – – 9
Burials – – – – – – – – – – 28
Communicants—died 1, removed 17, added 18– – – – – – 160
Sunday School—Teachers 13, Pupils 90– – – – – – – 103
Colored Sunday School—Teachers 15, Pupils 150– – – – – – 165
Contributions—To Diocesan Missions, – – – – – – 749 36
Domestic do. – – – – – – 187 00
Foreign do. – – – – – – 330 00
Church at Rome, Floyd county, – – – – – 100 00
Education of Candidates for Orders, – – – – 145 70
________
$1,512 06
The Ladies’ Missionary Association has furnished more than one third of the amount contributed to Diocesan Missions.
The children of the Sunday School have supplied (included above in the aggregate return) $25 to the Chinese, $20 to the African, and $5 to Diocesan Missions. And the children of the colored Sunday School have made their annual contribution of $20 for the support and education of a child in Africa.
The “Chinese” and the “African” Societies have contributed $325 and $150 respectively to the objects of their organization, which are not comprised in the above return.
The Female Bible, Prayer Book and Tract Society has raised during the past year, and appropriated to the gratuitous distribution of Books and Tracts, the sum of $150.
The Sunday School continues to be under the immediate superintendence of the Rector, who, although he has failed in his efforts to enlist the services of more than one male teacher, is ably supported by a band of devoted ladies who are unwearied in their attentions, regular in their attendance, faithful in their instructions, respected by their pupils, and very highly esteemed of all for their work’s sake.
A young man whose childhood was trained in this nursery of the Church, has taken charge of the Sunday School library, and successfully interested himself in obtaining a new supply of books, amounting to nearly two hundred volumes.
The children of the congregation were, as usual, catechized openly in the Church on every Sunday afternoon during the season of Lent; and it was a subject of congratulation that within the previous twelve months not a single death had occurred among them.
The remaining indebtedness of the Church has recently been cancelled—all its obligations, including $1,000 to the Bishop’s fund, fully met—and other evidences of outward prosperity afforded, the memorial of which the Rector here records with a grateful heart.
20
PAROCHIAL REPORTS.
St. John’s Church, Savannah.
Rev. R. M. White, Rector.
Baptisms—adults 5, children 27– – – – – – – – 32
Communicants—added 10, received from other Parishes 7, removed 11,
Died 4, suspended 1—present number – – – – – 101
Marriages – – – – – – – – – 5
Burials – – – – – – – – – – 9
Contributions of the Congregation for purposes external to our Parochial operations:
To Diocesan Missions – – – – – – – – 195 68
General Domestic Missions – – – – – – – 63 91
Foreign Missions – – – – – – – – 50 94
Education of Candidates for Orders – – – – – – 70 43
Church building fund at Rome – – – – – – – 50 00
Do. Do. At Atlanta – – – – – – – 25 00
Bishop’s salary – – – – – – – – 250 00
________
$705 96
Besides this, those good works of alms-deeds and christian charity, which were engaged in by the Parish, when it was under the pastoral charge of our present Diocesan, are still cheerfully maintained; and with their accustomed noble christian spirit, the Rector and Congregation of the older Parish in the city still aid us in carrying them out. The Parish is believed to be in a state of steadily healthful progress. We have lost during the past year an unusual number from our communion list by removal, including persons whose loss we have great cause to regret. A number of persons are awaiting confirmation at the next Episcopal visitation.
The Rector has introduced into the Parish with the present Ecclesiastical year, the observance of all those other days besides Sundays, for which a special service has been provided in the Book of Common Prayer. He has done this with the hope that the observance of these holy days will both prove good to the religious growth of the congregation, and also conduce to the important object of bringing them to an intelligent appreciation of the fact, that all the appointments and observances of the Church, even those most objected to, are scriptural and evangelical in their character; so that, thus growing in their attachment to the Church AS IT IS, they may be the less easily moved away from it, either by assaults from without, or injudicious and unwarrantable measures within.
_____
St. Paul’s Church, Augusta.
Rev. Edward E. Ford, D. D., Rector.
Baptisms—children 30, adults (1 colored) 6—total – – – – – 36
Confirmations – – – – – – – – – 1
Communicants—added 11, died 2, removed 8, repelled 2, seceded from the
Church 1—present number – – – – – – 113
Marriages 7; Burials (9 not of the Congregation) – – – – – 21
Collections—Communion alms – – – – – – – $203 33
For Missions and Missionary objects:
Foreign Missions of General Board – – – – – 91 14
Domestic Missions – – – – – – 27 00
Diocesan Missions – – – – – – 64 59
Donation to aid in building a Church at Rome – – – – 100 00
The same for building a Church at Atlanta – – – – – 28 62
The number of Sunday School children is, nominally, 90, although
21
PAROCHIAL REPORTS.
the actual attendance falls short of that number. These are under the direction of the Rector, a Librarian, three male and six female Teachers. The colored Sunday School may be set down at an average of about 35, under three teachers. Catechizing monthly be the Rector in the Church. There is a class of about fourteen preparing for confirmation.
_____
Christ Church, Macon.
Rev. J. A. Shanklin, Rector.
Baptisms—adult 1, infants 4—total – – – – – – – 5
Confirmed – – – – – – – – – 0
Communicants—added 13, removed 5, died 3—present number – – – 85
Marriages – – – – – – – – – 3
Funerals – – – – – – – – – – 4
Sunday School—registered scholars 68; average attendance about – – – 50
Contributions—To Foreign Missions – – – – – – $91 35
Domestic do. – – – – – – 91 80
Diocesan do. – – – – – – 70 00
Jewish do. – – – – – – 2 00
Offerings of Sunday School for education of a child in Africa – – – 9 29
For Church at Rome – – – – – – – 100 00
Sunday School for increase of Library – – – – – 8 11
Other purposes – – – – – – – – 81 78
Ladies’ Association – – – – – – – 351 00
______
Total – – – – – – – – $805 33
Of the amount made by the ladies, $81 have been appropriated to Missionary and other benevolent purposes.
The Rector bears his grateful testimony to the harmony of spirit which pervades his charge, and to the uniform kindness he has received at the hands of his people.
A work of grace, it is believed, has begun among the young of the congregation, and it is our earnest prayer that it may deepen and extend until every soul has been brought within its saving influence.
During the year, a monthly Missionary lecture and collection has been established, and thus far has been attended by happy results in the increasing interest and more liberal contributions to this good cause.
The children of the congregation are catechised monthly in the Church after Evening Prayer.
_____
Trinity Church, Columbus.
Rev. William D. Cairns, Rector.
Baptisms—adults (white 7, coloured 1) 8; infants (white 37, coloured 25) 62—total – 70
Confirmed – – – – – – – – – 15
Marriages – – – – – – – – – 4
Burials—adults 6, 1 coloured; infants 2– – – – – – – 8
Communicants—added 18, removed 12, suspended 1 (coloured),
ordained 1, died 3—total number remaining – – – – – 151
Collections—At “Offertory” – – – – – – – $247 18
Special donations – – – – – – 165 20
Domestic Missions – – – – $120 00
Foreign Missions – – – – – 90 00 ————210 00
_______
Total – – – – – – – $622 38
22
PAROCHIAL REPORTS.
A special effort to pay the last remnant of our Church debt, 500 dollars, now in progress, and it is believed happily successful, has prevented our usual collection for Diocesan Missions. Hereafter we hope to perform this, no less faithfully than all our other duties.
This Church has been twice saved during the past year, by the interposition of Divine Providence, from destruction by fire during the burning of the stables adjacent to it. We trust that further danger is now removed by an erection of brick instead of wood.
The Rector of this Church is again under the painful necessity of leaving his people, for how long a season he cannot tell, from consideration of health. His prayer is that the blessed God “in whose hands are the issues of life and death,” will so order events as that they may more certainly conduce to his own glory in the everlasting welfare of His servant and people.
A special acknowledgement is here deemed to be due from the Rector, for the more than fraternal kindness of his Bishop to himself and other sick in his Parish, during the whole period of the Bishop’s late protracted visit; for besides the duties peculiar to his office, owing to the extreme illness of the Rector, the entire care of the Parish was devoted to him.
_____
St. Stephen’s Church, Milledgeville.
Rev. Wm. Johnson, Rector.
Baptisms—coloured adults – – – – – – – 2
Confirmations – – – – – – – – – 2
Communicants – – – – – – – – – 16
Burial – – – – – – – – – – 1
Amount of alms at communion – – – – – – – $20 85
_____
St. James’ Church, Marietta.
Rev. Thomas F. Scott, Rector.
Communicants—removed 2, added 15—present number – – – – 39
Baptisms—adult 1, infants 12—total – – – – – – 13
Confirmations – – – – – – – – – 3
Marriages (coloured) – – – – – – – – 2
Funerals – – – – – – – – – 4
Collections—For Diocesan Missions – – – – – – $65 66
Domestic do. – – – – – – – 11 05
Foreign do. – – – – – – – 6 00
At Offertory – – – – – – – 66 93
For Convention fund – – – – – – – 10 00
For Bishop’s fund – – – – – – – 45 00
Sunday School children for library – – – – – 5 20
______
$209 84
The collections here reported as made at the Offertory, and for Diocesan Missions, embrace the sums contributed at the Convention of 1848. The communion offerings are reported only to the first of March.
At an expense of some $1,500, a very neat and substantial Parsonage has been erected for the Minister’s family, so that the former buildings may be devoted exclusively to school purposes.
At Easter, the Parish ceased to be a Missionary station; and at the Rector’s suggestion, his salary is raised entirely by contributions made at the Offertory, on occasions of administering the communion.
23
PAROCHIAL REPORTS.
The Female Seminary still prospers. Under the general supervision of the Rector, it is now placed under the care of Mr. Benjamin Green and family, whose faithful labors, combined with the experience of their assistants, entitle the Institution to the increased confidence and patronage of the friends of Christian education.
The Sunday School, under the conduct of the Rector as superintendent, and six teachers, continues to be an important means of usefulness in the Parish. Two classes of coloured persons, mostly adults, are taught on Sunday afternoon, by the Rector and a male communicant of the Church. Considerable additions have been made to the Sunday School and Parish libraries. The Vestry have laid out a cemetery on their lands for the use of the congregation, which they design to enclose and arrange in a neat and becoming style.
The Rector also reports a most interesting visit recently made to Van’s valley, in Floyd county. The communion was administered in the neat little log chapel, and two adults were baptised by immersion, which we trust are but the first fruits of God’s blessing vouchsafed to the devoted labors of a young female communicant.
_____
Emmanuel Church, Athens.
Rev. Thompson L. Smith, Rector.
Baptisms—infants none, adult 1– – – – – – – 1
Candidates for Orders – – – – – – – – 3
Marriage – – – – – – – – – 1
Burial – – – – – – – – – – 1
Communicants—removed 3, added 3—total – – – – – 25
Collections—For Church purposes since 15th Sept. – – – – – $15 05
For Missions – – – – – – – 8 50
For Missionary Society – – – – – – 3 55
______
Total – – – – – – – $27 10
_____
Grace Church, Clarkesville.
Rev. Benjamin F. Mower, Rector.
Baptisms—adult 1; infants, white 2, colored 1– – – – – – 4
Awaiting confirmation – – – – – – – – 1
Communicants – – – – – – – – – 14
Burials—adults, white 2, colored 1; children, white 3, colored 1– – – – 7
Sunday School—scholars 35, teachers 6– – – – – – – 41
Contributions—To Diocesan Missions, through Mission box – – – $11 50
Do. do. by quarterly collections – – 30 01—41 51
Foreign Missions – – – – – – – 1 47
Domestic do. – – – – – – – 6 40
Communion offerings – – – – – – 43 56
______
$92 94
Services have been held in this Church regularly every Sunday morning throughout the past year. On Christmas day, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, the Church was open for divine worship. The afternoons of Sundays have been employed, part of the time, in imparting religious instruction to prisoners in gaol, part of the time in preaching to the blacks, and since January last in attending a Sunday School composed of twenty-five scholars, three miles from the village. The effect of the ministrations in gaol was, through God’s blessing, the conversion and baptism of one who
24
PAROCHIAL REPORTS.
has been sentenced to the Penitentiary for the space of two years. The young man referred to was convicted of manslaughter.
During the past year, the occasional offices of the Church have been called for and given, oftener than any time during my ministry here. The sick have been visited and prayed with, the mourners have been comforted, and the distressed in mind pointed to the only source of comfort and consolation.
To the ladies of this Church, much credit is due for their efficient labors. Through their exertions, principally, a fine-toned organ has been purchased during the past year, which adds greatly to the solemnity and attraction of our services. They have now taken in hand to paint the Church both within and without, and to furnish appropriate hangings for the pulpit and reading desk.
Ever since the establishment of this Parish, schools have been carried on in the country around, held on Sundays, and one or two days in the week, by female communicants of our Church. In this way, children have been taught to read and write, and to understand their duties both towards God and man. During the past winter a Parish school has been established in the village. For the first month of its existence, it was held at the Parsonage and was taught two days in the week. Since the first of April, it has been carried on for five days in the week, and for five hours every day, by a teacher, employed for the purpose. The attempt to do good through this instrumentality, has met with encouraging success. The scholars number at the present time over thirty.
_____
St. Luke’s Church, Montpelier.
Rt. Rev. Stephen Elliott, Jr., D. D., Rector.
Rev. Seneca G. Bragg, Assistant Rector.
Baptisms—white adult 1, white infant 1 – – – – – – – 2
Confirmations—pupils of the school 4, teacher 1, and 2 other persons – – – – 7
Marriages – – – – – – – – – – 3
Burials—white adult (not of the Parish) 1, colored adult 1 – – – – – 2
Communicants – – – – – – – – – – 15
Contributions – – – – – – – – – – $250 00
In this portion of the Lord’s vineyard, His goodness has been manifested in many ways during the past year. It is hoped that a still larger measure of divine grace may descend upon it the ensuing year, through the instrumentalities employed for the advancement of Christian education.
_____
Church of the Messiah, St. Mary’s.
Rev. Wm. D. Harlow, Rector.
Communicants at the beginning of the year 22—added by removal 2, lost by death 1—
present number – – – – – – – – – 23
Baptisms—adult 1, infants 11—total – – – – – – – 12
Marriages – – – – – – – – – – 2
Burials—2 not of the congregation – – – – – – – – 3
Lord’s Supper administered, times – – – – – – – – 11
Sermons preached, about – – – – – – – – – 99
Contributions—Freight on and putting up of organ – – – $32 00
Communion alms, &c. – – – – 33 00
Foreign Missions – – – – 7 13
Domestic do. – – – – – 11 69
Diocesan do. – – – – – 4 65
______
Total – – – – – – – – – – $87 38
25
PAROCHIAL REPORTS.
Besides a feeble state of health during the most of the past year, I was prevented from the discharge of the duties of my station for more than two months by a severe attack of illness. From this cause, while little has been accomplished to outward appearances, my conscience bears me witness that I have done my duty to the people of my charge, if not to my God; and I trust He will accept the humble offerings which have been made in his name. On account of opposition from various quarters, our coloured Sunday School has been discontinued. The school for the white children is in a very languishing state, and from certain causes seems not to be revived. However, the Parish, on the whole, is in rather a prosperous condition. The attendance on the regular Sunday services is now greater than at any previous time since the organization of the Church in this place. Young men, who have heretofore not been in the habit of attending divine worship, are now not only of our congregations, but regular contributors to the support of the Minister. One of our members has presented the Church with a handsome set of books for the desk and pulpit, and we have the pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of a surplice as a gift from the Rev. Rector of Christ Church, Savannah. The Rector would take this opportunity also to express his gratitude to some kind ladies of the same Parish for a very substantial present to himself.
St. Mary’s, Ga., May 7, 1849.
_____
St. David’s, Glynn County.
Rev. C. Cleveland, Officiating.
Services were resumed in this Parish on the twenty-second Sunday after Trinity. In consequence of the illness and absence of some families, the congregations continued small, until some time after Christmas, when they became more regular and full.
There have been no ordinances administered, except that of the Lord’s supper, which has been celebrated twice. There are, however, candidates, it is supposed, both for baptism and confirmation.
A Parsonage has been purchased, but so entirely out of repair as to be unsuited for residence. The gentlemen of the Vestry have therefore concluded to build anew. The season is, however, so far advanced that it cannot be completed for the occupation of the present Minister. I therefore have resigned the Parish into the hands of Rev. Mr. Bartow, of the Navy, who, being on a visit to his friends in the neighborhood, has kindly consented to officiate at St. David’s until the first of May, when the term of my engagement expires. Hoping that my successor may be more successful and more blessed, I commend this Parish and all her interests to the good providence and grace of God.
Passion Week, 1849.
_____
Atlanta and Jonesboro.
Rev. John J. Hunt, Missionary.
During the past year, our services at these stations have been, from various causes, interrupted and irregular. The reasons for this have been at different times stated to the Missionary Committees.
The building at Atlanta reported as in progress, was consecrated on the 28th May last. By the kindness of friends, it has been furnished with books, lamps, a very handsome communion service, and a good bell. At the time of its completion, all the subscriptions and pledges had not been realised, but relying on their redemption, the Vestry, at my solicitation, as-
26
PAROCHIAL REPORTS.
summed the payment of the balance due. To the generous and repeated liberality of three congregations, we are particularly indebted, and we trust grateful, for the means to meet these engagements. We are yet about one hundred dollars in arrears, and having done as we believe what we could, still ask for this sum the aid of our brethren. If they are unable to afford us this, it becomes an individual engagement, and must be met. Outward estate secured, we may hope that faithfulness and activity will be followed by the blessing of God, and the improvement of our spiritual condition. The number of communicants has been reduced by removals to three.
_____
Ogechee Mission.
Rev. W. C. Williams, Missionary.
Baptisms—adults, coloured 4; infants, coloured 3 – – – – – 7
Marriages – – – – – – – – – 1
Burials—whites not of the Mission 3, coloured 16 – – – – – 19
Communicants—added 6, repelled 1 – – – – – – 14
Pupils connected with the Mission schools, about – – – – – 120
Contributions—Aftrica – – – – – – – – $10 00
Other purposes – – – – – – – 17 50
The prospects of the Mission are more encouraging than they have ever been. It is hoped and believed that much has been done towards the removal of prejudice and preparing the way for more extended usefulness. The attendance on the services of the sanctuary has been more regular, and there seems to be more interest in eternal things. If the hopes of the Missionary are not at once realized, he will not be surprised; for a knowledge of the people among whom he labors, warns him not to be too sanguine of immediate results; but he feels assured that if the Church will sustain the efforts now making for this benighted class, the day is not distant when a rich harvest will be the reward of her prayers and labors.
_____
Zion Church, Talbotton.
Rev. Richard Johnson, Rector and Missionary.
Baptisms—3 adults, 4 children – – – – – – – – 7
Confirmations – – – – – – – – – – 3
Communicants – – – – – – – – – – 6
Remarks.—In July last the Rector began for the first time to use the whole of the church service in the court house. Except when the Rector has been called from home on public business, divine service has been performed every Sunday. The Church building was used for the first time on Good Friday, since which time the services of the Church have been as regularly and fully performed as in any Church in the Diocese. The Rector is daily more and more encouraged in this his field of labor.
_____
Ascension, Cass County, and St. Peter’s, Rome.
Rev. T. L. Smith, late Missionary.
ASCENSION—Communicants, the number small; candidates for confirmation, two; confirmations, three; baptisms, infant, one; adults two.
ST. PETER’S—Baptism, infant, one; confirmation, one.
The Church building referred to in the Bishop’s address, I am in-
27
TREASURER’S REPORT.
formed, is partly finished, and in part paid for. The pledges from the different Churches have nearly all been paid. They are much in want of a regular Minister; and the field without doubt a very promising one.
_____
Report of Rev. Theo. B. Bartow, U. S. Navy.
The term of my duty at the Naval Asylum expired on the first of October. Since my last report, I have married one couple, baptised two children, and buried five adults. After being detached, I supplied vacant Churches both in Pennsylvania and New York, and am at present in charge of St. David’s, the Vestry having consented to their Rector’s return to his friends on account of the ill health of his family.
Hopeton, Glynn county, April 11, 1849.
_____
Report of the Rev. Edw’d Neufville, D. D.
TREASURER OF THE COMMITTEE ON MISSIONS.
RECAPITULATION.
DR.
Contributed by Christ Church, Savannah, – – – – – – 471 40
“ Ladies’ Missionary Association, Savannah, – – – – 277 96
“ St. John’s Church, Savannah, – – – – – 195 68
“ Christ Church, Macon, – – – – – – 70 00
“ St. James’, Marietta, – – – – – – 67 32
“ St. Paul’s, Augusta, – – – – – – 66 00
“ Trinity Church, Columbus, – – – – – 60 00
“ Grace Church, Clarkesville, – – – – – 41 52
“ St. Luke’s, Montpelier, – – – – – – 27 00
“ Church of the Messiah, St. Mary’s, – – – – – 3 00
“ St. Michael’s, Springfield, – – – – – – 2 85
_________
$1.282 73
_____
CR.
Paid to Rev. J. J. Hunt, for year ending Nov 1848, at $300 per annum, 300 00
“ Richard Johnson, on acc’t of year ending Jan. 1, 1849, at $300 per annum, 226 18
“ T. F. Scott, on acc’t of balance due up to last Convention, 41 09
“ “ “ of year ending April 1849, at $250, 215 46
“ Thompson L. Smith, for eight months’ services, at $300 per annum, in
Cass county, to Oct. 1848, 200 00
“ Benj. F. Mower, for year ending May 1849, at $150, 150 00
“ W. D. Harlow, for year ending Feb. 1849, at $150, 150 00
________
$1.282 73
28
TREASURER’S REPORT.
THE DIOCESE OF GEORGIA,
IN ACCOUNT WITH W.S. WILLIFORD, TREASURER.
1848 DR.
May 16. To cash paid quota for expenses of General Convention 1847, 23 00
“ “ W. T. Williams, reprint of Journals 1827 and ’28, 19 00
June 28. “ “ T. F. Scott, Sec’ry, for printing Journal 1848, 90 00
July 4. “ “ Rt. Rev. S. Elliott, Jr., on acc’t salary for 1848, 150 00
Oct. 9. “ “ “ “ draft, “ 445 00
Nov. 28. “ “ “ “ “ “ 250 00
1849
Jan. 29. “ “ “ “ “ “ 305 00
April 16. “ “ “ “ “ “ 500 00
May 10. “ “ Rev. T. F. Scott, for balance on printing Journal 1848, 10 00
“ “ “ incidental expenses of Sec’ry 15 00
Balance carried forward 290 92
__________
$2,097 92
_____
1848 CR.
May 11. By cash received from W. P. Hunter, late Treasurer, by Rev. Mr. Shanklin, 12 92
“ “ St. James’ Church, Marietta, expenses
Convention 1848, $10
“ “ Emmanuel, Athens, “ 10
“ “ St. Paul’s, Augusta, “ 10
“ “ St. John’s, Savannah, “ 10
“ “ St. Stephen’s, Milledgeville, “ 10
May 13. “ “ Christ Church, Macon, “ 10
“ “ St. Philip’s, Atlanta, “ 10
May 16. “ “ Christ Church, Savannah, “ 10
“ “ Trinity, Columbus, “ 10——————90 00
“ from Trinity Church, Columbus, on account of
Bishop’s salary 1848, 100 00
June 28. “ St. James’, Marietta, “ “ “ 25 00
Oct. 5. “ Christ Church, Savannah, “ “ “ 500 00
Nov. 20. “ “ “ “ “ “ 250 00
1849.
Jan. 29. “ “ “ Macon, in full, “ “ 300 00
Feb. 9. “ “ “ Savannah, in full, “ “ 250 00
April 14. “ St. Paul’s, Augusta, “ “ 300 00
May 10. “ St. James’, Marietta, on account, “ “ 20 00
11. “ St. John’s, Savannah, “ “ “ 250 00
________
$2,097 92
1849.
May 11. By balance brought forward, 290 92
W. S. WILLIFORD,
Treasurer of the Diocese of Georgia.
E. E.—Macon, Ga., May 11, 1849.
29
CONSTITUTION.
CONSTITUTION
OF THE
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH,
IN THE DIOCESE OF GEORGIA.
ARTICLE I.–The Church of this Diocese, as a constituent part of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the United States of America, accedes to, recognises, and adopts the General Constitution of that Church, and acknowledges its authority accordingly.
ARTICLE II.–A Convention of this Church shall be held at such time of each year and place as the previous Convention may appoint: provided, however, that no Convention shall be opened for the transaction of business, unless there be present at least two clergymen and delegates from two congregations. And in case no Convention be formed, the standing officers of the last Convention shall hold their respective offices until successors shall be appointed
ARTICLE III.– The Bishop, or, if the Episcopate be vacant, the Standing Committee, shall have power, when it appears requisite for the good of the Church, to call a Special Convention, by a circular letter to the several Churches. There shall not be less than four weeks’ notice previous to the day appointed, and such meeting shall be holden when the authority calling it shall determine, and at such Special Convention, no other business shall be transacted than that stated in the notice calling the Convention.
ARTICLE IV.– The Convention shall be composed of Clergymen and Laymen. Every Clergymen of the good standing, regularly settled and continuously exercising clerical functions in an existing Parish, or who shall have been six months last past performing missionary duties under the direction of the Ecclesiastical authority of this Diocese, shall be entitled to all the privileges of a member of this Convention; and every duly recognised Minister of this Church canonically resident for six months last past within the Diocese, being engaged in the business of literary instruction, or disabled by reason of age or infirmity from exercising clerical functions, shall be entitled to all the privileges of a member of the Convention, with the exception of the right to vote. Each Church or Congregation in union with this Convention shall be entitled to a representation by one Lay Delegate or more, not exceeding three, to be chosen from its own body by the Wardens and Vestrymen thereof: provided, however, that the Minister, or, in his absence, the Delegate or Delegates present at any Convention, may supply any vacancy in the delegation, if he or they should find, at the place of meeting, a member or members of the Congregation which they are empowered to represent.
ARTICLE V.–New Parishes may be admitted into union with this Convention, by a majority of votes: provided that they shall have laid before the Convention written evidence, subscribed by the Wardens, that they accede to the Constitution and Canons of this Church, and are regularly organised by the election of two Wardens, and any number of Vestrymen at discretion, not exceeding eight.
ARTICLE VI.– Every meeting of the Convention shall be opened with Morning Prayer, and a Sermon, delivered on the first day of the Convention, by a preacher appointed at the preceding Convention; a Sermon on Missions shall also be preached some time during the sitting of each Convention, when a collection shall be made in aid of Missions within this Diocese. The appointment of both Preachers, with substitutes, shall be made by the Bishop, or, in his absence, by the President of the Convention.
ARTICLE VII.–The Convention shall deliberate and act as one body, unless when any member shall call for a division on any question, in which case each clerical member shall be entitled to one vote, and the lay delegates of each congregation jointly to one vote; and a majority of both orders shall be necessary to a decision.
30
CONSTITUTION.
ARTICLE VIII.–The Bishop of the Diocese shall be ex officio President of the Convention. In case there be no Bishop, or in his absence, a presiding officer shall be elected from among the clerical members present.
ARTICLE IX.– At each annual meeting of the Convention, a Secretary and Treasurer shall be chosen, to hold their respective offices until the next annual Convention, or until successors shall be appointed. It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to receive, or cause to be received, at each annual Convention the assessments upon the Parishes of this Diocese for defraying the incidental expenses of the Convention and the support of the Episcopate—and also to pay to the Bishop quarterly, in advance, the amount of salary pledged to him by this Convention; making a faithful return of all these his acts in his annual report to the Convention of this Church.
ARTICLE X.–A Standing Committee shall be chosen at each annual meeting of the Convention, to consist of three clerical and three lay members; of the time and place of whose meetings due notice in writing shall be given to all the members thereof at least one week before the time of such meeting. At a meeting thus notified, any four members shall constitute a quorum. The Standing Committee shall meet as soon as practicable after their election, and choose a President and Secretary from among their own number, and it shall be the duty of the President to call a meeting of the committee whenever he shall be required to do so by any three members of the committee. Vacancies in this committee, caused by death, resignation, or otherwise, shall be supplied by the suffrages of the remaining members.
ARTICLE XI.– The Convention shall annually elect four clergymen and four laymen as deputies to the General Convention, and to any special General Convention which may be held in the recess of this Convention, who shall be empowered, in the absence of one or more of their colleagues, to appoint in the place of such delegate or delegates any citizen or citizens of this State: provided, that such citizen or citizens be a member or members of the Protestant Episcopal Church in this Diocese; or, if it be inconvenient for any delegate or delegates to proceed to the place of meeting; the Bishop is authorized to appoint others in their place. In case of a vacancy in the Episcopate, the power hereby conferred on the Bishop shall be exercised by the Standing Committee.
ARTICLE XII.–A proposition for altering and amending this Constitution shall be introduced in writing, and considered in Convention, and if approved by a majority, shall lie over to the next Convention, when, upon consideration again, if it be approved by a majority of the Convention, it shall be adopted.
ARTICLE XIII.—In all elections by ballot, a majority of votes shall be required for a choice.
31
CANONS.
CANONS.
CANON I.–Each Church duly represented to this Convention shall pay or cause to be paid into the hands of the Treasurer of the Convention the sum of ten dollars annually for defraying the incidental expenses of the Convention.
CANON II.–In case any Clergyman of this Diocese shall be accused of error in doctrine, immorality of life, or neglect or transgression of any of the canons of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States, or this Diocese, it shall be the duty of any two or more Clergymen, or of the Wardens and Vestrymen of the Church of which he is Rector, or to which he may belong, who shall have knowledge or belief of such misdemeanor, to represent the same to the Bishop, or in case there be no Bishop, to the Standing Committee of the Diocese. In the event of such representation, it shall be the duty of the Bishop, or, if there be no Bishop, the Standing Committee, if he or they shall deem the charge or charges worthy of investigation, forthwith to notify the accused of such charges, together with the time and place appointed for his trial. The mode of trial shall be as follows: The Bishop, or Standing Committee, as the case may be, shall appoint a number of Presbyters, not less than five, of whom the person accused may select a majority, by whom to be tried. The result of the trial shall be made known to the Bishop, or, if there be no Bishop, to the Standing Committee, who shall pronounce and execute, or cause to be pronounced and executed, such sentence as may be awarded, should the same by him or them be deemed just and proper.
Should the sentence be suspension or degradation from the Ministry, the Bishop, or Provisional Bishop, or should there be none, some neighboring Bishop, shall be required to pronounce the same.
Should it be impossible to obtain from this Diocese the requisite number of Presbyters to constitute a board of trial, the deficiency may be supplied from a neighboring Diocese.
Should any Clergyman, accused and cited for trial according to the above provisions of this canon, neglect or refuse to obey the citation, such neglect or refusal shall be considered as an acknowledgment of the truth of the charges preferred against him, and sentence shall be pronounced accordingly.
CANON III.–The Convention shall appoint annually, by ballot, a committee of two Clergymen and three Laymen, of which committee the Bishop of the Diocese, when there is one, shall be ex-officio chairman; whose duty it shall be to take in charge the Missionary, Bible, Common Prayer Book, Tract and Sunday School operations of the Church in this Diocese; and it shall be further the duty of this committee to make a full report of all their proceedings to each succeeding annual Convention.
CANON IV.–It shall be the duty of the Vestry of each Church in connexion with this Diocese to pay, or cause to be paid, into the hands of the Treasurer of the Convention, at each annual meeting of the Convention, the amount of the assessment laid upon the Churches respectively represented by them for the support of the Episcopate in this Diocese.
CANON V.–Section 1. Whenever any number of persons shall associate to form an Episcopal Congregation, they shall adopt articles of association for their government, in which they shall acknowledge and accede to the constitution, canons, doctrines, discipline and worship of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States, and the constitution and canons of the Diocese of Georgia; they shall assume a suitable name by which their Church or Parish shall be designated, and elect two Wardens and any number of Vestrymen at discretion, not exceeding eight. A certified copy of the articles of association, and of the proceedings at their adoption, signed by the Wardens, shall then be laid before the Convention, and if approved by that body, delegates from such congregation or parish may take seats in the Convention, and the congregation shall be considered as united to the Convention and subject to its decisions.
Section 2. The elections of Wardens and Vestrymen in every Parish thus constituted, shall take place annually on Easter Monday, unless some other time be specified in the act of incorporation, with the assent of the ecclesiastical authority of the Diocese.
32
STANDING RESOLUTIONS.
STANDING RESOLUTIONS.
For providing a permanent Fund for the support of the Episcopate.
Adopted 1841.
Resolved, That, as it is important that the formation of a permanent fund for the support of the Episcopate in this Diocese be at once commenced, each Rector of a Parish is requested, annually, to call the attention of his parishioners to the subject, and invite contributions for the object in such mode as he may deem most expedient. That the Standing Committee of the Diocese be trustees of this fund, to whom all collections are to be paid over by the respective Rectors, and the amount thus paid over be invested by the said trustees in what may appear to them the most safe and profitable manner—the interest annually received to be added to the principal, so that for the present the fund may be accumulating. And further, Resolved, That the Standing Committee, as trustees aforesaid, be requested to report to each annual Convention the amount received during the year, the sources from which received, and the manner in which the same is invested.
Of the Organization of New Parishes, adopted 1842.
Resolved, That in the organization of new Parishes, the following form of declaration be recommended, and the meeting in which it is adopted be held and conducted according to the provisions of Canon V:
“We, the subscribers, assembled for the purpose of organizing a Church [or Parish] of the Protestant Episcopal Church in _____, county of _____, and State of Georgia, after due notice given, do hereby agree to form a Church [or Parish] to be known by the name of _____ Church, _____, and as such, do hereby acknowledge and accede to the doctrine, discipline and worship, the constitution and canons of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America, and the constitution and canons of the same Church in the Diocese of Georgia; and we do accordingly now appoint A.B. and C.D. to be the first Wardens, and E.F., G.H., I.J., to be the first Vestrymen of _____ Church, to continue in office until Easter Monday, A.D. _____, and until others be chosen in their place. And an election of Wardens and Vestrymen shall hereafter be held on Easter Monday of each successive year.
Witness our hands at _____, county of _____, and State of Georgia, this _____ day of _____, in the year of our Lord _____.”
On the Use of Churches, adopted 1842.
On motion, it was unanimously–Resolved, That it be recommended to the Vestries of our Churches in this Diocese to discourage the use of the Churches under their care, for all “unhallowed, worldly and common uses.”
The Style or Title of Churches.
The proper style for a duly incorporated Congregation is, “The Rector, Church Wardens and Vestry, (or else the Church Wardens and Vestry) of _______ Church in _______ .” The first blank being left for the name of the Church, the other for that of the place.
Form of a Certificate,
Of Appointment as a Delegate to the Diocesan Convention.
This certifies, that at a meeting of the Rector, Wardens and Vestry, (of Wardens and Vestry, if no Rector were present,) of ______, held on the _____ day of _____, the following person (or persons, as the case may be,) viz: KL, MN and OP, were duly elected to represent this Church in the next Convention of this Diocese, to be held in ______, on the ______ day of ______, 18__.
The above certificate shall be signed by the Rector, if present, or in his absence, by one of the Wardens or Secretary of the Vestry.
Right Rev. STEPHEN ELLIOTT, Jr., D. D.
Bishop of the Diocese of Georgia;
Post Office, Macon.
_____
Rev. THOMAS F. SCOTT, Marietta,
Secretary of the Convention.
_____
Rev. EDW’D NEUFVILLE, D. D., Savannah,
President of the Standing Committee.
_____
Mr. GEORGE PARROTT, of Augusta,
Treasurer of the Diocese.
_____
Mr. W. S. WILLIFORD, of Macon,
Treasurer of the Missionary Committee.