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GEORGIA CONVENTION
of the
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH,
1848.
__
The next Convention will meet in the Town of Macon
on Thursday after the first Monday in May, 1849.
[1]
JOURNAL
OF THE
PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
TWENTY-SIXTH ANNUAL CONVENTION
OF THE
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH,
IN THE DIOCESE OF GEORGIA:
HELD IN ST. JAMES’ CHURCH,
MARIETTA, GA.,
COMMENCING ON THE 4TH DAY OF MAY, 1848.
__
MARIETTA:
Printed at the Advocate Office.
1848.
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 at Montpelier—P. O., Macon.
REV. *THEODORE B. BARTOW, Chaplain to the Naval Asylum, Philadelphia, Penn.
“ SENECA G. BRAGG, Assistant Rector of St. Luke’s Church, Montpelier—P. O., Macon.
“ *EDMUND P. BROWN, Rector of Christ Church, St. Simon’s Island.
“ *WM. D. CAIRNS, Rector of Trinity Church, Columbus.
“ *WILLIAM J. ELLIS, Apalachicola, Florida.
“ *JOHN FIELDING, Beaufort, S.C.
“ EDWARD E. FORD, D. D., Rector of St. Paul’s Church, Augusta.
“ WILLIAM D. HARLOW, Rector of the Church of the Messiah, St. Mary’s.
“ JOHN J. HUNT, Missionary at Atlanta and Jonesboro’; residence, Marietta.
“ RICHARD JOHNSON, Rector of Zion Church, Talbotton.
“ WILLIAM JOHNSON, Rector of St. Stephen’s Church, Milledgeville.
“ GARDINER JONES.
“ BENJAMIN F. MOWER, Rector of Grace Church, Clarkesville.
“ EDWARD NEUFVILLE, D. D., Rector of Christ Church, Savannah.
“ THOMAS F. SCOTT, Rector of St. James’ Church, Marietta.
“ WM. BACON STEVENS, M. D., Professor, &c., and Rector of Emmanuel Church, Athens.
“ JOSEPH A. SHANKLIN, Rector of Christ Church, Macon.
“ THOMPSON L. SMITH, Missionary in Cass and Floyd counties—P. O., Cassville.
“ *OWEN P. THACKARA.
“ *GEORGE WHITE, residing in Savannah.
“ *RUFUS M. WHITE, Rector of St. John’s Church, Savannah.
“ WILLIAM C. WILLIAMS, Missionary to the Negroes on Ogeechee River— P. O., Savannah.
“ J. A. WOODWARD.
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*Not present at Convention.
LIST OF LAY DELEGATES
TO THE
Twenty-Sixth Annual Convention,
DIOCESE OF GEORGIA.
From Christ Church, Savannah: JAMES POTTER,
*WILLIAM H. CUYLER,
*NORMAN WALLACE.
From St. Paul’s, Church, Augusta: GERARD McLAUGHLIN,
GEORGE PARROT,
GEORGE W. MORGAN.
From Christ Church, Macon: NATHAN C. MUNROE,
L. N. WHITTLE,
Dr. C. T. QUINTARD.
From Trinity Church, Columbus: *Dr. EDWARD T. TAYLOR,
*WHITBY FOSTER,
*Major THOMAS M. NELSON.
From St. John’s Church, Savannah: H. H. STOTESBURY,
Dr. THOMAS STEWARTSON.
From St. Stephen’s Church, Milledgeville: Dr. JOHN R. COTTING,
*Dr. C. J. PAINE,
*WILLIAM B. TINSLEY.
From St. James’ Church, Marietta: WILLIAM ROOT,
SAMUEL C. HOUSE,
LEVI AYERS.
From Emmanuel Church, Athens: *FIELDING BRADFORD,
JAMES BANCROFT,
*Dr. WILLIAM E. DEARING.
From the Church of the Messiah, St. Mary’s: *MILLER HALLOWS,
*F. DE LIESSLINE,
*J. M. SMITH.
From the Church of the Ascension, Cass county: WILLIAM MACLEAN.
From Zion Church, Talbotton: *LEVI B. SMITH,
Dr. GEORGE W. JONES,
*ALLEN F. OWEN.
From St. Philips’ Church, Atlanta: SAMUEL G. JONES,
*GUY L. WARREN,
*Dr. N. L. ANGIER.
From Christ Church, St. Simon’s; Grace Church, Clarkesville; St. Andrew’s, Darien; St. David’s, Glynn county, and St. Peter’s, Rome, no certificates of the election of Lay Delegates were received.
___________
* Not present at Convention.
JOURNAL.
_________
St. James’ Church, Marietta,
4th MAY, 1848.
This being the time and place appointed for holding the Twenty-Sixth Annual convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Georgia, Morning Prayer was read by the Rev. T. F. Scott, and in the absence of the Rev. R. M. White, a Sermon was preached by the Rev. Richard Johnson, from Mark 8: 1—3.
The Rt. Rev. the Bishop of the Diocese called the Convention to order, and the list of the Clergy being called, the following answered to their names:
Rt. Rev. STEPHEN ELLIOTT, Jr. D. D.
Rev. SENECA G. BRAGG,
“ WILLIAM D. HARLOW,
“ JOHN J. HUNT,
“ RICHARD JOHNSON,
“ WILLIAM JOHNSON,
“ THOMAS F. SCOTT,
“ JOSEPH A. SHANKLIN,
“ THOMPSON L. SMITH,
“ WM. BACON STEVENS,
“ WILLIAM C. WILLIAMS.
The certificates of Lay Delegates were presented, and referred to Rev. Messrs. Bragg, R. Johnson, and Shanklin, who reported that the following persons have been duly appointed to attend this Convention, viz:
St. Paul’s Church, Augusta—Gerard McLaughlin, Geo. Parrot, George W. Morgan.
Christ Church, Macon—Nathan C. Munroe, L. N., Whittle, Dr. C. T. Quintard.
St. John’s Church, Savannah—H. H. Stotesburry, Dr. Thomas Stewartson.
St. Stephens’ Church, Milledgeville—Dr. John R. Cotting, Dr. Paine, William B. Tinsley.
St. James’ Church, Marietta—William Root, Samuel C. House, Levi Ayres.
Church of the Ascension, Cass county—William Maclean.
The Delegates being called, the following answered to their names:
G. McLAUGHLIN, WILLIAM ROOT,
N. C. MUNROE, S. C. HOUSE,
C. T. QUINTARD, LEVI AYRES,
H. H. STOTESBURY, W. MACLEAN.
J. R. COTTING.
6 [Printed page numbers begin.]
And there being a Constitutional quorum present, the Convention was declared to be duly organized.
It was Resolved, That the Rules of Order of the last Convention be adopted for the government of this body.
The Convention proceeded to ballot for a Secretary, when the REV. THOMAS F. SCOTT was unanimously re-elected, and by consent of Convention, appointed the Rev. J. A. Shanklin his Assistant.
The Bishop appointed the following Standing Committees of Convention:
On the State of the Church—Rev. Messrs. Bragg, Stevens and Hunt.
On Unfinished Business—Rev. W. Johnson, and Messrs. Root and Quintard.
On Finance—Messrs. Munroe, McLaughlin, and House.
On the admission of new Parishes—Rev. Mr. Shanklin, and Messrs. Cotting and Stotesbury.
Applications were presented by Zion Church, Talbotton, and the Church of the Messiah, St. Mary’s, asking to be received into union with the Convention. These were read and referred to the Committee on the admission of new Parishes, who made the following
REPORT.
The Committee on the admission of new Parishes have examined the papers submitted by Zion Church, and the Church of the Messiah, and find that they have been duly organized according to the Canons; and recommend that they be received into full connection with the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Georgia.
The report was adopted, and these Churches were accordingly received into connection with the Convention.
Certificates of the election of Lay Delegates were presented from the same Churches, and referred to the Committee on Elections, who reported that the following persons have been duly appointed:
From Zion Church, Talbotton—Levi B. Smith, George W. Jones, Allen F. Owen.
From the Church of the Messiah, St. Mary’s—Miller Hallows, F. De Liessline, J. M. Smith.
And their names being called, Dr. George W. Jones answered and took his seat.
After Prayers by the Bishop, Convention adjourned to the hour of public worship to-morrow morning.
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At night, Evening Prayer was read by Rev. J. A. Shanklin, and a Sermon preached by Rev. W. B. Stevens.
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Friday Morning, 5th May, 1848.
Morning Prayer was read by the Rev. William Johnson, and a Sermon preached by the Rev. J. A. Shanklin.
After service, the Convention was called to order. Present as on yesterday, together with the Rev. Edw. Neufville, D. D., and the Rev. Edw. E. Ford, D. D., and Messrs. Geo. Parrot, Geo. W. Morgan, L. N. Whittle, and Dr. Stewartson.
The minutes of yesterday’s proceedings were read and confirmed.
Certificates of the election of Lay Delegates were presented from Christ Church, Savannah; Emmanuel Church, Athens, and St. Philips’ Church, Atlanta; and were referred to the Committee on Elections, who reported that the following persons have been duly appointed:
From Christ Church, Savannah—James Potter, William H. Cuyler, Norman Wallace.
From Emmanuel Church, Athens—Fielding Bradford, James Bancroft, Dr. William E. Dearing.
From St. Philips’ Church, Atlanta—Samuel G. Jones, Guy L. Warren, Dr. N. L. Angier.
And their names being called, Messrs. Potter, Bancroft and Jones answered, and took their seats.
The Bishop then read his Annual Address.—[See appendix A.]
The Parochial Reports were read, and ordered to be printed.—[See appendix B.]
The Standing Committee made the following report, which was accepted:
The Standing Committee of the Diocese report, that their action has been confined to the recommendation of Mr. Wesley Pierce Gahagan as a candidate for Holy Orders.
Savannah, May, 1848. EDW’D NEUFVILLE, President.
The Committee on Missions made the following report, which, together with the reports of the Treasurer of the Committee on Missions, and the Treasurer of the Diocese, was referred to the Committee on Finance:
The Committee on Missions report, that the sum of $1172[.]97 has been contributed by the Churches of the Diocese within the last year, which, added to the balance in hand, and the amount received from the Treasurer of the Diocese under a resolution of the Convention, (see page 32, Journal of 1847,) makes an aggregate of $1312[.]86.
The arrearage to one of the Missionaries, referred to in the last annual report, has been paid, and but for the still further diminu-
8
tion of the last contributions of the different Churches as compared with the last year, all the calculations on which the Committee based their operations would have been realized, and the salaries paid up in full to this date. STEPHEN ELLIOTT, Jr.
The Committee on Unfinished Business made the following report, which was accepted:
The Committee on Unfinished Business respectfully report, that they have examined the Journal of 1847, and find, on pages 27 and 28, the following resolutions laid over until the present Convention, viz:
“ Resolved, That the Right Rev. the Bishop of the Diocese be, and he is hereby respectfully requested by this Convention, to admit from time to time, as circumstances may seem to render it desirable, to the Holy Order of Deacons, such persons, and under such restrictions, as are contemplated by the sixth Canon of the General Convention of 1844.
“ Resolved, That the following amendment be made to the fourth article of the Constitution, and inserted as a second section:
“ SEC. 2. No Deacon, ordained under the provisions of the sixth Canon of the General Convention of 1844, shall, in any case, be entitled to a seat or vote in this Convention, any thing in the previous part of this article to the contrary notwithstanding.”
The committee find also on p. 33 of Jour. 1847, the following resolutions, viz:
“ Resolved, That the words ‘with substitutes’ be inserted after the word ‘preachers,’ in the sixth article of the Constitution.
“ Resolved, That for the purpose of collecting and preserving the Journals of the Diocese from its commencement, it be recommended to the consideration of the next Convention to raise a fund to defray the expense of the publication of said Journals.”
WM. JOHNSON, Chairman.
The resolutions reported from pages 27, 28, of the Journal of 1847, were referred to a special committee, of which the Bishop should be the chairman. The chair appointed Rev. Drs. Ford and Stevens and Messrs. Munroe and Potter.
The amendment to the sixth article of the Constitution was adopted.
The remaining resolution from page 33 of the same Journal, was indefinitely postponed.
It was Resolved, That the next meeting of the Convention be held in the city of Macon, on Thursday after the first Monday of May, 1849.
9
Dr. George W. Jones obtained leave of absence from Convention.
The following resolution was offered:
Resolved, That the future Conventions of the Diocese be held in the city of Macon, on Thursday after the first Monday in May in each year.
The Ayes and Nays were called for, and the resolution was lost: Ayes 4, Nays 21.
Messrs. Morgan and Samuel G. Jones obtained leave of absence after to-day.
After Prayers by the Bishop, Convention adourned to the hour of public worship to-morrow morning.
__
At night, Evening Prayer was read by the Rev. Dr. Stevens, and an adult was baptized, and a Sermon preached by the Bishop.
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Saturday Morning, 6th May, 1848.
Morning Prayer was read by the Rev. W. D. Harlow, and a Sermon was preached by the Rev. W. Johnson.
After service, the Convention was called to order, and the minutes of yesterday’s proceedings were read and confirmed.
The Committee on Finance made the following report, which was accepted:
The Committee on Finance, to whom were referred the accounts of the Treasurer of the Diocese and of the Treasurer of the Diocesan Missionary Fund, respectfully report that the accounts have received a careful examination, and that the payments are fully sustained by the proper vouchers, except in one case in the missionary account, where the remittance had not reached the missionary previous to his leaving his station for this convention—the missionary fund being fully disbursed by the treasurer, and the treasurer of the Diocese having a balance in his hands of twelve dollars and ninety-two cents ($12[.]92.) All of which is respectfully submitted.
N. C. MUNROE,
SAMUEL C. HOUSE,
G. McLAUGHLIN.
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, after carefully examining the reports of the condition of nearly all the Parishes and Missionary stations, and comparing them with those of last year, we have found cause for thankfulness to the
2 [sic]
10
Divine Head of the Church, in manifest tokens of His continued and increasing favor. Instead, however, of presenting to the Convention a condensed statement of the particulars embraced in the reports, we would refer to them in connexion with the annual address of our Bishop, as furnishing numerous and gratifying evidences of the prosperity of the Diocese. We trust that the sources of intelligence from every field of labor may be such as to admit of a full and accurate statement of the condition of each Parish and Station at our next convention.
SENECA G. BRAGG, Chairman.
Convention then proceeded to the election of Treasurers, Committees, and Delegates to the General Convention, which resulted as follows:
Treasurer of the Diocese—William S. Williford, of Macon.
Treasurer of the Committee on Missions—Rev. Edward Neufville, D. D., of Savannah.
STANDING COMMITTEE.
Of the Clergy. Of the Laity.
Rev. Edward Neufville, D. D. Wm. B. Bulloch,
Rev. Edward E. Ford, D. D. Wm. P. Hunter,
Rev. S. G. Bragg. Robt. M. Charlton.
COMMITTEE ON MISSIONS.
Of the Clergy. Of the Laity.
Rev. Edward Neufville, D. D. N. C. Munroe,
Rev. J. A. Shanklin. W. S. Williford,
L. N. Whittle.
DELEGATES TO THE GENERAL CONVENTION.
Of the Clergy. Of the Laity.
Rev. Edward Neufville, D. D. James Potter, Esq.
Rev. Edward E. Ford, D. D. Hon. John M. Berrien.
Rev. Seneca G. Bragg. Nathan C. Munroe, Esq.
Rev. Thomas F. Scott. Major Thomas M. Nelson.
The Committee, to whom was referred the report of the Committee on Unfinished Business, made the following report, which was accepted:
The Committee, to whom were referred the resolutions on the 27th and 28th pages of the Journal of 1847, to wit:
11
“Resolved, That the Right Rev. the Bishop of the Diocese be and is hereby respectfully requested by this Convention to admit, from time to time, as circumstances may seem to render it desirable, to the Holy Order of Deacons, such persons, and under such restrictions as are contemplated by the sixth Canon of the General Convention of 1844.
“Resolved, That the following amendment be made to the fourth article of the Constitution, and inserted as a second section:
“SEC. 2. No Deacon, ordained under the provisions of the sixth Canon of General Convention of 1844, shall, in any case, be entitled to a seat or vote in this Convention, any thing in the previous part of this article to the contrary notwithstanding.”
Respectfully report, that, as there is no immediate demand for the services of such Deacons in the Diocese of Georgia, these resolutions be laid over for consideration, until such time as the necessities be laid over for consideration, until such time as the necessities of our Diocese and the experience of those who have adopted this Canon may guide us in a decision upon the subject.
STEPHEN ELLIOTT, JR.,
Chairman of the Committee.
The report was laid on the table for the purpose of introducing the following resolution:
Resolved, That the Right Rev. the Bishop of the Diocese be and in hereby respectfully requested by this Convention to admit, from time to time, as circumstances may seem to render it desirable, to the Holy Order of Deacons, such persons, and under such restrictions as are contemplated by the fifth Canon of the General Convention of 1847.
And the question being put, this resolution was lost.
The report of the Committee was then taken up and adopted.
Resolved, That one thousand copies of the Journal of this Convention be printed under the direction of the Secretary.
Resolved, That article XI of the Constitution be referred to a committee to report to the next Convention what modification, if any, should be made as to the time of the election of Delegates to the General Convention, and the appointment of their substitutes.
Rev. Drs. Neufville and Ford, Rev. Mr. Scott, Dr. Stewartson and Mr. Munroe were appointed as the committee.
Resolved, That the Treasurer be directed to pay the Rev. Dr. Neufville the sum of $23 for the quota of this Diocese to the last General Convention, which the late Treasurer was prevented from doing by a deficiency in the amounts received from the different Parishes; and also the bill for reprinting 100 copies of the Journals of 1827, 1828, amounting to $19.
Resolved, That the sum of $15 be annually appropriated to the Secretary for contingent expenses of his office.
Rev. J. A. Shanklin was appointed to preach the next Convention sermon, and Rev. William Johnson his substitute.
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Rev. Richard Johnson was appointed to preach the next Missionary Sermon, and Rev. W. C. Williams his substitute.
Resolved, That the thanks of this Convention be hereby tendered to William P. Hunter, Esq., late Treasurer of the Diocese, for his long and faithful labors in the duties of that office.
After Prayers by the Bishop, Convention adjourned to Monday morning at half-past 7 o’clock.
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On Sunday, Morning Prayer was read by the Rev. Dr. Neufville; two persons were confirmed by the Bishop, and a sermon was preached by the Rev. Dr. Ford.
In the afternoon, the Ante-Communion Office was read by Rev. Thomas F. Scott, a Sermon was preached by Rev. W. C. Williams, and the Holy Communion was administered by the Bishop, assisted by the Rev. Mr. Scott.
The collection at the Offertory, amounting to $23[.]80, was appropriated to the education of candidates for Holy Orders.
At night, Evening Prayer was read by the Rev. Dr. Neufville; the Missionary Sermon was preached by Rev. J. A. Shanklin, and a collection made in aid of Diocese Missions, amounting to $51[.]32.
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Monday Morning, 8th May 1848.
Convention was called to order, and Prayers were offered by the Bishop.
The minutes of Saturday’s proceedings were read and confirmed.
A certificate of the election of Lay Delegates was presented from Trinity Church, Columbus, and referred to the Committee on Elections, who reported that the following persons had been duly appointed: Dr. Edward T. Taylor, Whitby Foster, and Maj. Thomas M. Nelson.
A Parochial report was also presented from Christ Church, St. Simon’s Island, which was ordered to be printed with the Parochial reports.
After an Address and Prayers by the Bishop, Convention adjourned sine die.
STEPHEN ELLIOT, JR.,
Bishop of the Diocese of Georgia.
THOMAS F. SCOTT, Secretary.
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APPENDIX B.
___
PAROCHIAL REPORTS.
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CHRIST CHURCH, SAVANNAH.
Rev. Edward Neufville, D. D., Rector.
Baptisms—white infants 22, white adults 2, coloured infants 11— 35
Confirmed, – – – – – – – 7
Marriages, – – – – – – – 3
Burials, – – – – – – – 19
Communicants—added 7, died 5, removed 9— – – 153
Sunday School—Teachers – – – – – 12
“ Pupils – – – – – 90
CONTRIBUTIONS.
To Diocesan Missions, – – – – – $504 19
“ Domestic “ – – – – – 164 95
“ Foreign “ – – – – – 186 60
Church at Atlanta, – – – – – – 131 00
Education of candidates for Orders, – – – – 100 00
Church at Talbotton, – – – – –
The children of the Sunday School have contributed (included above in the aggregate return) $31 to the Chinese, $22 to the African and $7 to Diocesan Missions, besides $5 to the Chapel at Montpelier.
Of the amount contributed to Diocesan Missions, $141 was by the Ladies’ Missionary Association.
“The Bible, Prayer Book and Tract Society” has distributed 112 Prayer Books, 26 Bibles and a number of Tracts/
The Sunday School for coloured children is still kept up, and the pupils have contributed $20 for the education of a child in Africa.
Of the number of those who have gone to their rest and their reward within the past year, the name of Miss Elizabeth Wilkins is worthy of especial notice, as well for “the alms-deeds which she did” while yet alive, as for the memorial she has left of her affection “for the house of God and the offices thereof,” as manifested by a bequest of fifteen shares of Planters’ Bank Stock to the Ladies’ Missionary Association of Christ Church, and five shares of State Bank Stock to the fund for the education of candidates for Orders, besides a residuary legacy of several hundred dollars to the funds of Christ Church, whereof she was for many years a communicant. This is the third member of the same family who, in the final distribution of wordly [sic] goods, has remembered Zion with substantial tokens of interest in her enlargement and prosperity.
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ST. PAUL’S CHURCH, AUGUSTA.
Rev. Edward E. Ford, D. D., Rector.
Baptisms—adults 3, children 12—total – – – – 15
Confirmed, – – – – – – – 12
Communicants—added (including 9 transferred from other Church congregations) 19, removed 11, died 1—present number – 115
Marriages, – – – – – – – – 4
Burials, – – – – – – – – 8
MISSIONARY COLLECTIONS.
For General Board of Missions—Domestic, – $34 00
Foreign, – 64 00
Diocesan, – 90 27
Total, – – – – – – – 188 27
Communion alms, – – – – – – – 236 00
The sum of $101 was contributed through a collection, in the Church, to aid in the erection of a place of worship in Atlanta.
The white Sunday School contains about 90 children, under the Rector as superintendent, three male and five female teachers. The coloured school about 45 children, under the Rector, three male and three female teachers.
During the past year the interior of the Church, including the walls and ceiling, as well as the wood work, has been painted, part of the expense of which, viz: to the amount of $237, has been raised by the Ladies’ Working Association. Important repairs have also been put upon the Church, and the Parsonage has been greatly improved, and painted within and without. In addition to this important contribution to the comfort of the Rector and his family, he has to acknowledge a donation from the ladies of the Congregation, not less delicately bestowed than generously conceived, of a lot of neat and useful house furniture.
The Rector takes pleasure in stating that the Lenten Services were better attended, and seemingly with more solemn interest, than in any previous year during his connexion with the Parish. They consisted of the regular Morning and Evening Prayer on Wednesdays and Fridays, until Passion Week, when the services were daily, morning and evening, with the addition of appropriate readings.
The children of the Parish are catechized monthly, in Church, by the Rector.
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CHRIST CHURCH, MACON.
Rev. J. A. Shanklin, Rector.
Baptisms—adult 1, infants 15—total – – – – 16
Confirmed, – – – – – – – – 4
Communicants—added 8, removed 3, died 4—present number, 81
Marriages, – – – – – – – – 4
Funerals, (6 not of the Congregation,) – – – – 14
Sunday School—1 superintendent, 4 male and 4 female teachers; registered scholars 50, average attendance about 40.
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CONTRIBUTIONS.
To Diocesan Missions, – – – – – $175 00
“ Domestic “ – – – – – – – 50 00
“ Foreign “ – – – – – – – 50 00
“ Jewish “ – – – – – – – 14 25
“ other purposes, – – – – – – – 115 05
By the Ladies’ Association, – – – – – – 275 00
Total, – – – – – – $679 30
The condition of this Parish is on the whole encouraging. The attendance on the services of the Sanctuary has been good, and while we lament the want of deep and extended religious interest among the impenitent, yet the attention on the part of the people leads us to hope that better things are in store for us.
TRINITY CHURCH, COLUMBUS.
Rev. Wm. D. Cairns, Rector.
Baptisms—adults 2, infants 17—total – – – – 19
Confirmed, – – – – – – – – 12
Communicants—added 12, removed 3, died 3— – – – 146
Marriages, – – – – – – – – 8
Burials—adults 3, infants 4— – – – – – 7
COLLECTIONS.
At “Offertory,” – – – – – – $267 62½
For Diocesan Missions—Ladies’ Society, – – – – 60 00
“ Domestic Missions—general, – – – – – 70 00
“ Foreign Missions “ – – – – – 70 00
“ China—S. School “ – – – – – 8 50
Total, – – – – – – – – 476 22½
The Right Rev. the Bishop having recently visited this Parish, the Rector respectfully refers the Convention to his report of its condition, in preference to making any representations of his own.
Columbus, May 2, 1848.
CHRIST CHURCH, ST. SIMON’S.
Rev. E. P. Brown, Rector.
Within the four years of my connection with the Parish of St. Simon’s, one half the families of the Island have moved away. The result is, that those who remain are unable longer, without aid, to support the continued services of a minister. Whether such aid shall be given, it is not for the Rector to say; certain, however, it is, that a most interesting work—a work strictly missionary, if not on the part of the while population, at least on the part of the black—remains yet to be accomplished—for the sake of which work, if the Providence of God be so, it will still give me pleasure to remain upon the Island.
Confirmations—white 4, negroes 12— – – – 16
Baptisms—adult, coloured 1; infants, white 1, coloured 8— 10
Marriages, – – – – – – – 1
Burials, – – – – – – – 1
Communicants—19 white, 33 coloured— – – – 52
Missionary contributions, – – – – – $25 00
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ST JOHN’S CHURCH, SAVANNAH.
Rev. Rufus M. White, Rector.
Baptisms—adults 2, children 11, – – – – – 13
Confirmed, – – – – – – – 8
Communicants—died 2, removed 4, added 23, – – – 100
Burials, – – – – – – – – 9
CONTRIBUTIONS.
To Diocesan Missions – – – – – $234 20
General Domestic Missions – – – – – 189 20
Foreign Missions – – – – – – 82 50
Christmas and Easter collection for education of candidates
for Orders, – – – – – – – 95 00
To Zion Church, Talbotton, – – – – – – 100 00
To Church at New Albany, Indiana, – – – – – 25 00
Other contributions to Foreign Missions have been made, as heretofore, through the medium of “Societies,” and the Ladies’ Association still maintains its usefulness to the Church.
To Rev. Richard Johnson we are greatly indebted for important services performed in the Parish, in the absence of the Rector, during the last summer.
The Parish School and Orphan Asylum minister, as in former years, blessings to many poor children. In the former, several ladies belonging to Christ Church render constant and valuable assistance as teachers; and toward the support of the latter, we received from that congregation nearly two hundred dollars, partly in individual subscriptions from several of its members, and partly, in an annual allowance by its Rector, from the communion offerings. Ever may the two congregations evince, by such co-operation in Christian works and Christian charities, their unity of spirit, as well of organization, in Christ’s Holy Catholic Church.
GRACE CHURCH, CLARKESVILLE.
Rev. B. F. Mower, Rector.
Communicants, – – – – – – – 13
Baptism, – – – – – – – – 1
Sunday School—scholars, – – – – – – 24
“ “ teachers, – – – – – – 4
Weekly offerings for Diocesan Missions, – – – – $21 80
Quarterly collections for Diocesan Missions, – – – 23 35
Communion Offerings, – – – – – – 43 88
——–
$89 03
Though absent from this Parish for four months during the winter, the Sunday School was continued. It was continued by those who, up to the time of my leaving, had been senior pupils, and who now fill in the Sunday School office of teachers. The labor of these young persons during my absence, in keeping together the school, was altogether unlooked for by me. I had left, supposing that the school would be closed until my return. It was, therefore, a subject of joy and gratitude that God put it into their hearts to engage in this good work, thus keeping together those who would otherwise, in all probability, have been lost to the teaching of our Church, through the instrumentality of her Sunday School.
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In reviewing this portion of my work since my entrance upon the duties of this Parish, I would take this opportunity to state, that the result has been highly gratifying. At first, there were no pupils to be obtained; now several families send constantly. The attention and interest of the children are perceptibly increasing.
The Church, in this place, is much restricted in her operations, by her small number of pews. Most of these are rented to those who remain with us only during the summer; so that, when they are here, other people are excluded. The renting of pews would be no hindrance to the growth of this Church if there were a sufficient number of pews always free; but as widely separated parts of the Church, persons who would otherwise have attended upon our services, preferred to go where they were welcome to any seat they chose. The only remedy of this evil, is the enlargement of the building, so as to meet the wants of this growing summer Church.
ST. STEPHEN’S CHURCH, MILLEDGEVILLE.
Rev. Wm. Johnson, Rector.
The actual state of this Parish is shown by the following statistics:
Baptisms—white adult 1, white infants 5, coloured infants 5—total 11
Communicants, (3 added) – – – – – 17
Burials, infants, (one not being of this Parish) – – 2
Amount of alms taken at communion, – – – $25 32
The communion is administered on the first Sunday of every month. Service is performed on Sunday twice, and once on each of the principal holy days; also once a week during Lent, and every day in Passion Week.
At the Bishop’s visitation, no persons were ready for confirmation. Since that, two have joined the communion, and are waiting for the Bishop to visit us again.
During the first year of my ministrations in this Parish, there seemed to be little or no change, and there was no promise of better things. But a firm reliance on the power which the Church has, by virtue of its divine origin, kept us from despair. The Rector now has it in his power to say that the congregation, though still small, is in perfect harmony, and that the fruit of this desirable state begins to be seen. He acknowledges uniform kindness and affection, and extra attention, from his little flock; and he hopes he will be excused for stating here, that, since he came into the charge of the Parish, no difficulty has ever attended his receiving his salary quarterly; and this is the more gratifying inasmuch as it is made up by a very small number.
ST. JAMES’ CHURCH, MARIETTA.
Rev. Thos. F. Scott, Rector.
Communicants—added 10, removed 1—present number – – 26
Confirmations, – – – – – – – 2
Baptisms—infants – – – – – – – 6
Marriages, – – – – – – – – 2
Funerals, – – – – – – – – 5
For Diocesan Missions, – – – – – – $9 81
Communion Offerings, – – – – – – 38 21
For Jewish Mission, – – – – – – – 5 00
Bishop’s Fund, – – – – – – – 100 00
Convention Fund, – – – – – – – 10 00
Parochial purposes, – – – – – – – 198 87
$361 89
3
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The Sunday School continues without any material alteration. The children are publicly examined once a month.
The congregation and number of communicants are still gradually increasing.
The Female Seminary is prosperous. Our number is full, and we are gradually enlarging our means of prosecuting more thoroughly the work so generously confided to our hands.
There is by little of marked religious interest in the congregation, while it is probably true that as our town increases in prosperity, there is an increased appearance in irreligion.
A regular service is conducted twice in the month some six miles in the country, with promising appearances of success. We hope to erect a convenient Chapel at this point in the course of the year.
Respectfully submitted.
________
EMMANUEL CHURCH, ATHENS.
Rev. Wm. Bacon Stevens, M. D., Rector.
Baptisms—infants, whites 3, coloured 1— – – – – 4
Marriages, (by Rev. Mr. Scott,) – – – – – 1
Confirmed, – – – – – – – – 3
Burials, (one not of the congregation,) – – – – 2
Communicants—removed and died 8, added 6— – – – 23
Collections for Church purposes, of which over $300 were to pay
debt on Organ, – – – – – $470 19
Of the communicants reported above, three are “candidates for Orders” in this Diocese; one of whom is at the Theological Seminary of Virginia, and the others are pursuing their studies with the Rector.
The connection of the present Rector with this Parish will cease on the last Sunday in July, as he has accepted the repeated, earnest and unanimous invitation to the Rectorship of St. Andrew’s Church, Philadelphia. Painful will be the hour which severs him from his first Parish, and from a flock which, under the guidance of the great Shepherd, he has gathered into the fold of the Church; but the voice of God, speaking through His providences, does, in his interpretation of them, call him away to more arduous toil in a distant, yet important portion of the vineyard of the Lord. Nor can he part with this Diocese but with feelings of deep regret. In it he was first admitted to the communion of the Protestant Episcopal Church. Here he received the Scriptural rite of confirmation—here, under his beloved Diocesan, he studied for the Ministry, and in the Mother Church of this Diocese he received from his hands those commissions which constituted him a Deacon and Presbyter of our Holy Apostolic Church. To separate himself from such ties and sympathies, cannot be done without a sorrow of heart beyond the power of language to express. His earnest prayer is, that God may give to his beloved Parish a Minister after his own heart, who shall break unto them the bread of life, and that He may pour out upon this Diocese and upon its beloved chief Shepherd such a blessing as that this State shall indeed become Emmanuel’s land, a mountain of holiness.
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ST. LUKE’S CHURCH, MONTPELIER.
Rt. Rev. Stephen Elliott, Jr., Rector.
Rev. S. G. Bragg, Assistant Rector.
Baptisms—white adults 4, white infants 4— – – – – 8
Burials, a negro – – – – – – – – 1
Confirmations—Pupils of the School 8, Teacher 1— – – – 9
Sunday School—Teachers – – – – – – – 2
Pupils – – – – – – – 84
Communicants, – – – – – – – – 25
CONTRIBUTIONS.
China Mission, – – – – – – – – $75
African Mission, – – – – – – – – 65
Bishop Chase, – – – – – – – – 25
Church at Atlanta, – – – – – – – – 50
Diocesan Missions, – – – – – – – – 27
$242
CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH, ST. MARY’S.
Rev. W. D. Harlow, Missionary.
Communicants, – – – – – – – – 19
“ added by removals, – – – – – – 2
“ “ baptism, – – – – – – 1
“ from other communions, – – – – – 1
“ lost by removal, – – – – – – 1
“ present number, – – – – – – 22
Baptisms—adult 1, infant 1— – – – – – – 2
Burials—2 not of the congregation, – – – – – – 3
White Sunday School—Teachers – – – – – – 4
Scholars, – – – – – – 12
Coloured Sunday School—Teachers, – – – – – 12
Scholars, – – – – – 60
CONTRIBUTIONS.
To purchase an Organ, – – – – – – – $200
“ carpeting, cushioning, &c. of Church, – – – – – 60
$260
We have no confirmations to report, as the Bishop has not made us his annual visit. There are several candidates in waiting. We shall have our Organ in a week or two, and then we shall be complete as to all the fixtures of our little Church, and ready to have it consecrated to the entire worship of Almighty God. Our coloured Sunday School is in a very flourishing condition; and besides having preached regularly twice on every Sabbath since I have been in charge, although in feeble health, I have superintended the exercises of this school. I have also preached at one burial, and held the regular Good Friday services. On account of having delayed the communion for the expected visit of the Bishop, it has been administered by once. We have also established a weekly Bible class, which
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promises to be very beneficial to our little Church. An interest has been excited with the younger part of the congregation in Scripture knowledge, which they have never before possessed. In addition to our services for the whites, we have held several for the blacks, and have experimentally falsified the assertion of an eminent Minister at the North, that our sublime Liturgy is not suitable for the uneducated and country people. But this I had several times before done in the West, where our services had never before been performed. More than once, on such occasions, have I had the people come around me after the conclusion of the services, and take me by the hand, with a hearty shake, saying: “Well, I do like your prayers so much.” Respectfully submitted.
St. Mary’s, (Ga.) April 28, 1848.
ASCENSION, CASS COUNTY, AND ST. PETER’S, ROME.
Rev. Thompson L. Smith, Missionary.
The present Missionary took charge of the stations in Cass and Floyd in January last.
The number of the communicants at Ascension Church is yet small. A Sunday School has recently been commenced. Services are held there two Sundays in ever month. In the afternoon of each Sabbath, services are held for a large and attentive coloured congregation.
At Rome, the Missionary found that services had been suspended for some time, but he is happy to report that the location and materials for building up a Church are now more promising than at any former period. But there is great need of a Church building in which to worship God after the form which we love. Our little flock here has been bandied about from place to place till we have at last taken refuge in the Court House; but our constant prayer is that God would incline the hearts of our stronger Churches to lend us a helping hand towards putting up at least a small Chapel. Our pretensions are humble, we only wish to raise six hundred dollars. With this, we might at least shelter ourselves from the inclemency of winter and the heat of summer, and be content to worship God under our own vine and fig-tree, with none to molest or make us afraid.
OGEECHEE MISSION.
Rev. W. C. Williams, Missionary.
Baptisms—infants, coloured 3; adult, white 1— – – – 4
Communicants—died 1, withdrawn 1, suspended 1, added 2— – 9
Funerals—1 white, 12 coloured— – – – – – 13
Pupils connected with the Mission schools, about – – – 120
Contributions for Africa, – – – – – – $10
The bounds of the Mission have been enlarged since the last annual report, by the addition of another plantation. The Missionary regrets to say that the indifference to the concerns of eternity mentioned in his last, still continues; but he thinks there are many circumstances to encourage him to believe that the work of the Lord will yet prosper among these be-
21
nighted people. Time is necessary to enlighten ignorance, to overcome prejudice and to remove superstition, but in due season the Church will reap if she faints not. Unless this time is given, and the Church is prepared to wait in faith, she had better not enter on the work; but if she is, and will sustain the Mission with her prayers, the day will come when many who are now sunk in ignorance and sin, will be turned “from darkness to light, from the power of Satan unto God.” The schools appear to be in a prosperous condition.
ATLANTA AND JONESBORO’.
Rev. John J. Hunt, Missionary.
My services for the past year have been bestowed at these points, with an occasional service for brethren in other Parishes.
The same obstacle to success, as well as the convenient performance of our services, exists yet as last reported, which is he want of a suitable house. The Church contracted for was to have been completed by Christmas, but from the neglect of the contractor, is yet unfinished, though we hope in a a few weeks to be ready for consecration. It was desired and expected that it should have been ready by the meeting of the Convention.
One of our warmest supporters had removed, and we anticipate the removal of one of our Wardens. Their places, we trust will be in some degree supplied by others who may come in. There have been two infant baptisms. The number of communicants, as last reported, five.
REPORT OF REV. RICHARD JOHNSON,
Rector of Zion Church, Talbotton,
And officiating as a Missionary there.
Immediately after my return from the last Convention, I discontinued my visits to Griffin, and confined my attention to Talbotton. In June last, an Episcopal Church was organized there, and due notice given to the Bishop. On the 14th of June, I repaired to Savannah to take charge of Christ Church, during the absence of the Rector. In December, I returned to my station, with funds and a subscription list worth together about $1800, for the purpose of erecting an Episcopal Church in Talbotton; with which work, I have just been able to make a beginning. I trust to report it ‘ere long completed. I preach every Sunday to a congregation averaging about 200 persons. The Sunday School numbers about 25 pupils and 4 teachers. A library of 100 volumes has been recently presented to the school. The Rector takes this opportunity of acknowledging his indebtedness to the industry of a small party of ladies in Savannah, together with one lady in Talbotton, and the Rector of Christ Church, Savannah, for all the contributions which have been made to the Sunday School. The Church in Talbotton is indebted chiefly to the Episcopalians in Beaufort, (So. Ca.) and its neighborhood, and in Savannah, for the subscription which provides it with a house of worship. Of this sum, about $800 is subscribed by the congregation in the town of Beaufort, about $400 on St. Helena, on Hilton Head and at Bluffton, and the balance chiefly in Savannah.
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U. S. NAVAL ASYLUM,
PHILADELPHIA, APRIL 24th, 1848.
Right Rev. and very Dear Sir:
Since my report of last year, my duties have been unvaried and constant. I have baptised three, and buried eight. The number of the inmates is about the same as at the time of your visit in October last. Of these seventy are upright, respectable men—many of them consistent Christians. The great want of the institution in employment; they have nothing to do, and as they are advanced in life, it is not easy to engage them in any enterprise, but of their own choosing. If labour were made compulsory, it would be felt to be a hardship by men whose work has been finished for life. The only interruption in my services was from an attack of illness in the spring, in consequence of which the third service on Sunday has not been resumed. We have a Sunday School in the afternoon for the children of the household. I wish I could report to you a large number of penitents converted to God; but I continue to hope and pray for this result. Though the promises of the Gospel are principally to the young, I trust that He who “measures life by love,” will yet accept the dregs of their existence from these aged servants of their country.
* Baptisms—adult 1, children 2– – – – – 3
Burials, – – – – – – – 8
Most truly and respectfully,
With esteem and affection, yours,
THEO B. BARTOW.
Right Rev. Bishop Elliott.
_________
* The wife and children of Lieut. Stellwagen.
_________
APALACHICOLA, MAY 5, 1848.
Right Rev. and Dear Sir:
During the year ended on the first of March, I have celebrated Divine service 87 times. Once being unexpectedly called upon at a fourth of July celebration, held on the third, having no Prayer Book, I used extempore service, and preached. On all other occasions, I have used the service in myself at liberty to exercise what I thought a sound discretion in regard to the portions I should use. I have preached to the whites 85 times, to the blacks 53 times.
Baptised—3 whites, 12 coloured, infants— – – – 15
Celebrated matrimony, coloured, – – – – 3
Administed communion—white 1, coloured 7— – – 8
(Signed) W. J. ELLIS.
_______________________________
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APPENDIX A.
___
BISHOP’S ADDRESS.
___
BRETHREN OF THE CLERGY AND LAITY:
Again am I permitted at this annual meeting of our Ecclesiastical body to rejoice with you at the continued and increasing prosperity of our Diocese. If, at some points, our Churches have suffered from the depressing effects of emigration, and an absorption of property into a few hands, at other and more points have they been steadily enlarging their number of Communicants, and planting themselves upon a firmer and more permanent basis. With one or two exceptions, our Parishes are entirely freed from Church debt, and our Diocesan Missionary Treasury is in better condition than it has been for years. Every thing promises a season of decided enlargement in our operations, and of increase both of Parishes and Clergymen. May the counsels in which we are about to engage be so overruled by the guidance of the Holy Ghost as that these prospects may be more than realized, and we be enabled to say at its close, that God has been with us of a truth.
Much of this prosperity is owing, under God, to the adhesion of our Clergy to their places of labour. Instead of perpetually shifting their Parishes, they have been, for the times in which we live, uncommonly permanent. During the past year, no Clergyman has transferred his Canonical residence from the Diocese, and but very few changes have taken place within it. Our larger Churches are, with one exception, occupied by the same Rectors who filled their pulpits at my election, and I trust the bond may continue until Death shall call away the incumbents to the rest of their Lord. Permanence in his field of labor is much more an element of ministerial success than is commonly supposed, and it should be a very important and providential development of circumstances that would induce a Minister of the Gospel to forego its advantages. Let me dwell, for a little while, upon this topic, as it needs very earnest consideration and a much deeper incorporation into the spirit of our minds than it has obtained.
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The distinctive feature of our Church, in its external organization, is its Episcopacy, and our American branch of the Church of Christ has thought the permanence of the relation between the Bishop and his Diocese to be of such paramount importance, as to determine, by legislative enactments, that there shall be no transference of a Bishop from one Diocese to another, and has surrounded his resignation with checks of the most stringent kind. The second order of the Ministry has been left more free to act, according to its inclination and sense of duty, but still the spirit of the Church, as manifested in its view of the relation of Bishop and Diocese, must more or less shadow forth her view of the relation of Pastor and people. Although for very wise and sufficient reasons she has not undertaken to regulate by law the separation of a Minister from his people, except under very peculiar circumstances, yet has her legislation in regard to the Episcopal office, exhibited her sense of the sacredness of the ties which unite the Pastor and his flock. Her voice has been uttered, at least indirectly, against any frequent or rash severance of the Ministerial relation, and her whole spirit forbids the supposition that her sanction is given to the frequency of change which is beginning to render the Pastoral tie a matter merely of convenience or of interest. By not forbidding the change of the relation, she has declared, that there are circumstances which make it not only expedient, but proper, while at the same time, by making the Episcopal tie almost irrevocable, she has pronounced against a too ready dissolution of the relationship which binds her lower Ministry to the Flock over which the Holy Ghost has made them overseers.
In this, her solemn judgment, the Church is acting in strict accordance both with Scripture and the highest reason. Scripture teaches us that it is the Holy Ghost who guides the Church in her Ministerial arrangements, moving the smitten creature to take upon himself the sacred office, and then leading him into his field of holy labor. The Minister theoretically places himself under the guidance of the Holy Ghost, and moves neither forward nor backward, neither to the right hand nor the left, save as he may discern the pillar of cloud and of fire, lifting and settling itself. Wherever the Holy Spirit places him by those marks and tokens which he has given us for judgment, there should he abide until the same Divine presence as palpably directs him elsewhere. This is the theory, but how little is it regarded in practice; and every day are we called upon to witness in the Church the most hasty abandonment of a Flock upon grounds altogether insufficient. The merest matter of convenience is enough to determine a point of eternal importance, and souls are weighed in the balances with earthly
25
considerations that should never be permitted to conflict with their interests. No wonder that with such a contradiction of the whole theory of Scripture and of the ordination offices of the Church, there should be a lack of blessing upon their ministrations, and that our Zion should be called to mourn, in her length and breadth, the unsteady growth of her principles and the slow development of those fruits of the Spirit, which stand very much connected with a permanent Pastoral relationship.
The highest reason, too, is in harmony with this Scriptural view of the Pastoral office. Our Lord knew what was in man, knew how much he was a creature of affection and of sympathy, and in the arrangement of the Church linked the Ministerial office as closely as possible with the hearts of his creatures. While our Holy Religion, from its incipiency to its consummation, is a religion of love, no where is that love more manifest than in the intimate connexion which has been established between the Pastor and his people. The offices of Christianity stand connected with all the tenderest associations of human life, and their administration brings the Pastor into contact with his people at all those moments of joy and sorry which become the treasures of the heart. From the cradle to the grave, there is nothing in the family circle of most solemn and interesting which is not associated with the Minister of the Parish, and as he advances in age, he becomes the depository of feelings and of affections which never can be given to another. There gradually cluster around him an interest and a love which are the growth of years, and which swell his influence far beyond any mere improvement of his powers or his experience. His people no longer sit in judgment upon an aged Pastor, as he goes in and out among them, bearing them before the Mercy Seat, but they look upon him as children upon parent, and listen to his counsels with hearts warmed towards him by the holiest affection. They no longer consider whether he is the eloquent orator or the accomplished scholar—he has been their friend, their guide, their counselor in times when their hearts were buoyant with joy or smitten with grief, and they feel resting upon them all associations which disarm criticism and make his very presence pleasurable. Those who are now the chief actors upon the scene in which he has labored, were children whom he received from their mothers’ arms, and introduced into the congregation of Christ’s Flock—whose religious education he has directed in the Sunday School—whose plans of life he has counseled and assisted—whose weaknesses and infirmities he has borne and covered. Complete confidence has been bestowed upon him—such confidence as nothing but time and experience can
4 [sic]
26
gain—and his plans and even wishes are readily adopted and cheerfully carried out. Such influence as this no man should lightly give up—he can gain it no where else, for it takes almost a lifetime to gain; and he severs, in a whole generation, feelings and associations which they can never create again in an equal degree. The increase in influence is not merely in proportion to the duration of a Minister’s connexion with a Parish, but after a certain confidence has been gained, it increases with a rapidity that can scarcely be estimated by the Minister himself.
During the last Convention, I admitted in Christ Church, Savannah, to the Holy Order of Priesthood, the Rev. Thompson L. Smith. This was my only official act during the session of the Convention, and is recorded here because it occurred subsequently to the delivery of my annual address. Mr. Smith is acting as Missionary to the congregations in Cass and Floyd counties.
On the 15th of May, I commenced my annual visitation of St. Paul’s Church, Augusta. I found every thing in a very prosperous condition, and confirmed twelve persons, thus adding to the Church many interesting members.
On the 11th June, my usual services were begun in Trinity Church, Columbus. I officiated several days for this Parish, and confirmed six persons. At a subsequent visitation in the first week of April of the present year, I confirmed six more. This Church continues to flourish under the ministrations of the Rev. Mr. Cairns, and it has become necessary to build additional pews for the accommodation of the increasing congregation. Upon both occasions of my presence with this people, I had occasion to witness the justice of the remarks made in the opening of my address, in the rapidly increasing confidence with the steady ministrations of its Pastor is gaining for him, not only in, but out of the borders of the Church.
Early in June, I visited St. James’ Church, Marietta, attended the examination of the Female Seminary in connexion with that Church, and confirmed two persons. I was very much gratified with the proficiency of the pupils in their various studies, and felt that any recommendation I had publicly given of this Seminary was amply redeemed by what I witnessed upon that interesting occasion.
I did not, at this time, proceed any further West in my visitation, as the stations in Cass and Floyd were without a Missionary. Nor have I yet thought it expedient to visit them, as Mr. Smith has too recently taken charge of them to be in readiness for any Episcopal services. I shall take an early opportunity of giving them a thorough visitation.
Early in August, I visited Emmanuel Church, Athens, and con-
27
firmed three persons, two of whom were student in the University of Georgia. One of these has since become a candidate for the Ministry in this Diocese, and is pursuing his studies in the Theological Seminary of Virginia, while another has been deterred from a like dedication of himself to the service of the Church only by circumstances altogether beyond his control. We trust that in due time his way may be clearly opened for the fulfillment of his heart’s desire.
It is with the deepest regret that I learn by a communication from Dr. Stevens, that his connexion with Emmanuel Church and the University will soon cease. In this rupture of his Pastoral and Professional connexion, our beloved brother, after long and prayerful consideration, has believed himself to see the guiding hand of the Holy Ghost, and however much we may lament his loss, we cannot but feel that it may well be so, when we remember how long and pertinaciously he has been called to take charge of the interesting congregation which was gathered and watched over by that faithful Minister of the Gospel, whose praise is in all the Churches—the Rev. Dr. Bedell. Not only will our brother be a sad loss to his own little Flock, but our University and the State will feel that one of their most useful sons and brightest ornaments has been taken from them. Let our prayer for him be that the Spirit of his Master may rest upon him in double measure, and that he may find grace and strength sufficient for the very responsible charge which has been laid upon him. May he always remember that without Christ he can do nothing—that with him he can do all things.
From Athens, I proceeded to Grace Church, Clarkesville, and spent several days in visiting the families of this increasing congregation. I found no candidates for confirmation at Clarkesville, but this is owing, in some measure, to the nature of the Flock, of which Mr. Mower has the oversight. Being almost entirely a summer congregation, and made up of families removing into the Parish from other Churches of the Diocese, the official acts connected with these families are performed at other points anterior to their connexion with Grace Church. The increasing number of families which is settling in this neighborhood already admonishes the Parish of the want of new sittings, and it cannot be long before something will have to be done for the accommodation of the swelling tide of population which is setting towards that beautiful and healthful region of the country. This is another instance of the complete success of perseverance in the maintenance of the Church through almost unexampled difficulties. It was not until two Missionaries had abandoned the Parish almost in despair, that any evi-
28
dence was given of its probably prosperity, and now one Church can scarcely contain the accumulated worshippers.
Late in September, I left the Diocese for attendance upon the General Convention which assembled in New York in October last. The session was an unusually protracted one, and although there was not much positive legislation, yet many principles were adjusted which will be of future importance to the church. You will bear with me while I tough upon two of these, and shew you their bearing upon the harmony and interests of the Church.
A very serious defect was found to exist in the judicial functions of the House of Bishops, which, while it had power to try and sentence one of its members for any violation of either the Moral or Canon Law, seemed not to possess the right, at least by positive enactment, to reconsider, or modify or reverse that sentence. Having assembled as a Court, and performed its functions and adjourned, it was supposed impossible for the same body to reassemble for reconsideration or reversal. To prevent any discord upon a subject as delicate as this, the Convention passed a Canon (the second, of 1847) by which the Bishops of the Church are entitled, under certain conditions, for which I refer you to the Canon, to remit and terminate or else modify any judicial sentence that may have been imposed by Bishops acting collectively as a Court. This settles a very vexed question, which might, at some future time, have given the church infinite trouble and vexation.
Another principle was likewise settled, which gave rise to long and exceedingly able debates in the House of Clerical and Lay Deputies—debates conducted, very much to the credit of that House, with infinite good temper and Christian courtesy—establishing the relation between indefinite suspension and jurisdiction. It was decided, and justly, in my opinion, that the jurisdiction of a Bishop was not voided by a sentence of indefinite suspension, and while a Canon was passed requiring in all future sentences, where the penalty of suspension was inflicted, that it should specify terms and limits to the sentence, provision was made for the particular case which brought up the discussion of the principles. It was enacted that the Convention or Standing Committee of a Diocese having a Bishop laboring under a disability to perform Episcopal offices, might invite any Bishop, Assistant Bishop or Missionary Bishop to perform Episcopal offices in that Diocese. By the same Canon, the Convention of such Diocese may place it under the full Episcopal charge and authority of the Bishop of another Diocese, or of a Missionary Bishop, until such time as the disability be removed.
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The General Convention also manifested, by its modification of the sixth Canon of 1844 and the ninth of 1841, a disposition to render the Ministry of the Church more accessible to men of strength of natural understanding and aptitude to teach, who may not have been able to obtain, from untoward circumstances in early life, all the learning of the schools. I confess that I am glad to see the Church legislating in this direction , for while I value scholarship and education in the Ministry most highly—while all my natural tastes and early predilections are that way—I feel that there is something wanting in the Church which a Ministry of this sort may apply. The Church should never hamper herself with laws which may disable her from using all the talent and earnestness which may lie in her way, but should stand prepared, acting under the general tone and spirit of her institutions, to embrace and work up, for her edification and the glory of her Lord, everything of zeal and devotion that may develope [sic] itself among her sons, however humble their position in life or untoward the circumstances of their boyhood. Many a burning spirit has been lost to our Ministry by the large requisitions which our Canons made of learning and of age. The relaxation to which I allude in the two Canons, has reference to the age of the parties claiming the privileges of those Canons.
The debates in the Missionary Society were also protracted and interesting, and as I took an active part in them, I feel desirous to place before you the views which I advocated, and the reasons of those views. As difficulty had long existed both in the foreign Committee and in the Board of Missions, with respect to the management of the Constantinopolitan Mission, an effort was made, in which I heartily concurred, to modify the organization of the Committees to be raised, having a Bishop at their head, for the conduct of such Missions as were under the superintendence of a Foreign Missionary Bishop. This would have brought our Foreign Missionary Bishops, in their correspondence and operations, in immediate connexion with their Peers, and if the Committees had been organized in good faith, would have given those Bishops a co-operation in which there would have been no sacrifice of conscience on either side, while harmony would have produced increased efficiency. I did no perceive any difficulty in the adjustment of the details of this arrangement, for it would have been only necessary to carry out the principles upon which the Missionary contributions are now permitted to be made, to secure to each Mission its proper share of the funds of the Church. As at present organized, every Parish and every individual has the privilege
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of designating the particular Mission to which its funds shall be appropriated, and by adhering to this principle, and dividing the unappropriated monies in equal proportion among the several Missions, no collision could take place, and the same Treasurers could manage all the fiscal concerns of the Society. I fear that unless some such plan is adopted, there will be increasing difficulty in our Missionary operations, which may lead to unhappy results. There is but one way of acting harmoniously, where radical difference of opinion exists, and that is by so regulating our organizations as to allow the fullest scope for individual conscientiousness that is compatible with their practical working.
Upon my return to Montpelier in November, I had again the pleasure of finding an interesting state of religious feeling among the pupils of the School, which terminated in the confirmation of eight of the pupils and one of the teachers. Our School has continued, through the Ecclesiastical year, to be always as full of pupils as we could desire, and with the increase of public favor and patronage. I regret to say that no interest has been taken by the Church generally in our request for a Chapel, and I shall have to ask of the Rectors of the churches to give me a collection in each of their Churches for this purpose during my visitation of the current year.
In the month of December, I visited a part of Middle Florida, and found that at its annual meting in the early part of December, which I was unable to attend, the Convention had wisely exonerated me from my provisional charge of the Diocese. During the three years in which I had charge of the Diocese, I had been entirely unable to visit any of the remoter Parishes, and could see no prospect of ever being able to do so. Meanwhile, the provisional charge which was vested in me, prevented those Churches from procuring Episcopal services from other Bishops without the long previous delay of correspondence with me—a correspondence lying frequently for weeks at my residence, while I was absent in remote parts of my Diocese. Under these circumstances, a return to the old arrangement was decidedly the part of wisdom, and general invitations have been extended to the Bishops of Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina to perform Episcopal services at such times as may be convenient for them. It will give me pleasure to render such services as may be in my power.
The last Sunday in January, I visited St. Stephen’s Church, Milledgeville, and spent some days in the Parish very pleasantly. I found our Brother laboring under great discouragements, but not at all inclined either to faint or grow weary in his labors. Our flock
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at that point continues very much the same, having neither increased nor diminished during the interval of my visitations.
During the month of April, I was occupied in the visitation of the Eastern part of my Diocese, St. Simon’s, St. Andrew’s, and St. David’s, Glynn county. The two former of these Parishes I found suffering from emigration to a lamentable degree, and while the Rev. Mr. Brown still maintains his post upon the island, it is with extreme difficulty that a proper compensation can be raised for his services. The absorption of property into a few hands upon the island, has likewise very much diminished his white congregation. The change was very marked since my last visitation. The negroes upon the island continue to form a very interesting portion of his flock, and he cannot be too highly commended for his laborious devotion to their spiritual wants. He presented seventeen candidates for confirmation, four of whom were white and thirteen coloured.
St. Andrew’s Parish is, for the present, without a Rector, Mr. Smith having resigned his charge of the united Parishes of St. Andrew’s and St. David’s, and removed to Cass and Floyd counties. This Parish is in a very depressed condition, arising mainly from the great emigration of the original members of the congregation and from the consequent impoverishment of the town. It is also laboring under the pressure of debt, but I have reason to believe that an effort will be made the next Fall to relieve itself from its embarrassment, and once again become an active and working Parish. Let it have, my Brethren, your sympathy and prayers and brotherly aid.
St. David’s, Glynn county, is in a more prosperous condition. Although without a Pastor, it is not for lack of interest or means that they find themselves in this condition. They make a very liberal offer of support, and are preparing to build a Parsonage for the accommodation of any future Rector. This is a very interesting field of labor, and calls loudly for some pious and well learned man to occupy its borders.
During Passion Week, my time was spent with the Churches of Savannah, and Easter Sunday I confirmed in Christ Church fifteen persons, seven of whom were from that Parish and eight from St. John’s. These Churches are both increasing in strength, and growing, I trust, in spirituality and in power.
I spent on night with the Rev. Mr. Williams, and preached for his interesting charge upon the Ogeechee. I know no field of labor in the Diocese more worthy of the zeal and devotedness of a Christian heart than this, and trust that our Brother may be long spared to feed these servants with the bread of life. I have still
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to lament that so few of our Ministers are willing to enter upon this service, and nothing can be said to the masters of their obligations and responsibilities so long as we find the Clergy of the Church declining this work. It is indeed an arduous and self-sacrificing labor, calling for infinite faith and patience, bur having with it the promise of rich blessings and the assurance of a certain reward.
The first Sunday after Easter was spent with Christ Church, Macon, when I had the happiness of admitting into connexion with the Church, through confirmation, four persons, who will, I trust, prove a rich blessing to the cause of Christ. This Parish is in a state of growing prosperity, and is beginning to feel straitened in its present borders.
During the past year, I have transferred no Clergyman from this Diocese, and have received the Rev. Mr. Harlow from that of Kentucky. This makes the present number of Clergy canonically connected with the Diocese of Georgia twenty-four.
Since our last Convention, Mr. Wesley P. Gahagan has become a candidate for Orders, and is pursuing his studies at the Theological Seminary of Virginia, and Mr. Geo. McAuley has been transferred from the Diocese of New York. These, with Mr. Perdue, are our candidates for Orders.
The subject of an Ecclesiastical Gazette was carried up to the last General Convention with your consent and approbation. It was most respectfully received by that body and referred to able Committees of both Houses, but owing to the absorbing interest of the topics which occupied the attention of that assembly, the Committees were not convened, and therefore made no report in the case. At some future day, it is not improbable that the matter will receive the sanction of the Church.
Nothing has been sent down for your consideration as a Conventional body, save a proposition to alter the first article of the Constitution of the Church, so as to substitute the first Wednesday in September for the first Wednesday in October as the time for holding the session of the General Convention.
All which is respectfully submitted, with the prayer that the Great Head of the Church may so direct and prosper you in all your consultations, that they may conduce to the glory of God and the extension of the kingdom of the Redeemer.
STEPHEN ELLIOTT, Jr.
Bishop of the Diocese of Georgia.
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Diocese of Georgia,
IN ACCOUNT WITH W. P. HUNTER, TREASURER.
1847. D.R.
May 10. To cash paid Rt. Rev. S. Elliott, Jr., on acc’t salary 1847, as per voucher credit, 210 00
“ To cash paid Rev. Edw. Neufville, Treasurer Diocese Missionary Committee, per resolution of Convention, – – – – 125 00
July 21. To cash paid Rev. Thos. F. Scott, Secretary of the Convention, for printing
Journals of 1847, – – – – – 90 00
Dec. 6. To cash paid Rt. Rev. S. Elliott’s draft on account of salary for 1847, – 300 00
1848.
Jan. 17. “ “ “ “ 650 00
Mar. 1. “ “ “ per receipt, 100 00
April 22. “ “ “ “ 250 00
April 29. “ “ “ “ 355 00
May 1, “ “ “ “ 100 00
May 1. To balance carried down, – – – – – 12 92
$2,192 92
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1847. C.R.
May 4. By balance account rendered this date – – – $92 92
5. By cash received of Trinity Church, Columbus, quota Bishop’s fund for 1847, 100 00
5. Do. do. for expenses to Convention for 1847, – 15 00
6. By cash received from Christ Church, Macon, for balance quota
to Bishop’s fund for 1846, – – – – – 110 00
7. Do. do. for expenses of Convention for 1847, – 15 00
7. By cash received from St. Paul’s Church, Augusta, for expenses
of Convention for 1847, – – – – – 15 00
7. Do. do. St. Stephens’, Milledgeville, do. do. – 15 00
7. Do. do. St. James’, Marietta, do. do. – 15 00
7. Do. do. St. Andrews’, Darien, do. do. – 15 00
8. Do. do. Grace Church, Clarkesville, do. do. – 15 00
June 15. Do. do. Christ Church, Savannah, do. do. – 15 00
15. Do. do. St. John’s Church, do. do. – 15 00
July 21. Do. do. St. James’ Church, Marietta, on account, quota
Bishop’s fund for 1847, – – – – – 25 00
Nov. 13. Do. do. do. do. do. 25 00
26 . Do. do. St. Paul’s, Augusta, do. do. 250 00
1848.
Jan. 17. Do. do. Christ Church, in full, do. do. 650 00
Feb. 19. Do. do. Christ Church, Macon do. do. 100 00
Mar. 26. Do. do. do. do. do. 100 00
April 19. Do. do. St. James’ Church, Marietta, do. do. 50 00
22 . Do. do. Christ Church, St. Simon’s, do. do. 100 00
24 . Do. do. St. Paul’s Church, Augusta, do. do. 250 00
25 . Do. do. St. John’s Church, Savannah, do. do. 105 00
May 1. Do. do. Christ Church, Macon, in full, do. do. 100 00
$2,192 92
1848.
May 1. By balance brought down, – – – – – – 12 92
W. P. HUNTER,
Treasurer Diocese of Georgia.
E. E. SAVANNAH, May 1st, 1848.
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Report of the Rev. Edw. Neufville,
TREASURER OF THE COMMITTEE ON MISSIONS
RECAPITULATION
DR.
Received from Christ Church, Savannah, – – – – – $504 19
“ “ St. John’s Church, Savannah, – – – – 238 71
“ “ Christ Church, Macon, – – – – – 175 00
“ “ St. Paul’s Church, Macon, – – – – – 82 00
“ “ Grace Church, Clarkesville, – – – – – 45 15
“ “ Christ Church, St. Simon’s, – – – – – 21 50
“ “ St. James’ Church, Marietta, – – – – – 8 09
“ “ Individual donations, – – – – – – 8 00
“ “ Treasurer of the Diocese, – – – – – 125 00
“ “ balance from last year, – – – – – 14 89
“ “ Convention collection, – – – – – 90 33
$1,312 86
C.R.
Paid to Rev. T. F. Scott, – – – – – – – $712 86
“ Rev. J. J. Hunt, – – – – – – – 300 00
“ Rev. B. G. Mower, – – – – – – – 150 00
“ Rich’d Johnson, – – – – – – – 150 00
$1,312 86
EDW’D NEUFVILLE, Treasurer.
E.E. SAVANNAH, May 1st, 1848.
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CONSTITUTION
OF THE
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH,
IN THE DIOCESE OF GEORGIA.
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ARTICLE I.
The Church of this Diocese, as a constituent part of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the United States of America, accedes to, recognizes, and adopts the General Constitution of the that Church, and acknowledges its authority accordingly.
ARTICLE II.
A Convention of this Church shall be held at such time of each year and places 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 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 Clergyman in 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 recognized 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 a 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.
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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 Constitutions and Canons of this Church, and are regularly organized 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.
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 this 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 when ever 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
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the place of such Delegate of 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.
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CANONS.
CANON I.
Each Church duly represented in 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, the Standing Committee of the Diocese. In the event of such representation, it shall be the duty of the Bishop, or, if there is 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 degredation 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 provisions of this Canon, neglect or refuse to obey the citation, such neglect or refusal shall be considered as an acknowledgement of the truth of the charges preferred against him, and sentence shall be pronounced accordingly.
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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 of 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, no 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 election 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.
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RULES OF ORDER.
RULE 1. The business of each day shall be introduced by the Order for Daily Morning Prayer and a Sermon.
RULE 2. When the President takes the Chair, no member shall continue standing, or shall stand up, unless to address the Chair.
RULE 3. The order of doing business in the Convention shall be as follows: 1st. The appointment of a Secretary by ballot. 2. The appointment of Committees of the Convention, and Special Committees. 3. The annual address of the Bishop. 4. The reading of the Parochial reports. 5. Reports from Committees of the Diocese. 6. Reports from the Treasurers. 7. Reports from Committees appointed at the last Convention. 8. Reports from Committees. 9. Election by ballot of Treasurers, Standing Committee of the Diocese, Diocesan Missionary Committee, and Deputies to the General Convention.
RULE 4. When any member is about to speak in debate, or present any matter to the Convention, he shall, with due respect, address himself to the President, confining himself strictly to the point in debate.
RULE 5. No member shall absent himself from the service of the Convention, unless he have leave, or be unable to attend.
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RULE 6. No member shall speak more than twice in the same debate, without leave of the Convention.
RULE 7. A question, being once determined, shall stand as the judgment of the Convention, and shall not be drawn into debate the same session, unless with the consent of two-thirds of the Convention: Provided always, that any member of the Convention voting in favor of any question, may, on the same day in which the vote is taken, or on the succeeding day, move a reconsideration of said vote.
RULE 8. No motion shall be debated, or shall be considered as before the Convention, unless seconded, reduced to writing, and ready by the Secretary.
RULE 9. When a motion is under consideration, no other motion shall be made, except to amend, to divide, to commit, or to postpone; a motion to adjourn, however, shall always be in order, and shall be decided without debate.
RULE 10. A question on amendment shall be decided before the original motion.
RULE 11. Every member who shall be present when the question is put, shall vote, unless personally interested, or excused by the Convention from voting.
RULE 12. When the Convention is about to rise, or adjourn, every member shall keep his seat until the President shall leave the chair.
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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 the 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.
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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:–
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“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 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 ——.”
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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, wordly [sic] and common uses.”
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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, (or 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: K L, M N and O P, 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, and if present, or in his absence, by one of the Wardens or Secretary of the Vestry.
[Back cover]
_________________________________
RT. REV. STEPHEN ELLIOTT, Jr., D.D.,
Bishop of the Diocese of Georgia; P. O., Macon.
REV. THOMAS F. SCOTT, Marietta,
Secretary of the Convention.
REV. EDW’D NEUFVILLE, D. D., Savannah,
President of the Standing Committee.
MR. W. S. WILLIFORD, Macon,
Treasurer of the Diocese.
REV. EDW’D NEUFVILLE, D. D., Savannah,
Treasurer of the missionary Committee.
_________________________________