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JOURNAL
OF THE
PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
FOURTEENTH ANNUAL CONVENTION
OF THE
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH,
IN THE DIOCESE OF GEORGIA,
HELD AT COLUMBUS,
April
ON THE 18th, 19th, AND 20th OF MAY, 1836,
[typist note: ‘MAY’ was marked through and April handwritten above]
_____
TOGETHER WITH THE
CONSTITUTION & CANONS OF SAID CHURCH.
__________
__________
MACON:–S. ROSE, PRINTER.
……….
1836.
LIST OF THE CLERGY.
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Rev. EDWARD NEUFVILLE, Rector of Christ Church, Savannah.
Rev. EDWARD E. FORD, Rector of St. Paul’s Church, Augusta.
Rev. THEODORE B. BARTOW, Rector of Christ Church, St. Simons.
Rev. SENECA G. BRAGG, Rector of Christ Church, Macon.
Rev. JOHN H. NORMENT, Missionary, officiating at Columbus.
Rev. JOHN J. HUNT, Deacon, Savannah.
JOURNAL OF THE PROCEEDINGS, &c.
—–
COLUMBUS, (Monday,) April 18th, 1836.
Agreeably to appointment, of the Rev. Edward Neufville, President of the Convention in this Diocese, under a Resolution of the last Convention, the several Delegates attended this day, at 10 o’clock, A. M., at the Presbyterian Church in Columbus—(Trinity Church edifice not being completed.)
Morning Prayer was conducted by the Rev. Theodore B. Bartow, Rector of Christ Church, St. Simons—and a Sermon preached by the Rev. Seneca G. Bragg, Rector of Christ Church, Macon. The Convention Sermon having been preached yesterday, according to appointment, by the Rev. Theodore B. Bartow: Morning Prayer having been conducted by the Rev. Edward E. Ford, Rector of St. Paul’s Church, Augusta—who also officiated at the administration of the Holy Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, assisted by the Rev. John H. Norment, resident Missionary at Columbus.
The Rev. Theodore B. Bartow, as the Senior resident Presbyter, present, took the Chair, in the absence of the Rev. Edward Neufville, President of the Convention, and Mr. James H. Lloyd acted as Secretary pro tem.
The following certificates of Lay-delegation were presented, examined, and approved:
Dr. J. B. Read \
Wm. Thorne Williams, > From Christ Church, Savannah.
William P. Hunter, /
Edwin Webster, \
Thomas J. Parmelee, > From St. Paul’s Church, Augusta.
John V. Cowling, /
James Hamilton Couper, Esq.—from Christ Church, St. Simons.
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Dr. Ambrose Baber, \
Levin Mitchell, > From Christ Church, Macon.
Nathaniel Barker, /
Dr. E. L. DeGraffenreid, \
Lewis C. Allen, > From Trinity Church, Columbus.
James H. Lloyd, /
Also, the certificate of appointment of Mr. Charles Peabody, as a Lay-delegate from Christ Church, St. Simons—appointed by the Rev. Theodore B. Bartow, by virtue of power granted to him to that effect, by said Church.
The following members appeared and took their seats:
OF THE CLERGY,
Rev. Theodore B. Bartow, Rector of Christ Church, St. Simons.
Rev. Edward E. Ford, Rector of St. Paul’s Church, Augusta.
Rev. Seneca G. Bragg, Rector of Christ Church, Macon.
Rev. John H. Norment, Resident Missionary at Columbus.
OF THE LAITY,
Charles Peabody, from Christ Church, St. Simons.
Dr. E. L. DeGraffenreid, \
James H. Lloyd, / From Trinity Church, Columbus.
The Convention then adjourned till 10 o’clock, A. M., tomorrow.
5 O’CLOCK, P. M.—The Protestant Episcopal Society for the general advancement of Christianity, in the State of Georgia, met, in pursuance of the 5th Article of their Constitution. The account of Dr. J. B. Read, Treasurer of the Society, shewing a balance in his hands of $136 40, was submitted, examined, and approved.
The Society then adjourned.
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TUESDAY, April 19th—10 o’clock, A. M.
The Convention met, pursuant to adjournment.
Morning Prayer was conducted by the Rev. T. B. Bartow.
Nathaniel Barker, a Delegate from Christ Church, Macon, appeared and took his seat.
The Convention proceeded to the election of a Secretary and Treasurer, for the ensuing year—when Nathaniel Barker was re-elected Secretary, and Gerard McLaughlin elected Treasurer—
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Dr. J. B. Read, the former Treasurer, having declined a re-election.
The Standing Committee of the Diocese, made the following Report, which, on motion, was accepted, and ordered to be entered on the Journal.
The Standing Committee of the Diocese of Georgia, beg leave to Report, That during the past year, the Rev. Edmund D. Christian has been canonically transferred from this Diocese, to that of Virginia—and the Rev. John H. Norment to this Diocese, from that of Tennessee.
They have received from the Right Rev. Bishop Otey, acting at the request of Bishop Brownell, and by invitation of the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Alabama, official notification of the displacement by him, from the Ministry, of the Rev. Norman Pinney.
They have also received official notification of the following proposed alterations in the Constitution of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States:
“Resolved, That the following alterations in the Constitution of
“the Protestant Episcopal Church, in the United States of Amer-
“ica, be, and are hereby proposed, and that they be made known
“to the several State Conventions—
“Article 5th to be altered, so as to read as follows: A Protes-
“tant Episcopal Church in any part of the United States, or any
“Territory thereof, not now represented, may, at any time hereaf-
“ter, be admitted, on acceding to this Constitution—and a new
“Diocese, to be formed from one or more existing Dioceses, may
“be admitted under the following restrictions:
“No new Diocese shall be formed, or erected, within the limits
“of any other diocese—nor shall any diocese be formed by the
“junction of two or more Dioceses, or parts of Dioceses, unless
“with the consent of the Bishop and Convention of each of the
“Dioceses concerned, as well as of the General Convention.
“No such new Diocese shall be formed, which shall contain less
“than 8000 square miles in one body, and thirty presbyters, who
“have been, for at least one year, canonically resident within the
“bounds of such new Diocese, regularly settled in a parish or con-
“gregation, and qualified to vote for a Bishop. Not shall such
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“new Diocese be formed, if thereby any existing Diocese shall be
“so reduced, as to contain less than 8000 square miles, or less
“than thirty presbyters, who have been residing therein, and set-
“tled and qualified as above mentioned.
“In case one Diocese shall be divided into two Dioceses, the di-
“ocesan of the Diocese divided may elect the one to which he will
“be attached, and shall, thereupon, become the Diocesan thereof—
“and the assistant Bishop, if there be one, may elect the one to
“which he will be attached—and, if it be not the one elected by
“the Bishop, he shall be the diocesan thereof.
“Whenever the division of a Diocese into two Dioceses shall
“be ratified by the General Convention, each of the two Dioceses
“shall be subject to the Constitution and Canons of the Diocese
“so divided, except as local circumstances prevent, until the same
“may be altered in either Diocese by the Convention thereof: And,
“whenever a Diocese shall be formed out of two or more ex-
“isting Dioceses, the new Diocese shall be subject to the Constitu-
“tion and Canons of that one of the said existing Dioceses, to which
“the greater number of Clergymen shall have belonged, prior to
“the erection of such new Diocese, until the same may be altered
“by the Convention of the new Diocese.
“Strike out the word “States” wherever it occurs, in the first
“and second Articles, except where it follows the word “United”
“in the first part of the first Article, and insert in lieu of the word
“ “States,” the word “Dioceses.” Strike out the word “States”
“whenever it occurs in the second, third, and fourth Articles, and
“insert in lieu thereof the word “Diocese.” Strike out the words
“ “of District” in the fourth Article. Strike out the word “State”
“in the sixth Article, and insert the word “Diocese.”
“Strike out the word “States” in the eighth Article, and in-
“sert the word “Dioceses”—and in the eighth Article, strike out
“the words “or State” after the words “every Diocese.”
“Strike out the word “States” in the ninth Article, and insert
“the word “Dioceses.” Strike out the word “State” in the
“ninth Article, and insert the word “Diocesan.” “
They have also received official notification of the following proposed amendment to the Table of Moveable Feasts:
“Resolved, That it be made known to the Convention of every
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“Diocese, that it is proposed to add to the note on the Table of
“Moveable Feasts, according to the several days that Easter can
“possibly fall upon, the words ‘unless the Table gives some day
“in the month of March for it—for in that case the day given by
“the Table is the right day.’ “
EDWARD NEUFVILLE,
President.
The following Parochial Reports were then read, and ordered to be entered:
CHRIST CHURCH, SAVANNAH.
REV. EDWARD NEUFVILLE, RECTOR.
Baptisms, . . . . . . 22
Marriages, . . . . . . 10
Burials, . . . . . . 27
Communicants, . . . . . 146
Although the number of Communicants has been reduced by death and removals to other Parishes, this Church continues to be in a prosperous condition. Contributions have been made within the last year, in aid of the funds of the Domestic Committee of Missions, and the Protestant Episcopal Sunday School Union, amounting to $300 for each object.
Immediately after the adjournment of the last Convention, I visited the Congregation of Trinity Church, Columbus, and officiated in the Presbyterian Church, which was kindly offered for the purpose, three times on Sunday, May 10th, and on the evenings of Monday, 11th, and Tuesday, 12th. During my visit, I baptized five children of Dr. E. L. DeGraffenreid. Returning thence to Macon, I officiated there on Sunday, 17th. The zealous attachment to the Church, manifested in both of these new Parishes, gives cheering promise of their becoming stations from which the “Salvation of the Lord shall go forth as brightness,” into all the desert West.
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ST. PAUL’S CHURCH, AUGUSTA.
REV. EDWARD E. FORD, RECTOR.
Baptisms, (white children, 13—black children, 4,) . 17
Marriages, . . . . . . 5
Communicants, (added 6—of whom 1 was accession
from another Episcopal Congregation—died, 3—
removed, 2,) present number, . . . 75
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The Sunday School has experienced a small increase during the last year. The average number of children in actual attendance, is about 65—under the direction of a Superintendant, a Libarian, 4 male and 6 female Teachers. Since the last report, an addition of about 100 volumes has been made to the Library of the School, which now contains 275 volumes.
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CHRIST CHURCH, ST. SIMONS’ ISLAND,
REV. THEODORE B. BARTOW, RECTOR.
Baptisms, . . . . . . 5
Burials, . . . . . . 0
Marriages, . . . . . . 1
Communicants, . . . . . 12
This Parish contains about 100 white inhabitants, and 1000 blacks. There are in all 15 families—of these, 5 belong to other denominations—but as there is only one Church, the whole number of communicants is 18. The Sunday School is small, in consequence of the dispersed condition of the inhabitants—the distance from either extremity of the Island to the Church, being seven miles—but the Rector has the satisfaction of knowing that the religious education of the children of the Parish is not neglected.
During the last six years, a separate sermon has been delivered to the blacks on the evening of every Sabbath, and more efficient measures might be adopted for their religious instruction, but that, the ill-judged foreign interference of certain abolitionary “busy-bodies in other men’s matters,” obstructs every plan of the Church in regard to that neglected people.
The Ladies’ Sewing Society, with an industry deserving the generous patronage it has met with, has raised the requisite funds to repair the Church, and enclose its Cemetry. The same Society has likewise paid the quota of $100 assessed upon the Congregation by a previous Convention, for domestic Missionary purposes.
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CHRIST CHURCH, MACON,
REV. SENECA G. BRAGG, RECTOR.
Baptisms, (adults, 4—children, 14,) . . . 18
Marriages, . . . . . . 4
Burials, (2 not of the Congregation,) . . . 6
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Communicants, (added 12—5 from other Congregations
by certificate,) present number, . . 29
The Rector further reports, that the condition of the Sunday School has been somewhat improved within the past year. It is under the care of a Superintendant, 2 male and 4 female Teachers.
Whole number of Scholars registered, . . 40
Average number attending, . . . . 25
Number of Volumes in the Library, . . . 240
Since the new organization of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church, during the last General Convention, and in pursuance of the recommendation of the same, an attempt has been made to introduce into this Parish a plan of systematic Church offerings. Although the present number of contributors (on the plan of “laying by them, in store, on the first day of the week, as God hath prospered them,”) is less than 20, the amount received for the first quarter of the ecclesiastical year, ending with the month of February, exceeds $40. This small sum is regarded as the “first fruits” and earnest of an abundant harvest of free-will offerings of the Church, in future years.
In conclusion, the Rector begs leave to express the opinion, that the interests of this Parish, and the general prosperity of the Diocese would be essentially promoted by carrying into effect, with the least possible delay, the Resolutions adopted in the Convention held at Augusta, April 14, 1834, respecting the election of a Bishop.
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TRINITY CHURCH, COLUMBUS,
REV. JOHN H. NORMENT, MISSIONARY, OFFICIATING.
Families in the Congregation, . . . . 17
Baptisms, (adults, 1—children, 4,) . . . 5
Burials, (not of the Congregation,) . . . 2
Marriages, . . . . . . 2
Communicants, . . . . . 20
Sunday School Teachers, . . . . 2
Average number of Scholars, . . . . 15
Communion offerings, . . . . $33 75
My appointment to this station having been confirmed at Augusta in September, 1835, I immediately came on; had an interview with the Vestry, and through the kind invitation of the Rev. Dr.
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Goulding, officiated on the afternoon of one Sunday, in the Presbyterian Church.
The important interests of the Parish requiring that I should receive Priests’ orders, I proceeded immediately afterward, for that purpose, to the City of Nashville, in Tennessee, and returned with letters dismissory from that Diocese, in the latter part of December. The Female Academy had been previously procured as a temporary place of worship, and since that time, I have regularly officiated therein.
The completion of the Church edifice has been delayed, by circumstances entirely beyond the control of the Vestry—but from measures recently adopted, it is expected to be opened for use, by the first of July. I take pleasure in being able to state that, in the absence of donations which we had been led to expect from a distance, the Wardens and Vestry have exerted themselves with the most praiseworthy liberality, in the prosecution of this object; making themselves responsible for the amount, and providing for payment in full to the Architect, the moment the building shall be completed.
The Bell and Organ have just been ordered. A supply of Prayer Books has already been received.
We acknowledge ourselves much indebted to the kindness of our Brethren in Augusta and Macon, for their timely and liberal contributions in our behalf.
The Communion was administered on Quinquagesima Sunday, and again on Easter Sunday. The usual public services were held on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. I am happy to state, that the Canons and Rubrics of the Church have been scrupulously observed in this Congregation, and that the attendance upon public worship has not only been generally good, but is yet increasing.
The spiritual condition of the Parish is very favorable. We have to express our gratitude to God, for manifest tokens of his loving kindness and tender mercy. The number of the Communicants, though at present small, will doubtless continue gradually to increase; and we trust also, that they will continue, as they have hitherto done, to adorn the doctrine of God their Saviour in all things—being living epistles, known and read of all men—and proving thereby, what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. We are indebted for our Sunday School, to the self-denying zeal and piety of two Ladies of the Congregation, who have continued their labor of love, under the most discouraging
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circumstances: first, gathering the children of the poor—then, purchasing for their use the necessary books; and often furnishing clothing, to enable them to attend the School.
We shall avail ourselves of the conveniences which our new edifice will afford us, to enlarge our Sunday School, to commence a course of weekly lectures, and to establish an adult Bible Class.
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REV. GEORGE WHITE, DEACON, SAVANNAH.
I am at present, and have been for some months, engaged in preaching to the Seamen in the city. I have usually officiated twice on Sunday, and once during the week. A worthy member of our Church has recently invited me to preach to his slaves on the afternoon of every Sunday. I have accepted his invitation, and hope that my labors may be followed by the Divine blessing. It is not in my power to report to you the number of Marriages, Baptisms and Burials at which I have officiated.
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REV. JOHN J. HUNT, DEACON, SAVANNAH.
In compliance with the requisition of Section 1st, of Canon 7, of 1835, I have to report that, since the last Annual Convention, I have officiated twice in St. Paul’s Church, Augusta, for Rev. Mr. Ford, in his absence, and once in this city for the same, while he supplied the place of the Rector, during his absence. During the summer, ill-health prevented any effective service, (except twice in the city of New Haven, in Trinity Church and St. Paul’s Chapel.) Since that time, I have occasionally preached in the Mariner’s Church in this city, and to the blacks; and, in the absence of the Rector of Christ Church, have been called to attend the funeral of one child, and baptise another, and to visit some sick persons.—These comprise, I believe, all my services for the time stated.
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The Report of Dr. J. B. Read, the Treasurer of the Convention, shewing a balance in his hands of $11, was submitted, examined and approved.
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The following Report of the Society for the general advancement of Christianity, in the State of Georgia, was submitted by Rev. Edward E. Ford, (as a member of the Standing Committee, in the absence of the President of that Committee,) and ordered to be entered on the Journal of the Convention.
The Society for the general advancement of Christianity in the State of Georgia, beg leave to report to the Convention that, after many unsuccessful efforts to procure the services of a Missionary to supply the Congregation at Columbus, the Rev. John H. Norment, late of the Diocese of Tennessee, was at length engaged by them. He entered on his labors at that interesting point, in the month of September last, where he still continues, prosecuting the duties of his holy office, with a degree of success, highly honorable to himself, and affording matter for fervent gratitude to the gracious Head of the Church. In proof of the correctness of this statement, the Society beg leave to refer to the Parochial report made by him to the present Convention.
The Society have not attempted the establishment of any additional Missionary station during the past year—but they trust they may be enabled, in the course of the ensuing year, to send forth at least one, if not more laborers, to some of the destitute portions of the Diocese.
The Treasurer’s report exhibits a balance of $136 40, applicable to the objects of the Society—and it is confidently believed, that any demand on the Diocese for the necessary means of carrying these objects efficiently forward, will be cheerfully sustained.
All which is respectfully submitted.
In behalf of the Society, EDWARD E. FORD.
The Convention then proceeded to the election of a Standing Committee for the ensuing year, when the following persons were elected:
Rev. Edward Neufville, \
Rev. Edward E. Ford, > OF THE CLERGY.
Rev. Seneca G. Bragg, /
Edward F. Campbell, \
Gerard McLaughlin, > OF THE LAITY.
Dr. Lewis D. Ford, /
The Convention proceeded to the election of Delegates to the next General Convention, when the following persons were elected:
Rev. Edward Neufille, \
Rev. Edward E. Ford, \ OF THE CLERGY.
Rev. Theodore B. Bartow, /
Rev. John H. Norment, /
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Hon. George Jones, \
Artemas Gould, \ OF THE LAITY.
Charles Day, /
James Rhind, /
Resolved, That the Delegates appointed at this Convention, to attend the next regular General Convention, be also considered the Delegates to any special Convention which may be called in the interval; and, also, that the Delegates above appointed, who may attend at either of such General Conventions, be authorised to fill up vacancies in the Delegation.
Resolved, That the Treasurer of this Diocese, be directed to forward to the Secretary of the last House of Clerical and Lay-deputies, the sum of three and a half dollars, agreeably to a Canon for defraying the expenses of the General Convention, passed in 1835.
The Convention then adjourned until 10 o’clock, A. M. to-morrow.
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WEDNESDAY, April 20th—10 o’clock, A. M.
The Convention met, pursuant to adjournment.
Morning Prayer was conducted by the Rev. John H. Norment, and a Sermon preached by the Rev. T. B. Bartow.
The following Resolutions were submitted by Mr. Marker—
Resolved, That this Convention do now take measures to supply this Diocese with a Bishop.
Resolved, That, agreeably to the 2d Section of the Canon of 1835, “of the election of Bishops,” the House of Bishops be applied to by this Convention, to appoint a Bishop for the Diocese of Georgia—and that the Rev. Edward Neufville is hereby informally named as the most suitable person for that office.
Resolved, That this Convention in prospect of a separation from the provisional care of the Right Rev. Nathaniel Bowen, do express to that beloved Prelate their regard and reverence, and their gratitude for his past services—and do, also, desire him to communicate the above application to the presiding Bishop.
Resolved, That the Secretary of this Convention be required, respectfully, to communicate the foregoing Resolutions to the Right Rev. Bishop Bowen.
It was, on motion, ordered that the sense of the Convention be taken on each of the foregoing Resolutions, separately.
The first Resolution was then taken up, and passed.
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The second Resolution being under consideration, the following substitute therefor was offered by the Rev. Mr. Ford—
“Resolved, That the House of Bishops be applied to by this Convention, to appoint a Bishop for the Diocese of Georgia; and that an informal expression be made to them of the wishes of the Diocese, in reference to the individual to be appointed.”
The question being on the adoption of the substitute, the Rev. Mr. Bragg called for a division, agreeably to the provisions of the 6th Article of the Constitution, when the result stood as follows:
St. Paul’s Church, Augusta—Clergy, Mr. Ford—aye.
Christ Church, St. Simons—Clergy, Mr. Bartow—no; Laity, Mr. Peabody, no.
Christ Church, Macon—Clergy, Mr. Bragg—no; Laity, Mr. Barker, no.
Trinity Church, Columbus—Clergy, Mr. Norment, aye; Laity, Messrs. DeGraffenreid and Lloyd, aye.
So the substitute was rejected.
The question was then taken on the passage of the second Resolution, the Rev. Mr. Bragg having called for a division, when the result was as follows:
St. Paul’s Church, Augusta—Clergy, Mr. Ford, no.
Christ Church, St. Simons—Clergy, Mr. Bartow, aye; Laity, Mr. Peabody, aye.
Christ Church, Macon—Clergy, Mr. Bragg, aye; Laity, Mr. Barker, aye.
Trinity Church, Columbus—Clergy, Mr. Norment, aye; Laity, Messrs. DeGraffenreid and Lloyd, no.
So the Resolution was passed.
The third Resolution was then taken up, when the following amendment was proposed by the Rev. Mr. Ford—
“Resolved, That the third Resolution be amended to read as follows: That this Convention, in prospect of a separation from the provisional care of the Right Rev. Nathaniel Bowen, do express that beloved Prelate, their regard and reverence, and their gratitude for his past services.
The Rev. Mr. Bragg called for a division, and the vote being taken on the adoption of the amendment, stood as follows—
St. Paul’s Church, Augusta—Clergy, Mr. Ford, aye.
Christ Church, St. Simons—Clergy, Mr. Bartow, no; Laity, Mr. Peabody, no.
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Christ Church, Macon—Clergy, Mr. Bragg, no; Laity, Mr. Barker, no.
Trinity Church, Columbus—Clergy, Mr. Norment, aye; Laity, Messrs. DeGraffenreid and Lloyd, aye.
So the amendment was rejected.
The question then being on the passage of the third Resolution, a division was called by the Rev. Mr. Bragg, and the result stood as follows:
St. Paul’s Church, Augusta—Clergy, Mr. Ford, no.
Christ Church, St. Simons—Clergy, Mr. Bartow, aye; Laity, Mr. Peabody, aye.
Christ Church, Macon—Clergy, Mr. Bragg, aye; Laity, Mr. Barker, aye.
Trinity Church, Columbus—Clergy, Mr. Norment, aye; Laity, Messrs. DeGraffenreid and Lloyd, no.
So the third Resolution passed.
The fourth Resolution was then passed without a division.
Resolved, That the next Annual Convention of this Diocese, be held in Christ Church, St. Simons, on the second Monday after Easter Monday in 1837, and that the Rev. Edward E. Ford be appointed to preach the next Convention Sermon.
Resolved, unanimously, That the sincere thanks of this Convention be returned to the Rev. Dr. Goulding, of the Presbyterian Church in Columbus, for his great kindness in tendering to the Convention the use of his Church for their sittings; and, that the Secretary do respectfully communicate this Resolution to the said Reverend gentleman.
Resolved, unanimously, That the thanks of the Convention be returned to Dr. J. B. Read, for his long continued services as Treasurer of this Diocese, and that the Secretary communicate the same.
Resolved, That 500 copies of the Journal of this Convention be published, and that there be appended thereto copies of the Constitution and Canons of the Church in this Diocese—and that the Rev. Mr. Bragg and the Secretary do superintend the publication thereof.
After Prayer by the President ex-officio, the Convention adjourned.
T. B. BARTOW, President ex-officio.
Nathaniel Barker, Secretary.
CONSTITUTION
OF THE
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH,
IN THE STATE OF GEORGIA,
As it was revised, amended and unanimously adopted, by a Convention of the said Church, holden in the City of Augusta, on the 14th day of April, 1834: Provided, however, that nothing herein contained shall be so construed as to contravene any part of the Constitution or Canons of the Protestant Episcopal Church, in the United States of America.
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ARTICLE I.
The several congregations of the Protestant Episcopal Church in this State, now represented in this Convention, shall be considered as one Church or Diocese, to be known and designated by the name of “the Protestant Episcopal Church in the State of Georgia,” with a view to an union with the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America.
ARTICLE II.
Any congregation of said Church in this State, not now represented in this Convention, by making application to the Convention for admission, shall, on acceding to this Constitution, be received into union with this Church or Diocese.
ARTICLE III.
A Convention of this Church shall be held on the 2d Monday after Easter Monday of each year, at such place as the previous Convention may appoint: Provided, however, That no Convention shall be opened for the transaction of business, unless there be present at least two clergymen, and delegates from two congregations. And in case no Convention be formed, the standing officers of the last Convention shall hold their respective offices until successors shall be appointed.
ARTICLE IV.
All Clergymen of the Protestant Episcopal Church, of regular standing, residing and statedly officiating in this State, shall be considered (ex officio) members of the Convention. Each congregation, in union with this Church, shall be entitled to a represent-
19
tation by one Lay-delegate or more, at discretion, not exceeding three, to be appointed by the Church Wardens and Vestry of the congregation to which such delegate or delegates may respectively belong.
ARTICLE V.
Every Convention shall be opened with Divine Service, and a Sermon delivered on the Sunday previous by a preacher appointed at the preceding Convention.
ARTICLE VI.
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 division.
ARTICLE VII.
At every meeting of the Convention, in the absence of a Bishop, the senior resident Presbyter of the Diocese, shall be ex officio, President of the Convention.
ARTICLE VIII.
At each annual meeting of the Convention, a Secretary and Treasurer shall be chosen from among the members thereof, to hold his office until the next annual Convention.
ARTICLE IX.
A standing committee shall be chosen at each annual meeting of the Convention, to consist of three Clerical and three Lay-members; of the time and place of whose meetings due notice in writing shall be given to all the members thereof, at least one week before the time of such meeting. At a meeting thus notified, any four members (provided one be a clergyman) shall form a quorum.
The standing committee shall meet as soon as practicable after their election, and choose a President and Secretary from among their own number: and it shall be the duty of the President to call a meeting of the committee whenever he shall deem it necessary, or whenever he shall be required so to do by any three or four members of the committee.
The standing committee shall have power to call special Conventions of this Church, whenever peculiar circumstances may render it necessary: Provided, at least four weeks notice of the time and place of holding such Convention shall be given in writing to all the clergymen, and all the congregations connected with this Church.
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The general powers and duties of the Committee shall be such as are designated by the general Constitution and Canons of the Church.
ARTICLE X.
The Convention shall, in all cases, elect its officers by ballot; each clergyman to be entitled to one vote, and each congregation to one vote to be expressed by its delegation.
ARTICLE XI.
After the close of this Convention, no alteration of this Constitution shall be made, but by an annual meeting of the Convention: and then, only with the concurrence of at least two thirds of the members present.
CANONS
OF THE
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH,
IN THE
STATE OF GEORGIA.
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CANON I.
Whenever any number of persons in this State shall associate to form an Episcopal Church, and shall elect two Wardens, and any number of Vestry-men at discretion, not exceeding eight, and shall properly signify their association for this purpose to the officers of the Standing Committee, or to the Bishop, if there be one, they shall be recognized as a congregation duly organized, of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the State of Georgia: and it is hereby recommended to all congregations that may be thus organized, to obtain, as early as possible, a legislative act of incorporation.
CANON II.
Whenever a special Convention of this Church shall be called, it shall be the duty of the President of the Standing Committee in giving notice of the meeting, to specify the business for which such Convention is called.
CANON III.
Each Church duly represented to this Convention shall pay, or cause to be paid, into the hands of the Treasurer of the Convention, the sum of fifteen dollars annually, for defraying the incidental expenses of the Convention.
CANON IV.
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 of this Diocese, it shall be the duty of any two or more clergymen, or of the Wardens and Vestry of the Church of which he is Rector, or to which he may belong, who shall have knowledge or belief of such misdemeanor, to represent the same to the Bishop, or in case there be no Bishop, to the Standing Committee of the Diocese. In the event of such representation, it shall be the duty of the Bishop, or, if there be no Bishop, of the Standing Committee, if he or they shall deem the charge or charges worthy of
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investigation, forthwith to notify the accused of such charge or charges, together with the time and place appointed for his trial.
The mode of trial shall be as follows:–The Bishop or the 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, in case there be no Bishop, to the Standing Committee, who shall pronounce and execute, or cause to be pronounced and executed, such sentence as may be awarded, should the same, by him or them, be deemed just and proper.
Should the sentence be suspension or degradation from the ministry, the Bishop, or provisional Bishop, or should there be none, some neighboring Bishop, shall be requested to pronounce the same.
Should it be impossible to obtain from this Diocese the requisite number of Presbyters to constitute a board of trial, the deficiency may be supplied from a neighboring Diocese.
Should any clergyman, accused and cited for trial according to the above provisions of this Canon, neglect or refuse to obey the citation, such neglect or refusal shall be considered as an acknowledgment of the truth of the charges preferred against him, and sentence shall be pronounced accordingly.
Form of a Certificate of appointment as a Delegate to the State 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 _______ 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 State, to be held in _______ on _______ day of _______ 18____.
The above certificate shall be signed by the Rector, if present, and by at least one Warden and two members of the Vestry.
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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.
