*
GEORGIA ''.(INVENTION
PKUTESTANI EPISCOPAL CHURCH,
The next Convention will meet in
Savannah on the Thursday af¬
ter the first Monday in
JOURNAL
OP THE
PROCEEDINGS
op the
TWENTY-FOURTH ANNUAL CONVENTION
OF THE
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH,
IN THE DIOCESE OF GEORGIA,
HELD IN EMMANUEL CHURCH, ATHENS, GA.,
Commencing on the 7th May, 1846.
-- ■ —-
MARIETTA:
I'lUNTJfciD AT THF. ADVOCATE OFFK'K.
1846.
LIST OF THE CLERGY OF THE DIOCESE OF GEORGIA.
Rt. Rev. STEPHEN ELLIOTT, Jr.,D. D. Bishop of the Diocese,
residing at Montpelier, Monroe co., Georgia. P. O., Macon.
Rev. THEODORE B. BARTOW, Chaplain in the U. S. Navy, sta¬
tioned at the Naval Asylum, Philadelphia.
" SENECA G. BRAGG, Rector of Christ Church, Macon.
" EDMUND T. BROWN, Rector of Christ Church, St. Simons
Island.
" WILLIAM D. CAIRNS, Rector of Trinity Church, Columbus.
" WILLIAM J. ELLIS, officiating at Albany, Baker county.
u JOHN FIELDING, principal of the Beaufort College, S. C.
« WM. FLINT, Deacon.
« 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, Mont¬
pelier.
" WILLIAM JOHNSON, Rector of St. Stephen's Church, Mill-
edgeville.
u GARDNER JONES, Deacon, residing in Savannah.
" BENJAMIN F. MOWER, Rector of Grace Church,Clarkesville.
« EDWARD NEUFVILLE, D. D. Rector of Christ Church
Savannah.
» THOMAS F. SCOTT, Rector of St. James' Church Marietta.
" JOSEPH A. SHANKLIN, Deacon, officiating as Missionary in
St. Mary's Camden co., Ga.
" THOMPSON L. SMITH, Deacon, officiating in St. Andrew's
Church, Darien.
« WILLIAM B. STEVENS, M. D., Rector of Emmanuel Church,
Athens, and professor of Belles Letters, &c. in University of
Georgia.
" OWEN P. THACKARA, Deacon, officiating as Missionary in
Cass and Floyd counties, Ga.
" GEORGE WHITE, residing in Savannah and doing Missionary
work among the adjacent Islands.
" RUFUS M. WHITE, Rector of St. John's Church, Savannah.
" WILLIAM C. WILLIAMS, Deacon, Missionary to the negroes
upon the North side of the Great Ogeechee river,
LAY DELEGATES APPOINTED.
WM. THQRNE WILLIAMS,
AARON CHAMPION,
EDWARD F. CAMPBELL,
GEORGE W. MORGAN,
GEORGE PARROTT,
JOHN C. CARMICHAEL,
NATHAN C. MUNROE,
JOHN L. JONES,
HENRY C. CROSBY.
THOMAS M. NELSON,
JOHN B. PEABODY,
WARHAM CROMWELL.
RICHARD D. MOORE,
PHILIP CLAYTON,
GEORGE W. FERRY,
JAMES HOLMES,
BENJAMIN GREEN,
SAMUEL PALMER.
WILLIAM ROOT,
HILLIARD L. CURRIER,
LEVI AYRES.
JOHN S. THOMAS,
M. J. KENAN,
HENRY S. MOORE.
Christ Church, Savannah.
^ St. Paul's Church, Augusta.
^ Christ Church, Macon.
^-Trinity Church, Columbus.
Emmanuel Church, Athens.
js,
^St.
}
Andrew's Church, Darien.
James' Church, Marietta.
St. Stephen's Church, Milledge-
ville.
JOURNAL
EMMANUEL CHURCH, ATHENS,
Tt.li, May 184G.
This being the time and place appointed for holding the twenty-
fourth Annual Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the
Diocese of Georgia:
Morning Prayer was read by Rev. William B. Stevens, and the
Sermon preached by Rev. Thomas F. Scott, from John IT : 20, 21.
After sermon, the Convention was called to order by the Bishop,
and the list of the Clergy being called, the following answered to
their names :
Rt. REV. STEPHEN EELIOTT, Jr., D. D. Bishop.
" SENECA G.BRAGG.
« WILLIAM J. ELLIS.
« EDWARD E. FORD, D. D.
" BENJAMIN F. MOWER,
« EDWARD NEUFVILLE, D. D.
" THOMAS F. SCOTT.
« JOSEPH A. SHANKLTN.
" THOMPSON L. SMITH.
" WILLIAM B. STEVENS.
« OWEN P. THACKARA.
" RUFUS M. WHITE.
« WM. C. WILLIAMS.
The Certificates of Lay Delegates were presented, read and com¬
mitted to Rev. Dr. Neufville, Messrs. Clayton and Morgan.
The list being called, the following Delegates answered to their
names:
From Christ Church, Savannah—Edward F.Campbell.
From St. Paul's Church, Augusta—George W. Morgan and Geo.
Parrot.
From Christ Church Macon—Henry C. Crosby.
From Trinity Church, Columbus—Warham Cromwell.
From Emmanuel Church, Athens—Richard D. Moore, Philip
Clayton, and George W. Ferry.
From St. James' Church, Marietta—Ililliard L. Currier.
From St. Stephen's Church, Milledgeville—M. J. Kenan.
The rules of order of the Convention of 1843, were adopted for
the government of this body.
0
The Bishop then announced the 1'ollowing Committees of Con¬
vention :
On the State of the Church—Rev. Drs. Neufville and Ford,
and Rev. Mr. Bragg.
On Unfinished Business—Rev. Mr. White, and Messrs. Cros¬
by and Currier.
On Finance—Messrs. Campbell, Parrott and Moore.
On the admission of new Parishes—Rev. Dr. Stevens, and
Messrs. Cromwell and Kenan.
After prayer by the Bishop, Convention adjourned until the hour
of public worship to-morrow morning.
At night, Evening Prayer was read by Rev. Dr. Neufville, and a
sermon preached by Rev. Dr. Ford.
FRIDAY MORNING, 8th May, 1846.
Morning Prayer was read by the Rev. O. P. Thackara, and a ser¬
mon preached by the Rev. S. G. Bragg.
After Sermon, the Convention was called to order, and the Jour¬
nal of yesterday was read and confirmed.
The Bishop then read his
ANNUAL ADDRESS.
Brethren of the Clergy and Laity:
Scattered as we are over an immense area, separated from one
another by distances which render a frequent inter-communion al¬
most impracticable, we feel the importance of that canonical arrange¬
ment which annually convenes us that we may ask each other u what
of the night ?" and advise together of the things pertaining to Christ
and his Holy Church. May our present meeting be one of unmin-
gled affection, and may the Holy Ghost, who alone can lead us into
the way of Truth and make us to hold the Faith in unity of spirit
and in the Bond of Peace, be present with us to fill our minds with
wisdom from above and our hearts with the most excellent gift of
Charity.
We all feel deeply the separation, nay the isolation of which I
have just spoken, but none so forcibly experience its bitterness as
those newly admitted to the cares and responsibilities of the Ministry.
Entering, for the most part without the slightest previous practical
training upon this arduous work,a work which caused even Paul to ask
"who is sufficient for these things?" hurried from the scholastic re¬
tirement of the study or the Seminary to a scene of action upon
which angels might fear to tread and to the decision of questions in¬
volving the highest interests of immortal souls, our Deacons are
made to bear a burden almost too great for them under any circum-
7
stances, but intolerable when cut. off from the sympathy of then
brethren and the advice of their superiors. With many, wisdom is
learned through a bitter experience; with many more, it is never
learned at all, and men, who under a more Avholesome training-,
might have become wise to win souls, sink, after a few years of toil
and anguish, under the weight of their ministry, or grow faithless of
any spiritual results, resting in a cold routine of formal duties with¬
out life or even the hope of life, and this condition of things, met
with throughout the whole extent of the Church, has forced upon
me the question " How can this growing evil be remedied and how
can the Deacons in a widely extended Diocese like Georgia, be spar¬
ed this terrible ordeal of ministerial character ?"
Our Ecclesiastical organization offers, I know, some remedy for
this evil in the visitation of the Parishes by the Bishop, but this can
only be partial because of the infrequenc.y and hurried nature of those
visits, and while wisely arranged, is yet not sufficient for the wants
of the younger and more inexperienced clergy. What they need for
at least the term of their diaconate, is a wise counsellor for ever at
hand who may direct them, out of large experience, into the surest
paths for their feet and into the pracitcal wisdom which is necessa¬
ry for winning souls to Christ. As meeting some of the difficulties
of the case and as calculated in some measure to relieve the young
from the cares and responsibilities of a Parochial cure, two plans
have suggested themselves to me, which deserve the consideration
of those who may, by their position, be enabled to assist in the re¬
moval of this crying and increasing evil. These I will present brief¬
ly and as leading me directly to my first official acts in the present
ecclesiastical year.
The first of these is that the Rector of each of the more firmly
established churches of the Diocese should take into his family as
his son and into his Parish as his curate one of the newly ordained
Deacons and without constituting him his regular assistant, should
employ him in the duties specified in the ordination service for Dea¬
cons, giving him food and raiment wherewith he should be content,
and allowing him sufficient time for systematic study and pulpit
preparation. The ordination service clearly points this out as the
position of the Deacon and if the Churche's view was fairly carried
out, the arrangement would be of incalculable service to all parties,
the Rector, the people and the Deacon. To the Rector, as freeing
him from many matters of detail which he must personally attend to
unless relieved by such an adjunct. To the people, by leaving their
Rector more time for pulpit preparation and parochial visiting. To
the Deacon, by introducing him gradually into the practical work
of his sacred office and accumulating for him a treasure of experience,
without the bitter memory of blunders never to be remedied and ot
follies ever to be repented of. Such an arrangement would also
8
strengthen the Diooo.se by increasing the number of her Clergy and
preparing for the Bishop a body of young inen prepared to move at
any moment to any part of the Diocese. Already has the Rector of
Trinity Church, Columbus, asked for such a curate, with the promise
of an adequate support and there are at least three other churches in
the Diocese which might advantageously adopt such an arrangement.
Its expense would be very trifling, and might be partly sustained from
the offerings of the Lord's table, if the Deacons entered upon it in the
true spirit which becomes their order, a spirit of lowliness and hu¬
mility and teachableness and self denial. How much suffering
would not a few years of such discipline save them in after life !
Even this, however, if carried out to its fullest extent would not
remedy the difficulty in a Diocese like Georgia, and another plan
has suggested itself to my mind as comprising within it some of the
elements of a more efficient organization. It is that the clergy of
each portion of the Diocese, arranging it according to great natural
divisions, should meet together at certain intervals and spend some
days in strengthening and confirming each other by prayer and an
interchange of thought and feeling. These associations, if conduct¬
ed discreetly and in order would coincide with those meetings in the
English Church which are subordinate to Convocation and Episcopal
visitation, such as those of the Archdeacons and Rural Deans and
the assemblages of the clergy of the Peculiars. They Avould also
be in accordance with the practice of many of the Dioceses of the
American Church, such as Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecti¬
cut, Pennsylvania and Virginia, where they have been conducted
with signal benefit to the clergy and greatly to the increase and edi¬
fication of the Church. Such associations as these bringing the old¬
er and the younger clergy into frequent contact and communion
would make the former feel the importance of a high and holy ex¬
ample and would return the latter to their Parishes endued 'with
fresh zeal and renewed energy for the work of the Lord.
This train of thought has been induced by a recurrence to my first
official act in the past ecclesiastical year, the admission of four young
men to the order of Deacons in the Church of Christ. But one of
these four has been during the year of his Diaconate, I allude to the
Rev. Mr. Thackara, within reach of advice from an older and more
experienced brother in the ministry. Mr. Mower I was obliged to
locate at one remote extremity of the Diocese and Mr. Ellis at another,
both in highly responsible positions but cut off from sympathy and for¬
ced to act for themselves in every emergency that might arise. To
say that they have acted prudently is to do them only scant justice;
they have purchased to themselves a good degree and will all be pre¬
pared very soon to receive it. The fourth, the Rev. Mr. Okeson,
removed immediately to Indiana, where he has been laboring earn¬
estly and successfully first at Evansville and now at LaFayette.
9
^This ordination was held on the 11th of May, 1845, in St. Stephen's
Church, Milledgeville, during the sitting- of our last Diocesan Con¬
vention, but subsequent to the delivery of my Episcopal Address.
Immediately after the adjournment of the Convention, I made my
annual visit to St. Paul's Church, Augusta, where I remained several
days, engaged in services of various kinds, and on Sunday the 18th,
confirmed eleven persons. My visitatation was closed dn Monday
evening the 19th. This congregation in spite of a constant drain
Westward, steadily increases in numbers and efficiency.
The early part of June was spent in organizing our school at
Montpelier, whicli I am happy to say has prospered exceedingly dur¬
ing the past year and is at this moment, in point of efficiency, disci¬
pline and instruction beyond what it has ever been before. It needs
nothing but the steady support of the Church to make it most useful
to the Diocese and the State. Its corps of teachers is the best which
I have been able to procure either in this country or in Europe, no
pains and no expanse having been spared for that purpose. Its appa¬
ratus for Philosophical and Artistical instruction has been purchased
from the best mechanicians and artists of London and almost every
day is adding something to the facilities for improvement offered to
the pupils. The place has been very much beautified within the year
and we are now engaged in finishing a fourth building, which will
add very much to the convenience of the Institute. These things we
have been enabled to effect, through the excellent management of the
Rev. Mr. Johnson, out of the ordinary income of the school, besides
paying a portion of the debt which was found attached to the insti¬
tute at its change of officers. The remainder of that debt we can
easily discharge out of the ordinary income of the school, if the Lord
continues to bless us with the light of his countenance and to turn
the hearts of his people towards us.
There is one object, however, connected with the Institute, which
I conceive to be peculiarly the work of the Churches and which I am
bold, in its behalf, to ask of them, as although a distinct church school,
it has never received from the Church a dollar. I allude to a Cha¬
pel which is now almost all that is wanting to make oiir establish¬
ment very complete. Hitherto we have worshipped in a very com-
moii and open house, from which we are driven into our rooms alike
by the \heats of summer and the colds of winter. This has contin¬
ued long enough and it behoves the Church, in a spirit of liberality,
to give to her children who are training there one day to become
mothers in Israel, a place of Avorship in which they may use the ser¬
vices of their Chiirch in their beauty and perfectness. It is mortify¬
ing when asked for the Chapel of the Institute, to be obliged to point
to the meanest of our buildings as that in which God is worshipped.
I trust that the Rectors of Churches and the Laymen present in this
Convention will pledge themselves before we separate, for such a sum
10
as will authorise us immediately to undertake the erection of a neat
yet commodious cdi/ice for the worship of Grod.
As I have not found that my residence at Montpelier has interfer¬
ed at all with my Episcopal duties, having performed, during the past
year, including three visits to Florida, more service than ever in one
year beforehand having travelled near six thousand miles, I have de¬
termined to continue my residence at the Institute for the present and
carry out, so far as I may be permitted to do so, the designs of its li¬
beral founder and such other plans as may open before us as we
proceed with its improvements. Its central position affords me great
facilities for movement in any direction at a moment's warning and
our strong corps of teachers enables me to devolve my personal du¬
ties, without difficulty, upon very competent substitutes during my
absences. I do not intend these remarks, however, to be construed
into a pledge that I must remain there always, as the principle of ac¬
tion which I have laid down is to keep myself so untrammelled as
to be able, at any moment, to assume that position which may, for
the time being, be most for the benefit of the Church. No other
position appears to me to meet the office and duty of a Bishop.
In the latter part of June I visited the North-Western portion of
my Diocese and 011 Sunday, June 22d, Consecrated the Church of the
Ascension upon the Etowah River in Cass county. This is a very
neat Church Edifice, beautifully located near the banks of the river,
with a glebe of some Fifty or Sixty acres of tolerable land, having a
Parsonage and School House of very decent construction, and all I
believe, paid for through the liberality of a very few individuals.—
The state of the Mission at this point will be reported to you by
the Rev. Mr. Thackara.
On Sunday, the 29th June, I confirmed in St. James' Church Ma¬
rietta, nine persons, a very large class for so feeble a parish. This
Church, with its excellent Female Seminary, I understand to be
in a very prosperous condition, for which the Church is indebted
very much, under God, to the liberality and devotion of its Rector,
the Rev. Thos. F. Scott. Not only has he given his time and his
talents to this enterprise, working night and day to further the de¬
signs of the friends of the Chnrch in Marietta, but contributing
largely of his own private means to the advancement of the same
good work. I feel sure that he will receive the reward he most
covets, that of seeing the Church of his affections take deep root in
the interesting field of his labors, and the School for which he is
toiling so earnestly, spread light and knowledge among those who
must one day be the mothers of the State. Mr. Scott's report will
give you a detail of the condition of his Female Institute, it being
left for me to say no more than that the experience of a year has
entirely fulfilled the confidence which I expressed a year ago in its
prospective usefulness.
II
My next absence from Montpelier was in the latter part of July
and. the beginning of August, when I visited Lexington, Oglethorpe
Co. and Emmanuel Church, Athens. At the former place I confirm¬
ed one individual, and found the condition of the Church the same
as when I visited it two years previous. No change had taken
place in the number of our Communicants and the continued decay
of the village forbade any attempt to organize a congregation or
build an edifice. The Rector of Emmanuel Church continues to
serve them once a month.
On Sunday, the 3d August I confirmed six persons in Emmanuel
Church, Athens. Services were held in the Church several times
during the preceding week and were well attended. Of this Church
I need say nothing as you now sit in it and are yourselves witnesses
of its convenience and beauty. Its growth in number has been
steady and onward.
In October I visited Grace Church, Clarkesville, and found the
edifice much improved since my last visitation and the Congrega¬
tion very much increased and strengthened, indeed, as a summer
Church, it is becoming one of the most interesting Parishes in my
Diocese. During those months the church is already becoming too
small for its congregation and the rapid increase of emigration and settle¬
ment renders it probable that very soon it must be enlarged to meet the
wants of the Parish. A Parsonage with a few acres of land has been
purchased during the past year and is now inhabited by the minister
and his family. I found one candidate for confirmation at this
point of visitation.
On Sunday, the 2d November, I administered the rite of Confirma¬
tion in St. Luke's church,Montpelier,when four persons were present¬
ed by the Rector, two of them young ladies belonging to the School
and two others, gentlemen residing in the neighborhood. For lack
of accommodation, we have not hitherto encouraged the attendance
of the neighbors at the Chapel of our Institute, but should we be
enabled to erect a commodious Church, I feel no doubt that many
families would feel it a privilege to be permitted to worship with us
and unite with us as a Church. This is an additional inducement to
the Churches to respond promptly to the appeal made to them in
behalf of a Chapel for our Institute.
On Sunday, Nov. 9, I admitted to the Holy Order of Deacons in
Christ Church, Macon, Messrs. YVm. C. Williams who had been for
two years studying under my roof in Savannah, and Thompson L.
Smith,transferred to me as a candidate lor orders from the Diocese of
Virginia. These Deacons are both engaged in the Eastern portion
of my Diocese, Mr. Smith at Darien and Mr. Williams as Missionary
upon the rice plantations on the Northern side of the great Ogeechee
River. This is our first distinct Mission to the Blacks entered
upon in my Diocese, and gives promise, so far as it has proceeded,
12
of being eminent!)' successful in its results. Mr. W illiams is pursuing:
the rig-lit plan, identifying, himself with his people as their Pastor
and continuing with them during the whole year. He will reap his
reward both in this world and in the world to come. Upon the
same occasion 111 Christ Church, ]\Iacon, I baptized and confirmed
an invalid adult, who has since closed his pilgrimage in faith, and
peace.
On the 16th November, I visited St. Stephen's, Milledgeville, then
under the charge of the Rev. Rufus M. White and confirmed three
persons. Unavoidable circumstances made the class smaller than it
would otherwise have been, and the subsequent removal of Mr. White
to Savannah, has cast a temporary shade over the prospects of St,
Stephen's, which I trust will soon be dissipated by the efforts of his
successor. I preached several times during my visit at St.
Stephen's.
On Sunday, the 7tli Dec. I preached three times in the Churches of
Savannah and thence proceeded to my visitation of East Florida,,
which consumed nearly all ihe remainder of the month ofDecember.
Upon my return I spent two days with the Church of the Messiah
at St. Mary's, under the charge of the Rev. Mr. Shanklin, and on
Christmas day I confirmed two persons and administered the Lord's
Supper to a considerable number. Since my visit, a Church buil¬
ding has been contracted for and is in the course of erection, the
money being nearly all in hand for the payment of its cost. Mr,
Shanklin continues to labor at this Missionary post and has abundant
cause for encouragement and hope.
On Sunday, the 28th Dec. I preached in St. Andrews Church,
Darien, but regret to say, that I have not been able to visit the
group of Churches lying in this immediate neighborhood during the
past year. St. David's, Glynn Co. has been without a Clergyman,
owing to the inability of the Rev. Mr. Bartow to fulfil an engagement
entered into with him, and St. Andrews has been supplied only since
the ordination of the Rev. Mr. Smith. Mr. Brown continues to la¬
bor successfully and devotedly at St. Simons. I baptised one infant
in St Andrew's Church, Darien.
The early part of January was spent in Middle Florida, in atten¬
dance upon the Convention of the Diocese of Florida at Tallahassee
and in the visitation of one or more of the neighboring Churches.
Upon my return into Georgia I visited Albany, Baker County, where
the Rev. Mr. Ellis had been laboring since the preceding May, and
on Sunday, January 18th, I preached three times and baptised four
infants. I found a very convenient room arranged at this place for
the accommodation of our worshippers and a very good feeling per¬
vading the community in connexion with our services. On Monday,
the 19th, I visited the plantations of Messrs. Nightingale and Johnson
<*bout 18 miles from Albany, where I baptised Forty five persons,.
13
pix of whom were infants, and confirmed sixty five adults, all the
slaves of the gentlemen above named. This was one of the most
interesting confirmations I have held in my Diocese. Every thing
conspired to make it so, its unexpectedness, the deep interest of the
master and mistress of this property, the earnestness of the candidates
themselves and its being, in a measure, the first fruits of the labors
of the Rev. Mr. Ellis among that class of people. Two years ago,
and these same people, who, under persevering instruction, were
now voluntarily and gladly submitting themselves to the ordinances
of the Church, had doggedly refused even to listen to the instructions
which were offered them. This should be an encouragement to our
young men especially, not to faint nor grow weary too soon in their
efforts with this class of people.
On the 15th Feb. 1840,1 admitted in Christ Church Macon to the
Holy order of Deacons, Dr. William Flint. Dr. Flint is now absent
from the Diocese, but will, I trust, yet feel himself at liberty to re¬
turn and labor among us.
In March I made my visitation of Trinity Church, Columbus, and
on Sunaday, the 6th, confirmed fifteen persons in public and two in
private. I found this Church, after an interval of two years, in a
very flourishing condition, there having been a large accession both
to the congregation and communion during that lapse of time.—
Reckoning the communicants upon the Alabama side of the
Chattahoochic, who really belong to Trinity Church, having been
always attached to that fold, this Church ranks, in point of number
of its communicants as second only to Christ Church, Savannah.'—
This is a most rapid increase when we remember,that only ten years
ago it was the feeblest Missionary station in the Diocese. What room
for encouragement to those who are always ready to despond re¬
specting the progress of our communion.
From Trinity Church, Columbus, I proceeded to visit Western
Florida and was back again at Montpelier towards the end of March.
On Sunday,the 29th of that month, I admitted in Christ Church,Macon,
Mr. Gardner Jones, late a licentiate of the German Reformed Church,
to the Holy Order of Deacons. Mr. Jones is at present engaged in
Teaching, but will be ready at any moment to take his post in the
field of labor.
Passion Week was spent with my Churches in Savannah, enjoy¬
ing with them that, season of religious solemnity to every Christian
heart. On Easter day I confirmed in St. John's Church nine persons,
two of whom were from CI iris t Church. The Rev. Rufus M. White
is laboring very acceptably in St. John's and Mr. Neufville still con¬
tinues his labor of love among the people of Christ Church, with whom
he has been identified for nearly twenty years.
On Sunday, the 1.9th April, I visited Christ Church, Macon, and
confirmed in that Church twelve persons most of them in the very
14
bloom of youth, devoting themselves as I trust, understanding^ to the
service of the Lord. One of the features of this confirmation which
made it peculiarly interesting to the Rector of the Parish, was the
circumstance that six of them were young men, who came prepared
to give themselves heartily to the advancement of the interests of the
Church and to uphold the Rector in his arduous duties.
This act closed one of the most laborious years which I have
spent since my entrance upon the Episcopate, for in addition to the
immense amount of travel which I have enumerated, nearly six
thousand miles, I have been engaged, during all the intervals, in as¬
siduous attention to the interests of the school at Montpelier and in
conducting a correspondence almost enough in itself to occupy the
time of a single individual. These things I mention not in a
spirit of vain boasting, but to disabuse the mind of any who may
suppose, that in retiring to Montpelier I was actuated by any expec¬
tation of greater ease or more rest. I have long since learned that the
only rest for a Bishop is that which remaineth for him in common
with the other people of God.
Since my last Conventional Address, I have transferred the Rev.
Mr. Okeson to the Diocese of Indiana and the Rev. Richard T. Brown
to that of Virginia. I cannot part from Mr. Brown without acknowl¬
edging the usefulness of his services while in Georgia and without
confessing that much of the increase of St. Andrews Church, Darien,
was due to his zeal and devotion. I have received into the Diocese
the Rev. Richard Johnson from South Carolina and have ordained
eight Clergymen,Messrs. Thaokara, Mower, Ellis, Okeson, Williams,
Smith, Fint and Jones, all of whom remain connected with the Dio¬
cese except Mr. Okeson. Our present number of Clergy is twenty-
three.
Before closing this address I would again call the attention of the
Churches of the Diocese to our Missions and to the Building Fund,
upon which must very much depend the progress of our Diocese.
The larger Churches must abate none of their zeal and the weaker
ones must remember that it is a number of small rills which make up a
large and flowing river. Let all, strong and weak, heartily unite in
pouring into the Treasury of the riches wherewith God has blessed
them and we shall be enabled to extend our borders in various direc¬
tions where the way is opened before us, but which we cannot occupy
for fear of embarrassment. The renewal of the Building Fund is also
important as giving me the means of assisting weak Parishes in the
erection of Church edifices, and without being felt by the individuals
who contribute to it, it is felt most sensibly and seen most
strikingly in the beautiful edifices which it has helped to rear in the
last few years. The Church, in which you are now assembled, is
one of the fruits of that arrangement.
In conclusion, my beloved Brethren of the Clergy, I would say to
15
you, that all our efforts for the permanent establishment of the Church
of God must be unavailing unless we plant it upon the preaching of
the cross of Jesus Christ. The temptation lies heavily upon us to
forsake that which God has instituted as his power and his wisdom
unto salvation, and to place before immortal souls motives drawn
from the earth, and arguments deduced from the reason or the fitness
or the utility of things. But no motive will be constraining enough
to change the natural man into the spiritual save the love of Christ
and no reasons can avail with the corrupted Heart save those which
are advanced by the Iloly Ghost, when he takes of the things of Christ
and shews them unto men. Unless these instrumentalities are faith¬
fully used in the foolshness of preaching, and these agencies earnest¬
ly invoked in prayer, your labor will be all in vain and your words
though full of reason and eloquence, but sounding brass and tinkling
cymbals.
STEPHEN ELLIOTT JR.
The Parochial Reports were read, and ordered to be printed, as
follows :
, CHRIST CHURCH SAVANNAH.
Rev. Edward Ncui'villc, D. D. Hector.
Baptisms—infants 24—adults 2 20
Confirmed ------ 2
Marriages ...... 7
Burials - - - • • - - -19
Communicants added 7—died 4—removed 3 - - 160
Sunday School-teachers 10—pupils 80.
Contributions:
To Diocesan Missions ... $693,95
General Domestic Do. . - - 220,25
Foreign Do- . - - - 85,62
Mission to the Jews .... 85,00
$1084,12
Collections have also been made to the amount of $1318 for the reduction of
the debt of the C hurch and about $200 for the erection of a Church at St.Mary's.
The " Ladies Missionay Association"," Female Missionary Society" and
"Prayer Book, Bible and Tract Society" have, in their several departments,
rendered important service to the interests, of the Church. _
The condition of the Sunday School is very discouraging, especially in the
Male department which has suffered greatly from the want of an adequate
supply of teachers. Hence have resulted irregular attendance and diminished*-
interest in the subjects of instruction.
16
ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, SAVANNAH.
Rev. K. M. Wliite, Rector
This Parish, a fter the resignation of the rectorship by the Bishop, was undef
the charge of the Rev. George White of Savannah until late in December;
Upon my entering at that time on the duties of the rectorship I found the
uumberof communicants—50
Added, including 3 transfered
from other Parishes ,8. Total 58
Baptisms, White infants 8 blacks 1 9
Confirmations . - 1
Burials 2
There is a Sunday School under the Superintendance of a Layman of the
parish, with 13 teachers, an average attendance, (including the members of
an infant Sunday School taught by a communicant) of 90 scholars. The
children of the parish are catechised in church monthly.
The Asylum for orphan and indigent children is still maintained. The num¬
ber of its inmates at present is 13, of which 2 are supported by a contribution
from the poor fund of Christ Church, while private contributions are made
to the same noble charity, by different individuals of that parish. The parish
school is also inja flourishing state, with an average daily attendance of more
than 50 scholars.
Contributions have been made as follows:
For Diocesan Missions - $381,21
For Domestic Missions - 60,60
" The Mission to the Jews - 30,00
" The Church at St. Mary's ... 81,00
" The Education of
Candidates for orders, besides
a joint collection in Christ Church - - 16,81
569,62
There has been a new organ purchased at an expense of $500,00
ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, AUGUSTA.
Rev. Edward. E. Ford,D.D. Rector.
Baptisms. White—adults 2. Children, 20.
Colored—Children 3. Total - - 25
Confirmed, 11
Communicants—Added, including 6 transferred from other
Congregations 21. Died, 5. Removed 9. Present number, 101
Marriages, 7. Burials, 14.
Missionary Collections.—Amount of weekly Church offerings, devoted
to Diocesan Missions, $87 89. Special collections for Diocesan Missions,
$55 83. Collected under resolution of the last Convention, for paying the debt
incurred by the Missionary Committee of Diocese, $100 75. Collection
under the recommendation of the Bishopsof the Church, and divided equally
between Foreign and Domestic Committees of the BoardofMissions,$lll 75.
Good Friday collections for the Jews, $33 88.
The Schools are in a good condition. In the Parish School there is an aver¬
age attendance of about forty children, who are making respectable progress
under a very zealous and faithful teacher. The white Sunday School num-
bout 100 children, under the direction of the Rector, as Superintendant',
a Librarian, three male and seven female Teachers. A large addition to tKe
Library has been made during the past year. The colored Sunday Schttbt
contains about fifty children, under the Rector and four other Teachers, two
male and two female.
17
The child ren of the Congregation are catechised, irt the Church, by the Rec¬
tor, on the afternoon of the second Sunday in every month.
The attendance upon public worship is steadily increasing ; and along with
It an enlightened and principled attachment to the explicit and distinctive doc¬
trinal teaching of the Prayer Book ; which, as the best interpretation ofholy
Scripture, is the standard by which the Rector, in conformity with his ordina¬
tion vow in this particular, endeavors uncompromisingly to Regulate his min-
strations.
CHRIST CHURCH, St. SIMONS.
Rev. Edmund P. Brown Rector.
The undersigned reports that during the last year he has been enabled in
the possession ofuninterrupted health to perform regularly the services oflhe.
Church among the charge over which in the providence of God he has been
placed. During the year he lias officiated occasionally by Way of exchange
and otherwise, at Darien, Brunswick, and at St. David's Church in Glynn Co.
The experience of the past year has deepened the conviction that the
arrangements of our ritual are eminently suited to the character arid condi¬
tion of the negro population in our midst. An increased a:nd still increa-
ing interest has been observed in the parish of the Rector, upon the part
of those to whom it has been taught—an interest which abundently repays
any amount of time and labour which their instruction in it niay cost.—
It has been my desire that the planters themselves, or some one from the
family shall be engaged regularly in this work, and I trtist ere long it
may be accomplished. ,
For the purpose of defraying somewhat of the expenses tonnected with
ihe purchase of an organ and the enlarging and repairing of the Church, a
sewing society has been established, which has proved of good service not
&nly in the respect mentioned, but also it is believed in the increase of charita¬
ble and Christian regards upon the part of those who have attended.
Baptisms since the last report,—infants 13
1 white, 12 colored. Marriages!. Several are awaiting
the arrival of the Bishop for confirmation
Missionary contributions - - - $29,69
Communicants, white 19, colored 30 - - 49
CHRIST CHURCH, MACON.
Rev. Seneca G. Bragg:, Recfbr.
Baptisms—adults 3, Children 9, Total - 12
Confirmations . - 13
Communicants—removed 7, Died 2, added, 14
Present number - 75
Marriages - - - - 7
Funerals—adults 4 (2 not of the Congregation,) 1 child. 5
Contributions—in the Church and Congregation
for Missions within the Diocese, - - $133,35
For Missions within the United States (including
' a collection—on Good Friday for the Jews, amount¬
ing to $11) - 68'
For Foreign Missions ... 20'
Total - - $221^35
Contributions by the Ladie's Association—to objects of Christian Be¬
nevolence within the Diocese, (nearly double their contributions of last
year,) $312,00
Our Sunday School, and Parish Libraries, have been increased ; and the
general interests of the Church, and Congregation have been promoted, in a
manner—which inspires us with gratitude for the past, and with hope far-
the future.
3
18
TRINITY CHURCH, COLUMBUS.
Rev. Win. I>. Cairns, Rector.
Baptisms, adults, white 5, Coloured 2, - 7
Infants -13 25 - 38
Total - - - - - 45
Confirmed, white 16, coloured 1 - - - 17-
Communicants, added, white 27, coloured 16, died J,
removed 3, Total. - - - - 125
Marriages, white 4, coloured 7, - - II
Burials, 2 adults, 1 infant, 1 coloured person - - 4
Collections for domestic Missions, ... $87
Diocesan - do - -50'
Special - do - - 50'
China - - do - - 25 212'
Church debt and interest ... 210
at" Offertory - - 213
Bishop's Fund &c., .... 115
Total $750
Of the Communicants of this Church 98 are white, and 27 coloured per¬
sons, and 19 white and 26 coloured communicants reside within the juris¬
diction of the Bishop of Alabama. Should the effort, in progress, for the
establishment of a Mission in Eastern Alabama prove successful, these will
of course, be thereafter reported to the Convention of that Diocese. It is even
now referred to " the Committee on the state of the Church," to decide whether
more than the 80 actually residing within the limits of Georgia should be
reported to its Convention.
One communicant of this Church was " Ordained a Deacon" at the last
Convention, and another has been admitted " a Candidate for orders" in the-
Diocese of Alabama.
GRACE CHURCH, CLARKSVILLE.
Rev. B. F. Mower, Rector.
Communicants ..... 12
Confirmations 1
Marriages (colored) - - 1
Burials ..... i
Sunday school teachers 3, scholars 21 - 24
Funds raised for Diocesan Missions - $5,00
Ladies working Society - - 45,00
Having remained in Milledgeville three Sabbaths after the convention of
last year to supply the place of the absent Rector, I proceeded to Clarksville.
During last summer, divine service was held every Sunday morning, and
every other Sunday evening in Grace Church. Twice during each month
on Sunday evening, I preached at a Methodist Church five miles from
Clarksville. During the winter, on every Sunday afternoon, religious in¬
struction has been imparted to the servants.
A parsonge has been purchased during the past year, and thirty two
dollars have been given by the Ladies of the working society towards the
furnishing of it.
ST. LUKES CHURCH, MONTPELIER
Rev. R. Johnson, Rector.
I was called to the spiritual charge over which it is my privilege to watch,
about the first of May last. The parish is a small one exclusive of the pupils
belonging to the Institute, say some four families in all. The number of
pupils has varied during the last year from 40 to 56, about half of this num-
19
feer aie under 14, 'the 'Others are a little over that age. There have been twa
confirmations among the pupils and one baptism. Not connected with the
school there have been two confirmations and one baptism of an infant.
Divine service has been regularly performed every Sunday twice, on Ash
Wednesday, on Good Friday and every day daring Passion Week. The
Rector flatters himself that the interest of the pupils on the subject of religion
is increasing.
ST. JAMES' CHURCH, MARIETTA.
Rev. Thomas F. Scott, Rector.
Communicants added, - 9
Removed - - - -8
Present number - - - - 12
Baptisms (infants) ...... 2
Confirmations ... . 9
Sunday school, Teachers 7, pupils 60. Total f>7
Funds raised, for Parochial purposes - $490,00
Communion offerings - - - 24,77
For Female Seminary. ... 900,00
$1414,77
The state of the Parish is decidedly prosperous. A portion of the re¬
movals reported are those now constituting our younger sister, the Church
of the Ascension, Cass Co.
Our Sunday School has been very steady and interesting, and upwards
of a hundred volumes have been added to the Parish Library, for which, as
^also for near a hundred dollars in cash we are indebted to the kindness of
our brethren in Charleston and Augusta. We are also indebted to the kind¬
ness of the Rector and Vestry of Christ Church, Savannah for an Organ,
which will be in use in a few days. Our Church is also being neatly enclos¬
ed, so that we now consider our fixtures complete.
Our Female Seminary, which is the property of the Vestry, has been quite
successful. The rector has devoted a large portion of his time to its exercises,
assisted by two competent Ladies, and an occasional Lecturer on the Phy¬
sical Sciences. We trust our labor is not in vain, in endeavoring to impart a
Christian education to the young Ladies committed to our charge. The
number of pupils is thirty five. A commodious building is nearly completed
exclusively for the School. Under the very heavy sacrifice of time and
money thus demanded, the Rector looks confidently to God's blessing, and
the improvement of the rising race, as his only reward.
EMMANUEL CHURCH, ATHENS.
Rev. Win. Bacon Stevens, M. D. Rector.
Communicants (added 10, removed, 7, died 1. ) 30
Confirmations - - - - ' - 6
Baptisms - - - - .3
Funerals - - - 1
The Sunday School which was suspended during the winter has just been
resumed under flattering prospects.
At Lexington, where I preach once a month, there are 8 Coim\uinicants-
ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH, DARIEN.
Rev. Thompson L. Smith, Minister.
Communicants, white 29—coloured 1, .... 30
Baptisms ...... 1
Burials - - - - 1
A Sunday School was established last winter at which the children of the
congregation have been instructed.
20
The Church edifice is yet in an unfinished state.
The Church here though at present in embarrassed circumstances, yet
by the blessing of God Jias reason to look forward when it shall be more
permanently established. Though much patience, prayer and perseyerence
must be exercised before the ardent desires ofits friends can be realized.—
The Lord pour upon us the dew of his blessing.
ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH, MILLEDGEVILLJv
The Wardens Report, that on the 11th day of December last, this Parish
was abandoned by its officiating Rector, and that the vacancy has not as yet
been filled. They are sanguine however, that the effort now being made by the
Vestry to procure the services of a regular Pastor, will result favourably; and
thatfromtheknown character and moral worth of the individual who has
been selected, a more thriving and permanent prosperity will await St. Ste¬
phen's than heretofore.
No parochial Report was made to the Convention last year, on account of
the absence of the Minister, which commenced in April and terminated in
October. Nor have the present Wardens any data to report upon now, sa¬
ving a record hastily prepared and left with the late Secretary of the Vestry,
embracing (since the Report of 1844.)
Baptisms ... - - - 20
Confirmations .... 3
Marriages - , 1
Burials - - - - - 5
There is still a Sunday School in existence, and mainly indebted for its
continuance thus long, to the exertions of two Teachers. It is hoped it will
again prosper in proportion to its incalculable importance.
The Church is unembarrassed by debt; and the Vestry as soon as a Minis¬
ter shall be instituted over the Parish, will take immediate steps to the pur¬
chase of a Parsonage.
J.S.THOMAS. } A
0. J PAINE t Wardens &c-
ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH, MILLEDGEVILLE.
R. M. White, late Rector.
Owing to my absence at the north at time of the last Annual Convention,
no report was then presented of the state of this Parish. During the Conven¬
tional year, endingin May, A.D. 1845, there were
Baptisms adults 2, children 14 16
Burials (not of the congregation 3
My return to the parish, was delayed, much beyond my expectation, to the
month of October. After my return, and previously to my resignation of the
charge of the parish in December last, there were
Baptisms, children - - - -5
Confirmations 3
Marriages - - - 1
Burials (not of the congregation) 2
Communicants, added 3, removed 3, number - J 7
Since my last report the congregation have exhibited much zeal in furnish¬
ing and beautify ing their Church Edifice. The ladies held a fair early in
December last, the proceeds of which, amounting to nearly $^00, they applied
to liquidating the balance due for the organ; the whole cost of which, (except
a contribution from the Bishop) has been paid by them. The grounds in front
of the Church have also been brought to beautiful order, at much expense,
py the liberality of the members of the congregation.
21
MISSION AT ST. MARY'S
_ Rev. J. A. Slianklin, Missionary.
®jVlce . "een regularly held at this station since my last report, and it is
•hoped that an increased interest in spiritual things has been the fruit of my
labors. A contract for the erection of a Church has been closed and the work
begun- Few in number and limited in means, we have been much blessed
•as a people and would thank God and take courage.
Communicants added 3, died 1, - - 10
Baptisms, infants - 3
Funerals - . . - . . 3
Marriages - 1
Missionary collection - - - $26
ST. PETERS, ROME, AND CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION,
ETOWAH VALLEY.
Rev. O. P. Tliackara, Missionary.
Communicants 10
Baptisms - ... . 2
F unerals - - - - - 3
Sunday School, Teachers 4, scholars—25 - - 29
Funds raised—for church purposes - - $'26,00
To defray the church debt - - 35,00
To general domestic missions - - 15,00
Contributions by the children of the Sunday school 2,50
The field in which I have been labouring since last convention embraces the
"counties of Cass, and P'loyd. Regular services have been held in Yann's
Valley and Rome, Floyd Co. and in Cassville and Etowah Valley, Cass Co.
Occasional services has been held in other parts of the parish. During the
fall and winter months I devoted one night in the week to the instruction of
the negroes, and every Sunday afternoon have been appropriated to them.
The services of the church have in general been well attended; and as the
people have become acquainted with our services and Prayer Book their
prejudices have given way. The church debt is still one hundred and thirty
dollars. A note of one hundred dollars was taken up by the Rev. Thomas F.
Scott of Marietta, there being no fund to meet it. 1 trust that this sum will
be refunded him as soon as possible. Of the present prospect of adding large
numbers to the church I cannot speak; but to one imbued with the motto of the
episcopal seal of this Diocese "in utrumque paraius, agere et pati—and that
long and patiently" a harvest will come, though his successor may reap the
fruits of it.
MISSION, TO BAKER COUNTY.
Rev. Win. J. Ellis, Missionary
I commenced my labors in this county on the first Sunday in June,
spending most of my time in Albany, in which place through the liberality of
some of its citizens I have been enabled to hold the services of the Church
in a very neat and comfortably fitted room, rented by them for that purpose.
In the county there have been confirmed (colored) G5
Baptised by the Bishop, whites 4, infants, blacks (3 infants
39 adults
" "myself, blacks, 2 adults 5 infants, - - 56
Burials, coloured ... 1
Married do ... - 1
The coloured persons baptised and confirmed by the Bishop, were slaves, the
property of two planters residing: in the vicinity of Albany, who are worthy
of all praise in that they feel themselves responsible to God for the spiritual
condition of their people, and not being able to have the services of a clergy¬
man, have diligently and faithfully instructed their slaves in the doctrines and
22
duties of Christianity. The blessing of God has been upon their labors as is
evidenced by the large numbers who giving every evidence of sincerity, came
forward and solicited admission into the Church.
OGEECHEE MISSION.
Kev. W. C. Williams, Missionary.
I entered on my duties at this point, on the 1st Sunday in Advent. Iam
engaged by several planters to labour among their negroes. There are not
a dozen whites within the limits of the parish, so that my whole time is de¬
voted to the blacks.
I have had service twice on Sunday, besides a weekly lecture, alternating
between the different plantations. It has also been my practice to read one
evening in every week to such as felt disposed to attend. On each of the
plantations, schools have been established for the oral instruction ofthe children.
One ofthe schools has long since been established by a lady of the parish
who still continues her " labour of love" with great success. The other
schools are under my own charge. The number of children connected with
the schools is about eighty. The children learn and retain much better than is
generally supposed, and any one who will devote himself to the work, with
the determination not to be discouraged, will in the end find their labour
amply rewarded. It is greatly to be desired that the example of the lady
aboverefered to was generally followed, as it is impossible for the minister
with several schools, and his other duties to give that attention to the young
which they require. For permanent success among an ignorant people our
chief hopes must be in the young, but. if they areneglected or only partial¬
ly instructed no lasting good cnn be expected.
The Liturgy has been introduced as fast as possible. The negroes seem
much interested in the responsive parts of the service and I am convinced
that the constant use of the Luitrgy amog them would be of the greatest
benefit.
There must be many things to discourage in labouring among a people,
where you have to meet continually the grossest ignorance and prejudice;
but by the blessing of God I have had much to encourage and lead me to hope
that the church will finally be established among them, to the glory of God
and the salvation of their souls.
Every preparation is making on one of the plantations to erect a chapel
for the negroes.
My official acts have been
Baptims, adults, coloured ... 2
Marriages, coloured - - - - 4
REPORT OF THE REV. THEODORE B. BARTOW, IN CHARGE
OF THE NAVAL ASYLUM, PHILADELPHIA.
Rt. Rev. and Dear Sir.
The Canon makes it my duty to report to my Diocesan, what clerical duties
I have performed. Last summer I was working Curate to Rev. J. W. Brown,
of Astoria, and Rev. Mr. Shelton of Newtown, preaching almost every Sun¬
day and often in the week for them and other brethren in Brooklyn and New
York, and the Parishes adjacent- In December, I was ordered to the Naval
Asylum. I preach thrice on Sunday, twice in the Chapel and once in the
Hospital, and have prayers morning and evening of every day. I have ad¬
ministered the Communion twice, have baptised one adult, presented three for
confirmation to Bishop Potter on the 5th of April, have buried two and in
fourmonths and a half have been absent but four days on a visit to New Town.
Out of 110 sailors in this house. I have but four communicants. One was
with Paul Jones in the action with the Serapis- He is 87 years of age. Anoth¬
er of my communicants was in the Constitution in both her victories, and an-
23
other, a marine, was at Bridgewater and Chippeway ajid Lundy's Lane.—
"®y are truly pioiis men. Several others belong to the Baptist," Methodist,
isethel, and Roman communions.
Very Respectfully, yours in the Gospel,
' THEODORE B. BARTOW.
Philadelphia, April 29,1846.
The Standing Committee made the following Report which was
accepted.
The Standing Committee of the Diocese beg leave to
REPORT.
That they have, within the past year, recommended for Deacon's
Orders, Messrs. William C. Williams, Thompson L. Smith, William
Flint, and Gardner Jones, the latter having been formerly a Licentiate
in the German Reformed Denomination
EDWARD NEUFVILLE,
President.
The Reports of the Treasurers of the Diocese and of the Mis¬
sionary Committee were presented and referred to the Committee on
Finance.
Mr. Kenan obtained leave of absence after 12 o'clock tomorrow.
After Prayer by the Bishop, Convention took recess until 4-
o'clock.
After recess, Convention met.
The Committee on unfinished business reported two resolutions,
and an additional Article to the Constitution, offered at the last
Convention and ordered to lie over until the present'time.
After some discussion, it was
Resolved, That so much of the unfinished besiness as relates to
the sixth Canon passed by the General Convention of 1844, and the
amendment to the fourth article of the Constitution of the Diocese,
be laid over until the next Convention.
The following article offered at the last Convention, as an addition
to the Constitution, was taken up and passed.
Article 13. In all elections by ballot, a majority of votes shall
be required for a choice.
The Committee on the admission of new Parishes made the fol¬
lowing- report, which was accepted.
The Committee on the admission of new Parishes beg leave to re¬
port, that no papers have been laid before them.
Convention proceeded to the election of Treasurers and Commit¬
tees, which resulted as follows
Treasurer of the Diocese,
WILLIAM P. HUNTER, of Savannah.
Treasurer of Missionary Committee.
Rev. EDWARD NEUFVILLE D. D. Savannah.
24
STANDING COMMITTEE.
Rev. Edward Ncufville D. D.
Rev. E. E. Ford D. D.
Rev. Seneca G. Bragg.
William B. Bulloch.
T. B. Bartow.
Robert M. Charlton.
MISSIONARY
COMMITTEE.
Rev. Edward Neufville, D. D.
Rev. Seneca G. Bragg.
Robert M. Charlton. ■»
Joel Ives.
Robert Habersham.
Resolved, That TOO Copies of the Journal of this convention be'
printed under the direction of the Secretary, and that the Rules of
order be inserted in the Appendex
After prayer by the Bishop, Convention adjourned to the hour of
public worship tomorrow morning.
At night, Evening Prayer was read by Rev. J. A. Shanklin, and1
a sermon preached by Rev. R. M. White.
Morning Prayer was read by Rev. Benj. F. Mower, assisted by
Rev. Dr. Stevens, and a sermon preached by Rev W. J. Ellis.
After sermon Convention was called to order, and the Journal of
yesterday was read and confirmed.
The Conmmittee on-Finance made the following Reports which
were accepted.
The Committee on Finance, having examined the accounts current
of the Treasurer of the Diocese referred to them, beg leave to
That after a careful examination of the accounts, the items are
found to be supported by the proper vouchers.
In a communication from Mr. ffm. P. Hunter the Treasurer of the
Diocese, of date the 4th May, 1846, he acknowledges the receipt'
of one hundred dollars, from the Treasurer of St. Paul's Church,
Augusta, as the balance due by that Church, on account of the''
Bishop's Salary for the year 1845. This sum of $100 having been
received by the Treasurer of the Diocese, after he had drawn up
his account, is assigned by him as the reason for its not having been
credited to St. Paul's Church in his account current.
It is requested by the Treasurer of the Diocese, that an acknowl¬
edgment of the receipt of the above sum from St. Paul's Church'
should be recognised in the report of the Committee on' Finance
and that said sum of $100, should be transferred to the new ac¬
count. Making the aggregate amount debited to the Treasurer of
the, Diocese, to be $130,92 instead of $30,92, as appears in his ac¬
count of 1846.
The abovs is respectfully submitted.
Saturday Morning, 9th May 1846.
REPORT.
E. F, CAMPBELL, Chairman.
25
„ The 'Committee bn Finance, to whom the account of* George J.
Kollock, Esquire, the Treasurer of the Conimittee on Diocesan Mis¬
sions was referred, desire to submit the subjoined
REPORT.
That a minute examination of the aforesaid account has been made
and that the disbursements are found to be mostly sustained by ap¬
propriate vouchers. Such items as appear without vouchers, have
been satisfactorily ascertained to be correct by other evidence.
Accompanying the account of George J. Kollock the Treasurer of
the Committee on Didcesan Missions of date the 2d May, 1846, is
a letter, acknowledging the receipt of twenty dollars from St. Paul's
Church, Augusta, to be applied to our Diocesan Missions. This
amount it appears was not embraced ill the account of the Treasurer,
because not received, until after his account was closed, and is now
to be transferred and debited to the Treasurer of Diocesan Missions
in the new account. For the same reason, the sum of fifty dollars
from Trinity Church, Columbus, was not included in the account
of the Treasurer, this sum having been acknowledged to have been
received directly by the Rev. Wm.J. Ellis, in part of his salary, but
the receipt not furnished the Treasurer until subsequently to the
closing his account.
The Committee on finance, before closing their Report, in refer¬
ence to the account of the Treasurer of the Committee on Diocesan
Missions, beg to call the attention of the diocese to the recommenda¬
tion of the Committee on Finance of 1845, suggesting the propriety
of raising a sum sufficient to discharge without delay, the liability
incurred by the Bishop, for and on account of Diocesan Missions.
The Committee on Finance would beg leave also to call the at¬
tention of the several Parishes and of Missionaries within the Diocese,
to the importance of furnishing to the proper offices, before closing
their accounts, which constitute the basis of Reports to subsequent
Conventions, of payments and receipts of moneys, in time to enable
them to appear as vouchers in the several accounts of the aforesaid
officers.
All of which is respectfully summitted.
E. F. CAMPBELL.
Chairman.
The Committee on the state of the Church made the following
report which was accepted.
The Committee on the state of the Church beg leave to
REPORT.
That the returns from the different Parishes and Missionary sta¬
tions afford gratifying evidence of the steady increase and enlarge¬
ment of the borders of the Church, through the Divine blessing on
4
26
the labors of a faithful and efficient ministry combined with the active
zeal and indefatigable efforts of a Bishop devoted to the interests of
"all the flock over which the Holy Ghost hath made him overseer."
The liberal provision which has been made for sustaining the Various
departments of the Missionary enterprise shows that " the people"
also " have a mind to work:" and the hope is confidently entertained
that, under a continuance of these combined influences, our "cities
through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad"—that " the Lord
will comfort all the waste places of Zion and make her wilderness
like Eden and her deserts like the garden of the Lord."
The Parochial reports present an aggregate of
Baptisms (white infants 113—colofed do 47 ^ n-t n
(white adults 14, colored do 38y
Confirmed - -- -- - 141
Communicants ■* 803:
Marriages ------ 42
Burials ------ 5£
Sunday School-teachers 56—white pupils 401—
coloured do 200
Contributions:—To Diocesan Missions $1576,22
General Domestic - - 501,72'
« Foreign . .. - 788,22
Missions to the Jews - - - 159,88
$3026,04
All which is respectfully submitted. EDWD. NEUFVILLE,
ED WD. E. FORD,
SENECA G. BRAGG.
The following Preamble and resolutions were presented, and
after consideration were adopted.
The attention of the Delegates to the Diocesan Convention now
in session having been invited by the Bishop to the expediency of
raising by subscription a sum sufficient to defray the expenses of
erecting a suitablie Chapel for the accomodation of the young Ladies
at the Montpelier Institute and of families in that neighborhood.
Resolved, That for the purpose of carrying into effect an object so
highly commendable the members of this Convention are invited to
commence this laudable work by at once subscribing and paying
over to the Bishop of this Diocese at this time or within three
months, such sums as may be affixed opposite their names as here¬
with subjoined.
Resolved, That the Clergy and Laity of this Diocese be and are
hereby requested to commence and urge this object upon the sever¬
al parishes where they reside,
27
The following persons were elected Delegates to the General
Convention.
Rev. Edward Neufville D. D. Hon. JohnM. Berrien.
Rev. Seneca G. Bragg. Edward F. Campbell,
Rev. Edward E. Ford D. D. Charles F. M. Garnett.
Rev. Wm. B. Stevens. Thomas Nelson.
Resolved, That the sincere thanks of this Convention be tendered to
George J. Kollock, late Treasurer of the Missionary Committee, for
his prompt and faithful discharge of the duties of that office.
Resolved, That the thanks of this Convention be tendered to the
Treasurer of the diocese for his prompt, efficient, and faithful dis¬
charge of the duties he has performed to the Church during the past year.
Resolved, That the next Convention of this Diocese be held in
Christ Church, Savannah, on the Thursday after the first Monday in
May, 1847.
Leave of absence after this evening was granted Messrs. Ford,
White, Mower, Shanklin, Parrott, Morgan, and Campbell.
The Bishop appointed Rev. Edmund P. Brown to preach the next
Convention Sermon, and Rev. Rufus M. White to preach the Mis¬
sionary Sermon.
After Prayer by the Bishop, Convention adjourned until 6 o'¬
clock, on Monday Morning.
At night Evening prayer was read by the Rev. T. L. Smith, and a
Sermon preached by Rev. J. A. Shanklin.
On Sunday Morning, an ordination was held by the Bishop, when,
Rev. Benjamin F. Mower, and Rev. Wm. J. Ellis were admitted to
the Priesthood. Morning Prayer was read by Rev. Drs. Neufville
and Stevens, and the Sermon was preached by the Bishop. The
Candidates were presented by the Rev. Edward E. Ford, who, to¬
gether with Rev. Messrs. Neufville. Bragg, Stevens, and Scott, unit¬
ed in laying on of hands. The Bishop administered the Holy Com¬
munion, assisted by Dr. Neufville.
In the afternoon, Evening Prayer was read by Rev. W. C. Williams
and a Sermon preached by Rev. O. P. Thackara.
At night after; Prayer by Rev. Mr. Scott, the Missionary Sermon
was preached by Rev. Edmund P. Brown, and a collection taken
amounting to $ 37,75 in aid of Diocesan Missions.
Monday Morning, 11th May 1846.
After Prayer by the Bishop, Convention was called to order.
The Journal of Saturday was read and confirmed.
After Prayer by the Bishop, Convention adjouned sine die.
STEPHEN FLLIOTT, JR.
Rishop 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 protest
tant Episcopal Church of the United States of America, accedes to,
recognise, 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 Dele¬
gates 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 hi.
The Bishop, or, if the Episcopate be vacant, the Standing Com¬
mittee, 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
where the authority calling it shall determine: and at such Special
Convention, no other business shall be transacted than that stated in
the notice calling the Convention.
article iv.
The Convention shall be composed of Clergymen and Laymen.
Every Clergyman of good standing, regularly settled and continu¬
ously 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 re¬
sident for six months last past within the Diocese, being engaged in
business pf literary instruction, or disabled by reason of age or in¬
firmity from exercising Clerical functions, shall be entitled to all the
29
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,
in his absence, the Delegate or Delegates present at any Convention,
may supply any vacancy in the delegation, if he or they should find
at the place of meeting, a member or members of the congregation
whicl). 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
£hey accede to the Constitution and Canons of this Church, and are
regularly organised by the election of two Wardens, and any num¬
ber 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 decision.
article viii.
The Bishop of the Diocese shall be, ex-officio President of the
Convention. In case there be 110 Bishop, or in his absence, a presi¬
ding 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
30
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
fnembers shall constitute a quorum. The Standing Committee shall
meet as soon as practicable after their election, and choose a Presi¬
dent and Secretary from among iheir own number; and it shall be
the duty of the President to call a meeting of the Committee when¬
ever 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 mem¬
bers.
article xi.
The Convention shall annually elect four Clergymen and four
Laymen, as Deputies to the General Convention, and to any Special
General Convention which may be held in the recess of this Con¬
vention, who shall be employed, in the absence of one or more of
their colleagues, to appoint in the place of such Delegate 01* Dele--
gates 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 author¬
ized to appoint others in their place. In case of a vacancy in the
Episcopate, the power hereby conferred on the Bishop shall be ex¬
ercised 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 approv¬
ed by a majority, shall lie over to the next Convention, when upon
consideration again, if it be approved by a majority of the Conven¬
tion, it shall be adopted.
article xiii.
In all elections by ballot, a majority of votes shall be required
for a choice.
CANONS.
canon i.
Each Church duly represented in this Convention shall pay or
cause to be paid into the hands of the Treasurer of the Convention
3i
the siim or fifteen dollars annually, for defraying the incidental ex¬
penses of the Convention.
CANON II.
In case any Clergyman of this Diocese shall be accused of error
in doctrine, immorality of life, or neglect or transgression of any of
the Canons of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States,
or this Diocese, it shall be the duty of any two or mote Clergymen,
or of the Wardens and Vestrymen of the Church of which he is Rec¬
tor, 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, the Standing Committee, if he or
they shall deem the charge or charges worthy of investigation, forth¬
with to notify the accused of such charges, together with the time
and place appointed for his trial. The mode of trial shall be as
follows: The Bishop, or Standing Committee, as the case may be,
shall appoint a number of Presbyters not less than five, of whom the
person accused may select a majority, by whom to be tried. The
result of the trial shall be made known to the Bishop, or if there be
no Bishop, to the Standing Committee, who shall pronouce and ex¬
ecute or cause to be pronounced and executed, such sentence as may
be awarded, should the same by him or them be deemed just and
proper.
Should the sentence be suspension or degredation from the Min¬
istry, the Bishop, or provisional Bishop, or should there be none,
some neighbouring Bishop shall be required to pronounce the same.
Should it be impossible to obtain from this Diocese the requisite
number of Presbyters to constitute a board of trial, the deficiency
may be supplied from a neighbouring Diocese.
Should any Clergyman, accused and cited for trial according to
the provisions of this Canon, neglect or refuse to obey the citation,
such neglect or refusul 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 Comnlitte of
two Clergymen and three Laymen, of which Committee the Bishop
of the Diocese, when there is one, shall be ex-ojlcio, Chairman;
whose duty it shall be to take in charge the Missionary, Bible, and
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 suc¬
ceeding annual Convention.
CANON IV.
It shall be the duty of the Vestry of each Church in connexon
32
tfitli this Diocese, to pay, or cause to be paid, into the hands o{
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 iri
this Diocese.
CANON V.
Scclion 1. Whenever any number of persons shall associate to
form an Episcopal Congregation, they shall adopt articles of asso¬
ciation for their government, in which they shall acknowledge and
acceed 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 as¬
sume a suitable name by which their Church or Parish shall be de¬
signated, and elect two Wardens and any number of Vestrymen at
discretion, not exceeding eight. A certified copy of the article of
Association and of the proceedings at their adoption, signed by the
Wardens, shall then be laid before the Convention, and if approved
by that body, delegates from such Congregation or parish may take
seats in the Convention, and the Congregation shall be considered
as united to the Convention and subject to its decisions.
Section 2. The election of Wardens and Vestrymen in every
Parish thus constituted, shall take place annually, on Easter Monday
unless some other time be specified in the act of incorporation, with
the assent of the Ecclesiastical authority of the Diocese.
RULES OF ORDER,
Rule 1. Thfe business of each day shall be introduced by the
order for daily morning prayer and a sermon.
Rule 2. When the President takes the chair, no member shall
continue standing, or shall stand up, unless to address the chair.
Rule 3. The order of doing business in the Convention shall be as
follows: 1st. The appointment of a Secretary by ballot. 2. Th6
appointment of committees of the Convention, and special committees.
3. The annual address of the Bishop. 4. The reading of the
Parochial reports. 5. Reports from committees of the Diocese.
6. Reports from the Treasurers. ?'. Reports from committees
appointed at the last Convention. 8. Reports from committees.
9. Election by ballot of Treasurers, Standing Committee of the
Diocese, Diocesan Missionary committee and deputies to the General
Convention.
Rule 4. When any member is about to speak in debate, o*
present any matter to the Convention, he shall, with due respect, ad¬
dress himself to the President, confining himself strictly to the point
in debate.
Rule 5. No member shall absent himself from the service u
she Convention unless he have leave, or be unable to attend.
Rule 6. No member shall speak more than twice in the sam*
debate without leave o( the Convention.
Rule 7. A question, being once determined, shall stand as the
judgment of the Couvention, and shall not be drawn into debate the
same session, unless with consent of two thirds of the Convention,
Provided always, that any member of the Covention voting in favor
of any question, may, on the same day in which the vote is takea
or on the succeeding day, move a re-consideration of said vote.
Rule 8. No motion shall be debated, or shall be considered as
before the Convention, unless seconded, reduced to writing, and
read by the Secretary.
Rule 9. When a motion is under consideration, no other mo¬
tion shall be made, except to amend, to divide, to commit, or to
postpone; a motion to adjourn, however, shall always be in order;
and shall be decided without debate.
Rule 10. A question on amendment shall be decided before the
original motion.
Rule 11. Every member who shall be present when the ques¬
tion is put, shall vote, unless personally interested, or excused by
the Convention from voting.
Rule 12. When the Convention is about to rise, or adjourn,
every member shall keep his seat until the the President shall leave
ihe chair.
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 perma¬
nent 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 Parishoners to the subject, and invite
contributions for the object in such mode as he may deem most ex¬
pedient. That the Standing Committee of the Diocese, be Trustees
of this fund, to whom all collections are to be paid over by the re¬
spective 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.
34
Of the Organisation ojWeic Parishes, adopted 1842.
Resolved, That in the organization of new Parishes, the follow¬
ing 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 know 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 Lond ."
On the Use of Churches, adopted 1842.
On motion, it was unanimously Resolved, That it be recommeded
■to the Vestries of our Churches in this Diocese, to discourage the
use of the Churches under their care, for all " unhallowed, toorldly
.and common uses."
/
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 be¬
ing left for the name of the Church, the other for that of the place.
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i Ins certifies that at a weeting of the Rector, W ardens ami Vesftry. •/>•
^':irt"G,lkS • f,strj ll no Rector wore present,) of- —, heW on the!*-!
nay ol — 1 lie following person -'or'persons, its the case may bc,)^>'<
I- L..M. M), and O. P., were duly elected to represent this Church jwi
•(vfin the next Convention of this Diocese." to he held in , on the «V.
|f|day of ,18- . :'V;
a© rte above certificate .shall be signed by the Rector, if present or in'f\l
rft-his absence, by one of the Wardens or the Secretary of tlw Vestry r&
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44 n