HI ADDRESS THE RT, REV. THEODORE B. LYMAN, D. D. ) '-" "'j SIXTY-FIFTH ANNUAL CONVENTION DIOCESE OF NORTH CAROLINA, MAY lO, 1881. STEPHEN Bo WEEKS CLASS OF 1686; PHD. THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY OF THE THE WEEKS COLLECTION ©F kJS & piSl-USSbal VVWJi Up *o* *~ L ADDRESS THE RT. REV. THEODORE B, LYMAN, D. D., SIXTY-FIFTH ANNUAL CONVENTION DIOCESE OF NORTH CAROLINA, MAY 19, 1881. jft&rm of lip jfolpjt Dear Brethren of the Clergy and Laity : We meet together, at this annual Convention, under circum- stances of peculiar interest and solemnity. We are, all of us, deeply- impressed by the sad breach which has been made in our ranks in the removal of our loved and honoured Diocesan. None of us can fail to realize that it is no common loss which we have sustained. It is not only because of those qualities which fitted him to bear so nobly his office as a Bishop in the Church of God, that we so sadly mourn him. There were personal character- istics for which he was preeminent, and which drew all hearts to him in a deep and tender affection. Nothing was further from him than a merely formal and perfunctory discharge of his high and sacred functions. He loved the people committed to his charge, and thoroughly identified himself with all their interests. And with what untiring zeal did he employ all his energies in carrying forward the work which was committed to his hands. So fully has his character been portrayed, in the faithful and loving tribute by the Bishop of Easton, to which it was our privilege yesterday to listen, that any further words may seem unnecessary. Yet I should do great injustice to my own feel- ings did I not bear this public witness to my deep sense of his eminent and distinguished qualities. It was my privilege first to know him, when he removed from Virginia to Baltimore, in 1843, and became the Rector of St. Peter's Church in that city. I was, at that time, one of the younger Clergy in the Diocese of Maryland, and was at once drawn into most kindly relations with him. There was some- thing about him which won my heart, from the very first; and my respect and affection for him steadily increased and strength- ened during the seven remaining years of my association with him in that Diocese. He became, at once, a prominent and honoured leader in the Conventions of the Diocese. He com- manded universal respect, not only for his zeal and devotion to the Church, but for his wisdom and sound judgment, — his uni- form courtesy and kindness. Upon all the important questions which arose, his opinions, which were always carefully formed, never failed to carry great weight and authority. After my re- moval from that Diocese, in 1850, 1 knew less of him personally, and upon his advancement to the Episcopate in 1853, our fields of labour were so remote from each other, that we met only at long intervals, for the next twenty years. But I always heard him spoken of as a model Bishop. He combined, in a very remarkable degree, a love of books, with great practical wisdom and sound judgment. And with his kind, gentle and sympa- thizing nature, there was united a spirit of laborious self-sacrifice and complete consecration to his work. In the general Councils of the Church, he held a high place, and while he was never a forward and frequent speaker, as really great men rarely are, yet when he did speak, it was with that ability and force which gave him a commanding influence. He possessed in a preeminent degree, a judicial mind. He had the rare faculty of seeing all sides of a question, and could weigh every argument calmly and dispassionately. I am sure the whole Church realizes that a large blank is left in the House of Bishops by his removal. Personally I feel his loss, as that of a valued and well tried friend. From the day of my entrance into this Diocese as his Associate, he gave me his fullest confidence, and rejoiced in every way to aid and strengthen me in my work. And to me it was a great comfort to enjoy the benefit of his wise counsels, and that fraternal sympathy which he always manifested in the fullest measure. And now that so great a source of strength is taken from me, and I am left to carry on alone the burdens and responsibilities of this widely extended Diocese, I feel that I shall not ask in vain for your sympathy and prayers; your hearty and cordial co-operation. I believe that you will be dis- posed to judge me and my administration in a kindly spirit, for I have uo personal ends to serve. I shall strive to prove myself a true and faithful friend to all my fellow-workers, while my only aim shall be to give myself — soul, body and spirit — to the one end of extending among you the interests of the Kingdom of God. And may the God of all grace pour down upon us His abundant blessing, uniting all hearts in the bands of truest fellow- ship, and filling us with holy love, and an earnest, kindling zeal. There is a mighty work which lies before us. May we shake off the spirit of sloth and inactivity, and be ready to labour earnestly, and make positive sacrifices, in order to extend the triumphs of the Cross. Where Clergy and laity are alike actu- ated by such dispositions, how large £he measure of progress which we may confidently anticipate! During the past year, none of the Clergy, actively engaged in duty in the Diocese, have been removed by death. One who was canonically numbered with us, but who for several years was residing in an adjoining State, has been called to his rest. I refer to the Rev. Edwin Geer, who for many years was a faith- ful and useful Presbyter of this Diocese. I first knew him in the General Theological Seminary, where we were classmates, and where I learned to esteem and respect him. After his ordi- nation, I knew little of him, as our spheres of labour, for so many years, were widely removed from each other. But you, who were associated with him in the work of the ministry, can testify to his honesty, fidelity, soundness in the faith, and patient labours for extending the Church of God. May he find his place at last with those to whom shall be addressed the cheering words, " Well done, good and faithful servant; enter thou into the joy of the Lord." My first official act, after the adjournment of the last Con- vention, was in St. Paul's Church, Winston, on the first Sunday after Trinity, May 30th, when I admitted to the Priesthood the Rev. Joseph B. Cheshire, Jr., upon presentation by Rev. J. E. C. Smedes. The sermon was preached by the Rev. Dr. Watson, who, with the other Presbyters present, united in the imposition of hands and in the administration of the Holy Communion. Second Sunday after Trinity, June 6th, in St. John's Church, Fayetteville, I admitted to the Order of Deacons Mr. John Huske, upon presentation by his father, Rev. Dr. Huske. Rev. Dr. Marshall and Rev. Mr. Benton took part in the service. I preached the sermon and administered the Holy Communion. In the afternoon, I took part in a funeral service in the same Church, and at night, after evening prayer by Rev. Drs. Huske and Marshall, and a sermon by Rev. John Huske, I confirmed four persons and addressed them. The Rev. Mr. Huske left, .during the same week, to enter upon the duties assigned him in the charge of Trinity Church, Statesville, and the Church of the Ascension, Hickory. Third Sunday after Trinity, Juue 13th, in St. George's Church, Hyde county, after morning prayer by Rev. G. W. Phelps, I preached, confirmed twenty-eight persons, addressed them and administered the Holy Communion. I was much gratified by the good work which I found going forward in this parish. On the following day, I preached in the Court-house at Swan Quarter, after evening prayer by Rev.' S. S. Barber. Tuesday, June 15th, in St. John's Church, Makeleysville, after morning prayer by Rev. Messrs. Eborn and Barber, I preached, confirmed four persons, addressed them and administered the Holy Communion. Thursday, June 17th, in Zion Church, Beaufort county, after morning prayer by Rev. Messrs. Eborn and N. Harding, I preached, confirmed nine persons, addressed them and adminis- tered the Holy Communion. Fourth Sunday alter Trinity, June 20th, in Trinity Church, Scotland Neck, after morning prayer by Rev. R. B. Drane, I preached, and admitted to the Order of Deacons Mr. Walter Johnston Smith, upon presentation by Rev. Dr. Smith, the Rec- tor of the parish, who also assisted me in the administration of the Holy Communion. At night, after evening prayer by Rev. Dr. Smith and Rev. Walter J. Smith, I preached in the Methodist Chapel, in a thickly settled neighbourhood, about two miles from the Parish Church. Tuesday, June 22d, in St. Luke's Church, Gaston, after morn- ing prayer by Rev. G. Higgs, I preached, confirmed three per- sons, addressed them and administered the Holy Communion. Wednesday, June 23d, in the Chapel of the Good Shepherd, Ridgexoay, after morning prayer by Rev. Messrs. Higgs and Pettigrew, I preached, confirmed two persons and administered the Holy Communion. Thursday, June 24th, in Emmanuel Church, Warrenton, after morning prayer by Rev. Mr. Higgs, I preached, confirmed seven persons, addressed them and administered the Holy Communion. Friday, June 25th, in the Church of the Holy Innocents, Hen- derson, after evening prayer by the Rev. Messrs. Ingle and Shields, I preached, confirmed seven persons, including one pre- viously confirmed in private, and addressed them. Saturday, June 26th, in St. James' Church, Kittrell, after morning prayer by Rev. Messrs. Shields and Ingle, I preached, confirmed seven persons and addressed them. Sunday, June 27th, in St. Paul's Church, Louisburg, Mr. Shields conducted the morniug service, I baptized a child, preached and administered the Holy Communion. At night, I assisted in the service, and Mr. Shields preached. Tuesday, June 29th, in St. Stephen's Church, Oxford, after morning prayer by Rev. Mr. Vaughan, I preached, confirmed five persons, addressed them and administered the Holy Com- rnunion. In the evening, I made an address at the Orphan Asylum. Thursday, July 1st, in St. Paul's Church, Goshen, I preached and administered the Holy Communion, assisted in the service by Rev. Mr. Vaughan. Friday, July 2d, in St. Peter's Church, Sassafras Fork, I preached and administered the Holy Communion, Mr. Vaughan assisting in the service. Sixth Sunday after Trinity, July 4th, in St. John's Church, Williamsboro, Rev. Messrs. Pettigrew and Vaughan conducted the service, I preached, confirmed five persons, addressed them and administered the Holy Communion. Wednesday, July 14th, in the Chapel of the State University, I delivered a lecture, by request, before the University Normal School. Tuesday, July 20th, in Christ Church, Raleigh, I admitted to Diaconate Mr. Beverly Waugh Daugherty, late a minister of the Methodist Episcopal communion, on presentation by Rev. J. W. Larmour. Rev. Dr. Marshall assisted in the service. I preached and administered the Holy Communion. The next day I left Raleigh to enter upon a visitation in the Western part of the State. Friday, July 23d, attended a meeting at Morganton of the Trustees of Wilberforce School, when several vacancies in the Board were filled. Ninth Sunday after Trinity, July 25th, in Trinity Church, Asheville, after morning prayer by Rev. Dr. Buel and Rev. C. C. Tiffany, of New York, I preached, confirmed nine per- sons, addressed them and administered the Holy Communion. In the afternoon, assisted at a funeral service. Thursday, July 29th, consecrated the new and beautiful Church at Waynesville, Haywood county, under the name of " Grace Church in the Mountains." The deed of donation and request to consecrate, was read by Rev. Dr. Buel, the Missionary 9 in charge, and the Sentence of Consecration by Rev. Dr. Buxton. Morning prayer was said by Rev. Dr. Washburn and Rev. Mr. Tiffany, of New York. I preached the sermon, confirmed fourteen persons, addressed them and administered the Holy Communion. The day was a very brilliant one, and a large con- course of persons gathered to witness the first service of the kind in that whole district of country. It is one of the most chaste and beautiful specimens of Ecclesiastical Architecture in the State, and reflects great credit upon the architect, the builder, and the Missionary himself, who was so largely instrumental in securing such satisfactory results. To him it was, indeed, a labour of love, for the building was in good measure, a sweet memorial to a dear, departed daughter. Tenth Sunday after Trinity, August 1st, at Warm Springs, Madison county, I conducted the Morning Service, preached and administered the Holy Communion. I left the next day for Sewanee, Tennessee, where I remained several days in attendance upon a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the University of the South. I am glad to say that I found the institution in quite an encouraging condition, and with a faculty well qualified to carry on satisfactorily the great work of Christian education. Eleventh Sunday after Trinity, Aug. 8th, I conducted the ser- vice and preached in St. Luke's Church, Cleveland, Tennessee. I continued my journey back to Asheville, and on Friday, Aug. 13th, I preached in the Chapel at Haw Creek, Buncombe county, Rev. Dr. Buxton reading the service. The same day, in Trinity Chapel, Asheville, after evening prayer by Rev. Dr. Buxton and Mr. Berry, I preached and con- firmed two persons. Twelfth Sunday after Trinity, Aug. 15th, in Grace Church in the Mountains, Waynesville, Dr. Buel and Mr. Morris con- ducted the service, when I preached, confirmed four persons, addressed them and administered the Holy Communion. 10 In the afternoon, in a large room at Mica Dale, three miles from Waynesville, I preached and confirmed one person, Dr. Buel conducting the service. I am glad to report that the good work at this very interesting Mission Station is going on in a most encouraging way, and the room where the services are held being so insufficient to accom- modate the large numbers who regularly gather there, we are now making an effort to erect a Chapel in the neighbourhood, which we hope may be completed during the coming summer. Tuesday, Aug. 17th, in the school- house at Webster, Jackson county, after morning prayer and an adult baptism by Rev. Dr. Buel, I preached, confirmed three persons and administered the Holy Communion. So great an interest in the services of the Church was manifested here, that I prevailed on Dr. Buel so far to extend his missionary circuit, as to give occasional services here, and I am glad to know that a church edifice will soon be erected in the village. Thursday, Aug. 19th, I visited the Mission established some eight miles beyond Franklin, in Macon county. Here I found the new building, to be known as St. John's Church, so far completed that we were able to hold service in it. Morning prayer was said by Rev. Dr. Buel and Rev. J. A. Deal, who has charge of the Mission. I preached, confirmed two persons and administered the Holy Communion. Friday, August 20th, at Patton's School-house, I preached to quite a large congregation, being assisted in the services by Dr. Buel and Mr. Deal. This is one of the points where Mr. Deal holds stated services. It is several miles east of the church, and in quite a populous district. On the evening of the same day, in the Methodist Church at Franklin, I preached again, being assisted in the services by the same reverend brethren. The next day, accompanied by Dr. Buel, I proceeded to the Highlands, in the same county, and on Sunday, August 22d, I preached there, in a public hall. 11 Monday, August 23d, I preached iu the school-house in Cashier's Valley, Jackson county, Dr. Buel conducting the service. In this beautiful district of country, I found great spiritual destitution. A few families of our communion spend their summers in that neighbourhood, and they are ready to co-operate earnestly in any eifort to maintain occasional services there. I hope during this summer to make some provision to meet this want, but our missionary force is quite inadequate to supply this extensive western field. We continued our journey the next day through a very picturesque and fertile district, as far as Brevard, in Transylvania county. Wednesday, August 25th, in St. Paul's Church in the Valley, three miles from Brevard, Dr. Buel said morning prayer, I preached, confirmed one person and administered the Holy Com- munion. At night, I preached in the Baptist Church at Brevard. Friday, August 27th, in Calvary Church, Henderson county, after morning prayer by Rev. Mr. Osborne, I preached, confirmed seven persons, addressed them and administered the Holy Com- munion. Saturday, August 28th, in St. James' Church, Hendersonville, Rev. Messrs. Drayton and Osborne conducted the service, I baptized a child, preached, confirmed three persons, addressed them and administered the Holy Communion. Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity, August 29th, in St. John's in the Wilderness, Flat Rock, Rev. Mr. Drayton read morning prayer, I preached and administered the Holy Communion. In the evening, I baptized a child, at a private house, in the Parish of Calvary Church. Thursday, September 2d, in the Baptist Church at Marion, McDowell county, I read the Evening Service and preached. I found in the neighbourhood, a few families earnestly attached to the Church, and feeling sadly the entire privations of all our services. I am glad to say that provision has lately been made to supply this want, and it is hoped that steps may soon be taken to secure the erection of a plain and simple church edifice. 12 Friday, Sept. 3d, in Grace Church, Morganton, after evening prayer by Rev. Mr. Oertel, I preached, confirmed three persons and addressed them. While in Morganton I attended a meeting of the Trustees of Wilberforce School, and it was hoped that before this time some- thing might be done to secure the completion of the School build- ing, and the opening of the School. But we have been met by the extreme difficulty of securing the funds so necessary to the purpose. Since then I have been trying to find some one who would take the property on a lease, complete the building, and carry on the work as a private enterprise, under the auspices of the Church. Up to this time, I have not been able to find any one who is ready and willing to undertake it. Sunday, Sept. 5th, in Ascension Church, Hickory, after morn- ing prayer by Rev. Mr. Huske, I preached and administered the Holy Communion. In the afternoon, at a special service, I bap- tized two children, and preached again in the evening. It grati- fies me to know that Mr. Huske has been very successful in his work here. There is a decided increase of interest, and he has been able, through the kind sympathy and aid of a personal friend at the North, to secure the entire completion of the church building. Everything is neatly and satisfactorily arranged, and I shall fix the time of the consecration at the earliest convenient date. Tuesday, Sept. 7th, in St James' Church, Lenoir, after morn- ing prayer by Rev. Messrs. Bush and Bell, I preached, confirmed five persons, addressed them and administered the Holy Com- munion. Shortly before the service I administered the Holy Communion, in private, to a sick person. I was sorry to find that the highly esteemed Rector of the parish had so impaired his health by over work as to compel a complete cessation of all public duty. But it afforded me much gratification to meet him several weeks later in New York, and to learn that this interval of entire rest had so far restored him that he was about to return to his duties. 13 Wednesday, September 8th, at a private house near Patterson, I baptized an adult. Thursday I crossed the Blue Ridge to Valle Crucis, and on Friday, Sept. 10th, in St. John's Church, Watauga county, after morning prayer by Rev. Geo. H. Bell, I preached, confirmed five persons, addressed them, and administered the Holy Com- munion. Saturday, Sept. 11th, I preached in the Methodist house of worship at Valle Crucis, and immediately afterward recrossed the Blue Ridge to Patterson. Sunday, Sept. 12th, in the Methodist Church at Patterson, after morning prayer by Rev. Mr. Bell, I preached, confirmed two persons and administered the Holy Communion. Wednesday, Sept. 15th, in Trinity Church, Statesville, after morning prayer by Rev. Mr. Huske, I preached, confirmed three persons, addressed them and administered the Holy Com- munion. Thursday, Sept. 16th, in St. Peter's Church, Charlotte, after morning prayer by Rev. Messrs. J. Huske and Holmes, and a sermon by the Rev. F. J. Murdoch, I admitted to the Priest- hood the Rev. James C. Atkinson, Deacon, upon presentation by Rev. J. K. Mason, who with the Rev. Messrs. Murdoch and Holmes united in the imposition of hands. I was assisted by the Rector in the administration of the Holy Communion. At night, in the same Church, after evening prayer by Rev. Messrs. Huske, Atkinson and Murdoch, I preached, confirmed ten per- sons and addressed them. Sunday, Sept. 19th, I consecrated the new Church at Coin- pany Shops, under the name of St. Athanasius' Church. The deed of donation, coupled with the request to consecrate, was read by the Rev. W. S. Bynum, and the Sentence of Consecra- tion by the Rev, Dr. Sutton. Morning prayer was. said by Rev. Messrs. Rich and Cheshire. I preached the sermon and admin- istered the Holy Communion. At night, after a sermon by Rev. 14 Mr. Rich, I made an address on Confirmation and confirmed one person. The next morning I confirmed, in private, two sick persons. Sunday, Sept. 26th, preached in Christ Church, Raleigh. In the afternoon, in company with Rev. Mr. Rich, President of St. John's Guild, I visited St. John's Hospital, confirmed two per- sons and addressed them. I am much gratified by the encour- aging hope that this most valuable institution is in a fair way to be established upon a much better basis, and with largely increased opportunities for usefulness. There is no way in which the true spirit of Christianity is more impressively illustrated than in these kindly provisions for the sick and the needy; where not only the bodily wants are supplied, but where there is united with this, the tender Christian sympathy and loving care, which so soothes and comforts the afflicted. Wednesday, Sept. 29th, I left Raleigh for New York, to attend the sessions of the approaching General Convention. Sunday, Oct. 3d, in Zion Church, New York, I preached and administered the Holy" Communion. Wednesday, Oct. 6th, the opening services of the General Convention were held in St. George's Church, and were of a deeply interesting and impressive character. It was specially gratifying to see among the Bishops, and taking part in the service, the venerable Bishop of Edinburgh, as representing the Church of Scotland, and Bishop Herzog, of the Old Catholic Church of Switzerland. These outward signs of growing unity are full of encouragement to every Christian heart. Alas! for those divisions by which the fold of Christ is so sadly distracted, and which are proving, day by day, the mightiest hindrance to the extension and power of the Gospel. How gladly should we welcome every movement which promises to draw more closely together all those who reverence the teachings of primitive anti- quity, and who are naturally drawn nearer and nearer to us, by the adoption of the very principles upon which the Church of 15 England was itself reformed. The grand difficulty with the Papacy lies in its disregard of the teachings and practices of the Christian Church in the earlier ages of its history. Instead of holding fast to that faith which, in the first three centuries, was everywhere received and adopted as the teachings of the inspired Apostles of Christ, there has been the willing adoption of new articles of faith, and new expressions of doctrine, which find no place nor recognition in those early Christian days. And as Rome has been led into error on the one side, by its claim to be the sole teacher of truth, under the immediate guid- ance of the Spirit of God, and through a living infallible Head, so the different Protestant communities by which we are sur- rounded, have been drawn into errors of another sort, by claim- ing the right to interpret the word of God, each man for himself, and without any regard to the witness which was borne to the truth, by the express teachings and well-kown practices of the first and purest ages. Now, if we cannot consent to accept the dictum of a self-styled infallible Church, "teaching for doctrines the commandments of men," neither can we accept the principle that each man may gather out of the Scripture such notions as seem most accordant with his own convictions and judgment. In both directions, there is the need of a more reverent regard to the witness of Christian antiquity, and the clear light which the history of those early ages throws upon the sacred page. If this reasonable principle can only find its way, as surely in the end it must find it, to the reason and judgment of all who love the truth, then may we look with confidence for the breaking down of those barriers which now separate so many from each other, while drawing them to a cordial acceptance of "the faith which was once delivered to the Saints." But to return to the subject about which I was speaking. One of the marked char- acteristics of our late General Convention, was the entire absence of all narrow, party spirit, and the manifestation of that kindness and brotherly love which is such an easential element 16 in all true Christian progress. And with this spirit, there was mingled a largely increased zeal in the great mission work of the Church. For the first time, the House of Bishops and the House of Clerical and Lay Deputies sat together, as a Board of Missions, and the result clearly established the wisdom and excellence of this important change of policy. A new and livelier interest in the work of missions was most apparent, and we can but hope that this was no evanescent impulse, but a deep- ening and growing principle. Surely no Church can be animated by a Christ-like spirit, which is not replete with active zeal for extending in the world, the influence and power of the Gospel. Another important step, in the right direction, which was taken by the last General Convention, was the appointment of a large and judicious committee to report at the next Convention, on such changes and additions as might be thought advisable in the Book of Common Prayer. By this it was not intended that there should be any alteration whatever in its doctrinal state- ments or definitions, but only to make it more flexible, and better suited to our present needs. A greater enrichment of some of the services was had in view, and also a fuller adaptation to the various seasons in the Christian year. Such a work could not have been safely undertaken twenty years ago, for then there was too much party spirit manifested — too much narrowness of view, and too little appreciation of our glorious heritage, as a part of the One, Holy, Catholic Church of Christ. But now, when there is so much substantial unity ; when there is so much more of an appreciation of our position and our privileges, so much greater breadth of feeling and of sympathy, the work can be entered upon, with every prospect of the most signal success. Change, merely for the sake of change, or from the prompting of a restless spirit, is always to be deprecated, and we may be well assured that nothing of this sort will be countenanced or sanctioned. Whatever is done, will be carried out in the most 17 conservative spirit, and we may reasonably anticipate results, in which we shall all most heartily rejoice. The first Sunday after the opening of the Convention I spent in Hartford, Conn., and preached in Trinity Church. Sunday, Oct. 17th, I preached in the morning in St. Mark's Church, Brooklyn, and in the evening in the Church of St. John the Bap- tist, New York. Sunday, Oct. 24th, I preached in Christ Church, East Orange, Neic Jersey, in the morning, and at night, in Cal- vary Church, Summit, I made an address in regard to the great Mission work which lies before us in this Diocese. No little interest seemed to be awakened, and I received some substantial proofs of kindly feeling and sympathy. Sunday, Oct. 31st, in the Church of the Holy Spirit, New York, I took part in the Morning Service, and preached. Sunday, Nov. 7th, I preached in St. Paul's Church, Baltimore, and administered the Holy Communion. At night I preached in Christ Church. The same week I returned to Raleigh, and on the following Sunday, Nov. 14th, in St. Bartholomew's Church, Pittsboro,' after morning prayer by Rev. E. N. Joyner, I preached and administered the Holy Communion. In the after- noon, at a private house, I confirmed a sick person ; and at night I preached, confirmed four persons and addressed them. Wednesday, Nov. 17th, in St. James' Church, Iredell county, after morning prayer by Rev. Dr. Geo. B. Wetmore, I preached, confirmed thirteen persons, addressed them, and administered the Holy Communion. Thursday, Nov. 18th, in Christ Church, Rowan county, after morning prayer by Rev. Dr. Wetmore and Rev. Mr. Murdoch, I preached, confirmed one person, and administered the Holy Communion. Saturday, Nov. 20th, at St. John's Chapel, High Shoals, after morning prayer by Rev. W. R. Wetmore, I preached, confirmed four persons, addressed them, and administered the Holy Com- munion. 18 Sunday, Nov. 21st, in St. Luke's Church, Lincolnton, I preached and administered the Holy Communion. In the after- noon visited the Sunday-school for colored persons, and made an address. At night I preached again, confirmed six persons and addressed them. Monday, Nov. 22d, in Church of the Redeemer, Shelby, Rev. Mr. Wetmore read evening prayer, I preached and confirmed one person. At this point we were overtaken by such an intense degree of cold, that I feared the great exposure of a drive to Rutherfordton and thence to Marion, and was urged to postpone my next appointment to a more favorable season. I concluded, therefore, to take the rail to Charlotte, where I telegraphed to Concord, making an appointment there for Thursday. On Wednesday evening I proceeded to Concord, and Thurs- day, Nov. 25th, being Thanksgiving Day, I conducted the service in All Saints' Church, preached and administered the Holy Com- munion. This congregation has been for some time without any regular services, but an arrangement has lately been made by which Rev. Mr. Murdoch will give them stated services. First Sunday in Advent, Nov. 28th, in St. Luke's Church, Salisbury, after morning prayer by Rev. Mr. Murdoch, I preached and administered the Holy Communion. The day proved so very stormy and inclement, that the Confirmation was postponed until Monday evening, and we had no service on Sunday evening. Monday, Nov. 29th, after evening prayer by Mr. Murdoch, I delivered a lecture on the subject of the English Reformation, confirmed eight persons and addressed them. Wednesday, Dec. 1, in a hall at Monroe, duly fitted up as a Chapel, for our use, I conducted the service and preached. Thursday, Dec. 2d, in a hall at Ansonville, I read the Evening Service and preached. Friday, Dec. 3d, in the same place, I conducted the service, made an address on the subject of the Holy Communion and 19 administered the same. At night held another service in the same place, delivered an address on the subject of Confirmation and confirmed three persons. I found much interest awakened here in regard to the Church. With a very small band of Church people, and chiefly through the active zeal of one family, a neat frame church building is now in the course of erection, and will soon be ready for occupancy. Second Sunday in Advent, Dec. 5th, in Calvary Church, Wadesboro, I read the service, preached and administered the Holy Communion. A heavy rain prevented the evening ser- vice, but on Monday evening I held another service, and preached. The Rev. A. H. Stubbs, the newly elected Rector of the parish, had not yet arrived, but was expected in a short time. Since my visit he has entered upon his duties, taking- charge also at Ansonville. It gratifies me to hear how kindly he has been received, and what fresh interest and zeal have been awakened. Tuesday, Dec. 7th, in Presbyterian Church, Rockingham, read evening prayer and preached. Third Sunday in Advent, Dec. 12th, I preached in Christ Church, Raleigh; and at night in the Church of the Good Shepherd. Fourth Sunday in Advent, Dec. 19th, preached in the Chapel of St. Mary's School. Saturday, Christmas day, in Christ Church, Raleigh, took part in the service and administered the Holy Communion. Sunday, Dec. 26th, in Church of the Good Shepherd, preached and administered the Holy Communion. Wednesday, Jan. 5th, 1881, took part in a marriage service at Christ Church, Raleigh. A few hours before, I received the painful tidings of the death of our beloved Bishop, and left the same evening for Wilmington. Friday, Jan. 7th, in St. James' Church, the solemn service was held, during which the remains of our honoured Bishop were 20 interred beneath the chancel of the church. The day was one of rare loveliness, and the vast concourse of persons which filled the church, attested the reverence, the love and the honour in which our dear Bishop was held by the whole community. A more solemn and impressive service it has never been my privi- lege to witness. A large number of the Clergy were present, including the Bishops of Easton and Virginia. I was assisted in the service by the Bishop of Virginia and the Rev. Dr. Watson. Sunday, Jan. 9th, at an early service in St. James' Church, I took part in the administration of the Holy Communion, the Bishop of Easton, at my request, acting as Consecrator. At the regular morning service at the same church, in which I took part, the sermon was preached by the Bishop of Easton, and was a most touching tribute to the memory of our late departed Father. At night, I preached in St. John's Church, after evening prayer by Rev. Thomas D. Pitts, who a little time before had entered upon the charge of the parish. Second Sunday after the Epiphany, Jan. 16th, I preached in the morning in St. Mary's Chapel, Raleigh, and in the evening in the Church of the Good Shepherd. Third Sunday after the Epiphany, Jan. 23d, in St. Barnabas' Church, Greensboro, I conducted the service, preached and ad- ministered the Holy Communion. Preached again in the evening. This parish had lately become vacant by the removal of Rev. Dr. Sutton to Louisburg, and no arrangement had then been made for a supply of services. Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany, Jan. 30th, I preached in the morning in Christ Church, Raleigh, and in the evening in the Church of the Good Shepherd. February 3d, gave letter dimissory to the Missionary Bishop of Oregon, in behalf of the Rev. James C. Atkinson. Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany, Feb. 6th, I preached in St. Augustine's Church, Raleigh. 21 February 10th, I appointed the Rev. N. Collin Hughes and Rev. N. Harding Examining Chaplains in the district embraced within the Convocation of Edenton. Septuagesima Sunday, Feb. 13th, I preached in St. Athana- sius' Church, Company Shops, after morning prayer by Rev. Dr. Sutton. February 16th, gave letters dimissory to the Ecclesiastical authority of the Diocese of Virginia, in behalf of Rev. John K. Mason, whose continued ill health had compelled him to resign the Rectorship of St. Peter's Church, Charlotte. February 17th, gave letters dimissory to the same Diocese, in behalf of the Rev. Gerard W. Phelps, who had resigned the charge of St. George Parish, Hyde county. Sexagesima Sunday, Feb. 20th, in St. Matthew's Church, Hillsboro, I conducted the service, preached and administered the Holy Communion in the morning, and preached again in the evening. This pariah has continued vacant since the resigna- tion, last autumn, of the Rev. C. J. Curtis. Quinquagesima Sunday, Feb. 27th, in the large hall of Bing- ham's School, at Mebaneville, I conducted the regular Morning Service and preached. I held another service in the evening, when I baptized two adults, preached and confirmed four per- sons. I found quite a large number of students here from fami- lies attached to our communion, who are entirely cut off from all opportunities of attending the services of their own Church. I was gratified by the readiness shown, on the part of the head of the school, to co-operate with me in a plan to remedy in part this great privation, and I have made arrangements by which we hope to have a service there once in each month. Tuesday, March 1st, at a private house in Raleigh, confirmed & sick person belonging to the Parish of Christ Church. Ash Wednesday, March 2d, preached in the Church of the Good Shepherd. Saturday, March 5th, left Raleigh to enter upon my Spring 22 Visitation. In the afternoon of that day, confirmed a sick person at a private house, a few miles from Henderson. First Sunday in Lent, March 6th, in the Church of the Holy Innocents, Henderson, I preached and administered the Holy Communion, the Rev. J. E. Ingle, Rector of the parish, assist- ing in the services. At night, I preached again, confirmed six persons and ad- dressed them. Monday, March 7th, in Grace Church, Weldon, after evening prayer by Rev. G. HJggs, I preached and confirmed one person. Tuesday, March 8th, in the Church of our Saviour, Jackson, after evening prayer by Rev. Mr. Higgs, I preached, confirmed two persons and addressed them. Thursday, March 10th, in the Church of the Advent, Enfield, after morning prayer by Rev. Dr. Smith, I preached and admin- istered the Holy Communion. Friday, March 11th, in St. Clement's Church, Ringwood, after morning prayer by Rev. Dr. Smith, I preached, confirmed one person and administered the Holy Communion. Saturday, March 12th, in St. Luke's Church, Tarboro, after- evening prayer by Rev. Walter J. Smith and Rev. Mr. Cum- mings, I preached, confirmed five persons and addressed them. Second Sunday in Lent, March 13th, in Calvary Church, Tar- boro, Rev. Walter J. Smith read morning prayer, I baptized two adults, preached and administered the Holy Communion. At night, after evening prayer by Mr. Smith, I preached, con- firmed twelve persons and addressed them. The Rector of the parish, Rev. Dr. Cheshire, was unable, through sickness, to be present at the services. Monday, March 14th, I took part in the morning service at the Church and left soon after for Greenville. Tuesday, March 15th, in St. Paul's Church, Greenville, Rev . N. C. Hughes conducted the service, and I preached and admin- istered the Holy Communion. 23 Wednesday, March 16th, consecrated St. John's Church, Pitt Gounty. The request to consecrate, with deed of donation, was read by the Rector, Rev. Israel Harding, and the Sentence of Consecration by the Rev. N. C. Hughes. Morning prayer was read by the Rev. N. Harding, and I preached and administered the Holy Communion. Thursday, March 17th, in Trinity Parish, Beaufort county, I confirmed a sick person, at a private house. Friday, March 18th, in Trinity Church, after morning prayer by Rev. N. Harding and Rev. N. C. Hughes, I preached, con- firmed six persons, addressed them and administered the Holy Communion, assisted by the Rev. Israel Harding. Saturday, March 19th, in St. Peter's Church, Washington, I assisted in the Evening Service. Third Sunday in Lent, March 20th, in St. Peter's Church, after morning prayer by the Revs. T. B. Haughton, N. C. Hughes and I. Harding, I preached and administered the Holy Communion, assisted by the Rector, Rev. N. Harding. At night, preached, confirmed two persons and addressed them. Monday, March 21st, in the school-house at Aurora, after morning prayer by Rev. Israel Harding, I preached and admin- istered the Holy Communion. Tuesday, March 22d, in St. John's Church, Durham's Creek, Rev. Israel Harding conducted the service, I preached, con- firmed two persons, addressed them and administered the Holy Communion. Wednesday, March 23d, in Zion Church, Beaufort county, after morning prayer by Rev. Messrs. N. Harding and Eborn, I preached, confirmed nine persons, addressed them and admin- istered the Holy Communion. Thursday, March 24th, in St. Thomas' Church, Bath, after morning prayer by Rev. L. Eborn, I preached, confirmed one person and administered the Holy Communion. 24 Friday, March 25th, in St. James' Church, Beaufort county, Rev. Mr. Eborn said morning prayer, I preached, confirmed four persons, addressed them, and administered the Holy Com- munion. Fourth Sunday in Lent, March 27th, iu St. George's Church, Hyde county, Rev. L. Eborn conducted the service, I baptized an infant, preached, confirmed six persons, addressed them and administered the Holy Communion. The late Rector had but recently removed from the parish. It is a large and interesting field, and I am now negotiating for its supply. The same day I licensed a lay reader for the parish, so that the public services may not be interrupted. A new and well constructed parsonage is now in the course of erection. The next day, Monday, March 28th, I went to Fairfield, and in a large room, arranged for service, Mr. Eborn read morning prayer. I preached and administered the Holy Communion. At night, in the same place, I baptized an infant and preached . Tuesday, March 29th, in the Court-house at Swan Quarter, after evening prayer by Messrs. Barber and Eborn, I preached to a very large and atteutive congregation, and confirmed two persons. The next morning, at an early hour, I baptized two adults and two children. Left directly afterwards for Makeley- ville, and in St. John's Church, after morning prayer by Rev. Messrs. Eborn and Barber, I preached, confirmed four persons, addressed them and administered the Holy Communion. A very considerable interest in behalf of the Church has been awakened in Hyde county, and with an active and energetic man in St. George Parish, the most encouraging results may be antici- pated. The next day, Thursday, March 31st, I proceeded as far as Pantego, and on Friday continued on to Plymouth. Saturday, April 2d, I visited St. Luke's Church, Washington county, and after morning prayer by Rev. Messrs. Daugherty and Hilton, I preached, confirmed four persons, addressed them and administered the Holv Communion. 25 Fifth Sunday in Lent, April 3d, in St. David's Church, after morning prayer by Rev, Mr. Daugherty, I preached, confirmed three persons, addressed them and administered the Holy Com- munion. Later, administered the same in private to a sick person. During the last autumn there was an unusual amount of sickness in the parish, which continued on through the whole winter, so that large numbers were prevented from attending upon the services of the Church. Monday, April 4th, in St. Andrew's Church, Columbia, Tyr- rell county, I preached and administered the Holy Communion, assisted in the service by Rev. Mr. Daugherty. Tuesday, April 5th, I proceeded on to Plymouth, and in Grace Church, after evening prayer by Rev. Messrs. Daugherty and Drane, I preached, confirmed five persons and addressed them. Immediately after the service, we went on board the steamer and crossed over to Edenton, arriving there about midnight. Wednesday, April 6th, I consecrated the neat and convenient Chapel, recently erected for the use of the coloured people, under the name of St. John the Evangelist. The Sentence of Conse- cration was read by the Rev. R. B. Drane, who, with Rev. Mr. Daugherty, conducted the regular service. I preached and administered the Holy Communion. The erection of this Chapel is due to the zeal and personal labours of the Rector of St. Paul's Church and to the great liberality of one of the lay mem- bers of the congregation. At night, in St. Paul's Church, after evening prayer by Rev. Messrs. Weston and Daugherty, I preached, confirmed five persons and addressed them. Thursday, April 7th, I was conveyed in the morning to Hert- ford, and at night, in Holy Trinity Church, after evening prayer by Rev. Messrs. Drane and Weston, I preached, confirmed three persons and addressed them. Friday, April 8th, I preached again and administered the Holy Communion. The next day I left in the morning for Elizabeth City, so as 11 26 to fill my appointment for Camden in the afternoon. But the heavy rain which commenced the previous day and continued until beyond the appointed hour of the service on Saturday, left the roads in such a condition as completely to cut off our congre- gation. This was the first service which had been prevented since I commenced my visitation, and I regretted it the more, because my visit the year previous, to the same church, was on a day so rainy and disagreeable that only about half a dozen persons could get to the church. Sunday before Easter, April 10th, in Christ Church, Elizabeth City, after morning prayer by Rev. Mr. Kiernan, I preached and administered the Holy Communion. At night, preached again, and confirmed two persons. Monday, April 11th, in St. John's Church, Newbegun Greek, Mr. Kiernan conducted the service, I baptized an adult, preached, confirmed two persons, addressed them and administered the Holy Communion. Tuesday, April 12th, I returned to Elizabeth City, and left at midnight on the steamer for Norfolk, arriving there about 1 P. M. the next clay. In the evening of that day I preached in Christ Church. Thursday, April 14th, I left Norfolk for Gaston, and on Good Friday, April 15th, in St. Luke's Church, after morning prayer by Rev. Gilbert Higgs, I preached, confirmed three per- sons, addressed them, and administered the Holy Communion. I was much cheered by the evidences so plainly apparent of increased interest and zeal on the part of the congregation. The grounds about the church have been neatly enclosed and im- proved, and a vigorous effort is now in progress to secure the erection of a new, commodious and more churchly edifice. It is greatly needed, and if there is only a hearty and united co-operation in this important work, it will surely be crowned with complete success. The next day we went to Warrenton. Easter Day, April 17th, in Emmanuel Church, after morning 27 prayer by the Rector, I preached, confirmed five persons, addressed them and administered the Holy Communion. Preached again in the same church in the evening. The chancel arrangements have been much improved since my last visit, and this, together with the very beautiful and appropriate decorations, by which it was sought to mark this Queen of Festivals, gave the whole church a most cheerful and attractive appearance. The active and zealous Rector of the parish, working as he has been, in the midst of many and great discouragements, has indeed much cause for thankfulness at what he has been able to accomplish. Monday, April 18th, in the Chapel of the Good Shepherd, Ridgeicay, I preached and administered the Holy Communion. The Rector, the Rev. Mr. Pettigrew, assisted in the service. Tuesday, April 19th, in St. James' Church, Kittrell, after morning prayer by Rev. Dr. Sutton and Rev. J. E. Ingle, I preached, confirmed five persons, addressed them and adminis- tered the Holy Communion, assisted by the Rector. This parish, in which a most encouraging work has been goinlg forward, has just become vacant, by the removal of the Rector to the charge of Christ Church, New Berne. This service brought my Spring Visitation to a close, except the congregations of Raleigh, and I returned that evening to my home, after an absence of over six weeks. First Sunday after Easter, April 24th, in St. Augustine's Chapel, Raleigh, after morning prayer by Rev. J. E. C. Smedes, I preached, confirmed ten persons and addressed them. At night, I preached in the Church of the Good Shepherd. Saturday, April 30th, in the Chapel of St. Mary's School, after evening prayer by Rev. Bennett Smedes, I confirmed eleven pupils of the school and addressed them. It gives me great pleasure to say\ in this connection, how much I have been cheered by the continued prosperity of this excellent school. And I speak advisedly, when I say that it well deserves 28 the increasing patronage which it is now receiving. The Rector is most untiring and conscientious in his efforts to make the school in all respects, what such an institution should be. And in this he has the heartiest co-operation on the part of the able corps of teachers who are associated with him. There has been a steady elevation in the tone and standard of the school, and very great fidelity on the part of the teachers. And then, every possible encouragement is given to that true and genuine refinement, which lends such a charm to the character of woman, mingled as it ever should be, with that high Christian principle, which is the only proper basis of a sound and trustworthy educational system. Most heartily do I commend the school to all who have daugh- ters to educate, as well worthy their encouragement, and because it has no superior, in any department, in our Southern States. Second Sunday after Easter, May 1st, in Christ Church, Raleigh, I preached, confirmed nine persons, addressed them and administered the Holy Communion, assisted in the services by the Rector, the Rev. Dr. Marshall. Third Sunday after Easter, May 8th, in St. Paul's Church, Louisburg, I preached, confirmed twelve persons, addressed them and administered the Holy Communion, assisted by the Rector, the Rev. Dr. Sutton. Preached again in the evening. This parish, after being vacant for many months, is now happily supplied by one highly esteemed throughout the whole community. It is a great advantage for them that they have secured not only the services of a faithful Clergyman, but one to reside among them, and so highly do they appreciate this important consideration, that they are taking steps to secure the erection of a parsonage, which is always a valuable element in giving greater permanence to the pastoral relations. It gratified me to observe the plain tokens of greatly increased interest and zeal on the part of this congregation. Fourth Sunday after Easter, May 15th, in the Church of the Good Shepherd, Raleigh, after morning prayer by Rev. E. R. 29 Rich, I preached, confirmed two persons and administered the Holy Communion. This last record completes my visitations for the past Conven- tional year. The summary of work is as follows: I have visited eighty- eight Parishes and Missionary Stations, and have made a second visit during the year to twelve of these points; have baptized nine adults and eight infants; have confirmed three hundred and fifty -four persons; have assisted at two marriages, and at four funerals; have ordained three Deacons and two Priests; have consecrated four churches, and administered the Holy Communion on seventy-six occasions; have given letters dimissory to six Clergymen, and received two by letters from other Dioceses. Present number of Clergy, sixty-five (65). More changes than usual have taken place during the past year in the ranks of our Clergy. Rev. Nelson Fall has taken letters dimissory to the Diocese of Maryland, and the Rev. B. Skinner Lassiter to the Diocese of New York. The Rev. John Huske, immediately upon his admission to the Diaconate, took charge of the congregations at Statesville and at Hickory, where he has been doing an excellent and encouraging work. Rev. Walter J. Smith, since his ordination as Deacon, has been engaged as Assis- tant Minister of Calvary Church, Tarboro, where, with much acceptance to the congregation, he has been affording great comfort and relief to the excellent Rector of the parish, whose precarious health rendered such an arrangement a prime necessity. Rev. Dr. Smith has given up the charge of Trinity Church, Scotland Neck, and confines himself to the care of the other parishes which he had been holding in connection with it. The Vestry at Scotland Neck are now negotiating with a Clergyman to secure his residence among them, and to hold that cure in connection with St. Martin's Church, Hamilton. Rev. A. H. Boyle has given up the charge of Calvary Church, Wadesboro, although he is still canonical ly connected with the Diocese, and has been 30 succeeded by the Rev. A. H. Stubbs, whose letters dimissory I have not yet received. Rev. J. K. Mason has resigned the charge of St. Peter's Church, Charlotte, and has taken letters dimissory to the Diocese of Virginia. Rev. J. A. Oertel has resigned the charge of Grace Church, Morganton, but continues to reside there, where he devotes his time more exclusively to sacred art. Rev. Dr. Patterson has resigned the rectorship of St. John's Church, Wilmington, and has undertaken an agency, at the request of the Trustees of the University of the South, to secure funds so much needed for carrying forward its important work. He holds, also, the position of Assistant Minister of St. James' Church, Wilmington. Rev. Chas. J. Curtis has resigned the rectorship of St. Matthew's Church, Hillsboro, and has removed to Wins- ton, where he has undertaken the editorial charge of the Church Messenger, and is also doing missionary work in that vicinity. The Rev. Thomas D. Pitts has been received into the Diocese, by letters dimissory from the Diocese of Ohio, and has entered, with much acceptance, upon the rectorship of St. John's Church, Wilmington. Rev. J. C. Atkinson has given up the charge of St. Cyprian's Church, New Berne, and has taken letters dimissory to the Eccle- siastical Authority of the missionary jurisdiction of Oregon. Rev. J. W. Larmour has resigned the rectorship of St. Stephen's Church, Goldsboro, and has taken letters dimissory to the Dio- cese of Easton. The removal of our much esteemed brother has created a vacancy in the number of our Examining Chaplains, and I have appointed the Rev. B. S. Bronson in his place. The Rev. Gerard W. Phelps has resigned the charge of St. George's Church, Hyde county, and has taken letters dimissory to the Diocese of Virginia. Rev. C. E. Cummins, who was in charge «f St. Luke's Church, Tarboro, prior to the meeting of the last Convention, has since then been canonically transferred to this Diocese, by letters dimissory from the Diocese of Missouri. 31 Rev. Dr. Sutton has resigned the rectorship of St. Barnabas' Church, Greensboro, and the Mission at Company Shops, and has removed to Louisburg, where he has entered upon the rec- torship of St. Paul's Church. The Rev. Charles S. Hale has resigned the rectorship of Christ Church, New Berne, and has taken letters dimissory to the Dio- cese of New Hampshire. His place has been supplied by the election to the rectorship of Rev. Van Winder Shields, who has removed there from Kittrell, leaving that parish thus far unsup- plied with ministrations. The Rev. C. T. Bland has given up the charge of the Mission and School at Leicester, and has removed to Marion, where he expects to hold stated services, as well as at Old Fort. The Rev. Israel Harding has resigned the charge of Trinity Church, Beaufort county, and St. John's, Durham's Creek, and has removed to Kinston, where he has charge of St. Mary's Church, and the Church of the Holy Innocents, Lenoir county. Rev. N. E. Price has withdrawn from the duties which he has been discharging, in connection with St. Thomas' Church, Bath, and has removed to Bertie county, where he has charge of a school, and is assisting Rev. Mr. Wootten in his large mission- ary field. The Rev. W. S. Bynum has given up the charge of St. Paul's Church, Winston, and has returned to the care of the Mission at Company Shops, and will undertake other duties in connection with it. Rev. J. B. Cheshire, Jr., has resigned his charge at Chapel Hill and Durham, and accepted the rectorship of St. Peter's Church, Charlotte. The Rev. Edward W. Gilliam has resigned the charge of St. Paul's Church, Clinton, and after going to Morganton with a view of taking charge of the congregation there, and remaining for two Sundays, he left on Monday for Baltimore, to take counsel with the Roman Catholic Archbishop of that city. In a com- 32 munication sent to me, Mr. Gilliam declares that he had been, for many years, troubled with doubts in regard to the Church, and yet during all this time he never communicated to me or to any of his brethren the difficulties which disturbed him, or gave us any opportunity to assist him in the solution of them. It was not until after he had placed himself in the hands of the Roman Archbishop, and sought counsel of him, that I first learned of the doubts which were troubling him. He then came to me and- read a paper, setting forth the grounds of his anxieties: where- upon I suggested to him several works which I thought should be amply sufficient to satisfy his mind. But it was apparent that entrance into the Roman Communion was already a foregone conclusion. I had but one interview with him, and that a very brief one. He has since announced to me his abandonment of the Church, and his purpose to connect himself with the Roman Communion. It pains me to record such an act of singular dis- loyalty to the Church, and it only remains for me, in accordance with the Canon provided for such cases, to administer the discipline which is called for, and depose him from the ranks of the sacred ministry. The candidates for Priest's Orders are thirteen, viz.: Rev. Messrs. Thomas B. Haughton, Charles O. Brady, Samuel S. Barber, Nyniphas E. Price, Frederick A. DeRosset, William S. Bynum, Walter J. Smith, John Huske and B. W. Daugherty, Deacons, and Messrs. Armond DeR. Meares, Robert Strange, Francis E. Shober and Theophilus Overby. The candidates for Deacon's Orders are twelve, viz. : Messrs. William F. Rice, N. Collin Hughes, Jr., Frederick N. Skinner, Junius M. Horner, John H. Perry, Walter A. Tillinghast, Edward E. G. Roberts, John F. Spivey, Charles C. Quin, Wm. R. Harris, Hannibal S. Henderson and Primus P. Alston. Mr. Brooke G. White, lately a candidate for Deacons' Orders, has asked leave to withdraw his name, which has consequently been stricken from the roll. 33 The Postulants, for admission to candidateship, are five in number, viz. : Henry McDuffie, Hardy H. Phelps, Timothy E. Cutler, Hamilton Anderson and Albert G. Councill. During the past year the RavenScroft Mission and Training School has received some valuable gifts. The late Bishop of the Diocese, who has always shown such a deep interest in the suc- cess of that work, left by his last will and testament, all the theo- logical books of his choice private library, and $500 in money, as a legacy to the institution. The books have already been forwarded to Asheville, and will prove a great help to theologi- cal students, who may be receiving instruction there. The late Mrs. M. A. Thompson, of Bertie county, who has so liberally helped forward every good work in the Diocese, has also left a legacy of $500 to the same institution, and both these amounts have been paid over to the Trustees of the Diocese. I have long felt a great anxiety that this Mission and Train- ing School should be in a position to do more effective service for the Church, but hitherto, lack of funds has greatly hindered the work. We are now hoping to be able to organize the educa- tional department of the institution on a better basis, so as to afford more satisfactory facilities to those who may desire to pursue their theological studies there, while at the same time securing a better equipment for carrying on the large mission work, which is steadil}^ increasing in that portion of the Diocese. And now let me add one word in regard to that wider field which is spreading out before us in all districts of the State. We need at once a considerable increase in the number of missionaries, for there are numerous sections where our Church is almost un- known, and where faithful and zealous efforts will be abundantly rewarded. Let me urge upon the Clergy and laity the pressing claims of so many fields, which are white to the harvest. Our contributions in aid of these missionary enterprizes are by no means what they ought to be, or what a deeper sense of their importance might easily make them. The work committed to 34 us is, to a very great extent, a missionary and aggressive work, and we must strive to realize our individual responsibility, in urging forward the interests of the Kingdom of God. There is one other subject, brethren, to which I must beg to call your attention, before bringing this address to a close. I feel that it is a duty resting most imperatively upon us, as mem- bers of the Church of Christ, to lend our united influence in efforts to lessen among us the gigantic evil of intemperance. Apart from the great domestic, social and civil calamities, which are directly due to this one agency, it is also a most formidable enemy to all true religion. It is blighting the growth of the Church in every direction. It is operating powerfully to root out of the hearts of thousands of our young men all true devo- tion to spiritual interests, and stifling within them the whisper- ing accents of the Spirit of God. At the present time, there seems to be an unusual awakening in many parts of our land to a deeper appreciation of the evils of intemperance and the neces- sity of some active measures looking to a lessening of so crying an evil. Now, while, as a Church, it is not our province to take part in any legislative movement bearing on this question, yet as individuals we should feel called on to lend our agency, in such ways as may appear to us most likely to prove effective, in fur- thering so important an object. Surely, it becomes us not to show an indifference to a question of such serious consequence. And in this connection, I must beg you all to remember that the very last words of counsel to this Diocese, by our lamented Bishop, in the address which he sent to our last Convention, was on this very subject. Let us see to it, my dear brethren, that these urgent words of parting counsel are not lost upon us. Let us seek to take them home to our hearts, and by a united, earn- est effort, show our readiness to help forward this much needed reform. And may we in this, and in all other plans which we may devise, for the promotion of sound morality and pure relig- ion, be guided and directed by light and wisdom from on high. THEODORE B. LYMAN. 00033987062 FOR USE ONLY IN THE NORTH CAROLINA COLLECTION