JOURNAL II PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH OP THE DIOCESE OF MISSISSIPPI; HELD AT THE CITY OF VICKSBURO, TIlrRSDAY, MAY 7, 1810. JACKSON; PRINTED AT THE SOUTHRON OFFICE. 1846 ■S?J .. ■ig^'r': ■, £"•' -Sv::. ■ ■di- 'I '■■»s“ 'i :' -4 : «' .1 I.''™-- . • n MD H F - — -,r^. .i . ;. ' .: ■ivi. ^ "V, ■•' ‘ ? s-'-Vr-’v *.‘-' J?'' .r~v.' *:!' •7'if. s’*« fe#- .'^■- r .t i' ; .»>■. f A '-^ A* • I ^ \ '■ '!5 JE^ ' - :-/■ . ■ • - > •.' ■ - ' *> . ». •• kl. ■f- ■ • '■■ 'X ■ <* • f^;- '■'•’^ '.■ ’ . 1 . * V 'v ■ ’-x ■ •<•■•'» A- -j ^ -, ■ ' ■ i'' ■ f . • \ <• / % .. ' - ■ ■ , I -W; V J . h,- - ' •‘if* ' ' -..r; {;■ -i. . ■' '■ fy^' V , ■ "-M ' '• <. - >»: 4 \S(^- '. ,,c '■• • iKAf' '-^ Hh* • «r?i .V r i '-' '■' *? ^yyy^-y- •i( ‘v • •••v :'Jn^," '•4'^ ■ V * . ■) < ; ♦ y v^' -^ • , , «» ,-f ■•. y..^» . ■ • ' * '■• ' : ••.* .fl ^■' . 't'^' .» . , V -. n A; X yyyyy-m , .'•’ ‘jfci.' ut"*’' . V* j V. .t-r .V * t' V ,1 \' ■ / I t i r ■ ■ X‘ A >* ■„. r-’ ' "•^■ ■ ■ • " ■•■ ’ -. 2. ' ■' '■' ■ ' ■-: ,• j . . . ± y r. ■„. , .Y:^;,,U V , t '>> ' !' W-.'-'f'- ■•••■ ■ -■■ '' 'ma'V ■- •_ -vYr.-. ^• S’! r ' J. W' ' 1*' M ■ ■> • . >.% ' y) a<». ^ ■ ' f X.- •* > f *i 1*1 4^/- '. • ' I. .A '> r ^ .•^V - M...’- 'Y v^-' •': . • . r i, •, -all 4' Y;?» . ‘V'.' ■ i - • .'.■^•^Y.' , %;f r V1 VA1 . V t ' ..y' ■* ^ Vvli^r ■■* w ••' .vX ' f?'.^ . • ■> i cj: k.*)i :# .> v’ O J ■'•• ,\t k ' ■*■ • • 7" .3’ ’/ , .. n. 4. • iff , ^ “ I* .(V'WI . , ., ■■r: • - ■' L. — ,-yT — . ' '■ *•.- i , , ‘7 iS-Y^ ." -1* -as '■ 1 •*' ■V/' . ^ Tipfi rr i ■ i ^ v .o-j ; t.«.-.' .~»jS>'-;i.' 4«l '-• JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. City of Vicksburg, ) Thursday^ May 7, 1846. ^ This day, being the day appointed by the Bishop for the meeting of the Special Convention of the Protestant Episco¬ pal Church, in the Diocese of Mississippi, and several of the clergy and laity being assembled, the Right Rev. Bishop Otey, called the assembly to order, and nominated the Rev. F. W. Boyd, Secretary pro tem.; when the roll furnished by the Bishop, of clergymen entitled to seats in the Convention^ was read as follows, to-wit: Rev. F. W. Boyd; “ N. W. Camp, D. D., Missionary at Yazoo City ; “ D. H. Deacon, Rector St. Mary’s church, Laurel Hill; “ J. S. Greene, Missionary at Mississippi City; “ W. F. Halsey, Rector St. Paul’s church, Columbus; “ A. Matthews, Missionary in DeSoto county ; “ A. P. Merrill, Missionary at Port Gibson; “ D. C. Page, D. D., Rector of Christ church. Holly Springs; “ S. Patterson, Rector of Christ church, Vicksburg: “ W. Presbury, Missionary in Washington county. LIST OF OTHER CLERGYMEN BELONGING TO THE DIOCESE, BUT NOT ENTITLED TO SEATS : Rev* A. Cleaver, residing in Jackson ; “ J. A. Fox, residing in Louisiana ; “ W\ M. Giles, (Deacon,) Missionary at Washington and Woodville ; Southern Pamphlets Pare Book Collection UNC-Chapel Hill 592086 ( 4 ) Rev. W. T. Loacockj residing in Kentucky; “ S. Wall, (Deacon,) residing in Louisiana; “ D. F. Wright, (Deacon,) residing in Holly Springs ; Wilie Peck, officiating in Trinity church, Natchez. PARISHES IN UNION WITH THE CONVENTION : St. Paul’s church, Woodville ; St. Mary’s church. Laurel Hill; Trinity church, Natchez; Christ church, Jefferson county ; Church of Epiphany, Claiborne county; Christ church, Vicksburg; St. Andrew’s church, Jackson ; St. Paul’s church, Columbus; St. Andrew’s church, Marshall county ; Christ church, Holly Springs : St. John’s church, Pontotoc ; St. Paul’s church. Grand Gulf. Lay delegates then presented credentials from the follow¬ ing Parishes: From St. Paul’s church, Woodville—Isaac W. Crane, D. H. Prosser. Trinity church, Natchez—Edward Turner, Geo. W. Turner, Geo. Winchester. ‘‘ Church of the Epiphany, Claiborne county—Edw. H. Stiles, M. D. and Edw. A. McCaleb. “ Christ church, Vicksburg—Geo. S. Yerger, B. S. Tap- pan, VV. A. Lake. “ St. Andrew’s church, Jackson—Charles A. Bradford. “ St. John’s church, Pontotoc—Edward Fontaine ; who answered to their names. Two clergymen, entitled to seats, being present, and dele- gates from six parishes, the Convention was declared to be duly organized, and competent to transact business. On motion, duly made and seconded, the Rt. Rev. B. B. Smith, D. D., of Kentucky, being present, was invited to at¬ tend the meetings of this Convention ; and a place was as¬ signed him in the chancel on the right of the President. On motion, other clergymen of the church present, and not entitled to seats, were invited to atttend the deliberations of the Conrention. The rules of order of a former Convention, were then read and adopted, as the rules of order for this Convention. On motion, the Convention adjourned until 4 o’clock, p. m. 4 o’clock, p. m. The Convention was called to order by the Bishop, and the roll called by the Secretary, whereupon the Rev. IN. W. Camp, D. D., of Yazoo City, appeared and answered to his name ; P. M. Grant, Esq., from Columbus, presented his cre¬ dential as a lay delegate from St. Paul’s church, and took his seat; Hon. Robt. Hughes and Thos. Palmer, appeared as delegates from St. Andrew’s church, Jackson, and answered to their names. On motion, a committee, consisting of Rev. M. Halsey, Judges Turner and Winchester, was appointed, to consider the application of newly organized parishes for union with this Convention, and papers from Yazoo City were handed to them. On motion, duly made and seconded, it was decided that this Convention be declared competent to transact all and any business which would properly have fallen to the regular • Annual Convention, had one been duly convened. The committee on new churches, reported that the pro¬ ceedings had in Yazoo City, contemplating the organization of a church in that place, were substantially in accordance with the canon, and submitted a motion, that Trinity church, Yazoo City, be received into connexion with this Diocese; which motion being seconded, was adopted. On motion, duly made and seconded, a committee was ap¬ pointed to consider the claim of the Rev. F. W. Boyd, to a seat and vote in this Convention, his name having been placed by the Bishop among those not so entitled. The Bishop appointed the Rev. Mr. Presbury, Dr. Stiles, and Mr. Ewing, the committee. Mr. Boyd obtained leave to retire with the committee, and Gen. B. S. Tappan was appointed Secretary pro tem,^ in his stead. The committee returned and reported, unanimously, that the Rev. F. W. Boyd has a right to a seat and vote in this Convention. On motion to accept the report, some discussion took place as to the true and proper construction of the article in the constitution affecting the case. A motion was made and seconded, to postpone the further consideration ot the subject until the morning, which motion, after discussion, was lost. A motion was made and seconded, that the Rev. F. W. Boyd be allowed to address the Convention in explanation ; which motion prevailed. After further discussion, the original motion to accept the report, was put, and decided in the affirmative. The amendment ot the 7th article of the constitution, which was proposed in the Convention of 1844, was then called up for final action, but it appearing that the committee to whom had been committed the subject of a revision of the constitution and canons, was not present to report, the whole subject was, by consent, withdrawn. On motion, the Convention then adjourned, to meet at 8 o’clock, A. M., to-morrow. Friday Morning, May 8, 1846. The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. Prayers were read by the Bishop. The minutes ot yesterday were also read and approved. The roll having been called, delegates appeared from St. Paul’s church, Grand Gulf; Christ church, Jefferson county; St. Mary’s church, Laurel Hill. The following clergymen also appeared and took their seats, viz: Rev. D. H. Deacon, A. P. Merrill, and Wm. M. Giles. The Bishop read his Annual Address to the Convention, which was as follows: Brethren of the Clergy and Laity: The Convention of the Church in this Diocese having failed to meet last year for want of a constitutional quorum, it results that we have before us at this time, the business of two whole years to transact. In compliance with canonical provisions, I proceed to report to you the services and duties in which I have been engaged as Provisional Bishop of the Diocese, and to call your attention to such other matters of interest as may seem to claim your attention. To this end, I beg leave to refer to my report made last year, and intended to be laid before the Convention which was then expected to meet, and I desire that that report be read by the Secretary, and be made a part of this communication on the printed journal of your proeeedings. To the members of the Convention of the Protestant Epis¬ copal Church in the Diocese of Mississippi^ assembled at Jackson^ Mi., May 8, A. D. 1845 : Brethren of the Clergy and Laity— Your Convention, by appointment, meets this year on the 8th day of May; and the Convention of the church in Ten¬ nessee meets also, by appointment, on the 7th of the same month. For two years successively, I used the authority al¬ lowed me by your constitution and canons, to alter the times of the assembling of your Convention, in order that I might be able to meet the Conventions of both the Dioceses of which 1 have charge. The proceedings of your body last year in electing a Bishop, led very naturally to the conclusion that my presence among you would not be again called for, and consequently all my arrangements for many months past, have been made in the expectation of not being present in ( 8 ) your Convention this year. The duty which I owe to the Diocese of Tennessee to be present at her Convention, would prevent my meeting with you, if no other duties and engage¬ ments interfered. It did not seem to me that there existed \ any sufficient reason to change the time of meeting of either Convention the present year, and hence no notice has been given to that effect. But though necessarily absent from you, brethren, I trust I shall be with you in spirit, in ardent desires and fervent prayers for the prosperity of that church which we all love, and in the expression of the hope that her glorious sway may be still more and more extended to the overthrow of sin and misery among men, and the establishment of righteousness and peace over all the earth. These meetings of brethren, united as we should be, and as I believe we axe in your Diocese, “ in the same mind and in the s^e judgment,” upon all matters affecting the interests of our communion, are always occasions of the purest joy and satisfaction, and I feeljhatin staying away from your assembly, I am denying myself one ot the highest pleasures it is permitted man to enjoy here below. It gives me much pleasure to know that whatever duties belonging peculiarly to the office of a Bishop, which may be required by the Convention, will be discharged by nay Rt. Rev. Brother, the Missionary Bishop of Arkansas, &.c. He has kindly yielded to my request to visit such of the churches as he can in the short time which he has at his disposal, and to be present with you in Convention. I feel every confi¬ dence that I could not have committed your affairs to abler or more faithful hands. I know you will receive him as a “ messenger of the church and an Apostle of Christ,” and for his own sake, no less than mine, you will “hold him in re¬ putation.” My report to the last Convention, brought the detail of my official services as Provisional Bishop of Mississippi, down to the 4th of last May. On the evening of that day, I con¬ firmed at Jackson, persons. On Sunday, the 5th day of May, morning prayer was said by Dr. Hawks, after which, I preached and celebrated the Lord’s supper, with the assistance of the clergy present. About sixty persons presented themselves to receive the sym¬ bols of the broken body and shed blood of Him who died for the sins of the world. At night, after sermon by Dr. Hawks, I confirmed/owr persons. In the morning, I baptized two infant children, Syme^ and Wni, Alexander^ sons of Mr. Cabell and his wife, Elvira A. B. Cabell. I have performed no Episcopal services in Mis¬ sissippi since that time, having been engaged for much the greater portion of the period since in matters connected with the general interests of our whole communion, and which made it necessary for me to spend four or five months from home. It is doubtless known to every member of your body that the effort to complete the ecclesiastical organization of tho Diocese, by the election of the Rev. Dr. Hawks to the Epis¬ copate, failed in consequence of objections raised against that distinguished individual in the House of Clerical and Lay Deputies of the General Convention. These objections in¬ volved charges of a serious character, aflecting the integrity and moral standing of the Rev. Dr. H. An opportunity was given to him to meet and reply to these charges, which he did in a way so satisfactory to the House of Deputies, that they passed a resolution to this effect: That in the opinion of this House, the integrity of the Rev. Dr. Hawks has been satisfactorily vindicated, in his re¬ ply and .proofs in relation to the charge brought against him in the memorial presented to this House.” The following resolutions were subsequently passed, viz: “ Resolved^ That in the opinion of this House, all pro¬ ceedings respecting the consecration of the Rev. Francis L, Hawks, D, D., ought to be suspended, until a future Conven- ( 10 ) tion of the Diocese of Mississippi shall declare their sense of the subject. “ Resolved^ That all the documents now before this House relating to the same, be delivered to the Deputies from Mis¬ sissippi, to be laid before the Convention of the Diocese of Mississippi.”—(Jour. Gen. Conv. pp. 71 and 72. The documents above referred to having been placed in the hands of the Mississippi delegation, and also addressed to the President of the Standing Committee, with a view to their being brought before the notice of your Convention, I deem it unnecessary to remark upon their character or tenor. The Rev. Dr. Hawks has since been transferred to the Diocese of Louisiana, and it is understood that he left Mississippi with the determination not to permit his name again to be brought forward for the office of Bishop in your Diocese. it is for your body in its wisdom to decide what action, if any, it will take in the premises. I shall be pardoned, I hope, for expressing the opinion that the final action of the House of Clerical and Lay Deputies was a shrinking from a responsi¬ bility which was fairly devolved upon it—or perhaps it would be more charitable and equally just to say, that it was to get rid of a troublesome and annoying subject, and to throw back responsibility upon others, who were more deeply interested m the election of Dr. Hawks, than the members of that House, but whose opportunities for examining into the parth cular objections raised against him, were necessarily limited and imperfect. There was the place, and then was the time, where and when a full and final decision should have been made about this matter. The Diocese of Mississippi might elect to the Episcopate time and again, under the same cir¬ cumstances, and the election must of necessity be confirmed by the House of Deputies, or by those bodies which repre¬ sent them for this purpose, in the recess of the General Con¬ vention, viz: the Standing Committee. The course of the House was objectionable, i think, because the constitution and canons do not provide for any such course of proceeding, and because especially such course of action is calculated to embarrass and dishearten a weak and infant Diocese. Of the wants of the Diocese in regard to Episcopal super¬ vision, I presume that there exists among iis but one senti- nrent, and that is, that you should have a resident Bishop at the earliest practicable moment. The history of all oiir Dioceses, I believe, shows that direct and immediate Episco¬ pal supervision is necessary to their growth and vigor, and that wherever this has been secured, there has been witnessed an increase in the number, union and piety of our members. My views and wishes upon this subject, are too well known, and have been too frequently expressed, publicly and pri¬ vately, to need repetition. But I feel more solicitous upon the subject now, from a conviction pressing upon me every day, that my engagements and necessary duties at home will not allow me to devote to the visitation of Mississippi, even the small portion of time which 1 have hitherto given to that object. Trusting, then, that you can be united in your choice of a suitable person, and that you will be able to pro¬ vide for his comfortable support, that he may work much and vigorously, I earnestly recommend the measure. Yet, while thus exhorting you to a good work, suffer me to interpose a word of friendly, yea, paternal caution. The events of the last year, in the history of our church, emphatically admon¬ ish us to be more than ordinarily prudent and circumspect in the choice of persons whom we select for the high and holy office of a Bishop. Too rigid a scrutiny as to soundness in faith, purity of moral character, and firmness of purpose to live a holy and godly life, in all righteousness and good con¬ versation before God and men, cannot be instituted in refer¬ ence to any individual who may be proposed to you, and who, by your action, is to be intrusted with the dearest and most valuable interests ever committed to the guardianship of any mortal. Those only who are invested with this office, sufficiently realize its difficulties and its responsibilities, and by the constantly recurring sense of their failure in duty~of their imperfections and weaknesses, are led to consider, more than other men, how much faith, and zeal, and charity, and diligence, and prudence, and devotion of heart, and know¬ ledge, and wisdom, are requisite in order to the creditable and useful discharge of its functions. When you have found the individual who combines all the required, or at least, all the necessary qualifications, then place him in circumstances enabling him to fulfil his ministry with efficiency and com¬ fort. Do not let the reproach come upon your Diocese of calling one to serve you, and then leave him to the dole of compassion and charity, and to the fruits of some secular pursuit for the supply of his necessary wants. The great Lord of the harvest, the ever blessed head of the church, hath said,the laborer is worthy of his hire.” Let the pro¬ vision you make for the support of the Episcopate be liberal— let it show that you reverence the saying of our Divine Master, and you will assuredly reap a full and rich reward in the abundant and successful labors of him who shall be “ over you in the Lord.” Most earnestly do I beseech God our Heavenly Father to guide and direct you in this most important matter. The changes which have taken place in the Diocese since my last address, as these respect the residence of clergymen^ are as follows: The Rev. Dr. Hawks has taken dimissory letters to the Bishop of Louisiana, and becomes the Rector, as it is understood, of Christ Church, New Orleans. The. congregation of Christ Church, Holly Springs, I learn, though not officially, is without a pastor. I have heard that the Rev. Mr. Foster, who was instituted Rector, had resio-ned his pastoral charge and engaged in teaching, having under his care a large and interestinof female school. It appears to me that, in the case of the resignation of parishes, the Bishop, or Standing Committee of the Diocese should, in every in¬ stance, be officially advised of that fact, by the Secretary, \varden, or some Vestryman of the Parish. Such is the usual practice, and it would be proper, I think, that you should have a canon to that effect; otherwise, it will often happen that it will be difficult to know who are members of the Convention, or invested with all the rights and privileges of parochial and diocesan residence. The Rev. Dr. Killikelly has taken letters of dimission to Bishop Kemper, and retired from the station at Grand Gulf. The Rev. Wm. T. Leacock, whom I reported as transferred to the Diocese of Mississippi, and who had taken charge of a congregation formed near Lake Washington, in Washington county, has, .1 learn, removed from Mississippi, and settled in charge of a school near Louisville, Ky. I have received no communication from him, and know not what his wishes may he in regard to a change of his canonical residence. 1 still consider him as a clergyman of Mississippi. The Rev. A. P. Merrill has been appointed missionary to the slave population in the neighborhood of Port Gibson, and I learn from himself, is laboring with encouraging indica¬ tions and fruits of usefulness. Mr. Merrill has intimated a readiness to divide his labors between Grand Gulf, Port Gib¬ son, and his present charge. However praiseworthy the promptings of his zeal to widen the sphere of his ministerial labors, I have not deemed it advisable to authorize any change in his services, or to direct him to go to any other than those to whom he has been sent. The missionary appropriation in his case, was for the special benefit of the negroes, and it seems, therefore, that as long as he draws upon that fund, his services on Sunday, at least, should be devoted to the slaves. It must be matter of rejoicing to us all that his services have proved so acceptable, and, as I judge, so profitable to this in¬ teresting portion of our population. i have recently, at the request of the Vestry of St. Andrew’s church, near Salem, in Marshall county, appointed the Rev. Mr. Litton, of the Diocese of Tennessee, missionary to the station. He will officiate monthly. It appears to be the most convenient, if not the only arrangement, which can be made at present for the supply of that congregation. The Rev. Mr. Crane has resiirned the Paris!) of St. Paul’s, at Woodville, and accepted a call to the charge of Trinity church, Clarks¬ ville, Tenn. The congregation at Woodville, you are aware, probably, was afflicted during the last summer and fall with a grievous and fatal sickness. Besides the loss of many of its most valuable members by death, it has been, or is likely soon to be, further weakened by the removal of some of the most efficient supporters of the church ; so that the prospects of this old and interesting Parish, are indeed gloomy. In man’s extremity is the Lord’s time to help ; and to Him must we look to stir up the spirit of some faithful minister, who will corneas a messenger of consolation, to restore'the deso¬ lations of this Parish. The Rev. Andrew Matthews has recently requested to he re-appointed missionary at Hernando and neighborhood. Expecting that the oversight of the Diocese would soon pass into other hands, and not understanding that there was much reason to encourage one to effort in that quarter, I deemed it most proper to defer any action in the premises, and leave the whole matter to the decision of him who is to succeed me. I have heard that the Rev. Mr, Presbury was laboring with en¬ couraging prospects of success at Yazoo City, and the Rev. Mr. Fish, at Christ church, .Tefferson county. No communi¬ cation from these brethren, nor from any other quarter, has notifled me of their wish or intention to become canonically resident in Mississippi. It is with great sorrow of heart that I report to you the decease of our Rev. Brother, Mr. John Henshaw, who had been laboring for nearly a year past in the neighborhood of Macon, in the eastern parr, of the Diocese. His removal was sudden, and attended by distressing circumstances. On Sun¬ day, the 30th of March, he had preached at, or near a place called Brooklyn, some ten or twel ve miles from Macon. The next day, returning to Macon, he had to cross a small stream which had been swollen by recent rams. Entering the creek at an unfavorable or difficult ford, and alone, it is supposed (15) that he was by some mishap thrown from his horse, and being iame, was unable to make the shore. Several hours elapsed before any suspicions were excited as to his safety. After diligent search, his body was found the next day, near to the spot where it is supposed he was thrown from his horse, and decently interred; and, no doubt, his grave was watered by the tears of some whom lie liad striven to lead in the way to Heaven. With little to attract the admiring gaze ot the world, unaffectedly modest in his deportment, and simple as a child in his manners, he was, nevertheless, a deeply pious and devoted servant of Christ. He was most anxious to be instrumental in saving the souls of men, and he was willing to make any sacrifice of personal ease and comfort, and to submit to almost any mortification, in order that he might leach men to know God and Jesus Christ whom God hath sent. For nearly a year past, he had exercised his ministry under circumstances of discouragement—such as the neglect or indifference of those for whose spiritual benefit he was expending his time and strength—that fall to the lot of few men. This minister of God could find no place at which to board, except a tavern, among those to whom he came to pro¬ claim the grace of that Master who, though he was rich, be¬ came poor, that we through his poverty might be made rich ; and often when he had prepared out of his treasures things both new and old for those invited to the gospel feast, has he been pained and mortified to find only two or three present. The multitude had gone after some loud and self-confident and self-constituted teacher—some proclaimer of a new faith—some declaimer against all sects, and the unblushing advocate of his own system, as the truth of God and the unerring way to Heaven, The trials and mortifications of our brother are over; he has finished his course in faith, and doubtless entered upon his reward, through the mercy and grace of that blessed Redeemer who called him to work in his church, and has now summoned him to higher duties in his kingdom of glory. I beg leave'oiice more most earnestly to urge upon the at¬ tention of every member of the Convention, and through the Convention upon the whole Diocese, the duty of making sta¬ led and liberal contributions in aid of our missionary work. We must be criminally insensible and indifferent, as well to the claims of others as to the calls of duty, if we give no heed to the earnest and urgent appeals which have been re¬ peatedly made to us upon the subject. I fear that our breth¬ ren of the clergy are blameworthy in this matter in not call¬ ing the attention of the people to this duty, and thereby affording them the op'portunity^ as they ought to regard it a privilege, to give in this noble cause. It cannot be there is want of ability on the part of our lay brethren ; “ for if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.” Let us give of oiir ability as God hath prospered us—nothing more is ask¬ ed,—any thing more than this, would be transcending the limits of duty. We should remember, too, that the Diocese has partaken largely of the benefactions of the church, and we should, at least, show our gratitude by now endeavoring to help ourselves—by striving to aid the church in her efforts to send the ministry to all our waste and destitute places. If this work were but industriously prosecuted in each Parish, I have not a doubt that every year enough would be realised to double annually the missionaries employed in the Diocese for some five or six years to come ; and what a glorious re¬ sult this would be to accomplish—how creditable to the libe¬ rality of the Diocese, and how acceptable, we may believe, to God ! Brethren, let us no longer give occasion for re¬ proach in this matter. Let us do our duty, and then we may- look for God’s blessing. The only candidate belonging to this Diocese is, with my permission, prosecuting his studies at one of our Theological Seminaries. The individual referred to is Mr. Wm. Giles, who will in due time present himself for orders, and ,will, I trust, prove an able and efficient co-worker with us, in the (17) large and interesting field which Divine Providence has as- signed to us for cultivation. I deem it unnecessary to detain you by any remarks upon the proceedings of the late General Convention, in which the Diocese was ably represented. Its acts have been spread upon its published journal, which is open to the inspection of all. The 6th canon of the late General Convention, entitled, “ Of a discretion to be allowed in the calling, trial, and ex¬ amination of deacons in certain cases,” contains provisions which, if carefully and judiciously administered, may be productive of most beneficial results to the Southern Dio¬ ceses. The canon will enable the Bishop, with the concur¬ rence of the Convention, to provide in many cases for the religious instruction and christianizing of the slave popula¬ tion. This was the thing chiefly contemplated by the friends of the measure when it was brought before the legislature of the church ; and although action under it is rendered embar¬ rassing by many restrictions and limitations, as will always be the case when a majority is legislating for a people whose condition and circumstances they do not understand, still the hope is fondly cherished that much good will come of it. There are pious laymen in our church, owners of large num¬ bers of slaves, anxious, more so than tongue can express, for their religious improvement, who will, doubtless, feel it in¬ cumbent upon them to take upon themselves “this office and ministry,” and do what God shall enable them for the regen¬ eration of a class who have the strongest claims upon our sympathies and charity. In conclusion, I shall be pardoned for adverting to a mat¬ ter which is of some consequence to myself personally. The Convention held at Vicksburg, year before last, unanimously, I believe, voted me a salary as Provisional Bishop of Missis¬ sippi, of $1000 per annum: of this sum I received in the year 1843, $267 89, and last year $484 50, leaving a balance unpaid of $247 and 61 cents. 1 feel assured (hat it is only C (18) Hiecessary to call the attention of the Convention to the fact as stated, to ensure its prompt adjustment. Beseeching God Almighty to have you, brethren, in his holy keeping, to further you with his continual help in all your efiorts for the extension of his truth through the instru¬ mentality of His Holy Church, and commending you to that grace which is able to keep you from falling, and to give you an inheritance among all them that are sanctified, I remain your affectionate friend and servant in the Gospel, JAS* H. OTEY, Provisional Bishop of Mississippi. Columbia, Tenn., April 16, 1845. From the foregoing it will be perceived that one of the first duties with which this Convention is charged, is to make a proper disposition of the business referred to it by resolutions of the House of Clerical and Lay Deputies of the last Gene¬ ral Convention. Whether the Rev. Dr. Hawks be not now the Bishop elect of Mississippi—whether this Convention be not empowered to express its sense of the whole matter refer¬ red to it by the House of Clerical and Lay Deputies, by con¬ firming the election already made, and sending the Rev. Dr. Hawks to the standing committee and Bishops of the church as the Bishop elect of this Diocese—-or whether this Conven¬ tion be authorized to enter into a new election—are questions which come fairly, if not necessarily, before you for consider¬ ation, and will, I doubt not, receive from you the attention which their grave importance demands. That you may feel free from all embarrassment in acting upon the subject of Dr. Hawks’ election, as made by the Convention of 1844, I will state that I am authorized by letter from him, to act in his name, and that all that he desires is to have justice done to his character. Under these circumstances, then, 1 feel em¬ powered to withdraw the name of Dr. Hawks from the con¬ sideration of this Convention as a candidate for the Episco¬ pate, and ask that it may be considered as withdrawn from all connection with the subject, except so far as it may be (19) deemed necessary to do justice to his character, and place him, so far as dependent on our action, on the ground occu¬ pied by him antecedent to the time of his nomination to the Episcopate of Mississippi. I think it will be best to refer the whole subject to a committee to report thereon for the con¬ sideration of the Convention. I have to repeat here, dear brethren, my earnest desire that some arrangement be made by you for the more efficient dis¬ charge of Episcopal duties in this Diocese, than my own fee¬ ble health and indispensable engagements to my own Diocese will allow. The field for exertion which is spread out before you is exceedingly interesting and inviting. There are many neighborhoods and villages where the labors of a faithful and efficient clergyman only are wanted to do good service for the cause of Christ, and to lay the foundations for large and respectable congregations. God’s blessing upon efforts judi¬ ciously directed, as they may be, and to the right points, will soon make the solitary places glad, and cause the desert to rejoice and blossom as the rose. In short, I do not know a more interesting and promising field for the labors of the spiritual husbandman, than is now presented in the Diocese of Mississippi. It is true, that the prospect is not so clear and bright as it was two years ago; but the adverse circum¬ stances which have tended to the discouragement of our brethren and friends in some parts of the Diocese, while they call for the exercise of more faith and more exertion also to meet them, may by these means be controlled and turn to blessings in the end. While you were weak and feeble, I most willingly did all in my power to nourish and strengthen you as a Diocese. You are now able to take care of your¬ selves. You can, at least, obtain the oversight of others who will provide for your wants so much better than I can hope to do, that I respectfully and earnestly request that the act of the Convention establishing our present connection, be re¬ voked. The lit Rev. Dr. Freeman, Missionary Bishop, who visited ( 20 ) most of the congregations of Mississippi last spring, at my request, has reported to me the following official acts : At Woodville, he baptized one adult and confirmed two persons. At Natchez, he confirmed eight persons, in 'Frinity church. At Christ church, Jefferson county, he confirmed two per> sons. At Vicksburg, he confirmed'persons, in Christ church. At Jackson, he baptized five adults and confirmed fifteen persons. On all these occasions the Missionary Bishop preached, and, 1 understand, with great acceptance to the people. The following clerical changes have taken place during the year that is now past: The Rev. F. W. Boyd has resigned the Rectorship of Christ Qhurch, Vicksburg, and been succeeded by Rev. Mr. Pat¬ terson/of Tennessee. The Rev. C. A. Foster has been dismissed to the Diocese of Pennsylvania. The Rev. D. C. Page has resigned the Rectorship of Trinity church, Natchez, and accepted a call to the Rectorship of Christ church, and of St. Thomas’ Hall, a school for boys, at Holly Springs. The Rev. Willie Peck has been received into this Diocese, on,letters dimissory from Bishop Potter, of Pennsylvania, and has had temporary charge of Trinity church, Natchez. The Rev. Willard Presbury has been received on letters dimissory from Bishop Smith, of Kentucky, and has been officiating for several months past, as missionary in Washing¬ ton county. , The Rev. Amos Cleaver, upon like letters from the same ecclesiastical authority, has been received, and has been offi¬ ciating at Jackson, in the double capacity of preacher and teacher. The Rev. S. Wall still resides in Louisiana. The Rev. N. W. Camp has resigned the charge of St. An- ( 21 ) drew’s chiircji, Jackson, and accepted a call to a newly or¬ ganized congregation at Yazoo City. The Rev. J. A. Fox has removed to Louisiana. The Rev. J. S. Greene, has resigned the charge of the Church of the Epiphany, in Claiborne county, and removed to Mississippi City, where he is officiating as a missionary. The Rev. A. Matthews has been appointed missionary in DeSoto county, and has organized another congregation, for whose accommodation a new church is nearly completed. On the 26th February, of this present year, I left home on a visitation of the churches in this Diocese, and arrived at Natchez, by the way of the river, on the morning of the 9th of March. I had expected to be at Natchez much earlier, and had accordingly appointed Sunday, the 8th, for the or¬ dination of Wm. M. Giles, a candidate for orders. In conse¬ quence of unexpected detention, the day of ordination had to be postponed to the 15th. On that day, being the third Sunday in Lent, I admitted Mr. Wm. M. Giles to the order of Deacon, he having sustained a very satisfactory examina¬ tion upon the studies prescribed by the canons, and laid be¬ fore me the usual testimonial from the standing committee. 1 was assisted in the services and in the communion, by the Rev. Messrs. Boyd, Deacon and Peck, and preached on the occasion. The candidate was presented by the Rev. Mr. Deacon. A collection was made at the same lime in behalf of missions, amounting to $46 66. I have appointed the Rev. Mr. Giles missionary to Wash¬ ington, with permission to devote one half of his time to St. Paul’s church, Woodville. I entertain the most pleasing hopes as.to the results of this arrangement. Friday^ March 20th, I set off for Woodville, and on the next day, Saturday 21st, after prayers by Rev. Mr. Boyd, I preached to a small congregation at half past 3 o’clock. Sunday 22—Morning prayer was read by Rev. Mr. Boyd, ante-communion and sermon by myself, after which, 1 con¬ firmed one person—it was the venerable father of the former ( 22 ) Rector of this Parish, the Rev. Mr. Crane, who thus “ wit¬ nessed a good confession before many witnesses.” In the afternoon, after prayers, I again preached. The next services performed by me in this Diocese, were at St. Mary’s church. Laurel Hill, on Good Friday, April 10, and Saturday, April 11. On both of these days 1 preached, after prayers by the Rev. Mr. Deacon. On Saturday after¬ noon, I addressed the negroes at one of the plantations of Dr. Mercer. 12, Easter day—After morning prayers by Mr. Deacon, I preached, confirmed eight persons, in Trinity church, Natchez, and, assisted by Rev. Mr. Peck, adminis¬ tered the holy communion. The collection made on this occasion for missions, amounted to $23 95. In the after¬ noon 1 again preached, after prayers by Mr. Peck. Monday 13—Came to Washington, where, after prayers by Mr. Giles, in the College Chapel, I preached to a respec¬ table congregation, gathered upon the short notice which could be circulated of our wish to have service. Tuesday 14—Rev. Mr. Boyd read prayers, when I preach¬ ed and confirmed four persons, and delivered an address in explanation of that ancient and apostolic rite. The same day I came to Arundo, the seat of Mr. Jos. Dunbar. Wednesday 15—After prayers,preached in Christchurch, in the forenoon. ‘ Thursday 16—Early this morning, I rode to Rev. Mr. Fish’s, who has been officiating for eighteen months, or more, with great acceptance to the congregation of Christ church, Jefferson county, and baptized his infant daughter, who was too feeble to be taken to church. After this, I returned to the church, preached and confirmed four persons. The same afternoon I was kindly brought on my way by Mr. Jas. Railey, to the neighborhood of Port Gibson. Friday 17—At Port Gibson, the Rev. Mr. Merrill read prayers in the Presbyterian church, and I preached to a small congregation in the morning. In the afternoon, I baptized (23) one colored adult and her three children, and also three white » children: At night I preached again, and confirmed two persons. The same night I rode to Dr. Magruder’s, three miles in the country, and next morning, Saturday 18, I bap¬ tized his infant son, preached to the negroes, and confirmed nine of them. Returning to Port Gibson, I baptized a child in private, and then setoff #for Talbot,about fifteen miles dis¬ tant, in the neighborhood of the Church of the Epiphany. In the afternoon of this day, I baptized children, and at night returned to Bowling Green, the plantation of Mr. Rai- ley, who very kindly provided me with a comfortable con¬ veyance through the whole of this visitation. My best thanks are due to him for this and many undeserved favors. Sunday 19—Baptized this morning, at Bowling Green, two infant children, then proceeded to the Church of the Epiphany, which, at the request of the Vestry, I consecrated to the worship and service of Almighty God, with the usual rites and solemnities, and according to the order of the Pro¬ testant Episcopal Church. The church is a neat framed building, handsomely finished, with a parcel of land attach¬ ed, with houses for the minister and his family, all secured by deed to the church. I am assured that a competent sup¬ port may be obtained by a clergyman willing to settle here, and devote himself faithfully to the religious instruction of the people. On this occasion, I also baptized three children, confirmed four persons, preached, and, assisted by Rev. Mr. Merrill, administered the holy communion to 21 persons. Monday 20—Accompanied by Dr. Abercrombie and Mr. Railey, in his coach, I came to Grand Gulf, a distance of six¬ teen miles, this morning, and, after prayers by Rev. Mr. Mer¬ rill, I preached to a small congregation in the room which has been fitted up for service at this place. In the afternoon of this day, I went aboard of a steamboat and proceeded up the river to the neighborhood of Lake Washington, where was formerly a congregation, under the care of Rev. Wm. T. Leacock. On Tuesday 21, I reached (24) the residence of G. G. Skipwith, eight miles from Lake Wash¬ ington, and immediately dispatched notices in different direc¬ tions for service on the morrow. Wednesday 22—Baptized early this morning, the infant son of G. G. Skipwith, Esq., and made an effort to reach the place of public worships about seven and a half miles distant, but was forced to return on account of the inclemency of the weather. A second attempt about 12 o’clock, was more suc¬ cessful, but no congregation had assembled. I rode on to a neighbor’s house, Mr. F. J. Turnbull, where the same even¬ ing I baptized his two children, a son and daughter. The next day, returning to Mr. Skipwith’s, I baptized the infant son of Judge Robert Fitz. Sunday 26—For three days past, I had anxiously looked for a boat, and this morning, clear and bright, found me still on the banks of the Mississippi. Going to the house erected for worship, I found all the people of the neighborhood as¬ sembled, for whom 1 read prayers and preached. In the even¬ ing of the same day a boat came, which I boarded, and by which I reached Vicksburg early on Monday 27th. Accom¬ panied by the Rev. Mr. Patterson, I set off to day for Yazoo City, which place we reached by boat, Tuesday 28th. At lOJ o’clock; A. M., Mr. Patterson read prayers, performing the like services at 4 and at 7J, p. m. On each of these oc¬ casions I preached. The zeal and liberality of the small body of Episcopalians at Yazoo City, are worthy of the highest commendation. They have hired a commodious house, which has been fitted up in very neat and church-like style, for worship. Pews have been made—a chancel, communion table, reading desk and pulpit, tastily arranged and cush¬ ioned, where needful and appropriate—an organ gallery raised, and in it a fine toned organ placed, and well served by the Rector’s wife, who is assisted by a small, but well trained choir—the floors of the building are carpeted, and the rear end appropriated as a vestry room. Every thing wears an aspect of comfort and neatness, and 1 trust the spiritual (25) character of the congregation will be in accordance with the external order, beauty and propriety of their house of wor^ ship. Wednesday 29—Read prayers, and Mr. Patterson preach¬ ed. In the afternoon, after prayers by Mr. P., I baptized two adults, and preached. At night, Mr. Camp read prayers, when I preached, and confirmed Jive persons. Returning to Vicksburg on Friday^ May 1st, I preached in Christ church at night, after prayers by the Rev. Mr* Patterson. On this occasion, a society, or association, was formed for the promo¬ tion of Christian knowledge, by the dtstribution of the Biblej the Prayer Book, Tracts, and the like* I would take this opportunity to commend the objects of this society to the favor and support, not only of the members of this congre¬ gation, but to the members and friends of our church through¬ out the State. By keeping a supply of Bibles, Prayer Books and Tracts, at this place, all other points in the State may be readily and amply supplied. The Rt. Rev. Bishop of Kentucky was present on the occasion above mentioned, warmly commended the plan, and made some interesting statements, illustrating the value of the Prayer Book, by in¬ cidents which had fallen under his own observation. Sunday 3—Was passed at Jackson. The Methodist church had been courteously offered to our use and accepted. The Rev. Mr. Cleaver read prayers in the morning and after¬ noon, on both of which occasions I preached, to large con¬ gregations. In the afternoon, I baptized a child. There is, at present, but one candidate for orders in this Diocese: President Thornton, of the college at Jackson. There are four other applications to be received as candidates, which have not yet been acted on by the standing committee. On every occasion of addressing you, brethren, 1 have, I believe, commended to your liberal support the missions of the church. I once more, and probably for the last time, re¬ peat the recommendation. We are ourselves in circum¬ stances calling for the liberal and helping hand of our more (26) favored brethren, to strengthen and support us. They have not been indifferent to our appeals heretofore, and we should, at least, manifest dur gratitude so far as to show that we are making reasonable exertions to help ourselves. And let me mention, for the encouragement of every one to whom this communication may come, that I have had placed in my hands, within a few weeks past, the contributions made to the mite box by the children of four families, in the vicinity of Natchez, amounting to $78 67J. What might not be done for the cause of missions in Mississippi, if each family in the Diocese would go and do likewise I We should be able to double the number of our missionaries, and to send the light of consolation andjoy to many a dark and benighted corner of our land, without ever feeling, in the slightest degree, that we had impoverished or straitened ourselves. Dear brethren of the clergy: I beseech you, when you gc back to your homes, to withhold not from your people the necessary light to inform them on this subject; deprive ' them not of the privilege—for it is a blessed privilege—of giving a portion of the bounty with which God has loaded them, to promote the extension of Christ’s Kingdom on earth. The eighth canon of the General Convention of 1841, re¬ quires that each clergyman shall report to his Bishop, on or before the first day of every Annual Convention. The Rev. . Messrs. Boyd, Page, Patterson, Peck, Presbury and Mat¬ thews, are the only clergymen in the Diocese who have com¬ plied with this provision. It only remains, brethren, that I commend you, in your present work, and in all your future life, to the gracious care and guidance of our Heavenly Father. Your faithful friend and affectionate pastor, JAS. H. OTEY. Vicksburg, May 8, 1846. Mr. Joseph Dunbar, from the standing committee, presentr ed certain documents from the General Convention, relative to the case of Dr. F. L. Hawks, recommended for consecra- (27) tion as Bishop of the Diocese of Mississippi; which, on mo¬ tion, were referred to a committee consisting oi one layman from each Parish represented in this Convention, to-wit: Messrs. Hughes, Winchester, Mercer, Dunbar, Prosser, Fontaine, Ewing, Grant, Coffee and Lake. The Bishop ap¬ pointed the Rev. Mr. Halsey chairman of said committee. On motion, the Convention proceeded to the election of a Secretary and Treasurer; and, on counting the ballots, it appeared that Charles A. Bradford, of Jackson, was duly elected, who appeared and entered upon the duties of hi.s office. The Rev. Mr. Deacon read the report of the standing committee. On motion, the Convention proceeded to the election of delegates to the General Convention ; when it appeared that the Rev. W. F. Halsey, the Rev. N. W. Camp, the Rev. F. W. Boyd, and the Rev. D. H. Deacon, of the clergy, and Messrs Jos. Dunbar, Robt. Hughes, E. FL Stiles, and the Flon. Edward Turner, of the laity, were elected. On motion, the Convention adjourned to o’clock, and at that hour resumed its session. It was then moved that the Convention proceed to the elec¬ tion of Trustees of the General Theological Seminary, which was agreed to. And the vote having been taken, it appeared that the Rev. D. C. Page, and the Rev. S. Patter¬ son, were duly elected. On motion, the Secretary was directed to have five hun¬ dred copies of the journal of this Convention printed, to¬ gether with the constitution and canons of the Diocese, and also the form which has been recommended of articles of as¬ sociation for the organization of new Parishes, as an appendix to the same. The'Rev. Mr. Halsey, from the committee to which f Ihcclergy : Yeas—Rev.Mr.Halsey, Kev. Mr. Boyd -2. (33) Nays—Rev. Mr. Camp, Rev. Mr. Merrill, Rev. Mr. Patter¬ son, and Rev. Mr. Presbury—4. Of the laity: Yeas—St. PauPs church, Columbus—1. Nays—St. Paul’s church, Woodville; Christ’s church, Vicksburg; Trinity church, Natchez ; Church of the Epiph¬ any, McCaleb’s; St. Andrew’s church, Jackson; Trinity* church, Yazoo; St. John’s church, Pontotoc; St. Paul’s church, Grand Gulf; Christ’s church, Jefferson county—9. The question recurred on the adoption of the motion, which prevailed. The following resolution was submitted : Resolvedj That the thanks of the Convention be tendered to the Rt. Rev. Bishop Otey, for the dignity, impartiality, and Christian courtesy, with which he has presided over the de¬ liberations of this body. And the question being put by the Secretary, it was adopted unanimously. The following resolution was submitted : Resolved, That the thanks of this Convention are justly due, and are hereby tendered, to the citizens of Vicksburg and its vicinity, for the kind and generous hospitality ex¬ tended by them to the members of this body, during its pre¬ sent session, and that they are particularly due and tendered, to Mr. John Thatcher, of the Thatcher House,” for his liber¬ ality in refusing to receive any compensation from the mem¬ bers of the Convention who have lodged at that house ; and that the Secretary be requested to furnish a copy of this reso¬ lution for publication in the newspapers of this city, and also to Mr. John Thatcher. Which was unanimously agreed to. And then, on motion, the Convention adjourned sine die, C. A. BRADFORD, Secretary. E (34) I>AItOCHIAI< HSX>0»TS-r0a 1846. ST, MARY’S CHURCH, Laurel Hill. The Rector of l&t. Mary’s Church, Laurel Hill, has continued through the past year, his u.sual routine ol services. He has performed Divine Service for the white people of the neighborhood, every Sunday morning^ except during^a part of the winter. To the colored people of Dr, Mercer’s plantations, who constitute his principal charge, he has ministered regularly every Sunday, and to them the accompanying statistics refer. Marriages, - . - - 4 Baptisms, (infants,) - - 14 Funerals, _ - . . 9 He has reason to believe that his labors have not been altogether in vain, the slaves continuing to take an unabated interest in the services, and de¬ cided religious impressions are occasionally found to have been made. He regards himself, however, as employed in sowing the seed of a future har¬ vest, more than in gathering the ripened fruit. Still it has been his privilege, under the Divine blessing, 10 seesome^ so far as he is able to judge, brought to that knowledge “ of God and of Je.-sus Christ, whom be has sent, which is life eternal.” D. H. DEACON, Rector of St. Mary's Church, Laurel Hill. To the Rt. Rev. G. W. Freeman. May 6 th, 1845. CHRIST CHURCH, Holly Spring3. To the Bishop of the Diocese of Mississippi: Rt. Rev. and Dear Sir—I beg leave to report to you, that since the last Convention, I resigned the charge of Christ Church, Holly Springs, but have since occasionally officiated and preached. The Parish is now va¬ cant, but rather than the church should be closed, I officiate every Sunday, and on the first Sunday of every month, I administer the Lord’s Supper. Holly Springs, 28th April, 1845. C. A. FOSTER. CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY, Claiborne Co. The Rector of the Church of the Epiphany, reports to the Bishop, that nothing important has occurred in this Parish during the last year—that the services of the church were duly performed, with the exception of three or four month’s interruption, occasioned by sickness, which prevailed gene¬ rally through the county; and with which, the Rector and his family were most painfully visited; and that, for their safety and his own, he went to a neighboring county, where having remained until the season became more healthy, he returned and resumed his duties in this church, which, he hopes, have been faithfully discharged, unle.ss when the badness of the weather, or the delicacy of his health, interfered. The regular number of communicants in this church are 10, and the sacrament duly administered on the first Sunday in the month, except when (35) any accident prevents. Our Sunday School is in operation, and doing well. Deaths in this Parish the last year were six, three of whom were children ; and of the three adults, one was a communicant, and the others occasional members of the congregation. Marriages and baptisms, none. CHRIST CHURCH, Vicksburg. The Rector of Christ Church, Vicksburg, respectfully reports from the register of his Parish, the following : Families and pewholders last report, . . - . . 89 Changes, unknown. Baptized—Adults, white, - - - 3 Infants, white, - - - 35—Total, - - 38 Confirmed—Former number, - - - 51 Added, - - - - 8-Total, - - 59 Communicants—Former number, - 75 (mistake of 2) 73 Added, - - - - 21 Died, - - - 1 Removed, - - - 13 Withdrawn, - - 3—Total, - - 77 Funerals—Parishioners, - - - 11 Others, . . - . i—Total, - - 12 Marriages—White, - - - - 4 Colored, - - - . 0—Total, - - 4 Catechumens,.25 Sunday School—(No change reported.) Church offerings at the Holy Eucharist, . _ _ - ^50 19 Incidental expenses,. 28 37 Domestic missions, 42 00 Si 20 56 While the Rector of Christ Church would record, with grateful emo¬ tions, any degree of success which the blessings of the Great Head of the Church has accorded to his labors, yet he is pained to reflect that so little has been done. His comparative inefiSciency, is attributable to his neces¬ sary absence from his Parish the last summer, in attendance upon the Gen¬ eral Convention, and his own ill health since January last. He knows of no reason why his Parish should not increase, and be vigorous and as pros¬ perous as any in the South-west, if it be diligently cultivated. The small debt reported to the last Convention, is resting yet upon the Parish, and still cripples its energies. ST. JOHN’S PARISH, De Soto Couvtv. The Rector of St. John’s Parish, De Soto county. Miss., Reports, that during the last summer his services were chiefly confined to his own house and the neighborhood where his present Parish is now organized. SInc« (36) his return from the General Convention last fall, he procured the use of the Methodist meeting house in Hernando, every second Sunday. For some time back, he has divided his time between that point and the Parish of St. John’s. The Parish of St. John’s has been recently organized, and pre^ sents a favorable prospect. Since its organization, he has baptized three adults, and hopes shortly to baptize several others. Admitted to the Holy Communion for the first time, one. The Church may be said to be fairly established in that neighborhood. A neat chapel is about to be erected by a few of the members of that Parish, during the ensuing summer. The prospects at Hernando, hitherto gloomy, begin to brighten. We hope shortly to get possession of our own little church at that place. So soon as that is etfected, the Rector designs re-organizing that Parish. We humbly trust that a brighter day is not far ahead. The recent interest man¬ ifested in the Parish of St.John’s, has very much cheered the heart of its Rector. Baptisms—Adults, 3 ; infants, 5 ; Funerals, 2. May 5ih, 1845. ANDREW MATTHEWS, Rector. ST. ANDREW’S CPIURCH, City op Jackson. The Rector of St. Andrew’s Church, respectfully submits the following report to the Bishop, viz: Present number of baptized members of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Parish, as nearly as can be ascertained, - - - 156 Present number of confirmed members,.72 “ “ communicants,.52 “ “ families in attendance, - - - . 35 “ single individuals,.30 Number of adults baptized since last report, 17 - “ “ children, “ “ “ 29— Total, 46 Number of persons confirmed since last report, - - - - 19 “ “ communicants added « ^ - 32 Number of communicants'left the Parish since last report, - - 1 “ “ familiesadded since last report, - ' - - - 5 “ “ marriages since last report, - , - , _ 2 “ “ burials—Adults 2, children 4, , , . - 6 The Holy Eucharist has been celebrated (times) _ , _ 8 Ofterings—For domestic missions, - S29 35 “ communion furniture, 13 95 “ current expenses, - 12 40— Total, S55 70 The Rector has officiated every Lord’s Day in the Parish, excepting once in New Orleans, once in a steamboat between Natchez and New Or¬ leans, once at Natchez, and six times at Vicksburg, last summer, during the Rev. Mr. Boyd’s absence. City of Jackson, May 5,1845, N, W. CAMP, Rector. I (37) PORT GIBSON IMISSION, Claiborne Coontt. Rev. A. P. Merrill, Missionary, Port Gibson, re.spectfully reports, that he organized a congregation of colored people, on the plantation of Dr, McGruder, near this place, in January, 1844, since which time, he has reg¬ ularly performed missionary duty among them, preaching the Gospel, visit¬ ing the sick, and burying the dead, with the exception of a temporary ab¬ sence at the North. The present condition of the Parish is as follows, viz: Congregation, . ..50 to 150 Communicants, . 7 Baptisms performed—Infants 51, Adults 4, ... - 55 Funerals,. --13 There has been no Episcopal visitation since the Parish was organized, and consequently, no confirmations, though several are wailing to be con¬ firmed. The Missionary has had urgent and repeated solicitations, to officiate in the adjacent Parishes of Port Gibson and Grand Gulf, which have been destitute of ministerial services the past year. These requests, he regrets to say, that, consistently with other duties, he has been able to comply with only to a limited extent. As the Missionary has hitherto realized no part of his support (with the exception of a present from one individual) from his ministerial labors, he has been compelled to adopt the self-supporting s)^slem ; and has devoted himself to his school, the income of which has enabled him to meet current expenses. Should this, which has thus far been his only dependence, fail, he would be obliged to abandon the field. The prospects of his Seminary for Young Ladies, are encouraging, and are such as to inspire the friends of education and the church, with confidence in its success. If he can be sustained in this enterprise by our own church, in addition to the support he at present receives from other quarters, he believes it practicable to build up an institution of learning in Port Gibson, which shall be an ornament to the church and the State of Mississippi. May 5tb, 1845. A. P. MERRILL. FAROOHIAI* SIEPOB.TS—roa. 18*3=5. CHRIST’S CHURCH, Churcu Hir.,L, Jefferson County, To the Rt. Rev. Jas. H. Otey, D. D., Prov. Bishop of Mississippi: The undersigned would report that, since entering upon the discharge of his duties, (in Nov. 1844,) in the Parish of Christ’s Church, Church Hill, Jeflerson county, he has officiated constantly, and with gratifying evidences of the Divine blessing upon his labors. During this period, the church edifice has been repaired, the pews repainted, the aisle and chancel carpeted. An instrument of music has been furnished to aid in the services, while this part of our worship has been greatly improved by the introduction of chanting. The number in attendance upon the Sunday exercises, has very (38) considerably increased; while a spirit of inquiry as to the claims of the Gospel and the church, upon the belief and the aftections, is manifest in the case of some who have hitherto “ cared not for these things.” It is hero noted, with thankfulness, that while faction and discord have been abroad in the church, endeavoring to unsettle the faith of its members, and to alienate from each other those who have been made one in Christ Jesus, this Parish has been, by God’s blessing, free from agitation, its members content with the church as she is, loving those sober and sufficient services, pursuing tho.se old and Catholic paths which have been hefs from the be¬ ginning. The following services have been performed. Baptisms, 36—11 whites and 25 blacks. Marriages, 9—6 white couple and 3 black. Burials, 5—4 whites and 1 slave. Confirmed, 6—4 whites and 2 slaves. There have been seven added to the communion, the present number of which is 35. There are, at present, connected with the Parish, 35 families. J. F. FISH, Officiating at Christ Church, . May 12, 1846. Church Hill. ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH, City op Jackson. This report will embrace a period of time extending from May 12lh, A. D. 1845, to February l.?r, A. D. 1846, when the Rector accepted a call to Trinity Church, Yazoo City, Miss. Baptisms—Children, - -..-.---3 Marriages,.4 Burials, . 5 Collections at the communion, including a collection at the meeting of a few delegates and clergy, in May, 1845, - - - ^76 84 Of which, for domestic missions, were, - - - - 18 22 And the remainder, S58 62, were appropriated to meet current expenses. Communicants, about.60 The resignation of the Rector was accepted by the Wardens and Vestry of St. Andrew’s Church, in May, 1846. Since the Rector removed to his present Parish, the Rev. Amos Cleaver has continued to preach for St. An¬ drew’s Church; and it is understood that a suitable lot of ground has been purchased, and hopes are entertained that a church will be erected before the coming winter. NORMAN W. CAMP, Rector of St. Andrew’s Church. MISSION IN WASHINGTON Co. Willard Presbury, Missionary in Washington county and vicinity, res¬ pectfully submits to the Bishop, the following report: I became a resident of this part of the Diocese in December, 1844, since which time, my labors in the ministry have been mostly confined to about fifty negroes upon a plantation. These, with few exceptions, when sick* m (39) ness or the inclemency of the weather prevented, have been regularly as¬ sembled on Sunday, for religious instruction and the services of our church. Though there is still much room for improvement, yet a manifest change has been produced in their moral character. During the last three months, there has been a considerable degree of seriousness among them, and seve¬ ral,. I trust, have become truly pious. Occasionally, I have visted a small neighborhood, 25 miles distant. Here, our services have been well appre¬ ciated, and several have, apparently, become the true disciples of Christ. In October last, I visted Yazoo City, and held the first public service of our church in the place. By the blessing of God upon my labors here, in a few week.s, a Parish was organized, a building rented and neatly fitted up and furnished for public worship, and the Parish now enjoys the regular ministrations of a Rector. Baptisms—White adults 3, infants 2, - . - - . 4 Colored adults 9, infants 19,.28 Admitted to communion—whites,.3 Candidates for confirmation—White 5, colored 14, - - - 19 Marriage.s,. 1 Funerals—White 1 , my own dear child; colored 2, , . . 3 / TRINITY CHURCH, Natchez, In the month of December last, the undersigned, moving southwardly, landed at Natchez, where he temporarily officiates in Trinity Church. His ministrations have been, morning and afternoon service on Sundays ; also, morning prayers on Wednesdays and Fridays. Marriages, -.3 Baptisms—Adults 4, infants 10,.14 Burials,.4 Communicants, added, -.10 Present number, about .85 On the 12tb ult., the Rl. Rev. Dr, Otey confirmed eight worthy members,, and others are now waiting to receive that Apostolic rite. The Sunday School consists of five teachers, and about fifty pupils. In Natchez, as in every other place, the Lord is ready to work gloriously among those who act worthily. PECK. May 4ih, 1846. ST. JOHN’S PARISH, De Soto County. The Missionary at St. John’s Parish, De Soto county, Miss., and officia¬ ting at Hernando, states to his Bishop, (Otey,) as follows, viz: Since his Iasi report, he continues his services regularly at the above places. Administered the communion twice in St. John’s Parish. A neat little frame church, with Gothic windows, and of a sufficient size for the congregation, will be in readiness for worship on Easter Sunday. This, though on a small scale, is matter of rejoicing. A very few years ago, the families who have erected this comfortable little building, knew nothing of (40) our church, or its heaven inspired services. Thank God, we have in the rvilderness, (though, as yet, on a small scale,) a church and a people. There are in St. John’s Parish, six, or more, candidates for confirmation, and our little church ready for consecration. A debt of $250 stills hangs over the church at Hernando. The-Missionary knows not how to raise it. Respectfully, &c., ANDREW MATTHEWS, Mis.^^’y. April 1st, 1846. WASHINGTON MISSION, Adams County. The Missionary at Washington, Miss., reports to the Bishop, that^ since his ordination on the 15th of March, last/lie has Read prayers, 14 times. Preached on Sundays, at Washington, and at other places, 9 “ Lectured on the Wednesdays and Fridays of the latter part of Lent, - Solemnized marriages, (servants,).2 And that four persons were confirmed by the Bishop at his recent visit." He further reports, that he has accepted a temporary call to St. Paul’s church, Woodville; and expects that, if the Lord permit, he will officiate at Washington and Woodville, on alternate Sundays. All of which, is respectfully presented, by WM. M. GILES. May 9,1846. CHRIST’S CHURCH, Holly Springs. t The Rector would respectfully report to the Bishop, that in September last he removed from Natchez, and became Principal of St. Thomas’ Hall and Rector of Christ Church, Holly Springs; and that since that time he has been engaged in teaching and in the duties of his ministry. His offi¬ cial acts for the half year during which he has had charge of the Parish, have been— Baptisms, - -- -- -- -- i Marriages, - -- -- -- -- 2 Burials, - Present number of communicants, - - - - 24 During Lent, he had prayers every Wednesday evening and a sermon, his duties at St. Thomas’ Hall not allowing him to officiate during the day. During Passion week, there were daily services ; as also on the Monday and Tuesday of Easter week. On Saturday, the 18th of April, at the residence of Mrs. Gavan, he officiated for the congregation of St. Andrew’s Church, Marshall county; and the following day, at the residence of D. Minor, Esq., in the same neighborhood, on which occasion he administered the Holy Communion. A neat church edifice is in the course of erection by this Parish, and such arrangements will shortly be made, it is trusted, as will secure to them the regular services of a minister. DAVID C. PAGE. P. S. The number of communicants, as reported to the Convention of 1844, was 51; since which period, 25 out oi’ that number have removed, and two are no more, leaving the present number 24; one, however, was added at Easter, so that, to account for the difference between the present and former number, 28 persons must have been removed, by death or otherwise. D. C, P. CHRIST’S CHURCtI , Vicksburg. The Rector of Christ’s Church, Vicksburg, reports to the Bishop, the following statement, taken from the Parish register : Families connected with the church) - - - - 80 Baptized—Adults, white 5, children and infants 16, 2l Communicants,.75 Funerals,.3 Marriages, white,.3 Sunday School—Teachers,.15 Scholars, ...... lOO This statement dates from September, 1845, at which time the present Rector took charge of the Parish. Through the commendable zeal and energy of the ladies of the congregation, $1,000 of the church debt have been paid. Arrangements have been made, on the part of the Vestry, for the liquidation of the balance. The Sunday School is in a flourishing condition, and promises to become an efficient instrument in increasing the church. A society has also been formed, consisting of both sexes, and called the Vicksburg and Warren county Prayer Book and Tract Society. Its object is to distribute church tracts and the Prayer Book, as a tract, among such persons as are desirious of being informed respecting our church, or stand in need of her instruction. The Parish, under the Divine blessing, prospers, and shows a praiseworthy spirit in advancing the inter¬ ests of the Redeemer’s Kingdom. S. PATTERSON, Rector. The Rev. F. W. Boyd, respectfully reports to the Bishop, that he resigned the charge of Christ Church, Vicksburg, in July last, and since that lime, has had no cure. His otflcial acts, since his last report, are all recorded in the Parish register of Christ Church, Vicksburg, up to the period of his resignation. Since that lime, he has been attending, mainly, to the restor¬ ation of his health. He has, however, constantly officiated, publicly or privately, as opportunity has offered, on each Sunday. The only official acts, called for by the canon in this report, which he has to record, are— Baptisms—Infants, white,.2 Marriages, .^ He would beg leave to report to his Bishop, that he is now ready, and de¬ sirous for service, to the full extent of his ability. All of which, is respectfully submitted, F. W. BOYD. To the Rt. Rev. J. H. Otey, D. D., Prov. Bishop of the Diocese of Miss. Vicksburg, May 8, 1846, F ST. PAUL’S CHURCH, Columbus, The Rector of St. Paul’s Church, respectfully reports to the Bishop, the following account of his labors for the last two years; Baptisms—AJulis 3, children 17, colored children G, 2G Marriages,.2 Funerals—whites 9, colored persons 6, ... if, Present number of communicants, ... - 50 Alms collected since May, 1844, - . - . $90 73 Collections for Dome.stic Missions, ... G5 00 For the support of the Episcopate, - - - 50 00 For Conventional assessment, - - - - 10 00 For Sunday School Library, .... 22 00 Since the last Convention, something like three hundred dollars have been raised and expended in repairs upon our church, which renders it now much more comfortable, as a house of public worship. Our Sunday School is not large, but the scholars and teachers are punctual in their at¬ tendance. We have, also, a promising bible cla.ss. Since our last Con¬ vention, this church has suffered much by removals from the place. It is owing to this, that the present number of communicants is not orealer than formerly reported. But we are not discouraged,—we have the promise of the Divine blessing upon the faithful observance of the means of grace. Here is our hope and trust in nil our labors to save souls and build up the Redeemer’s Kingdom. W. F. HALSEY, Rector. TRINITY CHURCPl, Yazoo City. Families, (comprising adults 120, children 30, total 150,) about 50 or 60 Baptisms—Adults 3, children 6,.9 Confirmed,.5 Communicants, about.25 Catechumens—Boys 6, girls 6,.12 Contributions—Alms at the Holy Communion, (two collections,) $5 00 For other purposes,.$2,500 00 Total, .$2,505 00 Public services, regular, 19, including Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Four administrations of the Holy Eucharist. Remarks. —This Parish was organized in October last, (1845,) by the Rev. Willard Presbury, who kindly consented to take charge of it until a Rector should be called. Late in January last, 1 was requested to visit the Parish, and early in February, was called to the Rectorship of it, which was accepted, and in a few days I moved my family to Yazoo City. I found a church very conveniently arranged for the comfort of the congregation, together with all those other conveniences which bespeak a love of decency and order, so desirable in all churches. To Col. Joseph J. W. Niles, our present active Senior Warden, are we mainly indebted, under God, for the church accommodation in Yazoo City we now enjoy, and whose untiring, (43) nnrcmiliing and ^ell-denying labors, have secured Ihein to us. Trinity Church is supplied with a bell, organ, chandelier, and ground-glass globe lamps Ibr the reading desk, pulpit and choir. It is carpeted throughout, with many of the seats cushioned, and has a commodious Vestry room in the rear. Trinity Church will contain about 200 persons, and our ordinary congregations number about 150. The late visitation of Bishop Otey, ac¬ companied by the Rev, Mr. Patterson, of Vicksburg, and the religious ser¬ vices performed by them, will form an epoch, not only in the history of our infant Parish, but also in the annals of our town, it being the first visitation of a Protestant Bishop, There were seven or eight candidates for confirmation, five of whom were confirmed at the Bishop’s visitation, and the others, it is expected, will be confirmed during the session of the Convention. N. W. CAMP, Rector. ST. JOHN’S CHURCH, Pout Gibson., Families,.6 Baptized persons—Adults 10, infants 6, - - - - 16 Communicants,.10 Funerals,.1 Marriages,.‘2 Confirmations,. ST. PAUL’S CHURCH, Grand Gulf. Families, ------ Baptized persons—Adults 7, infants 13, Communicants, ----- Marriages, . . - . - Funerals, CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY, M‘ Caleb Settlement. Families,. Baptized persons—Adults 12. infants 6, Communicants,. Funerals,. Confirmations,. AFRICAN CHURCH, near Port Gibson. Baptized persons—Adults 10, infants 10, - - - Communicants,. Confirmations,. Fort Gib>on, May 1st, 1816. A P. MERRILL, 10 18 12 I 4 50 0 fl Rccuir 5 10 5 1 3 I TiiK Treasurer of the Concention of the Diuccsc of Mississippi in account until the Convention. 1814. Dr. SIO 00 10 00 10 00 10 00 10 00 10 00 - -S60 00 Cr. May 1. To cash received by the delegates from the follow¬ ing churches, iri payment of the annual assess¬ ment for the year 1843, viz : From St. Mark’s, Raymond, “ St. Andrew’s, Jackson, “ Christ Church, Holly Springs, “ St. Andrew’s, Marshall county, “ St. Paul’s, Columbus, . - . - “ Epiphany, Claiborne county, 1844- Mav 4. By arn’t of ass’t for 1843, on Trinity Church, Natchez, “ Christ Church, Jefierson, for ’42 and ’43, on Christ ch., Vicksburg, “ “ St. Mary’s, Laurel Hill, 1843, on St. Paul’s, Woodville, 1842,* on St. Paul’s, Columbus, 1845— May 8. B y ain’t of ass’t for 1844, on Trinity ch., Natchez, Christ ch., Jefierson, Christ ch., Vicksburg, St. Mary’s, Laurel Hill, St. Paul’s, Woodville, St. Paul’s, Columbus, St. Paul’s, Grand Gulf, St. John’s, Pontotoc county, St. Andrew’s, Marshall county, 10 00 Christ ch.. Holly Springs, 10 00 St. Andrew’s, Jackson, 10 00 St. Mark’s, Raymond, 10 (M) Epiphany, Claiborne county, 10 00—130 00 ii a (( a it a a a a it 1 ) FainUirs—FovinQY number ; Added the past year ; Total, persons —Adults, former number ; Added (white ; colored ; Children, former number ; Added (white ; colored ; Total, adults and children, Bdpiistns performed the past year —Adults, (white ; colored ; Children, (white ; colored ; Confirmed, persons —Former number ; Added the past year (white ; colored ;) of whom were confirmed in this Parish by the Bishop of . Total (or present number ) Communicants —Former number ; Added the past year (wdiite ; colored ; Died ; removed ; suspended ; Withdrawn ; present number ; Marriages —(White ; colored ;) Funerals —Parishioners ; others ; Total, Catechumens— , Bible Classes —Numbers attending ; S. S. Teachers —Male ; female ; Total, Scholars. —Male ; female ; Total, “ Books— Church offerings —At the Lord’s Supper, $ , appropriated to For missions and education to the ministry; $ Contributions —For parochial plans (specifying each) $ • lo general institutions, such as Domestic and b oreign Missionary Societies, &c. $ To other objects, (specifying them,) To contingent fund of Convention for year, $ State also what has been done under canon xxviii, Geneial Convention^ and generally “any other matters of fact which show the state of the Parish.” CANON Vlll. FRO VJ TUNG FOR CONTINGENT EXPENSES OF Sec. 1 'J'he vestry of every Parish or the convention. congregation in this Dioces'e shall pay to the Treasurer oi' tlie vent ion, at (‘ach annual meeting thereof, a sum not less than ten dollars, to meet the contingent expenses of the Convention. And the Treasurer shall regularly charge the said sum on his books against each vestry, crediting the same with payments when made, and .shall annually report to the Convention the state of his accounts against tiach Parish, which report shall be entered on the journals of each Convention. Sec. 2. The Treasurer shall, at least one month previously to the meeting of every stated Convention, call upon such vestry to send the above amount, including arrearages, if there he any, by the hands of the delegates to the Convention. CANON IX. Any Parish in this Diocese which has omitted, or shall neglect or refuse to send a delegjition or a report to the Convention, for two successive years, may be considered extinct, until it shall re¬ establish its connexion by a new application to the Convention. FORM FOR THE ORGANIZATION OF NEW PARISHES. We the subscribers assembled for the purpose of organizing a parish of t^^e Protestant Episcopal Church in the town of-, county of-, and State of Mississippi, after due notice given, do hereby agree to form a Parish to be known by the name of- t'hurch-; 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 Ame¬ rica, and the Constitution and Canons of the same Church in the Diocese of Mississippi; and we do accordingly now appoint- ( not less than three nor more than eleven persons, naming them,) to be the first vestry of-Church ; and- [two persons, naming them] to be the first wardens, to continue in office until Caster Monday, A. D.--, and until others be chosen in their place: And an election of vestrymen shall hereafter be held on Caster Monday of each successive year, or as soon thereafter as may be. Witness our hands at-County of-and State of Alissis- sippi, lhl.s-day of-in the year of our Lord-.