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JOURNAL
OF THE
PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
TWENTY-THIRD ANNUAL CONVENTION,
OF THE
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH,
IN THE DIOCESE OF GEORGIA,
Held in St. Stephen’s Church, Milledgeville,
Commencing on the 8th of May, 1845.
_____:o:_____
SAVANNAH:
W.T. WILLIAMS,
1845.
LIST OF CLERGY.
_____
Rt. Rev. STEPHEN ELLIOTT, Jr. D. D., Bishop of the Diocese.
*Rev. THEODORE B. BARTOW, Chaplain in the U.S. Navy.
“ SENECA G. BRAGG, Rector of Christ Church, Macon.
“ EDMUND P. BROWN, Rector of Christ Church, St. Simons.
* “ RICHARD T. BROWN, Rector of St. Andrew’s Church, Darien.
* “ WM. D. CAIRNS, Rector of Trinity Church, Columbus.
“ WILLIAM J. ELLIS, Deacon, Missionary, Albany, Baker County.
* “ JOHN FIELDING, Principal of the College, Beaufort, S.C.
“ EDWARD E. FORD, D.D., Rector of St. Paul’s Church, Augusta.
* “ JOHN J. HUNT, residing in Athens.
* “ RICHARD JOHNSON, Rector of St. Luke’s Church, Montpelier.
“ BENJAMIN F. MOWER, Deacon, Minister of Grace Church, Clarksville.
“ EDWARD NEUFVILLE, Rector of Christ Church, Savannah.
“ NICHOLAS A. OKESON, Deacon.
“ THOMAS F. SCOTT, Rector of St. James’ Church, Marietta.
“ JOSEPH A. SHANKLIN, Deacon, Missionary at St. Mary’s.
“ WILLIAM BACON STEVENS, M.D., Rector of Emmanuel Church, Athens; and
Professor of Belles Lettres, Oratory, &c. in Franklin College.
“ OWEN P. THACKARA, Deacon, Missionary.
“ GEORGE WHITE, residing in Savannah.
* “ RUFUS M. WHITE, Rector of St. Stephen’s Church, Milledgeville.
_____
* Did not attend the Convention.
LAY DELEGATES APPOINTED.
_____
Dr. THEOD. BARTOW, \
Hon. J. M. BERRIEN, > Christ Church, Savannah.
RICHARD R. CUYLER, /
NICHOLAS A. OKESON, St. John’s Church, Savannah.
Dr. L. D. FORD, \
B.T. NICHOLS, > St. Paul’s Church, Augusta.
B. CONLEY, /
FRANCIS A. JONES, \
N.C. MUNROE, > Christ Church, Macon.
JAMES REA, /
THOS. M. NELSON, \
WM. B. LEARY, > Trinity Church, Columbus.
JOHN B. PEABODY, /
CHARLES GRANT, Christ Church, St. Simons.
JOHN R. COTTING, \
JOHN S. THOMAS, > St. Stephen’s Church, Milledgeville.
MICHAEL J. KENAN, /
GEORGE J. KOLLOCK, \
JACOB WALDBURG, > Grace Church, Clarksville.
JOS. L. M’ALLISTER, /
THOS. F. BRYAN, St. David’s Church, Glynn County.
Dr. R.D. MOORE, \
W. P. SAGE, > Emmanuel Church, Athens.
Dr. WILLIAM FLINT, /
H. L. CURRIER, \
EDWARD DENMEAD, > St. James’ Church, Marietta.
C.F.M. GARNETT, /
JOHN F. LLOYD, St. Peter’s Church, Rome.
Col. B. GREEN, \
Dr. JAMES HOLMES, > St. Andrew’s Church, Darien.
WM. B. THOMAS, /
JOURNAL.
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ST. STEPHEN’S CHURCH, MILLEDGEVILLE,
May 8, 1845.
This being the time and place appointed for the Twenty-Third Annual Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Georgia, Morning Prayer was read by the Rev. Edward Neufville, and the Convention Sermon preached by the Rev. William B. Stevens, from Acts 20:28.
After Sermon, the Convention was called to order by the Bishop of the Diocese, and the following Clergymen answered to their names:
REV. SENECA G. BRAGG,
“ EDMUND P. BROWN,
“ EDWARD E. FORD, D. D.
“ EDWARD NEUFVILLE,
“ THOMAS F. SCOTT,
“ JOSEPH A. SHANKLIN,
“ WILLIAM B. STEVENS.
The certificates of Lay Delegates having been presented and read, the following were found to be present:
Christ Church, Savannah,– R. R. Cuyler.
St. John’s Church, Savannah,—N.A. Okeson.
St. Paul’s Church, Augusta,—L.D. Ford, M. D.
Trinity Church, Columbus,—Thomas M. Nelson and William B. Leary.
St. Stephen’s Church, Milledgeville,—John R. Cotting, John S. Thomas and Michael J. Kenan.
Emmanuel Church, Athens,—William Flint, M.D.
St. James’ Church, Marietta,—H.L. Currier and Charles F. M. Garnett.
St. Peter’s Church, Rome,—John F. Lloyd.
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On motion, it was
Resolved, That the Rules of Order of the last, be adopted for the government of this Convention.
The Convention proceeded to ballot for a Secretary, and the Rev. Thomas F. Scott was elected.
On motion, it was
Resolved, That Clergymen of other Dioceses, and Candidates for Orders, who may be present, be invited to attend the deliberations of this Convention.
The following Committees were announced by the Chair:
On the State of the Church.—Rev. Messrs. Neufville, Ford and Stevens.
On Unfinished Business.—Rev. S. G. Bragg and Dr. L. D. Ford.
On Finance,—Messrs. Nelson, Cuyler and Thomas.
On the Admission of New Parishes,—Rev. T. F. Scott, and Messrs. Lloyd and Garnett.
After Prayer by the Bishop, the Convention adjourned to meet at 10 o’clock to morrow morning.
_____
At night, Evening Prayer was read by Rev. W. B. Stevens, and a Sermon delivered by Rev. E. E. Ford, D.D. from Col.1:10.
_____
FRIDAY MORNING, May 9, 1845.
Morning Prayer was read by Rev. Thomas F. Scott, and a Sermon delivered by Rev. S. G. Bragg from John 14:26, after which the Convention was called to order by the Bishop, and the minutes of yesterday were read and confirmed.
Messrs. Francis A. Jones of Christ Church, Macon, and George J. Kollock of Grace Church, Clarksville, having presented their certificates, took their seats in the Convention.
The Bishop then delivered to the Convention his
ANNUAL ADDRESS.
Brethren of the Clergy and Laity:
Assembled once more in Annual Convention, let us beseech our Heavenly Father, from whom cometh every good and perfect gift, to shed down upon us the influence of his Holy Spirit, that we may deliberate with that wisdom, which is first pure,
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then peaceable, and act with that charity which is of the very spirit of the blessed Jesus,—for indeed, in the times in which we live, we need to be wise as serpents, at the same time that we are harmless as doves.
The first act of the past Ecclesiastical year was performed in your sight on Sunday the 5th of May, 1844, in St. Paul’s, Augusta, at the close of our last Convention, and consisted of the confirmation of fourteen persons, a most interesting class, of whom one was coloured. Such an accession would have been valuable to any Church, but especially so to one suffering so much from emigration as St. Paul’s. On Monday the 6th, the Convention closed its business. I preached at night in St. Paul’s.
On the 9th of June I commenced my visitation of St. Simon’s, and on the 10th baptized one adult and one child, and confirmed four whites. On the 11th I examined and admitted the Rev. Edmund P. Brown to the Priesthood. The Church at St. Simon’s appeared at that visitation to be in a flourishing condition under the ministrations of its Rector.
On the 15th of June I reached St. Mary’s, Camden county, and on the 16th preached in the Presbyterian Church, which was kindly tendered me, both morning and evening. During the services I baptized five children and confirmed three persons. The Holy Communion was administered to all in the Church who felt inclined to partake of it.
On the 18th I organized a Church in this place under the name of the Church of the Messiah, and constituted it a Missionary station. It was not filled until January last, when the Rev. Joseph A. Shanklin was appointed to it. I have not been able to visit this infant Parish since its organization, although exceedingly anxious to do so.
From St. Mary’s, I returned to Savannah, where I was occupied until the 17th of September in the performance of Parochial duty. On that day I departed to meet the General Convention, which assembled at Philadelphia on the 2d of October and continued in joint session until the 22d of October. On that day the House of Bishops adjourned to meet in separate session on the 23d and 24th in Philadelphia, and on the 30th and 31st of October at the General Seminary in New York.
During the session of the General Convention many important
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Canons were passed and some important acts were consummated. The Canon which affects us most as a Slaveholding Diocese, is the VI. Canon of 1844, entitled “Of a discretion to be allowed in the Calling, Trial and Examination of Deacons in certain cases,” which makes it lawful, for any Bishop, upon being requested so to do by a Resolution of the Convention of his Diocese, to admit to the Holy Order of Deacons persons not tried and examined as prescribed in the Canons entitled “Of Candidates for Orders,” “Of the learning of those who are to be ordained,” and “Of the preparatory exercises of a Candidate for Deacon’s Orders.”
This Canon, after long consideration and earnest discussion, has at last been submitted to the Church for trial. Although introduced first, as I believe, to the notice of our Church by the Bishop of Vermont, it has been most warmly advocated by the South and West as especially needed in those Dioceses, to meet the wants of the slave population and to supply thinly peopled districts with zealous, strong-minded Missionaries, who, lacking the higher education of our Colleges and Seminaries, might yet be eminently useful in the propagation of the Gospel. After looking at the subject in every point of view, I see no mode, by which our Church can operate, for a long time to come at least, upon large sections of country, except by means of Deacons of the nature contemplated in this Canon. Our supply of educated Clergy is barely sufficient to supply the wants of the cities and villages of the various Dioceses, and the whole rural population is almost every where alienated from the Church. In many of the large Dioceses of the South and West the name of the Episcopal Church is scarcely known beyond the precincts of the cities and towns, and it is not even recognised as preaching the glad tidings of great joy to the nations. It is either unheard of, or so confounded with the Roman Church, as in the minds of the people to be considered idolatrous. To reach and obviate such a condition such a condition of things calls for an itineracy, such as is contemplated by this Canon, strong-minded men of the soil, zealous for Christ and his Church, and acquainted with the manners, habits, modes of thought and feelings of the people. Many and many a fair prospect for the Church has been blighted by the want of adaptedness of scholastic men to the positions into which they have
9
been thrown among people, whose prejudices were jarred and whose feelings were wounded by them at every turn without any the slightest intention on their part. For the most important purposes of the Church and the Gospel, such Deacons as those provided for in this Canon, will, in many a field of labour, be altogether competent and serviceable.
That there may be Dioceses, in which, from a fortuitous concurrence of circumstances, such Deacons may not be required, I have no doubt: and the Canon meets this objection by two safeguards which prevent its operation where it is not sought for. First: No Bishop can ordain such a Deacon unless previously requested by his Convention. Secondly: Such Deacon is not transferable from one Diocese to another, unless requested in writing, by the Bishop to whose Diocese he is transferred, of the Bishop to whose jurisdiction he belongs. This class of Deacons can therefore be kept out of any Diocese where their services may be wanted.
Even in those Dioceses where such a class of Ministers may be desirable, very strong safeguards have been placed around the rash exercise of this privilege. The Convention must first ask from its Bishop the ordination of such Deacons. The party applying for ordination under it must be twenty-four years of age; must obtain the usual certificate from the Standing Committee; must remain a candidate for one year; must bring to the Bishop a testimonial, from at least one Rector of Parish, of his good qualification for this office, and must be examined by the Bishop and two Presbyters on his fitness for such ministrations as appertain to the office of a Deacon. After all this, he is not permitted to take charge of a Parish, but shall be always subject to the direction of the Rector of the Parish in which he officiates; neither is he allowed to have a seat in the Convention or to form the basis of any representation in the management of the concerns of the Church; nor yet can he every advance to the Priesthood except by passing through all the preparatory exercises of a Candidate for both Deacons’ and Priests’ orders as set forth in the Canons of the Church.
The points conceded by the Church in this Canon, then, seem to be these, that in certain cases and under certain restrictions, a class of Deacons may, at the request of the Convention of any
2
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Diocese, be ordained for such Diocese by its Bishop, who shall not have received a classical or collegiate education, and who may, in connexion with the Diaconate, pursue some lawful business or trade for their maintenance. Even with all these restrictions and qualifications, it seems to me that this Canon should for a time be very sparingly used, and it remains for you to decide, whether it shall be used at all.
The most important act consummated at the last Convention, was the nomination, election and consecration of Foreign Missionary Bishops. This measure, long desired by the Church, but wisely and cautiously deferred until it could be examined and discussed, presents our Missions abroad, as they should be presented, as the Missions of the Episcopal Church. Whether we deem it Apostolic or expedient, or both, that there should be Bishops in any case, there is no point of our Church operations at which their supervision is more needed than in our Missionary fields. What Duff said years ago to the Missionary Society of the Scotch Church has been too much neglected in our Missionary operations: “That instead of sending our young inexperienced men upon this most arduous duty, it is the Pauls and Apollos’ of the Church who should take up the Missionary staff and go forth as the heralds of salvation.” If this is impracticable for the want of I know not what, the next best step is that which has been adopted, to place at the head of such Missions the most experiences men that could be procured, and give them the opportunity of training for the Church such as may understand the Missionary work, and carry it on in the power and with the success of the Holy Ghost. The Bishop of China sailed in December for his Missionary work. The Bishop of Texas is engaged upon his first visitation, and the Bishop of Constantinople will soon enter upon his deeply interesting field of labour. I regret to say that the Missionaries upon the coast of Africa, have been again doomed to disappointment, as the Bishop elect declined the office to which the Church had called him. I was nominated by the Presiding Bishop to preach the Sermon at the consecration of these Foreign Bishops, which I did in St. Peter’s Church, Philadelphia, on Saturday October 26, 1844.
On Wednesday, October 30, I united with such of the Bishops as convened in New York, in a visitation of the General Theo-
11
logical Seminary, which occupied that day together with the 31st. It was principally occupied in reading the replies of the Professors to certain questions proposed by the Bishops as visitors, and was closed by the passage of a series of Resolutions, which will be found at pages 188 and 189 of the Journal of the General Convention of 1844.
From this time until the beginning of January I was occupied with the Presentment and Trial of the Bishop of New York. Upon the close of this painful duty I returned to Savannah, and my first official act was the ordination of Mr. Joseph Augustus Shanklin to the Holy Order of Deacons. Mr. Shanklin has been appointed Missionary to St. Mary’s, and is doing good service there.
On February 9th, I admitted the Rev. Rufus M. White to the Priesthood. I regret to add that severe domestic afflictions have called him away from his Church and his people at this interesting moment.
Just as I was about to commence my Spring visitations, the melancholy death of the Rev. Mr. Jackson forced me to remain and support and comfort an afflicted Church. Although Mr. Jackson had been but a very short time in the Diocese, those about him had formed a high estimate of his intellectual powers, and hoped for much from the growth of his religious experience. But their hopes were doomed to a dreadful disappointment, and the fearful word “insanity” stands written upon his early and lamented grave.
At the close of the first week in April, I was suddenly called to take charge of the Montpelier Institute, and have been closely confined ever since in administering its affairs. It was the only step which, under the circumstances, could preserve this valuable property to the Diocese and this excellent school to the State. I have already notified the public that it is my intention to continue in charge for the next term at least. This arrangement will not interfere with my Episcopal duties more than the service of a Parish. The two vacations will give me nine weeks of leisure at the best seasons of the year for visiting the various Parishes of my Diocese, and the central position of the Institute will afford me facilities of movement which will enable me to visit the nearer Parishes during term time, especially as it is my pur-
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pose to unite with myself a Clergyman of the Church as Steward, who will superintend and protect every thing during my absences.
It was found necessary, from various causes, such as the difficulty of procuring a suitable Head-Master, its too great proximity to the Female Institute, &c. to close the Boys’ School, which had been opened about a mile from Lamar Hall. The building has been removed over to the immediate neighbourhood of the Girls’ School, and when finished, which will be in about six weeks, will enable us to receive some pupils in addition to the fifty to which we have hitherto confined ourselves. The increase of number will make no difference in the conduct of the School, as the family arrangement will be preserved as strictly as before.
Should a Boys’ School be re-established, and one is very much called for, it should be located in the country North-West of the Chattahoochie, somewhere in Cass or Floyd counties. The healthfulness, cheapness and approaching accessibility of that region of our State, all point it out as the very position for such an establishment. But when commenced, it must be begun upon principles such as these, else will it never achieve the objects for which only it would be desirable. Its foundation must be laid upon the Prophets and the Apostles, Jesus Christ being the chief corner stone. Its superstructure must be raised gradually, according as the free-will offerings of the Church shall give warrant for its enlargement and increase. Its government must be parental and yet lacking the partial blindness of the parent. Its discipline must be strict, and if needs be, stern: its tone honest in every sense of the word. Such a school might be put into operation for a very little money, although additional sums would be required from time to time for its improvement and advantage. Should any member of the Church or any citizen of the State, feel a desire to employ some of the means wherewith God has blessed him, towards such an object, it would afford me much pleasure to see it properly and judiciously applied to what I conceive to be at this moment, the very best work for Georgia in which a Christian or a Patriot could engage.
While speaking of schools, it affords me much pleasure to add that the Rev. Mr. Scott of Marietta, has opened a Female Institute at Marietta in connexion with his Church in that place. From
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my intimate knowledge of Mr. Scott, I feel that I can heartily recommend it to the patronage of the Church and of the State. May it go on and prosper, and may many such arise through the length and breadth of the land, that the future Mothers of Georgia may be prepared for the high duties they will be called upon to perform, in connexion with the rising destinies of their great and growing country.
During the past year I have admitted Mr. Joseph A. Shanklin to the Holy Orders of Deacons, and the Rev. Messrs. Edmund P. Brown and Rufus M. White to the Priesthood. We have lost some very valuable Clergymen by removal, among whom I would especially name my former beloved colleague at St. John’s, the Rev. John B. Gallagher, who has been transferred to the Diocese of Kentucky, and my highly valued christian friend the Rev. John A. Vaughan, to that of Pennsylvania. The Rev. Messrs. Walker, Page, Berger and Smith, have also been transferred, the two former to the Diocese of South Carolina, and the two latter to that of Virginia. Mr. Jackson has been removed from us by death, thus making a heavy draft upon our numbers, which will be supplied in some measure by the band of young men now awaiting ordination and ready to press forward into the ranks and service of the Church.
Our Candidates for Orders are six—Messrs. Ellis, Mower, Thackara, Okeson, Williams and Flint; the four first of whom will be ordained at this Convention, leaving us two condidates, to whom others are about to be added. The Lord thus seems to be raising up for us, young soldiers to take the place of those who fall, or are forced by circumstances, to quit the Diocese. May they have patience to labour faithfully for Christ and not to faint nor grow weary in their work. The great mistake into which our young Clergymen fall, is in expecting great results to follow immediately from their labours, forgetting that in all Missionary work, the seed must be sown in tears, before they can return with joy, bringing their sheaves with them. No man will do anything for the Church in Georgia who does not come imbued with the motto of its Episcopal seal: “ In utrumque paratus, agree et pati”—and that long and patiently. Hard work, small reward and the harvest for your successors are all that we can offer. But then what you achieve will be your own work, for you will have no other man’s foundation to build upon.
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From these observations I do not mean it to be understood that I consider it more difficult to extend the Church in Georgia than in other Dioceses. But the experience of all has been the same, and wherever we see our Church rapidly expanding herself, it is in Dioceses where long and arduous Missionary duty has been previously performed. The Church must be exhibited before it can be appreciated; must be known, before it can be understood; must prove itself to be Scriptural and Evangelical, before it will be embraced, and all these things require time, piety, prudence, long-suffering on the part of the Clergy. Nothing is to be gained by violent controversy, or angry abuse of others. “In quietness and confidence, is our strength.” Let the Church be seen in her beauty and scriptural holiness, and she will need no apologists and no champions. The Lord will be her Saviour and her Redeemer, and under His guidance “a little one shall become a thousand and a small one a strong nation.”
Before I conclude I would direct the attention of the Diocese to our Missionary Funds. Having but a very small invested capital for Missionary purposes, we are dependent upon the contributions of the Churches for the means of supporting our several Missionaries. I must therefore urge it upon the Congregations of the Diocese to turn their efforts within more than they have hitherto done, especially as we are left at the close of the year, with a considerable balance against us upon our Missionary books. For many years to come we must sustain in this way, several of our Churches, inasmuch as the expense of Church building and the furnishing of the houses of God will absorb all the resources of these feeble flocks. Let every one do what he can and the work will go on successfully.
The three years for which the contributions to the Building Fund were pledged, having expired, I would respectfully recommend their renewal, as that fund has helped us materially in the advancement of our Church.
Trusting that all your deliberations will be conducted in the spirit of Truth and Charity, “I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.”
STEPHEN ELLIOTT, JR.
Bishop of the Diocese of Georgia.
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The Parochial Reports were read, and ordered to be printed, as follows:
ST. JOHN’S CHURCH, SAVANNAH.
Rt. Rev. Stephen Elliott, Jr. D. D. late Rector
Communicants, – – – – – – – 81
Baptisms, – – – – – – – 4
Burials, (not of the Congregation, 9) – – – – 12
Marriages, – – – – – – – 3
__________
CHRIST CHURCH, SAVANNAH.
Rev. Edward Neufville, Rector.
Baptisms, – – – – – – – 25
Marriages, – – – – – – – 16
Burials, – – – – – – – – 13
Communicants, – – – – – – – 150
Sunday School Teachers, – – – – – 13
Do do Pupils, – – – – – – 100
Do do for Coloured persons, – – – – 250
Contributed to Domestic Committee of Missions, $195 73
Do “ Foreign Do “ do 151 85
Do “ Diocesan Do “ do 431 39
$778 97
Of the amount contributed to Diocesan Missions, $25 was raised by weekly offerings in the Infant department of the Sunday School, and $70 32 by the Ladies’ Missionary Association, which has also paid its third annual instalment, $168, to the Church building fund.
The Female Bible, Prayer Book and Tract Society has furnished its usual liberal supply of books for gratuitous distribution.
__________
ST. PAUL’S CHURCH, AUGUSTA.
Rev. Edward E. Ford, D. D. Rector.
Baptisms,–White, 3 adult; 38 children,
1 Black child. Total, – – – – 42
Confirmed, – – – – – – – 14
Communicants—Added, including 3 received on certificate
from other Congregations of the Church, 20.
Died, 2. Removed 8. Present number, – – – 94
Burials, – – – – – – – – 14
Sunday School.—White; number generally in attendance, 100, under the direction of the Rector, a Librarian, 3 Male and 7 Female Teachers. Coloured; average attendance, about 40, under the charge of the Rector, 2 Male and 7 Female Teachers. The small balance reported last year as due for the Sunday School building, has been paid off.
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The Parish School, for affording gratuitous instruction in the elements of a plain education, combined with religious teaching, in conformity with the principles and institutions of the Church, remains in successful operation. The sum of $253 75 has been contributed by the Congregation, during the past year, to this interesting object: $63 75 of which was a Christmas offering, and the remainder raised by the laudable exertions of the Ladies’ Working Association.
The children of the Congregation are catechized monthly, by the Rector.
Missionary Contributions have been as follows:
Public collection for the Domestic Missions of the Church, – – $90 75
Christmas offerings of the Sunday School, divided equally
Between Domestic and Foreign Missions, – – – 7 30
Weekly Church offerings of the Sunday School, devoted to our
Diocesan Missions, – – – – – – 92 00
$190 05
The sum of $160 has been collected from subscribers to the Diocesan Church building fund.
__________
CHRIST CHURCH, MACON.
Rev. Seneca G. Bragg, Rector.
Baptisms, children, – – – – – – 7
Confirmations, (some candidates ready.)
Communicants.—Died 2; removed 6; Withdrawn 1;
Added 7; Present number, – – – – 70
Marriages, – – – – – – – 5
Funerals, adults 2; children 4, – – – 6
While, as a Parish, we have reason to be ashamed of our ingratitude, and of our failure in many duties which relate to the prosperity of our Redeemer’s kingdom, we do not despair of finally surmounting the trials and embarrassments allotted us.
Within the past Conventional year, two members of our Church have obeyed the summons to “depart and be with Christ;” receiving the last consolations of pastoral visitation, and Christian sympathy, in other and distant parishes. We would be humbled, under the chastening hand of the Lord, and excited to renewed watchfulness, diligence, and fidelity.
The Ladies’ Association have done what they could, and it is hoped they will be able to do more, the ensuing year. They have contributed
To Diocesan Missions, – – – – – – – $20
“ Western Missions, – – – – – – – 10
“ African Missions, – – – – – – – 25
And to Parochial objects, – – – – – – 105
$160
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Our Church offerings have amounted only to the sum of – – – $46 44
Our public collections, for all charitable and religious
purposes, have supplied the sum of – – – – 245 00
Out of which was contributed to Western Missions, – – – 68 00
To African Mission, – – – – – – – 62 68
To Diocesan Missions, – – – – – – – 20 00
The old Organ having begun to fail, a new one has been procured at a moderate expense. A Parish Library has been established under circumstances of decided encouragement and usefulness. We are not satisfied with the present condition of our Sunday School, but trust it may be improved by more zealous co-operation on the part of all its professed friends.
__________
TRINITY CHURCH, COLUMBUS.
Rev. William D. Cairns, Rector.
Baptisms,–Adult, 1, Infants 58, – – – – – 59
Confirmed,–No Episcopal visit.
Marriages, – – – – – – – 2
Burials,–Adults, 2; Infants, 2, – – – – – 4
Communicants,–Died, 2; Added, 8, – – – – 86
Collections:
For Diocesan Missions, – – – – – – $54 50
General Domestic Missions, – – – – – 50 00
Candidates for Orders, – – – – – – 50 00
Church Debt, – – – – – – – 250 00
Interest on do. – – – – – – – 120 00
Bishop’s and Contingent Funds, – – – – – 115 00
At the “Offertory,” – – – – – – 128 50
$768 00
Of the above, the Ladies of the Working Society have contributed, from the avails of their industry, $220 00.
The Rector was absent from the Parish during the entire half of the past Conventional year, in the pursuit of health, and is also prevented from attending this Convention by recent illness.
__________
CHRIST CHURCH, ST. SIMONS.
Rev. Edmund P. Brown, Rector.
Baptisms,–Infants, white, 2; coloured, 17, – – – 19
Adults, coloured, – – – – – 5
Confirmed,–White, 4; coloured, 1, – – – – 1
Communicants,–White,19; coloured, 30, – – – 49
Burials, – – – – – – – – 2
Marriage, – – – – – – – 1
Missionary Contributions, – – – – – $36
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As the Church of Christ exists for the sole purpose of extending the knowledge of the truth and perpetuating it in the world, that by means of it the souls of men may be sanctified and saved, that position is doubtless the most important in which this end, to the greatest extent, can be accomplished. In this respect, so far as our regular Congregation is concerned, the Church of St. Simons perhaps cannot compare with others. The congregation however of whites constitutes but a small portion of those who can be reached and influenced by the word of God, and hence although the number of the former is not large, the addition of the blacks to the population renders the parish a field of interest—embodying as it does both a Missionary and Congregational work—most gratifying and desirable.
The past year has been one which the Rector fondly believes has not been without its blessings. Our communion has been somewhat increased and the foundation apparently laid for a still larger in coming years. The spirit of harmony and Christian love is prevailing, and the angel of peace we hope will ere long abide with each one in our midst.
The addition to the Church, adverted to in the report of last year, is completed, and as a consequence more than double the numbers of blacks are in usual attendance.
An organ also has lately been procured, tasteful and neat in its architecture, and adding much to the appearance of the Church, as we anticipate it will still more to the interest and value of its services.
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EMMANUEL CHURCH, ATHENS.
Rev. Wm. Bacon Stevens, M. D. Rector.
Communicants, – – – – – – – 28
Baptisms, – – – – – – – 4
Burials, – – – – – – – – 2
The Sunday School comprises 6 Teachers and 28 Scholars. It has a library of nearly 200 volumes.
Not having been visited by the Bishop during the year the rite of confirmation has not been performed; there are however, seven candidates waiting for its reception.
I have held occasional services in Lexington, Oglethorpe county, where there are six communicants.
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ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH, DARIEN.
Rev. Richard T. Brown, Rector.
Communicants,–Removed from the place, 9
Received from another Parish, 1, – – 30
Baptisms, Infant, – – – – – – 1
Marriages, – – – – – – – 2
Funerals, – – – – – – – 2
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Regular services held during the last summer at three different points, in order to reach the people at their summer retreats.
A Sunday School was established last fall, in which the children connected with the congregation, have been instructed and catechised under the supervision of the rector.
The Church edifice is not yet finished.
The congregation at this point has been subjected during the last year to the trials and discouragements naturally resulting from the rapidly declining condition of the place; but with proper faithfulness it can be ultimately established. Our help is in the name of the Lord.
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ST. JAMES’ CHURCH, MARIETTA.
Rev. Thomas F. Scott, Rector.
Communicants,–Added, 2, Total, – – – – 11
Baptisms,–Adult, 1; Infants, 2, – – – – – 3
Marriages, – – – – – – – 2
Funerals, – – – – – – – 1
Sunday School—Teachers, 8; Pupils, 50
Funds Raised—For Church purposes, ($40 by the Ladies’
Sewing Society,) – – – – – $146 00
Communion Offerings, – – – – – – 18 17
For Parsonage, – – – – – – – 250 00
$414 17
In addition to this, there have been paid in towards
The Female Seminary, – – – – – 550 00
Total raised during the year, – – – – – $964 17
Having had no visitation by the Bishop, we have no confirmations to report. Our candidates are awaiting the opportunity, and some of them are then to be admitted to the communion.
Our Sunday School is well attended, and is becoming increasingly useful. Our Congregation is gradually becoming more uniform and settled. During the year the Church has been painted, and a set of lamps and a bell have been ordered, and will soon be on the spot.
It was at the solicitation of many of our fellow-citizens that the Vestry undertook to establish a Female Seminary. Very liberal encouragement has been extended, and the work is well advanced. The School is placed under the supervision of the Rector of the Church, in whose family the young Ladies from abroad are to be boarded. Two very competent Ladies have been engaged, and the Institution is to be opened on the 19th inst. More than twenty pupils have already been entered.
The attention which this and our enterprise in Cass county have demanded, have not only made my duties very laborious, but prevented much that was anticipated for the extension of our Church in other
20
directions. Rev. Mr. Page officiated but a few times in Cass county. I have had service at that point three times, and administered the communion once. The Church was completed, except painting, as early as November last, and is a very neat and commodious house. The Parsonage and a School-room have also been built, and are now occupied by Mr. Frederick Elwell, a very accomplished classical scholar, and an able teacher. This point needs but a zealous and judicious Clergyman, who is willing to labour in faith, and can endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. With God’s blessing upon such a ministry, the happiest results may be confidently anticipated. The quiet, but Scriptural and impressive services of our Church, are gradually gaining favor as they become known, and must exert a very salutary influence upon the intellectual and moral condition of our new and interesting country.
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ST. DAVID’S CHURCH, GLYNN COUNTY.
Rev. T. B. Bartow, Minister.
Communicants,–White, 13; Coloured, 11, – – – 24
Baptisms,–White infants, 3; Coloured, 31,
Adults, coloured, 2, – – – – 36
Burials,–White, 1; Coloured, 1, – – – – – 2
Candidates for Confirmation, – – – – – 9
While spending his “leave of absence” with his friends after three years of foreign service, the present Rector was invited to take charge of this Church in January last, to continue his ministrations until he received orders from the Navy Department. Soon after the 1st, of May however, the services of a Pastor are not required here by the White Congregation, for it is considered no longer safe to remain near the rice fields, and but one family continues at present to reside in the Parish. At all times the Rector’s principal duty here must be among the blacks. As the number of the Whites is less than 50, the duty required by them from the Clergyman is little else than to preach one sermon on Sunday and to catechise the children. The number of blacks is in the proportion of 20 to 1, and of course demand the largest share of attention, and no people are more grateful for it. Their love, their interest, and their zeal, lighten the toil and sweeten the labour. The Planters have uniformly facilitated the religious instruction of their servants in every way that was desired, and I have been enabled, by being three nights in the week absent from home, to preach on four plantations once a week, besides having a service for the blacks on Sunday afternoon at St. David’s. A Sunday School of 70 children has been ably conducted by two inmates of one family, in addition to which one of the teachers with “a zealousness of good works which glorifies her Heavenly father,” taught a class of 30 adults of both sexes. On another plantation the coloured children have been carefully taught the catechism and parts of the Church service by two very young
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ladies. As the promise of God is that “they who water, shall be watered themselves,” we may confidently hope for its fulfilment in such unobtrusive works of love. The negroes, young and old, take delight in those portions of the Church service in which they bear a part, particularly the confessions, the Lord’s prayer, the creed, the litany, the Gloria in excelsis, and the commandments, which seem admirably adapted to interest and to instruct them. If our Baptist brethren embrace the greater number of the negro population in their communion, it is because they deserve it for their greater care and superior pains bestowed upon that neglected people and not because their faith or worship is better suited to the rude and ignorant. The negroes readily understand that if they wish their infants saved by Christ, they should bring them to be baptized in his name. They easily perceive, that as a crumb of bread and a drop of wine may, by faith, convey the grace of the one sacrament, depends on faith and not on the quantity of water. But however much it may be desired by themselves and by their superiors that a Clergyman should remain here during the summer, it is very doubtful whether any white man could long endure the exposure of preaching on these plantations at night, when alone they can be taught to advantage, and when alone they desire to be taught, for but few of them can assemble at the distant Church on Sunday. Until all the families of this Parish shall rendezvous at one place during the summer, St. David’s must unavoidably be closed for half the year, and during that half (unless the Bishop can say of his Missionaries, as of the first preachers of the Gospel, “if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them,”) the preaching of the Gospel at night to the negroes on rice plantations, must be left to men of their own colour. This is the more to be regretted, as they are so desirous of sound instruction that to teach them is a twofold pleasure.
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MISSION AT ST. MARY’S.
The undersigned entered upon his duties at this place on the first Sunday in February. Since that time service has been held twice on Sabbath, in a room of the Academy, the use of which has been kindly continued to us. One Sunday has been given to Jacksonville, Florida, and occasional services have been held for the coloured people in their Church.
Our Congregations have been necessarily small, but the attention to the services has been highly gratifying, and the heart of the Missionary has been cheered by evidences that the Lord has been among us by his Spirit.
White and Coloured Sunday Schools have been established. The White School though numbering but a few, is increasing. The Coloured School has averaged seventy five. The Missionary may be permitted to state that he regards this as a most important part of his charge. A spirit of Christian love has prompted some members of other congregations to
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volunteer their aid in the important work of instructing the ignorant and too often neglected blacks.
Steps have been take towards erecting a Church. A lot eligible in situation and sufficient in size for a Church and Parsonage has been purchased. And in the course of the summer we hope to proceed to accomplish the object.
Communicants, – – – – – – 9
Prepared for Communion when opportunity offers, – – 4
Marriage, – – – – – – – 1
Contributions,–Missionary, – – – – – $17 84
Do Sunday School, – – – – 34 00
Sunday School Library, – – – – – 100 Vols.
J. A. SHANKLIN.
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The Standing Committee made their Report, which was accepted:
The Standing Committee of the Diocese of Georgia respectfully
REPORT:
That they have recommended to the Bishop to be received as Candidate for Orders, Dr. William Flint.
For Deacon’s Orders, Messrs, Joseph Augustus Shaklin, William Josiah Ellis, Benjamin F. Mower, Nicholas A. Okeson and Owen P. Thackara.
And for Priest’s Orders, Rev. Messrs. Edmund P. Brown, Alexander J. Berger, and Rufus M. White.
ED. NEUFVILLE, President.
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The Missionary Committee made the following report which was accepted:
The Committee on Missions respectfully
REPORT:
That their operations have been very much restricted during the past year by a deficiency in the amount of contributions upon which they confidently relied in order to carry on the work entrusted to their care. While at several points they might at once operate successfully, if means were furnished to authorize the employment of Missionaries, it will be seen by the Treasurer’s report, which is herewith submitted, that their existing engagements have involved them in debt to the amount of $900, for
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the speedy payment of which they are responsible. It is a source of deep mortification and regret, that in such an extensive field of usefulness as this Diocese presents, there should be any hindrance to the advancement of the Church, arising from a want of substantial evidence of interest in its prosperity at the hands of those who enjoy its privileges. “By whom shall Jacob arise,” if those upon whom he has the first and strongest claim, do not consider and show mercy for Christ’s sake, when it is in the power of their hand to do it? If those who are strong would but remember the obligations which rest upon them to bear the infirmities of the weak, even at some sacrifice of what pleases themselves, a little one would soon become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation. May the Lord hasten it in his time, through the mighty power of His Holy Spirit, inclining the hearts of men “to His precepts and not to covetousness.”
ED. NEUFVILLE, Chairman pro. tem.
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The Reports of the Treasurers of the Diocese and of the Missionary Committee, were referred to the Committee on Finance.
After Prayer by the Bishop, the Convention took a recess until 4 o’clock.
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4 O’Clock, P. M.
The Convention was called to order by the Bishop, and the minutes of the morning were read.
The Committee on Unfinished Business made their Report which was accepted:
The Committee on Unfinished Business respectfully
REPORT:
They find nothing in the Journal of 1844 which requires the action of this Convention, except a resolution proposing an amendment of the 4th Article of the Constitution, on page 33.
S. G. BRAGG, Chairman.
On motion, it was
Resolved, That the amendment to the Constitution of the Diocese proposed at the last Convention be adopted, and that the fourth Article read as follows:
The Convention shall be composed of Clergymen and Laymen. Every Clergyman of good standing, regularly settled and con-
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tenuously exercising clerical functions in an existing Parish, or who shall have been six months last past, performing Missionary duties, under the direction of the Ecclesiastical authority of this Diocese, shall be entitled to all the privileges of a member of this Convention; and every duly recognised Minister of the Church, canonically resident for six months last past within the Diocese, being engaged in the business of literary instruction, or disabled by reason of age or infirmity from exercising Clerical functions, shall be entitled to all the privileges of a member of the Convention, with the exception of the right to vote.
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The Convention proceeded to ballot for Treasurers, Committees and Delegates, which resulted as follows:
Treasurer of the Diocese.
William P. Hunter, of Savannah.
Treasurer of the Missionary Committee.
George J. Kollock, of Savannah.
STANDING COMMITTEE.
Of the Clergy. Of the Laity.
Rev. Edward Neufville, Wm. B. Bulloch,
“ Edward E. Ford, D.D. Dr. Theodosius Bartow,
“ Seneca G. Bragg. Hon. R. M. Charlton.
MISSIONARY COMMITTEE.
Rev. Edward Neufville, Hon. R. M. Charlton,
“ Seneca G. Bragg. Joel Ives,
Henry H. Stotesbury.
DELEGATES TO THE GENERAL CONVENTION.
Rev. Edward Neufville, Hon. J. M. Berrien,
“ Seneca G. Bragg, N. C. Munroe,
“ Edward E. Ford, D. D. E. F. Campbell,
“ Wm. B. Stevens. C. F. M. Garnett.
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The following Article was proposed as an amendment to the Constitution, and was approved by the Convention, and ordered to lie over:
Art. 13. In all elections by ballot, a majority of votes shall be required for a choice.
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The Committee on the admission of New Parishes reported and their Report was accepted.
The Committee on the admission of New Parishes respectfully Report, That no applications have been presented to them.
THOMAS F. SCOTT, Chairman.
On motion, it was
Resolved, That the next Convention be held in Emmanuel Church, Athens, on the Thursday after the first Monday of May, 1846.
On motion, it was
Resolved, That the thanks of this Convention be tendered to Joseph S. Fay, Esq. for his valuable services as Treasurer of the Missionary Committee of the Diocese, and for this very liberal donations in aid of the funds appropriated for Diocesan Missions.
After Prayer by the Bishop, the Convention adjourned until to-morrow morning at 10 o’clock.
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At night, Evening Prayer was read by Rev. Edmund P. Brown, and a Sermon delivered by Rev. Thomas F. Scott, from Acts, 3:19.
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SATURDAY MORNING, May 10, 1845
Morning Prayer was read by Rev. Joseph A. Shanklin, and a Sermon delivered by Rev. Edmund P. Brown, from Revelation, 4:10.
The Convention was called to order by the Bishop, and the minutes of yesterday were read and confirmed.
The Committee on Finance made the following Reports which were accepted:
The Committee on Finance, to whom was referred the account of the Treasurer of the Diocese, having carefully examined the same, beg leave to
REPORT:
That the various items in the account are sustained by proper vouchers, and the account is kept in a clear and neat manner.
A small balance of $12 45 has been transferred to the new account, as will be seen by the accompanying account of the Treasurer. This deficiency arises from the failure of one or two new
4
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and weak Parishes to pay in their full assessment to the Contingent Fund at the last meeting of the Convention.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
T. M. NELSON, Chairman.
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The Committee on Finance to whom was referred the account of Joseph S. Fay late Treasurer of the Committee on Diocesan Missions, present the following
REPORT:
That the debits in the account of the late Treasurer are sustained by proper vouchers and evidence. It appears that notwithstanding the advance by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Elliott of the sum of $900 raised by his note now running in the Marine Bank, Savannah, the late Treasurer had not funds sufficient, by the sum of $303 01, to cover the amount paid away by him, but most generously balanced his account by crediting $303 01, as “Donations to Diocesan Missions.”
It further appears to the Committee from a communication of the Rev. Mr. Neufville, in behalf of the Rt. Rev. Bishop Elliott, that the latter received, in the absence of the Treasurer, on account of Diocesan Missions, the sum of $217 24, and paid away the sum of $81 50, leaving in the hands of the Bishop the sum of $135 74, at this day. Although the proper duty of this Committee is only to examine the accounts of receipts and expenditures, on account of Diocesan Missions, it will be pardoned by the Convention for bringing distinctly to its notice the liability of the Bishop, charitably incurred, and suggesting the propriety of raising a sum sufficient to discharge it without delay.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
T. M. NELSON,
R. R. CUYLER, Committee.
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The Committee on the State of the Church made the following Report which was accepted and adopted:
The Committee on the State of the Church beg leave to refer to the annual Address of the Bishop for such particulars in relation to the affairs of the Diocese as are usually made the subject of their report. Several of the Parishes have, from unavoidable
27
circumstances, made no report to this Convention, so that the usual statistical information cannot be embodied in this report; and your Committee therefore request that they may be discharged.
ED. NEUFVILLE, Chairman.
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On motion, it was
Resolved, That 500 copies of the Journal of this Convention be printed under the direction of the Secretary.
On motion, it was
Resolved, That the Rectors, Members and Friends of the Church in this Diocese be earnestly requested to exert themselves to raise the sum of $765, to relieve the Missionary Committee from their responsibilities on account of the Missionary transactions of the past Conventional year, and that the Secretary furnish each Rector with a copy of this Resolution as soon as practicable.
On motion, it was
Resolved, That the printing of the Reports of the Treasurers of the Diocese and of the Missionary Committee, be dispensed with in the Journal of the proceedings of this Convention;
Resolved, That the Standing Resolution respecting the printing of such Reports, passed at the Convention of 1842, be rescinded.
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The following Resolution was offered and in consequence of a Constitutional difficulty, laid over until the next Convention:
Resolved, That the Rt. 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.
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Resolved, That the following amendment be made to the Fourth Article of the Constitution and inserted as a Second Section of the same:
Section 2. No Deacon ordained under the provisions of the
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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 above Resolution was ordered to lie over until the next Convention.
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On motion, it was
Resolved, That the thanks of this Convention be tendered to the Treasurer of the Diocese for his prompt, efficient and faithful discharge of the duties he has performed to the Church during the past year.
The Chair appointed Rev. Thomas F. Scott to preach the next Convention Sermon, and Rev. Edmund P. Brown to preach the Missionary Sermon.
After Prayer by the Bishop, the Convention adjourned until 8 o’clock on Monday morning.
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At night, Rev. Edward Neufville read the Evening Prayer, and a Sermon was delivered by Rev. Joseph A. Shanklin, from Ecclesiastes 12:1.
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SUNDAY, 11th MAY.
The Bishop held a special Ordination. Rev. Edward Neufville read Morning Prayer, and Rev. E. E. Ford, D. D. preached the Sermon. The Candidates, Messrs. William J. Ellis, Benjamin F. Mower, Nicholas A. Okeson, and Owen P. Thackara, were presented by Rev. S. G. Bragg, and admitted to Deacons’ Orders by the Bishop, who also administered the Holy Communion, assisted by Rev. Edward Neufville.
In the afternoon, Evening Prayer was read by Rev. Benjamin F. Mower, and a Sermon preached by Rev. W. J. Ellis, from 1 Peter, 4, 8.
At night, after Prayers by Rev. O.P. Thackara, Rev. Thomas F. Scott delivered the Missionary Sermon from Isaiah, 32: 20, and a collection was taken up in aid of Diocesan Missions, amounting to $28 55.
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MONDAY MORNING, MAY 12, 1845.
After Prayer by the Bishop, the Convention was called to order, and the minutes of Saturday were read and confirmed.
There being no further business, after Prayer by the Bishop the Convention adjourned sine die.
STEPHEN ELLIOTT, JR.
Bishop of the Diocese of Georgia.
Thomas F. Scott, Secretary.
APPENDIX.
_____
CONSTITUTION
OF THE
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH,
IN THE DIOCESE OF GEORGIA,
___________________
ARTICLE I.
The Church of this Diocese, as a constituent part of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the United States of America, accedes to, recognises, and adopts the General Constitution of that Church, and acknowledges its authority accordingly.
ARTICLE II.
A Convention of this Church shall be held at such time of each year and place as the previous Convention may appoint: provided, however, that no Convention shall be opened for the transaction of business, unless there be present at least two Clergymen and Delegates from two congregations. And in case no Convention be formed, the standing officers of the last Convention shall hold their respective offices until successors shall be appointed
ARTICLE III.
The Bishop, or, if the Episcopate be vacant, the Standing Committee, shall have power, when it appears requisite for the good of the Church, to call a Special Convention, by a circular letter to the several Churches. There shall not be less than four weeks’ notice previous to the day appointed, and such meeting shall be holden when the authority calling it shall determine: and at such Special Convention, no other business shall be transacted than that stated in the notice calling the Convention.
.
ARTICLE IV.
The Convention shall be composed of Clergymen and Laymen. Every Clergymen of the good standing, regularly settled and continuously exercising clerical functions in an existing Parish, or who shall have been six months last past, performing Missionary duties, under the direction of the Ecclesiastical authority of this Diocese, shall be entitled to all the privileges of a member of this
31
Convention; and every duly recognised Minister of the Church, canonically resident for six months last past within the Diocese, being engaged in the business of literary instruction, or disabled by reason of age or infirmity from exercising Clerical functions, shall be entitled to all the privileges of a member of the Convention, with the exception of the right to vote.
Each Church or Congregation in union with this Convention shall be entitled to a representation by one Lay Delegate or more, not exceeding three, to be chosen from its own body by the Wardens and Vestrymen thereof: Provided, however, that the Minister, or, the Delegate or Delegates present at any Convention, may supply any vacancy in the delegation, if he or they should find at the place of meeting, a member or members of the congregation which they are empowered to represent.
ARTICLE V.
New Parishes may be admitted into union with this Convention, by a majority of votes: Provided that they shall have laid before the Convention written evidence, subscribed by the Wardens, that they accede to the Constitution and Canons of this Church, and are regularly organised by the election of two Wardens, and any number of Vestrymen at discretion, not exceeding eight.
ARTICLE VI.
Every meeting of the Convention shall be opened with Morning Prayer, and a Sermon delivered on the first day of the Convention, by a preacher appointed at the preceding Convention: a Sermon on Missions shall also be preached some time during the sitting of each Convention, when a collection shall be made in aid of Missions within this Diocese. The appointment of both preachers 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 dicision.
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ARTICLE VIII.
The Bishop of the Diocese shall be, ex officio President of the Convention. In case there be no Bishop, or in his absence, a presiding officer shall be elected from among the clerical members present.
ARTICLE IX.
At each annual meeting of the Convention, a Secretary and Treasurer shall be chosen, to hold their respective offices until the next Annual Convention, or until successors shall be appointed.
It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to receive, or cause to be received, at each annual Convention, the assessments upon the Parishes of this Diocese for defraying the incidental expenses of the Convention and the support of the Episcopate—and also to pay to the Bishop quarterly in advance, the amount of salary pledged to him by this Convention; making a faithful return of all these his acts in his annual report to the Convention of this Church.
ARTICLE X.
A Standing Committee shall be chosen at each annual meeting of the Convention, to consist of three Clerical and three Lay members: of the time and place of whose meetings due notice in writing shall be given to all the members thereof at least one week before the time of such meeting. At a meeting thus notified, any four members shall constitute a quorum. The Standing Committee shall meet as soon as practicable after their election, and choose a President and Secretary from among their own number; and it shall be the duty of the President to call a meeting of the Committee whenever he shall deem it necessary, or whenever he shall be required so to do 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
33
this Convention, who shall be empowered, in the absence of one or more of their colleagues, to appoint in the place of such Delegate or Delegates any citizen or citizens of this State: provided that such citizen or citizens be a member or members of the Protestant Episcopal Church in this Diocese; or if it be inconvenient for any Delegate or Delegates to proceed to the place of meeting, the Bishop is authorized to appoint others in their place. In case of a vacancy in the Episcopate, the power hereby conferred on the Bishop shall be exercised by the Standing Committee.
ARTICLE XII.
A proposition for altering and amending this Constitution shall be introduced in writing, and considered in Convention: and if approved by a majority, shall lie over to the next Convention, when upon consideration again, if it be approved by a majority of the Convention, it shall be adopted.
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CANONS.
CANON I.
Each Church duly represented to this Convention shall pay or cause to be paid into the hands of the Treasurer of the Convention the sum of fifteen 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 of this Diocese, it shall be the duty of any two or more Clergymen, or of the Wardens and Vestrymen of the Church of which he is Rector, or to which he may belong, who shall have knowledge or belief of such misdemeanor, to represent the same to the Bishop, or in case there be no Bishop, to the Standing Committee of the Diocese. In the event of such representation, it shall be the duty of the Bishop, or, if there be no Bishop, of 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
5
34
Standing Committee, as the case may be, shall appoint a number of Presbyters not less than five, of whom the person accused may select a majority, by whom to be tried. The result of the trial shall be made known to the Bishop, or, if there be no Bishop, to the Standing Committee, who shall pronounce and execute, or cause to be pronounced and executed, such sentence as may be awarded, should the same by him or them be deemed just and proper.
Should the sentence be suspension or degradation from the Ministry, the Bishop, or provisional Bishop, or should there be none, some neighboring Bishop, shall be 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.
CANON III.
The Convention shall appoint annually, by ballot, a Committee of two Clergymen and three Laymen, of which Committee the Bishop of the Diocese, when there is one, shall be ex-officio, Chairman; whose duty it shall be to take in charge the Missionary, Bible, Common Prayer Book, Tract and Sunday School operations of the Church in this Diocese: and it shall be further the duty of this Committee to make a full report of all their proceedings to each succeeding annual Convention.
CANON IV.
It shall be the duty of the Vestry of each Church in connexion with this Diocese, to pay, or cause to be paid, into the hands of the Treasurer of the Convention, at each annual meeting of the Convention, the amount of the assessment laid upon the Churches respectively represented by them, for the support of the Episcopate in this Diocese.
CANON V.
Section 1. Whenever any number of persons shall associate
35
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 be designated, and elect two Wardens and any number of Vestrymen at discretion, not exceeding eight. A certified copy of the articles of Association and of the proceedings at their adoption, signed by the Wardens, shall then be laid before the Convention, and if approved by that body, delegates from such Congregation or Parish may take seats in the Convention, and the Congregations shall be considered as united to the Convention and subject to its decisions.
Section 2. The elections of Wardens and Vestrymen in every Parish thus constituted, shall take place annually, on Easter Monday, unless some other time be specified in the act of incorporation, with the assent of the Ecclesiastical authority of the Diocese.
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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 collections are to be paid over by the respective Rectors, and the amount thus paid over 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 5.
“We, the subscribers, assembled for the purpose of organizing a Church [or Parish] of the Protestant Episcopal Church in _____, county of _____, and State of Georgia, after due notice given, do hereby agree to form a Church [or Parish] to be known by the name of _____ Church _____, and as such, do hereby acknowledge and accede to the doctrine, discipline and worship, the Constitution and Canons of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America, and the Constitution and Canons of the same Church in the Diocese of Georgia; and we do accordingly now appoint A.B. and C.D. to be the first Wardens, and E.F., G.H., I.J., to be the first Vestrymen of _____ Church, to continue in office until Easter Monday, A.D. _____, and until others be chosen in their place. And an election of Wardens and Vestrymen shall hereafter be held on Easter Monday of each successive year.
Witness our hands at _____, county of _____, and State of Georgia, this _____ day of _____, in the year of our Lord _____.”
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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, worldly 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.
