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JOURNAL

OF THE

PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

EIGHTEENTH ANNUAL CONVENTION

OF THE

PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH

IN THE DIOCESE OF GEORGIA,

Held in the Parish of Grace Church,

CLARKSVILLE, HABERSHAM COUNTY,

On the 4th and 5th May,

1840.

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COLUMBUS:

ENQUIRER PRINTING OFFICE

1840.

Cover

LIST OF CLERGY:
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REV. STEPHEN ELLIOTT,
PROFESSOR OF SACRED LITERATURE IN THE COLLEGE OF S. CAROLINA,
BISHOP ELECT.
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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. Simon’s Island.
Rev. Seneca G. Bragg—–Rector of Christ Church, Macon.
Rev. William D. Cairns—–Rector of Trinity Church, Columbus.
Rev. John J. Hunt—–Teacher of a Seminary in Washington.
Rev. George White—–Rector of St. Michael’s Church, Springfield.
Rev. Ezra B. Kellogg—–Rector of Grace Church, Clarksville.
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List of Lay Delegates.
Christ Church, Savannah.—–Mr. George Jones, Wm. P. Hunter, Wm. H. Cuyler.
St. Paul’s Church, Augusta.—–Horatio R. Cook, Benjamin Conley, John Carmichael.
Christ Church, Macon.—–Nathan C. Munroe, Nathaniel Barker, Dr. Ambrose Baber.
Christ Church, St. Simons.—–Mr. J.H. Couper, W.W. Hazzard, J. Demere.
Trinity Church, Columbus.—–Mr. Richard Alsop.
Grace Church, Clarksville.—–Mr. John R. Mathews, John R. Stanford, Benjamin F. Patton.
St. Michael’s Church, Springfield.—–Hon. Robert M. Charlton, Robert G. Guerrard.

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JOURNAL.
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Parish of Grace Church…..Clarksville,
Monday, May 4th. 1840.

The Eighteenth Annual Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the State of Georgia, met this day agreeably to appointment, in the Parish of Grace Church, Clarksville—after morning prayer by the Rev. Edward E. Ford and a sermon by the Rev. T.B. Bartow, the Convention sermon having been preached yesterday by the Rev. Wm. D. Cairns, when the members of the Convention and others united in receiving the Holy Communion, and the Missionary Sermon by the Rev. Edward E. Ford.
The following Clerical and Lay Members of the Convention being present, to-wit:
Rev. Edward Neufville Mr. George Jones
“ Edward E. Ford “ Horatio R. Cook
“ Theodore B. Bartow “ Benjamin Conley
“ Seneca G. Bragg “ Nathan C. Munroe
“ William D. Cairns “ Richard Alsop
“ George White “ John R. Mathews
“ Ezra B. Kellogg “ John R. Stanford
Mr. Benjamin F. Patton.
The Convention proceeded to an election of its President and Secretary, which resulted in the unanimous choice of the Rev. Edward Neufville as President, and the Rev. Wm. D. Cairns as the Secretary thereof.
The Rules of Order of the Convention of 1838, were adopted for the government of this Convention.
Application from a new parish in Springfield, Effingham county, having been made for admission into union with this

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Convention, under the name of St. Michael’s Church, Springfield, the accompanying testimonials were referred to the Rev. Messrs. Kellogg and Ford and Mr. Jones for examination, who reported them to be in accordance with the requirements of the Constitution and canons of this Diocese. Whereupon the application was received, and the Parish of St. Michael’s admitted into Union.
The following committees were appointed by the President:
On Finance—–Messrs. Jones and Munroe.
On the Church—–The Rev. Messrs. Ford, Kellogg and Bartow.
The Parochial Reports were then read and ordered to be printed, as follows:

CHRIST CHURCH…..SAVANNAH.
Rev. Edward Neufville, Rector.

Baptisms, (adult 3, infant 12,) – – – – 15
Marriages – – – – – – – – – 6
Burials – – – – – – – – – – 33
Communicants – – – – – – – 150
Confirmed – – – – – – – – – 20

It is with devout thankfulness to God, that the Rector is enabled to report the completion of the new and beautiful Parish Church, which was consecrated on Sunday the 22d of March last, by the Right Rev. L. S. Ives, D.D. Bishop of the Diocese of North Carolina, who also administered the rite of confirmation. The interest excited by these services was heightened by the presence of Bishop Chase of Illinois, whose arrival in the City, simultaneously with Bishop Ives, was as unexpected as it was gratifying.
The general condition of the parish is eminently prosperous. Liberal contributions have been made during the past year to different institutions and objects connected with the church, and an increased attention manifested to spiritual things.

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ST. PAUL’S CHURCH…..AUGUSTA.
Rev. Edward E. Ford, Rector.

Baptisms.—Children, including on colored child—also
at Clarksville in August last, a child of
Rev. E. B. Kellogg, – – – – – – – – 13
Marriages – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 6
Burials—6 being of persons not of the congregation 24
Communicants—Died 2, removed 5. Present number 68
The Sunday School contains 50 children, under the management of the Rector, as Superintendent, a Librarian, 3 male and 7 female teachers. The Library has been considerably increased and contains about 400 volumes.
There is a Bible Class which is well attended and a Parochial Library, containing 114 volumes. The sum of $300 has been raised for the support of Missions within the Diocese, and about $25 for the purchase of Sunday School Books, Prayer Books and Tracts. Of the above aggregate sum, $225 were raised through the weekly church offerings.
A collection of $177 was made for the benefit of Jubilee College, on the recent visit of the Right Rev. Bishop Chase to the congregation.

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CHRIST CHURCH…..MACON.
Rev. Seneca G. Bragg, Rector.

Number of Baptisms—children 8
Communicants—removed 5, added 10; present
number – – – – – – 45
Marriages – – – – – – – – – – 11
Funerals—Adults 1, not of the congregation 3,
children—6 not of the congregation—9, 12
Within the conventional year, several changes have occurred, by the removal of members of the church from this Parish and by the addition of others. The pecuniary embarrassments of this section of the country have lessened the amount of church offerings. The whole amount of parochial collections for benevolent purposes is about two

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hundred dollars, to which should be added special donations from the hands of strangers, about eighty dollars, making a total of two hundred and eighty dollars.
The branch of the Parish Association, (for all objects of christian benevolence,) which is managed by ladies of the church, continues to give promise of increasing activity and usefulness. Through the industry, charity and zeal of their small association, they have contributed to the comfort of our missionary and his family at Clarksville, and to the relief of indigent widows and orphans. They have “done what they could.” The Sunday School is in a more prosperous state than at any former period. It is conducted by a Superintendant and six teachers. The number of scholars is forty. The Library of the School contains more than four hundred volumes.

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TRINITY CHURCH…..COLUMBUS.
Rev. Wm. D. Cairns, Rector.

Baptism.—1 adult, 15 infants – – – – – – – – – 16
Marriages – – – – – – – – – – – – – 2
Burials – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 9
Communicants.—Died 1, removed 2, added 10;
present number – – – – – – – – 33
Sunday School.—Teachers 7, Scholars 50 – – – – – – 50
Collections, about four hundred dollars.
This Parish still labours under the depressing influence of a heavy debt, for the payment of which it is much feared, we shall be ultimately driven to seek assistance from abroad. It is the determination of the Vestry, however, to make this a last resort, and the hope is still entertained that their efforts may be so crowned with success as to save them the occurrence of a necessity which will be much deplored.
The Rector has twice visited the City of Apalachicola in Florida and administered the holy communion on both occasions to nearly thirty persons. He has also baptized four infants and officiated at one funeral. A Sunday School was organized at his last visit, consisting of forty children.

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CHRIST CHURCH…..St. SIMON’S ISLAND.
Rev. T. B. Bartow, Rector.

Marriage – – – – – – – – – – – – 1
Baptisms—infants 2, adult 1 – – – – – – – 3
Burial – – – – – – – – – – – – – 1
Communicants, (added 1) – – – – – – – – 15
During the summer I officiated in Christ Church, Savannah, the Rector being absent on account of ill health. Meanwhile I visited St. Simon’s monthly, preaching there on a week-day, which service was more numerously attended than the usual service on Sunday. The Vestry of this Parish in contributing to the Bishop’s fund, finding that there were too few resident Episcopalians to supply a permanent amount, have appropriated the revenue of the glebe to this object, in the persuasion that the value of the Episcopal office, even to the Parish, will more than repay the sacrifice.

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GRACE CHURCH…..CLARKSVILLE.
Rev. E. B. Kellogg, Rector and Missionary.

Baptisms—infants 2 in Clarksville and 2 in Gainesville, – – – 4
Communicants, (added 1,) – – – – – – – – – 6
Funerals, adults 3, infants 2 – – – – – – – – – 5
In reporting my labors for the past year, I am unable to speak of any very gratifying results. Nevertheless the good seed has been sown, as opportunity presented or could be made, and I cannot but look with strong hope to a future harvest, when an obstacle which has hitherto stood in my way and rendered my efforts almost unavailing, shall be removed. I allude to the want of a house of worship, in which we can meet when we please and accommodate those who are disposed to assemble with us. The importance of such an accommodation to the success of a Missionary, I have never been made to feel so sensibly as during the past year. This will be seen from some facts which I cannot avoid stating in that full account of my services which it is expected I will render.

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On the 12th of last May, I commenced officiating in Gainesville once in two weeks. I was invited to occupy the Methodist meeting house. My congregations were large and attentive, and among them I distributed 12 prayer books and about 200 tracts. There being no Sunday School in the place, I organized one, consisting of 30 scholars and 2 teachers and met with them at 3 o’clock in the evening. After preaching in that house 6 Sundays, I was informed that it was no longer at our service, as the brethren wished to hold class-meetings there when not occupied by their own preachers. From this time my Sunday School began to decline, and towards the close of my services in Gainesville, consisted only of the children of the few church families residing and remaining in the place. After this, we commenced services in the Presbyterian meeting house, which was at that time unoccupied. Here we continued to worship until the first Sunday in November, when, as most of the church families had left the place, I deemed it advisable to confine my services to Clarksville. Could an Episcopal Missionary be found, who would reside in Gainesville and support himself principally by teaching, the church would probably succeed there and a house of worship soon be built. Without this prospect, it is believed that a few occasional services will produce but little permanent good, and unless circumstances should seem to demand a renewal of my visits, I had thought of confining my labors for the year to come, entirely to Clarksville.
For two Sundays after I left Gainesville, I continues to officiate here once a fortnight as usual, when an appointment was made by a local preacher residing near, to occupy this house every third Sunday. This, with the appointments of the circuit preachers, left me but one Sunday in the month. Thus restricted in my labours, (should I confine them to this house) I judged it to be my duty to obtain, if possible, some other central place convenient for the winter, where I could exercise my ministry more frequently. After seeking in vain to procure such a room, we were compelled at last to occupy the Academy, situated on the outskirts of the village.

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Owing to this or some other cause, there has been an evident reluctance on the part of the people to attend services at that place, in so much, that after an experiment of two or three months, I found it necessary, if I would preach the gospel to any advantage, to make new arrangements. Perceiving that the Methodist meeting house was seldom occupied in the evening, and learning that the terms of the subscription upon which it was built gave to all denominations the right of using it when not occupied by those whose name it bears, I changed the meeting of my Sunday School from evening to morning, and appointed a service every Sunday in this house at 3 o’clock. I have moreover continued my appointment in the Academy for the morning, and preached when the people have assembled. My congregation in the evening though small, is composed of devout and intelligent persons.
My Sunday School has suffered a very considerable diminution since my last report, though it is now beginning to increase. There are but twenty-six occasional attendants on my list, of whom 16 were present at our last meeting.
I have continued my instructions to the colored people up to the present time. The devout attention which many of them give is truly gratifying, and I cannot but hope, that a few of them at least, will eventually become wise unto salvation.
Our new church which I had fondly hoped ere this to see finished and prepared for the accommodation of this convention, remains still but little else than a skeleton. The principal reasons I have heard assigned for this, are the drought of last summer, the want of fidelity in the workmen and the lack of means to proceed. One thing is certain—to finish our house, more funds are needed. From six to eight hundred dollars it is believed, are required for this purpose—and until our house is both finished and paid for, it will receive little encouragement, I fear, from the surrounding population. I feel that I should do wrong to conceal this probably result from my brethren, lest by my silence, I might perchance sacrifice the future and vital pros-

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perity of this parish. I have to acknowledge myself indebted to various Parishes in the Diocese for liberal donations.—Since my report of last year, I have received from the Sunday School Society of Savannah and some members of that congregation, $118. From St. Paul’s, Augusta, $100 and several valuable bundles. From the ladies of Christ Church, Macon, a valuable box of sundries and $15. I cannot forbear to add, that aside from the value of these gifts, the interest which has thus been manifested in my solitary labors, has not failed to cheer and comfort me. It has conveyed the welcome assurance, that amidst all the indifference to the good of this our Zion, there are hearts, and many too, who sincerely desire and doubtless pray for her prosperity. May the Lord give them to see the fulfillment of their desire.
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REPORT OF REV. JOHN J. HUNT…..MISSIONARY.

At the request of the Committee on Missions for this Diocese, I have visited and officiated in the town of Lexington since June last—the service designed to be once a month, having been in three instances unavoidably prevented. There are resident there six communicants of our church, (one colored.) The Holy Communion has been administered three times, on which occasions several of other denominations united with our own members in its reception. Provision has been made by the Committee on Missions, to defray the necessary expenses of horse hire, &c. attending these visits. Information of the condition and prospects of the station is in possession of the Chairman of the Committee on Missions, who has also visited the place, to whose suggestions I refer the Convention. My own views in regard to Missionary operations, founded on some little experience and observation, have been often expressed to most of the members of the Convention. During the year I have administered baptism to four infants, (one colored,) and one adult, (colored,) and attended three funerals. In every place I visit, I find some of our household of faith “scattered like sheep upon the mountains,” with no man to gather them or

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care for their souls, who still retain for the church of their choice a warm attachment, and long for an opportunity of again uniting in her sweet communion, but to whom, when hope has been deferred till the heart has become faint, the conclusion presents itself, “we have no shepherd,” and they unite with other denominations from what they deem necessity, and not choice. Religious privileges they must have, and finding in these connections that which will be better than the entire want of any, their attachments become so strong that it is difficult to sever them, and thus they are lost to the church. Instances of this are not rare, where, had they been favored with the services of their own church, such a result could not have been even suspected.
Episcopalians, though few and scattered, must be taken care of by their own brethren if the church is to increase and prosper in its spiritual strength, which requires the proper nourishment as well as the bodily. If their own brethren care not for them, others will be found who will.
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ST. MICHAEL’S CHURCH…..SPRINGFIELD.
Rev. George White, Rector,
Reports to the Convention that he has been engaged for the twelve months past in preaching to the seamen of Savannah. It gives him pleasure to state that the congregations generally, have been attentive. Circumstances have, until very recently, prevented the use of our services. The church service is now regularly performed every Sunday.—He also states that he was appointed on the 16th day of April last, Rector of St. Michael’s Church at Springfield, Effingham county. The building is not yet commenced, but it is hoped that arrangements will be made to commence it in the course of the summer.
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The following Report of the Standing Committee was read and ordered to be printed.
THE STANDING COMMITTEE beg leave respectfully to report to the Convention the following as their official acts, during the past year:

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JANUARY 19. They received from the Right Rev. H.U. Onderdonk, Provisional Bishop of the Diocese of Delaware, canonical notice of his having pronounced sentence of degradation from the ministry, upon Archibald T. McCallum, late a Deacon of that Diocese.
MARCH 9. They signed the Document required by Canon 5, of 1832, of the General Convention, signifying their assent to the consecration of the Rev. Christopher Edwards Gadsden, D.D. Bishop elect for the Diocese of S. Carolina.
At the same time under Sec. 1, Canon 3, of 1838, of the General Convention, at the request of the Vestry of Christ Church, Savannah, they invited the Right Rev. Bishop Ives, of North Carolina, to perform certain Episcopal acts within the Diocese: in compliance with which invitation, the edifice lately erected by that congregation, has been consecrated, and the rite of confirmation administered to 20 persons.
APRIL 7. Under the provisions of the Canon last referred to, they extended an invitation to the Right Reverend Bishop Chase, of Illinois, then within this Diocese, to hold an ordination, in the case of Mr. Arthur Wigfall, a candidate for orders in South Carolina, who had made application for this purpose, in the existing vacancy in the Episcopate of that Diocese: whereupon Mr. Wigfall was ordained Deacon, by Bishop Chase, on the 8th of April, in St. Paul’s church, Augusta.
They have received from the Rev. Henry Anthon, D.D. Secretary of the House of Clerical and Lay Deputies in General Convention, the following notice, required by canon 50, of the General Convention, of the following matters having been submitted by the General Convention of 1838, for the consideration of the Diocesan Conventions, viz:
1. Resolved, That it be made known to the several Diocesan Conventions, that it is proposed to alter, at the next General Convention the 1st article of the Constitution of this church, so that instead of the words, “at such time in every year,” it shall read “on the first Wednesday in October, in every third year, from the year of our Lord one

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Thousand eight hundred and forty one.” (See Journal of General Convention of 1838, p.p. 104, 105.)
2. Resolved, That it be made known to the several Diocesan Conventions, that it is proposed, at the next General Convention, to consider the following alteration of the Constitution, viz : Art.6, to read as follows:–“The mode of trying Bishops shall be provided by the General Convention. The court appointed for that purpose shall be composed of Bishops only. In every Diocese, the mode of trying Presbyters and Deacons may be instituted by the Convention of the Diocese. None but a Bishop shall pronounce sentence of admonition, suspension, or degradation from the ministry or any clergyman, whether Bishop, Presbyter or Deacon.” (See Journal of Gen. Con. Of 1838, pp, 116 and 121.)
EDWARD E. FORD, Pres.
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The Committee appointed at the last Convention “to take into consideration the establishment of a fund for the support of the Episcopate in the Diocese of Georgia,” made the following Report:
“Impressed with a sense of the high importance to which this subject is entitled, as involving the vital prosperity, and indeed it might be added the almost further perpetuity of Episcopacy among us—the Committee have thought it expedient to open a correspondence in regard to a Bishop’s Fund, with the Rectors of the several Parishes of the Diocese, with the exception of that of Clarksville, which last has been numbered among us only within a very short period. The result of this inquiry has been beyond measure felicitous—manifesting on the part of each and all of the Parishes a desire not only at once to avail of the Canonical privilege, which for the first time is now enjoyed by this Diocese in electing a Bishop for themselves—but evincing the sincerity of their zeal by a corresponding liberality, in providing to the fullest extent the financial requirement for his support. The sum of sixteen hundred dollars has already been pledged by the three Parishes of Savannah, Macon and St. Simon’s, as an annual contribution; while the Parish of Augusta, by a Resolution of her Vestry, stands bound to respond in any amount

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that shall be awarded by the Convention, as the quota devolving upon her to provide; at the same time that the assurance on the part of the Rector of Trinity Church, Columbus, is a no less guaranty of “their willingness cordially to unite in any effort which might be made for the support of a Bishop, to the extent of their ability.” In graduating the amounts equitably to be awarded as the quota hereafter to be raised by the several Parishes, in reference to their pecuniary ability, the Committee would suggest the expediency of associating a parochial charge with the Bishop to be elected, as a means of providing in part for his support, thereby rendering less onerous the provision to be made by those parishes not equally blessed with their more affluent neighbors. This suggestion is made with less hesitancy, as comporting it is believed with the views and wishes of the Parish of Christ Church, Savannah, whose characteristic liberality it is most earnestly desired may ever be supplied with an abundance for its gratification. A ray of sunshine seems now bursting from the cloud which has shrouded us in darkness from our earliest history as a Diocese. But with an unwavering resolution that each Parish will be true to her own interests—inviting on the part of the constituent portions of their clerical and lay members, an unsuspecting confidence of holy zeal in the discharge of the duties that respectively belong to each—it will then only be necessary, with the prayer of faith, to invoke the blessing of an All Merciful and overruling Providence, to enable the Diocese of Georgia, at once to be ranked among the most flourishing of the Episcopal families in the United States. That such fond anticipations may speedily be realized, is the earnest prayer of the committee. E.F. CAMPBELL, Char.
Augusta, April 28, 1840.
This Report, on motion, was referred to a special committee, consisting of Messrs. Jones, Conley, Munroe, Alsop and Stanford, with instructions to determine the sum which the Parishes shall respectively contribute as their just quota, to the support of a Bishop, in the event that one shall be consecrated for the Church in this Diocese.

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The Committee on Missions made the following Report, which was ordered to be printed:
The Committee on Missions, respectfully report, That they have endeavored to watch carefully over the important interests entrusted to their superintendence. Beside sustaining as far as our limited resources would permit, our Missionary establishment at Clarksville, in Habersham county, (connected during a portion of the year, with Gainesville, in Hall county,) we have appropriated a small sum in aid of Missionary efforts, at Lexington, in the county of Oglethorpe. Amidst the unparalleled pecuniary embarrassments of the Diocese, the Committee have refrained from encouraging laborers to enter any new portion of the Missionary field.—There are points where we desire to see the banner of the Church erected, as soon as may be consistent with other arrangements of practical and permanent utility. For the results of the self-denying and faithful exertions of our two Missionaries—the Rev. Mr. Kellogg at Clarksville and Gainesville, and the Rev. Mr. Hunt at Lexington, we refer to their annual reports.
The meetings of the Committee on Missions have been held at fixed periods once in each quarter of the year.—Resolutions have been adopted, making provision to collect and preserve in our Diocesan Depository, journals, sermons, and other publications and manuscripts, which may afford light respecting the history of the Church in this Diocese and advance its future prosperity. Contributions for that object have been solicited by the committee, and it is hoped that we may obtain possession of many interesting facts, illustrating the early history of our Diocese, and worthy of preservation. To Messrs. Swords, Stanford & Co. of the City of New-York, we are already indebted for a valuable contribution of Journals of Conventions and Pastoral Letters.
The Depository is still well supplied with Prayer Books of a small size, through the acknowledged liberality of the “Bishop White Prayer Book Society.” Sunday School Books have been added, of the value of twenty dollars;

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but we have need of a much larger supply both of Sunday School Books and of Tracts, for future use. The present condition of our Treasury, (as represented in the accompanying Report of the Treasurer of the Committee,) will enable us, with the concurrence of the several Parishes, to place our Depository on a broad and firm foundation.
SENECA G. BRAGG, Chair.
On motion of the Rev. Mr. Cairns, that “whereas, in the good providence of God, the Church in this Diocese is now entitled to proceed in the election of a Bishop, and whereas, there is good reason to believe, that by the liberality of our congregations generally, the requisite provisions will be made for his support—it was therefore,
Unanimously Resolved, That we gratefully acknowledge the mercy of God in this event, so propitious to the best interests of the church; and with the Divine blessing, will proceed at this Convention of the Diocese to the election of a Bishop to preside over us in the name of Him, the great Bishop and Shepherd of our souls.”
The Convention adjourned until to-morrow morning at 10 o’clock.
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CLARKSVILLE, Tuesday, May 5, 1840.
Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
Morning Prayer was read by the Rev. Mr. White and a Sermon preached by the Rev. Mr. Ford.
The minutes of yesterday were read and approved.
The Report of the Special Committee, to whom was refered the report of the committee appointed at the last Convention on the subject of an Episcopal Fund, having been presented—on motion, it was
Resolved, That the Report be recommitted, with instructions to arrange such a rate of assessment, accepting the generous pledge of Christ Church, Savannah, for one thousand dollars, which shall make up the sum of two thousand dollars, for the independent support of a Bishop—leaving the Bishop elect, free notwithstanding, to form any subsequent arrangements with a new parish in Savannah, or with

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any other parish in this Diocese, which shall not conflict with his higher duties to the Church at large.
The Committee on Finance reported a balance in the Missionary Funds of the Diocese of $304 97 cents an amount nearly equal to the obligations incurred by the Missionary Committee for the present year. Also a balance of $4 50cents due the Convention from the Treasurer of the Diocese. N.C. MUNROE, Chair.
The Convention then proceeded to the election of a Treasurer; of its Missionary and Standing Committees and Delegates to the General Convention, whereupon Mr. Robert G. Guerard was chosen Treasurer.
Missionary Committee.—Rev. Seneca G. Bragg, Rev. Ezra B. Kellogg, Messrs Nathan C. Munroe, Nathaniel Barker and Horace Fitch.
Standing Committee.—Rev. Messrs. Edw’d Neufville, Edward E. Ford, Seneca G. Bragg, Mr. William B. Bulloch, Dr. Theodosius Bartow, Hon. J. Macpherson Berrien.
Delegates to the General Convention—Rev. Messrs Edward Neufville, Edward E. Ford, Seneca G. Bragg, William D. Cairns, Maj. Thos. M. Nelson, Hon. J.M. Berrien, Mr. Geo. Jones, Mr. Charles Day.
The Delegates to the General Convention were appointed to represent the Diocese in any special General Convention which might be assembled during the year.
The Convention adjourned until 3 o’clock, P.M.
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AFTERNOON SESSION, 3 o’clock
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
On motion, it was resolved, That the next Annual Convention of this Diocese be held at Christ Church in the City of Macon on the first Monday in May, 1841.
Five hundred copies of the Journal were ordered to be printed.
The Rev. Edward Neufville was appointed to preach the Convention Sermon, at the next Convention of this Diocese.

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The following proposed amendment of the 1st clause of the 11th article of the Constitution was ordered to be printed for the acceptance of the next Convention, to-wit: after the words “General Convention” to add, “and to any special General Convention which may be held in the recess of this Convention.”
The amended Report of the Committee to whom was refered the consideration of the support of the Episcopate, was accepted and ordered to be printed, as follows:
The Committee to whom was refered the Report “of the Committee appointed at the last Convention to take into consideration the establishment of a fund for the support of the Episcopate in the Diocese of Georgia,” with instructions to ascertain the sum to be contributed by the several Parishes as their quota towards the support of the said Episcopate—beg leave to submit the following Report:
Your Committee have confered with the delegates from the different Parishes, and have ascertained that those of Clarksville and Springfield are not in a situation to contribute to the aforesaid fund. But they are enabled to state that the Parish of Christ’s Church, Savannah, will contribute the annual sum of $1000, that of St. Paul’s, Augusta, $500, that of Christ church, Macon, $300, Trinity church, Columbus, $100, and Christ church, St. Simons, $100, making a sum total of $2000.
During their deliberations your Committee received a communication from the delegate of Christ Church, Savannah, containing first the following preamble and resolutions of the vestry of said church:
“Whereas it is expedient that arrangements should be made by which a new Parish may hereafter be promptly formed in this place, more particularly with reference to the contemplated appointment of a Bishop at the approaching Convention of the Diocese—as thereby the Bishop elect might be settled in this city, and a larger fund for his support thus obtained—while it is at the same time desirable that there should be no division in this congregation, but that the parish thus formed should be connected with

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this church, thereby extending but not dividing the church, therefore
Resolved, That if a Bishop be elected by the Convention, it is in the opinion of this Vestry, expedient and proper that a new Parish under the name of “St. John’s Church,” should be formed, and the Rectorship thereof be tendered to the Bishop elect, with the express understanding that the Rector of that church, and the Rector of Christ church, should alternate in the respective churches, and this the interests of both be united. And further
Resolved, That the delegates to the Convention be instructed to state that a new Parish will be formed, and that it is already under way, and that they are authorized to offer the Rectorship thereof to the Bishop elect (at a salary which together with the contributions of other churches, shall make up the sum of $3000) to alternate with the Rector of Christ Church, &c. as shown in the proceedings of the Vestry.
Secondly—A resolution from a “Committee appointed by Christ Church to carry out the means of forming a new Parish.”
“The proceedings of the Vestry of Christ Church under date of the 22d April, inst. having been submitted, resolved, “That the plan proposed meets our cordial approbation, and that the Representatives from Christ Church at the Convention be authorized and requested to offer on the part of the new contemplated Parish of St. John’s Church, Savannah, the Rectorship of said Parish to the Bishop elected, with a salary not to exceed a sum, which together with the contributions of other Parishes shall make up the sum of $3000. The charge of said Parish to be taken at as early day as may be convenient; the Rectors of Christ Church and St. John’s church to alternate in their services, and the Bishop to be at liberty, at all times, to spend such time as may be necessary, away from his Parish, to attend his Episcopal visitations. And immediately thereafter, Wardens and Vestrymen for St. John’s Church will be appointed.”

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Your Committee are of the opinion that the sum of $2000 contributed by the five Parishes of St. Simon’s, Savannah, Augusta, Columbus and Macon, is entirely inadequate to the support of a Bishop. The extended journeys attendant upon his Episcopal visitations, will involve an expense of at least $700 annually, and thus leave about $1300 for the support of himself and family. Your Committee are aware that many instances may be adduced of godly men having accepted the Episcopate with smaller salaries; they are nevertheless of the opinion, that a more liberal allowance would so far from diminishing, have tended greatly to increase their sphere of usefulness.
Your Committee would, therefore, earnestly recommend the acceptance of the proposition from the Vestry of Christ Church and the Committee of the contemplated Parish of St. John’s:
First—Because thereby an additional wealthy and zealous Parish will be added to the Diocese.
Secondly—Because the proposition comes in the form of an application from Christ Church to be assisted by this Convention in the formation of said Parish, which application can scarcely be denied to a church whose untiring zeal has hitherto contributed greatly towards the establishment and extension of the church in this Diocese.
Thirdly—Because your Committee believe that in the present feeble state of the church, the proposed connexion of a Bishop with a Parish, will enable him the more efficiently to form new Parishes in other parts of the Diocese: and
Lastly—Your Committee would state that in recommending the aforesaid measure, they have contemplated the same to be but temporary; and whensoever the carious Parishes shall find themselves in a situation to support a bishop independently of parochial charge, and shall intimate a desire so to do, they feel confident that the Parishes of Christ Church and St. John’s will cheerfully acquiesce in their wishes.
GEO. JONES, Char.
The Report being accepted, on motion of the Rev. Mr. Bartow, it was unanimously resolved, that “whereas, al-

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though in the judgment of this Convention, the separation of the Episcopal office from a parochial charge is desirable, yet the Convention does not, under present circumstances, feel authorized to insist upon the separation—and therefore, also, that the Bishop of this Diocese be left at liberty to accept such temporary parochial charge as the interest of the Church of this Diocese, may for the present require.”
After having united in singing the last 2 verses of the 76th hymn and a recess of five minutes for silent prayer, the Convention proceeded by ballot to the election of a Bishop.
A division being called for, the nomination of the clergy was made, whereupon the Rev. Stephen Elliott, jr. “Professor of the Evidenced of Christianity and of Sacred Literature in the College of South Carolina,” was unanimously presented to the Laity for their acceptance. On ballot by the Laity, it was announced that there was a unanimous concurrence of both orders of the Convention, in the choice of the Rev. Mr. Elliott as Bishop of the Diocese of Georgia.
The Convention then proceeded to sign the testimonials of the Bishop elect, agreeably to the provisions of Canon 1st, section 2d of 1838, when on motion, the said testimonials were committed to the Clerical Members of the Standing Committee, with directions to communicate the same to the Rev. Mr. Elliott, and await his decision.
The Committee on the State of the Church, made the following Report, which was ordered to be printed, and the accompanying resolution was unanimously adopted.
The Committee on the State of the Church, respectfully report—That in surveying the affairs of the Diocese since the last Convention, they feel penetrated with profound gratitude to Him from whom cometh every good and perfect gift, for the manifest and cheering tokens of his blessing upon our household of faith.
From the several Parochial Reports which have been laid before the present Convention, the following exhibit has been extracted, viz:
Baptisms 63, Marriages 26, Burials 87, Communicants 323, Confirmed in Christ Church, Savannah 20; Sunday Schools—Teachers 40, Scholars 375, Collections for Missions and benevolent objects generally, $2,182.

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Your Committee would congratulate the Convention on the cheering fact, that the present is by far the fullest Convention which has ever met since the organization of the Diocese. The presence of seven of the Clergy and eight Lay Delegates, and those collected at an extremely remote point in the State, has presented a spectacle at once novel to the eyes of the friends of our Zion, and calculated to cheer their spirits as an indication of increased interest in the welfare of the Diocese.
The completion within the past year, of a spacious, tasteful and beautiful edifice for public worship, by the congregation of Christ Church, Savannah, the commencement of another suitable Church edifice in the infant Parish of Grace Church, Clarksville, and the due organization of a new congregation in Springfield, Effingham county, by the name of St. Michael’s Church and its recognition by the present Convention, are among the evidences of increasing prosperity, for which your committee feel that devout acknowledgements are due to the Great Head of the Church. Your committee would also record, as among events which, in the good Providence of God, have exerted a most auspicious influence in certain portions of the Diocese, the very unusual occurrence of the recent visit among us, of two of the beloved Bishops of the Church, viz: Bishop Ives, in kind compliance with an invitation from our Standing Committee, to perform certain Episcopal services; and Bishop Chase, in the prosecution of his zealous labors in soliciting aid for the important institution of Jubilee College in his Diocese. The exhibition of certain Episcopal offices by these beloved Fathers in the Church, viz: those of the Consecration of a Church and of Confirmation by Bishop Ives in Christ Church, Savannah, and that of an Ordination to the Ministry by Bishop Chase, in St. Paul’s Church, Augusta, has presented our Church to those communities in an aspect which has served to elevate her in the estimation of those of other denominations who had not before witnessed these peculiarly solemn, beautiful and impressive services.
The most important event in the history of this Diocese remains yet to be noticed. The Election, by an unanimous vote of the present Convention of the Rev. Stephen Elliott, jr. Professor of Sacred Literature in the College of South Carolina to the Episcopate, gives to us a full and symmetrical organization as a Diocese, and the confidence of your Committee in his zeal, devotedness and eminent qualifications to promote the best interests of the Church, prompts the ear-

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nest wish that the Bishop elect may be inclined to accept the high and sacred office thus unanimously tendered to him by this Convention.
Since our last annual meeting, the Church in this Diocese has been called to Sympathize with the Church at large, and with her sister Diocese of South Carolina in particular, under the dispensation of Divine Providence, by which the beloved Chief Pastor of the Church in that State has been removed from his earthly labors. While fully participating in the sorrow which has overspread the whole household of faith, under this heavy bereavement, it has awakened in our bosoms still deeper emotions, from the peculiarly near relation which had subsisted between ourselves and that venerated servant of Christ, and the increased opportunity thereby afforded us for observing and duly appreciating the many virtues which adorned his character, both private and public, your Committee therefore recommend the following resolution.
Resolved, That this Convention, while they desire to bow with Christian submission to the Divine will, sincerely deplore the bereavement which the Church at large, and especially the Diocese of South Carolina has sustained, in the removal by death from his earthly labors, of the Right Reverend Nathaniel Bowen, D.D., that they retain a grateful recollection of the valuable services kindly rendered by him to this Diocese as its Provisional Bishop, and that they cherish a sincere and affectionate admiration of his character as the accomplished Christian gentleman the learned and pious Divine, the faithful Parish minister, and the Bishop at once dignified, yet simple is his deportment; firm and independent, yet kind, paternal and considerate in the exercise of the high and sacred authority of his office; and conscientious, devoted and exemplary in the discharge of its varied, arduous and responsible duties.
EDW. E. FORD, Chair.

The thanks of the Convention were cordially returned to the citizens of Clarksville for their hospitality and kindness, and to the Methodist Society for the use of their building during its session.
The minutes of to-day were read and approved.
After singing the last four verses of the 94th Psalm and prayer by the President, the Convention adjourned.
Attest. EDWARD NEUFVILLE, President
Wm. D. Cairns, Secretary.

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