This Journal is also available as a Word Document: 1826journal.doc and as a PDF file

 

JOURNAL

OF THE

PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

Fourth Convention

OF THE

PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH,

IN THE

STATE OF GEORGIA:

HELD IN THE

Parish of Christ Church, Macon,

ON THE

24th and 25th of April, 1826.

****

AUGUSTA:

PRINTED AT THE CHRONICLE AND ADVERTISER OFFICE.

****
1826.

JOURNAL, &c.
***

Macon, Georgia, 24th April, 1826.
This being the day appointed by the last Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the Diocess of the State of Georgia, for the next annual meeting of the same, and this town having been selected as the place of meeting, several of the Clergy and Lay Delegates accordingly attended, at half past 10 o’clock A.M. in the Court House.

Divine service was conducted by the Rev. A. Carter, Rector of Christ Church, Savannah; and a sermon, adapted to the occasion, was delivered by the Rev. Hugh Smith, Rector of St. Paul’s Church, Augusta.

After the religious services, the Convention assembled—when the Right Rev. Bishop Bowen, as President, ex officio, took the chair, and the following certificates of lay delegation were laid on the table, examined, and approved.

Edward F. Campbell, \
G. McLaughlin, / from St. Paul’s Church, Augusta.
C.B. Strong, \
Reuben Burrough, > from Christ Church, Macon.
John B. Wick, /
William Davis, Esq. \
Dr. Theodosius Bartow, / from Christ Church, Savannah.

The following members then appeared, and took their seats:
Of the Clergy—Right Rev. Bishop Bowen, President.
Rev. Abiel Carter, Rector of Christ Church, Savannah.
Rev. Hugh Smith, Rector of Saint Paul’s Church, Augusta
Rev. Lot Jones, Rector of Christ Church, Macon.

4

Of the Laity—Edward F. Campbell, \ from St Paul’s Church,
G. McLaughlin, / Augusta.
Reuben Burrough, \ from Christ Church,
John B. Wick, / Macon.

The Convention then proceeded to the election of officers.—On counting the ballots, it appeared that the following gentlemen were respectively elected, viz:

G. McLaughlin, of Augusta, Secretary.
Dr. J.B. Read, of Savannah, Treasurer.

On motion of the Rev. A. Carter, seconded by the Rev. Lot Jones, it was Resolved, That the thanks of the Convention be presented to the Rev. H. Smith, for his very able, appropriate, and impressive sermon, delivered before them this day.
On motion, it was then Resolved, That the same rules of order adopted by the previous Conventions of this Diocess, be adopted as the rules of order for the present Convention.

The Bishop then delivered the following Address to the Convention:

My Brethren of the Clergy and of the Laity:

Although the provisions of the Canon, by which it is made the duty of the Bishop, at every annual Convention, to deliver an address, stating his peculiar official transactions, and the occurrences which have taken place within the preceding year, affecting the condition of the Churches over which he presides, can scarcely be considered to embrace a case like that of the imperfect Diocesan relations which we reciprocally sustain—yet, it may be proper, that even the little which circumstances have admitted of my having to communicate, in conformity with the spirit and design of the Canon, should, on this occasion, be stated and recorded. You are aware of the obstacles which make my being occupied among you more frequently, and to a greater extent, in co-operation with the excellent and highly esteemed ministers, to whom Providence has assigned this as the scene of their usefulness—that which I must in vain desire—and

5

are prepared to expect no report of services proper to the office which I here provisionally bear, calculated, in any considerable degree, either to inform or interest you.

At an early period after you last meeting, in Convention, the certificate required by the 7th Canon of our Church was addressed to me by your Standing Committee, in behalf of Mr. Henry Hood, desiring to be received and registered as a candidate for Holy Orders. Mr. Hood was, accordingly, so received and registered; but subsequently removing to the Diocess of Pennsylvania, he obtained from me letters dimissory to the Bishop of that Diocess. There is no other candidate for Holy Orders, at present, in this portion of our Church. It is reasonable to hope, that a field of service, so interesting as that which the interior of this state opens to the view of such as hold the faith of Christ as we do, will yet attract some, who will worthily pursue in it the glory of his name, and the happiness of their fellow-men. It is melancholy to advert to the fact, that, while other callings are so honorably supplied with the native talent and character of the state, that of the Ministry, and especially in the Communion of which we are members, should not yet have claimed, in a greater degree, this important advantage.—It has pleased the Divine Head and Lord of the Church, that, in several instances, you should have the benefit of the eminent zeal and ability of men, dedicated in other portions of our common country, to this calling; and, in their hands, we see the work of the Lord prospering to such extension of the borders of our Church, as embraces many dispersed members of it, who had long been without the comfort of its peculiar ministrations. The effect of their solicitude and labor is, unavoidably, however, far less than they desire; and you cannot but enter, with an animated sympathy, into the feelings with which they look on “Fields whitening to the harvest,” and “pray to the Lord of the harvest,” to raise up some in aid of them, who may be willing to take up its labor.

6

Among the youth of the state, zealous for its welfare and honor, and duly impressed with “the truth as it is in Jesus,” why should the hope not be cherished, that some will offer themselves candidates for this service, however arduous as to its character, and however unpromising, temporally at least, as to its rewards.

In the mean time, it is important that you spare no pains to obtain such assistance as may be supplied from other portions of our Church; and, while your diligent attention is given to the procuring such assistance, it is not, perhaps, presuming beyond the merits of the case, to hope, that the attention of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society may see, in such representations of it as your Delegates to the ensuing General Convention may be instructed to make to them, reasons for an appropriation in your favor of some portions of the funds which may be at their disposal I am confident, that a more worthy call upon the attention of that Institution could scarcely be addressed to it, than that which you might prefer, in behalf of the interior of the State of Georgia. The circumstances, on the due consideration of which this confident persuasion, on my part, rests, may not improperly be represented with some particularity, by your Delegates, to the Society’s Board of Directors.

The exertions of the Society instituted among yourselves, for the advancement of Christianity, should not, at the same time, permit me to suggest, be relaxed, for the same end, viz: the procuring means for defraying the expense of Missions, to be located in some of the more interesting parts of your inner country.

In March last, the Rev. Mr. Elliott, of South Carolina, was commended by me, to the attention of some officers of your Society, as one desiring to be professionally occupied in the State. He received a temporary Missionary appointment; but has not yet, it is understood, extended his services to other

7

places than St. Simon’s and Darien; where there is a prospect of his being acceptably and usefully engaged.

In the performance of visitation duty, it has been permitted me to visit, recently, Christ Church, in Savannah, where, as before, I have witnessed the effects of a faithful and judicious Ministry. Forty-six persons were, on this occasion, confirmed. You have partaken, with me, in the satisfaction of the only other official visit, which I have been able, since your last meeting, to make; and we are together here, as witnesses of the success of Missionary services, rendered in the best spirit and character of such services. The esteem and confidence which the Rev. Mr. Jones has already caused to rest upon him, personally and professionally, are promissory of his making himself, in this flourishing portion of the State, the instrument of an honorable advancement of the work, to which, with a pious zeal so pure, and with a character of manners and dispositions so amiable, he is devoted.
Of the manner, in which, by your counsel and aid, it may be practicable for you to strengthen the hands, and put forward the success of the labors of Mr. Jones, you are better able to judge than myself. May the anxieties which you are concentrating on this thus far, happy enterprize, be crowned with the fullness of his blessing, from whom alone the success of all our counsels, and all our works, however good and just, can proceed.

In the absence, Brethren, of any thing more to be stated of duty performed by myself, among you, within the year, it may not be unsuitable to take the occasion of my first meeting you in Convention, to lay before you a statement of all the Episcopal transactions and services, affecting this portion of our Church, of which I have knowledge, and which, being yet no where collectively on record, are but partially known by those whom they are calculated to interest.

Having had his attention invited to the condition of Congregations of our Communion in this State, Bishop Smith, of South Carolina, as early as in 1798—and from that time forward, until

8

his death in 1802—by correspondence, sought to cherish and preserve them in soundness and stability. Through the Rev. Mr. Strong, then of Oglethorpe County, he became acquainted with the merits of Mr. James Hamilton Ray, an officer at that time of Washington Academy, in Wilkes County, as a candidate for Holy Orders. Mr. Ray, as is shown by a register in my possession, was ordained Deacon and Priest, in the Spring of 1801. He lived a useful and honored Minister in Greene County a few years after, and died in 1805, greatly lamented, as the faithful and able Pastor of a numerous and affectionate flock. At about the same time, or a little earlier, a Mr. Guirey, who had been a Preacher of the Methodist persuasion, was admitted, on the faith of recommendatory testimonials from this State, to Deacon’s Orders. This appears to have taken place without the reasonable satisfaction of the judgment of persons most acquainted with Mr. Guirey, and the Bishop is known to have regretted that he had been misled by testimonials, at least carelessly given, into the measure. I am not informed where, or under what circumstances, Mr. Guirey exercised the Ministry in this State.

From 1802, until 1812, the Episcopal office was vacant in South Carolina; and it was not until 1815, that any acts, proper to that office, were performed in behalf of your Congregations. In the Spring of that year, the late Bishop Dehon visited Savannah, consecrated the Church there, then recently rebuilt, the Rev. Mr. Cranston being Rector of it, and administered confirmation, about fifty persons having, on that occasion, been presented to him as subjects of the rite. In March, 1821, St Paul’s Church, in Augusta, was consecrated by him who is now addressing you, assisted by the Rev. Mr. Smith, then, as now, Rector of it, and the Rev. Mr. Anthon, then officiating in South Carolina. The Congregation of this Church, recently re-organized, by the peculiarly happy labors of Mr Smith, was then found in a flourishing condition, and 21 persons were confirmed.

9

In April, 1823, Christ Church, in Savannah, was again visited—the Rev. Mr. Carter having succeeded Mr Cranston, (removed by death,) in the charge of it—when seventy-eight persons confirmed Since that period, I have made no official visit, to any part of the Diocess, until the late occasion, already reported, of my being at Savannah.

My Brethren, it would constitute to me a great happiness to be able to be more among you, and with the best endeavors of which I might be capable, to help onward the work of my Brethren, who as your Ministers, are so excellently fulfilling their obligations As circumstances are, I must be content fervently to wish and pray, that their work may go happily forward; regretting that I cannot be so associated with them, in its prosecut on, as to be more than in a very small degree, auxiliary to its success.

The circumstances, Brethren, of your present situation, as a Diocess, have in them more than a little of discouragement—You are indeed a little flock; and the depression under which our whole community is at present laboring, makes your possession of pecuniary means, such as the exigencies of your case require, almost impracticable. Yet, I trust, you will not, by any discouragement, be diverted from your course You are sincerely persuaded, that, with the Church of which you are members, divine truth, as Jesus and his Apostles taught it, is deposited as a sacred charge. You see, in the principles and institutions of this Church, nothing but what is indisputably evangelical, and calculated to have a moral influence, most favorable to human happiness, temporal and eternal, individual and social. It is sound Christianity, the faith and influence of which, you are desirous, as Protestant Episcopalians, to diffuse. In perfect
B

10

charity with all men, however tenacious of prejudices, which will not permit them, as Christians, to believe and worship as you do, it is for you to prosecute, with a firm and steady perseverance, the way in which your principles require you to walk In that way, it may be, that few, comparatively few, will choose to join themselves to you. Yet, be it your solicitude and purpose, not to be tempted for the sake of the pleasure of men, to forsake it, or to surrender that which you hold to be good and true, and warranted by the most venerable authority and precedent, to the perpetual demand for that which is new, and adapted to that popular taste and feeling, which are in fact, often mere indifferen y to all religious truth, and all religions constraining obligation. Most of all, you will see, I doubt not, the indispensable necessity of commending yourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God; of so shewing the fruits of faith and the whole of common life and character, that all who will not adopt them, may at least constrained to admit, and admitting, to admire, the practical excellency of your principles. Cleansed from all iniquity, let it be seen as your main anxiety and endeavor, to shew yourselves, however few, in all the relations and intercourse of the world, “a peculiar people, zealous of good works”

It may not be unacceptable, that, before I close this address, I should subjoin a word of advice, proper for your incipient existence, as a Diocess of the Protestant Episcopal Church in these United States The History of your Church since its organization, especially by the transmission of the Episcopal character from the parent Church, should be known by all.—This, as digested into succinct narrative by the venerable and excellent Bishop of Pennsylvania,* is accessible to every one. Let me recommend to all my Brethren of the Laity, the perusal of this interesting Memoir The existing regulations of the Church, as contained in its Canons and Constitution, should
_____
*Dr. White, in his work entitled “Memoirs of the Protestant Episcopal Church.”

11

also be considered part of necessary knowledge to all the members of our communion: and from the Laity, the Clergy will reasonably expect all the assistance they can render, in enforcing all such regulation as are designed to promote the interests of the Church, and protect its character and integrity, against all intrusions or admixture of whatsoever is inconsistent with its doctrine, its discipline, its prescribed worship—as well as with moral soundness and purity in the conduct, especially of its Ministry. Peculiar care and circumspection are necessary in the giving testimonials, preparatory at any stage to Holy Orders. Let me recommend these to my Brethren, both of the Clergy and the Laity.

I will add nothing more, but in general to advise, that as much knowledge of our peculiar institutions, and the principles on which they are founded, be sought, as may be necessary to your being firmly and satisfactorily settled in that adherence to them, to which you already are persuaded they are entitled—Constant and consistent—may you, my Brethren, maintain your “good profession before many witnesses”—and may the Lord of your faith give you to go rejoicing forward, through all the interests and duties of your relation to him here, as members of his visible Church on Earth, to the glory of the Church, triumphant in Heaven.

NATHANIEL BOWEN.

The following Parochial Reports were then made to the Convention:

CHRIST CHURCH, SAVANNAH.
Rev. A. Carter, Rector.
Baptisms—Adults, 6
Infants, 16—Total 22.
Marriages, 6
Burials of the Congregation, 4
Communicants—Added, 9
Died, 2
Removed, 3
Present number, 100

12

The Sunday School attached to this Parish continues in a flourishing state—number of scholars from 80 to 100.

CHRIST CHURCH, MACON.
Rev Lot Jones, Rector.
Baptism—Infant, 1
Marriage, 1
Funerals, 5
Communicants, 9
A Sunday School of fifty scholars.

ST. PAUL’S CHURCH, AUGUSTA.*
Rev. Hugh Smith, Rector.
Baptisms—Adults, 2
Infants, 16—Total 18.
Marriages, 2
Funerals, 10
Of which number, 2 were of persons residing in South Carolina, and 2 others of persons not attached to the Congregation.
Communicants—Added, 6
Removed, 2
Present number, 55
There is a Sunday School attached to this Church of upwards of 50 scholars.

On motion—Resolved, That the Convention adjourn until to-morrow morning, at half past 10 o’clock.
_____

* The Parish of St. Paul’s, Augusta, was incorporated a considerable time prior to the Revolution. By a Report of “the Society (in England) for propogating the Gospel in foreign parts,” it appears, that the Rev. Mr. Trink was Rector of the Parish in 1764. He states to the Society that there was then a good Parsonage, and a Glebe of fifteen acres of land. In 1770, the Rev. Mr. Ellington wrote to the Society, that, in the three years then last past, he had baptized 428, married 62 couples, and that his communicants amounted to about 40.—After the Revolution, the Glebe was confiscated and applied to the endowment of an Academy A Church was subsequently erected on the scite of the present St. Paul’s, which was open to all denominations. The Rev. Mr. Boyd, however, an Episcopal Clergyman, generally officiated, and was regarded as the Rector of the Parish. He took charge of the Parish some time previous to the year 1790, and removed from Augusta in 1798—9, to Natchez or New Orleans, where, it is believed, he died, a few years afterwards. The members of this Parish afterwards, generally, became attached to other denominations, and no attempts were made to re-organize it, until the fall of 1818, or winter of 19—when an Act of Incorporation was obtained from the Legislature, which was altered and amended, on an application to the next Legislature. The corner stone of the

[typist’s addition: this selection continues on bottom of page 13]

13

Tuesday Morning, 25th April, 1826.
The Convention met this day, agreeable to adjournment—when Divine Service was conducted in the Court House by the Rev. A. Carter The rite of confirmation was administered by the Right Rev. Bishop Bowen. The Minutes of the preceding day were read and approved.

The Hon C.B. Strong, Esq. of the Delegation of Christ Church, Macon, appeared and took his seat.

The following Report of the Standing Committee was then read and accepted.

The Standing Committee respectfully Report to the Convention, that, having been appointed by the last Convention a Committee of Investigation, they have made the requisite inquiries, and have received certain letters in relation to the subject under investigation, which are placed on file, but which the Committee deem unnecessary to insert on the Journal.

HUGH SMITH, President.
E.F. Campbell, Sec’ry.

The following Report of the Society for the general advancement of Christianity in the State of Georgia, was then read by E.F. Campbell, Esq. viz:
_______
[typist’s addition—this is the continuation of the footnote from page 12]

present Church was laid in the spring of 19—but the building was not in a state of sufficient forwardness to be occupied until March, 1820—and was not consecrated until March, 1821.

St Paul’s is built of brick—its length is 94 feet, and its breadth 62—it contains 124 Pews on the ground floor, and 14 in the Organ gallery, there being no side galleries. The pitch of the ceiling is 28 feet—it is of the Grecian Doric order—and in point of chasteness simplicity, and beauty, is scarcely exceeded by any Church in our country. The design was furnished by Mr. John Lund, the Architect by whom it was built. The cost of the building was upwards of 25,000 dollars. It has been furnished, by subscription, with an Organ of superior tone and finish, built by Mr. Hall, of New York, the cost of which was 2,500 dollars. The female part of the Congregation subscribed the sum of 400 dollars for a service of Communion plate—and a bell of 15 cwt. has also been procured by the liberal contributions of the Congregation.

The Rev. Hugh Smith, at the time Rector of St. Ann’s Church, Brooklyn, L.I. was elected to the Rectorship of St. Paul’s in the spring of 1819, and entered upon his duties in the fall of the same year. There were, at that time, only four resident Communicants—since that period, the whole number registered is 70, but deaths and removals have reduced that number to 55.

14

The Protestant Episcopal Society for the General Advancement of Christianity in the State of Georgia, submit the following Report:

The Rev. Abiel Carter, who was authorised by this Society to draw on the General Society for the sum of seven hundred dollars, appropriated to this Diocess by the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church, states, that he has received the full amount of said sum from their Treasurer, Thomas Hale, Esq, and has paid over to Dr. J.B. Read, Treasurer of this Society, a part of the same, to the amount of five hundred and sixty dollars, leaving a balance of one hundred and forty dollars, subject to the order of the Treasurer.

From a statement in the Account Current of Dr. J.B. Read, Treasurer of this Society, herewith submitted, and which has been audited—a balance is noticed of thirty-six dollars thirty-seven and half cents to the credit of the Society.

In the Report of the Committee, consisting of the Rev. Abiel Carter, and Dr. William Parker, of Savannah, appointed to collect funds in aid of this Society, it appears, that about fifty annual subscribers, at two dollars each, have been obtained during the current year, a part of which subscription, for the first year, has been paid, and is held subject to the order of the Treasurer.

The Rev Abiel Carter begs leave to state, that in the Parish of Christ Church, Savannah, a Female Missionary Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church has been established, in which there are thirty-two annual subscribers, at two dollars each
Agreeably to the representation from the Committee of St. Paul’s Church, Augusta, consisting of the Rev. Hugh Smith, and Dr. Anderson Watkins, appointed to make collections for the benefit of this Society, it is shewn, that there are, at this time, nine life subscribers, at ten dollars each, and eighteen annual subscribers, at two dollars each, from whom the subscription money has been collected, leaving a balance of one hundred

15

and eighteen dollars and forty cents, after deducting the purchase of thirty-eight Prayer Books.

The Rev. Abiel Carter and the Rev. Hugh Smith, having suggested to the Board of Trust, that, in the month of February last, they assumed the responsibility of engaging the services of the Rev. C. P. Elliott, of the Diocess of South Carolina, as a Missionary in this Diocess, and having received the sanction of the Board of the Standing Committee, approving their proceedings, the Society would now state, that, on the 2d day of March, this Missionary entered on the duties of his engagement by going to Darien and St Simon’s, where he was to remain two or three weeks, and thence proceed into the interior of the State. Finding, however, that he could be usefully employed in those places, the Rev. C.P. Elliott has declined the further engagement of visiting the interior, and asks only the payment of his expenses in traveling to those places, in which he is now occupied.

The Society, grateful for past success, would still cherish the hope of being enabled to continue its operations, the practical efficiency of which has already been attested by experience, in the happy results that have followed the pious and well-directed exertions of the Rev Mr. Jones. They cannot conclude their Report, without urging one more appeal, in behalf of the great objects of their institution. They are objects which need only to be stated, in order to be approved. “The preaching of Christ and Jesus, and him crucified”—the building up of his Church, on a sure and tried foundation—the gathering together of a scattered flock, who have long been wandering as sheep without a shepherd—the extending to them that spiritual care and spiritual food, to which they were once accustomed—these are the objects contemplated—and, for the attainment of these objects, the Society cannot feel as though it would appeal in vain to the liberality of the Christian public, and more especially of the members of our communion. There are few, even in the present period of depression and financial embarrassment,

16

who could not annually contribute the small sum of two dollars, without personal inconvenience—and, while the sum to be contributed is thus brought within the resources of almost every individual, the aggregate of good that may be effected, is far from inconsiderable We would call, then, earnestly upon our Brethren, throughout the State, to contribute to an institution which may yet exert a powerful influence over the moral character of the community Oh! that “they who have much, would to this, give plenteously”—and that even they who “have little, would do their diligence gladly to give of that little.”

The Society are aware, however, that domestic contributions will at present fall short, far short, of the sum required to give vigor to their present efforts They would, therefore, once more cherish the hope of aid from the General Missionary Society, to whose timely bounty may be ascribed much of their past success. The present is an interesting and a critical period to the Church, in this large and daily extending State A little, promptly given, and judiciously expended now, will accomplish more than thousands hereafter On this fact, as well as on a representation of our actual state and necessities, founded on personal knowledge, and coming from a source that will ensure attention, we shall {the following was inserted by unknown person: ‘vest our’} hope for some portion from a Treasury, that was designed to enrich our country with the means of Christian instruction and Christian comfort All which is respectfully submitted.
HUGH SMITH, President.
E. F. Campbell, Secretary.

The above Report having been read and approved, on motion—Resolved, That it be printed with the Journals of this Convention.
The Rev. H. Smith offered the following, which was unanimously accepted:

Resolved, That, in the opinion of this Convention, it is highly expedient, that an Episcopal Church be erected in the town of Macon, and that it be and hereby is recommended to the mem-

17

bers of the Church in the said town of Macon, to appoint a committee to solicit subscriptions for this object, and also to make application to the Legislature of the State of Georgia for the grant of a lot on which to build said Church, and that it be further recommended by this Convention to the members of the Church throughout the State to contribute to the same.
The Convention then proceeded to the election of Delegates, to attend the General Convention, and, on counting the ballots, it appeared that the following gentlemen were elected, viz:
Of the Clergy———-Rev. S. Strong,
Rev. A. Carter,
Rev. Hugh Smith,
Rev. Lot Jones.
Of the Laity————-Hon. G. Jones,
Edward F. Campbell, Esq.
Richard Tubman, Esq.
Dr. J. B. Read.

The following Canon was then proposed by the Rev. A. Carter and unanimously adopted:

In case any of the members elected to the General Convention shall not attend, the same member or members who may be present shall be, and they are hereby, authorised to fill such vacancy or vacancies by the appointment of any member or members of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Georgia who may be present at the place where the Convention is held.

The Convention then proceeded to the election of a Standing Committee, when the following were chosen unanimously:
Of the Clergy———–Rev. H. Smith,
Rev. A. Carter,
Rev. Lot Jones.
Of the Laity————Hon. C.B. Strong,
Dr. J.B. Read,
Edward F. Campbell, Esq.

On motion of the Rev. Abiel Carter, duly seconded, it was Resolved, That the 3d Article of the Constitution of this Church be amended, by inserting, after the words “third Mon-

18

day in April,” these words, “or such other time as the previous Convention may appoint.”

On motion—Resolved, That the next annual Convention of the Diocess of Georgia meet at Christ Church, Savannah, on the second Monday in January next, and that the Rev. Lot Jones, Rector of Christ Church, Macon, be appointed to preach at the opening of the same.

On motion of E.F. Campbell, Esq.—Resolved, That the Convention Sermon be preached on the Sabbath preceding the eopning of the Convention.

On motion of C. B. Strong, Esq.—Resolved, That three hundred copies of the Journal of this Convention be printed, and that the Rev. H. Smith and G. McLaughlin be a Committee to superintend their publication.

Resolved, unanimously, That the thanks of this Convention be presented to the Right Rev. Bishop Bowen, for the deep interest manifested by him in the welfare of our infant Diocess, by performing so long a journey, in order to attend the Convention, and in presiding over that body, during its present Session.

Resolved, That the thanks of the Convention be returned to the Secretary, for the faithful discharge of his duty.

The Minutes of the day having been read and approved, the Convention then adjourned, to meet on the second Monday in January next, at half past 10 o’clock A.M.
N. BOWEN, President.
G. McLaughlin, Secretary.

JOURNAL of the Proceedings of “the Protestant Episcopal Society for the
General Advancement of Christianity in the State of Georgia.”

The Society met, according to the time pointed out in the Constitution, at 5 o’clock P.M. on the 24th April, 1826.

PRESENT—-The Rev. Hugh Smith, President;
The Rev. Abiel Carter,
The Rev. Lot Jones,
Edward F. Campbell, Esq, Secretary;
G. McLaughlin

19

The Board of Trust for the Society then presented a Report of their proceedings during the past year; which having been read and approved—On motion, Resolved, That said Report be laid before the Convention, now in Session, (for which see pages 14, 15 and 16, of the foregoing Journal)

The Pastors of the Episcopal Congregations, in union with this Convention, Reported, That, while they had used their best efforts to promote the interests of the Society, they had deemed it inexpedient to preach a Sermon in aid of the funds of the Society in their respective Parishes, as required by a Resolution of the Society at their last annual meeting.

The Society then adjourned.

HUGH SMITH, President.
E.F. Campbell, Sec’ry.

At a meeting of the Standing Committee for the Diocess of Georgia, held in Christ Church Parish, Macon, Tuesday, April 25th –On motion, Resolved, That this Committee as a Board of Trust for the Society for the Advancement of Christianity, now appoint a Corresponding and Acting Committee to this Society, for the current year; and that the Rev. Abiel Carter, Rev. Hugh Smith, Dr. J.B. Read, and E.F. Campbell, Esq. be, and hereby are, appointed as that Committee—any three of whom shall have power to act.
The Standing Committee then proceeded to the election of its officers, when they officers of last year were re-elected.
HUGH SMITH, President.
E.F. Campbell, Secretary.

A Report from the Treasurer of the Convention, Dr. J. B. Read, dated Savannah, 17th April, 1826, handed in by the Rev. Mr. Carter, states, that Christ Church, Savannah, was credited to that day; that St. Paul’s, Augusta, was credited up to 1825; and that there is a balance in the Treasurer’s hands of $45.

Source:
Georgia Journals: 1823-44. St. Augustine, Florida: Dobbs Brothers, Library Binding Co., Inc.