YALE UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY

1936

A

NARRATIVE OF EVENTS

CONNECTED WITH THE

RISE AND PROGRESS

."Jt OP THE
'.; y-t-'

PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH

IN VIRGINIA.

M^-c

TO WHICH IS ADDED AN APPENDIX, CONTAINING THE JOURNALS
OP THE CONVENTIONS IN VIRGINIA FROM THE COM
MENCEMENT TO THE PRESENT TIME.

NEW-YORK:
PUBLISHED BY HARPER & BROTHERS,
NO. 82 CLIFF-STREET.
1836.

TO THE
RIGHT REVEREND WILLIAM WHITE, D.D.,
Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocess of Pennsylvania,
and Senior Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the
United States.

Right Reverend and Dear Sir,
* If it were in my power to consult my brethren of the
clergy, I am sure that all would name you as the individual
to whom a work, concerning any part of the Protestant
Episcopal church in this country should most properly be
inscribed. To this consideration of propriety, allow me
to add, that J, at least, find another in the ready kindness
and advice with which you have furthered my purposes,
and encouraged my efforts in the prosecution of this work.
I beg leave, therefore, to offer it as the humble tribute
of affectionate respect justly due to one who for more than
half a century has watched the progress of the church in
America ; and who to the piety which becomes a prelate
adds the learning of a scholar, and the courtesy of a gen
tleman. ^Vith affectionate veneration,
I am, sir, your grateful friend and* servant,
The Author.

PREFACE.

It is now more than five years since the author of this
work undertook, with the aid of a valued friend,* the task
of collecting such fragments of the history of the Prot
estant Episcopal church in the United States as, having
escaped the ravages of time, were to be found among the
manuscripts of the earlier clergy, or rested in the less se
cure repository of the memory of the aged.
Encouraged in the undertaking by many of the bishops
and clergy of the church, the plan originally proposed was,
to preserve in the form of annals the facts thus saved from
oblivion, for the benefit of some future historian who might
attempt a connected narrative of events, believed to pos
sess some interest, at least for Episcopalians. After some
progress had been made in the work, and materials, both
more numerous and more valuable than had been antici
pated, had accumulated on the hands of those who had
^undertaken the task — death removed the colleague of the
author, and he was left tp pursue alone a work which, in
addition to the interest it had for him, afforded also a
melancholy pleasure by often recalling the memory of a
buried friend.
It was not until some time afterward, that it occurred
* The Rev. Edward Rutledge of South Carolina,

Vlll PREFACE.

to the writer, that h'is labour might prove more acceptable
to the members of the communion to which he b.ejpnge.d,
should he attempt himself the narrative which he had
hoped might at a future period proceed from some pen
more fitted for the task than his own. He, accordingly,
(not, however, without some distrust of himself,) selected
Virginia as being the oldest state in the Union, and the
result is in the reader's hands. Had he supposed that he
was adding nothing to what already existed touching the
history of his country, it would have been his duty tp be
silent ; for Jie who publishes a book can justify it to a
becoming sense of modesty only by the hope that he is
communicating something which is new, or happily en
forcing something which is old. The author, therefore,
ventures to hope that in this contribution to the Ecclesias
tical History of the United States, (as yet an almost un
trodden field,) he has performed a work not entirely use
less. That it has faults, no one knows better than he who
wrote it ; that it contains errors, is not improbable ; for
in the labour of research, which it will here be seen has not
been small, it is scarcely possible always to avoid mis
take : for the faults, the author begs indulgence ; and of
the errors, if such there be, he can only say they were
undesigned. It was impossible to write upon the subject treated of
in the following pages, without sometimes adverting to
religious denominations different from that to which the
author belongs. There were events affecting the Episco*
pal church in Virginia, in which they were actors, and a
regard for truth required the notice pf them.

PREFACE. IX

A Protestant Episcopalian, not merely from the preju
dices ;of early education, but from the deliberate examina
tion and conviction of his riper years, it is not improbable
that the author's affection for the faith of his fathers may
sometimes be seen. Of the peculiarities of his creed,he
will here pnly say, that he has npt spught unnecessarily to
pbtrude them ; and as little has he endeaveured tp keep
them out ef sight. It may be (fer he claims ne exemptien
frpm the infirmities ef human nature) that, however anx
ious to eradicate prejudice, he has not always succeeded in
the effort to do so ; he has, however, endeavoured to speak
of that church, which he does not hesitate to say he loves
best, with an impartiality too proud to cover up its faults,
and an honesty too stern to hide its delinquencies. That
church has sometimes erred, and the auther has said sp. If
he knpws his own heart, he never had in view, in his work,
an object so contemptible as that of writing eulogy under
the guise of history. His wish has been to tell the truth
as far as he could discover it ; and if in doing this, a blow
fell, it mattered but little to him where it alighted. But
he owes it to himself to add, that he has uniformly spoken
of Pther religious denominations with respect ; for he freely
owns that the love of his own religious system does not,
to his mind, impose upon him the necessity of hating
either the persons or the creeds of others. He may la
ment what he deems their mistakes, and yet hopes to be
pardoned, should he doubt whether insult be their best
corrective. He would rather burn his book than wilfuHy
inflict a wanton injury upon the personal feelings of any
sincere Christian : and if he has incautiously so done in

PREFACE.

these pages, he here humbly begs forgiveness of God and
of the injured.
A word more as to his plan. The present volume is
an experiment. Should it succeed, and the life of the
writer be prolonged, it will be followed by others ; for
there are materials on hand to furnish a volume for each
of the older diocesses. Indeed, with respect to some of
them, the story is partly written ; whether it will ever be
published, depends less upon the author than upon others.
Another motive for sending forth this volume now, is to be
found in the fact, that it has recently been made the duty
of the author, by the church to which he belongs, to collect
and preserve all that he can, tending to illustrate any por
tion of its history. He has, therefore, hoped that by bring
ing before his brethren a specimen, exhibiting the nature
of the task in which he is engaged, some among them may
be induced to furnish information, and thus contribute ma
terials for future volumes.
He need not add, that for all such aid he will feel most
grateful. Should he thereby procure nothing more than
copies of the early journals of the several diocesses, a
work of some importance will be accomplished. Very
few, if any, complete sets of diocesan convention journals-
are now in existence ; the author, therefore, considers the
appendix, containing the records of the Virginia church,
(which he has here reprinted, at the request of many of
his brethren,) as not the least useful part of this book.
The Episcopalian of Virginia, has in the volume all that
industrious research was able to collect concerning the
history pf his own church. Should another edition ever

PREFACE. XI
be called for, the kindness of his Virginia brethren may
enable the author to make a book more wer thy pf their
acceptance. In ccnclusicn, the author would remark that his labours
in preparing this book, have shown him that the materials
are more ample than they are- generally supposed to be,
for the history of all the leading religious denominations in
the United States. Something has, indeed, been done for
American ecclesiastical history, but more remains to be ac
complished ; and, therefore, he would respectfully suggest
to his fellow Christians of other denominations, the propriety
of preserving their several histories, without which the
book of our national story must always be incomplete.*
* The principal works upon the subject are as follows: Among the
Baptists. — Benedict's History of the Baptists ; Semple's History of the
Virginia Baptists ; Backus's Church History of New-England ; and the
late Memoir of Roger Williams, by Professor Knowles.
Methodists. — The Journals of Mr. Asbury and Dr. Coke ; the several
Lives of Messrs. Wesley and Coke, with the minutes of conferences.
Presbyterians and Congregationalists. — Fragments of the history of
these denominations are to be found in several books. The minutes of many
of the presbyteries are believed to be perfect, and probably those of the synods
are. The late Ebenezer Hazard, Esq., who was well qualified for the task,
commenced, with the sanction of the Presbyterian church, the collection of
materials for a history of that denomination, but it was not completed, nor
is there any regular history of the Presbyterians in the United States. The
materials however are abundant. The ecclesiastical history of Massachu
setts is to be found among the valuable papers published by the Massachusetts
Historical Society ; an institution, whose example is worthy of imitation.
Reformed Dotoh. — The author knows of but little in print touching this
denomination, except in the periodical publications which belong to it.
Protestant Episcopal. — There is nothing in print, with the exception
of Bishop White's Memoirs, (a new edition of which is now in press,) and
the Journals of the General and Dioces-an Conventions.

Xii PREFACE.
If the effort new respectfully submitted tp the public,
and especially tp the Episcopal community, should serve
in the humble office of a guide, to direct the researches of
some future historian ; if it should contribute to strengthen
the attachment of but one man who already leves the
church, pr tp soften the hostility of one who does not,
the author will feel that he has not laboured in vain : for
his book is the offering of filial affection to that church, in
the communion of which he has, through life, found his best
comfort, and in the bosom of which he trusts tp enjey, in
death, a Christian's consolation.
New- York, December, 1835.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER P.
1006-1618.
The Rev. Mr. Hunt, one of the first Colonists — His Prudence, Piety, and
Christian Temper — First Administration of the Sacrament in Virginia —
First Church at James Town ; Destruction by Fire — First recorded Mar
riage in the Colony — Church placed under Martial Law — Second Church
at Henrico — Rev. Mr. Whitaker ; his Character ; " The Apostle of Vir
ginia" — Baptism and Marriage of Pocahontas — Character of the first
Clergymen — Instance of the Influence of the Clergy . . .17
CHAPTER II.
1619-1624.
First Legislature of Virginia — Establishment of the Church — Whole Num
ber of the Clergy— Encouragement to Emigration of Ministers — Efforts
in behalf of Education — Henrico College — East India School — Plans de
feated by Indian Massacre — Chanco, « converted Native ; his Christian
conduct — General Character of the Clergy — Legislature of 1624 — Laws
made for the Advancement and Permanency of the Church . . 34
CHAPTER III.
1628-1651.
Visit of Lord Baltimore — Refuses to take Oath of Supremacy — Witchcraft
— Tyranny of the Governor — Stephen Reek's Case — Missionaries from
the Independents of New-England — Driven away by Act of Conformity
— Right of Presentation and Induction — Loyalty of Virginia — Attachment
to the Church — Banishment of Mr. Harrison, a Congregational Minister
— Subjugation of Virginia to the Commonwealth . . .46
CHAPTER IV.
1651-1693.
Introduction of Puritans — Hatred of Puritanism — Reproved by Cromwell —
Virginia throws off obedience to the Commonwealth — State of the Church

XIV CONTENTS.
in 1661 — Bad Character of many of the Clergy — Legislation of 1662 —
Intolerance towards Quakers — Conspiracy of Puritans — Dread of Popery
— The Rev. Dr. Blair, first Commissary — His Character and Labours —
Establishment of William and Mary College  60
CHAPTER V.
1700-1731.
Kindness to the French Refugees — Their good Character — Their Church
— Punishment of Vice and Blasphemy — Kindness to German settlers —
Their Church — Progress of William and Mary College — Instruction of
the Indians — List of Parishes — State of the Church — Numbers and Char
acter of the Clergy — Causes of the depressed state of Religion exam
ined  78
CHAPTER VI.
1731-1746.
Introduction of Presbyterians — Visit of Mr. Whitfield — Low state of Re
ligion — Efforts of Morris to revive it — His Character and Conduct —
Amusing example of his Simplicity and Ignorance — Charge of the Gov
ernor to the Grand Jury against Preshyterians — Mr. Roan's Case — Help
from Synod in New-York — Rev. Samuel Davies ; his Character and La
bours — Act of Toleration extended to Virginia — Dread of Popery and
New Lights — Commencement of struggle with Dissenters — Morgan
Morgan  09
CHAPTER VII.
1748-1771.
Lawsuit, Legislation fixing Clergyman's Right to Glebes — State of the
Clergy — Substitution of Money for Tobacco in paying Clergy — Difficul
ties thence arising — Injustice to Clergy — Appearance of Baptists — Their
bitter Enmity — Great Question of the legality of paying the Clergy in
Money — Suit to settle it — Mr. Henry ; his first Appearance — Question
settled against the Clergy — Efforts in Virginia to obtain the Episcopate
— Opposed by some of the Clergy — Their Conduct approved by the Le
gislature . . . . . . . , . . .114
CHAPTER VIII.
1772-1778.
Appearance of the Methodists — Their adherence to the Church — Conduct
of the Episcopal Clergy in the Revolution — Many of them Whigs — Some
become Officers in the Continental Army — Conduct of the Baptists at
breaking out of the Revolution — Petitions of Presbyterians, Baptists, and
others against the Church — Counter Petitions — Act of 1776 destroying

CONTENTS. XV
Establishment — Distress of the Clergy — Their Treatment — Legislative
Proceedings of 1777 and 1778 — Ordinations by the Methodists, con
demned by Mr. Asbury  132
CHAPTER IX.
1779-1784.
General Assessment for support of the Clergy negatived — Disastrous Effects
of the Revolution upon the Church — Enemies of the Church petition for
a general Assessment — Legislative sanction to. the principle that Chris
tianity should be supported by the State, but not any particular Denomi
nation — Mr. Henry's efforts — His Christian Character — Incorporation of
the Church — History of the Secession of the Methodists — Mr. Wesley's
Conduct — Consecration of Dr. Coke considered .... 150
CHAPTER X.
1784-1789.
Enmity of Presbyterians and Baptists to the Church — Act for establishing
religious Freedom — Mr. Jefferson — Mr. Madison's Memorial — First Con
vention of the Church in 1785 — Address of the Convention to Church
men — Means proposed for support of the Clergy — Canons of the Church
— Discipline — Church in Virginia declines receiving Holy Orders from
Denmark — First General Convention ; Virginia represented there — Con-
, duct of Virginia Church on the proposed Articles of Union — Instruction
to Virginia Delegates to General Convention of 1785 — Baptists and Pres
byterians ask for the Property of the Church — " The proposed Book" —
Articles of Religion — Decision of Virginia on " The proposed Book" and
Articles — Dr. Griffith elected first Bishop of the Church in Virginia —
Mistake concerning his Election rectified — Instructions of Virginia Con
vention to Delegates to General Convention of 1780 — Repeal of the Act
of Incorporation — General Conventions of 1 786 — Proceedings of Virginia
thereon — Remedies adopted to supply the want of Act of Incorporation —
Address of the Convention of 1787 to the Church — Dr. Griffith not con
secrated — Causes thereof — Early efforts of Virginia in behalf of Clerical
Education — Case of Discipline  172
CHAPTER XI.
1789-1794.
Resignation of Dr. Griffith — Poverty of the Church — Death and Character
of Dr. Griffith — Election of Dr. Madison to the Episcopate — Struggles
concerning the Church Property — Condition of the Church at the time of
Dr. Madison's Consecration — Bishop Madison's first Address — Clerical
Education — Canon compelling the Bishop to hold a Parish — Prevalence
of Infidelity and Fanaticism — Disastrous consequences to Religion after

XVI CONTENTS.
the War — Bishop Madison's Proposal of a Union among different Chris
tian Denominations — His Plan of distributing Tracts — Revision of the
Canons — Virginia refuses to give the House of Bishops an absolute
Veto   203
CHAPTER XII.
1794-1804.
Injurious Effects upon Religion, arising from Disputes about the Church
Property — Arguments used for and against a sale of the Glebes — Canon
against the Clergy's taking Offices in the Militia — Appeal to Law —
Churchmen driven to despair — Law of 1802 for sale of Glebes — Effect of
sale of Glebes in benefiting the Public — Desecration of the Sacred Ves
sels by Debauchees — The Manchester Case — Consequence to the Church
of the Death of the President of Court of. Appeals — Constitutionality of
Law for the sale of Glebes yet undetermined . . . 224
CHAPTER XIII.
1805-1816.
Convention of 1S05 — An assistant Bishop proposed — Itinerating Clergy
recommended — Suspension of Conventions — Death of Bishop Madison —
Election of Dr. Bracken to the Episcopate — He declines — Utter Prostra
tion of a part of the Church — First dawn of Improvement in her Pros
pects — Election of Bishop Moore to the Episcopate — Clergy not more
numerous than they were about Two Hundred Years before — Revival
of the Church — Zeal and Labours of the Bishop and Clergy — Bequest to
the Church — Discipline of the Laity — A number of new Churches built —
Old ones repaired — Difficulties arising from the Bishop's being a Parish
Minister — Theological Education  240
CHAPTER XIV.
1825-1835.
Difficulties arising from Bishop's Parochial Charge — Comparison of the
Church in Northern Neck with its Condition a Century before — Churches
devoted to secular purposes — Care of St. Paul's Parish, in King George
county — Bishop Moore offers to pay half the Salary of an assistant Min
ister in the Monumental Church — Irregularity of Virginia Clergy in the
Use of the Liturgy — Bishop Moore's Warning — Refusal of Virginia to
agree to changes or alterations in the Use of the Common Prayer —
Death of Dr. Wilmer — Bishop Moore proposes to the Convention to elect
an assistant Bishop — Dr. Meade elected — Restriction on the Right of
Succession — Proceedings of General Convention thereon — Dr. Meade's
Consecration — Sketch of his Life — Virginia removes the Restriction on
his succession — Conclusion  267

"NARRATIVE OF EVENTS
CONNECTED WITH THE
RISE AND PROGRESS
OP THE
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH
IN VIRGINIA.

CHAPTER I.
1606-1618.
The Rev. Mr. Hunt, one of the first Colonists — His Prudence, Piety, and
Christian Temper — First Administration of the Sacrament in Virginia —
First Church at James Town ; Destruction by Fire — First recorded
Marriage in the Colony — Church placed under Martial Law — Second "^
Church at Henrico — Rev. Mr. Whitaker ; his Character ; " The Apostle
of Virginia" — Baptism and Marriage of Pocahontas — Character of the
first Clergymen — Instance of the Influence of the Clergy.
Among the early records which communicate the history
of the permanent settlement of Virginia, is to be found the
name of a clergyman, whose modest worth and Christian
character form an appropriate introduction to a narrative
which records the progress of that church to which he be
longed. This clergyman was the Rev. Robert Hunt, one
of the petitioners for the charter granted by James I. to the
London Company, on the 10th of April, 1606. How far
the determination to become one of the first emigrants
may have influenced Mr. Hunt, in soliciting the charter, can-
c

18 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHUKCH [1606.
not now be known with certainty f it is probable, however,
that it was not without its weight ; as we find him, on the
19th of December, 1606, embarking for Virginia with the
leaders of the infant colony about to be planted under the
auspices of the newly formed Company. And fortunate was
it for the enterprise that such was the case. An unhappy
jealousy arising between the individuals who were to com
pose the council of the colony threatened ruin to the whole
undertaking, until the prudent conduct and pious exhorta
tions of Mr. Hunt succeeded in allaying their mutual ani
mosity. It is but justice to the memory of this worthy
man to state, that scanty as are the materials from which
to form an estimate of his character, enough is still recorded
to show that it was one of which no clergyman need to be
ashamed. His heart was in the business, and he wanted
not resolution to accomplish the object. "On the 19th of
December, 1606," (says one who bore a part in the enter
prise,) " wee set saile, but by vnprosperous winds- were
kept six weekes in the sight of England ; all which time,
Mr. Hunt, our preacher, was so weake and sicke that few
expected his recourie ; yet, although we were but ten or
twelve miles from his habitation, (the. time wee were in
the Downes,) and notwithstanding the stormy weather,
nor the scandalous imputation (of some few little better
than atheists, of the greatest rank amongst us) suggested
against him, all this could never force from him so much as
a seeming desire to leaue the businesse, but preferred the
seruice of God, in so good a voyage, before any affection
to contest with his- godlesse foes, whose disastrous designs
(could they have prevailed) had euen then ouerthrowne the
businesse, so many discontents did then arise, had he not
with the water of patience and his godly exhortations
(but chiefly by his true deuoted examples) quenched those
flames of enuy and dissension."*
* 4 Purchas's Pilgrims, p. 1705.

1606.] . IN VIRGINIA. 19
Not an incident is related of him which does not illus
trate the possession of a Christian spirit. The whole
some influence by which he was enabled to control the
angry passions of his companions, was probably founded in
their respect for his consistent piety : and as we hear of
no efforts made to enrich himself in the colony, it is not
difficult to believe that his emigration resulted from an
honest desire to supply the ministrations of the gospel to
the destitute and benighted. This, it.should be recollected,
was one of the avowed objects expressed in the king's in
structions to the Company, " That the said presidents, coun
cils, and the ministers should provide that the true word
and service of God be preached, planted, and used, not
only in the said colonies, but also as much as might be
among the savages bordering upon them, according to the
rites and doctrines of the Church of England." Indeed, by
those who made the first efforts to colonize Virginia, the
diffusion of Christianity was always held forth as one of
the objects of the enterprise. As far back as 1588, when
Sir Walter Raleigh made an assignment of his patent to
Thomas Smith and others, he accompanied it with a dona
tion of one hundred pounds, " for the propagation of the
Christian religion in Virginia."* It was also enjoined in
the royal instructions, issued in 1606, "that all persons
should kindly treat the savage and heathen people in those
parts, and use all proper means to draw them to the true
service and knowledge of God."f And the first charter
assigns as one of the reasons for the grant, that the contem
plated undertaking was " a work which may, by the provi
dence of Almighty God, hereafter tend to the glory of his
divine majesty, in propagating of Christian religion to such
people as yet live in darkness and miserable ignorance of
the true knowledge and worship of God."J
* Burk's Hist, of Virginia, vol. i. t 1 Charter— 1 Hazard's Staje Pa-
p.66. pers, 51.
t Ibid. p. 91.

20 PROTEST ANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1607.
On the 26th of April, 1^07, the little fleet of three ships
entered the Chesapeake ; and on the 13th of May the
colonists landed. Upon a peninsula which projects from
the northern shore of James River may still be seen the
ruins of a tower which once formed part of a Christian
church ; and this, with its surrounding graveyard, is now
almost the only memorial left to mark the site of what
once was James Tewn. Here it was that the emigrants
debarked, and on this ground was erected the first church
in Virginia. Scarcely, however, had the colonists landed,
before the pious interposition of Mr. Hunt again became
necessary to appease the animosity of the president of the
council and the celebrated Captain Smith. His effort
proved successful. Smith was received into the council ;
and on the 14th of May partook, with his rival, of the
sacrament of the Lord's Supper, which was then adminis
tered for the first time in Virginia. James Town was the
first permanent habitation of the English in America ; and
Virginia commenced its career of civilization with one of
the most impressive solemnities of the Christian church.
To trace the gradual progress of this little band of pio
neers, in the establishment of a colony which " grew up in
misery," might afford matter of painful interest ; but it
comports not with the purpose of this narrative to allude
to any transactions in the infant settlement, other than those
which are connected with the condition and progress of
the church. The piety of the emigrants, stimulated by the
exhortations of their teacher, led to the almost immediate
erection of an edifice, humble, indeed, as were the rude
habitations by which it was surrounded, but hallowed as
the place dedicated to the worship of the Almighty. A
few months only had elapsed before a fire accidentally
commencing in the storehouse, speedily communicated to
the other buildings of the village, (for the whole town was
that«hed with reeds,) and the church shared in the common
calamity. The incident served to bring out intp bplder

1608.] IN VIRGINIA. «* * 21
relief the Christian virtues of the:.worthy clergyman. Mr.
Hunt had taken with him his library, which, though not
large, was, under the circumstances, doubly valuable ; and
this, together with every thing he had, was consumed.
With the church destroyed and the town in ashes, with
out a shelter for his head or clothing for his nakedness,
deprived of a source of enjoyment which the man of books
knows how to appreciate, and with the sorrows and suffer
ings of his fellow-creatures to excite his warmest sympa
thies, it would not have been wonderful had the weakness
of human nature been heard in the murmurs of despon
dency ; but no groan escaped him. Disease also was
added to the list of afflictions ; for between the months of
May and September no less than one-half of the colonists
died ; and yet it is recorded of this excellent man that he
never was heard to repine,* but, meeting with a submissive
and cheerful spirit these successive visitations of Provi7
dence, he encouraged his drooping companions ; and sup
ported by the persevering energy of Captain Smith, the
true father of Virginia, he exhorted the wavering and com
forted the despairing ; so that in. the spring of 1608 he
found the reward ef his labpurs in the town- rebuilt and the
church restored.f
Of such a man, it is natural to lament that more is
not known. How long he lived in the colony, is a
point on which there exists ne certain information. But
little trace has been found of Mr. Hunt after this period ;
it is known, however, that he never left Virginia : -he
literally gave his life to the cause in which he had
embarked. J Had nothing- more been related of him
than that he was twice able to reconcile the discords of
angry rulers, without being claimed as a partisan by either,
* Stith's Virginia, 59. ters of New-England, or anywhere/'
I Ibid. 76. &c. Mass. Historical Collections,
j Captain John Smith's " Adver- vol. iii. series 3.
tisements for the inexperienced Plan-

22 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1610.
he would have left behind him a reputation becoming the
minister of Him who said, " Blessed are the peace-makers."
But thdugh more cannot with certainty be affirmed of the
conduct of Mr. Hunt, the conjecture is not improbable that
he lived for some time in the colony, and that the first
recorded marriage in Virginia was solemnized by him.*
It was in the year 1608 that a white woman was first
seen in the colony ; and the historians of that day relate
the fact of her marriage soon after her arrival, f
The next record with which we meet of the presence of
a clergyman in the colony is found in the history of the
providential arrival of Lord De la War at the moment when
the inhabitants had embarked for England, with a determi
nation to forsake the country for ever. The circumstances
which prompted the colonists to this abandonment form a
sorrowful page in the early history of Virginia. When the
four small vessels in which they had embarked fell down
James River with tbe tide, it is recorded that " none
dropped a tear, because none had enjoyed one day of
happiness." Famine had done its fearful work so effectu
ally, that in the short space of six months five hundred
had been reduced to sixty ; and the horrors of this eventful
period of suffering were for years remembered and per
petuated in the expressive phrase, " The starving time." It
was on the 10th of June, 1610, that Lord De la War ar
rived ; he had brought with him a chaplain; and the inci
dents which immediately followed his . landing are best re
lated in the language of an eyewitness, whose narrative
has been preserved by Purchas : " We cast anchor before
James Towne, where we landed ; and our much grieved
governour first visiting the church, caused the bell to be
rung, at which all such as were able to come forth of their
houses repayred to church, where our minister, Master
Bucke, made a zealous and sorrowfull prayer ; finding all
* See Holmes's Annals, vol. i. p. t Beverly's Hist, of Virginia, 19 ;
132, note 1. 1 Holmes's Annals, 132.

1611.] JN VIRGINIA. 23
things so corttrary to pur expectations, sp full pf misery
and misgpvernment."*
Up te the time ef Lprd De la War's arrival, the colony
had been governed by a president and council. In 1609
the Company in England had obtained from the king an
other charter, by which the form of government was in
some measure altered, and the affairs of the colony placed
under the direction of certain officers, to be elected and
sent out by the Company. And it is worthy of note that
such was the dread of popery, that it was declared in the
new charter that -no person should pa^sinto Virginia but
such as should first have taken the oath of supremacy.!
Under the new charter, Lord De la War was chosen to be
the first governor of Virginia, an officer before unknown
in the colony; and under his judicious direction affairs
were soon re-established.
This change in the government, from an aristpcracy tp
the dominion of one, is mentioned, because, prior to this
time, there does not seem to have been any interference by
the Company in England with the religious affairs of the
colony. The adventurers were left to their own sense of
piety and the instructions of their spiritual teachers, as
being sufficient to prompt them to a proper care of the insti
tutions of religion ; and nothing more definite had been
said than that the exercise of Christianity in the New
World should conform to the rites, ceremonies, and doc
trines of the Church of England. But after this peripd
we find more specific instructions sent from the mother
country; and religion began « to form one of the subjects
of the very imperfect legislation of the Company for their
distant colony. The ill health of Lord De la War was such
that in a few months he was obliged to leave his govern
ment in the hands of a substitute, until the 10th of May,
1611, when Sir Thomas Dale, the new governor, arrived.
* 4 Purchas, book ix. chap. vi. f 2d Charter, 1 Hazard's State
Papers, 72.

24 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1611
The arrival of this individual marks the period at which
penal laws were first introduced to aid- the colonists in
keeping- a good conscience. The readers of the present
day will be tempted to smile on learning that the church
was laid under martial law : yet such was literally the
fact. The difficulties which had embarrassed the progress of
the celony were supposed by the Company, and truly sup
posed, to consist principally in a spirit of insubordination
and indolence ; and by way of remedy for these evils, more
rigour both in the enactments and execution of the laws
was deemed necessary. At that time Sir Thomas Smith
had a controlling influence in the affairs of the Company ;
and, as it would seem, ventured, upon his own responsi
bility, to furnish the new governor with a body of " Lawes,
diuine, morall, and martial]," for Virginia.* They were
chiefly translated from the martial laws of the Low Coun
tries, and were entirely at variance with the spirit of Eng
lish liberty. The church was provided for in this singular
code of bloody enactments ; but it is due both to the govern
ors and governed to state, that on the one 4iand there was
as little disposition to enforce, as on the other there was to
submit to the penalties of the code. It was, in truth, though
formally promulgated, a dead letter ;• and to the honour of
the London Company and their colonists, it should be men
tioned that, during their government, not a solitary instance
is recorded of a persecution for mere difference of opinion.
The penalties incurred for the non-observance of religious
duties were never rigidly enforced ; and the power to re
mit them entirely, which belonged to the governor and
council, was not unfrequently exercised.f These laws, so
far as the church is concerned, are subjoined ; and if, in
their perusal, the reader -should find cause for thankfulness
that he lives in an age when the true principles of Christian
* Stith's Virginia, 122; 1 Burk's t 1 Burk, Appendix, 304.
Virginia, 165.

1611.] IN VIRGINIA. 25
liberty, and the rights of conscience are better understood
than they were in the days of our forefathers, their publica
tion will not be useless.
I. " I do strictly commaund and charge all captaines and
officers, of what qualitie or nature soever, whether com
manders in the field, or in tovvne, or townes, forts, or for
tresses, to have a care that the Almightie God bee duly
and daily served ; and that they call vpon their people to
heare sermons ; as that also they diligently frequent morn
ing and evening praier themselves, by their own exemplar
and daily life and duty herein- encouraging others there
unto ; and that such who shall often and wilfully absent
themselves, be duly punished according to the martiall law
in that case provided.
II. " That no man speake impiously or maliciously against
the holy and blessed trinitie, or any of the three persons ;
that is to say, against God the Father, God the Son, and
God the Holy Ghost ; or against the known articles of the
Christian faith, upon pain of death.
III. " That no man blaspheme God's holy name, upon
paine of death ; or vse vnlawful oathes — taking the name
of God in vaine, curse or banne — vpon paine of severe
punishment for the first offence so committed, and for the
second to have a bodkin thrust through his tongue ; and if
he continue the blaspheming of God's name, for the third
time so offending he shall be brought to a martiall court,
and there receive censure of death for his offence."
V. "No man shall speake any word, or do any act,
which may tend to the derision or despight* of God's holy
word, upon paine of death. Nor shall any man vnworthily
demeane himselfe ynto any preacher or minister of the
same, but generally hold them in all reverent regard and
dutifull intreatie ; otherwise he, the offender, shall openly
be whipt three times, and aske public forgiveness in the
assembly of the congregation three severall Saboth dates.
VI. " Euerie man and woman duly twice a day, upon
i)

26 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [l6II.
the first towling of the bell, shall vppn the working daies
repaire vnto the chureh to heare diuine service, vpon paine
of losing his or her daye's allowance for the first omission ;
for the second to be whipt ; and for the third to be con
demned to the gallies for six months. Likewise, no man
or woman shall dare to violate or breake the Sabboth by
any gaming, publique or private, abroad or at home, but
duly sanctifie and obserue the same, both himselfe and his
familie, by preparing themselues at home by priuate
praier, that they may bee the better fitted for the publique,
according to the commandments of God and the orders of
our church ; as also euerie man and woman shall repaire
in the morning to the diuine service, and sermons preached
vpon the Saboth dale, and in the afternoon to diuine service
and catechising ; vpon paine for the first fault to lose their
prouision and allowance for the whole weeke following ;
for the second to lose the said allowance, and also to be
whipt ; and for the third to suffer death.
VII. " All preachers or ministers within this our colonic
or colonies, shall in the forts where they are resident, after
diuine seruice, duly preach euerie Sabboth daie in the fore-
noone, and catechise in the afternoone, and weekly say the
diuine seruice twice euerie day, and preach.euerie Wednes
day; likewise euerie minister, where he is resident, within
the same fort or fortresses, towne or townes, shall chuse
vnto him- foure of the most religious and better disposed,
as well to informe of the abuses and neglects of the people
in their duties and seruice to God, as also to the due rep
aration and keeping the church handsome, and fitted with
all reuerent obseruances thereunto belonging ; likewise
euerie minister shall keep a faithfull and true record or
church booke of all christenings, marriages, and deaths of
such our people as shall happen within their fort or for-
tresse, towne or townes at any time, vpon the burthen of a
neglcctfull conscience, and vpon paine of losing their enter
tainment."

1611.] IN VIRGINIA. 27
XXXIII. " There is not one man nor woman in this
colonie now present, or hereafter to arriue, but shall giue
up an account of his and their faith and religion, and re
paire vnto the minister, that by his conference with them
he may vnderstand and gather whether heretofore they
have beene sufficiently instrvcted and catechised in the
principles and grounds of religion : whose weakness and
ignorance herein, the minister finding and aduising them
in all love and charitie to repaire often vnto him to receive
therein a greater measure of knowledge ; if they shall re
fuse so to repaire vnto him, and he the minister giue notice
thereof vnto the governour, or that chiefe officer of that
towne or fort wherein he or she, the parties so offending,
shall remaine, the governour shall cause the offender for
the first time of refusal to be whipt ; for the second time
to be whipt twice, and to acknowledge his fault vpon the
Sabboth daie in the assembly of the congregation ; and for
the third time to be whipt euerie day vntil he hath made
the same acknowledgment, and asked forgiuenesse of the
same ; and shall repaire vnto the minister to be further in
structed as aforesaid : and vpon the Sabboth, when the min
ister shall catechise and of him demande any question con
cerning his faith and knowledge, he shall not refvse to make
answer vpon the same perill."*'
There never will be wanting men- who will advocate
the doings of those in authority, and there is therefore no
thing to excite surprise in the compliant sycophancy of a
writer of that day who could approve of the merciless
severity of a code so cruel that it was never enforced.
" Good," says he, " are these beginnings wherein God is
thus before ; good are these laws, and long may they stand
in their due execution."!
' * " For the colony in Virginea f " The new Life of Virginia, de-
Brittannia ; Lawes Diuine, Morall, daring the former services and pres-
and Martiall," &c. London, 1612. ent estate of that plantation," &c.
Collected and published by William London, 1612.
Strachey.

28 PROTESTANT EFTSCOFAL CHURCH [1611.
Under the administration of Sir Thomas Dale, the colony
began to extend itself upon James River ; and the moment
the arrival of Sir Thomas Gates, the new governor, left
him at liberty, Dale carried into effect his favourite project,
and built the town of Henrico, the ruins of which it is be
lieved are still visible.* In this town a handsome church
was erected in 1611, and the foundation of another was
laid, to be built of brick. The care of the congregation
was confided to the Rev. Alexander Whitaker, who en
closed a hundred acres of land, and built a parsonage.")"
This, it is supposed, was the second parish established in
Virginia: and it may, perhaps, be deemed not unworthy
of remembrance that the deservedly celebrated princess
Pocahontas received Christian baptism at the hands of Mr.
Whitaker, and was also united by him in marriage to Mr.
Rolfe. It would be unjust not to subjoin to the name of this
clergyman his character as sketched by a contemporary.
" I hereby let all men know that a scholler, a graduate, a
preacher, well borne and friended in England ; not in debt
nor disgrace, but competently provided for, and liked and
beloved where he lived ; not in want, but (for a scholler,
and as these days be) rich in possession, and more in possi-
bilitie ; of himself, without any persuasion (but God's and
his own heart,) did voluntarily leave his warme nest; and,
to the wonder of his kindred and amazement of them that
knew him, undertooke this hard, but, in my judgement,
heroicall resolution to go to Virginia, and helpe to beare
the name of God unto the -gentiles."%
What would have been the emotions of this devoted
missionary, when he admitted Pocahontas to baptism, could
he have foreseen that, after the lapse of more than two
" See 1 Burke", 166. ' entitled "Good Newes from Vir-
t Stith, 124. Smith, Hist, of Vir- ginia, sent to the Counsell and Com-
ginia. Richmond ed. vol. ii. p. 12. pany of Virginia, resident in Eng-
t "Epistle Dedicatorie," by W. land. From Alexander Whitaker,
Crashawe, to a book written in 1613, the minister of Henrico in Virginia."

1611.] IN VIRGINIA. 29
hundred years, the blood of this noble-hearted Indian
maiden would be flowing in the veins of some of the most
distinguished members of that church, the foundations of
which he was then laying ?
If Virginia was fortunate in the possession of such a
clergyman as Mr. Hunt, she was not less favoured in
having the ministrations of Mr. Whitaker. The eulo-
gium just quoted is not to be classed with the effusions
of a too partial friendship; the subject of that eulogium
acquired for himself the honourable title of " The Apostle
of Virginia."* He was the son of the celebrated Dr.
William Whitaker, Master of St. John's, .Cambridge ;f
and there is exhibited in such of the letters of this young
missionary as have come down to our day, a noble spirit
of devotedness to his work. In one of his epistles, advert
ing to the want of clergymen in the colony, he thus ex
presses his feelings : " I maruaile much that any men of
honest life should feare the sword of the magistrate, which
is unsheathed only in their defence. But I much more
muse that so few of our English ministers, that were so hot
against the surplice and subscription, come hither, where
neither are spoken of. Doe they not either wilfully hide
their tallents, or- keepe themselves at home for feare of
losing a few pleasures ? Be there not any amongst them
of Moses his minde, and of the apostles that forsooke all to
follow Christ ? But I refer them to the Judge of all hearts,
and to the King that shall reward every one according to
the gaine of his tallent. But you, hold fast that which you
have ; and I, though my promise of three yeeres' seruice to
my countrey be expired, will abide in my vocation here
untill I be lawfully called from hence. And so betaking
us all unto the mercies of God in Christ Jesus, I rest for
ever. "J In another of his letters he again expresses his
surprise that so few were found ready to afford ministeria
* Life of Nicholas Ferrar, p. 40. I Purchas, bookix. ch. 11.
t 4 Purchas's Pilgrims, 1770

30 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1611.
aid : " I wonder that so few English priests, wliP were first
so warm in having the books of Moses and fhe apostles,
do not assist us more, that all may follow the gospel of
Christ."* The cry for help which came from this devoted mis
sionary was but the echo of that which had issued from the
friends and originators of the Virginia colony. There is
reason to fear that injustice has long been done to Virginia
in the prevalence of an opinion that religion was but little,
if at all, regarded by those who planted the cclony : it is
time that such an opinion should be cPrrected. There is
extant an eloquent and spirit-stirring appeal, put forth by
the council of Virginia, which will yield to no similar pro
duction of later times ; it is full of the genuine spirit of
Christian missions.
" O, all ye worthies, follow the ever-sounding trumpet
of a blessed honour ; let religion be the first aim of
your hopes, et ccetera adjicientur, and other things shall
be cast unto you : your names shall be registered to
posterity with a glorious title. These are the men whom
God raised to augment, the state of their country, and
to propagate the gospel of Jesus Christ. Neither ought
any man tp live under Augustus as if he lived under
Domitian, quibus inertia est pro sapientia: to whpm slug
gishness and privacy is imputed for wisdom and policy.
The same God that hath ioyned three kingdoms under
one Caesar, will not be wanting to add a fourth, if wee
would dissolve that frosty icinesse which chilleth our zeal,
and maketh vs so cold in the action. But it is a meere
idea, speculation, and fancy to sowe spareingly, and yet
expect for to reape plentifully ; when a penurious supply
is like the casting on of a little water upon a great fire, that
quencheth not the heat, but augments it: when procrasti-
* Correct Description and Situa- the council under Lord De la War.
tion of the Colony of Virginia, by 4 Purchas, 1754.
Ralph Hamer. Hamer was clerk of

1613.] IN VIRGINIA. 31
nating delays and lingering counsels doe lose the opor-
tunity of flying time; whereby we rather bewray our
colonie than relieve it. Let no man adore his gold as his
God, nor his mammon as his Maker. If God have scat
tered his blessings upon you as snow, will you return no
tributary acknowledgments of his goodnesse ? If you will,
can you select a more excellent subject than to cast dcwn
the altars pf diuels, that yeu may raise up the altar of
Christ ; to forbid the sacrifice of men, that they may offer
up the sacrifice of contrite spirites ; to reduce barbarisme
and infidelity to ciuill gouerhment and Christianity ? Si
frigido loquor, nihil loquor; if I speake toymen void of
piety, I speake but the words of wind and vanity ! other
wise, how doth that man groan under the world's corrup
tion, that doth not actually or vocally hasten the world's
conversion. Doubt ye not but God hath determined and
demonstrated that he will raise our state, and, build his
church in that excellent climate, if the action be seconded
with resolution and religion."*
These words, uttered more than two hundred years
ago, have found a blessed fulfilment ; verily, God has built
" his church in that excellent climate :" let not the agents
who commenced the work be pronounced destitute of
religion. Among other changes introduced by Sir Thomas Dale,
during his short administration, was one, the beneficial
effects of which were soon apparent. Up to the year
1613, there had been no such thing in the colony as dis
tinct and exclusive property. Each individual put the
fruits of his labours into a common stock, which ministered
to the necessities of all.f But now a certain quantity of
land, fit for cultivation, was allowed to each man ; and a
portion of its fruits was received as rent. New settle-
* " A True Declaration of the Es- Council of Virginia." Londons 1610.
tate of the Colony of Virginia. Pub- i Stith, 131.
lished by advice and direction of the

32 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1618.
ments were multiplied as fresh emigrants came over, and
the colonists themselves began to make efforts to procure
clergymen. Sir Thomas Gates returning to Europe in 1613, the
government again devolved upon his predecessor, Sir
Thomas Dale, who, after an administration of three years,
also went home, leaving his power in the hands of George
Yeardly. During the last administration of Dale, the in
creased security given to property, and the more certain
discovery of the real advantages of the country, imparted
a fresh impulse to emigration, and the new-comers were
numerous. As they arrived, they formed distinct settle
ments, and laid the foundation of new parishes ; and
though it is now impossible to trace with accuracy the
order of their respective establishments, we know that
at Henrico the Rev. Mr. Wickham was the clergyman,
Mr. Whitaker was at Bermuda Hundred, and Mr. Bucke
at James Town ;* and the fact is sufficiently attested, that
the number both of churches and clergymen had increased
with the growth of the country. It will presently be seen
that the latter were not without influence in the affairs of
government. In May, 1617, Captain Argall arrived from
England, clothed with the authority of deputy governor.
He had lived in the colony before, and therefore was not
ignorant of that singular code, " divine, morall, and mar
tiall," from which an extract has already been presented.
He is charged by the historians of that period with a
determination to gratify his rapacity and injustice at the
expense of the colony; and therefore he eagerly converted
these laws into an instrument for obtaining his ends. In
revising his code, he did not neglect the work of legislation
for the church; and, accordingly, in 1618, we find him
promulgating " that every person should go to church,
Sundays and holydays, or lye neck and heels that night,
and be a slave to the colony the following week ; for the
* Purchas's Pilgrimage, p. 9'17.

1618.] • IN VIRGINIA. 33
second offence, he should be a slave for a month ; and for
the third, a year and a day."*
In the same year occurred an incident which illustrates
that influence of the clergy to which allusion has been
made. Captain Argall had taken the servants of Lord De la
War from his estate, and employed them on his own lands,
without the slightest authority for so doing. Captain
Brewster, who was the agent of Lord De la War, ordered
one of the servants to return ; and on receiving a flat re
fusal, threatened the delinquent with the consequences of
his insubordination. Argall was informed of the threat,
and Brewster was arrested, tried by a court martial, and
condemned to death on a charge of uttering against his
commander seditious words, tending to a mutiny. This
act of tyranny seems to have roused the colonists to re
monstrance. The martial laws were odious, and the
present was a favourable opportunity for protesting against
their severity. The^court, by which Brewster was tried,
waited in a body on the deputy governor to intercede for
the life of the prisoner ; and they summoned to their aid all
those of the clergy who could be readily convened ; these
promptly answered the summons, and presented themselves
also before the tyrant, to supplicate mercy for the unhappy
Brewster. Argall, however much disposed to gratify his
malignity, was alarmed, it is supposed, by the weight of
character of those who thus protested against his iniquity,
and yielded at length to their intercession. And this
transaction, furnishing to Brewster, on his return to Eng
land, a theme for indignant expostulation with the Com
pany, probably led to the entire disuse of the bloody code,
secured to the colonists the privileges of Englishmen living
under English law, and released at once both church and
state from the tyranny of martial rules.
* Stith's Virginia, 147 ; 1 Burk's Virginia, 195.

34 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1619.

CHAPTER II.
1619-1624.
First Legislature of Virginia — Establishment of the Church — Whole Num
ber of the Clergy — Encouragement to Emigration of Ministers — Efforts
in behalf of Education — Henrico College — East India School — Plans de
feated by Indian Massacre — Chanco, a converted Native ; his Christian
conduct — General Character of the Clergy — Legislature of 1624 — Laws
made for the Advancement and Permanency of the Church.
The year 1619 is memorable in the annals of Virginia,
as being the period at which a legislative body, taken from
among the inhabitants, convened for the first time in the
colony.* The tyranny of Argall was not permitted to
continue long. Advised by private letters that his official
conduct was about to be made the subject of rigid scrutiny
by a new governor, clothed with authority for that pur
pose, he precipitately left the colony, and in this year was
succeeded by Sir George Yeardly. The colony, it will
be remembered, was still under the control of the Com
pany in England ; and as upon the representations of
Brewster, they had decided, with but one dissenting
voice, against the enforcement of martial law in a time
of peace, it became necessary to make provision for the
government of Virginia under some milder code. The
new governor, therefore, brought with him a new charter ;
by which, among other matters, it was provided that the
clergy should have in each borough a glebe, to consist of
one hundred acres, and should receive from the profits of
each parish a standing revenue, to be worth at least two
hundred pounds.
The population was increased by the introduction of
* 1 Hening's Virginia Statutes, at large, 119.

1819.] IN VIRGINIA. 35
one thousand new settlers ; and there had been no previous
period, in the history of the colony, when its affairs were
in a more prosperous condition. Under these auspicious
circumstances, the governor called an assembly, which
met at James Town. It consisted of " two burgesses
chosen for every town, hundred, and plantation ;" and
from the number of representatives, the fact is gathered
that the colony then consisted of eleven corporations.
Among the first enactments of the legislature were those
which concerned the church. The general provisions of
the charter, which have already been mentioned, were im-
bodied in a statutory form ; and it seems probable that the
mode of obtaining the competent support which was thus
granted, was also the subject of enactment. • Tobacco was
the chief article of produce ; and the dues of the minister
were paid for the most part in that commodity. In the
legislature of 1621-2, it was enacted that each clergyman
should receive from his parishioners fifteen hundred pounds
of tobacco and sixteen barrels of corn. Ten pounds of
tobacco and one bushel of corn were the utmost that any
individual could be compelled to pay: and to this assess
ment every male inhabitant, who had reached the age of
sixteen, was liable. And if this levy should prove unequal
in value to two hundred pounds, the law proceeded to
declare that " the minister was to be content with less."*
Up to this period the inhabitants of the colony had
always been attached to the Church of England. There
is reason, however, to believe" that about this time a small
number of puritans sought refuge in the colony ;f but it
was too inconsiderable to introduce any change in the
religious opinions of the people, and public worship con
tinued to be conducted, as it always had been, in con
formity with the ritual of the Church of England. That
church, however, could not claim for itself the privileges
* Stith's Virginia, 173 ; Beverly's j 1 Graham's Hist, of the United
Virginia, 36. States, 219.

36 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1619.
of an establishment, in Virginia, prior to the legislation of
1619; for the general declaration contained in the charter
of James, that the mode of worship in the intended colony
should conform to that of the English church, simply im
posed a duty, but conferred no temporal benefit. It is from
this period, therefore, that we are to date the establishment
of the Episcopal Church in Virginia ; and at this time the
whole colony contained but five clergymen ;* who are be
lieved to have been Messrs. Whitaker, Stockham, Mease,
Bargave, and Wickham. This scarcity of clergymen in
duced the Company to encourage the emigration of minis
ters by directing six tenants to be placed on every glebe,
for the purpose of making it an immediate source of reve
nue: and the* then Bishop of London undertook to exert
himself to procure suitable clergymen to settle in the
colony.-f Whether this circumstance gave rise to the
jurisdiction of the prelate of that see over the American
church prior to the revolution, is not known ; but this, it is
believed, is the first instance in which his connection with
the church on this continent is mentioned in history.
The importance of education, as intimately connected
with the preservation and dissemination of Christianity,
also seems to have been impressed at an early period on
the minds of the members of the Company. The king
(probably at'the solicitation of the Company) had, prior to
this time, issued his letters to the several bishops of the
kingdom for collecting money to erect a college in Vir
ginia. The object of this measure,* when first adopted,
was stated to be " the training up and educating infidel
children in the true knowledge of God."J Nearly fifteen
hundred pounds had been obtained for carrying into effect
this benevolent design ; and Henrico had been selected as
the site of the proposed seminary. The Company, at the
* Chalmer's Political Annals, b. i. t Slith, 173.
p. 50. t Ibid. 162, 163.

1619.] IN VIRGINIA. 37
suggestien pf its treasurer, now granted ten thousand acres
cf land to be laid off for the new " University of Henrico ;"
and the original design was enlarged by a resolution to
make the seminary a school for the English as well as for
the natives.* Of the eleven corporations, already men
tioned as being represented in the first assembly, four had
been recently created, and among them was the univer
sity ; and for the management of its lands, which had been
thus granted by the Company, twp agents were sent pver
by that body.
Under the care of these agents, added to that of Mr.
George Thorpe, a very respectable and pious man, whose
benevolent exertions for the intellectual and spiritual im
provement of the natives entitle him to honourable remem
brance, the college lands were brought into cultivation ;
and the flattering appearance of affairs held forth to the
inhabitants the prospect of education for their children, and
of clergymen from the college who, though ordained in
England, would still be sons of the colony, acquainted with
its habits, and familiar with its wants.
So far as the church alone was concerned, had there
been nothing more in view, the establishment of Henrico
University was a measure full of wisdom. Experience
would seem to intimate to the church in America that,
though united throughout the confederacy by a common
bond, yet the different portions of that church must, for
the most part, respectively depend, for a permanent supply
in the ministry, upon those, Who having been born within
certain territorial limits, are therefore bound by strong local
attachments, constitutionally adapted to the peculiarities of
climate, and familiar with national habits and feelings.
The interest felt in the mother country, in the prosperity
of the college, was attested by many donations, among
which is recorded one of a thousand pounds, by the Bishop
* 1 Holmes's Annals, 157

38 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1621.
of Lpndpn. An unknpwn friend, alsp, sent many excellent
religious works, and a very valuable map of the American
coast ; from another was received " a communion cup,
with a cover and case, a trencher plate for the bread, a
carpet of crimson velvet, and a damask tablecloth for the
college." The solicitude felt for the salvation of the na
tives was exhibited in a gift of five hundred pounds from
some person unknown, to maintain and educate in Chris
tianity young Indians ; and three hundred pounds were
left to the college by the will of Mr. Nicholas Ferrar, for
the same pious object.* At home, also, the college found
liberal friends. The Rev. Mr. Bargave, who was then the
minister at Henrico, gave his library, and the inhabitants
of the place made a contribution of fifteen hundred pounds
to build a hostelry for the entertainment of strangers and
visiters.")" The efforts in the cause of education were not limited,
however, to the establishment of the university. Such an
institution of learning would be of little value without the
aid of a preparatory school; and for the introduction of
this, the colony was indebted to the exertions of a clergy
man. In 1621, an East India ship having returned te England
from India, the crew were prevailed upon, by the represen
tations of their chaplain, the Rev. Mr. Copeland, to con
tribute seventy pounds towards building a church or free-
school in the colony of Virginia : to this, one unknown
benefactor added thirty pounds, and* another twenty-five
pounds. It was determined by the Company to apply
these gifts to the erection of a free-school. Charles City
was selected as its site, being the spot most convenient
to all parts of the colony; and in commemoration of the
circumstances in which it originated, it was called the
East India School. Nor was the Company less attentive
• Stith, 172, 173. f 1 Holmes's Annals, 173.

1621.] in VIRGINIA. 39
to its interests than to those of the college ; they allotted
for the maintenance of the master and usher one thousand
acres of land, with five servants and an overseer. The
school was to have dependance on the college, into which.
as soon as it should be sufficiently endowed and fit for the
reception of students, pupils were to be admitted from the
school, and advanced according to their proficiency in
learning.* It cannot, therefore, with propriety be charged upon
either the Company or the colonists that they were un
mindful of the importance of education to the advance
ment of Christianity and the prosperity of the little com
munity. And it is but justice to the good men of a former
age to record this instance of their pious zeal, in the effort
which they made to cause God's " way to be known upon
earth," his " saving health among all nations."
Sir George Yeardly having expressed a wish to retire
from the office of governor, in 1621 Sir Francis Wyatt was
appointed to succeed him ; and it is to be presumed that the
enactments of the legislature of 1619 had not been carried
into full effect ; for in the instructions of the Company to
the new geverner, he was directed " to take into especial
regard the service of Almighty God and the observance
of his divine laws, and that the people should be trained up
in true religion and virtue. And since their endeavours
for the establishment of the honour and rights of the church
and ministry had not yet taken due effect," the Company
required of the governor and assembly " to employ their
utmost care to advance all things appertaining to the order
and administration of divine service, according to the form
of the Church of England ; carefully to avoid all factious
and needless novelties, which only tended to the distur
bance of peace and unity ; and to cause that the ministers
should be duly respected and maintained, and the churches
* Stith, 204; 1 Holmes, 173.

40 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1621.
or places appeinted for divine service decently accpmmo-
dated, according to former order in that behalf."*
The spiritual good of the natives seems also to have
been an object cf deep selicitude ; fcr in the same body of
instructions, the Company pressed upon the governpr and
assembly, in a particular manner, " the using all probable
means of bringing over the natives to a lpve pf civilizatipn,
and tc the leve of God, and his true religion." To this
purpose a pious example among the English in their own
persons and families was strongly recommended ; and the
employment of the natives as labourers for hire was di
rected, to familiarize them to the customs of civilized life,
and thus gradually to bring them to a knowledge of Chris
tianity, that they might be employed as instruments " in
the general conversion of their countrymen, so much de
sired." It was also recommended " that each town,
borough, and hundred, should procure, by just means, a
certain number of Indian children, to be brought up in the
first elements of literature ; that the most towardly of these
should be fitted for the college, in building of which they
purposed to proceed as soon as any profit arose from the
estate appropriated to that use ; and they earnestly re
quired their earnest help and furtherance in that pious and
important work ; not doubting the particular blessing of
God upon the colony, and being assured of the love of all
good men upon that account."!
But these prosperous beginnings and commendable
efforts were destined soon to be entirely defeated by
causes from which no danger was apprehended. The
whites (ever since the marriage of Ppcahcntas) had lived
pn terms ef amity with the natives, nor had anything of
recent date occurred to interrupt the harmony. The
peace existing between the parties was the result of solemn
treaty, and repeated assurances to the English of entire
* Stith, 194; 1 Henings's Stat- t 1 Burk, 225, 226.
utes, at large, 114.

1622.] IN VIRGINIA. 41
friendship on the part of their savage neighbours com
pletely disarmed suspicion. " Sooner shall the sky fall,"
said the wily Indian chief, " than the peace shall be vio
lated on my part." But in the midst of all these profes
sions, a conspiracy, consisting of no less than thirty Indian
nations, was for nearly four. years maturing its plans for
the utter extirpation of the English at a single blow ; and
its proceedings were marked by that characteristic cunning,
and consummate duplicity so well understood by him who
has studied the savage of North America. Not a word
was said, nor a sign given, which could betray the secrets
of the confederacy ; and of all the thirty nations, not a
single Indian was found for four years to violate his en
gagements. They kept their counsel but too well for the
unfortunate colony ; for, on the 22d of March, 1622, hordes
of savages burst upon the unsuspecting and defenceless
whites, and, involving in indiscriminate slaughter all whom
they met, without distinction of age or sex, in the short
space of one hour, murdered no less than three hundred
and forty-seven men, women, and children. The attack
was made simultaneously at thirty-one different settle
ments, and of the labourers on the lands of the college,
seventeen were slain. The inhabitants who escaped
sought of course the protection of James Town, where
the governor concentrated the remains of the colony; the
plantations were abandoned, and to the horrors of massacre
were soon superadded the miseries of famine. Of eighty
plantations which were advancing to completion, eight
only remained ; and of twenty-nine hundred and sixty in
habitants, eighteen hundred were all that were left.* These
survivors turned their thoughts on vengeance towards
their foes, and "the affairs of the college were forgotten.
* "A declaration of the state of infidels upon the English, the 22d of
the colony and affairs in Virginia, March last," p 13. Purchas, book
with a relation of the barbarous mas- ix. ch. xv. ; 1 Burk, 240 ; 1 Holmes's
sacre in the time of peace and league, Annals, 1 78.
treacherously executed by the native

42 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1622.
The massacre of Opecancanough thus gave a death-blow
to the first efforts made in America for the establishment
of a college, and years elapsed before the attempt was
renewed. As connected with the slaughter of the whites, an inci
dent cccurred which should find a place in this narrative,
because it affords proof of the success with which the
clergy of the colony had laboured for the conversion of
some, at least, of the heathen around them. The preserva
tion of that portion of the colony which escaped, was
owing solely to the affection and fidelity of a Christianized
native. This Indian, by name Chanco, lived with Richard
Pace, and was beloved by his master with an affection at
once Christian and parental.
On the night preceding the massacre, the brother of
Chanco slept with him, and enjoining secrecy, communi
cated to him the .intended massacre, with a command from
his chief Opecancanough, that he should murder his master.
The grateful Indian, immediately on his brother's depar
ture, hastened to Pace, and disclosed what had been com
municated to him. His master knew him too well to
doubt his information for a moment, and instantly, before
day, repaired to the governor at James Town, which, with
the adjoining settlements, was put in a posture of defence,
and so escaped the threatened ruin. " And thus," says a
contemporary, who furnishes this account, " the rest of the
colony, that had warning given them, by this means was
saved. Such was (God be thanked for it) the good fruit
of an infidel converted to Christianity; for though three
hundred and more of ours died by many of these pagan
infidels, yet thousands of ours were saved by the means of
one of them alone which was made a Christian."*
It has been remarked.bya European annalist,! that "the
emigrants, notwithstanding the humane instructions of their
* 4 Purchas, p. 1790 ; 1 Burk, t Chalmers, b. 1. 58.
242.

1622.] IN VIRGINIA. 43
sovereign, and the prudent orders of the Cpmpany, had
never been solicitous to cultivate the good-will of the
aborigines." However true this assertion may be in
many instances, it is gratifying to fiqd, in the history of
Chanco, that it is npt true in all. A reflection here
presents itself, not unworthy of a passing notice. We
have now twice seen the colony saved through the agency,
direct or indirect, of the clergy. In the commencement
of the enterprise, the piety of Mr. Hunt was exerted to ap
pease thequarrels of the rival leaders of the colony; and
it was the Christianity taught by the clergy which induced
the native convert to become an inmate, an affectionate
servant, and a Christian friend in the habitation of an Eng
lish settler. That Christian friendship saved the colony
from destruction. It will not, therefore, be deemed rash
to conclude that the clergy were not the most useless mem
bers of the infant settlement ; and that they did not de
serve to be so considered is attested by a modern historian,
who, while he sneers at Christianity, yet describes the
clergy of this day as " pious missionaries, with a temper
and demeanour truly Christian."* To the ingenuity of the
same historian must be left the task of reconciling the
declaration just quoted, with a statement elsewhere made
by him, that " the clergy had very early been regarded
with a jealousy which checked their aspiring pretensions."!
Aspiring pretensions belong not to pious men, with a tem
per and demeanour truly Christian ; nor is it creditable to
the characters of the founders of Virginia to represent them
as having been roused to jealousy by the exhibition of hum
ble piety. The fact is, that the clergy and the colony are
both misrepresented, if the " early" period here spoken of is
meant to embrace the time prior to 1622, for there is no
evidence to establish the fact of jealousy on the one hand,
or ambition on the other.
* 1 Burk, 250. t 2 Burk, appendix, xxxL

44 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1624.
The next record of the early existence ef the church in
Virginia is tc be found in the legislation of 1624. The
colony had at this time, by an accession of strength from
the mother country, recovered in a great degree, from the
disastrous effects of the massacre in 1622 ; and a colonial
assembly was convened by Sir Francis Wyatt, the laws of
which consisted of thirty-five articles. The first seven
related to the church and ministry, and enacted, —
I. That in every plantation, where the people were went
to meet for the worship of God, there should be a house or
room set apart for that purpose, and not converted to any
temporal use whatsoever ; and that a place should be
empaled and sequestered, only for the burial of the dead.
II. That whosoever should absent himself from divine
service any Sunday, without an allowable- excuse, should
forfeit a pound of tobacco ; and that he who absented him
self a month, should forfeit fifty pounds of tobacco.
III. That there should be a uniformity in the church,
as near as might be, both in substance and circumstance,
to the canons of the Church of England ; and that all per
sons should yield a ready obedience to them, upon pain of
censure. IV. That the twenty-second of Mareh (the day of the
massacre) should be solemnized and kept holy ; and that
all other holydays should be observed, except when two
fell together in the summer season, (the time of their field
labours,) when the first only was to be observed, by reason
of their necessities and employments.
V. That no minister should be absent from his cure
above two months in the whole year, upon penalty of for
feiting half his salary; and whosover was absent above
four months, should forfeit his whole salary and cure.
VI. That whosoever should disparage a minister, with
out sufficient proof to justify his reports, whereby the minds
of his parishioners might be alienated from him, and his
ministry prove the less effectual, should not only pay five

1624.] IN VIRGINIA. 45
hundred pounds pf tobacco, but should also ask the minis
ter's forgiveness publicly in the congregation.
VII. That no man should dispose of any of his tobacco
before the minister was satisfied, upon forfeiture of double
his part towards the salary; and that one man of every
plantation should be appointed to collect the minister's
salary, out of the first and best tobacco and corn.*
The adoption of these laws was the last act of legislation
which affected the church, under the government of the
Company. It was in 1624 that, under the forms of a
judicial proceeding, the charter of the Company was
arbitrarily resumed by the king, and the proprietary
government ceased in Virginia.
* 1 Hening's Virginia Statutes, at large, 122 ; Stith, 319.

46 trotestant episcopal church [1628.

CHAPTER III.
1628-1651.
Visit of Lord Baltimore — Refuses to take the Oath of Supremacy — Witch
craft — Tyraniiy of the Governor — Stephen Reek's Case — Missionaries
from the Independents of New-England— Driven «way by Act of Con
formity — Right of Presentation and Induction-^Loyalty of Virginia —
Attachment to the Church — Banishment of Mr. Harrison, a Con
gregational Minister — Subjugation of Virginia to the Commonwealth.
The change in government does not seem to have inter
rupted the administration of existing laws. The pedantic
monarch, who had now become sole proprietor, was am
bitious of digesting a plan of permanent government, and
required time and study for the full development of his
talent for legislation. Meanwhile, and until the period of
royal leisure should arrive, he appointed a provisional
government to supply the present exigency, and the colony
proceeded quietly under the laws already in being. It is
not improbable, therefore, that the church slowly gathered
strength, and assumed more of a permanent character,
under the protection of the enactments already recited.
The only laws concerning religion which are to be found
on the records, provide that " all those that worke in the
ground, of what qualitie or condition soever, shall pay tithes
to the ministers ;" and that " there bee an especiall care
taken by all commanders and others that the people doe
repaire to their churches on the Saboth day; and to see
that the penalty of one pound of tobacco for every time of
absence, and fifty pounds for everie month's absence, sett
downe in the act of the Generall Assembly, 1623, be levyed,
and the delinquents to pay the same ; as alsoe to see that

1629.] in VIRGINIA. 47
the Sabpth day be not ordinarily profaned by workeing in
any imployments, or by iournyeing from place to place."*
There is, however, in this portion of our narrative little
more than conjecture to guide us ; nor is there any incident,
prior to the year 1628, which throws any light on the re
ligious condition of the country. It was in that year that
Lord Baltimore visited Virginia ; and called forth, by his
arrival, evidence of the strong attachment of the colony to
the principles of the Protestant faith, as held by the Church
of England. His lordship was a member of the Church of
Rome ; and the assembly, which was in session at the time
of his arrival, by an exercise of authority, the lawfulness of
which has been questioned,! required of him and his fol
lowers to take the oaths of supremacy and allegiance.
This was declined by his lordship ; and the assembly con
tented itself with referring the whole matter to the king
and council. The occurrence is recorded as illustrative of
the general attachment of the colony to the reformed re
ligion; and as indicating the prevalent opinion that the
church in Virginia was a branch of the establishment at
home, and entitled to the protection of the same laws. J
In the year 1629, Sir John Hervey entered on his ad
ministration as governor, under the authority of a royal
commission; and on the twenty-fourth of March, in the
succeeding year, he convened an assembly. The tyranny
of his sway is attested by all the historians of the period,
and a mildness in the administration of the laws, touching
the discipline of the church, was one of the first subjects of
official notice. The decisions of the court of high commis
sion in England, were acknowledged, in words, to be au
thority in the ecclesiastical concerns of the colony, so far
as they could have any application ; but, in point of fact,
their influence was very rarely felt. Indeed, it may well
* 1 Hening's Virginia Statutes, t Bozman's Maryland, 236, 237.
at large, 144. t 2 Burk, 25.

48 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1628.
be questioned whether that influence was felt at all ; as,
during the first twenty-six years of the colony's existence,
no record is to be found of any severity inflicted for
the non-observance of the ordinances of the church, nor
any instance of the application of ecclesiastical dis
cipline for crimes of a spiritual nature. It has, indeed,
been said that among the early records is to be found
the history of the trial, condemnation, and execution oi
a woman, by fire, for witchcraft ; and this has led a late
historian to insinuate the existence of a persecuting and
intolerant spirit in religion.* If the supposed execution
ever took place, it is not perceived that it sanctions the
inferences which have been made. There is no evidence
that the judgment was rendered by an ecclesiastical court ;
and it is well known that the belief in witchcraft was uni
versal in Europe until the sixteenth century, and even
maintained its ground with tolerable firmness until the
middle of the seventeenth. It was an offence cognizable
by the civil courts, having been made a felony, without
benefit of clergy, by statute 1 James I, c. 12, (enacted
in 1603,) so that, if the fact of the execution mentioned
above rested on certain testimony, it would still be a gra
tuitous imputation to charge it upon the church. The only
record of a trial for witchcraft in Virginia, is believed to be
that of Grace Sherwcod of Princess Ann county; and if
it be this to which the historian has alluded, it does not
sustain his insinuation ; for it was a trial before the civil
authority ; it did not take place until 1705, 6 ; nor does it
appear from the record that the accused was executed.!
Virginia, therefore, is entitled to the honourable distinction
of having, in the infancy of her political existence, sustained
religion without severity, when her course found but little
countenance in the world's example. And if she should
* 2 Burk, appendix, xxxi. t Collections of the Virginia His
torical Society, vol. i. p. 73.

;40
1629. J in VIRGINIA. 49
be deemed justly chargeable with inconsistency in enacting
severely, and execu^ig mildly, the inconsistency was at
least amiable; and she need not blush to own that the
feelings of humanity triumphed over the sternness of a
mistaken theory.
Such mildness, however, was far from agreeable to
Sir John Hervey; and, in the assembly of 1629, an act
was passed, at his instigation, enjoining, under severe
penalties, a strict conformity to the canons of the church :*
and there is evidence to show that after this time infrac
tions of church law were visited with punishment. The
enactments of this, and the period immediately subse
quent to it, are often characterized by harshness ; and if, as
has been said, they were "judicious,"! their necessity indi
cates the sad fact that the practical fruits of Christianity
did not accompany the possession of a sound creed: in
other words, that the religion of the day was more nominal
than real. It is, however, a point worthy of examination,
whether this supposed necessity was not itself created by
the severity of the enactments and proclamations under the
royal gpverner. To coerce men into the outward exercise
of religious acts by penal laws, is indeed possible ; but to
make them love either the religion which is thus enforced,
or those who enforce it, is beyond the reach of human
power. There is an inherent principle of resistance to
oppression, seated in the very constitution of most men,
which disposes them to rebel against the arbitrary exercise
of violence seeking to give direction to opinions ; and it is
not, therefore, to be wondered at, that one sanguinary law
compel men to live piously, should beget the necessity for
more. In addition to this consideration, it is to be borne in
mind, that the utmost severity in enforcing ecclesiastical
law was the fashion of those who were in power at home ;
and a similar course in the colony would therefore be
deemed an acceptable offering to the authorities of the
* 1 Hening's Virginia Statutes, at large, 149. t 2 Burk, 31.
G

50 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1629.
mpther country. Without intending then to assert that
the religious condition of the colonv_was all that could
be desired, it may be said that the existence of these
severe enactments furnishes no conclusive evidence that
Christianity was at a low ebb, and wickedness triumphant.
But, however this may be, nothing is more certain than
that punishments were inflicted on the colonists, not for
professing a faith different from that which was established,
but for not complying with laws made to enforce that
which they had professed. Upon the ancient records is
to be found the entry of the excommunication of a colonist
" for forty days, for using seornful speeches, and putting on
his hat in church, when, according to an order of court, he
was to acknowledge and ask forgiveness for an offence."*
But the most memorable instance is furnished in the case
of Stephen Reek, which occurred in 1642, under the first
administration of Sir William Berkeley. It has already
been mentioned, that the decrees of the court of high com
mission were acknowledged as authority in the ecclesias
tical concerns of the colony. They had now come to be
the established rules of conduct; and the authority of
Archbishop Laud was not less conclusive in Virginia than
it was in England. His opinions concerning the puritans
were implicitly received and acted upon, so that the colony
afforded no countenance, nor even a home to one of that
class ; for during the short administration of Sir Francis
Wyatt, who succeeded Hervey, (from 1639 to 1641,) several
laws were enacted against the puritans, though there were
then none in the colony, " to prevent," as was said, " the infec
tion from reaching this country."! The greatest reverence
and respect for the character and doctrines of the arch
bishop were enjoined under heavy penalties ; and no re
flection, however slight, was allowed against royal pr epis-
* 1 Hening's Virginia Statutes, t Beverly, 57 ; 2 Burk, 75.
at large, 223.

1642.] IN VIRGINIA. 51
copal authority. Under this state of things, Reek, either in
a moment of exasperation at the oppression of tyranny, or
in the indiscreet indulgence of a jocose spirit, was unfor
tunately heard to say that " his majesty was at confession
with my Lord of Canterbury." Whether the expression
was considered as amounting to a charge of popery against
the king, or as importing a belief that his majesty was
under the prelate's guidance, is not recorded; but the un
fortunate delinquent was pilloried for two hours, with a
label on his back, setting forth his offence, fined fifty
pounds, and imprisoned during pleasure.*
The usual effects of punishment, in cases of this kind,
were soon apparent. Such punishment never yet failed
to give resolution to the spirit of resistance ; and men are
often led, by severity, to the adoption of measures, of which,
if unmolested, they would probably have never thought.
On the records of the first church in Boston, there may be
found, in the very year in which Reek was punished, the
history of an application sent from Virginia, addressed
to the General Court of Massachusetts, and gentlemen of
influence in the community, beseeching them " to send
ministers of the gospel into that region, that its inhabitants
might be privileged with the preaching and ordinances of
Jesus Christ."! And (as we have seen that the case of
Reek did not stand alone) it can scarcely admit of doubt,
that the application was prompted by opposition to the
indiscreet and oppressive measures pursued in Virginia.
It has, indeed, been said by a modern historian^ (whose
inaccuracies may find some extenuation in the fact that he
is a foreigner, and wrote under many disadvantages in his
materials, and at a distance from the scene of action,) that
this application to Massachusetts was made by the little
* 1 Hening's Virginia Statutes, 1 Mather's Magnalia, Hartford ed,,
at large, 552 ; 2 Burk, 67. 538 ; though Mather places it in 1641.
t Emerson's Historical Sketch of t 1 Graham's Hist, of the United
the first Church in Boston, p. 75 ; States, 313.

52 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1642.
remnant of puritans, who are supppsed to have entered the
colony in 1619. No authority is given by him for the
statement, nor is it known on what ground it rests. It is be
lieved to be erroneous ; the most diligent research has not
been rewarded by the discovery of any such fact ; and as
twenty-three years had now elapsed since the arrival pf
puritans in 1619, during all which time the Church pf
England was the establishment, it will not be deemed im
probable that the distinct existence of these dissenters had
been gradually lost, under the combined influence of an act
of conformity, the vigilance of the governor and council,
and the known want ef a pastpr. The application, there
fore, has been considered as that of members of the estab
lishment driven into opposition by the severity of rulers ;
and is viewed in this light ; though it is possible, and in
deed probable, that the application was suggested by. some
of those who, as we are informed by Winthrop, had emi
grated from New-England two years before, and sought a
home in the southern colonies.*
The lesson presented is plain and impressive. Up to
the period of Hervey 's arrival, in 1629, there was no
complaint ; the colonists were content to remain in the
bosom of that church in which they had been reared ;
and there is ample evidence of a conscientious and
general attachment to the faith which was established.
The colony of Massachusetts Bay was planted by men
who, for the most part, were decided in their opposition to
the Church of England. That church received as little
countenance among them, as puritanism found in Virginia :
and yet, notwithstanding this marked difference of opinion,
a portion of the church in Virginia is found, goaded into
madness by the folly of rulers, and willing to manifest its
resentment by an alliance with those who could furnish no
aid, but at the expense of that church which once had their
best affections. * 3 Savages' Winthrop, 21.

1642.] IN VIRGINIA. 53
The application to Boston was laid before a meeting
of the ministers of that place, when three were desig
nated to answer the call : of these three, one only, Mr.
Tomspn, cculd be prevailed on to obey the summons ;*
he was, however, joined afterward, by Mr. Knolles of Wa-
tertown and Mr. James of New-Haven ; arid these three
gentlemen went as Congregational missionaries to the
Church of England in Virginia.! Their stay, however,
was but short, for an act of the legislature of this year,
enacted " that for the preservation of purity and unity of
doctrine and discipline in the church, and the right ad
ministration of the sacraments, no minister be admitted to
officiate in this country, but such as shall produce to the
governor a testimonial that he hath received his ordination
from some bishop in England, and shall then subscribe,
to be conformable to the orders and constitutions of the
Church of England, and the laws there established : upon
which the governor is hereby requested te induct the said
minister inte any parish that shall make presentatipn pf
him : and if any other person, pretending himself a min
ister, shall, contrary to this act, presume to teach or
preach publicly or privately, the governor and council are
hereby desired and empowered to suspend and silence the
person so offending ; and upon his obstinate persistance,
to compel him to depart the country with the first conve
nience.";!: If the unwelcome visit of these ministers was
not the cause of the passage of this act, it was unquestion
ably this law which compelled their speedy return.§ Of
the effect of their visit, this account is obtained from the
statements of such as were of their own persuasion.
" They had," says Mather,|| " little encouragement from
the rulers of the place, but they had a kind entertainment
* Emerson's Historical Sketch of t Trott's Laws of the British
the first Church in Boston, p. 75; Plantations, p. 116; 1 Henings's
1 Mather's Magnalia, 538 ; though Statutes, at large, 277.
Mather places it in 1641. y 1 Holmes's Annals, 271, note 3.
t 1 Holmes's Annals, 264. I! 1 Math. Mag. 539.

54 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1642.
with the peeple." And Winthrep* remarks, that " theugh
the state did silence the ministers, because they would not
conform to the order of England, yet the people resorted
to them in private houses to hear them." That their suc
cess was but limited, will appear at a future period in this
narrative. There is ene clause in the act cf conformity just recited
which is worthy of notice, inasmuch as the subject whieh
it embraced led afterward to much discussion and, indeed,
litigation ; and was finally adjusted by legislative interpo
sition. It related to the rights of presentation and induc
tion ; the former of which was, by implication at least,
given to the parish, and the latter to the governor. But
before the passage of this act, it was a matter of dispute
whether the parishes, as builders and endowers of all the
churches, had not, by the law of England, the right of pres
entation ; and after its enactment, many parishes still con
tended for the exercise of the right, under the law of Eng
land, independent of the statute.! But on whatever ground
the right rested, it was certainly exercised by the parishes ;
and it is believed that it continued to be exercised up to
the period of the American Revolution. As a specimen of
the letters of induction commonly used, a copy of one, with
the omission of names only, made from the original, is sub
joined ; in which it will be remarked that the right of the
parish to make the presentation seems to be recognised.
"A. B., his majesty's lieutenant, and governor-general
of the colony and dominion of Virginia,
" To the vestry of Hungar's parish in Northampton
county. " In virtue of the presentation which you have made to
* See 2 Savage's Winthrop, 96'; ginia, by Richard Bland, Esq., one
Hubbard's History of New-England, of the Representatives in Assembly
4] l. for the county of Prince George. A
t A Letter to the Clergy of Vir- pamphlet, published in 1660,

1642.] IN VIRGINIA. 55
me of the Rev. C. D., to be your minister, I do induct him
into the real, actual, and ccrporal possession of the parish
of Hungars, in the county of Northampton, with all the
rights, profits, and appurtenances thereunto, belonging."
Particuliarity of statement on this point will not, per
haps, be deemed useless, when it is understood that the
legislation of a future period, which most deeply affected
the church in its temporal interests, involved a question
as to the actual ownership of the church property ; the
right of presentation aided in settling that question : and
at a future period of this history, it will be found important
to remember that, from the beginning, the jus proprietatis
was supposed to be in the body of people, or parish, by
which the church edifice was erected, and its lands ob
tained. At this time another circumstance occurred which in
vites remark, inasmuch as history has connected it with
the religious opinions of the colony. It seems that Mr.
George Sandys, one of the agents of the colony in Eng
land, petitioned parliament, in the name of his constituents,
for the restoration of the old company. The colony, how
ever, formally disavowed the act, and entreated permission
to remain under the royal government;* this measure
is supposed to have been induced by attachment to the
Church of England. The petition of Mr. Sandys was pre
ferred to the long parliament; and the mother country
was then passing through the troubles which resulted in
the temporary overthrow of monarchy. The attachment
of Virginia, as has already been stated, was to the Church
of England ; nor is there any reason to doubt that, not
withstanding the disaffection of some, among the great
mass of the inhabitants it was a censcientious attachment.
The proceedings cf the leng parliament, and the spirit pf
* 1 Hening's Virginia Statutes, at large, 230.

56 PROTESTANT EPISCPPAL CHURCH [J642.
thpse whe ruled the disprganizers, were ebjects cf suspicicn
in Virginia. The cclpnists saw plainly that the measures
in progress tended tp the subversien pf the church ; and
they viewed the puritans (whcm they cordially disliked)
as engaged in an effert, not merely to subvert the throne,
but to destroy the Church of England also. And this, it is
said, induced the colony to favour the royal cause.*
There is probably some truth in this conjecture of the his
torian, but it is not the whole truth. The circumstance does,
indeed, furnish evidence that Virginia preferred the Church
of England, and entertained but little partiality for the
puritans ; and, according to the view just presented, she
deserves, at least, to be complimented for political sagacity,
in having foreseen results which were afterward verified
by the facts. But there was more than this in the occur
rence. Virginia was loyal. She was the last colony to
submit to the parliament. Hundreds of the cavaliers
sought and found refuge within her borders. - There is
ample evidence in her history of a devoted attachment to
the crown. And who, at this day, will reproach her on that
account ? It is but a disingenuous effort, in our love for the
political institutions of our own country, to offer a lame and
insufficient apology for loyalty to a throne, when exhibited
by men, who had been taught by situation, habits, and edu
cation to deem loyalty a virtue. The descendants of the
cavaliers, and there are some such in Virginia, have surely
no cause to blush for the feeling of honour which kept their
fathers faithful to what they thought to be duty. If, how
ever, it was a fault in the colony to offer resistance to the
republican principles and practices of the commpnwealth,
let the fault be. put. down to the true account — Virginia's
loyalty ; but let not the church in this country be injured
at this day by an artful insinuation, that adherence to her
principles involved attachment to mpnarchy; let her npt
• 2 Burk, 75.

1648.] IN VIRGINIA. 57
be sacrificed to prejudices which are easily excited, but
allayed with difficulty.
The assembly of dissenters, collected by the missionaries
from Massachusetts, whose efforts have been recorded on
a previous page, amounted in 1648, to one hundred and
eighteen members. It had experienced from its com
mencement the ppposition of government ; Mr. Durand its
elder had been already banished by the governor ; and in
this year, Mr. Harrison^its pastor, having been ordered to
depart from the country, sought congeniality of sentiment
among the Cougregationalists or Independents of New-Eng
land.* One who was contemporary with the transactions
here related, has left us the following statement, which
presents a picture of persecution, for which no apology
should be offered: "And there was in Virginia a certaine
people congregated into achurch, calling themselves Inde
pendents, which daily encreasing, severall consultations
were had by the state of that Coloney,- how to suppress and
extinguish them, which was daily put in execution ; as
first, their pastor was banished ; next, their other teachers;
then many by informations clapt up in prison, then gener
ally disarmed (which was very harsh in such a country
where the heathen live round about them) by one Colonel
Samuel Matthews, then a counsellor in Virginia, so that
they knew not in those straights how to dispose of them
selves."! Mr. Harrison, on his return, represented that
many of the council were favourably disposed towards the
introduction of puritanism, and " one thousand of the peo
ple, by conjecture," were of a similar mind. J There is but
little doubt that the banishment of Mr. Harrison was con
nected with other considerations than thpse of religion.
The time at which it occurred was but a few months prior
•* 1 Holmes's Annals, 289; 2 Maryland. A pamphlet, published
Savage's Winthrop, 334. in 1656. The author was John
t Leah and Rachell, or the two Hammond.
fruitfull Sisters of Virginia and t 2 Savage's Winthrop, 334,
H

58 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1648.
to the execution of the unfortunate Charles; and the re
ligious opinions of Mr. Harrison were taken as an index
to his political sentiments ; he was banished, probably, as
much for the latter as the former; and the transaction
affords another proof of the deep sympathy which Virginia
felt for the fallen king.
After the beheading of Charles, the parliament directed its
attention to the subjugation of the colonies. Virginia made
resistance ; she now contained a population of twenty
thousand,* and was under the government of a man, who
yielded to none, in attachment to the family of the late
monarch. Sir William Berkeley resolved not to sur
render without a struggle ; and in this determination he
was strengthened by the cavaliers, who, as has been before
mentioned, had in large numbers sought a refuge in Vir
ginia. Certain Dutch trading ships were also at the time
lying off James Town, engaged in a traffic which had been
interdicted by the parliament ; and fearful of the loss of
property, and perhaps of life, under the decision of the
parliament's courts in England, the commanders of these
ships, determined to make ccmmon cause with Virginia.
The vessels were accordingly filled with men, and moored
in the most convenient position for pouring a broadside
into an approaching enemy ; while troops, commanded by
the governor in person, covered the eminences that over
looked the waters which formed the peninsula. When
the squadron approached James Town, the leaders of the
parliamentary forces were startled by a preparation for
resistance alike formidable and unexpected ; and the offi
cers of the commonwealth, not daring to hazard an attack,
resorted tp negotiation. Some of the members of the
council happened to be the owners of a large quantity of
gpods which had been shipped for them in England, on
board spme pf the vessels Pf the invading fleet, and their
* 1 Holmes's Annals, 315.

1651.] IN VIRGINIA. 59
influence was sought in effecting an accommodation.
They yielded to considerations of interest, produced a
division of sentiment in the council, and at length, sorely
against the wishes of the governor, it was resolved to
capitulate. The measure having been determined on, all
that Sir William Berkeley could do, was to unite all parties
in the resolution to insist on the most honourable terms.
In this he met with no difficulty ; and the conditions of
surrender having been discussed and agreed on in a grand
assembly of governor, cpuncillors, and burgesses, they
were sent to the commander of the parliamentary forces,
with a solemn assurance, that if they were not accepted
without the slightest alteration or qualification the colony
was prepared to endure the worst rather than submit.
The parliamentary leader was most willing to accept of
the surrender on their own terms ; and truly has it been
said of them, that they were " the most liberal and ample
that were ever procured under similar circumstances ;"
and form "an honourable and lasting record of the spirit
and intelligence of Virginia."*
In these articles of capitulation, the governor and council
were excused from taking the path to the commonwealth
for one year; and were not to be censured for praying- for
the king, or speaking well of him, in their private houses
and neighbourly conference. It was also stipulated " that
the use of the Book of Common Prayer shall be permitted
for one yeare ensueing, with reference to .the consent of
the major part of the parishes, provided that those which
relate to kingship, or that government be not used p.ub-
liquely, and the continuance of ministers in their places,
they not misdemeaning themselves,, and the payment of
their accustomed dues and agreements made with them
respectively, shall be left as they now stand, dureing this
ensueing yeare."!
* 2 Burk, 80, et seq. Beverly. t 2 Burk, 90 ; 1 Hening's Vir
ginia Statutes, at large, 362.

60 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1651.

CHAPTER IV.
1651-1693.
Introduction of Puritans — Hatred of Puritanism — Reproved by Cromwell
— Virginia throws off obedience to the Commonwealth — State of the
Church in 1661 — Bad Character of many of the Clergy — Legislation of
1662 — Intolerance towards Quakers — Conspiracy of Puritans — Dread of
Popery — The Reverend Dr. Blair, first Commissary — His Character and
Labours — Establishment of William and Mary College.
During the time which intervened between the surrender
of Virginia to the commonwealth and the restoration of
Charles the Second, little is to be found which illustrates
the condition of the church. It is certain that the success
of the parliamentary party led to the introduction into the
colony of new residents who entertained but little affection
for the Church of England ; and it may be that among
these individuals, congregations were organized on the model .
which had been set up in the mother country ; but it is also
certain, that if such were the fact, the influence of this ex
ample was but slightly felt, and the great body of the people
still retained their attachment for the church of their fathers.
The legislation of the period under review affords us but
little light. In 1653, we find a clergyman declared inca
pable of being a member of the House of Burgesses, as it
might "produce bad consequences."* In 1655, "many
places were destitute of ministers, and like still to continue
so, the people not paying their accustomed dues," and
manifesting great negligence in procuring religious instruc
tion ;! and in 1657, an act for settling church government
* 1 Hening's Statutes, at large, 378. 1 Ibid. 399.

1651.] IN VIRGINIA. 61
provided that tp the pepple pf the respective parishes shculd
be referred all matters touching the churchwardens and
vestry, agreements with tlieir ministers, and, in general,
such things as concerned the parish or parishioners.* The
interference of the legislature, however, does not seem to
have caused any change in the feelings or habits of the
colonists, so far at least as the church was concerned. A
contemporary describes them as "a people which generally
bear a great love to the stated constitutions of the Church
of England, in her government and public worship; which
gave us (who went thither under the late persecutions of
it) the advantage of liberty to use it constantly . among
them, after the naval force had reduced the colony under
the power (but never to the obedience) of the usur
pers."! Indeed, during the whole" continuance of the protectorate,
Virginia seems to have been an object of suspicion to Crom
well. Her attachment to the royal cause was known; and
her silent endurance of the religious system which was
then triumphant at home, was justly supposed to be an
extorted acquiescence in what she could not remedy, rather
than the voluntary submission of a cordial affection. There
was a circumstance which occurred about this time, well
calculated to increase Cromwell's distrust. A set of com
missioners, at the head of whom was one Claiborne, a felon
convict who had escaped from justice in Maryland during
the reign of Charles the First, was employed, under the
auspices of Cromwell, "in the holy work of rooting out
the abominations of popery and prelacy in Maryland.";];
This, chief commissioner was well known in Virginia, for
he had lived there, and from the concurrent testirhony of
the historians of the times, his character seems to have

* 1 Hening's Statutes, at large, t 2 Burk, 113. Leah and Rachell,
433. or the two fruitfull Sisters of Vir-
t Virginia's Cure, an advisive nar- ginia and Maryland. A pamphlet of
rative concerning. Virginia, p. 22. 1656.

62 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL . CHURCH [1651.
been well understood. " It was not religion," says .a writer
of that day, "it was not punctilios these commissioners
stood upon ; it was that sweete, that rich, that large country
they aimed at."* Virginia dared to sympathize with the
victims of Claiborne's oppression, and to afford relief to
such pf them as seught an asylum within her borders;
"and," says the historian quoted abeve, "this supposed
attempt in Virginia to interrupt the work of righteousness,
was looked on as the instigation of Satan, to retard the
establishment of God's religion and the dominion of the
saints."! ^ called forth from the Protector a severe reproof
to the governor and council, in which he descanted on " the
presumption and impiety of this interference," and admon
ished Virginia in future to attend solely to her own con^
cerns.J The circumstances abeve related furnish, it will be ob
served, testimony to something more than the fact of Crom
well's suspicion of Virginia. There could have been, in
the mass of the people, little or no disposition cordially to
co-operate in the diffusion and establishment of puritanical
opinions and practices in Virginia, when they were so
ready to afford a refuge to those who fled from them in
Maryland. Sir William Berkeley, who, by the articles of capitulation
in 1651, had secured to himself the right of transporting
himself and his effects to Europe within one year, still lin
gered in the colony under various pretexts ; and thus is the
suspicion strengthened that he secretly indulged the hope
of a restoration of royalty, and remained on the spot to
avail himself of any circumstances which might seem
favourable to the production of such an event. A very
large number of cavaliers had been driven abroad by
Cromwell, and crowds of them resorted to Virginia ;§ and
there is reason to believe that there was a secret and unsus-
* Leah and Rachell. J Ibid.
t 2 Burk, 113. <> 1 Holmes's Annals, 315.

1659.] IN VIRGINIA. 63
pected correspondence carried on between these refugees
and the ex-governor.*
One of those refugees, a devoted loyalist and a relative
of Sir William Berkeley, has left a narrative of the voyage
which he, together with others of the king's adherents,
made to Virginia. From him we learn that the colony was
looked upon by the cavaliers as an asylum for them, in
which they were certain of finding those who sympathized
with them in their sufferings, and shared with them in their
political attachments ; and the house and the purse of Sir
WiUiam Berkeley "were open to all of the royal party who
made Virginia their refuge."!
Upon the death of the governor Matthews, in the begin
ning of 1659, the Virginians, according to the statements
of the earlier historians, resolved to throw off the govern
ment of the protectorate ; and repairing in crowds to the
residence of Sir William Berkeley, who was then living in
retirement, requested of him to resume the government of
the colony. He, it is said, declined, unless they would
solemnly promise to adventure their lives and fortunes
with him for the king. The pledge was given ; and in
January, 1659, Charles the Second was proclaimed in Vir
ginia, and Berkeley resumed the government, sixteen months
before the king was restored to the throne. J
Later writers have, however, doubted the correctness of
this statement, and have laboured hard to prove that Vir
ginia was essentially republican at this period, and cared
but little for the restoration of royalty.^ There may be a
deficiency of proof to establish the fact of a tumultuous
assemblage having requested Berkeley to resume the reins
of government; but a fair exposition of the records of that
* 2 Burk, 114. Chalmers, b. i. 135 ; 1 Holmes's An-
t Journal of a Voyage to Virginia, nals, 311.
by Colonel Norwood ; Churchill's $ 1 Hening's Stat., at large, 513
Collection of Voyages, vol. vi. p. 1 70. note, 526 note ; Bancroft's United
t Beverly, p. 55; 2 Burk, 118; States, 240 to 253. Bancroft is in
debted entirely to Heiiihg.

64 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1661.
day, together with the testimony of contemporaneous his
tory, will place beyond a doubt the loyalty of Virginia.*
Charles had scarcely ascended the throne before he trans
mitted to Governor Berkeley a new commission, and gave
him permission to visit England. Upon this visit, which
was made immediately, he received^ a body of instructions
which formed the basis of the colonial legislation for the
church, in 1662. The condition of Virginia in ecclesiastical
matters at the period of the restoration, is gathered from a
pamphlet which was delivered to the Bishop of London in
1661, during the visit of Sir William Berkeley, and probably
at his instigation.
There were in the colony at that time about fifty
parishes, situated, for the most part, on the banks of the
rivers, and extending themselves for some length, form
ing narrow belts of land along the shore. Many of
these parishes had nothing more than a legislative exist
ence in the acts of assembly which defined their bounda
ries, and in many there was neither church, parsonage, nor
glebe. Most of them were destitute of clergymen, as the
whole number of ministers in the colony was about one-
fifth of the number of parishes.! From the same source
of information we learn that the scarcity of ministers was
an evil which had. long been felt, and that applications had
been from time to time made to the Bishop of London " for
help to preserve the Christian religion by supplying them
with ministers." Such, indeed, was the want of clergy
men, that a bounty of twenty pounds sterling was granted
by the legislature of 1656, to any person who should at his
" proper cost and charge transport a sufficient minister"
into the colony.} These applications, if not entirely fruit
less, were of but little benefit to the colony ; the country
was not in the best repute, and but few clergymen of merit
were found willing to make it their permanent habitation"
* Vide Appendix, note A. narrative concerning Virginia.
t Virginia's Cure, or an advisive t 1 Hening's Stat, at large, 418.

1662.] IN VIRGINIA. 65
Clergymen emigrated, indeed, but so far as the colony was
concerned, better had it been had they remained at home.
" Many came, such as wore black coats, and could babble
ih a pulpit, roare in a tavern, exact from their parishioners,
and rather by their dissolutenesse, destroy than feed their
flocks. Loath was the country to be wholy without teach^
ers, and therefore -rather retain them than be destitute :
yet still, endeavours for better in their places, which were
obtained, and these wolves in sheep's clothing by their
assemblies questioned, silenced, and some forced to depart
the country."*
The narrative which was presented to the Bishep of
London in 1661, suggested as remedies for the evils under
which the Virginia church laboured, the building of towns,
and proposing to the king a collection throughout the king
dom ; and to ensure a supply of qualified clergymen, it
recommended the establishment, at the two universities, of
"Virginia fellowships," imposing upon the fellows at their
ordination, at the expiration of seven years, the duty of
going to Virginia and officiating as parish priests, for seven
years more.
How far the measures here proposed found favour with
those in authority is unknown ; but in the body of instruc
tions given to Sir Willliam Berkeley, the first article re
commended " the duties of religion, the use of the Book of
Common Prayer, the 'decent repairs of churches, and a
competent provision for conforming ministers. For this
purpose, a convenient house, with a glebe of a hundred
acres, for the exercise of their industry, were directed to
be assigned to them, together with a liberal maintenance to
be- furnished out of the fruits and productions of the earth
and the labours of the planters."! Sir William Berkeley
transmitted to his deputy a copy of the instructions which
he had received; and as the legislature was then in ses-
* Hammond's Leah and Rachell, p. 5. t 2 Burk, 124
I

60 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1662.
sion, preparing a revised code,, this intimation of the royal
pleasure was naturally enough made the guide in legisla
tion. The enactments of the legislaturej so far as they concern
religion, may, it is thought, be most conveniently presented
under four heads. ¦£?,
I. As it respected church edifices, the law declared that
a church should be " built in each parish of the country,
unless any parish, as now settled, by reason of the fewness
or poverty of the inhabitants, be incapable of sustaining
so great a charge ; in which case, such parishes shall be
joined tp the great parish of the same county ; and that a
chapel of ease be built in such places, at the particular
charge of that place." It was also made the duty of the
churchwardens to " keep the church in repair, and provide
books and decent ornaments ; viz., a great Bible, two Com
mon Prayer books, a communion cloth and napkins, a
pulpit, and cushion."
II. As it respected the duties and compensation of the
clergy, and the regular performance of divine service, it
was enacted, " that the canons set down in the liturgy of
theChurch of England, for celebrating divine service and
administration of the saeraments, be duly observed and
kept ; and that the whole liturgy, according to the said in
junctions, be, by the minister or reader at church or chapel,
every Sunday throughly used." It was also made the
duty of the minister of each parish " to preach constantly
every Sunday; viz., one Sunday in a month at each chapel
of ease in his parish, if there be any, and the others in his
parish church ; and that twice a year, at least, he admin
ister the sacrament of the Lord's Supper there." To se
cure to the people divine service in the absence of the
minister, it was enacted that " every parish, not having a
minister to officiate every Sunday, might make choice of a
grave and seber person, of good life and conversation, to
read divine service, every intervening Sunday, at the parish

1662.] IN VIRGINIA. 67
church, when the minister preacheth in any other place."
Ami it was also declared, that neither minister nor reader
should teach any other catechism than " that inserted in
the Book of Common Prayer ; and that the minister ex
pound no other than that : that our fundamentals, at
least, may be well laid ; and that no reader, upon pre
sumption of his own -abilities, do attempt the expounding
that or any other catechism, or the scriptures." The
minister or reader was alse required to keep a record of
his official acts. As to the dues of the minister, (as they
were termed,) it was provided that an annual salary of
eighty pounds should be settled on every minister, " to be
paid in the valuable commodities of the country ; if in to
bacco, at twelve shillings per hundred weight; if in corn,
at ten shillings per barrel."* It was also made the duty
of the churchwardens " to collect these dues, cause them
to be brought to convenient places, and hcnestly pay
them." III. As to the rights and duties pf the laity, it was
enacted that 'fthe major part of each parish" should
chPose " twelve of the most able men of each parish" to
be a vestry ; out of which number the minister and vestry
were annually tp select two churchwardens ; and to them
also was given the power of supplying all vacancies in
their body; and none were to be permitted to act as ves
trymen, until they should take " the oaths of allegiance and
supremacy to his majesty, and- subscribe to be comform-
able to the doctrine and discipline of the Church of Eng
land." The due observance of the Lord's day, by attend
ance upon public worship, and refraining from travel, ex
cept in cases of emergent necessity, were required under
the penalty of a fine of fifty pounds of -tobacco. As illus
trative of the spirit of the age, it should be added that a
special proviso in this statute excluded "Quakers, or*
* A Letter to the Clergy of Virginia, by Richard Bland, Esquire.

68 FROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1662.
other- recusants, whe, out of non-conformity to the church,"
totally absented themselves from worship, from the benefit
of its comparatively mild penalty; and declared them still
to be liable to the penalties &f statute 23 Elizabeth, which
were for each month's absence twenty pounds sterling ; and
for the continued absence of a twelvemonth, to give, in
addition to the fine, security for their good behaviour. It
was also enacted by the law of Virginia, that each Quaker
attending an " unlawful assembly or conventicle," if taken
there, should pay a fine of two hundred pounds of tobacco
for each offence. And " whereas," to use the language of
the preamble, "many schismatical persons, either out of
averseness to the orthodox established religion, or out of the
new-fangled, conceits of their own heretical inventions, did
refuse to have their children baptized ;" it was enacted that
whoever, "in contempt of the divine saerament of bap
tism," should thus refuse, when he might carry his child to
a lawful minister within the county. to be baptized, should
be amerced two thousand pounds of tpbaccp, half to the
parish,, and half to the informer.
IV. For the advancement of education, and conse
quent increase of religious instructers, the following ju
dicious law was enacted : " Whereas, the want of able
and faithful ministers in this country deprives us of those
great blessings and mercies that always attend upon the
service of „God ; which want* by reason of our great dis
tance from our native country, cannot, in probability, be
always supplied from thence : be it enacted, that for the
advance of learning, education of youth, supply of the
ministry, and promotion of piety, there be land taken up,
or purchased, for a college and free-school ; and that
there be, with as much speed as may be convenient,
housing erected thereon for entertainment of students and
scholars."* * For these several laws, see Trott's Laws of the British Plantations in
America; article Virginia, Nos. 1, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10 11. 23. 25; 28. 29; 2
Hening's Virginia Statutes, at large, p. 44.

1663.] IN VIRGINIA. /• 69
These are the principal enactments, touching the church,
which were made in 1662. In the succeeding year, a spirit
of intolerance, for which no better apology has been
rendered than that it was the~ spirit of the age, seems
to have been manifested towards the unfortunate Qua
kers. Those who are disposed to find an^excuse for this
severity, might urge, in extenuation of the passage of the
law inflicting additional penalties on the Quakers, that
the effort for their suppression was made on political
rather than on religious considerations ; for the preamble
in reference to the> assemblies of Quakers states, that
" under that and other names of separation, persons have
taken up and maintained sundry dangerous opinions and
tenets ; and, under pretence of religious worship, often
assemble themselves in great numbers, in several parts of
this colony, to the great endangering of its public peace
and safety:"* but, unfortunately for the charity which
would adopt this excuse, it must be remembered, that
though ordinarily there is wisdom in an adherence to
the rule of law which makes the preamble a key to the
interpretation of the statute ; yet in the case of a penal
enaetment, the maker of the law and of its preamble is
the same individual ; and he will scarcely fail to justify to
the world the severity of the enactment, by the insertion
in the preamble of what, to him at least, appears to be a
sufficient apology. It would be difficult to find a penal
statute with a preamble, in which the preamble does not
sanction the severity of the law ; for men are not usually
willing to exhibit gratuitous cruelty. Were it always cer
tain that the preamble told nothing but the truth, the rule
of interpretation above alluded to might safely be made
of universal application ; but when it is known, in some of
its statements, to be untrue, it obviously furnishes no safe
* 2 Hening's Statutes, at large, 180 ; Beverly, 57.

70 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH fi663.
guide. Such in the case under consideration happens to
be the faet. It is stated that Quakers assembled " in great
numbers," when at this peried their number in the colpny
was .ccmparatively small ; sp small, indeed, that they are
knpwn to have had but one congregation at most, if, in-
deed,.they had any. Another unfortunate discrepancy
between the preamble and the law is, that while the one
professes the existence of an evil which called for a remedy,
in the assemblage of those under " other names of separa
tion" as well as of Quakers, the other applies the pro
posed remedy to Quakers only. The statement in the
preamble, therefore, it is believed, is entitled to little credit;
and, under all the circumstances, it is difficult at this day
to find the true cause of this hostility tp a class pf men pro
verbially peaceable, unless we refer it tc a complaisant
spirit. of acquiescence, ready to return a faithful echo to
the known opinions of the reigning monarch respecting
those whose principles, he said, he had discovered to be
" inconsistent with any kind of government."*
Whatever may have been the causes which led to the
passage of the law, injts enforcement there were not want
ing instances of disfranchisement and petty annoyance ;!
though Virginia did not proceed as far as her sister colony
of Massachusetts in inflicting the punishment of death.
No Quakers were hanged in Virginia. It has been said
that this forbearance" was not owing to the moderation
of the church, or spirit of the legislature."^ As to the
church, it is not perceived that she had any agency in the
enactment of the law ; and as to the legislature, it certainly
was as competent to punish Quakers with death, as it was
to inflict a lighter penalty. Nor can it be for a moment
* See King Charles's Letter to t 2 Burk, 131.
the Colony of Massachusetts ; 2 % Jefferson's Noteir on .Virginia,
Hazard, 605-7 ; S Coll. Mass. Hist, query Xvii.
Soc. viii. 52. 55. ' •

1683.] IN VIRGINIA. 71
doubted that the severest punishment Would have received
the royal sanction ; for in the letter of Charles to the colony
of Massachusetts, to which allusion has already been made,
the language of the king is remarkable : — " We cannot be
understood hereby to direct or wish that any indulgence
should be grantedto those persons commonly called Qua
kers." If, therefore, there was any moderation exhibited at
all, it must have been by the legislature ; and as it is the
only redeeming feature which this body presents in the
transaction, it seems hard to rob it of this trifling modicum
cf merit. That it was riot disposed to signalize itself by its
want of moderation, is evident from a circumstance which
occurred in the very same body by which the law was
enacted. The sheriff of Norfolk reported to the House of
Burgesses, that one of their members, the representative
from his county, was " loving to the Quakers and attended
their, meetings." The accused member did not hesitate to
avow his attachment to the persecuted seet, but denied
that there was evidence to prove his attendance upon their
meetings. This was admitted by the House ; but upon his
refusal to take the oaths of allegiance and supremacy,
which were required of all the members, he was expelled ;
and with that step the legislature was content, without in-
stitutiflg an inquiry or directing a prosecution against the
suspected Quaker.*
There was another class of non-conformists in the colony,
more numerous^ and more dangerous than the Quakers,
against whom the law of 1642! waS Put in force. These
were veteran soldiers, wno, having imbibed the Spirit
of insurrection under Cromwell, had been transported
to Virginia after the restoration, on account of their
turbulent and mutinous dispositions. Their assemblages,
there is reason to believe, were perverted from reli
gious to treasonable purposes ; and under the influence
of these men, a plot was ccncccted among the secta-
* 2 Hening's Statutes, at large, 198. t Vide ante, p. 53.

72 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1663.
ries of their creedv for the subverslen pf the govern
ment, presenting a singular ccmppund of fanaticism and
villany, It was betrayed by Pne pf their own number en
the evening previous te its intended executicn, and the just
indignatien pf the celpny was satisfied with the death of
four pnly of the conspirators.. As there were political
dangers resulting from the meetings of these misguided
men, which were suspected by the government, it will per
haps be deemed no undue exercise of severity that the
law which prohibited their meetings "was enforced, as the
readiest as well-as mildest mode of cprrecting the evil.
Scarcely had the fears excited by the discovery of this
plot been permitted to subside, before a fresh cause of ap
prehension was found. This was the dread of popery
under the reign of the second James. The attachment of
the king tp the Church of Rome was strongly suspected in
the colony, insomuch that a distinguished citizen had not
hesitated to say to the governor, "that his majesty, King
Jaffles, would wear out the Church of England : for that,
when there were any vacant offices, he supplied them with
men of a different persuasion." And that he was not alone
in this opinion may be inferred from the fact, that when, at
the instigation of the governor, he was prosecuted for his
words, the council, to save appearances, after a short ex
amination, discharged him unpunished. The clergy, too,
were not backward in sounding the alarm. In the ceunty
pf Stafford, the reverend Mr. Waugh preached openly
against popery ; and as mysterious hints were circulating
of a supppsed plot between the Indians and the few papists
in the colony, (who had probably fled from Maryland,) to
destroy the pretestants, it was not difficult to rouse the
people tp angry excitement, and commotions arose which
foreboded no peaceful termination.* The accession of
William and Mary served to allay apprehension, and that
* 2 Burk, 305.

I689-] IN VIRGINIA. 73
event was accordingly hailed with joy by the great body of
the people.
Prior to the year 1689, the reverend Mr. Temple seems
to have exercised within the colony functions somewhat
similar to those confided to a bishop's commissary. How
long he had so exercised them is matter of uncertainty, nor
is it known that he acted under any other than verbal au
thority. In this year Sir Francis Nicholson entered on his
duties as lieutenant-governor ; and associated with this fact
there occurs the name of a clergyman, whose memory is
intimately connected with the progress of religion and
learning for many years in Virginia. This clergyman was
the reverend Dr. Blair, who is supposed te have been the
first commissary duly commissioned by the Bishop of Lon
don for any of the colonies. His commission was read
before the council on the day after the installation of Sir
Francis Nicholson, and his authority was duly acknow
ledged. The duty of a commissary under the English law is, " to
supply the office and jurisdiction of the bishop in the out
places of the diocess;"* and it will be remembered that all
the colonies were considered as forming a part of the dio
cess of the Bishop of London. To the Episcopalian, it is
scarcely necessary to say that the rites of ordination and
confirmation were not within the powers of the commis
sary. For certain purposes only, was he the bishop's repre
sentative : it was his duty to make visitations through the
diocess, inspect the state of the churches, deliver charges,
and, in some instances, to administer discipline. Deposi
tion from the ministry, however, was understood to be be
yond his authority; and therefore the evils which resulted
from the continuance in the church of an unworthy clergy
man, were not remedied by the appointment of a com
missary. As Dr. Blair contributed in his day as much to the cause
* Terms de la Ley.
K

74 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1689.
pf learning and the diffusien pf Christianity as any indi
vidual in" the southern colonies of this continent, a passing
tribute is due to his memory. He was a native of Scot
land, in which ccuntry he received his education, and was
beneficed in the Episcopal church there. Having a prospect
of discharging his ministerial functions more usefully else
where, he quitted his preferments, and went into England
towards the close of the reign of Charles II. The then
Bishop of London (Dr. Compton) prevailed upon him to
go as a missionary into Virginia, and his first visit to this
ccuntry was made about the year 1685. A careful and
diligent observer of the true state of things within the
colony, he was enabled correctly to apprehend its wants ;
and by his exemplary deportment and unremitting labours
in the discharge of his ministerial duties, he did good ser
vice to the cause of religion, and obtained the confidence
and affection of all classes in the community. Recom
mended by the intrinsic worth of his character to the
Bishop of London, he was appointed commissary, as we
have seen, in ] 689 ; and so far from relaxing in the dis
charge of pastoral duty, after his appointment, he deemed
himself thereby bound to furnish a brighter example of
ministerial fidelity and diligence to all the clergy of the
colony. Dr. Blair was eminently a practical man ; and
blessed as he was with sincere piety, a clear mind, and in
defatigable perseverance, his services were invaluable to the
church in Virginia. Perceiving that the only safe reliance
of the country for duly qualified clergymen must be upon
her own sons, and that the effort to cbtain them was hepe-
less in the absence of schools and higher seminaries of
learning, he directed his energies to the enccuragement pf
education. His labours in the cause were unwearied. It
will be remembered that in the legislation of 1662, one ef
the enactments provided for the erection of a college : this
wise provision had been permitted to slumber on the sta
tute book. Dr. Blair revived the project ; and at np little

1689.] IN VIRGINIA. 75
personal expense and labour, succeeded at last,1 as will be
seen hereafter, in the accomplishment of his wishes.
Of the activity and practical usefulness of this excellent
man, sufficient evidence will be furnished in the statement,
that when, at the advanced age of eighty-eight, he died, he
had been during sixty-four years a minister of the gospel ;
fifty-three years commissary for Virginia ; president of a
college for forty-nine years ; and a member of the king's
council for fifty.
As a monument of his piety, he has left behind him four
volumes of discourses upon the sermon on the mount, of
which an opinion may be formed from the fact that they
received the warm approbation of Dr. Doddridge.* To
his active usefulness and piety he added learning, and pos
sessed in an eminent degree the virtues of hospitality and
generosity; while his manner in the discharge of his vari
ous important duties was such as conciliated the esteem
and affection of men of all parties and of all opinions.
With the single exception of Dr. Bray, the commissary of
Maryland, there was no clergyman of the establishment
ever sent to this country, during its colonial existence, to
whom the church in the southern part pf the continent was
more deeply indebted : and fhe American of this day, as
he looks upon the walls- of William and Mary, the second
college built upon the continent, may recall, with a feeling
of thankfulness, the memory of Dr. James Blair.! .
Under the auspices of Sir Francis Nieholson, the first
act of the commissary was an effort to procure the neces
sary funds for the erection of the contemplated college.
The aid of the legislature was deemed necessary, and to
pbtain it, it was proposed that the lieutenant-governor
should convene an assembly: peculiar circumstances,
* Family Expositor. phrey's History of the Venerable
t Dr. Waterland's Preface to Society, 9, 10, 11 ; 2 Holmes's An-
Blair's Discourses ; 3 Burk, 111 ; 2 n»ls, 22.
Miller's Retrospect, 336 ; Hum-

76 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1693.
however, rendered this measure impossible at that time,
and all hbpe of immediate assistance from the legislature
was abandoned. But Dr. Blair was not easily to be dis
couraged. A private subscription-list was opened by him,
and in a short time two thousand five hundred pounds were
contributed towards the object ; and this sum was furnished
in part by the liberality of a few merchants in London. It
was not until the year 1691 that legislative patronage was
obtained for the proposed seminary. In that year the
project received the sanction of the assembly, and was by
that body warmly recommended to the patronage of their
majesties. The commissary was at the same time de
puted as the agent of the legislature to visit England, and
present the petition for the college. The support afforded
by the lieutenant-governor to the plan deserves honourable
notice. The legislature, as a testimony of affection and
respect, having presented to Sir Francis Nicholson the
sum of three hundred pounds, he immediately bestowed
one-half of it upon the college. Those who are interested
in the literature of the country, will gratefully concur in the
propriety of recording the names of men who were among
the friends of education in North America, at that early
period when friends were necessarily few.
The agency of Dr. Blair proved entirely successful.
The charter was drawn in exact conformity to his wishes,
and the. whole measure met with the royal favour. The
sum of two thousand pounds was then due from Virginia
to the. crown on account of certain quit- rents, and this sum
was bestowed by the king upon the college. In addition
to this donation, a grant was made to the institution, of
twenty thousand acres of choice land, together with the
revenue arising from a tax of one penny per pound on all
tobacco exported from Virginia or Maryland to any of the
other colonies ;* and the office of surveyor-general of Vir
ginia was granted by the charter to the corporation, to be
* 2 Burk, 311, 313, 314.

1693.] IN VIRGINIA. 77
executed by deputies appointed by the president and mas
ters, subject to the approbation of the governor and coun
cil. The college was also empowered to send one repre
sentative to the House of Burgesses ; and Dr. Blair was
named in the charter as the first president of the new insti
tution, which received the name of William and Mary.*
In the year 1693, the legislature determined that the
college should be erected at Williamsburg, which was
then called Middle Plantation ; and not long afterward, an
export duty for its benefit was imposed upon all skins and
furs sent out of the colony-! But the indefatigable commis
sary was doomed to encounter difficulties still. The money
which had been subscribed was collected, and the college
edifice commenced ; but in the year 1705, when it was
half completed, it was burned to the ground. It was now
sixteen years since Dr. Blair had first exerted himself in
this important work ; and at the end of that long period,
he found himself under the necessity of commencing his
toilsome task anew. Such discouragements might well
have damped his ardour ; and had he been an ordinary
man, it is not improbable that the disappointments of the
past would have checked all future effort. But true to his
character, he persevered, and at length had the happiness
of seeing the college completed.
The want of clergymen, however, was one not to be
immediately supplied, even after the college went into
operation ; and as it was a want very deeply felt, the legis
lature, deeming the provision made for the clergy inade
quate, in 1696 enacted, that each minister should have six
teen thousand pounds of tobacco as a salary: and that
where glebes had not been already purchased, they should
be forthwith obtained ; and that dwellings should be erected
upon them for the comfortable residence of the clergy. J
* Trott's Laws of the British t Trott's Laws, " Virginia," No.
Plantations, article " Virginia." 34.
t 3 Hening's Stat., at large, 123.

78 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1700.

CHAPTER V.
1700-1731.
Kindness to the French Refugees — Their good Character — Their Church —
Punishment of Vice and Blasphemy— Kindness to German Settlers —
Their Church — Progress of William and Mary College — Instruction of
the Indians — List of Parishes — State of the Church — Numbers and
Character of the Clergy — Causes of the depressed state of Religion
examined. The opening of the century upon which we are now
entering was marked by an act of humanity, which stands
out in strong contrast to that spirit of intolerance, already
recorded, which found its victims among the unfortunate
Quakers. It is well known that upon the revocation of the
Edict of Nantes, in 1685, an immense number of French
Protestants found their way into foreign countries ; of these,
about forty thousand sought refuge in England, and parlia
ment, with a noble generosity, voted fifteen thousand pounds
sterling to be distributed among persons of quality, and all
such as were incapable, from age or infirmity, of labouring
for a subsistence. Of these unfortunate refugees, King
William, in the year 1690, sent a large portion to Virginia,
and lands were allotted to them on James River. These
were naturalized by a special law passed for the purpose,
and in 1699 another body of six hundred, conducted by
their clergyman, Phillipe de Richebourg,* came over, and
were placed on the south side of James River, about
twenty miles above the falls, on lands formerly occupied by
a powerful tribe of Indians called the Monacans.
In the year 1700 the assembly of Virginia passed an act,
* 1 Martin's History of North Carolina, 232.

1700.] IN VIRGINIA. 79
making the French refugees who inhabited the Mpnacan
tpwns a distinct parish by themselves, and exempted them
from the payment of all taxes.* Strangers, for the most
part, to the language of the country, their worship could not
have conformed to the ritual ef the Church of England, even
had such been their inclination, nor could an English clergy
man have officiated usefully among them. They had, there
fore, their own minister, and wershipped after their own
mode, and the law already mentioned left them at liberty to
agree with, and pay their clergyman as their circumstances
weuld admit. And never, probably, did any people better
repay the hospitable kindness of the land which afforded
them a refuge. Many of their descendants are still left in
New- York, Virginia, the Carolinas, and other parts of our
country ; and among the brightest ornaments of the state,
in the halls of legislation and of justice, as well as in the sa
cred office, may be found the names of some of the French
refugees. No man in America need ever blush to own him
self one of their descendants ; for the observation has more
than once been made, and it is believed to be true, that
among their descendants the instances have been rare in
deed of individuals who have been arraigned for crime
before the courts of the country.
The law which gave to these emigrants the exemptions
already mentioned, was, by the terms of its enactment, to
continue in force for a term of time sufficient to afford them
an opportunity of becoming familiarized to the country,
and of qualifying themselves to contribute without diffi
culty their quota to the support of the government ; and
for these purposes seven years was deemed sufficient.
That it did not prove se, however, is probable from the fact,
that in 1705 the legislature again re-enacted the former law,
and extended the term of its continuance, giving at the

* 1 Holmes's Annals, 432, 472, 492 ; Trott's Laws, " Virginia" No. 37 ;
3 Hening's Statutes, at large, 201.

80 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1705.
same time tp their parish the name ef " King William
parish, in the county ef Henrice."*
The statute bepk pf this year presents alse an act for the
suppression o: vice, and the restraint and punishment of
blasphemous, wicked,, and dissolute persons, the provisions
of which invite nctice, simply as being illustrative cf the
temper ef the times. It was enacted, that if any person
brought up in the Christian religion should, by teaching,
writing, printing, or advised speaking, deny, first, the being
of God or the Trinity ; secondly, should say there were
more gods than one ; thirdly, should deny the truth of the
Christian religion; or, fourthly, should deny the Divine au
thority of the Scriptures, — such offender, upon conviction
before the general court, for the first offence, should be
rendered incapable of holding any office, ecclesiastical,
civil, or military, within the colony ; and for the second
offence, sheuld be disabled from bringing any suit at law or
in equity, or from being a guardian, executor, or adminis
trator, or grantee in a deed of gift, or legatee or devisee in
a will, or from bearing any office in the colony for ever ;
and should also suffer three years imprisonment from the
time of conviction. To guard, however, against the per
version of the law to purposes of oppression, it was
required that information of the words spoken should be
given within one month after they were uttered, and that
the prosecution should be commenced within a year after
the information. And if public recantation in open court
were made within six months after the first conviction, the
offender was to be released from the penalties. For the
suppression of cursing, swearing, and drunkenness, a fine
was imposed, recoverable before any magistrate, either
upon his own personal observation and knowledge of the
offence, or upon the oath of a single witness ; and in case
of inability to pay the fine, the lash was substituted as a
* Trott's Laws, " Virginia," No. 38 ; 1 Holmes's Annals, p. 492.

1713.] IN VIRGINIA. 81
punishment. Fer the pbservance cf the Lerd's day, every
person of the age of twenty-one years and upward, who
should wilfully be absent from the parish church for one
month, or, being there, should not in a decent and orderly
manner remain until the service was ended-; or any persons
whp should;on thato'ay be present at any disorderly meet
ing, gaming or tippling, or should make any journey, or
travel pn the road except te and from church, (cases of
necessity and mercy excepted,) or who should be found
working at their ordinary labour, further than was abso
lutely necessary for the sustenance of. man. and beast,
should, on conviction, be fined, and, on failure to pay. the
fine, should be whipped. From the operation of the-clause
requiring attendance at the parish church, it should however
be remembered that, by express words, dissenters from the
establishment were exempted.
This act was required to be publicly read twice a year
by each clergyman in the colony, and the fines arising
under it were to be applied by the churchwardens for the
benefit of the poor.*
The year 1713 was, rendered memorabje by an act of
kindness shown to certain German emigrants, similar to
that which had been manifested towards the French refu
gees. It seems that a small body of Germans had settled
above the falls of the Rappahannock, on the southern
branch of the-river, in the county of Essex. This was at
that period the frontier of civilization, and therefore it was
alike the suggestion of interest and humanity tp afford to
these foreigners protection and encouragement. Accord
ingly they werecxempted, as the French had been, from
all ordinary taxes for the term ef seven -years, and were
formed into the "parish of St. George," with power to em
ploy their own minister and upon- their own terms ; and
thus were two religious communities, differing in many
* Trott's Laws, « Virginia," No, 46 ; 3,Hening's Statutes, at large, 358.
L

82 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1718,.
particulars from the establishment, not telerated merely,
but favoured with valuable privileges by the legisla
ture.* The college also seems to have possessed the favourable
regard of the assembly, as in 1718 a law was passed -by
that body, appropriating from the public funds one theu-
sand pounds, to be applied by the visiters and governors
of the institution, to the maintenance and education of poor
children who were natives of the colony.! How far this
intended benefit was carried into effect is unknown ; it is,
however, to be hoped that these funds were rendered more
profitable to the college than were the donations conferred
upon it by the king and others at its commencement ; for
of these, according to the testimony of Dr. Blair, the insti
tution never received the benefit of one-half.J Indeed,
notwithstanding all the efforts of the president and other
friends of the college, its progress was by slow and labori
ous steps. The practice was common among- the higher
classes of society, of sending their sons to be educated at
one of the English universities; nor- coul'd it be entirely
overcome after they had a college among themselves.
For more than seventy years after its establishment.it is
said, it had rarely more than twenty students at any one
time.§ There are circumstances, however, which justify
the suspicion of mistake in this -statement.
As connected with the history of this institution, it deserves
here to be recorded that the rulers in the colony and the offi
cers of the college manifested a praiseworthy zeal in the en
deavour to make it a blessing to the children of the natives.
The honourable Robert Boyle had made a donation of
money to the institution, to be applied to the education-of
* Trott's Laws, " Virginia," No. in 1727. Of these, Mr; Hartwell was
39 ; 4 Henipg's Stat., at large, 306. one of the council ; and Mr. Chil-
t 4 Hening's Stat., at large, 74. ton was attorney-general, Dr. Blair's
t " The present State of Virginia situation has already been stated.
and the College,'-' by Mr. Hartwell, $ 2 Miller's Retrospect, 336.
Dr. Blair, and Mr. Chilton, published

1722.] IN VIRGINIA. 83
Indian children therein^ To carry into effect this benevo
lent intention, the plan at first adopted was to procure cap
tive Indian children, who had been 'made slaves by some
conquering tribe, and place them in the college for instruc
tion ; but during the administration of Sir Alexanders pots-
wood, who came to-the government in 1.710, this plan was
laid aside, and one was substituted for it which was far
more effectual in accomplishing the ends of the benevolent
donpr. The gpverner went in person among the tributary
and other neighbouring tribes of Indians, and prevailed
upon- them to send their, children to be educated. He
exerted himself, also, so successfully among remote and
almost unknown tribes, that he obtained native pupils from
a distance of mpre than four hundred miles in the interior^
some of these he had taken as hostages, purposely, to afford
them the advantages of education ; and, at his own expense,
he established and supported a preparatory school on the
frontiers, in whieh Indian lads might be fitted for admission
into the college, without beings far removed from their
parents.* Of the number and situation pf the parishes in the
colony, about this time, and of the general condition of the
church, more is known with certainty than at any previous
peripd in this narrative. -Casting the eye upon the map of
Virginia, the most striking features of its eastern portion
are the majestie rivers which find their way into the Chesa
peake Bay. These rivers naturally enough formed conve
nient boundaries for the larger portions of the country ;
and the name of neck was applied to the region of territory
lying between two of these noble streams ; a term, the
use of which is still common. The division is one of
great convenience, and in former times was important, as
fixing the boundaries of the several escheators. Of these
necks there are four ; the northern neck is situated be-
* Beverly's Yirginia.

g4 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1722.
tween the Potomac and Rappahannock, rivers; the second
between the Rappahannock and York; the third, be
tween Yerk and James; and the fourth pn the -south
side pf the James, between it and the southern frontier of
the colony. Besides these, there was one other grand di
vision on the opposite side of the Chesapeake Bay, form
ing what then was, and still is, called the " eastern shore."
There were at that day six counties within the northern
neck; which still retain' their names; viz., l.'Lancuster,
having within it the two parishes pf Christ Church arid
St; Mary White Chapel ; 2. Northumberland, having two,
Fairfield and Boutraey, and Wicomico ; 3. Westmoreland,
containing Copely and Washington ; 4. Richmond, con
taining North Farnham and a part of Sittenburn ; 5. King
George, containing Hanover and the residue of Sitten
burn"; 6. Stafford, containing St. Pauls and Overworton.
In the neck between Rappahannock and York rivers
there were also six counties, the names of which are still
there, though portions of their territory have since been
appropriated to the formation of additional counties.
These six were, 1. Glocester, in which were situated the
four parishes of Pesso, Abingdon, Ware, and Kingston ;
2. Middlesex, containing the single parish of Christ Church;
3. King and Queen, having the parishes of' Stratton Major
and St. Stephens ; 4. King William, containing St. Johns
and St. Margarets-; 5. Essex, in which were South Farn
ham, St. Anne, and St. -.Marys; 6. Spotsylvania, which
contained the parish of St. George.
In the neck between York and James rivers there were
seven entire counties, and part of an eighth. These seven
were, 1. Elizabeth City, which contained a parish of the
same name ; 2. Warwick, containing the parishesof Denby
and Mulberry Island ; 3. York, in which were the two
parishes of Charles and York-Hampton, and part of a
third called Bruton ; 4. James City, in which were James
City, Merchants Hundred, and a third, the name of which

1722.] IN VIRGINIA. 85
is unknown, tpgether with the residue pf Brutpn, and a part
of Wilmingtpn ; 5. New-Kent, which contained Blisland
and St. Peters ; 6. Charles City, having within it Western
and part of Wilmington; 7. Hanover, in which was St.
Pauls. The eighth county, cf which a part only was
within this neck, was Henrico, which was divided by the
James River, and contained the parishes erf Henrico and
St. James, separated from each ether by the river ; and a
part alse of the parish of Bristol.
' On the south side of James River were seven entire
counties, together with the remaining part of Henrico.
These were, 1. Princess Ann, in which was the parish of
Lynhaven ; 2. Norfolk, with one parish called Elizabeth
River ; 3. Nansemond, in which were included Lower
Parish, Upper Parish, and Chickabuc ; 4. Isle of Wight,
containing Warwick, Squeake Bay, and Newport ; 5.
Surry, having Lyon's Creek and . Southwark ; 6. Prince
George, in which was Martin Brandon and the rest of
Bristol ; 7. Bntnswickfthe whole of which formed the parish
of St. Andrews.
Oil the eastern shpre were the two counties of Northamp
ton and Accomac; the first contained the parish of Hun
gers ; the second that of Accomac. Thus it will be per
ceived that the whole-number of counties was twenty-nine ;
and of parishes there were fifty-four.* There was, how
ever, great inequality in the size of these parishes. Some
were sixty miles long ; while others were very small.
This was accidental, and resulted from the settlements
having been first formed on bodies of good land near to
the rivers. It must be remembered that the size of a
parish was estimated, not entirely by the extent of its terri
tory, but by the number of its tithables.!
In each of these parishes there was a convenient church
¦ i
* Beverly's Virginia. t Present State of Virginia, p. 65.
Beverly's Virginia.

86 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1722.
edifice, built cf stpne, .brick, Or wppd, and furnished with
all things necessary for the decent performance of divine
service. In many of the larger parishes there were alse
pne or mpre^chapels pf ease ; se that probably the whole
number of places of wprship was not less than seventy.
In every parish there was also a dwelling-house for the
minister; in most, if not in all of them, a glebe of two
hundred and fifty acres, and in some, a small stock of
cattle.* The inhabitants were almost entirely of the Church of
England, and at the period now uhder review, there is said
to have been but one dissenting place of worship in the
colony ; this was a meeting-house for- a small congregation
of Quakers in Nansemond county.! But it is believed, on
the authority of Dr. Blair, J that this statement is incorrect ;
as . he informs us that there were three meeting-houses for
the Quakers, and one for the Presbyterians.
More than half of the churches of the establishment
were probably supplied with clergymen ; arid in such as
were destitute of regular ministrations, it seems to have
been the custom to substitute the services of a lay reader,
except on occasicns when the zeal of a neighbouring minis
ter prompted him to carry his pastoral labours beyond the
limits of his own parish, ancHo preach or administer sacra
ments in the vacant churches near tphim.
One hundred and fifteen years had now elapsed since the
first clergyman landed in Virginia, and yet candour calls
for the acknowledgment that the state of religion was much
lower than in some of the other colonies. It was not that
the government had been entirely indifferent to their under-
* The Present State of Virginia, ish, at Williamsburg, the seat of the
p, 71. This volume was written by colonial government.
the reverend Hugh Jones, who lived t Beverly's Virginia.
for many years in the colony, and was J Present State of Virginia and
at one time a lecturer in Bruton par- the College, p. 64.

1722.] IN VIRGINIA. 87
taking to make provisipn for its support : to outward ap
pearance the condition of the church seemed prosperous
enough. The traveller, in his journeyings through the
colony, might see on every hand the neat spire, of a sub
stantial church lifting its head amid the foliage of the forest
in which it was placed ; his eye rested on the. cultivated
grounds which surrounded the comfortable habitations of
the clergy; and he might from these tokens have, hastily
concluded that he was in the bosom of a deeply pious popu
lation : yet was there, in very many, a lamentable want of
the practical fruits of godliness. , There was a deficiency
of spirituality in the religion of that day. The "form of
sound words" which, imbodied devotion, most useful as an
auxiliary in the united worship of a congregation, and beau
tifully chaste and simple in the ritual of the church to which
the colonists belonged,' was scrupulously observed; but in
the' use of that form .ajone, too many, it is to be feared,
rested : such use was substituted for the power of godliness
in renewing a sinful nature ; for the operation of the Holy
Ghost- upon an unsanetified heart. It would be unjust to
include all in this sentence. There is evidence that some,
both of clergy and laity, were deeply imbued with, the
spirit of genuine piety; they were worthy and consistent
Christians ; but they certainly did riot form the most numer
ous class of the population.
Iri the contemplation of this state df things, points arise
well- worthy of attentive consideration : they imbody the
lessons of experience, and it is therefore hoped that a brief
examination of facts connected with this unhappy condition
of affairs will prove neither uninteresting nor-useless.
And first, as to the clergy of the colony. The usual
mode of obtaining a living was this : the clergyman in Eng
land, who was desirous of emigrating to Virginia, informed
the Bishep of London of his willingness to become a mis
sionary to the colony. Upon producing his letters of orders
and testimonials as to character, he obtained from the

88 PROTESTANT EPISCPPAL CHURCH [1722.
bishpp a license and certificate, tpgether with an order pn
the treasurer fop the sum of twenty pounds, to defray the
expenses ef the voyage. On his arrival in the colony, he
applied to the governor,, (who was in effect the chief ruler
in the church',) or to the parishioners of some vacant living,
and sometimes to both : and if his ministrations were agree
able te the cengregation, he was " received" (such was the
term in use) as their minister.* It must not, however, be
supposed that by being, thus received, the clergyman ac
quired a permanent settlement. By the act of 1642,! tne
induction of a clergyman " into any parish that shall make
presentation of him," was directed to be performed by the
governor ; but it was entirely at the option of the parish to
make or withhold such presentation. Without induction,
the clergyman was held to possess no freehold injiis living,
hut was at any time liable to removal,- at the pleasure of
the vestry, without trial or even crime alleged against him.
Under these circumstances, there were but few of the clergy
who cpuld consider their situations as permanent, for there
were but few who could prevail upon their vestries to pre
sent them for induction. J The general custom,, therefore,
was. to hire the minister from year to year.§
With every disposition on. the part of the Bishop pf Lon
don to send none but deserving clergymen inte the. colony,
(and of the anxiety of several of the prelates of that see
in this particular there is abundant proof,) still it was
scarcely possible to avoid making, at times injudicious ap
pointments : for clergymen pf reputatipn, fixed in comfort
able livings at home, were not often among the applicants to
go abroad ; and the class Pf clergymen needed in Virginia
seems te have been but imperfectly understood at home.
Men of piety, experience, and prudence,, men well ac
quainted with the world, were the only men whose services
* Jones's " State of Virginia," p. t Beverly'sJ'irginia.
103. I Present State of Virginia, by
t Ante, p. 53. Hartwell, Blair, and Chilton, p. 66.

1722.] IN VIRGINIA. 89
in Virginia promised extensive usefulness; but such men
found ample and profitable employment in England.
The class which usually came (the assertion is made
on the authority of a contemporary*) was one unfitted,
from entire ignorance of human mature, as well as from
the absence of discretion and prudence, to appreciate the
true condition of the country. They were utterly unable
to accommodate themselves to the perpetually recurring
exigencies of a riew country, and a state of society, of
which, as- the past afforded no precedent, so neither could
it furnish any guides to conduct. The egregious mistake
was made by many who recommended clergymen to the
Bishop of London, of supposing that very inferior powers
of mind, and but a limited stock of attainments, would suf
fice for a missionary to Virginia ; whereas if any station
on earth calls for the loftiest spirit of devotion, a nobleness
of soul which can forget self, and intellectual endowments
of the highest order, it is that of the Christian missionary.
Men of inferior capacities may be useful in the ministry of
the church, for God, in his wise providence, often makes
them the honoured instruments of good to their fellow-men ;
but such men are not often designed to be pioneers in the
great work of planting the church of God in regions where
it is utterly unknown.
Many of the clergy, therefore, were, as might have been
anticipated, unfitted for their stations. The precariousness
of the tenure by which they held their livings, contributed
also not a little to beget in them a spirit of indifference in
the discharge of their duties ; and to complete the list of
unpropitious circumstances, the irregularities and crimes of
an unworthy clergyman could not. be visited effectually
with the severities of ecclesiastical censure. Far removed
from his diocesan, and standing in but little awe of the
powers of his commissary, he sometimes offended religion
* Jones's State of Virginia, appendix, 95.
H

90 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1722.
and' merals with impunity, and still remained in the church
a reprcach to her ministry. The commissary could not
degrade him by a removal from the priesthood ; it was
beyond his authority ; and even in the exercise of his ordi
nary powers and duties, he was obliged to encounter the
prejudices of the people themselves. He summoned the
clergy, indeed, to conventions, in which he presided ; but
these conventions possessed but the shadow of power.*
He attempted visitations, but with little success ; for un
fortunately, they were strangely associated in the,minds pf
the peeple with ecclesiastical courts, and of these, from
the times of Archbishop Laud, even the very name was
offensive in Virginia.!
If we turn from the clergy to the laity, facts present
themselves, such as might naturally be supposed to exist
under the ministrations of such a body of clergy. Indeed,
it scarce admits of doubt, that between the two classes
there was a mutual action and reaction for evil ; each
probably-contributed-to make the other worse. Disputes
were perpetually arising between pastors and people;
and, almost without exception, they might be traced to the
uncertainty of a living which harrassed the clergyman.^
There are instances recorded which show the fact of ex
clusion of the minister on grounds purely mercenary. It
has, indeed, been said by an historian, whose general ac
curacy is acknowledged, that the clergy were very rarely
removed by the parish without some great provocation ;
and then, if their conduct had npt been grossly scan
dalous, it is said, they were immediately received into
other parishes.^ There is error in this statement. Upon
the testimony of the commissary himself, confirmed by that
of one of the geverner's council, and of the attorney-gen-
* Jones's State of Virginia, 23, et t Jones, 72.
seq. § Beverly.
t Jones's State of the Church, 26,
98.

1722.] IN VIRGINIA. 91
era], it is denied. If a clergyman was faithful to his duty,
and preached against the sins and vices of his people, he
was removed : and the instances are numerous of clergy
men having been displaced by vestries without a pharge
made, or even a reason assigned for it.* The same fact
is also confirmed by a contemporary to whom reference
has already been made.! He states that the clergy had
the church doors often shut against them, and their sala
ries were stopped by the vestry ; who, as he expresses it,
" thought themselves the parson's master ;" and he cites
instances in proof of his assertion. Some of these instances
may, perhaps, not be unacceptable, as affording an illustra
tion of a lawless condition of affairs, quite sufficient to de
stroy the spiritual welfare of any church. A deacon had
visited England to obtain priest's orders ; during his ab
sence his parishioners had seen fit to choose another clergy
man ; and on his return, when sent by the governor to his
parish, the people peremptorily refused to receive him, and
he was left without redress. It is difficult here to deter
mine whether the pepple or the intruding clergyman was
most in fault ; but that a clergyman could thus effectually
supplant an absent brother, certainly affords proof of a
lamentable want of discipline and church order. Another
instance is afforded iri the case of a Mr. Latane, a French
gentleman of learning and piety, who, because of some
trifling dispute with a portion of his vestry, was shut out
of his church. The reason assigned for this act of exclu
sion was (according to our authority) " that he had a small
tang of French in his speech, and they could not under
stand him," though, as he adds, they were long in making
the discovery, for they had been hearing him for seven
years without complaint. It was also not unusual, in case
of a vacancy by death or otherwise, for the people actually
* Present State of Virginia, by t Jones- 104, 105
Hartwell, Blair, and Chilton, p. 66,

92 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1722.
to refuse to proceed to the election of a successor, that they
•rlmight escape the paymentof a salary which did not exceed
eighty pounds.*
The effect of such a system, as was stated by the com
missary, was to make the clergy, who were not inducted,
subservient and dependant : and good clergymen refused
to come over, because they had been taught by the experi
ence of those who preceded them, and who had retreated
as soon as they could, that if they came, insult and oppres
sion awaited them.! Another evil, more properly to be
attributed to the general state of feeling among the people,
than to any necessary connection with the system of lay
reading which had been introduced, was found to follow
upon that system. The readers employed were com
monly the parish clerks, who imitated the practices of the
clergy in the performance of their public duties in almost
everything except the use of the clerical vestments and the
.administration of the sacraments ; these men were some-
times made use of as instruments by a discontented ves
try; and in the absence of the clergy, not unfrequently
succeeded in procuring the favourable- opinions of the
parishioners, and in sowing disaffection towards a minister
among the people of his charge.J
These facts leave but little room for wonder at the dis
covery that Christianity, in the blessed and salutary influ
ences of its power over the hearts and lives of men, was ex
hibited by but few. These facts may also serve to remove
an opinion entertained by some, that the depressed state of
religion in Virginia was the natural and unavoidable result of
an establishment. Whatever may be the evils which are sup
posed necessarily to flow from extending to any one religi-
* Present State of Virginia, by uniform in all parts of the country, it
Blair,' &c, 66. may not improperly be mentioned,
t Ibid. 66. that according to Jones the surplice
% Jones, 68. As clerical vest- was never dispensed with in Virginia
merits have here been spoken of, and in his day, except from absolute ne-
the use of the surplice has not been cessity. Jones, p. 69.

1727.] IN VIRGINIA. 93
ous system the exclusive patronage of the state, candour
requires the admission here, that the calamitous condition
of the church in things spiritual must be traced to some
other cause. Establishments, it must be remembered, were
not confined to* Virginia : in the colonies of Massachusetts
Bay and Connecticut, the system of the Independents was
as much established as the Church of England was in Vir
ginia ; and yet the two first named colonies are, even at
this day, adduced, and with great propriety, as examples
of communities in which was found a degree of devoted
piety artd practical religion unsurpassed in the history of
any communities of the same extent. It could not therefore
have been that the establishment simply of the Church of
England in Virginia was the cause of the evils which have
heen described.
, There is also another consideration which would
seem to refute this opinion. The Church of England,
it. is true, was nominally placed under the protection
of the state ; but it certainly derived, in many important
particulars, no protection from it. In effect, it was hot
an establishment. It experienced the evils of an alli
ance without reaping its advantages. Its clergy were not
secured in the permanent enjoyment of its livings, but were
left entirely dependent upon the will of their parishioners ;
while the parishioners were, perhaps, not unfrequently
tempted to annoy their clergyman, as an easy mode of
manifesting displeasure towards their rulers. The plan
was essentially a popular one, and the mere name of es
tablishment cannot change its character. It may safely,
therefore, be said that, to most practical purposes, it was
no establishment at all ; and there certainly was wanting
that feature which is commonly supposed to be most fatal
to ardent piety in establishments, namely, comfortable
livings permanently secured to indolent or unfaithful in
cumbents. And if it should be supposed that the Church of England
in Virginia, while it neglected to secure its own clergy in

94 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1727.
the enjoyment of a competent maintenance, yet, by virtue
of its established character, excluded pious ministers of
other denominations, and therefore contributed to the de
pressed- state of religion among the people ; it should be
remembered that at this period they were not excluded.
It is stated, upon the evidence of the commissary, that a
Presbyterian congregation existed at this very time in the
colony; and there is positive testimony to show the period
at which it was introduced, as the following extracts from
the records of the Presbyterian church will evince. Under
the year 1722, it is said; " A representation being made by
some of our members of the earnest desires of some Pro
testant dissenting families in Virginia, together with a com
fortable prospect of the increase of our interest there, the
synod have appointed that Mr. Hugh Conn, Mr. John
Orme, and Mr. William Stewart, do each of them severally
visit said people, and preach four Sabbaths to them, between
this and the next synod ;" and under the succeeding year
it is stated, that " Messrs. Conn, Orme, and Stewart, ful
filled their appointment with respect to Virginia."* Upon
the report of these gentlemen, measures were taken to con
tinue ministerial services to the members of the infant con
gregation. And it will be seen, in the future pages of this
narrative, that their number speedily increased, so that long
before the period of the American Revplution, there were
ministers and congregations of various Christian denomi
nations in the colony. The existence of the establish
ment, therefore, did not operate to their exclusion; and
when once introduced, their situation was similar to-that
of ministers of the establishment, for both were dependent,
on the will of the people.
The evil, then, must be traced to another cause, and that
will be found in the characters of a majority of the clergy,
and in the temper and conduct of the people ; and, as has
been already intimated, each contributed to produce the
* From First Book of Minutes of the Presbytery of Philadelphia.

1727.] IN VIRGINIA. 95
other. Some improvement in the condition of things would
probably have Jbeen seen, had Virginia, like Massachusetts,
been furnished, for the most part, with native clergymen ;
but the most*; effectual remedy would have been: found in
the presenc&of some controlling power, able to correct and
punish the irregularities and crimes of unworthy ministers,
to introduce and encourage good ones, and to exercise a
wholesome influence in securing to deserving men a com
petent maintenance. The reformation of the laity would
have followed as a consequence of these things. A faithful
bishop would have been a blessing to the colony,, and- this
was plainly perceived by the worthy part of the clergy in
Virginia ;* nor did they hesitate to ask that one might be
sent, with powers so limited in certain particulars as to
allay the suspicious fears of the people, who dreaded no
thing more than ecclesiastical tyranny. The necessity of
such an officer was felt, too, by the wisest and best men in
the church at home ; and before this period efforts had been
made by the venerable society for propagating the Gospel
in foreign parts, which were . perseveringly continued for
many years, to have a bishop consecrated and sent to these
colonies.! These efforts failed more than once, When the
plan seemed to be on' the eve of accomplishment, and the
wisdom of that Providence which defeated its success,
though inscrutable at the time, seems now to be sufficiently
obvious. Whatever may be thought of the claim of episcopacy
to be considered as the only apostolic system of eccle-
. siastical order, one point, it is presumed, will be acceded
to by all. It is this ; that among those wIkt hold to its pro
priety and necessity, there should.be no unnecessary delay
in furnishing to a distant church an officer so important as
a bishop. A community of Episcopal churches without a
bishop-to preside over them, must be viewed, upon the sys-
* Jones, p.- 99. a distinct part in a future volume of
t The history of these efforts forms this work*.

96 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1727.
tern of Episcopalians, as a body without a head. The
mother country, which then withheld this essential ecclesi
astical officer from these colonies, has in later days pursued
a different, and, it is thought, far wiser course. Her colo
nies are now^supplied ; and the increase in that supply
keeps pace, as it should do, with the necessities of her
growing settlements.*
Whether the obstacles to the spiritual welfare of the
church, which have just been detailed, were duly appre
ciated by those in authority, may well be doubted ; though
an insufficiency in the salaries of the clergy seems not to
have escaped attention. It will be remembered that under
* In the course of his researches, in preparing these pages, the author has
met with an attestation so unexpected to the expediency of a government
essentially episcopal, that he here presents it. It comes from the Baptists,
and is to be found in the record of the proceedings of that sect in Vir
ginia. In an association of the churches, held in 1 774, it was determined
that apostles were officers which still belonged to the church of Christ ; this
was founded on Eph. iv. 11, 12, 13.
The association, having thus determined, proceeded " to the choice of an
apostle," and the individual was set apart by having the hands of every
ordained minister laid on him. " His work was to pervade the churches, to
do, or at least to see to the work of ordination, and to set in order things
that were wanting, and to make report to the next association."
The subject underwent much discussion, and it is said by the Baptist
historian, that the warmth of the debate excited against some <t strong
suspicion of vanity and ambition. Soon after, two others were appointed
apostles. The plan was at length abandoned : the unholy passions which
have been hinted at, it is probable- were exercised in the effort to make it
nugatory ; but, be this as it may, the apostles made but a discouraging
report of their success to the association, and none others were ever ap
pointed. They were viewed as officers of human appointment merely, and this '
may explain the facts of opposition to them, and of their final suppression.
" This," says our authority, " is only the old plan of bishops, &c, under a
new name ;" and " either the spirit of free government ran too high among
the churches to submit," or the thing " not being from God, soon fell."
Whatever may have been the cause of its discontinuance, the fact of its
introduction would seem to intimate that the necessity was felt of some
thing like episcopal supervision. — Semple's History of the Rise and Prog
ress of the Baptists in Virginia, pp. 58, 59.

1727.] J.N VIRGINIA. 97
the law of 1662, the clergy were te receive an annual
stipend in the commodities of the country, equivalent in
value to eighty pounds: but a depreciation in the value
of the chief staple of the country, tobacco, having dimin
ished the worth of the clergyman's salaries about one-sixth,
to remedy the evil, the legislature of 1727 enacted that
"every minister, received into any parish by the vestry,"
should have an annual salary of sixteen thousand pounds of
tobacco, together with the cask in which it was packed.
Not less than two hundred acres of land was also directed
to be purchased and appropriated for a glebe in each parish,
and comfortable buildings, where they did not already
exist, were to be provided for the use of the minister at the
expense of the parish. The minister on his part was bound
to keep all the buildings in repair during his incumbency;
and on failure so to do, he was made liable to an action at
the suit of the churchwardens.
It is evident that this law, however just it may have been
in providing a competent maintenance for the clergy, was
still deficient. The true cause of the evil was left un
touched, for the clergy were not secured in the enjoyment
of their salaries. It was still optional with the vestries to
receive them, and they might still refuse to present them for
induction, without which they acquired no permanent in
terest. The usual practice under this enactment was this :
when a parish became vacant, the governor and commis
sary wrote commendatory letters to the vestry, upon
which the clergyman recommended was generally re
ceived into the parish, and took benefit of its temporals
and charge of its spirituals, so long as it might please the
people to permit him.*
Before dismissing the subject of clerical salaries, it is due
to the assemblies of Virginia to state, that in general a de
sire was manifested to make a provision for the mainte-
* Letter to the Clergy of Virginia, by Richard Bland, Esquire.
N

98 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1727.
nance of their ministers as ample as the condition of the
country would allow. The character of Virginia has ever
been marked by a spirit of liberality and generosity, nor
did she detract from that character in her treatment of
the clergy, so far as the amount of salary is concerned ;
thus, when in 1731 a law was passed for the inspect
tion of tobacco, which in its operation excluded from the
market such as was of inferior quality, the value of the
minister's salaries increased te pne hundred, and in seme
instances to one hundred and twenty pounds ; and the
legislature interfered not, but allowed them the full benefit
of the increase in value. It shculd not, however, be con
cealed, that while thus liberal in providing for temporal
wants, there was a suspicious apprehension ef ecclesias
tical domination, founded upon some of the past incidents
of English ecclesiastical history, which probably led to the
mistake of not securing the clergyman against the caprice
of his flock.

1731.] IN VIRGINIA. 99

CHAPTER VI.
1731-1746.
Introduction of Presbyterians — Visit of Mr. Whitfield — Low state of Reli
gion — Efforts of Morris to revive it — His Character and Conduct — Amus
ing example of his Simplicity and Ignorance — Charge of the Governor
to the Grand Jury against Presbyterians — Mr. Roan's Case — Help from
Synod in New-York — Reverend Samuel Davies, his Character and La
bours — Act of Toleration extended to Virginia — Dread of Popery and
New Lights — Commencement of struggle with Dissenters — Morgan
Morgan. Thus far we have endeavoured to trace the course of the
church in Virginia, while she continued to be almost the
only religious denomination. In her future progress we
shall have occasion to view her in company with other reli
gious societies, which began to spring up around her. It
has already been seen that a few meetings of Quakers, and
one society of Presbyterians, had obtained something like
a permanent existence within the limits of the colony.
There is, however, evidence that the number of Presbyte
rian societies was greater than is here named. There was
but one society, it is probable, in the eastern part of the
colony, as stated by Commissary Blair ; but in the more
remote western parts, which had been opened to the enter
prise of the colonists by the exploring expeditions under
Governor Spottswood, it is believed that there were several
Presbyterian societies. On the western side of the Blue
Ridge, a large proportion of the early settlers, who in the
first instance came from Ireland, and last from Pennsylva
nia, were dissenters. They were so far removed from the
seat of the colonial government, that they encountered but

100 PR3TESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1740-
little opposition from the ruling powers, and their congre
gations were regularly organized and placed under the care
of pastors whose names have come down to us.* In the
year 1740, that extraordinary man, the reverend Mr. Whit
field, visited Virginia, and experienced a kind reception at
the hands of the commissary, Dr. Blair. At his request,
Mr. Whitfield preached at the seat of government, and in
other places ; and it is not improbable that his ministrations
tended to create an increased interest on religious subjects
among some of the members of the establishment. At any
rate, he obtained a ready and unprejudiced hearing, be
cause he was a clergyman of ihe Church of England, and
a deeper sense of piety was exhibited among some of fhe
establishment soon after his visit.!
It is not calumny to say, that at the period in which de
partures from the church first took place, religion was in a
deplorably low state. The causes of this have already
been placed before the reader, and they certainly are suffi
cient to account for the fact. But we must not too hastily
conclude that there was no real piety left in the colony, nor
that the irreligious were all members of the establishment.
On both these points we have the direct testimony of one
who was an eyewitness, and who in fact organized presby-
terianism in Eastern Virginia. " I have reason to hope,"
says he, " there are and have been a few names in various
parts of the colony, who are sincerely seeking the Lord,
and groping after religion in the communion of the Church
of England.";}; Some such he knew ; while, on the other
hand, he informs us, that "there are and have been in this
colony a great number of Scotch merchants, who were
educated Presbyterians ; but (I speak but what their con
duct more loudly proclaims) they generally, upon their
arrival here, prove scandals to their religion and country,
* Appendix to Campbell's History t Davies' State of Religion among
of Virginia, p. 304. Dissenters in Virginia, p. 10.
t Ibid. p. 5.

1742.] IN VIRGINIA. 101
by their loose principles and immoral practices; and either
fall into an indifferency about religion in general, or affect
to be polite by turriing deists, or fashionable by conforming
to the church."* The testimony of this witness will per
haps be deemed unexceptionable, when it is stated that he
manifests no bigoted prejudice against the church. " Had
the doctrines of the Gospel," says he, " been solemnly and
faithfully preached in the established church, I am per
suaded there would have been but few dissenters in these
parts of Virginia ; for their first objections were not against
the peculiar rites and ceremonies of that church, much less
against her excellent articles, but against the general strain
of the doctrines delivered from the pulpit, in which these
articles were opposed, or (which was the more common
case) not mentioned at all ; so that at first they were not
properly dissenters from the original constitution of the
Church of England, but the most strict adherents to it, and
only dissented from those who had forsaken it."!
The task, however, of dwelling upon such a picture is
far from grateful, and therefore we gladly pass on to a
statement of some of the steps towards reformation. An
individual whose piety it would be wrong to question,
though it was not always tempered with discretion,;]; seems
to have been made the means of good to many ; and he
certainly was the instrument of introducing several Pres
byterian clergymen into the eastern part of the colony.
This man, whose name was Morris, having, about this
time, become deeply interested in the salvation of his soul,
and having found comfort in the doctrine of " Christ cruci
fied," felt himself called on to speak with his neighbours
and friends, and exhort them in conversation to devote
themselves to the service of God. His attainments, if we
may judge from his letters, seem to have been limited, and

* Davies' State of Religion, p. t Ibid. p. 6.
29, note. t Ibid. p. 9.

102 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1742.
he never undertook to preach ; but he read to such of his
neighbours as would become bis auditors the few books
which had been profitable to him. Among these, Luther on
Galatians, and some of Jphn Bunyan's wprks, held a ccn-
spicuous place. His reading was not without effect, as some
of his hearers entered inte his feelings, and manifested an
interest in things spiritual, to which they were before
strangers. It was not long before he added to his little
library a volume of sermons which Mr. Whitfield had
preached in Glasgow, and he forthwith invited his neigh
bours to come and hear them. Their perusal was so far
blessed, that several were brought to serious reflection,
which resulted in repentance towards God and faith in the
Redeemer. On every Lord's day, and sometimes on other
days of the week, Morris read these sermons at his dwell
ing, and his neighbours flocked to hear them. At length it
was determined to build a meeting-house for the purpose of
reading only. No prayers were used, for none of the little
flock felt competent to undertake the task of praying ex
tempore, and the services of the church were probably
associated in their minds with the want of piety so deplo
rably manifested by many of its members. The fame of
Morris as a reader soon spread, and he obeyed invitations
from other parts of the country at some distance from his
dwelling. But now an obstacle arose to further proceed
ings, which seems not to have been anticipated. Morris
and his hearers had absented themselves from the worship
of the parish church, contrary to the laws of the land, as
they were informed ; and some of them were summoned
to court to answer for the offence. They appear, however,
on this occasion not to have been seriously molested ; and
there is an amusing simplicity manifested in the ignorance
of Morris and his adherents as to the distinctive names of
the different religious sects in Christendom. They were
asked to declare the denomination to which they belonged :
they knew nothing of any dissenters but the Quakers, and

1743.] IN VIRGINIA. 103
they were not disposed to class themselves with them ; at
length, (as Morris, himself states,) they were fortunately
relieved from their embarrassment by his recollecting that
Luther was a noted reformer, and that his book had been
useful to them ; and they declared themselves Lutherans,
without having the slightest intention to encroach upon the
rights of another denomination by an appropriation of its
name. This name they retairied until they were better in
structed in 1743 by the Rev. Mr. Robinson, a Presbyterian
minister, who had been sent by the presbytery of New
castle to visit Pennsylvania, Virginia, and North Carolina.
Under the guidance of Mr. Robinson, they were taught to
conduct the public worship of God according to the forms
used among Presbyterians, and to the reading of sermons,
extempore prayer and singing were now added. Mr.
Robinson was speedily followed by other clergymen of his
denomination, and now the attention of government seems
to have been excited.
Early in 1745, the governor in an address to the grand
jury of the general court, confined his remarks almost ex
clusively to the introduction into the colony of a system of
religious worship different from that of the establishment ;
extracts from this address will best exhibit the view taken
by the government.
"I must on this occasion turn to your thoughts, and
recommend to your present service another subject of im
portance, which, I thank God, has been unusual, but I hope
will be most effectual ; I mean the information I have re
ceived of certain false teachers that are lately crept into
this government; who, without order or license, or pro
ducing any testimonial of their education or sect, professing
themselves ministers, under the pretended influence of new
light, extraordinary impulse, and such like satirical and
enthusiastical knowledge, lead the innocent and ignorant

104 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1745.
people into all kinds of delusion : and in this frantic and
prophane disguise, such is their heterodoxy, that they treat
all other modes of worship with the utmost scorn and con
tempt; and as if they had bound themselves on oath to do
many things against the religion of the blessed Jesus, that
pillar and stay of the truth and reformed church, to the
great dishonour of Almighty God, and the discomfort of
serious Christians, they endeavour to make their followers
believe that salvation is not to be obtained in their own
communion. " As this denunciation, if I am rightly advised, in words
not decent to repeat, has been by one of them publicly
affirmed, and shows what manner of spirit they all of them
are of, in a country hitherto remarkable for uniformity in
worship, and where the saving truths of the gospel are
constantly inculcated ; I did promise myself, either that
their preaching would be in vain, or that an insolence so
criminal would not long be connived at.
"And, therefore, since the workers of a deceitful work,
blaspheming our sacraments, and reviling our excellent
liturgy, are said to draw disciples after them, and we
know not whereunto this separation may grow, but may
easily foretel into what a distracted condition, by long for
bearance, this colony will be reduced, we are called upon
by the rights of society, (and what, I am persuaded, will
be with you as prevailing an inducement,) by the princi
ples of Christianity, to put an immediate stop to the de
vices and intrigues of these associated schismatics, who
having, np dpubt, assumed tp themselves the apestacy cf
pur weak brethren, we may be assured that there is net
anything sp absurd but what they will assert, nor any
doctrines or precepts so sacred but what they will per
vert, and accommodate to their favourite theme railing
against our religious establishment ; for which, in any
country, the British dominions only excepted, they weuld
be very severely handled.

1745.] IN VIRGINIA. 105
" However, not meaning to inflame your resentment, we
may without breach of charity pronounce, that 'tis not
liberty of conscience, but freedom of speech they so earn
estly prosecute ; and we are very sure that they have no
manner of pretence to any shelter under the acts of tolera
tion, because; admitting they have had regular ordination,
they are by those acts obliged, (nor can they be ignorant
of it,) not only to take the oaths, but, with the test, to sub
scribe, after a deliberate reading of them, some of the arti
cles of our religion, before they presume to officiate. But
in this indulgent grant, though not expressed, a covenant is
intended, whereby they engage to preserve the character
of conscientious men, and not to use their liberty for a cloak
of maliciousness. So that I say, allowing their ordination,
yet as they have not by submitting to those essential points
qualified themselves to gather a congregation ; or if they
had, in speaking all manner of evil against us, have for
feited the privilege due to such compliance ; insomuch that
they are entirely without excuse, and their religious pro
fessions are very justly suspected to be the result of Jesuit
ical policy, which also is an iniquity to be punished by the
judges. I must, therefore, as in duty bound to God and
man, charge you m tne most solemn manner, to make
strict inquiry after those seducers ; and if they, or any of
them are still in this government, by presentment or in
dictment to report them to the court, that we who are in
authority under the defender of our faith, and the appointed
guardians to our constitution and state, exercising our
power, in this respect, for the protection of the people com
mitted to our care, may show our zeal in the maintenance
of the true religion ; not as the manner of some is, by vio
lent oppression, but in putting to silence by such method
as our law directs, the calumnies and invectives of these
bold accusers, and in dispelling, as we are devoutly dis
posed, so dreadful and dangerous a combination.
". In short, we should deviate from the pious path we pre-

106 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1745.
fess to tread in, and should be unjust to God, to our king,
to our country, to ourselves, and to our posterity, not to
take cognizance of so great a wickedness, whereby the
grace of our Lord Jesus Christ is turned into lascivious-
ness."* It would be injustice to the character of Governor Gooch,
by whom the foregoing charge was delivered, to consider
it as a mere exhibition of the spirit of bigotry. Rumours
had reached him of intemperate and disrespectful expres
sions used by the dissenters, which, though probably exag
gerated, were yet not without some foundation in truth ;
for it would have been strange, indeed, if, under all the cir
cumstances, nothing had been said against the establish
ment by the discontented. And fortunately, justice has
been done to the memory of the governor in this transac
tion, by one whose testimony will not be suspected. The
Rev. Samuel Davies, a Presbyterian divine of high and de
served reputation both for talent and piety, was, as has been
already stated, the most efficient agent in the introduction of
the Presbyterian system into Eastern Virginia. In the sketch
which he has left of the rise of the Presbyterians in that col
ony, and to which we have already referred, he thus speaks
of the governor, and by his candour, does honour both to the
subject of his remarks and to himself. " The honourable
Sir William Gooch, our late governor, always discovered
a ready disposition to allow us all claimable privileges, and
the greatest aversion to persecuting measures ; but con
sidering the shocking reports spread abroad concerning us
by officious malignants, it was no great wonder that the
council discovered considerable reluctance to tolerate us.
Had it not been for this, I persuade myself they would
have shown themselves the guardians of our legal privi
leges, as well as generous patriots to their country, which
* 3 Burk, 119.

1745.] IN VIRGINIA. 107
is the general character given of them."* The charge of
his excellency seems to have been not without effect.
The Rev. Mr. Roan, who had been sent by the presby
tery of Newcastle, had indulged himself in speaking freely
about the degeneracy of the clergy of the establishment ;
and one of his hearers, whom Morris terms " a perfidious
wretch," deposed that he heard Mr. Roan utter blasphe
mous expressions in his sermons. An indictment was found
against him, but he retired from the colony. Some of those
who had invited him to preach at. their houses were fined.
Mr. Roan, it is scarcely necessary to say, was not guilty
of blasphemy. The very witnesses who had been sum
moned to sustain the indictment were prepared, on the
trial, to testify in his favour ; and the creature at whose
instigation, and on whose testimony, probably, the bill had
been found, fled the country, and never returned.
The Presbyterians of the colony determined, in their dif
ficulties, to seek aid from abroad : accordingly, in 1745 a
deputation from Virginia attended a synod in New- York;
and an address was sent from that body to Sir William
Gooch. The bearers of it, the Rev. Messrs. Tennent and
Finley were received with respect by the governor, and
he gave them liberty to preach. After a short time they
left the colony, and fines were again inflicted upon Presby
terians for not attending on the services of the establish
ment. After having been again visited by Mr. Whitfield,
the Rev. Samuel Davies already mentioned was sent by the
presbytery in 1747.
As this gentleman was more instrumental than any other
Presbyterian divine in placing on a secure foundation the
religious denomination to which he belonged, it becomes
necessary to bestow upon him a more enlarged notice. At
the time of Mr. Davies' arrival in Virginia and settlement
in the county of Hanover, accerding to his own testimony
* Davies' State of Religion, &c, p. 21.

108 TROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCn [1745.
there were not ten avewed dissenters within ene hundred
miles of him.* On his arrival, his first care was to secure
himself and his followers from molestation, by a compliance
with the laws of the colony. The terms on which dissen
ters were tolerated, were, obtaining a license from some
judicial body for each meeting-house, causing such license
to be put upon record, taking the usual oalhs of fidelity to
the government, and subscribing the thirty-nine articles of
the Church of England, with certain enumerated excep
tions. These exceptions embraced the thirty-fourth, con
cerning " traditions of the church," the thirty-fifth, " of the
homilies," the thirty-sixth, " of the consecration of bishops
and ministers," and so much of the twentieth as declares
" the church hath power to decree rites and ceremonies, and
authority in controversies of faith."
With these terms Mr. Davies complied, and obtained
licenses for no less than four meeting-houses, to which,
in a short time, three more were added ; and among the
seven, some of which were forty miles distant from each
other, he divided his labours. Of these meeting-houses,
three were in Hanover county, one in Henrico, one in
Caroline, one in Louisa, and one in Goochland. This
region of country, therefore, may justly be considered
as the birthplace of Presbyterianism in Eastern Virginia.!
The health of Mr. Davies was precarious, but his labours
were unremitting. Possessing talents of a high order,
and gifted with no ordinary share of eloquence, he
readily succeeded in obtaining hearers ; and many who
were at first allured by curiosity or respect for genius,
returned to hear him under the influence of holier motives.
In three years his meeting-houses presented the spectacle
of large and attentive congregations, and among them he
numbered three hundred communicants. In truth, so far
as natural qualifications were concerned, he seems to have
* 2 Douglass's Summary, 380 ; t 2 Douglass's Summary, 370,
Davies, p. 28. , 380 ; Davies, 21, 22.

1745.] IN VIRGINIA. 109
been admirably adapted to the work on which he entered,
while his piety was beyond all question ; and in the retro
spect of so much accomplished in a short time, under God,
by the labours of a single man, we are forcibly impressed
with the thought that too much care cannot be manifested
in the selection of the instruments by whom either the great
truths of the Gospel or the peculiarities of a sect are to be
planted and extended. One able and devoted missionary
will accomplish more than ten men of a different stamp.
Mr. Davies, however, did not carry on his work without
encountering opposition. The officers of the government,
who of course adhered to the establishment, strenuously
contended that his proceedings were illegal, inasmuch as
the English " act of toleration" did not extend to Vir
ginia. This position was denied by the dissenters, who
claimed equal rights with their brethren at home, and the
matter was brought before the courts of the colony. Pey
ton Randolph, afterward the first president of congress,
was then attorney-general of Virginia, and the point was
argued, on one occasion, by Mr. Randolph on the one side,
and by Mr. Davies on the other : it is certainly no small
compliment to the latter gentleman to say, that he was able
to argue such a point at all against such an antagonist ; it
is therefore a higher tribute to his abilities to add, that he
was frankly acknowledged to have sustained his cause with
great learning and eloquence.
Upon the disputed point Mr. Davies was in the right ;
and when afterward, by appointment of Princeton College,
he visited England to solicit benefactions, he obtained from
the attorney-general, Sir Dudley Rider, a declaration that
the English act of toleration was the law of Virginia. Forti
fied by this opinion, on his return, he resumed his labours in
the colony, and continued them until 1759, when he was
appointed president of Princeton College, in which situation
he died.* Before leaving the character of Mr. Davies, it
* Allen's Biographical Dictionary, p. 330.

110 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1745.
is due to him to remark, that though firm, he was yet in
manner conciliatory: he experienced much kindness from
the reverend Dr. Dawson, the commissary, notwithstanding
the marked difference of opinion between them ; and this
kindness was repaid by sincere respect and affection.*
The successful establishment of the Presbyterians, how
ever, was not the sole cause of annoyance to the members
of the church ; for about this time was exhibited a fresh
instance of that aversion to popery which, it must be con
fessed, characterized Virginia during her colonial existence.
The circumstance which called it forth, was the news of
the landing in Scotland of the Pretender, under the auspices
of France. This event produced a strong sensation among
all classes ; and the expressions of loyalty to the reigning
family, and of attachment to the Church of England, were
numerous and unequivocal. The reverend Dr. Dawson,
who had succeeded Dr. Blair both as president of the col
lege and commissary, convened the clergy, and an address
from that body, transmitted to the king through the medium
of the Bishop of London, breathed a most loyal and anti-
papistical spirit ; while the governor issued his proclama
tion against Romish priests, who, it was said, came as emis
saries from Maryland, to seduce the people from their
allegiance. And to the successful enterprise of the Presbyterians,
and the anticipated inroads of the Papists, it would seem
that there was added the fear of other enemies of the
church; for in 1746 we find the governor issuing his pro
clamation and forbidding, under the severest penalties, the
meeting of " Moravians, New Lights, and Methodists."!
How numerous these obnoxious dissentients may have
been, or how far his excellency succeeded in suppressing
them, we have not the means of ascertaining ; the proba-
* For a sketch of the rise of Pres- differ in some slight particulars from
byterianism in Virginia, the reader the sketch here presented ; I have
may consult The Literary and Evan- followed Davies.
gelical Magazine, vol. 2, and Miller's f 8 Burk, 124, 5, 6.
Life of Dr. Rogers, ch. 2. These

1746.] IN VIRGINIA. Ill
bility is, however, that after an entrance was once effected,
and a lodgment secured within the colony by the opponents
of the church, they increased in strength notwithstanding
the resistance of those in authority : certain it is, that from
this period onward through a succession of many years,
the course of the church was not free from lets and hin-
derances ; and we may here most properly, it is thought,
fix the commencement of a struggle which was terminated
by her almost entire overthrow.
It is a coincidence singular enough to attract attention,
that the part of our narrative which records the efforts
of a layman to introduce the Presbyterian system into the
eastern part of the colony, should also bring into view that
period of time which witnessed the zealous labours of an
other layman to establish Episcopal services in the western
part of Virginia. It will be remembered that in the east
dissenters were rare ; while in the west, as we have seen,
but few of the inhabitants belonged to the establishment :
they were, for the most part, Presbyterian emigrants from
Ireland originally, and last from Pennsylvania. The name
of one layman is identified with the rise of Presbyterianism
on one side of the mountains ; the simultaneous commence
ment of the Episcopal church on the other side, is to be
found in the biography of another.
Morgan Morgan was a native of Wales, whence he emi
grated in early life to the province of Pennsylvania. In
the year 1726 he removed to what is now the county of
Berkeley in Virginia, and built the first cabin which was
reared on the south side of the Potomac, between the Blue
Ridge and the North Mountain. He was a man of ex
emplary piety, devoted to the church ; and, in the year
1740, associated with Dr. John Briscoe and Mr. Hite, he
erected the first Episcopal church in the valley of Virginia.
This memorial of his zeal, it is believed, is still standing, and
now forms that part of the parish of Winchester which is
known as " Mill Creek Church." But he has left behind

112 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1746.
him other and more valuable records of his quiet and use
ful life. " He went about doing good," and was most fre
quently to be found by the bedsides of the sick and the
dying. With no mad zeal, assuming to itself infallibility
and superior holiness, but with the soberness of a sound
mind and the earnestness of a pious heart, he sought to im
press upon others the value of the Gospel of Christ ; in this
good work he forgot not his own household, but laboured
to train up his children " in the nurture and admonition of
the Lord." The fruit of his labour was abundantly visible
in the piety of a son who bore his own name; and who, in
the destitution of Episcopal clergymen in western Virginia,
officiated at the early age of sixteen as a lay reader in the
church which his father had erected. The father lived on,
a pattern of piety, enjoying at times, under the ministra
tions of an Episcopal clergyman, the solemn services and
comfortable sacraments of that church which had his heart's
best affections, until, at the advanced age of seventy-eight,
he died under the roof of that son, whose piety and filial ten
derness smoothed his passage to the grave.
But clergymen were not always to be had, and Morgan
Morgan had been taught by his father that the public wor
ship of God was not to be neglected on that account. He
officiated himself, but never was known to assume the dig
nity nor exercise the duties which belong peculiarly to the
ministry: he confined himself strictly to that which a lay
man might lawfully do. In the latter years of his life, the
wants of the church were greatly increased from the dis
tracted state of the country; and he, like Morris, was
often called from home to perform in vacant churches
those religious duties which were proper for a layman.
Like Morris, too, he obeyed the call ; and as his circum
stances were easy, he determined, in the urgency of the
case, to devote himself exclusively to the work of keeping
alive and quickening piety in the church of his fathers ;
and thus did he exhibit " the singular spectacle of a lay-

1746.] IN VIRGINIA. 113
man, in his appropriate station, and with due regard to all
the peculiarities and regulations of the church, seeking to
keep up her institutions under circumstances of peculiar
discouragement." The history of his success is thus re
lated by the writer to whom we are indebted for our
sketch ; and it certainly affords abundant encouragement
to the zeal and efforts of the pious layman who may be
engaged in building up the church. " While the church to
which he belonged shall have existence in the valley of
Virginia, his pious labours must, and will be remembered
with gratitude. In a dark day, when desolation and death
seemed brooding over her interests, he commenced a career
of active exertion, which was hoping almost against hope ;
and by efforts of the most disinterested nature, revived the
attachment of her friends, and kept her from descending to
the dust. Though encumbered with the weight pf years,
and though but a layman, thus precluded from some of the
most interesting exercises, yet his labours were abundantly
blessed by God, and the spirit of piety was kept alive.
Through the counties of Jefferson, Berkeley, and part of
Frederick, Hampshire, and a small portion of Maryland,
he exercised the duties of a lay reader. He was a wel
come visitant everywhere, and was beloved by rich and
poor; and, what does not always happen when the ser
vices of the church are kept up by a layman, he had large
and attentive audiences. The character of the man was
his passport to respect and attention, and his love for the
church of his fathers stimulated the love of others. It is
firmly believed that the fruits of his labours will be long
traced in the valley of Virginia."*
His bones are now resting in the churchyard of " Mill
Creek Church ;" and though his name on earth was but
little known out of the immediate sphere of his usefulness,
yet, doubtless, " he shall be better known at the resurrec
tion of the just." * See Episcopal Recorder, vol. i. No. 5.
P

114 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1748.

CHAPTER VII.
1748-1771.
Lawsuit, Legislation fixing Clergyman's right to Glebes — State of the
Clergy — Substitution of Money for Tobacco in paying Clergy — Difficul
ties thence arising — Injustice to Clergy — Appearance of Baptists — Their
bitter Enmity — Great Question of the legality of paying the Clergy in
Money — Suit to settle it — Mr. Henry, his first Appearance — Question
settled against the Clergy — Efforts in Virginia to obtain the Episcopate
— Opposed by some of the Clergy — Their Conduct approved by the
Legislature. Allusion has already Deeii made on a previous page of
this narrative, to the uncertain tenure by which the# clergy
held their livings ; and the year on which we are now, en
tering afforded a striking practical illustration of the evils
resulting from the existing system. It will be remembered
that under the act of 1727, "every minister, received into
any parish by the vestry," was entitled to demand the salary
fixed by law of sixteen thousand pounds of tobacco. After
the passage of this law, the usual mode of proceeding to
supply a vacant parish was, as has been stated, to receive
some clergyman recommended by the governor and commis
sary, and under such reception the clergyman claimed the-
profits of the parish.
It seems that by direction of the vestry of Lunenburg
parish in Richmond county, an individual entered upon the
glebe lands contrary to the wishes of the incumbent, the
reverend Mr. Kay. Mr. Kay brought an action of tres
pass against the intruder, and in 1748 the suit came before
the general court for judgment, upon the single point whe
ther the bare reception of a minister by the vestry, under

1748.] IN VIRGINIA. 115
the act of 1727, there having been no formal induction in
the case, would enable the minister to maintain an action
of trespass against one who entered on the glebe lands by
order of the vestry. Judgment was finally rendered for
Mr. Kay on this point, but it was by a divided court ; and
as the matter created much unpleasant excitement through
out the colony, the assembly, then in session, to prevent a
prejudice against religion by the recurrence of a similar
difficulty, enacted, that "every minister received into a par
ish is entitled to all the spiritual and temporal benefits of
it, and may maintain an action of trespass against any per
son or persons who shall disturb him in the possession and
enjoyment thereof."*
This, it is believed, is the first act of legislation which
secured the clergyman against the exercise of that caprice
in a vestry which might, by petty annoyance, lead to a
removal from his charge ; but it certainly was not intended
to prevent the removal of an unworthy incumbent, against
whom a direct accusation of improper- conduct could be
preferred ; nor should it have had in its operation the effect
of giving impunity to the wicked and the worthless. It
was therefore a wholesome enactment, and it is only to be
lamented that it was not of earlier date ; had it been, the
church in Virginia would probably have enrolled in its
ministry more men worthy of the sacred office ; but as it
was, it came too late to remedy an evil which for years
had been operating to prevent the best men from seeking
clerical employment in the colony. If the authority of a
contemporary who laboured long and faithfully in Virginia
may be relied on, much the larger part of the clergy were
at this time deficient in the great duty of placing distinctly
before the people the fundamental truths of the Gospel.
Most of them might, indeed, have led lives externally
decent, at any rate they are not charged with any flagrant
* Bland's Letter to the Clergy of Virginia.

116 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1755.
violations of propriety in their outward deportment ; but
nothing was more common, as we gather from the writer
to whom we are indebted for these facts, than to be con
fronted, when he enjoined a duty or condemned a sin, with
the inquiry, " Why did not other ministers tell us so ? were
they not as wise as you?" Nay, from some of the clergy
themselves he was compelled to endure opposition and re
proach ; and opprobrious epithets, calculated to alarm pre
judice or provoke ridicule, were freely resorted to, to de
stroy or diminish the effects of his ministry.*
With such priests, it is easy to believe what is recorded
of the people. " The Sabbath day was usually spent by
them in sporting,"-\ and no question seems to have been
made whether the practice was right or wrong. And with
such a people, it is not probable that the errors and vices
of their teachers formed the subject of very serious com
plaints, or that direct efforts were made often to displace
an unworthy clergyman. The act, therefore, which has
just been recited, it may well be supposed, under all the cir
cumstances, served as much to impart confidence to wick
edness, as to afford security to virtue. No wonder is it
that the church languished, while dissenters acquired
strength at her expense. She was not true to herself.
The devout use of her formularies, the faithful preaching
of her doctrines, the consistent piety of her clergy, would
have presented more effectual checks to the growth of dis
sent than any exertion of civil authority ; these, under God,
are at all times her best bulwarks, for these remove all
grounds of reasonable complaint ; and the absence of these
can never be supplied by the mere support of the arm of
civil power.
In the year 1755, a petition was preferred to the legisla
ture by the clergy themselves, which furnishes evidence

* The Life of the Rev. Devereux t Ibid, 28.
Jarrat, 28, 86.

1755.] IN VIRGINIA. 117
that the picture here presented of that body is not exag
gerated. The petition sets forth " that the salary appointed
by law for the clergy is so scanty, that it is with difficulty
they support themselves and families, and can by no means
make any provision for their widows and children, who
are generally left to the charity of their friends ; that the
small encouragement given to clergymen is a reason why
so few come into this colony from the two universities ;
and that so many who are a disgrace to the ministry find
opportunities to fill the parishes ; and that the raising of the
salary would prove of great service to the colony," and
the petitioners prayed accordingly that their salaries might
be increased. The petition was not granted by the House
of Burgesses ; but it is due to that body to state, that the
country was then engaged in an expensive war with the
French, which called for an unusual taxation of the peo
ple.* The representations here made of the character of
many of the clergy are sustained by other statements con
cerning them which have come down to us. In a letter
from Dr. Rundle, bishop of Derry, written in 1740, he
speaks of three ministers whom he had discarded from his
diocess, and to whom he had refused certificates, and yet,
he adds, they " have obtained good livings in America."
The year 1757 was one of unparalleled distress in the
colony : the war just alluded to had not terminated ; and to
increase the privations consequent upon a state of hostility,
there was a failure in the great staple of the country.
There was not a sufficiency of tobacco made in the whole
colony to have afforded to every man who was tithable
two hundred pounds, out of which to pay his taxes. So
great was the scarcity, that the assembly was obliged to
issue money from the public funds to save the population
from starving. In this emergency, the legislature enacted,
that inasmuch as payment in tobacco was impossible, the
* Bland's Letter to Virginia Clergy.

118 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1757.
clergy should receive " a price for their salaries, equal to
crop tobacco at eighteen shillings per hundred weight,"
which gave to them for that year one hundred and forty-
four pounds, a salary larger than they had ever- received
before.* There, probably, was tobacco enough to have
paid the clergy alone, and the scarcity in the commodity
had of course so much enhanced its value at the time, that
had payment been made in the article itself, its sale would
have yielded to its owners very large returns. Whether
this consideration operated on the minds of the clergy to
produce discontent is unknown ; certain it is, however, that
the law occasioned much murmuring, and the clergy con
tended that it was a violation of their rights to eompel
them to yield to this plan of substitution. A portion of
them was not content patiently to submit; accordingly
they met in convention at the college, and instructed the
Rev. Mr. Camm (who was then the commissary) to make a
representation on the subject to the Bishop of London, or
to the Lords of Trade. It is probable that their complaint
was made to their diocesan, as there is extant a letter from
that prelate to the Board of Trade, in which he inveighs
against this law as being subversive of the rights of the
clergy.! On the contested point, it will probably, at this day, be
conceded that the clergy were in the right ; and as the
matter in its consequences was one of much moment to the
church, it demands attention. The act of 1757 was not
the first law which had compelled the clergy to receive
money in lieu of tobacco. In 1755, the crop having failed,
the legislature passed " an act to enable the inhabitants of
the colony to discharge their tobacco debts in money for
the present year :" by this act, payments to be made in
tobacco might be satisfied in money, at the rate of sixteen
shillings and eight pence per hundred weight, at the option
* Bland's Letter to Virginia Clergy. f Ibid.

1757.] IN VIRGINIA. 119
of the debtor. The act was to continue in force ten months,
and no longer, and did not contain the usual clause of sus
pension, until it should receive the royal assent. The clear
necessity for the act, and its being made to extend to all
other tobacco creditors as well as ministers, probably satis
fied the clergy; at any rate they made no objection, and
bore the loss without a murmur. The rich planters, who
had tobacco to sell, received for it fifty or sixty shillings
per hundred weight, while they paid off their debts due in
the commodity at sixteen shillings and eight pence, so that
the law proved to them a source of great profit. Remem
bering the effect of this law upon, their interests, in the
year 1757,* upon a surmise that the crop would be de
ficient, the act of 1755 was re-enacted. The crop did fail,
and tobacco was again worth fifty shillings. The clergy
felt the hardship thus repeated, and were disposed to re
sist. The act was attacked by a publication on the part
of Commissary Camm, and this led to a war of pamphlets
between the commissary on the one side, and Colonels
Bland and Carter on the other. The people, who at first
merely laughed, soon became excited by a sense of in
terest, and so strongly did the popular current set against
the clergy, that the printers of the colony shut their presses
against them, and Mr. Camm at last resorted to Mary
land for publication.!
This was an unfortunate contest for the church and the
clergy. In every conflict of the kind, the merits of the
question, originally involved in the dispute, are apt to be
lost sight of; and in the ardour of controversy, it is not
unusual for men to transfer their condemnation from
opinions, to those who avow them ; and such there is rea
son to believe was the course pursued in this instance.
While among the clergy there were some who were above
just suspicion or reproach, it must be owned that as a body
* Mr. Wirt fixes it in 1758. Life t Wirt's Life of Patrick Henry,
of Patrick Henry, 39. 39, 40.

120 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1757.
*% -
they were anything but invulnerable ; and the opportunity
for censure afforded by their conduct was too inviting to
be overlooked by their antagonists. The leading laymen
looked around, and saw almost every parish supplied with
an incumbent of some sort, while the state of religion was,
in their view, far from flourishing; they did not .hesitate to
impute this condition of things to the clergy themselves,
and the people at large were ready enough to lend a will
ing ear to the charge.* It was not that there was any
partiality for the dissenters, for the general sentiment
was against them ;! but there was growing up in men's
minds a gradual alienation from the church, because it was
identified with those who were suspected of being more
anxious to enrich themselves than to benefit the souls of
others, and men began to admit the suspicion that the es
tablishment was proving a burden instead of a blessing.
Doubtless, injustice was done, in this process, to many a
worthy man, who was made to suffer by the indiscriminate
censure which visited his order, while he probably would
have been as prompt as any one in removing those who had
subjected both the church and himself to undeserved re
proach. This unfortunate dispute is recorded because it
was one of the links in a chain of causes which was oper
ating silently but surely for the prostration of the church :
everything which provoked hostility and awakened preju
dice, of course prepared men's minds for the final blow
struck in the stormy times of that revolution, tq, which the
country was even then approaching with unsuspected but
certain step.
It was in the midst of this growing spirit of disaffection
towards the church that a new and, as events proved, a
most inveterate enemy appeared. About the year 1765,
and while the Rev. Mr. Robinson was commissary, the
Baptists first made their appearance in Amelia and some
• Life of Jarrat, 79, 83, 86, 102. t Jarrat's Life, fi9.

1762.] IN VIRGINIA. 121
of the adjacent counties, and by insisting on the peculiar
tenets of their sect, they began to shake the faith of many
who belonged to the church.* It must not, however, be
supposed that, previous to this time, none of this sect had
been seen in Virginia. The first who came were emi
grants from England as early as the year 1714 ; others
also came from Maryland in the year 1743 :! but their in
crease was but small for a long time after their introduc
tion. There was a bitterness in the hatred of this denomi
nation towards the establishment, which far surpassed that
of all other religious communities in the colony ; and it
was always prompt (as the future pages of our work
will show) to avail itself of every prejudice which religious
or political zeal could excite against the church. Their
first preachers came from the North, and some few arose
in the South : all met with opposition from those in
power. " The ministers (says Leland) were imprisoned,
and the disciples buffeted." This is but too true. No
dissenters in Virginia experienced for a time harsher treat
ment than did the Baptists. They were beaten and im
prisoned ; and cruelty taxed its ingenuity to devise new
modes of punishment and annoyance. The usual conse
quences followed ; persecution made friends for its vic
tims ; and the men who were not permitted to speak in
public, found willing auditors in the sympathizing crowds
who gathered around the prisons to hear them preach from
the grated windows.J It is not improbable that this very
opposition imparted strength in another mode, inasmuch
as it at least furnished the Baptists with a common ground
on which to make resistance ; and such common ground
was in a great degree wanting in their creed ; for not to
speak of their great division into Regulars and Separates,§
* The Virginia Baptist Chronicle, t Semple's History of Virginia,
by John Leland. (This work I saw Baptists, pp. I, 344.
in MS., among the papers of the late t Semple's History of Virginia
E. Hazzard, Esq., of Philadelphia.) Baptists, pages 15, 17, 22, 207, 427.
§ Semple's History, passim.

1%2 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1763.
some "held to predestination, others to universal provision;
some adhered to a confession of faith, others would have
none but the Bible ; some practised laying on of hands,
others did not;"* and, in fact, the only particular- in ;which
there seems to have been unanimity, was in the favourite
exclusive opinion of the sect, that none but adult believers
are fit subjects of baptism, and that immersion is the only
effectual or authorized mode of administering that sacra-
ment. •,
It is obvious that no time could have been more inau
spicious than this, for calling public attention to the contro
versy with the laity on the subject of substituted payments
in money, in- lieu of tobacco. And yet it was not possible"
for the clergy, without an entire surrender of their rights,
to let the matter rest. It has been seen that through their
commissary the subject was brought to the notice of the
Bishop of London and the Lords of Trade, and finally it
came before the king and council. The act of 1757 was
denounced by his majesty as a usurpation, and he declared
it utterly null and void. Sustained by this declaration, the
clergy resolved not to yield, but to bring the question up
for a judicial decision. Accordingly, suits were com
menced, in several of the counties, by the clergy to recover
their stipends in tobacco. As the decision in one cause
would settle the principle in all, it was not necessary to
bring all to trial ; and to test the success of the experiment,
it was resolved to try the action brought by the reverend
Mr. Maury in the county of Hanover.
The case, as presented to the court, was briefly this :
the plaintiff's, declaration was founded on the law of 1748,
which gave specifically sixteen thousand pounds of tobacco.
To this, the defendant pleaded specially the act of 1757,
which allowed payment to be made in money, at the rate
of sixteen shillings and eight pence per hundred weight.
* Leland.

1 763.] IN VIRGINIA. 123
To this plea the plaintiff demurred on two grounds : first,
that th^ act of 1758 had never received the royal assent
and was therefore not law ; and secondly, that the king,
in council, had declared that act to be null and void. In
1763 the case came on for argument upon the demurrer.
XJie court sustained the demurrer; thereby deciding that
the plea of the defendant was no good defence, and, of
course, that the, act of 1748, under which the clergy claimed
the specific tobacco, was unrepealed. This was, in effect,
a decision of the cause for the clergy ; but, before a final
judgment, certain other steps were necessary. It having
been settled that the defence made was not a good one, if
" the defendant had none better to offer, it only remained to
inquire by a jury the amount of damages which the plaintiff
had sustained, and to render a final judgment on their find
ing. The defendants had not pleaded over after the judg
ment on the demurrer, and the case stood upon a writ of
inquiry of damages ; and nothing was more reasonable
than the expectation of the clergy that the jury would at
once render a verdict for their claim under the act of 1748.
In fact, the counsel originally employed by the defendant
looked upon this result as inevitable, candidly said so to his
client, and retired from the cause. And such, probably,
would have been the result, but for the celebrated Patrick
Henry. He had been employed upon the withdrawal of
the former counsel ; and as the very loose practice of the
county courts of that day permitted great latitude of remark
in advocates, when he came before the jury, instead of en
tering upon a calm investigation of the amount of damages
actually sustained, he skilfully played upon the passions of
his hearers, aroused their prejudices, and poured forth tor
rents of eloquence upon the decision of the king in council,
as indicating a wanton disregard of the true interests of a
suffering people, and a heartless contempt of their necessi-

124 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1763.
ties.* It is very certain that all this had nothing to do with
the question before the jury ; but they readily imbibed sen
timents so much in accordance with their interests, and so
agreeable to their prejudices against the clergy ; and, carried
away by an eloquence as extraordinary as it was unex
pected, (for it was Mr. Henry's first cause in any court,) they
yielded. *to their feelings, and returned a verdict of one
penny damages. The court, influenced as much as the
jury by the fascinating powers of the advocate, unani
mously refused to grant a new trial ; and this refusal was
received with a shout of acclamation by the crowd both
within and without the house. The people, in fact, looked
upon it as their cause ; the triumph of Mr. Henry was their
triumph : and a striking picture of the spirit of the populace
in this matter is afforded in the fact, that as soon as the de
cision was made, the people, in spite of all efforts made by
the officers to preserve order in the court, seized Mr. Henry
at the bar, bore him out of the courthouse, and raising him
on their shoulders, carried him, in a sort of triumphal pro
cession, about the courtyard. It was, indeed, a sponta-
* A picture of the scene here described, together with a sketch of this
remarkable speech, has been preserved by one who witnessed its effect with
the deepest interest, even by Mr. Maury himself. The report of Mr.
Maury does not fully sustain the glowing description given by the biogra
pher of Mr. Henry ; but, with a degree of candour most honourable to
Mr. Maury, it does show that the advocate possessed extraordinary powers
of eloquence. It was in the course of this speech, says Mr. Maury,
that, when Mr. Henry declared that a king who annulled and dis
allowed laws of a salutary nature, instead of being the father, degenerated
into the tyrant of his people, that the opposing advocate cried oat, " He has
spoken treason." The bench, however, did not think so, and Mr. Henry
proceeded without interruption in the delivery of as bold a philippic as ever
subject uttered against his sovereign. Calling to mind the relation in
which Virginia then stood to the crown of England, it must be confessed
that the speech contained much more treason than logic : it was an appeal
to men's passions, not to their understandings, and was managed with con
summate address. — MS. letter from Mr. Maury to the reverend Mr. Camm,
furnished to the author by James Maury, Esq.

1763.] IN VIRGINIA. 125
neous though undignified tribute to the extraordinary pow
ers of a very extraordinary man ; but it was also the
triumph of wrong over right.
The news of the defeat of the clergy, connected as it
was with the unlooked-for display of Mr. Henry's elo
quence, spread with rapidity through the colony ; and* so
decided was public sentiment, that the clergy, hopeless of
success, never brought any of the other cases to trial ; they
were all dismissed by the plaintiffs. In Mr. Maury's case
no appeal was taken ; and Mr. Camm assigns as the reason
for this, that the legislature voted money to support the
defendants in the appeal, and the clergy were too poor to
contend against the wealth of the public treasury. It is
not known with certainty that the assembly made provision
to sustain the defendants in this particular case ; though
the journals show, in 1767, an engagement to defend all
suits brought by the clergy for their salaries, payable on
or before the last day of May, 1759.*
With all the prejudices which resulted from the transac
tions just related, operating against the church, no time
could have been more inauspicious for agitating another
question, to the history of which the course of events has
now brought us. For many years, applications had been
repeatedly made by members of the church in this country
for a resident bishop. In the first instance, these applica
tions issued alike from laity and clergy ; a variety of cir
cumstances, fully recorded in a future volume of this work,
had conspired to defeat the success of the applications, and
sometimes when they seemed to be on the eve of accom
plishment. Notwithstanding all disheartening events, they were,
however, still continued, and principally by the clergy of
some of the northern colonies. New- York and New-Jer
sey, with the occasional aid of Connecticut, were conspicu-
* See Wirt's Life of Patrick Henry, section 1.

126 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1771.
ous in these solicitations. They spared no efforts to bring
into their views their brethren of the other colonies, in the
reasonable expectation that a unanimous appeal to the
church of the mother country would not be disregarded.
The clergy of New- York and New- Jersey entered into a
voluntary union, known as " The United Convention of New-
York and New-Jersey ;" and from the manuscript records
of that body kept by the late Bishop Seabury, who then
resided in New- York, and was its secretary, the fact is
ascertained that the reverend Dr. Cooper, then president
of King's (now Columbia) College in New- York, and the
reverend Mr. M'Kean, missionary at Am boy in New-
Jersey, were specially deputed to visit the southern part of
the continent, for the purpose of securing the co-operation
of their brethren in that region in procuring an American
episcopate.* It must not, however, be supposed that the unanimity
which had marked the earlier applications on this subject
still continued. The laity were now nearly ripe for the
revolution which soon commenced ; and bishops were an
objeet of suspicion to many who truly loved the church,
because, in their minds, the civil and ecclesiastical constitu
tions of the mother country were identified ; the political
aspect of affairs, therefore, presented to the laity a new
and serious obstacle to the measure ;! and in their opin
ions there were not wanting many of the clergy who
concurred. It was while affairs were in this posture, that, in April,
1771, Mr- Camm, the commissary, by public advertisement,
requested a general attendance of the clergy of the colony
at the college, on the fourth of May. There were at that
time more than one hundred churches in Virginia, and most
of them were furnished with ministers. On the appointed
* Journals of the United Conven- t Bishop White's Memoirs, p. 51.
tion of 1767, pp. 32, 33,34, 35; Sea-
bury MSS.

1771.] IN VIRGINIA. 127
day a number of the clergy met, and a proposition was
made to address the king in behalf of an American episco
pate. The whole number of clergymen in attendance was,
however, so small, that most of them desired the commis
sary to convene another meeting, and to inform those sum
moned of the proposition which would be considered at
the meeting. This was accordingly done ; and on the
fourth of June, the day appointed for the meeting, twelve
clergymen only appeared. This number was less than
that which had attended the previous meeting, and a ques
tion very naturally arose, whether so small a portion of the
clergy could with propriety be deemed a convention of the
Virginia clergy. This having been settled in the affirma
tive, though not without opposition, it was then proposed
to address his majesty on the subject of the episcopate, and
the proposition was rejected. A third question was then
presented for consideration, on the propriety of addressing
the Bishop of London for his opinion and advice, and all
concurred in the adoption of such a measure.
The business of the meeting, it would seem, should here
have terminated ; but before adjournment, a successful
effort was made to reconsider the vote upon the subject of
an address to the king, and such an address was finally
resolved on. This proposition to reconsider was very
warmly opposed by the Rev. Messrs. Henly and Gwatkin,
two of the professors in the college ; but it is due to both
these gentlemen to add, that their opposition was entirely
on grounds unconnected with the question of church gov
ernment or ministerial imparity: they distinctly avowed
their cordial and conscientious approval of the episcopal
system, and resisted the present effort on considerations
of expediency alone. The arguments by which they sus
tained their opposition were founded upon, 1. respect for
the Bisnop of London ; 2. the disturbances occasioned by
the stamp act; 3. a recent rebellion in North Carolina, but
just suppressed ; and 4. the general clamour at that time

128 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1771'
against the introduction of bishpps. The vpte tp address
the king was adepted, netwithstanding the opposition ; a
committee was appointed to apply to such of the clergy as
were not present for their signatures to the purposed ap
plication, and Mr. Henly and Mr. Gwatkin solemnly pro
tested against the whele proceeding in the fcllpwing
terms : —
"First, because, as the number of the clergy in this colony
is at least a hundred, we cannot conceive that twelve cler
gymen are a sufficient representation of so large a body.
"Secondly, because the said resolution contradicts a
former resolution of the same convention, which puts a
negative upon the question, ' whether the king should be ad
dressed upon an American episcopate.' And that an as
sembly met upon so s^pimportant an occasion, should re
scind a resolution agreed to and entered down but a few
minutes before, is in our apprehension contrary to all order
and decorum.
" Thirdly, because the expression American episcopate
includes a jurisdiction over the other colonies ; and the
clergy of Virginia cannot, with any propriety, petition for
a measure which, for aught that appears to the contrary,
will materially affect the natural rights and fundamental
laws of the said colonies, without their consent and appro
bation. "Fourthly, because the establishment of an American
episcopate, at this time, Would tend greatly to weaken the
connection between the mother country and her colonies, to
continue their present unhappy disputes, to infuse jealousies
and fears into the minds of Protestant dissenters, and to
give ill-disposed persons occasion to raise such distur
bances as may endanger the very existence of the British
empire in America.
" Fifthly, because we cannot help considering it as ex
tremely indecent for the clergy te make such an applica-

1771.] IN VIRGINIA. 129
tion withput the ccncurrence of the president, council, and
representatives of this province ; a usurpation directly
repugnant to the rights of mankind.
" Sixthly, because the Bishops of London have always
hitherto exercised ecclesiastical jurisdiction over this col
ony; and we are perfectly satisfied with the mild, just, and
equitable government of our excellent diocesan, the present
Lord Bishop of London ; and do think a petition to the
crown to strip his lordship of any part of his jurisdiction,
but an ill return for his past labours, and contrary to our
oath of canonical obedience. We do further conceive, as
it had been unanimously determined by this very conven
tion that his lordship should be addressed for his opinion
relative to this measure, the clergy ought to have waited
for his lordship's paternal advice, before they had pro
ceeded any further in an affair of such vast importance.
" Seventhly, because we have particular objections to
that part of the resolution by which the committee are
directed to apply, as it is termed, for the hands of the ma
jority of the clergy of this colony : a method of proceeding,
in our opinion, contrary to the universal practice of the
Christian church, it having been customary for the clergy
to sign all acts of an ecclesiastical nature in public conven
tion ; whereas, the manner of procuring their concurrence
now proposed, is unworthy the decorum and dignity by
which so venerable a body ought ever to be guided."
Whatever may be thought of the insufficiency of some
of these grounds of protest, it will probably be conceded of
the rest that they were not without weight ; at least such
seems to have been the opinion of others of the clergy
besides Messrs. Henly and Gwatkin ; for the Rev. Messrs.
Hewitt and Bland subsequently joined in the foregoing
protest ; while the opinion of the laity on the subject, was
very strongly indicated by a unanimous vote of the legisla*
ture, in the following words : — " Resolved, nemine contra-
R

130 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1771.
dicente, that the thanks of this House be given to the Rev.
Mr. Henly, the Rev. Mr. Gwatkin, the Rev. Mr. Hewitt,
and the Rev. Mr. Bland, for the wise and well-timed oppo
sition they have made to the pernicious project of a few
mistaken clergymen, for introducing an American bishop ;
a measure, by which much disturbance, great anxiety, and
apprehension would certainly take place among his ma
jesty's faithful American subjects ; and that Mr. Richard
Henry Lee and Mr. Bland do acquaint them therewith."*
When it is remembered that the majority of the legisla
ture belonged to the establishment, the conclusion will,
probably, not be deemed erroneous, that the opposition
rested almost entirely upon political considerations ; and
such a conclusion derives confirmation from the fact, that
fifteen years afterward, Mr. Lee, who was appointed to
convey the thanks of the House to the protesting clergy,
as president of congress lent his aid to the efforts made to
procure consecration for Bishops White and Prevost, and
certified that they sought nothing in their application in
consistent with the civil institutions of the United States.!
The circumstances here related led to an unfortunate
alienation between the clergy of the northern provinces,
who desired a bishop, and such of the Virginia clergy as
had opposed the recent measures in that colony. The
history of this alienation is preserved in the pamphlets of
the day, to which these Virginia proceedings gave birth.
On the part of the northern ministers was published " An
Address from the Clergy l. New-York and New-Jersey
to the Episcopalians in Virginia," which was replied to in
a spirited pamphlet by Mr. Gwatkin. These publications,
however, satisfactorily show that, save on one point, both
parties entertained the same opinion ; that point was the ex
pediency, at that time, of making the proposed effort. In
fact, Mr. Gwatkin declared explicitly that the authors of the
* 3 Burk, 364, 5-. Bishop White's Memoirs, 52

1771.] IN VIRGINIA. 131
protest had " not any aversion to episcopacy in general,
to that mode of it established in England, fir even to an
American episcopate introduced at a proper time, by proper
authority, and in a proper manner :" the opposition to an
" immediate establishment," he stated to be " a prudential
regard to the practicable, a desire to preserve peace, heal
divisions, and calm the angry passions of an inflamed peo
ple." And at this distance of time, it will probably be
acknowledged that on the question of expediency, the Vir
ginia clergy judged wisely. In the temper of the times,
the application could not but have proved unsuccessful ;
to make it, therefore, could only serve to exasperate a very
large portion of the colonists, without the prospect of ob
taining the end desired.

132 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1772.

CHAPTER VIII.
1772-1778.
Appearance of the Methodists — Their adherence to the Church — Conduct
of the Episcopal Clergy in the Revolution — Many of them Whigs — Some
become Officers in the Continental Army — Conduct of the Baptists at
breaking out of the Revolution — Petitions of Presbyterians, Baptists,
and others against the Church — Counter Petitions — Act of 1776 destroy
ing Establishment — Distress of the Clergy — Their Treatment — Legis
lative Proceedings of 1777 and 1778 — Ordinations by the Methodists,
condemned by Mr. Asbury.
Our attention must now be directed to another religious
denomination, which, upon its first appearance, claiming
alliance with the church, received countenance from some
of its clergy ; but which ultimately proceeded to the length
of an entire separation. It was about the period of time
which we have now reached that the Methodists began to
increase in Virginia. There were doubtless individuals,
and, it may be, preachers of that society, to be found in the
colony before 1772 ;* but they seem thus far not to have
made any very strong impression, and certainly one not
hostile to the church. In truth, they professed to belong to
the church ; and as a portion of their subsequent success
is attributable to this circumstance, a brief review of facts
connected with that society becomes necessary.
It is well known, that until the latter years of his life,
the founder of " Methodism," (Mr. John Wesley,) who was
a presbyter of the Church of England, professed a strong
attachment to that church, and gave, tp his followers in the
* Vide ante, p. 110, Gov. Gooch's Proclamation against the Methodists.

1772.] in Virginia. 133
mother country, a list of " reasons for not separating from
the church," the good sense of which was unfortunately
forgotten by him at a subsequent period. In his " farther
appeal to men of reason and religion,"* he thus addresses
the members of the Church of England : — " We do not
dispute concerning any of the externals or circumstantials
of religion. There is no room ; for we agree with you
therein. We approve of, we adhere to them all ; all that
we learned together when we were children, in our cate
chism and common prayer book. We were born and bred
in your own church, and desire to die therein." " We hold,
and ever have done, the same opinions which you and we
received from our forefathers." " We approve both the
doctrines and discipline of our church, and inveigh only
against ungodliness and unrighteousness." In accordance
with these sentiments the first Methodists in America acted.
Their preachers were all laymen ; they never administered
the sacraments, but received the Lord's Supper themselves
at the hands of the clergy of the Church of England ; and
they claimed to be nothing more than members pf a reli
gious society formed within the bosom of the established
church at home, and extended to America.! The language
of the Methodist preachers was, that " all who left the
church left the Methodists."J Nay, such was the avowed
attachment of the society, that in public opinion it was so
far identified with the church, as to share with it the odium
which from political causes then rested upon the establish
ment in Virginia. The Methodists were suspected of being
inimical to the liberties of America.^ This suspicion, in
the minds of many, originated in nothing but the known
adherence of the society to an ecclesiastical system which
had, the support of the civil power. It derived strength
afterward from the fact, that Mr. Wesley, who, in the com-

* Page 134. t Ibid. 110.
t Jarratt's Life, 108. y Ibid. 110, 112.

134 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1772.
mencement of the dispute between England and the colo
nies had defended the latter, suddenly changed his opinions,
and wrote and preached against the American cause with
so much warmth as to provoke this memorable rebuke from
the celebrated Junius : — " You have forgotten the precept
of your Master, that God and mammon cannot be served
together. You have one eye upon a pension, and the other
upon heaven ; one hand stretched out to the king, the other
raised up to God. I pray that the first may reward you,
and the last forgive you." The term rebels, was, from the
influence of Mr. Wesley's opinions on his English follow
ers, one of frequent application to the American Method
ists by their English brethren ; and thus were they sub
jected to the misfortune of a double suspicion, which on
one side or the other must have been misplaced.
Their profession of regard, however, obtained for them,
as has already been hinted, favour from some of the clergy
of Virginia, and in one instance at least, if not in more, the
pulpit of the parish church was surrendered for the use of
the lay preacher.* The evil effects of this kindness were
felt by the church, after the final separation of the Method
ists from the establishment ; for there were those who,
having once been taught to regard them as brethren, and
ignorant of the extent to which the separation had been
carried, could not be made to understand that on the im
portant subject of the Christian ministry differences of
opinion existed which were irreconcilable.!
As the political aspect of affairs became more gloomy,
* Jarratt's Life, p. 108.
t The late Bishop Ravenscroft of North Carolina has been heard to say,
that in the discharge of his duties as a parish priest in Virginia, he some
times encountered aged churchmen, who could not understand that there
were any subjects of disagreement between the church and the Methodists.
Their language was, " Father Jarratt gave us all to the Methodists." It
should be added that Father Jarratt lived long enough to see the error of his
course in this particular. See Jarratt's Life, p. 120, et seq.

1775.] IN VIRGINIA. 135
it may well be supposed that the absorbing topic was the
approaching struggle which the wisest patriots of America
now began to perceive was inevitable. The whole conti
nent was ripe for resistance, and awaited but the first blow
to fly to arms. In this mood of mind, it was, of course, to be
expected that the hostility towards the church in Virginia,
would become more confirmed in the breasts of all who
took part with the colonies. The clergy were generally
friends to the mother country : — attached to it by the cir
cumstance of birth, and bound as they were individually
by the oath of allegiance, it would be unjust hastily to con
demn them for their preference. With many of them
scruples of conscience really existed, as to the propriety or
lawfulness of a resort to arms under all the circumstances.
Admit the fact that the view which they entertained was
erroneous, (as it certainly was,) still it might have been,
and in many cases was, a very honest error. The ques
tion, as to the proper course to be pursued, was one on
which honest and intelligent men might easily differ, with
out justifying an imputation, on the one hand, of a want of
understanding and disregard of liberty ; or, on the other, of
a spirit of rebellion and the guilt of treason.
The subject is one of so much delicacy, that even
now it is dangerous to discuss it, from fear of misappre
hension. The period has hardly yet arrived for the exer
cise of a dispassionate judgment upon the events con
nected with the history of the American revolution. There
is an association formed, from the cradle, between names
and things, which the men of this generation have not
yet outgrown: the watchwords of party in the stormy
times of the revolution, have, in modern days, a power to
awaken emotions akin to those which glowed in the bosoms
of our ancestors. Before, therefore, we condemn all who,
in the perilous struggle, took part with the mother country,
we should place ourselves, in imagination, in their situation,
and it may serve to temper the harshness of our judgment.

138 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1775.
About tp embark, and with seeming hppelessness, in a
struggle with a power which from infancy had been an ob
ject of veneration, and fidelity to which had been inculcated
as a virtue from the very cradle ; — with that fidelity further
guarantied by a solemn oath, from which, it was sup
posed, nothing could absolve the conscience of an honest
man ; and with a feeling of patriotism, which it is hard to
eradicate from the bosom of an upright man, (for it must
be remembered that England was the birthplace of many
of the loyalists, and arose upon their memories surrounded
with all the cherished endearments of home ;) — under such
circumstances, it must be confessed that there were many
inducements which might lead the judgment to pause ere
that decisive step was taken which, in the event of success,
severed a man for ever from the spot of his birth ; and, in
the event of defeat, classed him among those who were
traitors to its interests.
It is not intended, by these remarks, to express approba-
tion.of the opinions of such of the clergy as adhered to the
cause of England ; for the contest, on the part of these
colonies, was a righteous resistance, into which they were
forced ; and it is therefore thought that the clergy erred ;
but it is also thought that there is some extenuation of that
error, a notice of which is demanded by a sense of justice.
But the error was not confined to the clergy, a portion of
the laity adopted their opinions ; it was, however, very
small, for the great mass of the population in Virginia was
opposed to England, and this rendered the situation of the
clergy only the more disagreeable. Nor were all the
clergy loyalists ; they numbered in their ranks some sturdy
republicans, though these formed a minority, including not
quite one-third of the whole body.* Upon the loyal clergy,
* The enemies of the Episcopal church have but too often been ready to
arouse prejudice by representing churchmen, generally, as opposed to the
cause of the colonies in the struggle for independence. There certainly
was no state more forward than Virginia in the War of the Revolution, and

1775.] IN VIRGINIA. 137
more than upon any other class in the community, it may
be said, there rested the weight of popular odium ; and the
burden, when shared with others, was shared with the
Methodists. In 1775, the storm which had so long been gathering,
burst upon America, and the first blood was spilled at
Lexington. Every colony was speedily on the alert, and
a voluntary convention of the delegates to the Virginia
legislature, meeting after its adjournment, succeeded the
last royal assembly which was ever held in "the ancient
dominion." The Baptists were not slow in discovering the
advantageous position in which the political troubles of the
country had placed them. Their numerical strength was
such as to make it important to both sides to secure their
influence; they knew this, and therefore determined to
turn the circumstance to their profit as a sect. Persecu
tion had taught them not to love the establishment, and
they now saw before them a reasonable prospect of over
turning it entirely. In their association, they had calmly
discussed the matter, and resolved on their course : in this
course they were consistent to the end ; and the war
which they waged against the church, was a war of exter-
yet a large majority of its inhabitants were Episcopalians. Of the clergy
may be named Bishop Madison, Messrs. Bracken, Belmaine, Buchanan,
Jarratt, Griffith, Davis, and others who were avowed and decided partisans
of the colonies. Nay, in one instance, a clergyman of Virginia, the Rev,
Mr. Muhlenberg, relinquishing his charge, accepted the commission of col
onel in the American army, raised his regiment among his own parishioners,
and served through the whole of the war, from which he retired, at its close,
with the rank of brigadier-general. (Thatcher's Military Journal, 152.)
The Rev. Mr. Thruston, of Frederick county, also bore arms as a colonel in
the continental service. Of the laity, were General Washington, Patrick
Henry, Richard Henry Lee, the mover of the Declaration of Independence,
his brother, Francis Lightfoot Lee, one of the signers, George Mason, Ed
mund Pendleton, Peter Lyons, Paul Carrington, William Fleming, William
Grayson, with the families of the Nelsons, and Meades, and Mercers, and
Harrisons, and Randolphs, and hundreds of other names, deservedly dear to,
Virginia, S

138 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1776.
mination. They seem to have known no relentings, and
their hostility never ceased for seven-and-twenty years.*
They revenged themselves for their sufferings, by the al
most total ruin of the church: and now commenced the
assault, for, inspired by the ardours of a patriotism which
accorded with their interests, or willing to avail themselves
of a favpurable opportunity to present, in their case, an ad
vantageous contrast to a part of the church, they addressed
the convention, and informed that body that their religious
tenets presented no obstacle to their taking up arms and
fighting for the country ; and they tendered the services of
their pastors in promoting the enlistment of the youth of
their religious persuasion. They presented, also, to the
convention a petition, in which they made, the certainly
reasonable request, " that they might be allowed to wor
ship God in their own way, without interruption ; that they
might be permitted to maintain their own ministers, sep
arate from others; that they might be married, buried, and
the like, without paying the clergy of other denomina
tions."! A complimentary answer was returned to their
address ; and an order was made that the sectarian clergy
should have the privilege of performing divine service to
their respective adherents in the army, equally with the
regular chaplains of the established church.J This, it is
believed, was the first step made towards placing the
clergy, of all denominations, upon an equal footing in
Virginia. This was, ere long, succeeded by another measure,
which gave a decisive blow to the establishment. The
" declaration of rights," which had been made in the early
part of 1776, had proclaimed to all men the free exercise
of religien; but the statutory provisions and common law
doctrines concerning the church had not been formally re-
* Journals of Convention of Au- t Semple's History of Virginia
gust 16, 1775, p. 17. Richmond Baptists, pp. 25, 26, 27, 62.
edition of 1816. t 4 Burk, 59.

1776.] IN VIRGINIA. 138
pealed or altered. The legislature, which was convened
in October of 1776, was therefore addressed by numerous
petitions, from various parts of the state, entreating for all
religious sects "protection in the full exercise of their sev
eral modes of worship, and exemption from the payment
of all taxes for the support of any church whatever, further
than what might be agreeable to their own private choice
or voluntary obligation."* Of these petitioners, some
prayed that all " church establishments" might be put down;
"all taxes on conscience" removed ; that the right of "pri
vate judgment" might be unrestrained, and each individual
left " to rest upon bis own merit." Others simply asked to
be freed from the payment of parochial charges, except for
the support of their own clergy and poor. The presbytery
of Hanover sought the entire demolition of all laws which
made, or gave precedence to, an establishment; prayed
that all religious sects might be protected in their modes of
worship ; and that the support of religion might be left
entirely to voluntary contribution ; they stated that there
was " no argument in favour of establishing the Christian
religion, but what may be pleaded in favour of the tenets
of Mohammed, by those who believe the Alcoran."!
In these petitions, all classes in the community, with the
exception of Churchmen and Methodists, joined ; these sent
in their respective petitions for the continuance of the es
tablishment ; % and if the testimony of the Baptist chronicler
may be relied on, the alliance between their opponents will
scarce be thought to deserve the epithet, holy; for we are
informed by him, that " the Presbyterians, Baptists, Qua
kers, deists, and the covetous, all prayed for this ;"§ thus
presenting a strange and unnatural union of discordant
materials, to be employed in the prostration of one form pf
* Journal of the Virginia House t Journals of Convention, p. 25.
of Delegates for 1776, pp. 7, 15, 21, Richmond edition, 1828.
24, 26, 35, 48. t Ibid. p. 47.
*> Leland's Chronicl*.

140 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1776.
religien, and the setting up pf others. The Baptists, though
not to be outdone in zeal, were surpassed in ability by the
Presbyterians ; and among many well written memorials
from that denomination, the ablest will probably be thought
to have come from the presbytery of Hanover, the scene
of Mr. Davies' former labpurs, and the birthplace cf Presby-
terianism in Eastern Virginia.
It has been said that, at this time, the dissenters from
the establishment constituted at least two-thirds of the
people ;* and the fact may be so ; though there are cir
cumstances which would seem to render it doubtful.
Only fourteen years prior to this time, according to the
evidence of an eyewitness, whose pursuits were likely
to make him familiar with the various shades of religi
ous opinion in Virginia, the general sentiment of the
eastern part of the state was opposed to the dissenters.!
There must, therefore, within a comparatively short space
of time, have been a most extraordinary change of reli
gious opinion, if the friends of the church had in fourteen
years been reduced to a third, or less than a third, of the
whole populations In addition tothis,as will be seen pres
ently, the friends of the church, in resisting these petitions,
besought the legislature to submit the question of the over
throw of the establishment to the great body of the people ; J
thus indicating at least the belief that their numerical
strength exceeded that of their epponents. The point is
one, hpwever, of little moment ; for if the measure sought
by the petitioners was one legally and morally right, it
should have been adopted, even had no one solicited it ;
and if wrong, no numbers applying for it could make its
adoption proper. It is thought that if the course adopted
by Virginia requires any apology at all, it has better ground
* 4 Burk, 180. This volume is t Jarratt's Life, 59.
a continuation of Burk, by Jones and t 4 Burk, 182.
Girardin. 1 Jefferson'* Works, 31.

1776.] in VIRGINIA. 141
to stand on than is furnished by the religieus ppinipns pf a
majority pf the inhabitants.
The grounds pn which the petitieners in general rested
their claim were, that they laboured under burdens and
restrictions inconsistent with equal rights, in the compul
sory payment of taxes for the support a church to which
they neither <t d, nor could conscientiously belong. This
hardship, it was urged, was more particularly felt in the
frontier counties, which possessed an abundant population,
composed mostly of dissenters, upon whom had fallen the
heavy burden ef purchasing glebes and suppcrting the
established clergy, where but few Episcopalians could be
found to share the expense or reap the advantage. The
temperal interests ef the whole community, it was urged,
would be promoted by allowing to every man the liberty
of enjoying without restraint the rights of conscience : the
nature of Christianity, it was said, was such that it might
safely be intrusted to its own purity for its preservation,
without calling in the aid of the civil power ; that no being
but the Creator himself could authcritatively prescribe the
mcde pf rendering to him that homage which he demanded
as his due : and the severity of some of the earlier laws,
imposing penalties on the unfortunate Quakers, was com
plained of as unworthy of an enlightened people. The
practical evils resulting from the last cause mentioned,
were nothing ; for, from the testimony of an historian far
from friendly, we learn that the general liberality of opinion
diffused throughout Virginia had greatly mitigated, and,
it may be said, annulled in practice, most of these penal
regulations. A mild and tolerating spirit, he says, ani
mated even the Episcopal clergy ; and dissenters of every
denomination were regarded with Christian charity and
benevolence.* * 4 Burk, 180

142 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1776.
The ccunter memerials, pn the part ef the church and
Methodists, solicited the continuance of the establishment
upon principles of justice, of wisdom, and of policy. First,
of justice : it was said that when the clergy of the estab
lished church undertook the care of parishes in Virginia,
they depended upon the public faith for receiving, during
life, or good behaviour, a fair compensation for their ser
vices ; this was promised by the laws of the land, and had
become a vested right, held by a tenure not less sacred
than that by which each eitizen held his private property.
As to such of the clergy as had no cures, it was argued,
that having entered into holy orders, after spending their
early years in making preparation, with expectations rea
sonably built upon existing laws, such expectations could
net npw be frustrated without imposing upon them an act
of injustice. On the ground of wisdom, it was urged that
all experience had shown that a religious establishment in
a state was conducive to peace and happiness ; the practice
of men being regulated by their opinions, it was wise in
a state to afford security for the permanent maintenance of
opinions, which! derived from the doctrines of Christianity,
would give stability to virtue, and confidence to truth. And
on considerations of policy, the continuance of the estab
lishment was urged, because, should all denominations be
placed by law on a level, such equality could not long con
tinue : attempts would be made by the most powerful to
extort an acknowledgment of superiority, or, at any rate|
to exercise the power which such superiority conferred ;
and the contests, thus engendered, could not but give birth
to cpnfusion, and perhaps civil commotion. And, finally,
the memorialists prayed that, before a decision was made,
the question might be submitted to the people at large, as
they had the best reasons for believing that a majority of
the citizens desired the continuance of the church establish
ment.* * Journals of 1776, p. 47; 4 Burk, 180, et seq. ; 1 Jefferson's Works, 32.

1776.] IN VIRGINIA. 148
The subject involved in these memerials underwent a
lpng and splemn debate. The great advecates for the
church were Mr. Pendleten and Robert Carter Nicholas ;
and its great opponent, Mr. Jefferson, represents the strug
gle as having been the severest in which he was ever en
gaged.* " The petitions were referred to the committee
of the whole House on the state of the country : and, after
desperate contests in that committee, almost daily, from
the eleventh of October to the fifth of December," the dis
cussion was terminated by the passage of an act which
repealed all laws of parliament rendering criminal the
maintaining any opinion in matters of religion, forbearing
to repair to church, or exercising any mode of worship
whatever, or which prescribed punishments for the same.
The dissenters were by the law exempted from all contri
butions for the support of the Episcopal church. Arrears
of salaries due to the clergy were, however, secured, and
they were permitted to receive them until the first day of
the ensuing year. Glebes already purchased were reserved
for the use of the Episcopal clergy ; and the churches and
chapels already built, with the books and church plate,
were preserved for the use of the Episcopalians. And this
was the second law enacted by the first republican legisla
ture in Virginia.! The question was also agitated, but its
determination was expressly reserved until a future period*
whether there should be a general assessment on the
inhabitants for the support of religion, or whether such
support should be left dependent solely on voluntary con
tributions. In recording these transactions, the remark, it is hoped,
will not be deemed out of place, that however natural may
have been the desire on the part of the clergy to perpetuate
the establishment, as affording to them the means of sub
sistence, yet, on account of the existence of the church
* 1 Jefferson's Works, 32. t 9 Hening's Statutes, at large, p. 164.

144 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCn [1776.
itself, anxiety was needless. .Amcng the reasens which an
intelligent Episcopalian renders for his attachment tp the
church, he will net forget tp mentipn the fact, that there
seems te be in the system ef episccpacy what has been
well termed " a censervative principle," which secures the
existence ef the church under circumstances the mcst
calamitous ; sp that of all religious denominations, there is,
perhaps, not one which requires the aid of a legal estab
lishment less than does a church episcopally constituted.
No American Christian, it is presumed, desires here a
union of church and state ; and, of all American Chris
tians, the Episcopalian probably has least need in desire it.
The lessons of the past on this subject are strikingly im
pressive. The histories of the suffering churches of the
Christians pf St. Thpmas in India, pf the Waldenses, pf the
Scetch Episcopalians, together with that of the Protestant
Episcopal church in Ameriea, all seem to attest the fact
that for the preservation of purity of doctrine and primi
tive discipline, in Episcopal churches, no union with the
civil power is necessary. The first three were tried in the
fiery furnace of persecution, and, unsustained by any human
aid, after years of suffering, came forth the same in doc
trine and in discipline that they were when first called tp
exercise the virtue ef patient endurance; while the last,
though for a time prostrated in the dust, and clinging to
existence by almost a single tie, has risen from her depres
sion without the aid of a legal establishment ; and holding
on the even tenour of her way, is now exhibiting in her
youthful strength, the same faith, imbodied in the same
form of sound words, and united to the same system of
pplity which formed her distinguishing features in the day
of prosperity, before she was shrouded in the darkness of
that cloud which for a time almost hid her from view.
Surely, in the retrospect of facts like these, an Episcopalian
may be pardoned, should he deem it something more than
a fond fancy, that the church of his affecticns does possess

1776.] IN VIRGINIA. 145
within herself a principle- of preservation, and that "the
foundations of episcopacy stand sure in the storm, not less
than in the sunshine."*
The effect,, upon the clergy, of the law which destroyed
the establishment, was such as might have been anticipated
by all, and was foreseen by some : for the feelings of at
tachment entertained by a portion of the people for the
church, did not probably extend very far towards the
clergy, individually; many of them were personally ob
noxious, on account of the opinions which they enter
tained in the contest with England ; and among their most
decided opponents, on political questions, were to be num
bered many Episcopalians, who distinguished between the
church and her ministers. Deprived of their livings, some
among the clergy must have found it difficult to procure a
subsistence by continuing in the exercise of pastoral duty,
among a people who disliked them, personally, for their
politics ; whose contributions, if made at all, were precari
ous, because entirely voluntary ; and who, besides, were
harassed in their occupations, and straitened in their
means, by a war which demanded from every one a por
tion of his time and of his money. The business of in
struction was resorted to by some, but with limited suc
cess ; for the war of the revolution left the youth of the
day but little opportunity for education. Many a stout
lad shouldered his musket, and entering the army, at the
age of fifteen or sixteen years, never relinquished his
weapon, except in death upon the battle-field, until the
struggle had terminated in the acknowledgment of his
country's independence.
Some of the clergy, to whose churches glebes were
attached, still continued, under the law, to occupy and
enjoy them, and officiated in their pulpits. As, how-
* British Critic for January, 1831, reference to the Scotch Episcopal
article vii. ; where this subject is church.
forcibly illustrated, particularly with T

146 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [t776v
ever, they still adhered to the English ritual, . and, of
course, prayed for his majesty of England, they could
npt fail to give offence. Threats and admonitions had
the effect of frightening some, who discontinued the
practice, and closed their churches ; while there were
others, made of sterner stuff, who persisted in the per
formance of what they believed to be their duty; and, un
certain how far the excitement of the times might lead to the
execution of some of the threats, in one instance, at least,
the clergyman is known, after a farewell to his family,
whom he would not permit to accompany him, to have
ascended the pulpit with his pistols concealed in his bo
som, to be used, if necessary, for the protection and pres
ervation of his life.* Such firmness was not without
its effect ; the resolute minister was never interrupted ;
his house became the asylum of many of his persecuted
brethren, as one of the surest places of safety; and con
tinuing in Virginia through the whole of the revolutionary
storm, he lived to become a good citizen of the infant re
public, and to see the church of his affections rising from
the dust. Tradition has preserved anecdotes and incidents
of the day, which clearly prove the suffering condition to
which some of the clergy were reduced. They encoun
tered poverty, suspicion, insult, and violence : and an in
stance of the latter is related, which, as it furnishes the best
illustration of the spirit of the times, is here recorded.
A clergyman of the establishment, who had made him
self offensive by his attachment to England, was called
from his bed at night, under the pretext of being required
by a sick parishioner j and having, by this artifice, falleu
into the hands of his enemies, he was taken to a retired
spot in the wopds, out of the reach of assistance, stripped
naked, tied to a tree, severely whipped, and then left in
* MS. letter in the author's possession, concerning some of the old
Virginia clergy.

1776.} IN VIRGINIA. 147
that situation, until he was discovered on the next morn
ing and relieved.*
During the years 1777 and 1778, the subject cf religion
continued to be brought to the attention of the legislature,
by petitions and counter petitions. Some of these, admit
ting the question of establishments to be a debatable point,
still prayed that the efforts made to injure what was left of
the establishment might be checked. The presbytery of
Hanover, as before, protested against any assessment for
the support of religion; while, on the other hand, the
county of Caroline, approving of the act which released
dissenters from taxation for the benefit of the establish
ment, prayed that there might be an assessment for the
support of the Gospel ; that it might not be left to charity
for its subsistence, as otherwise the parsimonious and in
different, who derived benefit from its existence, would
yield nothing for its support. Others complained of irregu
larities in the worhsip of " sectaries," who held night meet
ings, to the injury of religion ; and asked that none but
" licensed preachers" should be allowed to officiate in the
public worship of God ; and they charged their opponents
with artfully procuring, at such meetings, " the votes of
infants," to the injury of religion in general, and of the
establishment particularly-! Before the adjournment of
the legislature of May, 1779, " a bill for establishing re
ligious freedom," putting upon an equality all denomina
tions, and providing for a general assessment for the sup
port of religion, was prepared ; and after passing two read
ings in the House of Delegates, seems to have been sent
abroad among the people, that the general opinion of the
community might be obtained thereon, prior to the next
meeting of the legislature.!

* MS. letter in the authorV pos- ture of 1777, 1778, pp. 17, 27, 37,
session, concerning some of the old 54, May ; 14, 57, 75, 95, October.
Virginia clergy. t Journal, May, 1779, pp. 34, 46 ;
t See the Journals of the Legisla- Journal of October, 1779, p. 87.

148 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CnURCH [1776.
It will hardly be imputed to the clergy as a crime, that,
in the situation to which they found themselves reduced,
many should be willing to abandon the country entirely.
Many did abandon it ; and parishes from time to time be
came vacant, so that, ere long, a large majority of the
cures were left unsupplied. The sacraments were no
lenger administered in many ef the parishes; and this con
dition of affairs led to an effort, on the part of the Method
ists, to remedy the evil by an irregular ordination of min
isters among themselves.* Some of the clergy of the
church advised them against the measure, but in vain ; and
in 1778, a considerable number of the lay preachers earn
estly importuned Mr. Asbury, a prominent preacher among
the Methodists, " to take proper measures that the people
might enjoy the privileges of all other churches, and no
longer be deprived of the Christian sacraments."! Mr.
Asbury, who seems, at that time, to have been suspiciously
watched, and indeed confined in the state of Delaware,
as one disaffected to the American cause, professed the
strongest attachment to the Church of England, and vio
lently opposed the proposed plan ; nay, he went so far as
to write to some of the clergy of the establishment, re
proving them for not having checked, in its incipient stage,
this approach to disorder.^ Upon the refusal of Mr. As
bury to co-operate with them in their plan of ordination, a
majority of the preachers withdrew from all connection
with him and Mr. Wesley ; and choosing from their num
ber three senior members, these last proceeded to what
they called an ordination of the rest, by the imposition of
their hands ; and the preachers thus set apart proceeded to
baptize and administer the Lord's Supper, wherever they
went, to those whom they deemed suitable recipients.
Afterward, Mr. Asbury, having obtained his liberty, visited
Virginia, and by all the address in his power, with inde-
* Jarratt's Life, 111. ley, 350, 1 ; Jarratt's Life, 111, 112.
t Coke and More's Life of Wes- t Jarratt's Life, 113.

1778.] m VIRGINIA. 149
fatigable labour and attention, succeeded, at length, in
bringing back the seceders one after another, and by a
vote of one of the conferences, the ordination was declared
invalid, and union was restored ;* while to prevent, as far
as possible, a renewal of the complaint of the want of the
sacraments, some, at least, of the Episcopal clergy travelled
over large circuits for the purpose of baptizing the children
of Methodists, and administering the Eucharist; and con
tinued to do so until the final separation of the Methodists
from the church, without desiring or receiving, for the ser
vice, the smallest compensation.!
* Coke and More's Life of Wes- t Jarratt's Life, 1 14
ley, 351 ; Jarratt's Life, 114.

1 50 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1-779.

CHAPTER IX.
1779-1784.
General Assessment for support of the Clergy negatived — Disastrous effects
of the Revolution upon the Church — Enemies of the Church petition
for a general Assessment — Legislative sanction to the principle that
Christianity should be supported by the State, but not any particular
Denomination — Mr. Henry's efforts — His Christian Character — Incor
poration of the Church — History of the Secession of the Methodists —
Mr. Wesley's Conduct — Consecration of Dr. Coke considered.
In reply to the application which we suppose to have been
made to the people for their sentiments, various answers
were sent in : some expressed the opinion, " that the Chris
tian religion, free from the errors of popery, and a general
contribution for the support thereof, ought to be established
from a principle of public utility; and prayed that the
reformed Protestant religion, including the different denom
inations thereof, with a general assessment for the sup
port of the same, might be established." Others asked for
the passage of the bill precisely as set forth ; while another
class asked for its rejection, and suggested such a religious
establishment as they supposed would be beneficial.*
Amid these conflicting opinions it was difficult to determine
what was the popular will ; and this legislative expedient,
which could only serve, if successful, injudiciously to shift
to the shoulders of some of the people a responsibility
which should fearlessly have been met by their representa
tives, terminated in making more uncertain that which
before was dubious enough. See Journals.

1779.] IN VIRGINIA. 151
Some of the Episcopalians ventured also (as the circum
stances presented a favourable opportunity) once more
to solicit security in the enjoyment of the church property.
Their application extended no further ; for with the expe
rience of the past still dwelling freshly in their remem
brance, and with the opposition of their enemies increased
rather than abated, they could scarcely have hoped for an
entire restoration to all the privileges which they had lost.
Whatever may have been the extent of their application,
nothing seems to have been gained by it; and indeed the
only legislation of this year which affected the church, ap
pears to have affected it injuriously.
It will be remembered that in the first assembly of 1776,
the question whether support should be given to the clergy
by general assessment, or by leaving them to voluntary
contribution, was purposely left open and its decision de
ferred to some future occasion. There can be little doubt
that the distinguished individual who was the leader in
securing the adoption of the measures already detailed,
entertained the belief that it would be no difficult task to
complete, at a future session, the work which he had begun ;
and to negative the plan of a general assessment for the
support of Christianity : nor would his expectations in this
particular have been disappointed, but for a circumstance,
recorded by himself as having interposed obstacles. In
his chief object, that of giving a death blow to the legalized
superiority of the establishment over all other denomina
tions of Christians, he was very cordially supported by a
large body of allies who belonged to the dissenting inter
est ; but when that great end was once attained, and every
religious society stood upon the same level, the question in
dispute assumed to these allies a very different aspect, and
they deserted the standard under which they had before
achieved their victory. They had prostrated the church,
they had proved themselves to be not at all reluctant to
strip her clergy of that competent maintenance which was

152 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1779.
secured to them by the possession of property ; but they
now manifested an aversion, more natural than consistent,
to being left to find a precarious support for themselves in
the tender mercies of a set of voluntary contributors :
they were, therefore, the advocates of a general assess
ment ;* and the manner, almost approaching to querulous-
ness, in which this desertion is recorded, accompanied as it
is by an insinuation as to the motives of the deserters, jus
tifies the suspicion that the defection was felt to be ungen
erous.! The impartial reader of a future day will prob
ably conclude that it was a game, not unskilfully played
on either side, in which the troops outwitted the general.
At any rate, it is our province to record the fact, that in
each suocessive meeting of the legislature from 1776 to
1779, this questio vexala was brought up for discussion, and
the friends of voluntary contribution, apprehensive prob
ably of a final vote against them, laboured, and not without
success, to suspend the decision from time to time, and leave
the matter to be debated anew in the succeeding year. In
1779, all things being now ready for a final vote, the ques
tion was settled against the system of a general assessment,
and the establishment was finally put down.}
The Baptists were the principal promoters of this work,
and in truth aided more than any other denomination in its
accomplishment. Their historian boasts that they alone
were uniform in their efforts to destroy the system of an
assessment and introduce the plan of voluntary contribu
tion ; that in the other denominations there was much divis
ion of sentiment between ministers and people, and that
remonstrance came at last from none but Baptists. § Whe
ther this be so or not, it is very certain that in the associations
of that sect held from year to year, a prominent subject of
discussion always was, as to the best mode of carrying on

* See the Journals. f Ibid. ; 4 Burk, 377.
t See 1 Jefferson's Works, 32. y Semple's History, 72, 73.

783.] IN VIRGINIA. 153
the war against the former establishment.* After their
final success in this matter of voluntary contribution, their
next efforts were to procure a sale of the church lands :
this, however, it seems, was not undertaken without some
misgivings of its propriety ; for when the question was put
in their " general committee," whether the glebes were
public property, it was settled in the affirmative by a ma
jority of but one vote. That one vote sealed the fate of
the church lands ; for the efforts of the Baptists never
ceased, until, as we shall see hereafter, the glebes were
sold.! The history of the church for the next few years, pre
sents a picture of but little variety ; when we catch a new
feature in it, it is but to remark, that it is in melancholy
keeping with the rest, and differs only by the introduction
of a deeper shade. With roofless and deserted churches,
with broken altars, and a clergy, some of whom were re
duced to the hard alternative of flight or starvation, it may
readily be conceived what was its suffering condition. It
existed, but more than that can hardly be said of it with
truth. On the nineteenth of April, 1783, precisely eight
years after the first effusion of blood at Lexington, peace
was proclaimed to the American army by order of the
commander-in-chief. Time was now afforded to men to
direct their attention to the permanent establishment of
such institutions, civil and religious, as might comport with
their desires, or views of duty. Much was to be done :
and rejoicing with thankfulness as now we may, in the pres
ent prosperity of the church in Virginia, it is well to look
back on its condition as it emerged from the revolution,
and by a contemplation of the difficulties which stood in
the way of its resuscitation, be moved to the exercise of
gratitude. When the colonists first resorted to arms, Vir
ginia, in her sixty-one counties, contained ninety-five par-
' -Semple, 64, 65, 70, 71, 73. t Ibid, 73, 74.
U

154 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [178&
ishes.one hundred and sixty-four churches and chapels, and
ninety-one clergymen.* When the contest was over, she
came out of the war, with a large number of her churches
destroyed or injured irreparably, with twenty-three of her
ninety-five parishes extinct or forsaken, and of the remain
ing seventy-two, thirty-four were destitute of ministerial
services; while of her ninety-one clergymen, twenty-eight
only remained, who had lived through the storm, and these,
with eignt others who came into the state soon after the
struggle terminated, supplied thirty-six of the parishes. Of
these twenty-eight, fifteen only had been enabled to con
tinue in the churches which they supplied prior to the com
mencement of hostilities ; and thirteen had been driven
from their cures by violence or want, to seek safety or
comfort in some one of the many vacant parishes, where
they might hope to find, for a time at least, exemption from
the extremity of suffering.!
For the destruction of the sacred edifices, most of which
were substantial buildings of brick, every fair allowance
should be made because of the confusion and lawless state
of affairs inseparable from war. The buildings were in
some instances required by the necessities of the public,
and appropriated to objects foreign from the purpose of
their erection ; it was not, therefore, to be wondered at,
that, if used at all, they should sustain injury at the hands
of a soldiery which, like all others, was not remarkable for
a reverence of things sacred. But there was often a wan
tonness in the injury done, a deliberate desecration, which
admits of no apology, and offers no better excuse than that
it was the work of passionate ignorance, which identified
the very "stones of the temple" with support to the crown
of England. The evidences of this work of needless ruin
*• MS. list of parishes and incum- t This statement is derived from
bents in Virginia in 1775; MSS. of a comparison of the lists of 1775 and
General Convention; list of the par- 1776, with that reported to the First
ishes and clergy of Virginia, from Convention in 1.785,
the Virginia Almanac for 17*76.

1783.] IN VIRGINIA. 155
are still visible but too often in Eastern Virginia. It is
scarcely possible for the Churchman, even now, to look
without tears upon the venerable remains of mouldering
churches which meet his eye in the " ancient dominion." As
he gazes upon the roofless walls, or leans upon the little
remnant of railing which once surrounded a now deserted
chancel, as he looks out through the openings of a broken
wall upon the hillocks under which the dead of former
years are sleeping, with no sound to disturb his' melancholy
musings save the whispers of the wind through the leaves
of the forest around him, he may be pardoned should he
drop a tear over the desolated house of God ; and if he be
a pious Churchman, the wreck around him may awaken
thoughts of submission and humiliation, which will send
him from the spot a sadder and a better man.
In the midst of sueh ruin as has been described, the little
remnant of the clergy looked around them in vain for those
who were to repair the waste places over which they could
do nothing but weep. Funds were required to rebuild
ruined edifices, but they knew not whence these funds were
to be derived. Sorely smitten by poverty, they had not
even the ordinary alleviations of hope to cheer them, for
there was a prejudice against them and the church, harder
to encounter than poverty. They were not certain that
they possessed even the right to repair, for it was not set
tled that the ownership of the property should continue in
the church. They had, it is true, some friends, warm and
able friends, who, occupying stations which they honoured
by talent, were not backward to assert their claims in the
halls of legislation: but they had also enemies possessed of
talent and influence; and these last, if they did not lead,
were sustained by popular opinion, though there is reason
to think that that which sustained them was in, part at least
created by them.
These, then, were the difficulties which the Churchmen
of Virginia had to encounter, and, for the present, they

156 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1784.
seem to have thought that they could do but little more
than patiently wait until, in the progress of events, Provi
dence should make their way plain before them. It was
not long before they were enabled to make their first step
forward. It will be remembered that the party opposed to
a generaj assessment for the support of the clergy, had
finally succeeded, in 177!), in the establishment of the oppp-
site system ef voluntary contribution. Whether the ex
periment had resulted unfavourably to the growth of re
ligion among the people, or had materially impaired the
means of their teachers, is not known ; but from some
cause, the discovery seems to have been made, that if the
clergy were retained at all, it was best to make such pro
vision for their necessities as would be permanent and cer
tain. Accordingly, in the assemblies of 1784, (for there
were two,) a number of petitions, from different counties
of the state, in which Churchmen and some of the members
of other religious societies united, was presented to the
legislature, praying that " as all persons enjoyed the benefit
of religion, all might be required to contribute to the ex
pense of supporting some form of worship or other."*
The substance of these petitions forms a part of the his-
tory-of the times : that from the Protestant Episcopal
church set forth that " their church laboured under many
inconveniences and restraints, by the operation of sundry
laws in force, which direct modes of worship, and enjoin
the observance of certain days, and ctherwise produce
embarrassment and difficulty ; and praying that all acts
which direct modes of faith and worship, and enjoin the
observance of certain days, may be repealed ; that the
present vestry laws may be repealed or amended ; that the
churches, glebe lands, donations, and all other property
heretofore belonging to the established church, may be for
ever secured to them by law ; that an act may pass to in-
* Wirt's Life of Henry, 261 ; Journals of 1784.

1784.] IN VIRGINIA. 157
corporate the Protestant Episcopal Church in Virginia, to
enable them to regulate all the spiritual concerns of that
church, alter its form of worship, and constitute such
canons, by-laws, and rules for the government and good
order thereof, as are suited to their religious principles ;
and in general, that the legislature will aid and patronise
the Christian religion."
From another portion of the inhabitants came a state
ment to this effect : " that they are of opinion, a reasonable
and moderate contribution of the people for the support of
ministers of the Gospel, and the Christian religion in the
public worship of God, is essential to the good order and
prosperity of the commonwealth, and praying that an act
may pass to that effect."
The memorial of" the united clergy of the Presbyterian
church" is worthy of notice. It protests against incorpo
rating religious societies ; and while they disapprove of
legislative interference, in " the spiritual concerns of re
ligion," yet, abandoning their former ground, they add, " a
general assessment for its support ought to be extended to
those who profess the public worship of the Deity, and are
comprised within the Bill of Rights."
From the inhabitants of Mecklenburg, Lunenburg, and
Amelia counties, the petition stated, " that they conceive the
stability of our government, and the preservation of peace
and happiness among the individuals of it, depend, in a
great measure, on the influence of religion, without which,
no government, however wisely formed, can long exist ;
that they consider its rapid declension, within a few years,
as proceeding from the inattention of the legislature, which
has an undoubted right to compel every individual who
partakes of those blessings, which are originally derived
from it, to contribute to the support of it, and praying that
an act may pass for a general assessment for that purpose,
and for securing to the Protestant Episcopal church the
property vested in it."

158 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1784.
There were petitions pf an ppppsite character, which
prayed " that no step might be taken in aid of religien, but
that it might be left to its own superior and successful
influence."* The committee, to whom these petitions were referred,
reported a bill, the preamble to which, it will be seen, re
cognises as true two important principles connected with
a subject of peculiar delicacy in the United States. These
two principles are these : first, that the state ought to give
the sanction of its support to the general diffusion of Chris
tian knowledge ; and, secondly, that it ought not to give
its countenance to any distinctions of pre-eminence among
different societies professing to be Christian. There, may
be those who will deem these two propositions incompati
ble ; such, however, was not the judgment of some of the
wisest and the best of Virginia's early statesmen. The
bill is entitled, "A bill, establishing a provision for teachers
of the Christian religion," and the preamble is as follows : —
" Whereas, the general diffusion of Christian knowledge
hath a natural tendency to correct the morals of men, re
strain their vices, and preserve the peace of society ; which
cannot be effected without a competent provision for learned
teachers, who may be thereby enabled to devote their time
and attention to the duty of instructing such citizens, as
from their circumstances and want of education cannot
otherwise attain such knowledge ; and it is judged such
provision may be made by the legislature, without counter
acting the liberal principle heretofore adopted, and intended
to be preserved, by abolishing all distinctions of pre-emi
nence among the different societies or communities of
Christians, be it enacted," &c. The bill required of all
persons, subject to taxes, to declare, at the time of giving
in a list of their tithables, to what religious society their as
sessments should be appropriated ; and in the event of their
* Journals of 1784.

1784.] IN VIRGINIA. 159
failing to do so, the sums assessed were -to be paid to the
treasurer, and applied by the legislature to the support of
seminaries of learning in the counties from which the as
sessments might be paid. This bill received the warm
support of Patrick Henry, whose powers had %een exer
cised so unfortunately for the church on a previous occa
sion. And according to the journal of the House of Dele
gates, it appears to have passed to a second reading in that
body, after which, it was engrossed and sent abroad through
the state, to collect the opinions of the people upon the pro
priety of its passage at the succeeding session of the legis
lature ;* at that session it was rejected ; and its failure may
be in part owing to the fact that Mr. Henry had ceased to
be a member of the House.! The church shared in com
mon with all other religious denominations, whatever evils
may have resulted from the rejection of this bill ; but there
was another measure adopted at this session of the legisla
ture, from which she derived a benefit, destined, however,
to be of but short continuance.
A resolution was reported by the chairman of a com
mittee of the whole House on the state of the common
wealth, that in the opinion of the committee, " acts ought
to pass for the incorporation of all societies of the Christian
religion, which may apply for the same ;" and the resolu
tion was adopted by a majority of nearly one-third of the
House. Here again Mr. Henry gave to the measure his
powerful support; and we learn, from his accomplished
biographer, that his votes on these two measures formed
the foundation of a charge against Mr. Henry of advocating
the re-establishment of the Protestant Episcopal church.
Against this accusation, he has already been defended
with a success which is complete ; and if there be any
thing to regret in the language which has been used by his
amiable and gifted biographer, in setting forth that defence,

-

* Journals of 1784. 1 Wirt's Life of Henry, 263.

160 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [4784.
it is to be found in the statement which represents Mr.
Henry as a believer in Christianity, without having a prefer
ence for any of the forms in which it is presented.* Chris
tianity, tp- bejvorth anything, must assume some distinct
form of profession : it is a practical principle, and worship
constitutes one of its essential features. He therefore who
acts upon its principles, cannot be indifferent to the pecu
liarities which mark his system of doctrine, or express his
feelings of devotion. To each individual, his religion must
be something, not general but particular, and all experience
has shown that the avowal merely of Christianity in gen
eral, as toall practical effects, is ordinarily equivalent to
an avowal of no Christianity at all. The biographer of
Mr. Henry has recently gone down to the grave, amid the
regrets of his countrymen, honoured for his talents, and
what is better still, respected for his piety. The latter
years of his life afford a striking illustration of that change
in his sentiments, upon the point in discussion, which was
produced by Christianity. He died in the Presbyterian
communion, for which he had, by becoming a member, ex
pressed his honest preference. He had learned more of
Christianity than he knew when he wrote the life of his
distinguished countryman. Intentionally, he was incapable
of misrepresentation, his hand would not have deliberately
penned what he did not believe ; and yet his statement as
to Mr. Henry is inaccurate, for he was very far from having
no preferences in his religion. He was, from his heart, an
Episcopalian ; and it is gratifying to be able to record of
the man, whose splendid talents alone placed him among
the first of his countrymen, that there was a consistency and
humility in his Christian character which formed his highest
honour. It has been said that he was an unbeliever at one
period of his life. On the authority of his own family, the
assertion is denied-! " He ever had a great abhorrence of
* Wirt's Life of Patrick Henry, session, containing information of
262. Mr. Henry, derived from his widow
i MS. letter in the author's pos- and descendants.

1?84.] \ IN VIROINIA. 161
infidelity, and actually wrote an answer to Paine's 'Age of
Reason,' but destroyed it before his death ; he received
the communion as often as an opportunity was offered ; and
on such occasions, always fasted until after he had received
the sacrament, and spent the day in the greatest retirement.
This he did, both while he was governor and afterward."
A touching anecdote, illustrative of his humility, is re
corded by his biographer, for the introduction of which
here no apology can be necessary. In the spring of 1799,
when Mr. Henry was verging towards his threescore and
ten years, the political aspect of affairs induced him to
forego the comforts of his retirement, and to be presented
as a candidate for the House of Delegates. " On the day
of the election, as soon as he appeared on the ground, he
was surrounded by the admiring and adoring crowd, and
whithersoever he moved the concourse followed him. A
preacher of the Baptist church, whose piety was wounded
by this homage paid to a mortal, asked the people aloud,
' Why they thus followed Mr. Henry ? Mr. Henry,' said
he, 'is not a god 1' 'No,' said Mr. Henry, deeply affected
both by the scene and the remark, ' no, indeed, my friend,
I am but a poor worm of the dust ; as fleeting and unsub
stantial as the shadow of the cloud that flies over your
fields, and is remembered no more.' The tone with which
this was uttered, and the look which accompanied it,
affected every heart and silenced every voice. Envy and
opposition were disarmed by his humility ; the recollection
of his past services rushed upon every memory, and he
' read his history' in their swimming eyes."*
We know not how, more appropriately, to terminate this
passing notice of a great and a good man, than by present
ing his dying testimony in favour of that Christianity which
he so consistently professed. " I have now," says he, in
his last will, " disposed of all my property to my family.
* Wirt's Life of Henry, 408,
X

162 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1784.
There is one thing more I wish I could give them, and that
is the Christian religion. If they have that, and I had not
given them one shilling, they would be rich ; and if they
have not that, and I had given them all this world, they
would be poor."
The church may be grateful that she could number such
a man as Mr. Henry among her members. The state
which gave birth both to him and his biographer, should
rejoice in the thought, that the lustre of splendid talents
in two of her most gifted sons, was brightened by the
lustre of humble piety ; and this digression will not be
useless, should the examples it presents impress upon the
reader the thought, that Christianity crowns, with new
honours, exalted station on earth, and qualifies for the en
joyment of a more exalted station still in heaven.
Upon the adoption of the resolution touching the incorpo
ration of such religious societies as might apply for it, an op
portunity was afforded to the church of acquiring and hold
ing property by applying for an act of incorporation ; and on
the same day which witnessed the adoption of the resolution,
leave was given to introduce a bill for the incorporation of
the clergy of the Protestant Episcopal church. Mr. Henry
was one of the committee appointed to bring in the bill,
the enactments of which were substantially as follows : —
The minister and vestry of each parish already in being,
or thereafter to be established, were made a body corpo
rate, and as such, each parish was authorized to have, hold,
use, and enjoy all glebe lands already purchased, all
churches and chapels already built, with the burying-
grounds belonging to them, and all such as were contracted
for and begun before the first of January, 1777 ; to be held
for the use of the respective parishes, together with all
books, plate, and ornaments, and every other thing, the
property of the late established church. And it was also
enacted, that in all proceedings of ministers and vestries a
majority of votes should decide, nor should the minister in

1784.] IN VIRGINIA. 163
any case be permitted to interpose his veto on the proceed
ings of the corporation.
The ministers and vestries thus incorporated were
allowed to acquire, use, and enjoy property, provided the
income thence arising did not exceed eight hundred pounds
per annum.
The minister, or, in case of his absence, the churchwar
dens, were to call meetings of the corporators when neces
sary, and seven were competent to transact any business,
except to demise, alien, or lease the church property ; in
which cases a majority of the whole was necessary. They
had power to make their own regulations for the manage
ment of their temporal concerns, and to the vestry solely
belonged the disposition and ordering of all payments of
the moneys of the church, by officers of their own appoint
ment. In cases where parishes were vacant, and there were no
ministers or vestrymen, power was given to any two rep
utable inhabitants, members of the Episcopal church, to
call together all Episcopalians resident within that parish,
and they were authorized, by a majority of votes, to elect
twelve able and discreet men, members of the church, who
should, when elected, be a vestry to all intents^and pur
poses. Elections of vestrymen were to be held on the Monday
of Easter week in every third year thereafter, for ever :
they were to be held at the parish church, or some other
convenient place in the parish ; their number was to be
twelve, and no person in the parish was entitled to a vote,
who did not profess himself to be a member of the Protes
tant Episcopal church, and contribute to its support. The
vestrymen elected, before entering upon their duties, were
required to subscribe a declaration to be conformable to the
doctrine, discipline, and worship of the Protestant Epis
copal church. They were then to appoint, from their own
body, two churchwardens, and had power to fill any

164 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1784.
vacancies among themselves until the succeeding triennial
election. Each vestry was required, once in three years, to exhibit
upon oath to the court of the county in which the parish
was situated, an account and inventory of all the property
of their church, real and personal, together with a state
ment of the annual revenue thence arising; and in case of
failure to perform this duty within twelve months after the
appointed time, the vestry were to pay one hundred pounds
for the use of the state, and on a second failure, to forfeit
their privileges as a corporation. Wherever the annual
income was reported to exceed eight hundred pounds, it
was the duty of the court to report the same to the gover
nor, to be laid by him before the next General Assembly.
AH former laws made for the government of the church
or clergy, during the colonial existence of the state, were
repealed, and the ehurch was thenceforth authorized, in
conventions held as often as she might deem necessary, to
regulate all her religious concerns, settle all matters touch
ing doctrine, discipline, and worship, and make such rules
as she saw fit for orderly and good government. The con
vention was to be composed of all ministers of the church,
ex officio, and of two laymen from each parish, to be
chosen by their respective vestries. Forty persons were
necessary to constitute a convention, and it was expressly
provided that no law should be made whereby a clergyman
might be received into, or removed from, a cure contrary
to the consent of a majority of the vestry. The ministers
andlaymen.assembled in general convention, had the power,
however, upon good cause shown, to remove from any
parish a minister who was accused of unworthy behaviour,
or neglected the duties cf his office.*
It cannot escape observation, that this law manifests, on
the part of the laity, a suspicious jealousy of the clergy ; it
"11 Rening's Statutes, at large, 532.

1784.] IN VIRGINIA. 165
had been engendered by a sad experience of the past, and
therefore the laity kept the purse-strings in their own hands.
But, with perhaps one or two trifling exceptions, the law is
equitable ; it was designed to provide permanently for the
support of faithful ministers, but it meant also to preserve
a salutary check upon laziness and wickedness. A pastor,
conscientiously disposed to discharge his duty, might live
happily and comfortably under such a law; and we hear of
no complaints made by the clergy of that day against its
provisions. Its passage was hailed with thankfulness, and
a day of brightness seemed about to dawn upon the tem
poral interests of the church.
But contemporaneously with the circumstances just
related, an incident occurred which was afterward to aid
in dissipating the short-lived joy which the incorporation of
the church had occasioned. Up to this time, the Methodists
had continued in alliance with the church, and professed. to
consider themselves as a part of it ; but the time had now
come for their final separation from it. The incipient
steps in this business are thus related by two of the histo
rians of Methodism.* " When peace was established be
tween Great Britain and the States, the intercourse was
opened between the societies in both countries. Mr. Wes
ley then received from Mr. Asbury a full account of the
progress of the work during the war ; and especially of
the division which had taken place, and the difficulties he
met with before it was healed-! He also informed Mr.
Wesley of the extreme uneasiness of the people's minds
for want of the sacraments : that thousands of their chil
dren were unbaptized ; and the members of the society in
general had not partaken of the Lord's Supper for many
years. Mr. Wesley then considered the subject, and in
formed Dr. Coke of his design of drawing up a plan of

* Life of Wesley by Coke and t Vide ante, pp. 148, 149.
More, p. 351.

166 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CnURCH [1784.
church government, and of establishing an ordinatipn for
his American societies. But, cautious of entering on so
new a plan, he afterward suspended the execution of his
purposes, and weighed the whole for upward of a year.
At the conference held in Leeds, 1784, he declared his
intention of sending Dr. Coke and some other preachers to
America. Mr. Richard Whatccat and Mr. Thpmas Vasey
offered themselves as missionaries for that purpose, and
were accepted. Before they sailed Mr. Wesley abridged
the common prayer book, and wrote to Dr. Coke, then in
London, desiring him to meet him in Bristol to receive
fuller powers, and to bring the reverend Mr. Creighton
with him. The doctor and Mr. Creighton accordingly met
him in Bristol, when, with their assistance, he ordained
Mr. Richard Whatcoat and Mr. Thomas Vasey presbyters
for America, and did afterward ordain Dr. Coke superin
tendent, giving him letters of ordination under his hand
and seal, and, at the same time, a letter to be printed and
circulated in America." To this statement it should here
be added, that Dr. Coke also wrote to Mr. Wesley urging
him to ordain him bishop.* On the third of November,
1784, Dr. Coke arrived in New- York, and on the fourteenth,
met Mr. Asbury for the first time, who, upon hearing of
the new plan, expressed strong doubts about it,! which by
some means or other were soon removed, as subsequent
events proved. On Christmas eve a general conference
of the Methodists assembled by appointment at Baltimore,
by which a circular letter from Mr. Wesley, of which Dr.
Coke was the bearer, dated September 10th, 1784, was
published, from which the following extracts are presented.
The letter is addressed to Dr. Coke, Mr. Asbury, and our
brethren in America.
" By a very uncommon train of providences, many of
* See Whitehead's Life of Wes- t Coke's Journal.
ley, in which the letter is published

1784.] IN VIRGINIA. 167
the provinces of North America are totally disjoined from
their mother country, and erected into independent states.
The English government has no authority over them, either
civil or ecclesiastical, any more than over the states of
Holland. A civil authority is exercised over them, partly
by the congress, partly by the provincial assemblies. But
no one either exercises or claims any ecclesiastical au
thority at all. In this peculiar situation, some thousands
of the inhabitants of these states desire my advice, and
in compliance with their desire I have drawn up a little
sketch. "For many years I have been importuned, from time to
time, to exercise the right of ordaining part of our travel
ling preachers. But I have still refused : not only for peace'
sake, but because I was determined, as little as possible, to
violate the established order of the national church to which
I belonged. " But the case is widely different between England and
North America. Here there are bishops who have a legal
jurisdiction. In America there are none, neither any parish
ministers; so that for some hundred miles together, there
is none either to baptize, or to administer the Lord's Sup
per. Here, therefore, my scruples are at an end; and I
conceive myself at full liberty, as I violate no order, and
invade no man's right, by appointing, and sending labourers
into the harvest.
" I have accordingly appointed Dr. Coke and Mr. Francis
Asbury to be joint superintendents over our brethren in
North America ; as also Richard Whatcoat and Thomas
Vasey to act as elders among them, by baptizing and ad
ministering the Lord's Supper. And I also advise the elders
to administer the Supper of the Lord on every Lord's
day. " If anyone will point out a more rational and scriptural
way of feeding and guiding those poor sheep in the wilder-

168 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1784.
ness, I will gladly embrace it. At present I cannot see
any better method than that I have taken."*
The appointment merely of Mr. Asbury does not seem
to have been deemed sufficient to confer upon him any new
powers, and accordingly we find him receiving such ordi
nation to the offices of deacon and priest as Dr. Coke could
bestow, and afterward obtaining from the same hands what
was deemed a consecration to the episcopate. The use of
the phrase, superintendent, was ere long discontinued, and
that of bishop (which has ever since been retained) was
substituted for it. The separation between the church and
Methodists was made entire by the circumstances just re
lated, and it is not here necessary to pursue further the his
tory of the latter ; there are, however, certain facts con
nected with the transaction which form a part of its true
history, and which, therefore, it would be wrong to with
hold. The plan of ordination and church government which
Mr. Wesley so appropriately termed new, does not appear,
from the account of Dr. Coke, to have been communicated
by Mr. Wesley to the conference prior to its execution ;
he declared his intention simply of sending Dr. Coke and
other ministers to America. In fact, we are elsewhere
told that information of its actual execution was never
given to the conference until 1786,! before which time,
probably, intelligence of the act had reached them from
America. It was therefore the act of Mr. Wesley alone.
It was an act, upon the pn priety of which he took no
counsel with his most intimate friends. His brother, Mr.
Charles Wesley, in a letter to Dr. Chandler, written in
1785, thus expresses himself: —
" I can scarcely yet believe, that in his eighty-second
* Coke and More's Life of Wes- t Myle's Chronological History of
ley, 353. the Methodists, 162.

1784.] IN VIRGINIA. 169
year, my brother, my old intimate friend and companion,
should have assumed the episcopal character, ordained
elders, consecrated a bishop, and sent him to ordain the
lay preachers in America. I was then in Bristol, at his
elbow ; yet he never gave me the least hint of his inten
tion. How was he surprised into so rash an action ? He
certainly persuaded himself that it was right."
The reasons assigned for the act, by Mr. Wesley, were
not at all times the same. In his letter, as published by the
conference, he stated that his scruples were at an end, and
he considered himself at full liberty, because America was
destitute of bishops, and belonged not to the jurisdiction of
any English prelate.. On another occasion, when, at the
request of Jpnes of Nayland, inquiry was made of him
whether it was true that he had invested persons with the
episcopal character, and sent them to America ; after some
hesitation, he admitted the fact, and assigned as a reason
for his conduct, that after the revolution each denomination
was making efforts to swell its numbers, and the Baptists
particularly were greatly increasing, to the injury of the
church.* He had, therefore, taken the step with the hope
of preventing further disorders.
If the object of Mr. Wesley was to secure to America
the episcopate, the course pursued was rendered unneces
sary by existing circumstances. Dr. Seabury of Connecti
cut had been nearly two years in England soliciting, epis
copal consecration, and in consequence of difficulties, arising
entirely from the English law, was on the point of going to
Scotland to be consecrated there, at the very moment when
Mr. Wesley laid his hands on Dr. Coke : and it cannot be
supposed that Mr. Wesley was ignorant of these facts, par
ticularly as we find them to have been well known to his
brother Charles.
The. latter gentleman, in the letter to Dr. Chandler,
* Life of Bishop Home, by Jones of Nayland, pp. 143, 4, 5.
Y

170 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1784.
already referred to, speaking of t'le American Methodists,
uses this language: — " How have they been betrayed into
a separation from the Church of England, which their
preachers and they no more intended than the Methodists
here? Had they had patience a little longer, they would
have seen a real primitive bishop in America, duly conse
crated by three Scotch bishops, who had their consecra
tion froni the English bishops, and are acknowledged by
them as the same with themselves. There is, therefore,
not the least difference between the members of Bishop
Seabury's church arid the members of the Church of Eng
land. I had the happiness to converse with that truly
apostolic man, who is esteemed by all that know, him, as
much as by you and me. He told me that he looked upon
the Methodists in America as sound members of the church,
and was ready to ordain any of their preachers whom he
should find duly qualified." In point of fact, Bishop Sea-
bury had received consecration on the fourteenth of No
vember, when the conference assembled at Baltimore, on
the twenty-fourth of the succeeding month.
Without intending, by these remarks, to disparage John
Wesley, (a man whose zeal, whose talents, and whose
efforts exerted perseveringly in the cause of religion, should
cover many faults,) we feel ourselves constrained to adopt
an opinion which seems to have assumed, at least, the
shape of a suspicion in the mind of his brother. With an in
tellect enfeebled by the weight of four score and two years,
he was seduced, by those who would use his vast influence
for purposes of their own, into the adoption of a plan which
the better judgment of his more vigorous understanding
had more than once rejected. It is believed to have been
the contrivance of a few individuals, who took advantage of
the infirmities of age, to procure from the dying ruler a
decree which should transmit the sceptre to themselves.
There are others more deserving of censure, in this trans
action, than John Wesley; and such seems to have been the

1784.] IN VIRGINIA. 171
opinion of his brother, and two at least of his biographers.*
Ambition was gratified at the price of a separation be
tween those who should never have been severed, and of
whom, it is at least pleasant to indulge the hope that the
day may yet come, when they shall again be one.
* See Dr. Whitehead's and Mr. Hampson's Lives of Wesley. The
former gentleman, speaking of the consecration of Dr. Coke, remarks, "that
the person who advised the measure, would be proved to have been a felon
to Methodism, and to have stuck an assassin's knife into the vitals of its
body."

172 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [W84.

CHAPTER X.
1784-1789.
Enmity of Presbyterians and Baptists to the Church — Act fbr establishing
religious Freedom — Mr. Jefferson — Mr. Madison's Memorial - First Con
vention of the Church in 1785 — Address ef the Convention to Church
men — Means proposed for support of the Clergy — Canons of the Church —
Discipline — Church in Virginia declines receiving Holy Orders from Den
mark — First General Convention ; Virginia represented there — Conduct
of Virginia Church on the proposed Articles of Union — Instruction to
Virginia Delegates to General Convention of 1785 — Baptists and Pres-
hyterians ask for the Property of the Church — " The proposed Book" —
Articles of Religion — Decision of Virginia on " The proposed Book" and
Articles — Dr. Griffith elected first Bishop of the Churph in Virginia —
Mistake concerning his Election rectified — Instructions of Virginia Con
vention to Delegates to General Convention of 1786 — Repeal of the Act
of Incorporation — General Conventions of 1786 — Proceedings of Vir
ginia thereon — Remedies adopted to supply the want of Act of Incorpo
ration — Address of the Convention of 1787 to the Church — Dr. Griffith
not consecrated — Causes thereof — Early efforts of Virginia in behalf of
Clerical Education — Case of Discipline.
Scarcely had the church begun to reap the benefits
resulting from its incorporation by the legislature, before it
was again assailed. The presbytery of Hanover, in the
same year in which the act of incorporation was passed,
presented a memorial to the legislature complaining of the
peculiar privileges which the church was said thereby to
obtain. It was stated that she could " receive and possess
property without trouble or risk in securing it ; while other
Christian communities were obliged to trust to the preca
rious fidelity of trustees chosen for the purpose." It was
in vain to answer that there was no difficulty in obtaining
incorporation for the Presbyterian church ; that the legis-

1785.] IN VIRGINIA. 173
lature was ready and willing to confer on it every privilege
which it had conferred on any other religious society. And
when, at the next succeeding session of the legislature, a
bill was introduced for the incorporation of other denomi
nations of Christians, the presbytery of Hanover petitioned
that it might not pass, objected to it as contrary to their
views of propriety, and actually declined taking any benefit
of incorporation under it, should it become a law.* It will
scarcely be thought strange that this manifestation of a
willingness to forego what they themselves owned to he a
benefit, because obliged to share it with Episcopalians,
should have been construed, as it was, into a settled deter
mination, if possible, to destroy the Episcopal church
entirely. How far the decided opposition of the Presbyterians and
Baptists to any act which might benefit the Episcopal
church, may have influenced the legislature, it is impossible
to say. There was, however, in that body, an individual
of great influence, of whom (if his own writings may be
considered sufficient testimony) it is not injustice to say,
that he would have thought it no honour to be suspected of
a belief in Christianity ; and in eradicating what he thought
a pestilent error, he probably was not unwilling to avail
himself of all the aid which these petitions against the
church could possibly afford. There is reason in his case,
therefore, to believe that under cover of an attack upon a
religious establishment, a ,blow was aimed at Christianity
itself. Be this as it may, it is certain that an act was
passed by the legislature of 1785, which was viewed by
many as utterly subversive, in its declarations, of the Chris
tian religion, and called forth at the time the severe ani
madversions of some who still reverenced the faith of the
apostles.! This was the " Act for establishing Religious
* See the Journals of 1784- act for the establishment of religious
t Considerations on an act of the freedom. By a citizen of Phiiadel-
legislaturs of Virginia, entitled An phia. 1788.

174 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1785.
Freedom," drawn by Mr. Jefferson,* and preceded by a
memorial from the pen of Mr. Madison, which is supposed
to have led to the passage of the law. It is, however, due
to the last named gentleman tp state that his predueticn is
npt an attack upcn Christianity ; but very forcibly presents
objectiens tp religieus establishments in general ; in the op
position to wl ich it is believed that a large majority of his
countrymen, if not all of them, weuld be found to concur.
It is no part of our province, however, to enter upon a full
discussion of the principles avowed in either of these docu
ments ; our duty now is simply to present such facts as
will enable the reader to form his own opinion.
The memorial was presented to the legislature of 1785,
as has been stated, and offered substantially the following
views : — that religion must be left to the conviction and con
science of every man, and that bis right to determine the
question of his religion is inalienable ; that it is the duty of
every man to render to his Creator such homage as he
thinks will be acceptable to him ; that every man on enter
ing society reserves his allegiance to the Universal Sove
reign ; and, censequently, that in matters pf religion no
man's rights can be abridged by the institutions of civil
society : hence it is argued that if religion be exempt from
the interference orauthority of society at large, a fortiori
it must be from tha of the legislative body. The memo
rial further stated, that it was proper vigilantly to guard
against the first experiment upon our liberties ; and that if
Christianity might be established, the power by which it
was done was competent also to establish one sect in pre
ference to another ; and that such preference violates that
equality which ought to be the basis of every law, for all
men enter society upon equal conditions. It was urged
also that the civil magistrate is not a competent judge of
religipus truth, npr has he a right te empley religipn as an
« 1 Jefferson's Works, p. 36.

1785.] IN VIRGINIA. 175
engine of civil pplicy. It is an unhallowed perversion of
the means of salvation. Again, Christianity does not re
quire an establishment to support it. It has no dependance
upon the power of this world ; and the effect of establish
ments is to corrupt religion. Neither does civil govern
ment require the aid of an establishment. A law making
an establishment is but the signal for persecution ; its ten
dency is to banish a portion of the citizens, and destroy
moderation and harmony ; it is therefore adverse to the
diffusion of Christianity ; and unless such a law is clearly
demanded by a majority of the citizens, its tendency is to
enervate the laws and thus weaken the bands of society.
The act for the establishment of religious freedom was
passed the twenty-sixth of December, 1785, and is in these
words :-r-
" Whereas Almighty God hath created the mind free :
that all attempts to influence it by temporal punishments or
burdens, or by civil incapacitations, tend only to beget
habits of hypocrisy and meanness, and are a departure
from the plan of the holy Author of our religion ; who
being Lord both of body and mind, yet chose not to propa
gate it by coercions on either, as was in his almighty power
to do : that the impious presumption of legislators and
rulers, civil as well asecclesiastical, who being themselves
but fallible and uninspired men, have assumed dominion
over the faith of others, setting up their own opinions and
modes of thinking as the only true and infallible, and as such
endeavouring to impose them on others, hath established
or maintained false religions over the greatest part of the
world, and through all time: that to compel a man to fur
nish contributions of money for the propagation of opinions
which he disbelieves, is sinful and tyrannical : that even the
forcing him to support this or that preacher of his own
religious persuasion, is depriving him of the comfortable
liberty of giving his contributions to the particular pastor
whose morals he would make his pattern, and whose pow-

176 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1785.
ers he feels most persuasive to righteousness, and is with
drawing from the ministry those temporal rewards, which,
proceeding from an approbation of their personal conduct,
are an additional incitement to earnest and unremitting
labours for the instruction of mankind : that our civil rights
have no dependance on our religious opinions, any more
than our opinions in physic and geometry : that therefore
the proscribing any citizen as unworthy of the public con
fidence, by laying upon him an incapacity of being called
to pffices cf trust and emolument, unless he profess or re
nounce this or that religious opinion, is depriving him inju
riously of those privileges and advantages to which, in
common with his fellow- citizens, he has a natural right:
that it tends only to corrupt the principles of that religion
it is meant to encourage, by bribing with a monopoly of
worldly honours and emoluments those who will externally
profess . or conform to it : that though indeed those are
criminal who do not withstand such temptation, yet neither
are those innocent who lay fie bait in their way ; that to
suffer the civil magistrate to intrude his powers into the
field of opinion, and to restrain the profession or propaga
tion of principles on suspicion of their ill tendency is a
dangerous fallacy, which at once destroys all religious
liberty ; because, he being, of course, judge of that ten
dency, will make his opinions the rule of judgment, and
approve or condemn the sentiments of others only as they
shall square with or differ from his own : that it is time
enough for the rightful purposes of civil government for its
officers to interfere, when principles break out. into overt
acts against peace and good order ; and, finally, that truth
is great and will prevail if left to herself, that she is the
proper and sufficient antagonist to error, andhas nothing
to fear from the conflict, unless by human interposition dis
armed of her natural weapons, free argument and debate,
errors ceasing to be dangerous when it is permitted freely
to contradict them:

1785.] "' IN VIRGINIA. 177
" Be it therefore enacted by the General Assembly, that
no man shall be compelled to frequent or support any reli
gious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever, nor shall be
enforced, restrained, molested, or burdened in his body or
goods, nor shall otherwise suffer on account of his religious
opinions or belief; but that all men shall be free to profess,
and by argument to maintain their opinions in matters of
religion, and that the same shall in nowise diminish, en
large, or affect their civil capacities.
"And though we well know that this assembly, elected
by the people for the ordinary purposes of legislation only,
have no power to restrain the acts of succeeding assemblies,
constituted with powers equal to our own, and that there
fore to declare this act irrevoeable would be of no effect in
law, yet we are free to declare and do declare that the
rights hereby asserted are of the natural right of mankind,
and that if any act shall be hereafter passed to repeal the
present, or narrow its operation, such act will be an in
fringement of natural right."*
The inconsistency of this latter clause, with some of the
principles avowed in the very argumentative preamble to
this law, will not escape the attention of the observant
reader. A solemn protest against any change in a law
which, certainly in effect, establishes a certain set of
opinions as the only orthodox standard of religious senti
ment, comes with peculiar ill grace from those who des
cant upon "the impious presumption of legislators and
rulers, who, being themselves but fallible and uninspired
men, have assumed dominion over the faith of others, set
ting up their own opinions and modes pf thinking as the
only true and infallible, and as such- endeavouring to -im
pose them upon others through all time.".
There is an air of self-satisfactionwith which the author
of this law records the fact of his having prepared it, which
* Revised Code of Virginia, vol. i. p. 41,
z

178 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1785.
leaves no doubt that in the review of his pplitical career,
his mind dwelt with peculiar complacency upon this inci
dent of his life : he informs us that the law was " drawn in
all the latitude of reason and right;" that it met with some
opposition, but finally passed ; and in the spirit of exulta
tion, which he cannot conceal, at the success of his effort to
degrade Christianity to a level with the creed of Mecca,
he proceeds to relate with approbation a circumstance
clearly indicative of his design to heap dishonour upon the
faith of Christians. We are informed by him that an
amendment was proposed to the preamble by the insertion
of the name of our Saviour before the words " The holy
Author of our religion ;" this could at most have had no
other effect upon the enacting clause, but that of granting
the utmost freedom to all denominations professing to own
and worship Christ, without affording undue preference to
any ; and against this, it would be unreasonable to object :
certain it is, that more than this had never been asked by
any religious denomination in Virginia, in any petition pre
sented against the church: the public, therefore, would
have been satisfied with such an amendment ; the proposed
alteration, however, was rejected, and it is made the sub
ject of triumph that the law was left, in the words of its
author, " to comprehend within the mantle of its protection,
the Jew and the gentile, the Christian and Mohammedan,
the Hindoo, and infidel of every denomination."* That
these various classes should have been protected, both in
person and property, is obviously the dictate of justice, of
humanity, and of enlightened policy, but it surely was not
necessary in securing to them such protection, to degrade,
not the establishment, but Christianity itself 'to a level with
the voluptuousness of Mohammed, or the worship of Jug
gernaut : and if it be true that there is danger in an estab
lished alliance between Christianity and the civil power,
* Jefiersbn's Works, vol. i. pp. 88, 37.

1785.] IN VIRGINIA. 179
let it be remembered that there is another alliance not less
fatal to the happiness, and subversive of the intellectual
freedom of man — it is an alliance between the civil author
ity and infidelity: which, whether formally recognised or
not, if permitted to exert its influence, direct or indirect,
will be found to be equally ruinous in its results. On this
subject, revolutionary France has once read to the world
an impressive lesson, which it is to be hoped will not
speedily be forgotten.
The course of our narrative has now brought us to the
first convention of the Protestant Episcopal church in
Virginia, which was held after the war of the revolution.
It assembled in the city of Richmond, on the 18th of May,
1785, and was attended by thirty-six clergymen and sev
enty-one laymen : the body was organized by the unani
mous appointment of the Rev. Dr. Madison, president of
William and Mary College, as the presiding officer, and
the Rev. Robert Andrews as secretary ; and several topics
of interest awaited the consideration of the convention.
Among these the depressed state of the church occupied a
prominent place, and it was felt that immediate measures
were demanded to arouse the zeal and stimulate the efforts
of every Churchman in Virginia. Accordingly, the first
resolution adopted by the house, after resolving itself into
a committee of the whole upon the state of the church, was,
" that an address be prepared to the members of the Protest
ant Episcopal church in Virginia, representing the con
dition of the church, and exhorting them to unite in its sup
port." In this document, after an allusion to the eternal interests
involved in the belief of Christianity, the convention pro
ceeded to dwell upon the benefits which the Christian faith
conferred upon society, and appealing to the feelings of
those who professed " to be conscious of the scriptural au
thority of the church," thus urged her claims: "Of what is
the church now possessed ? Nothing but the glebes and

180 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1785.
your affections. Since the year 1776, she hath been even
without regular government ; and her ministers have re
ceived but little compensation for their services. Their
numbers are diminished by death and other causes, and we
have as yet- no resource within ourselves for a succession
of ministers. Churches stand in need of repair, and there
is no fund equal to the smallest want." After informing
them of the organization of the church, it is asked, " But
whither must our labours tend without your assistance?
To contempt, they cannot; for we have the consciousness
of aiming at our common welfare alone. To almost every
thing under the sun belongs a. crisis, which, if embraced,
stamps our endeavours with success ; if lost, with ruin. In
this situation does our church now stand." " We there
fore entreat you in the most solemn manner, we conjure
you by all the ties of religion, to co-operate fervently7 in the
cause of our church. Should these our earnest efforts be
abortive, we shall always with truth call the Searcher of
hearts to witness that the downfall of the Protestant Epis
copal church is not to be named among our offences, and
to this admonition shall we ever appeal."*
To remedy the evils which resulted from the want of an
income for the support of the clergy, it was next recom
mended that the several vestries throughout the state
should take immediate measures to procure, by voluntary
subscriptions, a competent support for the incumbents of
their respective parishes : but the evil to which the conven
tion seemed to be most sensibly alive, was the want of
some one clothed with authority over the clergy, and com
petent to administer discipline when necessary. Accord
ingly, in this their first convention, after appointing a stand
ing committee, composed of clergy and laity, they instructed
them to consider of the proper steps to obtain consecra
tion for a bishop, and of providing means for his support,
* Journals of the Convention of 1785.

1785.] IN VIRGINIA. 181
and to make report on these subjects at the next conven
tion. And in the interval, care was taken by certain rules
adopted for the order, government, and discipline of the
church, to provide for the faithful performance of their
duty, on the part of the clergy, and to punish its non-per
formance. Thus, it was directed that the country should
be divided into districts ; that one of the clergy of each dis
trict should be appointed by the convention with the title
of visiter, who should preside in the meetings which the
clergy of each district were required to hold annually; and
that the visiter should annually visit each parish in his dis
trict, should attend to and inspect the morals and conduct
of the clergy, should see that the rules of the church were
observed, admonish and reprove, privately, those clergy
men who were negligent, or acted improperly, and should
make to each convention a report of all offenders among
the clergy, and of the state of each parish in his district.
No person thereafter was to be permitted to enter upon
the pastoral care of any parish, who could not produce
satisfactory evidence of his moral and religious character
to a committee appointed by the convention for that pur
pose. Provision was also made for the speedy trial of an offend
ing clergyman, and even the bishop (should they succeed
in obtaining one) was made amenable to the convention,
which was constituted a court for his trial ; and from the
decision made by that tribunal, no appeal was to be al
lowed. Pluralities and non-residence were strictly pro
hibited ; the use of the surplice and gown, preaching once,
at least, on every Lord's day, catechising the children, ad
ministering the Eucharist at stated periods, and visiting
the sick, were positively enjoined.
And for the purpose of conducting divine service de
cently, it was also resolved that, for the present, the liturgy
of the Church of England should be used, with such altera-

182 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1785.
tions only as had been rendered necessary by the American
revolution. . The attention of the convention was called also to an
other subject. It seems that soon after the recognition of
American independence, application was made, by some
young American gentlemen, to the Bishop of London for
orders. Difficulties arose from the operation of certain
English statutes, requiring of those ordained such engage
ments as Americans could, not take consistently with the
allegiance which they owed to their own country. Mr.
Adams, who was then the American minister at the court
of St. James, mentioned the case of these young Americans
to the Danish minister, and he stated the matter to his own
court. The subject was referred to the theological faculty
of Denmark, and the result was the expression of a willing
ness on the part of the church, in that country, to confer
orders on candidates from this. This was communicated
to Mr. Adams from the Count de Rosencrone, privy coun
sellor and secretary of state to the King of Denmark ; and
was by him communicated to the president of the American
congress.* A copy of the Count de Rosencrone's letter
was sent, by order of congress, to the executive authority
in each of the states ; and at this convention, it was laid
before the house, in a communication sent to it from the
Governor of Virginia. The convention, however, while it
entertained and expressed a proper sense of gratitude to
the court and church of Denmark, was not inclined to take
any steps, founded on the communication received from
that quarter. To the adoption of this course, they were
probably led by the wish, in a matter of much moment to
the future harmony of the several independent Episcopal
churches which had been or might be organized in the dif
ferent states of the confederacy, to act with prudent cau
tion, and after consultation with Episcopalians in other
* Bishop White's Memoirs, 9, 10.

1785. J IN VIRGINIA. 183
parts of the union : and it is believed also that Virginia
partook of the feeling which was general among Episco
palians throughout this country, that the consecration of
American bishops, and obtaining of holy orders, were not
to be sought out of England, until all prospect of obtaining
them there should seem hopeless.*
The incipient steps had already been taken for a general
organization of the church ; and this fact was known to the
convention of Virginia, for it formed the basis of a part of
her proceedings in this convention, which we are now to
relate. On the 13th of May, 1784, a few clergymen from the
states of New-York, New-Jersey, and Pennsylvania as
sembled, by appointment, in Brunswick, New-Jersey, tP
consult upon measures for the renewal of a society, (exist
ing before -the revolution, under charters of incorporation
from the governors of the states above named,) the object
of which was to raise a fund for the support of the widows
and orphans of -deceased clergymen. This was the princi
pal object of the meeting, at which were present nine clergy
men. These gentlemen invited certain laymen of influ
ence, who were attached to the church, and who happened
to be in the town, to attend their meetings, and the princi
ples of an ecclesiastical union among the churches of the
different states were discussed ; nothing, however, was
done towards the accomplishment of such a union beyond
an agreement entered into among the gentlemen present,
to procure as general an attendance as they could of clergy
and laity from the different states, at a meeting to be held
on the sixth of the succeeding October. In that month, the
contemplated meeting was held in New- York, when gentle
men appeared from Massachusetts, Connecticut, New- York,
New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Vir-
* Address of the General Convention of 1786, to the English prelate*.
— Journal of General Convention, 1786.

184 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1785.
ginia. From the last-named state the Rev. Dr. Griffith at
tended. This assemblage was purely voluntary; and those
who were present did not profess to have authority from
the churches in their respective states ; indeed, most of the
clergy present received their appointments from their re
spective congregations, and the utmost extent of power
possessed by any member of the body was to deliberate
and propose.*
The result of the deliberations of this body was the pro
posal of certain principles of ecclesiastical union, to be
submitted to the churches in the several states, as fol
lows : —
1. That there shall be a general convention of the Epis
copal church in the United Stateirof America.
2. That the Episcopal church in each state send depu
ties to the convention, consisting of clergy and laity
3. That associated congregations, in two or more states,
may send deputies jointly,
4. That the said church shall maintain the doctrines of
the Gospel, as now held by the Church of England ; and
. shall adhere to the liturgy of the said church, as far as shall
be consistent with the American revolution, and the con
stitutions of the respective states.
5. That in every state, where there shall be a bishop duly
consecrated and settled, he shall be considered as a mem
ber of the convention, ex-officio.
6. That the clergy and laity, assembled in convention,
shall deliberate in one body, but shall vote separately: and
the concurrence of both shall be necessary to give validity
to every measure.
7. That the first meeting of the convention shall be at
Philadelphia, the Tuesday before the feast of St. Michael
next.!
% On the first day of the meeting of the convention of Vir-
* Bishop White's Momoirs, 66, t Ib.» 65, 66.

1785.] IN VIRGINIA. 185
ginia, these proposals were submitted, and -after under- >
going much discussion, in a committee of the whole house,
it was determined that deputies should be sent from the
Virginia church to the proposed convention in Philadel
phia ; and that they should be furnished with such instruc
tions for their conduct as would leave the convention of
Virginia at liberty to approve or disapprove of the pro
ceedings of the general convention.*
As to the proposed principles of union, the convention,
after the expression of a willingness to unite in a general
ecclesiastical constitution with the members of the Protes
tant Episcopal church in the other states of America, ac
ceded to the first, second, third, and fifth of the articles pro
posed as the basis of union. As to the fourth article, the
convention declined binding themselves upon the subject
embraced in it, until it should have been revised in the ap
proaching general convention, and reported to the next
Virginia convention ; and as to the sixth article, the con
vention refused to accede to it, but assented to the use of
the mode of voting therein prescribed at the proposed gen
eral convention, reserving, however, a right to approve or
disapprove of the pr ceedings of that body. Thus jealous
was the church in Virginia under her new organization to
preserve the rights which belonged to her as a distinct and
independent portion of the church of Christ-!
The letter of instructions furnished to the reverend Dr.
Griffith, the reverend Mr. M'Croskey, John Page and Wil
liam Lee, esquires, who were elected deputies to the gen
eral convention, was as follows : —
"During your representation of the Protestant Episco
pal church, in the general convention, we recommend to
your observance the following sentiments concerning doC-

* Journal of the Convention of Virginia, t Ibid.
1786. A A

186 .PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1785
trine and worship. We refer you, at the same time, for
these and other objects of your- mission, to our resolutions
on the proceedings of the late convention at New- York.
" Uniformity in doctrine and worship will unquestionably
contribute to the prpsperity pf the Protestant Episcopal
church ; but -we earnestly wish that this may be pursued
with liberality and moderation. The obstacles which" stand
in the way of union among Christian societies, are too
often founded on matters of mere form. They are sur
mountable, therefore, by those who, breathing the spirit of
Christianity, earnestly labour in this pious work.
" From the Holy Scriptures themselves, rather than the
comments of men, must we learn the terms of salvation.
Creeds, therefore, ought to be simple ; and we are not anx
ious to retain any other than that which is commonly called
the Apostles' Creed. -
" Should a change in the liturgy be proposed, let it be
made with caution; and in that case, let the alterations be
few, and the style of prayer continue as agreeable as may
be to the essential characteristics of our persuasion.
" We will not now decide what ceremonies ought to be
retained. We wish, however, that those which exist may
be estimated according to their utility ; and that such as
may appear fit to be laid aside, may no longer be appen
dages of our church.
" We need only add, that we shall expect a report of
your proceedings to be made to those whom we shall vest
with autherity tp call a ccnvention."*
The deputies were also instructed to communicate to the
general convention the contents of the Count de Rosen
crone's letter* and a standing committee was appointed, to
which, among pther ppWerS, was confided that pf calling a
convention. • Journals of the Convention of. 1 786.

1785.] IN -VIRGINIA. «> 187
Having thus endeavoured to give an impulse to the
church under its new organization, the convention ad
journed. The hopes entertained of its future prosperous
progress were, however, but of short continuance-, for its
enemies were not. disposed to permit it to pursue its course
in peace. The Presbyterians and Baptists began to pre
pare and circulate for signatures memorials to the legisla
ture, which prayed, not merely for a repeal of the law in
corporating the church, but, going beyond any former
petition, asked also that the property of the church might be
disposed of for the benefit of the public*
While these measures were in progress; the month of
September arrived, and the proposed general convention
assembled at Christ Church in the city of Philadelphia:
Virginia was represented by the Rev. Dr. Griffith and John
Page, esquire.
The most important subjects which came before this
body were the preparation of a general ecclesiastical con
stitution, and the adaptation of the liturgy of the Church of
England to the changes in the American church, occasioned
by the revolution. The constitution- adopted by the con
vention, and submitted by it to the church in the several
.states for ratification, consisted of eleven articles, and
formed the basis of the present constitution of the Protes
tant "Episcopal church in the United States. By the very
terms of the instrument, however, it was not to become
obligatory as the fundamental charter of the church at
large, until it had received the approbation of the church
in the several states.!
The labours of the convention in the work of altering the
liturgy, gave birth to the publication of what has ever since
been known, in the American Episcopal church, by the
name of " The Proposed Book." It was the English Book of

* See Memorials on the Legisla- t Journal of General Convention
tive Journals af 1786. of 1785.

188 BROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1785.
Common Prayer, altered, in the first place; to suit the change
in our civil relations ; but the alterations were not confihed
to this particular. The convention availed itself of the
favourable opportunity presented to revise the whole Book
of Common Prayer as used in the Church of England, and
in the review, saw fit to retain the Apostles' Creedonly, and
reduced the number of articles to twenty. The proposed
book, however, was not set forth authoritatively by the
body which prepared it, but was submitted to the church
in the several states for approval. The particular history
of this book belongs properly to a future volume of our
work, and it is only necessary here, for the illustration of
the progress of the Virginia church, to allude to the twenty
articles of religion as proposed to her for adoption.
The first of these asserted the doctrine of the Holy Trin
ity, imbodying into one article the substance of the first
five in the articles of the Church of England.
The second was, "of the sufficiency of the Holy Scrip
tures for salvation," and was a transcript of the sixth arti
cle of the English church.
The third, concerning "the Old and New Testament,"
was substantially the same as the seventh of the English
church. The fourth article asserted the truth of the Apostles'
Creed. The fifth was concerning original sin, and expressed in
other words the doctrine of the ninth article of the Anglican
church. The sixth, " of free will," agreed with the English article
on the same subject.
The seventh, on the important doctrine of justification,
was a copy of the eleventh article of the parent church.
The eighth, " of gopd works," agreed with the English
article. The thirteenth and fourteenth of the Church of England
were omitted ; and the ninth, " pf Christ alpne without sin,"

1785.] IN VIRGINIA. 189
did not differ materially from the article of the Church of
England bearing the same title.
The tenth, "of sin after baptism," set forth the doctrine
on this subject held by the parent church.
The eleventh, " on predestination," though not agreeing
verbatim with the seventeenth article of the Church of Eng
land, yet cannot be construed to teach any other doctrine
than that therein set forthi
The twelfth set forth the words' of the eighteenth article
of the English church, " of obtaining eternal salvation only
by the name of Christ."
The nineteenth, twentieth, and twenty-first articles of
the Church of England, concerning the church and its au
thority, together with the authority of general councils,
were imbodied in the thirteenth article of the proposed
book. Omitting entirely the article concerning purgatory, the
fourteenth was, " of ministering in the congregation," and
differed not from the English article.
The fifteenth, concerning "the sacraments," was a copy
of the first two clauses of. the English article on that sub
ject. The sixteenth, "of "baptism," and the seventeenth, " of
the Lord's Supper," agreed with the English articles on
those points.
The eighteenth was a reprint of the first sentence only
of the thirty-first article of the English church, on " the
one oblation of Christ finished upon the cross."
The nineteenth, " of consecration and ordination," adopted
the English ordinal, with the exception of such oaths as
were inconsistent with the change wrought by the Ameri
can revolution.
The twentieth and last article repeated in substance the
doctrine of the parent church on the subject " of a Christian
man's path."* * Proposed Book.

190 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1788.
It was also recommended by the convention to the sev
eral state conventions to elect suitable persons to be recom
mended to the prelates of England for consecration to the
episcopate ; and a committee was appoinled to address the
archbishops and bishops of England, requesting them to
confer the episcopal character on such -persons as might
be elected.*
The next convention of the church in Virginia was held
in Richmond, on the 24th of May, 1786, when the report
of their representatives in the general convention, with a
journal of the proceedings of that body, was laid before it.
The first subject of consideration was the proposed consti
tution, which met, for the most part, with a ready adoption.
The only articles on which doubts were entertained were
those which related to the proposed book, and made its
use obligatory upon the church in those states which should
adopt the constitution; these, however, after the liturgy
and articles were received, were finally adopted ; and thus
the Virginia church, which up to this time acknowledged
no authority but that of her own convention, by her volun
tary act, as an organized independent church, expressed
her willingness to surrender a portion of her rights, and
come into union with the Protestant Episcopal church in
the United States.
The subject of the proposed book led to more discussion
than did the constitution ; and it was found, as might have
been expected, that there was more conflict of opinion to
be reconciled. The articles were referred to a special
committee, while the other parts of the book were subjected
to revision in a committee of the whole house. After dis
cussions, which lasted for six days, the house came to a
determination upon the articles, as follows : —
The first, "of faith in the Holy Trinity," was adopted.
The second, " pf the sufficiency cf the Holy Scriptures
* Journal of General Convention, 1785.

1786.] IN VIRGINIA. 191
for salvation," was amended, verbally, without material
alteration of the sense, by saying of the books of Scrip
ture, " of whose authority there is no doubt in the church,"
instead of " was never any doubt," &c. And so much of
the article as related to the apocryphal books was stricken
out. The third, " of the Old and New Testament," was
adopted. The fourth, "of the creed," was altered by an addition.
It had been proposed by the general convention, as fol
lows : — " The creed, commonly called the Apostles' Creed,"
&c: the additional words inserted were after the word
creed — " the creed, as contained in the Book of Common
Prayer recommended by the late general convention." The
cause of this insertion will be found in the fact that the
creed, as set forth by the convention, differed from that in
the English liturgy in the omission of the words, " he de
scended into hell."
The fifth and sixth articles, " of original sin" and " of
free will," were adopted.
The seventh, "of justification by faith," was slightly al
tered : instead of the expression, " we are justified by faith
only," it was changed to, "iue are thus justified by faith."
The eighth, ninth, and tenth, " of good works," " of
Christ alone without sin," and " of" sin after baptism," were
adopted. The eleventh article, " of predestination," was stricken
out. The twelfth, " of obtaining eternal salvation only by the
name of Christ,"
The thirteenth, "of the church and its authority," and
The fourteenth, "of ministering in the congregation,"
were adopted.
The fifteenth, "of the sacraments," was altered by the
entire omission of the first clause, descriptive of the nature
of a sacrament.

192 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1786.
The sixteenth, "of baptism," declared that it was ''a
sign of regeneration, or new birth, whereby, as by an in
strument, they who receive," &.C.: the words, "as by an
instrument," were stricken out.
In the seventeenth, " of the Lord's Supper," the second
clause, relative to transubstantiation, was stricken out.
, The remaining articles, " of the one oblation of Christ
upon the cross," " of consecration and ordination," and " of
a Christian man's oath," were adopted.
As to the residue of the book, the convention resolved
that it should be approved, ratified, and used, with the single
exception of the rubric before the communion service,
which excluded from the sacrament evil -livers. The vote
on the adoption was taken by yeas and nays, when thirty-
two were found to be in favour of the adoption of the book,
and twenty against it; among the latter were four of the
clergy.* Pursuant to the recommendation of the general conven
tion, it was also determined tp elect a suitable person to be
recommended to the English prelates, for consecration to
the episcopate in the church of Virginia ; and the choice of
the convention fell on the Rev.. Dr. Griffith, by a vote of
thirty-two out of forty-nine-!
This particularity of statement is called for by a sense of
justice to the memory of Dr. Griffith. Ata subsequent period,
this early instance of an election to the episcopate was re
ferred to by a portion of the church in another diocess.J as
furnishing an important precedent. Dr. Griffith was never
consecrated, from causes which will hereafter be stated, but
of which, it is now only necessary to say that they touched
not the purity of his Christian character, or the regularity
of his election. In the diocess just referred to, however, a
mistaken opinion was entertained by some that he never
* Journal of Virginia Convention, t Maryland, on occasion of th«
1786. > election of Dr. Kemp.
f Ibid.

1786.] IN VIRGINIA. 193
obtained consecration, because he had been- elected "in
haste, and without due notice."* The records of the con
vention conclusively prove that these opinions were entirely
without foundation in fact ; and those who knew Dr. Grif
fith, would have found an answer to the charge, had all
other evidence been wanting, in the probity of a character
too high-minded and honest to have sought or accepted
an elevation obtained by disingenuous or dishonourable
means.! At the same convention, two deputies were appointed to
the next general convention, of whom Dr. Griffith was one,
and they were furnished with the following letter of in
structions : —
" You are instructed to move for such alterations in the
Book of Common Prayer and articles of religion, as shall
be agreed to by this convention, as fit to be proposed to the
general convention.
" We consider the Protestant Episcopal church in
America as an incorporate society, and therefore unity
in doctrine and worship, its characteristic; conformably to
this, you will not carp at expression, nor carry your objec
tions to unessential points; guarding against schisms by
all possible means, and giving our church every benefit and
strength it can acquire from union.
" It is superfluous to observe to you, that the sooner our
church can have the benefit of episcopal superintendence,
the nearer it will approach to perfection, and to recommend
to your attention the aid of this necessary character."
The state was divided into twenty-four districts, and a
visiter was appointed for each, and the powers of the
standing committee were specifically defined ; they were
to correspond with the bishops in Europe, and with any
* Bishop White's Memoirs, 171,307. t Ex relatione, Bishop White.
B B

194 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1780.
soeiety of the church in the United States ; to call meet
ings of the convention when necessary; to receive com
plaints against the clergy, and appoint courts of inquiry;
to grant testimonials to all clergymen, not citizens of the
state, who might apply for parishes, and, during the recess
of ccnventions, totake care generally of the interests of the
church. The efforts of the Presbyterians and Baptists to pro
cure memorials to be presented to the legislature for a
repeal of the act incorporating the church, and for a
distribution of its property for the public benefit, have
already been recorded. The convention was not in
sensible to the danger to be apprehended from the deep-
seated hostility of these two denominations, and therefore
prepared a petition to the legislature to counteract the
effect of their memorials, and recommended to the several
parishes to prepare and present petitions of a similar char
acter. But it was all in vain ; in the next session of the
General Assembly of Virginia, which succeeded the con
vention, these memorials and petitions were brought up for
consideration ; and on the fifth of December, 1786, the
House of Delegates, among other resolutions, adopted the
following : —
" That an act ought to be passed to empower all soci
eties formed for religious purposes to hold such property
as they are now possessed of, to acquire property of any
kind, or to dispose thereof in any manner that may be
agreeable to said society.
" That the act for incorporating the Episcopal church
ought to be repealed."*
On the ninth of January, 1787, the bill to carry into
effect these resolutions was passed by the Senate, and thus
became the law of Virginia.!
* Journal of House of Delegates, t Journal of Senate, p. 91.
p. 87.

1786.] IN VIRGINIA. 195
It will be seen that the whole object of the enemies of
the church had not been attained by this law; they had
not succeeded in procuring a distribution of its property ;
they had but left it to commence its work anew in a con
dition similar to that in which it stood at the close of the
revolution, with this difference in its favour, that it had
assumed an organized form and better knew its friends and
its enemies.
Before, however, we proceed to record the steps taken
by the church of Virginia to remedy the evils resulting
from the repeal of the act of incorporation, it becomes
necessary to the correct understanding of our future nar
rative, to withdraw, for a time, our attention from Virginia,
and fix it upon the meetings of the general convention,
which were held in the year 1786.
By the constitution prepared and submitted by the gen
eral convention of the previous year, it was provided that
the first assemblage of that body under it should take
place in Philadelphia on the third. Tuesday of June, 1786,
and afterward triennially, at such place as might be ap
pointed by the convention. Accordingly, on the twentieth
of June, 1786, delegates appeared in Philadelphia from the
churches in several of the states. Virginia was repre
sented by Dr. Griffith and the honourable Cyrus Griffin.,
the first named of whom was made president of the con
vention. It was recommended by this body " to the church in
such of the states as were represented, not to receive to
the pastoral charge within their respective limits, clergy
men professing canonical subjection to any bishop, other
than those bishops who may be duly settled in the states
represented in the convention ;" and inasmuch as a corres
pondence had been commenced with the English prelates
on the subject of obtaining at their hands consecration of
bishops for America, it was deemed respectful to the Eng
lish bench, also to recommend to the church in the several

196 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1786.
states not to admit any minister to a cure who might re
ceive ordination from a bishop residing in America, during
the pendency of the application then before the bishops of
England. The constitution which had previously been submitted
to the church in the several states again came under re
view, and it was found, as might reasonably have been anti
cipated, that very different instructions had been given by
the several state conventions to their respective delegates,
both with respect to the constitution and " the proposed
book." The wisdom of the excellent man who has so long
and so worthily presided over the councils of the American
Episcopal church, suggested the expedient of referring all
the -memorials and communications from the conventions
of the several states to the first general convention which
should assemble with sufficient powers to determine on the
same ; and by a subsequent resolution it was recommended
to the several state conventions to empower their deputies
to the first general convention which might be held, after
a bishop or bishops had been consecrated, to confirm and
ratify a general constitution respecting both the doctrine
and discipline of the church in the United States.
Still, however, the proposed constitution was revised
and amended. This seems to have been in some degree
rendered necessary by intimations in the letters which had
been received from the English bishops, objecting, though
with great kindness, to some of its provisions ; and it was
of course desirable, as far as it could be done with propri
ety, to remove every obstacle to the accomplishment of the
great object of obtaining the episcopate.
The convention adjourned after a session of six days, to
meet at Wilmington in the state of Delaware when it
should be necessary. Letters having been received from
the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, enclosing an act
of parliament authorizing the consecration of bishops for
the Episcopal church in the United States, the general con-

1786.] IN VIRGINIA. 197
vention was called together, and assembled at Wilmington
on the tenth of October, 1786. At this convention Vir
ginia was not represented. The communications from
England formed of course the subject of consideration, and
in accordance with the wishes therein expressed, an act
was adopted by the convention, by which, among other
things, it was determined to restore to the Apostles' Creed
the words, " t e descended int.. hell," a d to insert in the
liturgy the Nicene Creed ; and a copy of the proceedings
was directed to be transmitted to Virginia, accompanied
with the expression of a hope that the church in that state
would approve and adopt the same. The convention then
proceeded to sign the testimonials of those who had been
elected for consecration ; and though Virginia was unrepre
sented, yet as there was evidence of Dr. Griffith's election,
his testimonials were prepared and signed also.
We are now ready to resume our narrative of the
progress of the church in Virginia. In the month of May,
1787, the third convention of that church assembled, but
not as before, under an act of incorporation. According to
the view then entertained of the effect of the repeal of the
act, the powers of government and discipline in the church
had returned to the members at large ; and for the legiti
mate and proper exercise of those powers, the members of
the church in the several parishes had been invited to elect
two deputies from each parish, with full powers to form
and establish such regulations for government, discipline,
and worship, as they might deem best, and to provide
means for the care and proper use of such property as
yet remained to the church. The deputies thus elected
formed the convention of 1787 ; and the diminished number
of those who thus came together will justify the conjecture,
that, disheartened by the persevering hostility and success
of their opponents of other religious denominations, a large
portion of the church had yielded to despondency, and
looked upon further contest as hopeless. To supply the

198 TROTESTANT EPISC1PAL CHURCH [1787.
want of an act of incorporation, the convention passed in
ordinance, as they termed it, by which they constituted the
vestrymen, who had been elected under the law of incorpo
ration, trustees to hold the glebes and other property, and
made provision for the triennial election of vestrymen
thereafter ; they secured to such of the clergy as had
glebes, the right of unmolested possession and enjoyment
against the vestry, and gave to the convention full powers
in all matters of doctrine, discipline, and worship. They
re-enacted also, in substance, the body of canons which had
been adopted in 1785 ; and for the purpose of providing a
uniform mode of supporting the clergy, it was recom
mended to the churchwardens or trustees in the several
parishes to convene the members of the church, and call
upon them to determine the amount of compensation which
they were willing to afford their clergyman, to make such
amount permanent, and by their voluntary consent to em
power the vestry to receive annually the sum agreed upo 1
from the several members of the church, in proportion to
the tithables which each one might possess.
Having thus performed its duty, the convention next ap
pealed to the members of the church, and asked for the per
formance of theirs in the following affectionate terms : —
"The address of the convention to the members of the
Protestant Episcopal church in Virginia.
" We, your pastors and lay deputies in convention as
sembled, have, by the favour of Divine Providence, and ac
cording to the privilege secured by the laws of our country,
to every society of Christians of managing its own tem
poral concerns, and of regulating its discipline and wor
ship, instituted certain fundamental canons, made neces
sary by the repeal of the incorporating act, and have framed
rules for the order, discipline, and worship of our church.
We think, however, that to discharge fully the duty we
owe on this occasion to God and to you, it is incumbent on

1787.] IN VIRGINIA. 199
us briefly to put you in mind of some things which remain
for you to do, and to which, if you do not attend, all our
labours here must be ineffectual. To render our church
truly respectable, and our institutions of service to the
cause of Christianity, a general and regular attendance on
publie worship, and the constant practice of piety and mo
rality, in all times and in all places, are indispensable.
This is so obvious, that we trust we need only mention it
to you. A moderate but adequate provision for your
pastor, is another thing which must claim your attention
and exertions. Both Scripture and common sense point out
this to be your duty; and the omission of it involves con
sequences which no real Christian can think of without
horror. The want of proper teachers must be the effect
of this omission ; and ignorance and error, with all their
train of evils, will follow. The very idea of being the
authors of so great an injury to the temporal and eternal
concerns of mankind must rouse and alarm you ; and we
trust will excite your most seriou endeavours to provide
for the preservation of the pure doctrines of religion. The
general affairs of the church also require from you a small
contribution. We have been careful to frame our institu
tions of a nature as simple and unexpensive as possible, but
we could not constitute a church which would call for no
support from its members. Recommending these things
to your attention, and you to the. Almighty guidance and
protection, we are your affectionate brethren in Christ."
It will doubtless be remembered that in the convention
of the preceding year, Dr. Griffith had been selected as the
individual to be consecrated to the episcopate for Virginia.
It had been originally contemplated that he should cross
the Atlantic with the gentlemen who had been selected by
the churches of New- York and Pennsylvania. These gen
tlemen had visited England, accomplished the object of
their mission, and returned to this country invested with

200 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1787.
episcopal authority; but Dr. Griffith did npt acccmpany
them ; ppverty presented an pbstacle which he was not
able to surmount ; he was not supplied with money for the
purpose, and the deranged state of his private concerns
prevented him from undertaking the voyage.* The confi
dence of the church in Virginia was however still continued
to him ; and the convention, at its session in 1787, directed
the standing committee to solicit his consecration at the
hands of Bishops Provost and White,! by whom the re
quest would have been granted, but for the obligation to
the English bishops, to which they conceived themselves
in honour pledged, not to admit any one to consecration
until three bishops had been obtained from England. J
Another measure, adopted by the convention of 1787,
serves to indicate the deep sense entertained by the church
of the necessity of making some provision for a supply of
clergymen from among the native sons of the country.
The former source of supply was now closed, they could
henceforth look for but few clergymen from England, and
an experience of which they were now reaping a portion
of the bitter fruits, had probably induced them to think that
Virginians would make the best ministers for Virginia.
Poor therefore as they were, they notwithstanding resolved
to recommend it to the parishes to provide funds for the
education of two youths, from their early years, that they
might be trained for the Christian ministry: the clergy
were requested to preach annually a charity sermon in aid
of the object ; and the selected youths were to be under the
direction of the bishop and standing committee. The fact
is recorded to the honour of the Virginia church, for it is
believed, that after the revolution, this was the first step
made by any portion of the church in this country in the
important work of education for the ministry. The spirit
* Bp. White's Memoirs, 171, note. t Bishop White's Memoirs, 172,
t Journal of Virginia Conven- note.
tion, 1787.

1787.] IN VIRGINIA. 201
which prompted it is not dead in Virginia, and the future
pages of ournarrative will furnish an agreeable manifesta
tion of it in the history of the flourishing school of theology
at Alexandria. The convention having thus provided for the affairs of
the church at home, it only remains to relate their proceed
ings with reference to the church at large, as founded upon
the transactions of the two general conventions of 1786*
which have already been brought to our notice. The Vir
ginia church acquiesced in the propriety of the measure
recommended by the general convention, that the church
in the several states should not receive to a pastoral charge
within their respective limits clergymen who professed
canpnical subjection to any bishop in any state or country,
other than those bishops who might be duly settled in the
states represented in the general convention ; but they de
clined a compliance with the recommendation not to admit
a clergyman who might receive ordination from any bishop
residing in America, during the pendency of the application
for the episcopate to the English bishops. Bishop Seabury
had now been consecrated, and some young gentlemen
from the South had received ordination at his hands, others
might also apply to him for orders, and among them might
be Virginians ; and as the church of Virginia does not ap
pear to have ever entertained a doubt of the validity of
Bishop Seabury's consecration, she was probably, unwil
ling, in the dearth of clergymen, to preclude herself from
the possibility of a partial supply from this source. This,
however, is hazarded as a conjecture in the absence of cer
tainty. The opposition, which before had been manifested, to the
introduction of the phrase, " he descended into hell," in the
Apostle's Creed, still continued ; and the deputies appointed
to the next general convention were instructed to move
that the phrase should be expunged, and also to oppose the
restoration to the liturgy of the Nicene Creed.
c c

202 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1787.
As to the amended constitution of the church at large,
Virginia assented to it substantially, declaring only that
certain articles were for present emergencies, and there
fore should be considered by her as of a temporary char
acter merely; and she fully acquiesced in the propriety of
conferring on the deputies to the first general convention
which should meet, after a bishop or bishops had been con
secrated, full power and authority to confirm and ratify a
general constitution for the church in the United States.
Discipline had been long and shamefully neglected in
Virginia, and the want of it had contributed more than any
other cause to prostrate the church : it is gratifying there
fore to meet with evidence which shows that under her
new organization, and when permitted, and in fact obliged,
to act for herself, the church was not disposed to tolerate
offending clergymen. Such evidence is furnished in the
fact that the records of this convention show the return of
proceedings of an examining court, constituted under the
canon, to examine into the alleged delinquencies of an
offending presbyter. We are thus furnished with one
more attestation to a fact written in letters of light upon
the page of ecclesiastical history — that in the church, per
secution from without is the parent of purification within ;
and Wrong as it undeniably is, yet, (in the exercise of that
high prerogative, by which God brings good out of evil,)
even persecution is made in his providence to minister to
holy and blessed uses.

1789.3 in Virginia. 203

CHAPTER XI.
1789-1794.
Resignation of Dr. Griffith — Poverty of the Church — Death and Character
of Dr. Griffith — Election of Dr. Madison to the Episcopate — Struggles
concerning the Church Property — Condition of the Church at the time
of Dr. Madison's Consecration — Bishop Madison's first Address — Cleri
cal Education — Canon compelling the Bishop to hold a Parish — Preva
lence of Infidelity and Fanaticism — Disastrous consequences to Religion
after the War — Bishop Madison's Proposal of a Union among different
Christian Denominations — His Plan of distributing Tracts — Revision of
the Canons — Virginia refuses to give the House of Bishops an absolute
Veto. Under its new organization, the church proceeded, with
but little to interrupt the uniformity of its toilsome prog
ress ; and the first incident, worthy of record, with which
we meet, is the resignation of the Rev. Dr. Griffith to the
convention of 1789. Three years had now elapsed since
his election:- the convention had from year to year recom
mended to the several parishes, contributions by which a
fund might be raised to defray the expenses consequent on
obtaining the episcopate ; but whether it is to be attributed
to indifference or poverty, or to both, so it was that funds
had hitherto been wanting; and this circumstance, in con
nection with the private affairs of the bishop elect, led him
to communicate to the convention of 1789 his relinquish
ment of the appointment. The convention was not pre
pared to appoint another in his place, and directed their
deputies to the general convention to inform that body of
the relinquishment of Dr. Griffith.

204 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1789.
There can be no doubt that the necessity which forced
Dr. Griffith to the measure which he adopted, produced in
its results a strong effect upon the convention. It was
plainly seen that unless some remedy was applied to exist
ing evils, the church in Virginia was likely to languish for
a long period of time under the want of episcopal super
vision. The following appeal therefore, more urgent than
any which had preceded it, was sent abroad by the stand
ing committee, under the direction of the convention, the
language of which exhibits no common degree of anxiety.
" Brethren,
"Convinced that the God whom we worship has fur
nished us, if we be not wanting to ourselves, with ample
means for the preservation of that church of which we pro
fess to be members ; satisfied also that it claims a founda
tion the most truly apostolic, and that the proper support
of it involves our dearest interests, both temporal and
eternal ; it is with the sincerest regret that we contem
plate the situation to which it is now reduced. We trust
that, you have also viewed, with sorrow, a situation so
humiliating to a Christian society ; and we ardently hope,
that not unmindful of the blessings which the bountiful hand
of Providence hath so liberally bestowed on us in common
with other Christian societies, you now feel yourselves
conscientiously bound to improve, with gratitude and in
dustry, those means which may tend to promote the pros
perity of our church, and thus render the most pure and
rational mode of worship and instruction as extensively
beneficial as possible. Under these impressipns, brethren,
we ence more call your attention to the duty of completing
the organization of our church. The superintendence and
government of the episcopal pffice are indispensably neces
sary. Without them, our religious concerns, important as
they are in the eyes of every serious member, we may add,
of every worthy citizen, must rapidly decline. But the at-

1780.] IN VIRGINIA. 205
tainment of thpse benefits which result from the episcepal
office, requires exertions, of a pecuniary nature, beyond the
abilities of a few individuals. It is not just, or consistent
with the principles of our religion, that the generous alone
should feel those burdens which belong to the whole of
the society, and which, if properly distributed, may be
borne with ease. We therefore earnestly recommend to
all the friends of the Protestant Episcopal church, that they
do cheerfully assist in raising the sum necessary for defray
ing the expenses attendant on the consecration of a bishop.
Arguments the most pressing might be urged, were they
deemed necessary, to induce a ready compliance with this
recommendation. But we hope, that as you regard the
interests of religion, and of that church in particular of
which you are members ; as you estimate the advantages
which civil society must receive from a mode of worship
conducted on principles the most rational ; as you vene
rate those instructions which so nearly concern your tem
poral and eternal happiness; and as you would, with a
parental tenderness, cherish the best means of improving
the morals of the rising generation, no one will on this occa
sion refrain from casting his mite into the common treasury.
Let it, we exhort you, brethren, be no longer said, that we,
of all Christian societies, are alone inattentive to our re
ligious concerns. It is time to awake from an inattention,
which, if continued, must prove fatal to the Protestant Epis
copal church. That the divine wisdom may influence and
direct your exertions, at this important crisis of our church,
is the fervent prayer of your affectionate brethen in Christ."
That this appeal was not uncalled for is evident from the
fact that the whole sum which the treasurer had received for
the specific purpose of defraying the expenses consequent
upon the consecration of a bishop, was but little more than
twenty-eight pounds.* That the appeal was not made en-
* Journal of 1789.

206 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCn [1789.
tirely in vain, appears from the circumstance that the treas
urer's report, at a subsequent period, exhibited contributions
to an amount nearly though not quite equal to the expenses
ofBishop Madison's consecration ; and here let it be recorded
with gratitude, (for it was a dark day for the church,) that
God put it into the hearts of some, who were strangers
and foreigners, to aid in establishing the episcopate in Vir
ginia.* But, to resume our narrative. It was but a short time
after the relinquishment of his appointment, that Dr. Griffith
found in the grave a release from the sorrows and the
cares of life. He had been appointed by the Virginia con
vention- of this year a representative to the general con
vention which met in Philadelphia, in July, 1789, and
reached that city, but was never able to take his seat in
the convention. He died at the house of the bishop of
Pennsylvania, on the third of August, 1789, and the jour
nals of the general convention attest the respect which
was entertained for his character. The senior clergyman
of the deputation from each state attended his funeral as
a pall-bearer, the residue of the convention attended as
mourners, while his friend Bishop White, and Mr. An
drews, the lay deputy from Virginia, were chief mourners.
Few are now living who knew Dr. Griffith, but of those
few there is one whose attestation to his worth will, in the
judgment of the church in America, supply the want of
many witnesses. In the opinion of the venerable presiding
bishop, the confidence which was reposed by the church
of Virginia in Dr. Griffith was not misplaced : she had not,
in his day, any clergyman within her limits who was more
respeeted, and certainly there was none who had mani
fested more enlightened or persevering zeal in the im
portant work of reviving and organizing the prostrate
* Mr. Graham Franks, a London merchant, gave five guineas " as a
mark of his zeal for the Protestant Episcopal church in Virginia." — Journal
of 1791.

1790.] IN VIRGINIA. 207
church. In his feelings and conduct he was thoroughly
American ; he thought the colonies wronged by the mother
country, and throughout the struggle for independence, he
advocated their cause. He had deliberately cast in his lot
with the great majority of his countrymen ; and in the
alternations of storm and of sunshine, through which they
passed in the achievement of their liberties, he was ever
found true to his principles. It doubtless cost him, as it
did many other good men, the forfeiture of old friendships
and the severance of strong ties, but hejfelt that he was
right, and had the firmness to persevere. There may have
been many men more brilliant than Dr. Griffith, but he was
practical and active, and when Jie died, the church lost a
useful and a worthy man.
Many subjects of importance came before the next con
vention, which assembled at Richmond in 1790. Of these,
the first was the election of an individual to fill the episco
pate : the choice of the convention fell upon the Rev. James
Madison, the president of William and Mary College.
This gentleman was a native of Virginia, having been
born in Rockingham county in the year 1749. He was
educated at the seminary, over which he afterward pre
sided, and was distinguished for his attainments as a classi
cal scholar, and his eloquence as a preacher. He was also
well read in the science of law, having made it his study
under one of Virginia's most able jurists ; and, in fact, he
was admitted to the bar, but never became a practitioner.
At all periods of his life, he was much devoted to scientific
studies, and furnished several valuable papers to literary
and philosophical publications. The habits of Bishop
Madison were those of a student ; mild and benevolent in
disposition, with simple yet courteous manners, he was
much esteemed by the circle of his immediate friends.*
His constitution was delicate ; and this circumstance prob-
* Allen's Biographical Dictionary.

208 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1790.
ably made him less able to discharge the active duties of
his station: this was the more unfortunate, as the times
called for uncommon activity in the episcopal office. A
glance at the map will show, that from the present extent
of pur dipcesses, the situatien of a bishpp in the American
Episcopal church is not a sinecure ; to perform his duties,
he must traverse yearly hundreds, and, in some cases,
thousands pf miles.
Obliged by canon to visit each church in his diocess at
least once in three years, there is not one of the American
bishops, not enfeebled by age or disease, who does not aim
to do more than this. Many of them pay an annual visit
to each parish ; and this course is felt by them to be essen
tial to the growth and prosperity of the church. If in these
times such diligence be necessary, it is obvious that Jess
would not suffice when the church was seeking to recover
from a blow which had wellnigh destroyed her.
The situation of the property which bad belonged to the
church before the revolution, still continued to excite atten
tion. . The efforts of other denominations to divest the church
of the glebes, had never been discontinued ; each succes-
siver legislature had been beset with petitions, in which the
ground taken was, that, as the property had originally been
purchased with funds which were furnished by the people,
therefore it now belonged to the people, and should be ap
plied in some mode for the public benefit. From the year
1777 up to 1799, the Baptists never failed annually to me
morialize the legislature ; and long after mutual jealousies
among themselves had prevented cordial and united action
on any other subject, they still continued unanimously to
ask for a sale of the glebes: in fact, that was the only
matter which the Baptist "general committee" ever car
ried on to a completion, after the year 1792.* The mem
bers of the church were not idle spectators of these cease-
* Semple'8 History, p. 8fl.

1790.] IN VIRGINIA. 209
less efforts. Dr. Madison particularly directed his atten
tion to the subject, and read to the convention an essay,
(for which he received the thanks of that body,) asserting,
on principles of law, the right of the church to the property
in question.* It was probably this production of the bishop
elect which led to the adoption, by the convention, of the
following resolutions : —
" Resolved, that it is the opinion of this convention, that
the Protestant Episcopal church is the exclusive owner of
the glebes, churches, and other property held by the Church
of England in Virginia, at the commencement of the revo
lution. " Resolved, that the principles upon which the said prop
erty is held, are those only by which the rights of property
are regulated.
"Resolved, that the interference of the legislature in the
sale of that property, or in the disposal of it to any other
purpose than that for which it is now held, would be a vio
lation of the constitution."!
The standing committee were also directed to take such
measures as might be deemed expedient to sustain the
rights asserted in these resolutions ; and that accurate in
formation of the condition of the property of the church
might be obtained, the several vestries or parish trustees
were desired to prepare a statement of the real and per
sonal property of their respective churches, and transmit
the same to the next convention.!;
We have already alluded to the fact that the earliest
legislation of the church, after the separation from Eng
land, had reference to the long neglected subject of disci
pline. The same anxiety which prompted this early action
still continued. The plan of dividing the country into dis
tricts, and of appointing some respectable presbyter as
visiter in each of these districts, had probably been found to
* Journals of Convention, 1790. t Ibid. t Ibid.
D D

£10 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1790V
answer the purposes contemplated in its adoption ; for these
officers were still retained, and the canons which regulated
the trial of offending clergymen were amended and made
more explicit in the convention of 1790.
Soon after the adjournment of the convention, Dr. Madi
son proceeded to England ; and on the nineteenth of Sep*
tember, 1790, he was consecrated in the chapel of the
archiepiscopal palace at Lambeth, by the Archbishop of
Canterbury and' the Bishops of London and Rochester ;
and thus was the Protestant Episcopal church in this coun
try furnished with three bishops of English consecration j
and upon the return of Dr. Madison, the Episcopal church
of Virginia, after an existence of one hundred and eighty-
four years, saw, for the first time, a bishop within her
borders. But, favoured as it was in this particular, the prospects
before it were still disheartening enough. As to the clergy,
greatly reduced in numbers, most of them were bowed
down with want, and felt all the misery of a poverty which
was wellnigh hopeless. Dependant upon the voluntary
aid which the people might see fit to afford, they were in
truth pensioners upon their bounty ; that bounty, too, was
in many cases necessarily limited ; for in many of the par
ishes the people were poor themselves, and had but little to
bestow. Some, too, who might have been willing enough
in former times to adhere to the establishment, were ready
now to shrink from an avowal of attachment, when they
found that the church was an object of dislike to a large
and increasing body of their fellow-citizens, and that its
support would subject its acknowledged members to some
expense. Those of the clergy who were best paid were
but poorly paid ; and the condition of all of them was
humiliating enough. Again, when they looked around for
those who were to supply their places, after death had
removed them from the scene, they looked in vain. The
inducements were small, indeed, which invited even the

1790.] IN VIRGINIA. 211
most pious young men to direct their attention to the min
istry ; for they could not afford to starve, and no law, divine
or human, required the sacrifice at their hands : but even
had the number been large of those who were disposed to
enter upon the sacred office, the means of affording them
a competent clerical education were not to be had ; and
we are proud to say, that in the American Episcopal church,
even in the darkest period of her history, an unlearned
ministry could find few or no advocates.
The clergy, too, were constrained from another cause to
look forward to the event of their own removal with most
melancholy anticipations. Many of them had families;
and they knew not whence their widows and their orphans
were to derive even the necessaries of life : fpr even sup
posing them to be in possession of a glebe, (which was the
best condition of the most favoured,) it could do no more
than yield a supply to present necessities, and afforded
no surplus which might be reserved for the wants of here
after. All these considerations and many more seem to have
been present to the mind of Bishop Madison, when he met
his clergy in convention for the first time after his conse
cration. In the charge which he_ addressed to them, enterr
ing upon an examination of the causes which had con
tributed to the depression of the church, he does not hesi
tate, with great boldness, to ascribe its unhappy condition
to the clergy themselves. " I do not think," says he, " that
I should discharge my duty in the manner which my con
science and my inclination dictate, were I not to speak
upon this occasion with all that plainness and freedom
which the importance of the subject demands. I, know
that our church is blessed with many truly pious and zeal
ous pastors, — pastors from whose example the greatest ad
vantage may be derived by all of us ; but at the same time
I fear there is too much reason to apprehend that the great
dereliction sustained by our church hath arisen, in no small

212 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1791.
degree, from the want of that fervent, Christian zeal, which
such examples ought more generally to have inspired.
Hath the sacred fire committed to our trust been every
where and at all times cherished by us, with that watchful
and zealous attention which so holy a deposit required ?
Had it been thus cherished, might not that ancient flame
which once animated and enlightened the members of our
church, still have diffused its warmth? instead of indiffer
ence to our church, might we not now have beheld many
of thpse members who have forsaken her, still ardent and
zealous in her support ? Let us then be renewed, I entreat
you, in the spirit of our vocation, in that holy, fervent zeal,
which should be the distinguishing characteristic of every
minister of the Gospel. But how is that zeal to be dis
played ? I answer, by our conversation and our example.
Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation,
in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. We are to watch
for the souls of others, as they that are to give an account.
If such be the nature, such the functions of our sacred em
bassy, what minister, what priest, what bishop is there who
will npt with pious awe reflect most seriously upon the
momentous charge committed to him ; and while he pro
foundly meditates upon the extent of his duties, ardently
supplicate at the throne of grace the renewal of that fer
vent zeal, without which the great ends of his ministry can
never be accomplished ?"*
This is but a small part of the earnest exhortation ad
dressed by the bishop to his clergy. To the laity also he
appealed, and asked their co-operation in reviving the
church. After placing before them the value, and, indeed,
indispensable necessity of a well-informed, pious, standing
ministry to the promotion of the peace of society, to the
religious instruction of the rising generation, to the admin
istration of the means of grace in the sacraments cf the
* Journal of Convention, 1791.

1791.] IN VIRGINIA. 213
church, and to the continuance of the divinely instituted
medium of good in the preaching of the Gospel ; he recom
mended that each member of the church should consider it
his duty " to contribute in the proportion which the law for
merly prescribed."*
The convention was not unmindful of the suggestions of
the bishop. A resolution was adopted, by which it was
declared to be " the duty of every member of the Protes
tant Episcopal church to contribute towards a decent and
comfortable support of their bishop and other pastors, and
to defray the necessary expenses of their church."
In the absence of a bishop, it was impossible to correct
the want of discipline which had been so long and sorely
felt ; but now that difficulty no longer remained ; accord
ingly, the subject was brought before the convention in the
episcopal charge. The bishop, approving most cordially of
the visitatorial system, which had now been for some years
in operation, enjoined it as an indispensable duty upon the
several visiters faithfully to fulfil the purposes of their ap
pointment ; as, without godly discipline and the excision
of unworthy members, it would be impossible to resuscitate
the church.
A portion of the clergy, assembled at a visitatorial meet
ing in one of the districts, had been so much impressed with
the unfavourable prospect of a future supply of clergymen,
that the subject had formed among them a topic of anxious
discussion. At the meeting of the convention, they pre
sented the result of their deliberations to that body ; and
this gave rise to certain resolutions, and a canon, whereby
it was provided, that as there were no divinity schools at
present in the church, the instruction of candidates might
very properly be made part of the business of each pres
bytery within its own bounds ; and the members of the
several presbyteries were required, instead of meeting
* Journal of Convention, 1791.

214 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1791.
annually on a certain day, to assemble as often as any stu
dent of divinity should make application, to examine the
applicant, and, if his literary qpalifications satisfied the
requisitions of the canon, to assign him a theme or text on
which to prepare a discourse to be delivered before them
on some future day.
To remove the solicitude, to which we have alluded, on
the subject of a support for the widows and orphans of
deceased clergymen, it was resolved by the convention
that a society, having for its object their relief, was highly
expedient. There is to be found among the canons of the conven
tion of 1791, one which very strongly indicates that a sus
picious apprehension of bishops still lingered in the minds
of many Episcopalians: it was doubtless a remnant of old
political prejudices, and so far as it begat a watchful jeal
ousy against the abuse of power in the prelacy, it was
wholesome in its effects. The convention declared the
peculiar powers which belonged to a bishop, according to
appstolic institution, to consist simply in the powers of
ordination and confirmation, supervision of the conduct of
the clergy, and precedence in ecclesiastical assemblies ;
and they accordingly enacted that the episcopal office
should be understood to imply no other rights than those
just expressed ; and that every bishop, after his consecra
tion, should hold a parish, and perform the duties of a
parish minister, when not occupied in the discharge of
episcopal duties.* This last provision, it may be remarked,
was needless ; for that strong master, necessity, has always
obliged, and must long continue to oblige, most of the
American bishops to be laborious parish priests; the
church needs clergymen too much to dispense with the
services of any who are able to perform the duties which
belong to a parish minister. Congregations are multiplied
* Canon xi, — Convention Journal, 1791.

1791.] IN VIRGINIA. 215
faster than clergymen are ; these must be supplied with the
ministrations of the Gospel ; and there has never yet been
a bishop among us who felt at liberty to withhold himself
from the duties of a parish, because of his official station
and cares. It is true that, in our extensive diocesses, there
is enough, and sometimes more than enough, to occupy
the time of the individual who has "the care of all the
churches ;" and as a measure of policy, it would be well
were all our bishops free from parish duties ; but the time
must be far distant in which such an event is possible; for in
many of our diocesses, the bishop's sole inceme is his salary
as rector of a parish. Virginia has long since felt the evil
of that very connection with a congregation which is en
joined in this canon as obligatory on her bishop ; but Vir
ginia has never been able to remedy it ; both her bishops
are now, and always have been, in charge of parishes.
The year 1792 presents but little change in the cir
cumstances of the church, and is remarkable for little
more than the fact, that it witnessed the first episcopal
visitation ever made in Virginia. Upon his visit, the bishop
found the aspect of affairs better than he seems to have
anticipated. The clergy, though still wanting a decent
maintenance, were, for the most part, exemplary and
diligent in the discharge of their sacred functions. The
ecclesiastical legislation of this year, however, justifies the
inference that cause of complaint existed against some of
the clergy. The canon, making provision for the trial of
an offending minister, underwent revision, and a necessity
for its use probably led to that revision. The zeal and
piety of the laity had not become entirely extinct. The
bishop found on his visitation that the congregations were
in general numerous, and attentive to the forms of worship
prescribed by the church.
It is also probable that about this time some difficulties
had arisen from the interference of one clergyman with the
proper pastoral duties of another. In the unsettled con-

216 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1702.
dition of the church, and with the pressure of absolute
want to prompt some of the clergy, they were at times in
duced to intrude into some church within the parish of a
brother clergyman. This was of course a fruitful source
of contention, and it was remedied by a canon which pro
hibited the clergy from officiating within a parish having a
rector^ without his permission. The right of presentation,
it will be remembered, had always heretofore belonged to
the vestries ; certainly by statute, and, as they contended,
by the common law also.* In 1792, this right was ex
pressly recognised, and continued to the vestries by the
canon just alluded to ; which also gave to the vestry the
exclusive right of electing the minister.!
We have already stated that the bishop in his late visita
tion had found the condition of the church better than he
anticipated ; he had also seen distinctly the great difficul
ties which impeded its progress; and it is necessary to
dwell upon these with some particularity. The two great
obstacles which retarded the growth of the church now,
were infidelity and fanaticism ; and those acquainted with
human nature will not be surprised at the remark, that the
last was very often the parent of the first.
As to infidelity, there never was, perhaps, a period in the
history of Virginia when it was- more prevalent than at
this time. How far it had been made fashionable, as an
evidence of manly spirit and intellectual independence, by
the example of some who filled the highest offices in the
state, it is impossible to say; but there is no doubt that
many of those who value names more than things, and fol
low men rather than principles, very quietly dispensed with
the labour of thought, and submitted to take their infidel
opinions upon trust, at the dictation of those who were ele
vated in society. It is an entire mistake to suppose that
• Vide ante, p. 54. t Journals of the Convention, 1,793.

1793.] IN VIRGINIA. 217
the overthrow of the former state of things had led tp the
immediate introduction of more serious and heartfelt re«
ligion among the people. On this subject there is evidence
derived from more than a single source. One who lived
both under the old and new condition of religious affairs in
Virginia, has left behind him a striking attestation on this
subject. " It must be apparent to every man," says he,
" that religion was more respected and revered, and had a
greater influence on the manners of men in general, while
the church had the countenance of the state, than it has
now."* And with no partial attempt to conceal the want
of religious feeling in the members of the communion to
which, he belonged ; but depicting in mournful terms the
sad depression of the Episcopal church, he-thus proceeds : —
"Nor do I find the aspect of religious affairs much more
encouraging in other societies or denominations. There
is an awful falling off on every hand : true, they have
larger congregations on Sunday than our ministers have ;
and in their public assemblies, they may frequently return
thanks to Heaven for their religious liberty, equality, and
privileges, &c. But I fear they are so far from making
good use of these blessings, and duly availing themselves
of their privileges, that many will have an accumulated
account to render for misimprovements. By a letter from
a pious Presbyterian minister, I learn that religion is at a
low ebb among them. The Baptists, I suppose, are equally
declining. I seldom hear anything about them. The Meth
odists are splitting and falling to pieces."!
Lest, however, this should be suspected as the testimony
of a prejudiced witness,- let it -find confirmation in the
honest confession of others. The historian of the Baptists
informs us that " the war, though very propitious to the
liberty of the Baptists, had an opposite effect upon the life
of religion among them. From whatever cause, certain it
* Life of Rev. Devereux Jarratt, 166. t Ibid. 180.
E E

218 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1793.
is that they suffered a very wintry season. With some
few exceptions, ihe declension was general throughout the
state. The love of many waxed cold. Some of the watch
men fell; others stumbled; and many slumbered at their
posts. Iniquity greatly abounded."*
It is true that all denominations afterward improved ;
but during the continuance of such a state of things as these
extracts describe, it is not wonderful that deism reaped an
abundant harvest. It is not our purpose to assign causes
for the general declension of religion ; it may, however, be
remarked that fanaticism was not the least efficient. Igno
rance undertook the work of instruction : enthusiasts of
warm imaginations, strong passions, and no judgment
stood up to teach : they would dream dreams and see
visions; but, uufortunately, when they had a dream, they
did not " tell it as a dream ;" their fancied visions were in
spiration :! the silly were deceived ; the more thoughtful
disgusted ; and Christianity suffered.
Ignorance, which supposes itself to be inspired, must be
conceited and dogmatical, and is always ready to " com
pass sea and land to make one proselyte :" the industrious
zeal, therefore, which was employed in disseminating er
rors, rendered the extirpation of those errors the more dif
ficult. In a survey of the circumstances to which we have
alluded, it seems to have been impressed upon the mind of
Bishop Madison, that no very effectual check could be
offered to the combined evils of infidelity and fanaticism,
without more of unity among those who, while they dif
fered on some points, were yet of the same opinion on most
of the great truths ef the Christian faith. He had very
much at heart a plan which has since occupied the thoughts,
and called forth the prayers of many good men ; and which
they are reluctant to believe is too visionary for accom-
* Semple's History of Virginia t Bishop Madison's Address.—
Baptists, pp. 36, 36. Convention of 1793.

1793.] in VIRGINIA. 219
plishment. Bishop Madison desired to make an effort to
unite all sincere Christians into one church. He was per
fectly aware that it required an enlarged Christian spi: it to
effect such an object. " There is no one," says he, " but
must cordially wish for such a union, provided it did not
require a sacrifice of those points which are deemed essen
tials by our church ; from them we have not the power to
retreat ; but in such matters as are subject to human altera
tion, if by a candid discussion they could be found capable
of being so modified, as to remove the objections of any
sect of Christians, who maybe actuated by the same catho
lic spirit, and thereby effect a union; in that case we should
surely have reason to rejoice, not only in the event, but
also in being the first to set an example to Christians, which
it is the duty of all to follow ; and in convincing them that
there is infinitely more religion in not contending, than in
those things about which they contend."*
Christians in his day were not prepared to make an
effort to bring about such a union, and, yielding to the
judgments of those whom he respected, the bishop sub
mitted no proposition on the subject to the convention. It
is probable, that on the first statement of such a proposi
tion, a majority of Christians at this day would pronounce
such a union to be impossible. Perhaps, however, we call
impossible that, which, upon trial, would prove to be very
difficult merely. Great and almost incredible results have
followed Christian effort, carried out in other directions ;
and it must be confessed that the consequences of such
effort have far surpassed the most sanguine anticipations.
No man can certainly say that the effort for union is abso
lutely hopeless, because it has never yet been fairly tried ;
but it may with certainty be said that if it ever is tried,
Christian men must come to the work with perfect single
ness of heart, and it must be prosecuted in the faith and
fear of God alone.
* Bishop Madison's Address to Convention of 1793. ¦

220 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1793.
The subjects which invited the attention of tl e conven
tion of 1793, were deemed of so much importance by the
bishop, that he addressed a circular letter to the several
visiters, urging, through them, a general attendance of the
clergy. The most important business of the session was
an entire revision of the canons ; but, before proceeding to
consider them, it is due to Bishop Madison here to record
his recommendation of the distribution of religious tracts
as a means of doing good, at a time when, it is believed,
there was no tract society known in this country.
The bishop, in his address, proposed that the clergy then
assembled, should specify such pamphlets as appeared
most useful for doctrinal information, that a sufficient num
ber of copies should be obtained for the congregations gen
erally, and that through the clergy the people should be
supplied. But he wished also that something more should
be done than to furnish tracts explanatory of the institu
tions of the church merely. " Devotional tracts," says he,
" such as would inspire and keep alive the spirit of a warm
but rational piety, are greatly wanted. Let, then, such of
this nature also be dispersed, as the ministry may approve
and recommend to their congregations. They would not
only be thus called to active piety, but secured against the
impressions which the appearance of greater devotion and
zeal in other sects must always make upon the minds of the
religious. Many, educated in the bosom of our. church,
desert it, not solely from a conviction of errors in doctrine,
but because the great bulk of its members seem indifferent
to religious exercises. Another society is sought for, in
which the pious are countenanced and stimulated by re
ciprocal example. Why can we not introduce an equal
attention to religious duties among the members of our
own church? a conduct equally guarded and pious? It
must be done, or we shall have only the semblance of reli
gion among us. We have approached too nearly to that
verge already."

1793.] IN VIRGINIA. 221
He urged it also upon the clergy as an indispensable
duty to be diligent in visiting the families in their respective
cures, to labour for the general introduction of the custom
of family prayers, and to catechise the children.
The most important provisions of the canons were as
follows : —
The minister, churchwardens, and vestrymen of each
parish, were made trustees to hold the church property
for the benefit of the Protestant Episcopal church ; and the
right of appointing a minister and of presentation was
continued in the vestries.
The convention had conferred upon it the sole power of
regulating " all the religious concerns" of the church, " its
doctrines, discipline, and worship ;" but not so as to affect
" any powers exclusively vested in the general conven
tion." The clergy were divided into presbyteries of not less
than three nor more than ten members, with a visiter at
their head ; these presbyteries were required to meet an
nually in April, and at any other time when it might be
necessary. The convention appointed the visiters, who
were required once a year to visit each parish in their
respective districts, and particularly to inspect the morals
and conduct of the clergy, privately to admonish or re
prove offenders among them, observe violations of the
canons, and to report annually to the bishop. The presby
teries were required also to take the oversight of all candi
dates for orders in their districts, to direct their studies,
and to examine them.
The canon compelling the bishop to take the care of a
parish was repealed, and it was now declared merely that
he might do so if he wished. All accusations of the
bishop were to be made by three respectable persons on
oath. Catechising, and the use of the surplice, were enjoined ;
and ministers were permitted to " encourage people to as-

222 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1793.
semble together in small secieties at ccnvenient times, for
their edification ;" and might " visit, superintend, and in
struct such societies at their meetings," provided it was not
done to the encouragement of idleness, or the injury pf
private families.
Ne persen cpuld be a minister whe had npt episcppal
prdination, and did not take an oath of allegiance to the
commonwealth of Virginia, and promise conformity to the
doctrines, discipline, and worship of the Protestant Epis
copal church in the United States, an -j obedience to the
orders and canons of the church in Virginia. He was
bound also to declare in writing, that he held his appoint
ment subject to removal according to the canons of Vir
ginia. Pluralities were forbidden ; and no minister could leave
his charge to be absent more than a month, without permis
sion of the vestry. When necessary, the vestry 'might
allow of non-residence in the minister.
District courts, composed of the clergy of the district,
with one vestryman from each parish appointed by their
respective vestries, were established for examining into
and deciding upon complaints exhibited against ministers ;
and, if necessary, making arrangements for a trial accord
ing to certain prescribed rules.
There was but one other subject acted upon by this con
vention which calls for notice at our hands. The general
convention, at its meeting in September, 1792, directed
that the several^diocesan conventions should be informed
that, at the next meeting of the general convention, the
propriety of giving to the House of Bishops a full negative
on the proceedings of the House of Clerical and Lay
Delegates, would be considered and determined.* The
convention of Virginia, by a unanimous vote, directed
their representatives to express on their parts the " highest
* Journals of General Convention of 1792.

1793.] IN VIRGINIA. 223
disapprobation" of investing the House of Bishpps with any
such negative. They also instructed them to pbtain, if
ppssible, a repeal of a canon just passed by the general
convention, by which no clergyman was permitted to offi
ciate in the parochial cure of anpther clergyman, withcut
express permission for that purpose obtained from the
incumbent, or, in his absence, from the churchwardens and
vestrymen.* The provisions of this law so closely resem
ble those of a canon of Virginia, passed on this subject
only the year before,! Dut not incorpprated in the revision
made at this session, of which we have already spoken,
that the only reasonable mode of accounting for this oppo
sition to what certainly was a wholesome and necessary
provision, seems to be, that the law had been found in Vir
ginia (where a parish sometimes contained several church
edifices, all of which could not, from a want of clergymen,
be supplied,) to operate injuriously ; and hence its omission
in the revised canons, and the opposition of Virginia to its
incorporation in the general canons.
* Journals of Virginia Convention, 1793. t Vide ante, p. 212. ]

224 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1794.

CHAPTER XII.
1794-1804.
Injurious Effects upon Religion, arising from Disputes about the Church
Property — Arguments used for and against a sale of the Glebes — Canon
against the Clergy's taking Offices in the Militia' — Appeal to Law —
Churchmen driven to despair — Law of 1802 for sale of Glebes — Effect of
sale of Glebes in benefiting the Public — Desecration of the Sacred Ves
sels by Debauchees — The Manchester Case — Consequence to the Church
of the Death of the President of Court of Appeals — Constitutionality of
Law for the sale of Glebes yet undetermined.
The history of the church, for several years to come,
presents a picture but little different from that which the
reader has seen exhibited in the previous pages. The
bishop, upon his slender pittance of one hundred pounds,
still continued to visit the parishes and make his annual re
ports, which became more and more disheartening; the
number of clergy was gradually diminishing by death ; few
or none came in to supply their places ; the church lan
guished ; while her opponents, increasing in numbers and
influence, never ceased to carry on the warfare against
her, and to exert themselves to deprive her of her property
in the glebes. The Baptists, as heretofore, were most
active in this business ; and here we may properly pause
in our narrative, to contemplate the injurious effects of their
opposition upon the cause of Christianity, and to review
the grounds on which they urged, and Episcopalians re
sisted, the sale of the glebes.
We have already seen that the condition of religion was
greatly depressed in Virginia ; truth compels us to say

1794.] in VIRGINIA. 225
that the depression must in some degree be attributed to
Christians themselves ; it was in part owing to the con
troversies respecting the property of the church. There
is always to be found in society a class ready to avail itself
of any excuse for its want of personal holiness. In the
temper and feelings which were exhibited in the contest in
Virginia, between churchmen and their opponents, the ene
mies of religion readily found the excuse which they de
sired. It is not meant to insinuate, that the disputants in
Virginia were more violent, or worse than others would
have been elsewhere, under similar circumstances. But
good men (and it is hoped there were such on both sides in
this dispute) may, and do often betray those infirmities of
human nature which they are, afterward, themselves the
first most deeply to lament. ' Their subsequent repentance
meets perhaps no eye but that of God ; while the evils which
flow from their exhibition of angry passions and unchristian
feelings remain to furnish multitudes with an argument where
with to appease a reproving conscience, and fortify them
selves in their wickedness. It would be uncandid to conceal
the fact, that the dispute concerning the church property in
Virginia was one which called forth, on both sides, much bit
terness of feeling and intemperance of language. It is best
that such language should be forgotten ; it is more pleasant
to quote the words of an aged minister of the church who
sought to allay strife. " This dispute is too nearly con
nected with religion, not to partake of mueh of that ani
mosity and rancour which are the unhappy effects of re
ligious controversy. How different is this from the mild
spirit of that religion which breathes unanimity, forgive
ness, meekness, and peace 1 When we ourselves make it
appear by our conduct, that Christianity has so little power
over our hearts, can it be supposed that ever we will recom
mend it to the esteem of others ? The infidel will never
believe us ; and the libertine will get confirmed in his vi-
PF

220 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1794
cious practices. Alas I we pull down with our own hands
that church of Christ which we ought to build up and de
fend. We fill the minds of the community, moreover, with
•wrath, hatred, emulations, envyings, and strife.' How
long shall it be before the doctrines of the Son of God have
full influence on the minds of men I How long shall this
land be filled with contention 1 When shall we fully prize
the blessings which we enjoy I We might now sit, every
man at peace ' under his own vine,' and under that fair
tree of liberty which we planted. But, alas I the canker
worm of jealousy feeds on its foliage ; the whirlwinds of
discord threaten to root it out for ever."*
The increase of irreligion was thus one of the great evils
which resulted from this contest.
Another evil was of a political nature. The question, as
to the sale of the glebes, was one of right simply; circum
stances unavoidably made it in some degree a question of
party. It was desirable that the individuals who were to
pass upon the question, the members of the legislature, should
know no man or body of men in the transaction : the con
stitution and the law were the proper arbiters : the integ
rity of that constitution and law was endangered by every
temptation to gratify any body of meixin their interpreta
tion: now, when the members of the legislature found
themselves beset annually by petitions, asking that the
church might be deprived of the property which she held ;
when these petitions were numerously signed ; and when
those who signed them were the electors by whom the
legislators were placed in the seat of judgment, if must be
confessed that there was some temptation to yield to the
wishes of the petitioners. But, unless the petitioners were
unquestionably right on the points of law involved, to yield
was wrong, no matter by what numbers the application
* Manuscript argument on the sale of the glebes, by one of the old Vir
ginia clergy, in the possession of the author. 'f

1'94.] iN VIRGINIA. 297
was made ; there was no pretence that the multitude who
petitipned- were the best judges of a disputed matter in the
science of jurisprudence ; and as they might be 'mistaken,
the justice of the case was in danger of being sacrificed* to
the demands of the multitude. It was not an instance of
the expression of popular opinion on a point of expediency,
(to which the legislature might perhaps have listened with
propriety,) but it was on a subject of right which rested on
fixed and unalterable rules. It must therefore be obvious,
that after having once expressed a wish to have the ques
tion fairly examined, a perpetual succession of petitions,
dictating in effect the decision to be made, could only serve
to increase the risk of having that decision finally wrong.
As to the arguments by which a sale of the glebes was
urged upon the legislature, the principal were as follows: — '
1. That most of the glebe lands were originally pur
chased with money levied upon the people at large, and
that, consequently, whenever a majority of the people de
sired a sale of the lands, they should be sold, and the
money applied to such other use as might seem best to
them. 2. That if the church was permitted to retain the prop->
erty, a certain pre-eminence and superiority was thereby
conferred, which was odious in a republic, and inconsistent
with its institutions.
3. That the fourth article of the declaration of rights of
Virginia asserted, "that no man or set of men are en
titled to exclusive or separate emoluments or privileges
from the community, but in consideration of public ser
vices ;" but the enjoyment of the glebes did confer upon
the church " exclusive emoluments from the community,"
and was consequently unconstitutional.
To the first of these arguments, it was answered that
some of the glebes were a private donation ; that thpse
which were purchased, were beught many years before;—

228 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH 1794.
some of them more than a century; and that the " people,*
with whose money the purchase was made, were not dis
senters, for there were few or none in the colony at that
day; but were members of the establishment, and perfectly
content that their money should be thus applied ; that
having been thus applied, the "people" had voluntarily
divested themselves of it, and their descendants could not
now take it back, any more than they could other moneys
of which their ancestors had seen fit willingly to deprive
themselves : it was also answered, that upon this principle,
of a restoration to the " people" of money which the " peo
ple" once gave, there should obviously be returned no
more than such a part as would be proportionate to the
original number of dissenters among the people who pur
chased ; for if those who now asked for a sale of the
glebes had, from conscientious motives, dissented from the
faith of their fathers, they should thence learn that their
fathers also had consciences ; and with no justice or pro
priety could they seek to undo what their, ancestors had
done with a good conscience. But as to dissenters among
the original purchasers, there were either none at all, or at
best the number was very limited, and it was certain that
there were no Baptists among them.
" It was also asserted to be very questionable, whether,
considering the great emigrations to the western country
and to other states, there was one-third of the inhabitants
remaining„whose ancestors had contributed to purchase a
glebe; that if they were sold for the benefit of that third,
it would be impossible to ascertain to whom the proceeds
should be paid- df it should be urged that •" the country"
first purchased, and that now they should be given back to
" the country," then it was to be remembered thafcthat
country by a solemn act had declared that " in all time
coming" they should not be taken from the church ; and
thai if it would be unrighteous in an individual to take pack

1794.] IN VIRGINIA. 229
by mere force that which he had once bestowed upon an
pther, it required no small skill in casuistry to prove that
similar conduct was righteous in a state.
As to the second argument, it was said in reply, that the
question of permitting the church to retain the property
was one of right, founded on law, which republics were
emphatically bound to respect. That by -the very law
which released dissenters from all taxes to support the
Episcopal church, the assembly of Virginia had pledged
its legislative faith, the most solemn pledge and firmest
ganction which a free state could give, that the property in
dispute should " in all time coming" be saved and reserved
to the use of the Episcopal church.* That to order a sale
of property thus solemnly reserved, would tend to sap the
foundation of those rights by which property in general is
held, introduce into the acts of the legislature instability
and uncertainty, exhibit a fluctuation in law unprecedented
in Virginia, and overturn that confidence and security
which the citizens of a republic should always feel in the
stability of purpose avowed by their selected representa
tives. It was also said, that if pre-eminence and supe
riority in the church were evils justly dreaded, a declared
preference for any other religious denomination was no
less to be deprecated ; and that if the glebes were sold'to
gratify any sect or party, a distinction would be so far
manifested in its favour ; and would tend to fianish it, in
this patronage of the state, with the means of establishing
its own creed upon the ruins of every other.
To the argument of unconstitutionality, as deduced from
the declaration of rights, the answer was, that " the com
munity" under the government established after the revo
lution, certainly had granted to the church no "exclusive
emoluments," for it had granted nothing ; it had only con-
* See Laws of October, 1176, ch. ii. ; 9 Hening, 164.

230

PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1794.

firmed to the church that which she had, and owned, and
enjoyed for more than a century before. But, in truth, the
fourth article of the declaration of rights had no bearing
upon the question, as was evident when the whole of it Was
viewed together. The article declared " that no man, or
set of men, are entitled to exclusive or separate emoluments
or privileges from the community, but in consideration of
public services ; which, not being descendible, neither ought
the offices of magistrate, legislator, or judge, to be he
reditary j" thus showing simply an intention to prevent
hereditary honours, offices, or emoluments, in the civil
government.* These are the principal arguments and answers which
frpm time to time were presented to the legislature upon
the question of a sale of the glebes generally ; there are to
be found also among the memorials and remonstrances,
some which concern the sale of a glebe in some particular
parish only, and these afford additional considerations for
and against the measure, founded upon the peculiar cir
cumstances of each case, and possessing no general in
terest. In the midst of this warm contest concerning the glebes,
the convention of 1794 assembled, and repeating the former
instructions to the Virginia delegates to oppose in the gen
eral convention the absolute negative which it was contem
plated to give to the House of Bishops, and to seek the
repeal of the canon which forbade a clergyman to officiate
without permission in the cure of another, it separated,
without any other action on the subject of the glebes than
to direct the standing committee to address the members'
of the church on the subject of its critical situation.
. The state of depression, to which the church was now
reduced, is attested by the fact that, in 17it5, no convention
• These arguments and answers are compiled from MSS., copies of
memorials, &c, in the possession of the author.

1796.] nj VIRGINIA. 231
was held ; and it is probable that such would have con
tinued for many years to be the case, but for the necessity
imposed by a sense of duty upon the little remnant of the
clergy, to spare no effort on their parts to save to the
church the property which it had in the glebes. In this
course they persisted, notwithstanding the obloquy which
attached to them ; and accordingly, in 1796, it was unani
mously resolved by the convention, "that by various acts
of the legislature of Virginia, the property of the church,
formerly established by law, has been confirmed to the
Protestant Episcopal church in this state ; and that there
fore any legislative interference, without the consent of
the said church, by which its right to the said property
would be affected, would be a violation of the rights of
private property, and of one of the fundamental principles
of the present civil government." A memorial to the legis
lature in the name of the convention was also prepared ;
but so hopeless did the prospect begin to be, that it was
left to the bishop to present it or not, according to his views
of expediency.
It has already been intimated that all this strife concern
ing property helped no man's growth in grace ; and so
completely secular in their practices had some of the clergy
now become, that it actually became necessary to pass a
canon prohibiting them from holding military commissions.
It would, however, be most unjust to extend the censure
implied in this canon to the clergy generally. The number
of those for whom such a law could have been necessary
was very small.
Bishop Madison, in the exercise of the discretion con
fided to him by the convention of 1796, submitted to the
legislature of that year the memorial touching the sale of
the property of the church. It was not acted upon by the
Assembly ; but the subject, according to some former pre
cedents in matters concerning the church, already recorded,

232 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH

was submitted tp the censideration pf the people. Episcb- »-
palians began now to think that their only mode of. saving^
the glebes was, if possible, with the concurrence of the
legislature, to draw the determination of the question from
before that tribunal, and submit its decision to the courts
of law. With the concurrence of the standing committee,*
the bishop, therefore, resolved to obtain professional advice;
and an opinion was sought at the hands of some of the ablesf
jurists of Virginia. Bushrod Washington, Edmund Ran
dolph, and John Wickham were consulted, and, as the result
of their deliberations, stated : —
1. That the Protestant Episcopal church was the exclu
sive owner of the glebes.
2. That so far was the title of the church from being
impaired by the Bill of Rights, that on no sound construc
tion did they clash, but that the title of the church stood
upon precisely the same grounds with the rights of private
property, which had been recognised and secured by the
principles of the revolution and by the constitution.
3. That any question concerning the right of property in
the glebes could constitutionally be decided by the judiciary
alone. Having obtained this opinion, the bishop called together
the convention in December, 1797, and in his address, di
recting their attention to the church property, laid before
them the opinion just recited.
The convention appointed a committee to attend the dis
cussion of their memorial before the legislature, and in
structed them to propose to that body that the controversy
should be submitted to the decision of a proper tribunal of
justice. The task becomes truly painful, of following through the
ecclesiastical records of this period the gradual but sure
descent of the church from level to level, each a little lower
than the former ; and of witnessing effort after effort made

•1799.] JN VIRGINIA. 233
in. vain by her few remaining friends to stay her down
ward course. The picture presented by the bishop in one
of his addresses about this time, offers to our contemplation
a suffering clergy, temples in every stage of dilapidation
and decay, and an increasing indifference to the interests
of the church, which told too plainly that the protracted
struggle was fast driving Churchmen into the hopelessness
of despair.*
The last conventional effort of whieh we have any record
was made in 1799. By a resolution of that year, the bishop
was directed to employ counsel to defend the rights of the
church before the judiciary, whenever it should be deemed
most proper to bring the question before it ; and it is to be
presumed that the church now sat down in patience to
await the blow, which probably was seen by all to be
inevitable. The crisis came at last; and on the twelfth of
January, 1802, the legislature passed the law, by virtue of
which the glebes of Virginia were ordered to be sold for
the benefit of the public. The warfare begun by the Bap
tists seven-and-twenty years before, was now finished ; the
church was in ruins, and the triumph of her enemies was
complete. Whether the argument of the friends of the church,
founded upon the constitution, the bill of rights, and
former enactments of the legislature, was deemed so
plausible as to require the interference of the Assembly
to deprive it of its force, it is not possible to say; but
so it was, that in January, 1799, an act was passed "to
declare the construction of the bill of rights and constitu
tion, concerning religion," whereby every act which had
been passed since the revolution, touching the church
or its property, was repealed, as being "inconsistent. with
the principles of the constitution and of religious freedom,"
and as tending " manifestly to the re-establishment of a
* Bishop Madison's Address, May, 1799.
G G

234 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1802.
national church ;" and it was further declared that Mr.
Jefferson's celebrated law " for establishing religious free
dom," was a true exposition of the principles of the bill
of rights and constitution.*
The preamble to the law directing the sale of the glebes,
recited, that " the General Assembly, on the twenty-fourth
day of January, 1799, by their act of that date repealed
all the laws relative to the late Protestant Episcopal church,
and declared a true exposition of the principles of the bill
of rights and constitution respecting the same to be con
tained in the act entitled ' An act for establishing religious
freedom ;' thereby recognising the principle that all prop
erty formerly belonging to the said church, of every de
scription, devolved on the good people of this common
wealth on the dissolution of the British government here,
in the same degree in which the right and interest of the
said church was therein derived from them ;" and that
although the General Assembly possessed the right of au
thorizing a sale of all such property indiscriminately, yet
being desirous to reconcile all the good people of this com
monwealth, it was deemed inexpedient at that time to dis
turb the possession of the present incumbents. It then
proceeded to enact, that in any county where any glebe
was or should become vacant, the overseers of the poor
should have full power to sell the same. The proceeds of
the sale were directed to be appropriated to the poor of the
parish, or to any other object which a majority of free
holders and housekeepers in the parish might by writing
direct, provided that nothing should authorize an appropri
ation of it " to any religious purpose whatever." The
church edifices, with the property contained in them, and
churchyards, were not to be sold under the law, neither
were any private donations made before the year 1777, if
there was any person in being entitled to hold property
* Laws of Virginia, edition of 1803, p. 383

I802-] IN VIRGINIA. * 235
under the original donor. Gifts and subscriptions made
after the year 1777 were left untouched.
If there should be those who are disposed to view this
law as an illegal encroachment upon the vested, rights of
the church, it is proper to remind them of the reasons
which satisfied those who enacted it that they were doing
right. They supposed that from the beginning the prop
erty of the glebes was in the people* not in the clergy,and
that, as the number of Episcopalians in the parishes which
remained was not a majority of the people, therefore no
injustice was done by the act in question. Many who
voted for the law felt compelled to do so by the force of
popular opinion.
The very natural inquiry will here be proposed, " What
was the effect of this law, and how far were the people
benefited by the sale of the glebes ?" We answer this
inquiry in the words of one of our contemporaries, who
has always lived in Virginia : — " Under this act not only
glebes, but churches, and even the communion plate, have
been sold."f " The purchasers of the glebes have, in every
instance where a sale has been made, paid, as it were,
almost nothing for them."J " After all that has been done,
how has the public been benefited, either in a moral or pe
cuniary way 1 If it has been benefited, let those who can,
show it. It is denied that the public has in any way derived
the least benefit from the sale of any of the glebes which
have been sold. It is well known that in some counties the
money has got into the hands of some of the overseers of
the poor, and there it has remained."§
Nay, at this moment, should we ask where are the ves
sels which were once consecrated to the service of Almighty
God, to be used in that holy sacrament which the Redeemer
Vide ante, p. 55. et al. vs. the overseers of the poor
t Lee's Review of the Chancel- of Loudoun county et al. p. 15.
lor's opinion in the case of Selden t Ibid. p. 26.
Ibid. p. 16.

230 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1802.
instituted " for a perpetual memory of his death and sacri
fice, until his coming again," what must be the answer?
The sacred vessels of the temple have been scattered, they
have passed in some instances into impious hands. Within
our own times has the fact occurred that a reckless sensu
alist has administered the morning dram to his guests from
the silver cup which has often contained the consecrated
symbol of his Saviour's blood 1* In another instance, the
entire set of communion plate of one of the old churches-
is in the hands of one who belongs to the society of Bap-
tists.f It has fallen to the lot of the Bishop pf Virginia, in
the course of his visitations, to witness the conversion of a
marble baptismal font into a watering-trough, for horses.
These facts last recorded did not take place by virtue of the
law of 1802 ; for that authorized no sale of the furniture
of the church v but still they are a consequence of that law ;
they prove that when once the decree has gone forth which
touches what a church claims as its lawful rights — when
once the public are taught that their legislators feel obliged,
on such a subject, to yield to their demands — the barrier is
broken down ; might makes right ; and no man can foretell
how far the zeal of the people will outstrip the intentions of
their legislators. It is a fact worthy of notice that the
records of history present few or no instances in which the
spoliation of property devoted to literary or ecclesiastical
purposes, has not failed, first, to accomplish the benefit
which was avowed as the cause of the interference with
it ; and, secondly, to be stayed within the limits contem
plated by those who advised it.
In view of the facts just related, we are constrained to
say, that if in her former prosperous condition the church
in Virginia had sinned more deeply than she is accused of
having done, even by her enemies, verily, in the ruin which
* MS. letter in the author's possession, from one of the Virginia
clergy. t Ibid.

1804.] IN VIRGINIA. 237
We have now seen overtake her, she has made an ample,
and, to her, costly atonement.
It was not long after the passage of the act of 1802,
before the church found it necessary to bring the constitu
tionality of that law before the proper tribunal for consid
eration. This was done in the year 1804, in the celebrated
case of Turpin et al. vs. Locket et al., commonly known as
the Manchester case. The defendants, as overseers of the
poor, had undertaken to sell the glebe lands of the parish
of Manchester, under the act of 1802; and the plaintiffs,
who were the churchwardens and vestrymen, filed a bill in
chancery, to prevent the sale by an injunction.*
The cause finally, by an appeal from the decree of Chan
cellor Wythe, came before the court of appeals, the highest
tribunal in Virginia ; which, at that time, was composed of
Judge Pendleton, the president, with Judges Carrington,
Lyons, Roane, and Fleming. The last named gentleman,
however, did not sit in the cause, because he considered
himself interested in the decision-!
As the principles involved in the case were of great im
portance, and the property of the glebes was of much
value, it may readily be supposed that ihe cause excited a
deep interest; and, after an elaborate argument, the court
declined then giving an opinion, and held it under advise
ment. In the vacation which succeeded, Judge Pendleton
prepared his opinion in writing ; it was, that the act of
1802 was unconstitutional, and that the glebes belonged to
the Protestant Episcopal church. But, on the night before
the opinion was to have been pronounced, Judge Pendleton
died;% and as Judges Carrington and Lyons were both
known to be of a similar opinion, the judgment of the court,
but for the death of its president, would have been rendered
on the next day for the church.
* 6 Call's Reports, 1 13. overseers of the poor of Loudoun,,-
t Lee's Review of the Chancel- p. 17.
lor's Opinion in Selden et al. vs. t 6 Call's Reports, 187.

238 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CnURCH [1804.
After the death of Judge Pendleton, Judge Tucker was
appeinted to succeed him, and the cause was again argued.
The grounds taken were briefly these : on the part of the
defendants it was argued, 1. That if the church had power
to hold the glebes before the American revolution, that
event destroyed such power ; and upon a dissolution of the
former political system, the glebes devolved upon the com
monwealth. To this it was answered, that by various legislative acts
adopted after the change in government, the very framers
of the constitution, who adopted these acts, conclusively
showed that they did not suppose the revolution had de
stroyed the church : thus, on the very day after the decla
ration of independence, the convention of Virginia altered
the -Book of Common Prayer, to accommodate it to the
change in affairs ; and it should here be added, that Judges
Carrington and Lyons, both of whom were members of the
convention of Virginia, declared, in their opinion, that the
destruction of the church was not supposed, at the time, to
have resulted from the change of government. It was also
answered, that revolutions are intended to preserve rights,
not to take them away ; and that alterations in the form
of a government do not affect the rights of private prop
erty. 2. It was urged that a distinction obtains between a na
tural person and an artificial body, such as a corporation:
that even admitting the rights of the first to be unmolested
by a revolution, yet the rights of the latter are thereby
lost. In reply, it was said, that as all property was matter of
civil institution, and the right to it was not natural, but in
all cases created by law, the ground on which private prop
erty was held sacred applied as forcibly to a society as it
did to an individual.
3. It was argued that the church, as a society, lost its
corporate existence by the revclutipn: first, because the

1804.] in Virginia. 239
king, one of its integral parts, was gone ; secondly, because
incorporated religious societies were contrary to the six
teenth article of the bill of rights ; and, thirdly, because
the profits of the glebes were emoluments, which were for
bidden by the fourth article.
It was answered, that neither of these positions was
true. First, the king never was an integral part of the estab
lished church, even in England ; but, if he were, then a
society is not destroyed by the removal of one of its parts,
provided enough be left to carry on its operations.
Secondly, the sixteenth article of the bill of rights relates
simply to the rights of conscience, and the mutual charities
due from man to man.*
Thirdly, the fourth article does not relate to property at
all, but to emoluments and privileges subsequently to be
created in favour of the great officers of government ; and
refers to magistrates, legislators, and judges only.
Upon the second argument, Judges Carrington and Lyons
still retained their former opinion, Judge Tucker concurred
in opinion with Judge Roane that the act of 1802 was con
stitutional, and that the glebes might be sold; while Judge
Fleming, who was known to agree with Judges Carrington
and Lyons, still declined, for the reason before given, to sit
in the case. Thus the court was equally divided ; and, of
course, the decree below, from which an appeal had been
taken, was affirmed ; though it has never yet been deter
mined by a majority of the court of appeals in Virginia,
that the law of 1802 is constitutional.
* The article is in these words : — " That religim, or the duty which we
owe to our Creator, and the manner of discharging it, can be directed only by
reason and conviction, not by force or violence, and therefore all men are
equally entitled to the free exercise of religion, according to the dictates of
conscience ; and that it is the mutual duty of all to practise Christian for
bearance, love, and charity towards each other.''

240 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1805.

CHAPTER XIII.
1805-1816.
Convention of 1805 — An assistant Bishop proposed — Itinerating Clergy
recommended — Suspension of Conventions — Death of Bishop Madison
— Election of Dr. Bracken to the Episcopate — He declines — Utter Pros
tration of a part of the Church — First jdawn of Improvement in her Pros
pects — Election of Bishop Moore to" the Episcopate — Clergy not more
numerous than they were about Two Hundred Years before — Revival of
the Church — Zeal and Labours of the Bishop and Clergy — Bequest to
the Church — Discipline of the Laity — A number of new Churches built
— Old ones repaired — Difficulties arising from the Bishop's being a
Parish Minister — Theological Education.
The convention of 1805 opened with an attendance of
fifteen clergymen and sixteen laymen ; and when it is re
membered that the posture of affairs was now such as put
in perijreverything to "which the church had a claim, and
therefore made a loud call upon Episcopalians to come to
her aid with their counsels, we are constrained to con
sider the limited number of attendants upon the convention
as evidence, that in the minds of Churchmen generally the
further prosecution of their cause was deemed useless.
Such, however, was not the sentiment of the few who did
assemble. Though feeble in numbers, they were yet reso
lute in purpose ; and considering the great question of the
title to the glebes as yet undecided, they did not fail to put
upon their records a solemn protest against the law of 1802
as being unconstitutional, and unanimously resolved that the
bishop and standing committee should be authorized and
requested " to pursue to the end" the defence of the rights
and property of the church. They called also upon every
parish to send its contribution towards a fund fpr the pur-

1 805.] in Virginia/ . 241
pose of defraying any and all expenses which might be in
curred in carrying into effect their resolution ; and that the
precise condition of every portion of the property in dis
pute might be well understood, they required of the visiters
to report without delay to the bishop and standing com
mittee the name of every parish, and of every incumbent
of a parish within their respective districts, what glebes had
been sold under the law of 1802, and what were then in
litigation. Having thus disposed of the most important matter be
fore them, they next directed their attention to the more
effectual government of the church ; both clergy, and laity
were laid under more restraints than were common in
practice, and to a disciplined layman was allowed the right
of appeal to the convention from the sentence of his minister
and vestrymen.
Bishop Madison began now to feel the weight of years
and incessant occupation. He was verging towards three
score, and in addition to the anxieties created by the con
dition of the church, as exhibited in our previous pages, he
was also burdened with the cares of William and Mary
College, of which he still continued to be the head. Urging
therefore upon the convention the feebleness of a failing
body, he asked that an assistant bishop might be appointed
to aid him in the discharge of his duties. The convention
resolved that it was expedient to appoint such an officer,
but postponed the nomination of him until the next conven
tion. This, it is believed, is the first instance in the history
of the American Episcopal church in which mention is
made of assistant bishops.
There was one other measure brought before the con
vention of 1805, which, according to the disposition of dif
ferent minds, may be deemed an exhibition of commend
able zeal, or a stroke of calculating policy. Many of the
parishes were without pastors ; it was therefore deter
mined that they should be supplied by itinerating minis-

H H

4: -4
242 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1805.
ters, to be selected by the bishop and standing committee,
and to be paid out of a fund to be raised by general sub
scription in the churches. It is not improbable, that in a
newly settled country, where the population is scattered,
and society can scarcely be said to be organized, the sys
tem of itinerancy may be advantageously resorted to for a
time at least; and even in plder countries, when the desti
tution, of clergymen has become great, it may be highly
expedient to introduce the same system ; it is in fact but a
primitive, species of missionary labour, and we know it to
have been-Wten blessed in its results. There was doubt
less in Virginia.'a necessity for more ministerial labours
than could be had, and the measure adopted by the con
vention may therefore have been prompted by zeal alone;
but inasmuch as many of the parishes possessed glebes,
which, under the law of 1802, were liable to be sold in all
cases where there was no incumbent, the expedient of itin
erating ministers, who periodically should visit destitute
parishes, may by some be uncharitably supposed to have
been a scheme intended merely to furnish the parishes with
ministers, so far at least as might be necessary to prevent
the sale of their property? A more probable and kind con
jecture is, that there were exhibited such beneficial results
in the adoption of an itinerating ministry by the Method
ists, that Churchmen were taught wisdom by their example.
The subject of an assistant bishop did not again come
under consideration ; indeed, the depressed condition of the
church was such, that there was no conventional meeting
before which it could be brought; for it is believed that
from the period now under consideration up to the year
1812, no convention assembled in Virginia. It was the
dark day of the church : Bishop Madison was gradually
sinking under the combined weight of college cares and
episcopal anxieties, and seems to have yielded, in some
degree at least, to that despair which had already settled
on the minds pf sp many Churchmen. The rest of the

'¦%
1812.] IN VIRGINIA. 243
clergy, greatly diminished however in numbers, still con
tinued to officiate, and occasionally some one among them,
in whose case some peculiarity of circumstance was sup
posed to exist, which exempted it from the ordinary appli
cation of the law for the sale of the glebes, ventured to as
sert his right by an appeal to the tribunal's of the country ;
and sometimes such an appeal was not without success.
With the exception of such occasional claims on the.. part
of the clergy, the evidence is nearly uniform, that all hope
of raising the church from the dust had been well nigh
abandoned by Episcopalians.
The death of Bishop Madison, which occurred on the
sixth of March, 1812, was the first circumstance which in
terrupted this state of stagnation, and compelled the church
once more to assemble in convention. Thirteen clergymen
and twelve laymen accordingly met in Richmond, about
two months after the death of the bishop ; and among the
names of the clergy is to be found that of one, who, de
scended from one of the best families of Virginia, and then
a very young man, but just ordained, had presented the
example, rare enough at that day, of relinquishing the
prospects which wealth and family influence might have
opened before him, and of devoting himself to the ministry
in the church of his fathers. That gentleman is now the
assistant bishop of Virginia, and is thus mentioned because
he was one of those who were most active in the resuscita
tion of the church in his native state.
One of the most important measures of this convention
was the election of a successor to Bishop Madison. The
choice of the convention fell upon the Rev. Doctor Bracken,
by an almost unanimous vote. If additional evidence were
needed of the almost entire ruin of the church, it might be
gathered from another act of the convention. The number
of members required by canon to form a quorum was fif
teen ; and the number necessary to adopt any canon was
twenty-five. Under this law of the church, it may well be

244 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH -"¦ [1813.
questioned whether the body which assembled was legally
a convention ; and it is not improbable that a compliance
with the canon, as to the number of clergy, was at that
time very difficult, if not actually impossible. The con?
vention, therefore, from necessity altered the canon, and
made nine members competent to transact business, and
fifteen necessary to pass a canon in the conventions of a
state, which could once number its hundred ministers.
The effort to provide a successor in the episcopate proved
abortive, for in May, 1813, Dr. Bracken declined the ap
pointment, and the convention of that year, which barely
had a quorum, did not proceed to another election. Such
had now become the poverty of some of the churches which
once supported their clergymen without difficulty, that the
convention felt the necessity of making some effort to save
them from entire destruction. This feeling gave birth to
the following resolutions:^ —
" Whereas, from the destitute state of the churches in
this state, many piously disposed persons who are attached
to the doctrine, worship, and discipline of the Protestant
Episcopal church are deprived of the means of worshipping
God according to her venerable forms, to the great un-
happiness of themselves, as well as to the great detriment
of the church at large ;
" Resolved, therefore, that it is expedient to raise a fund
for the purpose of aiding in the support of such clergymen
of piety and talents as may be obtained to perform divine
service in such districts in the state as may be assigned to
them by the convention.
" Resolved, that the clergy and vestry, or any influential
members of the church in the several parishes in the state
be, and are hereby requested to use their best endeavours,
either by subscriptions or otherwise, to promote this ob
ject. " Resolved, that the members of this church generally,
are hereby most earnestly entreated to consider the neces-

1813.] in Virginia. 245
sity of adopting zealous measures for the restoration of re
ligion among us ; that they endeavour to manifest their
gratitude to Almighty God, and their sense of the awful
importance of his blessed revelation ; that they consider
the unspeakable rewards they will receive from that gra
cious master to whom they belong, whose goodness de
mands the warmest returns of love, duty, and obedience;
and that they will contribute to the utmost in their power
to render this most acceptable service to his cause."
The standing committee was directed to prepare and
distribute an address upon the condition of the church ;
and an idea of its character may be gathered from the
tenor of the resolutions just recorded. Disheartening
however as is their language, it is proper to mention that
the journals of this year do exhibit some symptoms, faint
indeed, but still cheering, of reviving zeal for the church of
Christ. The period through wliich, for some years, our
narrative has been taking us, is one for the most part of
such gloomy darkness, that the smallest ray of light is felt
to be a blessing. The record is therefore made with grati
tude, that, at this convention, contributions in aid of the
church were sent in from twelve parishes : let us not de
spise them because they amounted in the aggregate to but
fifty-five pounds. We must not forget that there was a
time when nothing was contributed.
Thankful should we be also that we are about to emerge
from the darkness which has so long shrouded the church.
The fact recorded in the last paragraph was the dawning
light of a brighter day; the church in Virginia was now
about entering upon a course which has steadily continued
to the present day to be upward. The event which most
prominently marked its commencement was the election
to the episcopate of its present venerated diocesan, the
Right Rev. Richard Channing Moore. This event took
place in May, 18.4, and the journals of the convention, by
which the election was made, show the presence of but

246 „ PROTESTANT. EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1&L4.
seven clergymen and seventeen laymen-- : We 'look b&gfe
upon the past, and are struck with the contrast. Sesven
clergymen were all that could be convened to tran^agpthe-
most important measure which our conventions are -ever
called on to perform ; and this in a territory where, once,
more than ten times seven regularly served/ at the altar.
We look back farther still, and find .the church, after thev
lapse of two hundred years, numbering about as many
ministers as she possessed at the close pf the first eight'
years of her existence.
The choice made by this little handful cf elergy and laity
was well and wisely made. If the Bishop of Virginia were .
gathered to the rest of that blessed inheritance whieh awaits
hinf, it would be alike an act of duty and of pleasure to
permit ourselves freely to render that affectionate and
well-earned tribute of respect which, in doing justice to
him, would therein also do honour to ourselves ; but we
must not forget what is due to the sensitive modesty of
living wprth.
The individual who truly deserves the esteem of his
feljows, is apt to possess a delicacy of feeling which pre
fers that men should love him rather than praise him. In
our notice of the diocesan of Virginia, we would not shock
that delicacy.
The Right Reverend Richard Channing Moore, bishop
of the diocess of Virginia, was born in the city of New-
York, on the twenty-first day of August, 1762. His father
was Thomas Moore, son of the Honourable John Moore,
Esq., one of his majesty's council, for what, at that time,
was the province of New- York.
At the age of eight years, the subject of this sketch was
placed under the care of Mr. Alexander Leslie, professor
of languages in King's (now Columbia) College; and, under
his instruction, he continued until the commencement of
the war of the revolution, at which period he had com-
pleted his classical studies.

1 814.] ;;.; IN VIRGINIA. 247
At trie, early age of sixteen he entered upon the study of
medicine, under the direction of DoctorJR.ichar>dBayley,*a
celebrated physician and surgeon of that day; and after
completing his professional' studies* he entered on the prac
tice of medicine, in whieh he continued until the year
1787. The religious impressions of Doctor Moore commenced.
at a very early period, as he remembers their existence
even in his boyhood : during his practice of medicine, how
ever, they returned upon him with increased force ; and
the result was a determination to devote himself, to the
Christian ministry. The profession of an Episcopal clergy
man was one which then held out no worldly temptation
to him who sought it ; for it offered in most parts of the
country no recompense ^.t all for his labours, because in
most parts the church had been prostrated by the war ;
and its remuneration was but scanty, even in those places
where the church had survived the storm. But Doctor
Moore had no worldly ends to answer, and therefore did
not hesitate to devote himself to a cause, not the'less dear
or honoured in his eyes for being humble in the eyes of
the world. His purpose being fixed, he immediately en
tered on a course of preparatory study, and under the
superintendence of his old preceptor, Mr. Leslie, he revised
his classical reading.
In the month of July, 1787, he was admitted to deacon's
orders by the Right Reverend Samuel Provoost, the first
bishop of the diocess of New-York. There were several
circumstances connected with his ordination which im
parted to it more than usual interest in his eyes. He was
the first individual who received orders at the hands of the
new bishop, and probably the first who ever received
episcopal ordination in his native city: at the time of his
admission into the ministry, he constituted the sixth or
seventh clergyman in the large diocess of New- York,
which now contains more than two hundred Episcopal

248 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH . [1814.
clergymen ; and the ordination took place in St. George's
Chapel, where he had been baptized, and confirmed, and
at the altar of which he had first received the Eucharist.
In the following September, he received priest's orders in
the same chapel, and from the same bishop, and immedi
ately took charge of the parish of Grace Church, in the
township of Rye, Westchester county.
The edifice in which the congregation at Rye now wor
ships, is a monument of his zeal, and a part of the first
fruits of his labours in promoting the temporal as well as
spiritual welfare of the church, which he has so long and
so truly loved : it was by his exertions that the money
was raised with which this church was built.
In the latter part of 1788 he was invited to accept of the
rectorship of St. Andrew's Church, on Staten Island ; to
which place he removed in the month of October of that
year. This field of his labours he continued to occupy for
twenty-one years, and he here reared for himself a me
morial such as a Christian minister may contemplate with
gratitude. The flock committed to his charge increased
so greatly, that it was found necessary to erect a chapel
on the north side of the island, which was soon filled with
attentive hearers. .,""..
As a preacher,Bishop Moore has been eminently success
ful : indeed, it may well be questioned whether the labours
of any one clergyman in the Episcopal church in the United
States have been more abundantly blessed than have those
of this prelate. With a manner the most persuasive and af
fectionate, mingled with great earnestness of feeling, and un
doubted piety, his. preaching has, by the Spirit's blessing,
found its way to the heart of many a hearer. An incident oc
curred in the course of his ministry on Staten Island so re
markable, that it deserves to be recorded. The bishop was
never at any time disposed to countenance the unnatural and
feverish excitement in congregations, which, often the result
of animal emption ppwerfully wrought uppn, perhaps, by

1814.] IN VIRGINIA. 248
artificial machinery of man's inventions, sometimes passes
current for a work of the Spirit of God. He did not, how
ever, perceive why the same Spirit, which by its blessed
influences operaies on the heart and conscience of one
sinner, bringing him to repentance towards God, and a
living faith in the Redeemer, might not also operate simul
taneously on many sinners with the same happy result;
though, for the production of such an end, he knew of no
means, except such as were sanctioned in the orderly ser
vices of the church to which he belonged. Prayer, public
and private, the stated worship of the church, her comfort
able sacraments, and the faithful preaching of the Gospel,
were all the machinery of which he knew either the law
fulness or the use. He had been perseveringly engaged in
the use of these for a length of time, until, at an hour, when
nothing unusual had seemingly occurred to produce any
solemn effect, the minds of his people seemed to be simul
taneously awakened to the infinite value of divine things.
It was at one of his stated lectures in the church, that
after the usual services had concluded, and the benediction
been pronounced, he sat down in his pulpit, waiting for the
people to retire. To his great surprise, he soon observed
that not an individual present seemed disposed to leave
the church ; and, after the interval of a few minutes, during
which a perfect silence was maintained, one of the mem
bers of the congregation arose, and respectfully requested
him to address those present a second time. After sing
ing a hymn, the bishop delivered to them a second dis
course, and once more dismissed the people with the
blessing. But the same state of feeling, which had be
fore kept them in their seats, still existed, and once more
did they solicit the preacher to address them ; accord
ingly he delivered to them a third sermon; and, at its
close, exhausted by the labour in which he had been en
gaged, he informed them of ihe impossibility of continuing
1 1

250 TROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1814.
the services on his part, once more blessed them, and
affectipnately entreated them te retire to their homes.
It was within the space of six weeks, after the scene
above described, that more than sixty members of the con
gregation became communicants ; and, in the course of
the year, mere than pne hundred knelt around the chancel
cf St. Andrew's, who had never knelt there before as par
takers of the sacrament of the Lord's Supper.
It is not wonderful that in the retrospect of the facts we
have here related, the bishop should entertain an opinion,
best expressed in his own words, that, " although we have
the promise of heaven to be always present with the
church, still, there are particular seasons in which the
Almighty displays his power in a manner so overwhelm
ing, as to command the attention of his rational creatures ;
to dispel that coldness which makes them indifferent to the
calls of duty; to excite their gratitude to God for his mer
cies; to melt obdurate offenders into contrition, and to
oblige them to sue for forgiveness at the throne of grace."
Nor is it matter of surprise that the good bishop should be
led by this incident in his own ministerial experience, often
to impress, as he does, especially upon his younger clergy,
the duty, at seasons in which the Almighty manifests his
presence in a more than ordinary way, gladly to avail
themselves of such propitious times to put forth redoubled
efforts in their Master's cause.
In the spring of 1809, the bishop was invited to become
the rector of St. Stephen's Church, in the city of New-
York, and removed thither in June of the same year, leav
ing his son, the Rev. David Moore, at the desire of the
congregation, in charge of St. Andrew's parish, on Staten
Island. The new situation in which he found himself was one
beset with many difficulties. The parish was young, and,
at that time, the church, which time has since placed in the
centre of a crowded population, was on the outskirts of the

1814.] IN VIRGINIA. 251
city, with but little more than thirty families attending it ;
among which might be found about twenty communicants.
The bishop continued here ministering to an affectionate
and constantly increasing congregation for five years ; at
the expiration of which time, he was elected to the episco
pate of Virginia, and left in St. Stephen's about four hun
dred communicants.
The first invitations which the bishop received from Vir
ginia were from several of the clergy of that diocess ; these
were, in fact, but proposals to permit them to elect him
for their bishop ; but New- York was his native city, he
felt that to him no other place would for a long time be
home; and, as he says himself, his heart dwelt upon the
tomb of his forefathers, with whom he desired, at last, to
rest in death, in the cemetery of Trinity Church ; he there
fore declined their proposals. In a few weeks, however,
he received further proposals from some distinguished
gentlemen of the laity in Virginia, and then felt it to be his
duty to submit the matter to the consideration of Bishop
Hobart and the clergy of the city; and, after mature re
flection, they were of opinion that he ought to accept the
charge ; he then gave his assent, was elected bishop of
Virginia, and, as we have seen, was consecrated in May,
1814. The previous pages of our book will show the amount
of difficulties which he was called to meet in his new char
acter ; the success with which he met them will, also, be
gathered from our narrative. The clergy were not nu
merous, as we have seen ; and many of them were aged,
and, though faithful to the last, were not able to do much.
There were, however, four gentlemen of the clergy, whose
names deserve a place in the records of the Virginia church,
and who should be held by future Episcopalians in honour
able remembrance, as instruments in the hands of God in
aiding Bishop Moore to revive the prostrate church.
Three of them are now with God ; and the fourth still

252 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1814.
lives and labours with all the zeal of his earlier years.
These gentlemen were, the Rev. Dr. Wilmer, the Rev.
Mr. Norris of Alexandria, the Rev. Mr. Dunn of Loudon
ccunty, and the present assistant bishop of Virginia.
It only remains to be added, that the bishop is now in
the seventy-fourth year of his age, the forty-ninth of his
ministry, and the twenty-second of his consecration ; and
at a period of life when, as it would seem, he might fairly
ask for a little repose, he is contemplating the resignation
of his office as rector of the Monumental Church in Rich
mond, not that he may sit down in idleness, but to devote
his labours exclusively to the duties of his higher office.
The convention, which immediately followed the elec
tion of Bishop Moore, afforded most gratifying evidence
of the benefits which resulted from the fresh impulse
created by his presence, and almost by that alone, for he
had been able, from the shortness of the time, to do but
little. Men's hearts, however, were not now, as in times
past, "failing them for fear" that all was lost. Accord
ingly, the assemblage of the clergy at the convention of
1815 was just double what it had been twelve months be
fore, while the presence of twenty-eight lay representatives
attested the renewed interest which the laity began to feel
in the revival of the church of their fathers. The bishop
in his address informed the convention that he had found
in every parish which he had visited the most animated
wish in the people to repair the waste places, and restore
the church of their ancestors to its primitive purity and
excellence. He had seen congregations, upon the bare
mention by him of that glory which once irradiated with
its beams the church of Virginia, burst into tears, and by
their emotions show that they would no longer be idle
spectators of its present prostration. In two instances, at
least, parishes which had been for years destitute of min
isterial services, and which to all human appearance had
sunk into the sleep of death, suddenly aroused themselves

1815.] IN VIRGINIA. 253
in all the vigour of perfect health. Nor were these out
ward marks of prosperity all which the bishop was per
mitted to witness : he found the minds of the people alive
to the truths of religion, and manifesting a sensibility to
divine things, which, he said, bordered on the spirit of
gospel times.
In the production of this pleasant change in the aspect
of affairs, much must be ascribed to the zeal and piety of
the younger clergy. It is not intended hereby to dis
parage their elder brethren. Some were yet alive who
had known the church before the revolution, and passed
with her through all her subsequent struggles; they still
laboured for her with a love which no adversities had
been able to kill ; and in their limited spheres, limited only
because the infirmities of age forbade their enlargement,
they were found faithfully contributing their best efforts to
advance the cause to which their lives had been conse
crated. But the younger clergy, fired with zeal, gave to
the work every faculty they possessed ; they laboured as
missionaries wherever and whenever they could. In the
language of the bishop, " they carried the standard of the
Lord Jesus Christ through a considerable portion of the
church : they went out into the highways and hedges,
preaching the truths of their Divine Master ; and by their
holy conversation with the people, adorned the gospel of
Christ." Nor would it be just to the laity of Virginia not to men
tion the cheerful discharge, on their part, of the duty of
making provision for the support of their clergymen, who
were generally left dependant on the liberality of their
congregations. An instance of this increasing interest of
the laity in the prosperity of the church was furnished,
about this time, by a devise made to the president, pro
fessors, or masters of William and Mary College, of a
tract of land with certain slaves, in trust for the mainte
nance of the clergymen within one of the older parishes,

254 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [I§15.
and for the payment of a small sum annually as a fund,
to be applied towards defraying the general expenses of
the church.
An increase in the number cf the clergy was also cne
pf the happy fruits ef the first year of Bishop Moore's
episcopate. He admitted three to the ministry, and en
rolled four as candidates for orders.
The subject of theological education which had hereto
fore, as we have seen, excited attention in the minds of
some, began again to awaken interest. The circumstance
which was the immediate cause of now bringing it into
notice, was a communication from the president of William
and Mary College, addressed to the convention, upon the
expediency of providing a fund for the support of the theo
logical chair in that institution, which had long been va
cant. The matter was referred to the bishop and standing
committee, and it is probable that this incident contributed
in the hands of Providence to produce, a few years after
ward, the theological school at Alexandria.
There was a topic of great delicacy which also came
up at this time for consideration. It is a fact, familiar to
the student of ecclesiastical history, that modern times
exhibit an almost total relaxation of the ancient ecclesias
tical discipline : an entire restoration of it would probably
be neither expedient nor practicable, and yet nothing is
more certain than that it is ruinous to the spiritual welfare
of the church to permit crime in its members to escape
with impunity. If the church be really a society, it is
evident that there must be government in it; government
implies law ; and law implies penalties ; the infliction of
penalties is discipline. The only point of danger is, lest
discipline should degenerate into tyranny: let this be
guarded against, and no reasonable objection can be made
against the punishment of an offender, whether clerical
or lay.
The church in her rubrics, relative to communicants,

1815.] IN VIRGINIA. 255
has made provision for certain cases where the facts are
known to the clergyman, and the congregation has been
offended by the wickedness of the communicant, and these
rubrics were in existence at the period now under review ;
but offences for which a layman might be tried, and the
mode of trial, were not defined, either by rubric or canon.
Ample provision had been made for bringing to deserved
punishment a clergyman who offended ; and now the
church in Virginia legislated for the discipline of the laity
also. Two canons were adopted (not, however, to take
effect until after the lapse of a twelvemonth.) By the first
of these it was declared that " drunkenness, incontinence,
profane swearing, general neglect of public worship, Sab
bath breaking, irreverent behaviour during divine -service,
gaming, extortion, and any other viciousness of life, are
crimes and misdemeanors for which lay members, who
are communicants of this church, may be reproved, pub
licly censured, or repelled from the holy communion, ac
cording to the degrees of the offence, and the age and other
circumstances of the offender." The other canon pointed
out the mode of proceeding : the clergyman, to whose
parish the offender might belong, upon information and
satisfactory evidence of his guilt, was required privately
to admonish him : if this failed to produce reformation, the
wardens and vestrymen were constituted a court for his
trial ; and upon his conviction by them, the minister was
to pronounce sentence ; which sentence could only be, re
proof before the -wardens and vestrymen, public censure in
the church, or repelling from* the holy communion.
Whatever may be thought of the necessity for this act of
legislation, it affords, at least, evidence of the purity of heart
and high sense of the value of Christian consistency, which
belonged to the laity of the convention which passed it.
They were not unwilling to bring themselves under its
operation, because they wished no blot to rest upon the
honour and purity of the church. At this day, for con-

256 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1816.
sistent piety, the communicants of Virginia will compare
with those of any diocess in the confederacy.
Further reflection, probably, convinced the Churchmen
of Virginia that such legislation as had taken place was
not the most judicious ; but they never lost sight of the
importance to the church of consistency in its members.
The canons just mentioned never went into execution : in
1816 they were repealed, and a substitute was provided
for them in the following terms: "Whereas, the present
state of the Protestant Episcopal church in Virginia has
experienced many and great inconveniences from the want
of such regulations and provisions as the good and whole
some government of the said church required, and from
the non-performance of existing canons : now, in order that
such inconveniences may be removed, so far as lieth in this
convention, and that the rules and canons of the said church,
and also those of the general convention may be strictly
observed and enforced in all time to come : that all the
members of the said church, whether clergymen or laymen,
may be excited to the most zealous and commendable exer
tions to further, by all justifiable means, the future pros
perity of the church : be it ordained, that any lay mem
ber of the church, being a communicant thereof, conduct
ing himself in a manner unworthy of a Christian, may, and
ought to be, admonished by the minister and vestry of the
parish or congregation ; and if such member persevere in
such conduct, he shall be suspended, or expelled by the
minister and vestry; in which case he may appeal to the
ordinary, who shall have power to confirm or reject the
sentence." This law gave rise to an opinion that the convention
intended thereby to withdraw from the clergy those
powers which the rubrics had given them of repelling
unworthy communicants. Such, however, was not the
fact ; but the discovery was ere long made that the uniting
of the wardens and vestrymen with the clergy, in trying

1816.] IN VIRGINIA. 257
the case of an unwprthy ccmmunicant, and administering
discipline, was not in accordance with the rubrics ; and
therefore it was enacted that the minister alone should
admonish or suspend an offending brother, " according to
the rubric." Thus ended the legislation of the Virginia
church, on the delicate subject of lay discipline ; and it
will be seen that it gradually found its way back pre
cisely to the point from which it set out ; furnishing thereby
another attestation to the prudence, wisdom, and modera
tion of the excellent men, both abroad and at home, to
whom the church is indebted for the " Beok of Common
Prayer." The impulse given to the church was exhibited during
this year, in the fact that no less than ten new churches
were reported as being in the progress df erection, or
about to be built ; while eight of the old ones were under
going repairs. A society was also formed for the distri
bution of the prayer book and tracts ; and a fund was
commenced for the support of the episcopate. This last
measure was one of much importance. It will be recollected
that, at a former period, the bishop was required by canon
to be a parish minister ; but long before this time it had
been seen that the requisition was unwise. The vast ex
tent of territory within the jurisdiction of the bishop of
Virginia covered about seventy thousand square miles,
and to do justice to this immense region, required all the
time of one man. It, therefore, was obviously desirable
to release him from all duties but those which belonged
to his episcopal office. The value. of an arrangement,
whereby he should be released from parochial duty, was,
at this time, more sensibly felt, from an observation of the
happy effects which followed upon his visitations : wher
ever he went, he diffused a portion of that zeal which in
spired his own labours, and in these labours no one could
have been more abundant ; he traversed his diocess from
north to sputh ; and, crossing the mpuntains mpre than
KK

258 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [181®.
once, his presence was both seen and felt east and west of
the Blue Ridge. He was compelled te be a missienary,
pr see his diocess go backward. Churches began to in
crease, and the laity were forward in the good work of
-estoring old edifices and building new ones, while the
cry came to the ears of the bishop with a distressing fre
quency, (for it could npt be answered,) "give us min
isters." Much, indeed, was dene, but it was seen that mere re
named tp be dene. The prostration of the church was
not the work of a day ; nor was its revival to be accom
plished in any short time. The want which was mest
severely felt, was that just alluded to, a want of clergy
men: the whole number now amounted to about thirty,
while the parishes were much more numerous ; and, as
was natural under such circumstances, the subject of
theological education became daily one of increasing in
terest. Indeed, this topic, together with that of a fund for
the support of the episcopate, were from this time onward
more prominent than any other subjects brought before
the church.*
The history has already been given of the attempt made
to introduce discipline, and of fhe final opinion that it
was most judicious to leave the subject where it had been
placed by the rubric concerning communicants ; but in
the convention of 1818, it was deemed proper to put upon
record, in the form of a recommendation rather than of an
injunction, the solemn testimony pf the convention against
certain fashionable amusements, indulgence in which was
viewed as inconsistent with the purity of the Christian
* The fund for the support of the episcopate increased but slowly in Vir
ginia. Indeed, in all our diocesses such has been the fact. As an in
stance, however, of the interest felt by some in this matter, the fact is here
recorded of a donation of one hundred dollars to the fund, made by the aged
widow of the excellent Mr, Jarratt, who was for igo many years a faithful
labourer in the vineyard.

1818.] in Virginia. 259
character. The introduction pf this prpppsitipn intp the
convention gave rise to much discussion, and several sug
gestions and amendments to the proposed measure were
offered : it is, however, to be remarked, that all the amend
ments proposed recognised the principle that conformity
to the world does not become the followers of Christ ; the
difference was therefore simply as to the mode in which
the church should express this principle to her members
The resolution was finally adopted, by the unanimous
vote of the clergy, and by seventeen out of twenty-six of
the lay members, in the following terms: "Whereas, dif
ferences of opinion prevail as to certain fashionable amuse
ments ; and it appears desirable to many that the sense of
the convention should be expressed concerning them ; the
convention does hereby declare its opinion, that gaming>
attending on theatres, public balls, and horse racing, should
be relinquished by all communicants of this church, as
having the bad effects of staining the purity of the Christian
character, of giving offence to their pious brethren, and of
endangering their own salvation by their rushing volun
tarily into those temptations, against which they implore
the protection of their heavenly Father ; and this conven
tion cherishes the hope that this expression of its opinion
will be sufficient to produce conformity of conduct, and
unanimity of opinion, among all the members of our com
munion." In the adoption of this resolution, the church in Virginia
did no more than give back a faithful echo to the opinion
expressed by the House of Bishops, in the general conven
tion of the previous year, that the amusements above enu
merated, " from their licentious tendency, as well as from
the strong temptations to vice which they afford, ought
not to be frequented" by the members of the church.
But the incident for whieh this year is most remarkable,
was the formation of an institution, from which the church,
not pf Virginia pnly, but in varipus parts pf Pur cpuntry,

260 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1818.
has reaped benefits werthy pf remembrance. This was
the " Educatien Spciety." It began in what many will
consider a fortunate accident ; the Christian, however, will
probably be disposed te think that the accident was Ged's
design. In the year 1818, a number ef clergymen, with
several lay gentlemen ef character and influence, had as
sembled at Gecrgetewn, in the District of Columbia, to
witness the services ccnnected with the laying ef the ccrner
stene pf an Episcppal church, then abcut tp be erected.
Arneng the gentlemen of the laity then present, there was
one who had taken under his protection an indigent youth
of piety, with the view of educating him for the Christian
ministry, which he earnestly desired tp enter. The topic
of preparatory and theological education, as we have seen,
was familiar to the minds of all the Churchmen of Vir
ginia ; and the case of this young man having led to an
interchange of opinion, they found that all were ready for
action. Accordingly, those present agreed to support the
youth, whose case -was before them, by their voluntary
contributions ; and scarcely was this determined on, be
fore their minds were led to the reflection that there were
probably many other young men whose situation was simi
lar tp that of their newly adopted beneficiary : this thought
gave rise to a suggestion, that a society might be advan
tageously formed for the purpose of educating any number
of pious young men desirous of entering into the ministry
of the Protestant Episcopal church. The suggestion was
so favourably received, that the individuals present re
solved to meet shertly thereafter in the city of Washington,
and form the society. They did meet, and the society was
duly organized ; but little, indeed, did those concerned sup
pose that they were accomplishing a work so important
as theirs has proved itself to be. They did not dare to an
ticipate the extensive results which have flowed from their
effort. As soon as the existence of the society was known,
young men from varipus parts pf the unipn spught and

1818.] IN VIRGINIA. 261
received its bounty. The plan adopted in the commence
ment of its operations was one, suited to what it was sup
posed would be the society's limited sphere of action. If
an applicant required preparatory education, he was placed
in some college most convenient to himself; and if ready
to pursue his theological studies, he was commonly put
under the supervision of the clergyman to whose congre
gation he belonged. The expenses in either case were
defrayed by the society. This was not the most economi
cal mode of accomplishing the ends in view, and it was
also liable to the objection that the beneficiaries were not
brought under the superintendence and care of the execu
tive committee of the society. These considerations led
to measures, (more fully detailed on a future page,) which
contributed in part to a result. not dreamed of in the
fondest expectations of the society ; this was the establish
ment of the theological school at Alexandria.
As our allusion to the society, hereafter, will be little .
more than incidental in pointing out what it has done for
the theological seminary, it may be well here to dispose of
its history. It has then steadily pursued its course of use
fulness, and commended itself to the affectionate interest,
and cordial support, of its friends, both in Virginia and
elsewhere. In proof of this, it is only necessary to relate
what it has done. Nearly one-tenth of the clergy, of the
Protestant Episcopal church in the United States, have, in
whole or in part, been assisted by this society. One-sixth
of the present clergy of Ohio ; one-eighth of those of Penn
sylvania ; one-fifth of those of Maryland, and a large pro
portion of those in Virginia, have derived aid from its
funds ; while it is now affording assistance to about one-
seventh of all the students in the several theological
schools of the church in the United States.*
But to return from this digression. In the course
* For these statements, the author is indebted to the secretary of the
society. See them also in the " Southern Churchman,'' vol. i. pp. 38, 46.

262 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1820.
of the succeeding year, a subject of much general in
terest was brought to the consideration of the Virginia
church, which has subsequently been revived. It re
lated to the division of large diocesses. In the general
convention of 1 817, on the motion of one of the lay delega
tion from Virginia, an alteration was proposed in the con
stitution of the church at large, whereby every state or
territory of the United States might be made to constitute
cf itself, er in union with the whole, or certain portions of
any other state or territory, one diocess ; or might be di
vided into two or more diocesses by the general conven
tion, with the consent of the local ecclesiastical authority,
to be affected by such union or division. The subject of
a division of Virginia had before this time been agitated,
though it was never brought before the convention ; and
this probably led to the alteration in the constitution which
was now proposed. The voice of the church in Virginia,
however, was against any division : the fear was, inas
much as it was also proposed to fix the representation of
the diocesses in the general convention, in the proportion
of one clerical deputy for every five clergymen, and one
lay representative for every ten congregations in the dio
cess represented, that jealousies would be engendered be
tween the larger and smaller diocesses ; and, therefore,
Virginia refused her sanction to the proposed alteration in
the constitution.
In the year 1820, the convention gladly availed itself of
circumstances which seemed to present a favourable open
ing to commence advantageously the work of clerical edu
cation. It has already been stated, that the attention of
the church had been called by a communication from the
president of William and Mary College, to the expediency
of providing a fund for the support of the chair of theology
in that institution. It seems that about this time there
was a strong probability that a clerical professor would be
appointed to take charge of any theological students who
might desire his aid j and as a valuable library of divinity

1821.] in Virginia. 263
(for which the college was much indebted to Doctors Blair
and Bray) belonged to the institution the convention
duly appreciating these favourable circumstances, recom
mended them to the attention of the members of the
church ; and it is believed, that under the supervision of
Doctor Keith, then a professor in the college, some few
young gentlemen availed themselves of the advantages
there afforded.
This was, however, but the commencement of the work
in the cause of theological education. In the succeeding
year, the subject was brought forward in the report of the
committee on the- state of the church. The importance
of retaining within her own borders for education such of
her sons as desired to devote themselves to the Christian
ministry, was sensibly felt in Virginia. Indeed, a similar
feeling is found now to prevail, in a greater or less degree,
throughout the different parts of the confederacy. The
best clergymen for the respective portions of our country
are generally found to be natives of those portions ; and
in some regions, climate presents a serious obstacle to the
labours of any but natives. But when sent from home for
education, in addition to the risk incurred of diminished
local attachments by the formation of new ties and new
associations, on the part of those thus sent abroad, there
is another evil which is at present unavoidable : the de
mand for clergymen exceeds the supply, and consequently
the student finds fields of labour which invite his entrance
in various portions of an extensive country. If no peculiar
circumstances call him back to his native state, he does
not pause long to make his selection, but is apt to enter
that which first solicits his labours, and it is often far dis
tant from the place of his birth. Hence the evil has been
more than once complained of; and several of the dio
cesses have exerted themselves, and with success, to pro
vide the means of theological instruction within themselves.
This measure, however, has not been adopted in a spirit

264 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1823.
of hostility towards the general seminary of the church at
large; nor has it operated at all to impair its usefulness;
on the contrary, that institution has steadily advanced ever
since the diocesan seminaries have existed, and is now
more prosperous than at any previous point of its history;
nor is there any portion of the church which would inter
rupt that prosperity. But at the time of which we now
write, fears were entertained of a different result. The
right of any diocess to establish a seminary within its
limits was never doubted ; but many questioned the expe
diency of a measure which they admitted to be lawful.
Virginia was anxious not to be misunderstood in her course
on this subject; and, therefore, while she recommended
the establishment of a theological school at Williamsburg,
the seat of William and Mary, and appointed trustees to
carry the recommendation into effect, by soliciting funds and
appointing professors, she made also a formal declaration,
that so far from meditating herein opposition to the general
seminary, she cordially desired to witness the prosperity
of an institution so vitally connected with the reputation
and interest of the church. Experience, it is believed, has
long since removed all apprehensions of conflicting inter
ests between the seminaries, and the prosperity of both
now calls for thankfulness.
The measures adopted by the convention of 1821 met
with a favourable reception from the members of the
church. The appeal made to them by the trustees was so
successful, that within a twelvemonth, more than ten thou
sand dollars were subscribed within the diocess; a consti
tution was adopted, by which, among other things, the
seminary was placed under the direction of the conven
tion, and the course of study was made conformable to the
directions of the House of Bishops. In 1823, the funds of
the institution had been still more increased ; and an ex
amination of the list of contributors will show, that in pro-
pprtipn tp the extent, bpth pf numbers and means, no class

1825.] IN VIRGINIA. 265
was more liberal than the clergy; donations pf valuable
theological works had been made by individuals ; and the
first professorship had been filled by the appointment of
the Rev. Dr. Keith. But the most important measure in
the history of the institution, was its removal to Alexan
dria, which took place about this time. By this removal,
the aid of the Rev. Dr. Wilmer and the Rev. Mr. Norris
was secured in the work of instruction, and but a short
time elapsed before eleven young men were enrolled as
students of the infant seminary. And here it is proper to
record the well-timed and acceptable help which the Edu
cation Society afforded, by a vote of several hundred dol
lars towards the payment of the professor's salary: indeed,
it is not improbable that this vote of the society, together
with its promised aid for the future, encouraged the church,
more than any other circumstance, in fixing the seminary
at Alexandria.
The pledge thus given by the society had the happy
effect of bringing the two institutions thus united con
spicuously before the members of the church, and hence
they afforded to each other mutual aid. Pursuing its course
of gradual prosperity, the Alexandria school increased in
the number of its pupils, so that it was soon found neces
sary permanently to establish another professorship. The
Rev. Edward Lippitt was appointed in 1825 to the chair
of systematic theology, and it is believed that his salary
has been entirely furnished from the funds of the Educa
tion Society ever since his appointment. But the import
ance of the society to the seminary was to be more fully ex
hibited still. In the purchase of the farm, near Alexandria,
on which the buildings of the institution are placed, and in
the erection of those buildings, several thousand dollars
came from the treasury of the Education Society; while
it has never failed to redeem also its undertaking, publicly
made, to afford assistance to every properly qualified ap-
L L

266 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1825.
plicant, seeking an education for the ministry Pf the Pro
testant Episcepal church.
Of the present state cf the seminary, it is gratifying tp
recprd the fact, that it never before was in sp prosperous
a cenditipn. Within the past year, ne less a sum than
twelve thousand dollars has been given to it, by private
ccntributipns, for the purpose of founding a third professor
ship ; additional buildings have been erected, and instruc
tion has been afforded to thirty-two candidates for holy
orders. But much still remains to be done, and it would
be wrong to distrust Providence by the fear that this insti
tution will not be so provided for as greatly to enlarge its
sphere of usefulness. It now stands, even in its present
condition, an honourable monument to the piety and zeal
of the Churchmen of Virginia, for it has derived but little
aid out of the diecess in which it is placed.

1825.] IN VIRGINIA. 267

CHAPTER XIV.
1825-1835.
Difficulties arising from Bishop's Parochial Charge — Comparison of the
Church in Northern Neck with its Condition a Century before — Churches
devoted to secular purposes — Care of St. Paul's Parish, in King George
county — Bishop Moore offers to pay half the Salary of an assistant Min
ister in the Monumental Church — Irregularity of Virginia Clergy in the
Use of the Liturgy — Bishop Moore's Warning — Refusal of Virginia to
agree to changes or alterations in the Use of the Common Prayer —
Death of Dr. Wilmer — Bishop Moore proposes to the Convention to elect
an assistant Bishop — Dr. Meade elected — Restriction on the Right of
Succession — Proceedings of General Convention thereon — Dr. Meade's
Consecration — Sketch of his Life — Virginia removes the Restriction on
his succession — Conclusion.
The exemption of the bishop from parochial cares was,
as we have seen, an object of much solicitude, which the
increasing state of the church was not calculated to di
minish. A comparison, of the condition of some parts of
the diocess with their former state, will illustrate most
strikingly the importance of leaving the bishop to look
after his diocess alone ; and at the same time show the
extent of the injury which the church had been called to
sustain. In the year 1722, within the six counties of the northern
neck, there were twelve parishes, and more than twelve
churches and chapels,* all supplied with the ministrations
of the Gospel.
After the lapse of nearly one hundred years, what was
the spectacle which the Northern Neck presented ? Over
an extent of country, about one hundred miles long, and
fifteen miles broad, every church and chapel had ceased
* Vide ante, p. 84.

268 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1825.
to be used for sacred purposes. In pursuing the road
through this district of Virginia to the Chesapeake, here and
there might be seen some sacred edifice, which still bore
the appearance of a decent Christian temple. So compactly
had it been built, that it was able to withstand the storms
of half a century ; and the cause of its preservation is prob
ably to be found in the laborious toil which was necessary
for its destruction. But in other and more numerous
instances, unsightly heaps of ruins, which once were
churches, met the eye, and everything in the vicinity
wore an aspect of desolation. Such is not now, exactly,
the picture presented, but churches in ruins are still com
mon enough in Virginia.
Sometimes it happened that the buildings were by
special acts of the legislature appropriated to other pur
poses. Thus, in the region of country alluded to above,
the church of St. Paul's parish, in King George county,
was converted into a schoolhouse, while the produce of the
glebe was made a school fund for its support ; and this
was done at the request of the inhabitants of the parish.
After the church had been for some time used for purposes
of education, the school fund, as usual, was mismanaged,
and ceased to answer the end to which it was directed to be
applied, the school was broken up, and the building began
to exhibit symptoms of decay. The Episcopalians pe
titioned the legislature for the repeal of the act which had
deprived them of the church ; and to the honour of those
who were not Episcopalians, it should be mentioned that
many of them joined with the members of the church in
their application to the legislature. The petition was
granted, the edifice was repaired ; and having been conse
crated to the service of God by the present bishop of Vir
ginia, it is now regularly frequented by a congregation of
devout and attentive worshippers.*
* MS. letter in the author's possession, from one of the Virginia clergy.

1825.] IN VIRGINIA. 269
In consideration" of the circumstances which have been
related on our previous pages, it is not to be wondered at,
that Bishop Moore, in the convention of 1825, should have
signified to that body his intention to employ an assistant
to aid him in the discharge of his duties as rector ofthe
Monumental Church in Richmond, and expressed his readi
ness to pay one half of his salary out of his own purse.
The convention, fully sensible that such a measure was
absolutely necessary, from the great increase of episcopal
duty, resolved, that when the bishop had obtained an as
sistant, he should communicate the fact to the several min
isters and vestries of the diocess, and inform them of what
would be required on their parts for his support.
From some cause, which it would, perhaps, be difficult
now to discover, an evil had gradually found its way
into the practice of the clergy, which calls for our no
tice. The general tone of piety in the church of Virginia,
both among the clergy and laity, was of a character so
consistent with their professions of Christianity, that they
had no need to shrink from a comparison, in this particu
lar, with any diocess in the Union ; but there was, notwith
standing, in the public ministrations of some of the clergy
an irregularity which, at first view, may seem to be trivial ,
but which involves consequences of a very serious nature,
so long as uniformity affords evidence of unity. The ir
regularity was to be found in the use of the liturgy; the
rubrics, on this head, were not always regarded. There
is, probably, no clergyman of the Episcopal church who
does not feel contempt for the vulgar calumny, sometimes
propagated, by those who ought to know better, that on no
occasion can he pray without the use of the " Book of
Common Prayer." In this particular, the clergy all under
stand the liberty which they possess ; and there is prob
ably not one who does not, on certain occasions, pray with
out the use of that book ; but there are other occasions on
which he does not desire that liberty. These are occa-

270 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1826.
sions of public worship. It must not be understopd that
the liturgy was entirely laid aside by any ef the Virginia
clergy: all used seme pertions of it, but all did not use it
according to the directions of the rubrics ; and the conse
quent inconvenience, to use the mildest term, induced the
bishop to call attention to the subject. Reminding the
clergy ofthe solemn promise of conformity to the rubrics,
made by them before ordination, he forcibly depicted the
effect upon devout worshippers, who, instead of following
the fixed rules of. the church, with which they were fa
miliar, found themselves embarrassed in their feelings, and
disturbed in their devotions by the capricious practices of
the clergyman in reading the services of the church.
It would seem that this conduct of some few of the
clergy (for they were few) had arisen, in the language of
the bishop, " more from inconsideration than design ;" for
the convention heartily responded to the sentiment ex
pressed by their diocesan, and recommended " to the min
isters a punctual observance of the rubrics, warning them
ofthe danger of yielding to prejudices supposed to exist
against the liturgy."
There was the soundest wisdom in this warning: where
prejudices exist against the liturgy, or against anything
else belonging to the church, (and, unfortunately, there are
parts of the land where they are common enough,) the
best mode of eradicating the prejudice will never be found
to consist in yielding to its demands. The demands of
prejudice are always insatiable ; no concessions ever yet
satisfied it ; for concessions only foster its conceit of in
fallibility. Nothing of unusual interest is to be found in the records
of the Virginia church for the year 1826 ; in that which im
mediately succeeded, however, we find evidence of a de
cided attachment to the liturgy. In the general convention
of 1826, a proposition was made and agreed to in the House
of Bishops, to introduce certain changes in the use cf the

1826.] IN VIRGINIA. 271
liturgy, as follows : — The minister was to be permitted, in
stead ofthe portion of the Psalter, appointed for the day, to
read any psalm, or psalms which he chose to select, except
on those days for which " proper psalms" were appointed :
a wide discretion was also allowed the minister in the
reading of the other parts of the Scripture in the daily
service ; thus, instead of the entire lessons, he might read
suitable portions thereof, not less than fifteen verses ; and
the use of what is ordinarily termed the arafe-communion,
was enjoined on all Sundays and other holy days. It is
worthy of remark, that in the zeal which led the bishops
so earnestly to labour for uniformity in the use of the ante-
communion, they should not have perceived that they were
paying for it by the destruction of that very uniformity
which they were so sedulously guarding. It was of very
little moment whether different practices prevailed in dif
ferent churches, with reference to the use of the ante-com
munion, or to the use of the psalms and lessons : of the two
evils, the entire omission of the ante-communion service is
probably less than would be the capricious selection cf
psalms or lessons by the officiating clergyman. This
proposition, however, which certainly threatened the most
dangerous innovation on the liturgy that the church has
yet seen, was sent to the House of Clerical and Lay Dele
gates, and by joint action of the two houses, was submitted
to the several diocesan conventions pursuant to the pro
visions of the constitution.*
Bishop Moore was prevented by sickness from attend
ing the general convention of 1826, and of course took no
part in the measures touching the liturgy, which have just
been presented. In his address, however, to his own con
vention, in 1827, he betrays the anxiety cf his mind on the
truly momentous question of a change in the liturgy. " The
church," says he, " has hitherto prospered in the use of the
* Journals of General Convention, 1826.

272 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1828.
liturgy, as it has been handed down to us by our fathers.
That uniformity of worship which has distinguished us as
a society, should the proposed alterations be carried into
effect, will be destroyed : the public worship of God will
be as various as the constitutions of our minds. To touch
a matter of so much consequence without the deepest re
flection — to alter a service of such acknowledged worth,
without years of consideration, should not be ventured on.
The church in Virginia will never be induced, I trust and
pray, to depart from her prescribed forms ; but will defend
the liturgy in all its integrity, and prove to the Christian
world that we reverence the opinions of our fathers, and
are satisfied with that system of doctrine which they vene
rated, and which they so highly valued."*
These sentiments met with the cordial approbation of
the laity and clergy of Virginia ; and long may they con
tinue to do so ; for, whenever that period comes, in which
there shall be found in the church a spirit of innovation,
ready to tamper rashly with the liturgy, or a spirit of in
difference, ready to countenance such rashness, the time
will also have arrived in which men may see the first
movements of her departing glory.
This year witnessed, also, the interest felt in Virginia
towards a general institution of the church, then but re
cently established, now greatly enlarged, and still grow
ing into an increasing importance. This was the Pro
testant Episcopal Sunday School Union, which had been
founded by the general convention of 1826. The com
mittee on the state of the Virginia church in 1827, brought
it to the notice of the convention ; and it was by that body
recommended to the churches throughout the diocess.
The annual meeting ofthe clergy and laity in 1828 was
marked by the absence of one who for many years had
been seen in the counsels of the church in the diocess, as
* Journal of Virginia Convention of 1327.

1828.] IN VIRGINIA. 273
well as in those of the general church. He was one who
had so much aided in the revival ofthe church in Virginia,
that he well deserved honourable remembrance. Doctor
Wilmer, who for many years had been a delegate from
Virginia to the general convention, and who had long sat as
president ofthe House of Clerical and Lay Delegates, had
been called to rest from his earthly labours. There was,
probably, no gentleman ofthe clergy in the diocess whose
loss would have been more deeply lamented. " He was,"
says Bishop Moore, " a man of business and of piety. He
loved his God, and the interest ofthe church was near his
heart. As a preacher, he was faithful, energetic, eloquent.
Like the Apostle Paul, he not only taught his people pub
licly, but went from house to house exhorting them to pre
pare to meet their God."
The respect of the convention for the memory of this
faithful and excellent clergyman, was attested by the mem
bers wearing mourning during the session which next suc
ceeded his death, and for some time thereafter.
The circumstance, however, which gave most import
ance to the convention of 1828 was this: Bishop Moore,
then in the. sixty-seventh year of his age, felt admonished
by the fact, that, though as yet the infirmities of age had
not disabled him from labour, or compelled him to diminish
aught of his allotted annual task, yet that it would be
wise to make provision for the consecration of some gen
tleman of the clergy as his suffragan, or assistant bishop.
The bishop, therefore, brought forward the subject in his
annual address, and expressed his earnest desire, should it
meet with the views of the convention, that an assistant
bishop should be appointed while their diocesan yet re
mained ; that in the hour of his departure, he might have,
at least, the satisfaction of knowing the individual who was
to carry on the work which God had so far prospered in
his hands.
There was, however, an obstacle in the way, to which
M M

274 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1829.
the bishop alluded. The constitution of the church in Vir
ginia expressly declared, in one of its articles, that there
should " be but one bishop" to superintend its concerns.
Before, therefore, a suffragan er assistant could be elected,
it became necessary to alter the constitution, and for this,
the interval of a year was necessary. The committee to
whom the subject was referred reported that the contem
plated officer was needed, and recommended the neces
sary measures for effecting the desired change in the con
stitution, and thus the matter remained until 1829.
In this year, the convention assembled at Charlotteville,
and as it was supposed that business of more than ordinary
importance would come before the body, the attendance
was numerous, both on the part of the clergy and laity :
the bishop, however, was prevented by illness from being
present. It has already been stated, that the opinions of
the diocesan, on the subject of a change in the liturgy, met
with the hearty approbation of the convention ; and at this
meeting, (as a general convention was to come together be
fore another annual assemblage of the clergy and laity of
Virginia,) the delegates to the general convention were in
structed to use their exertions to prevent any of the pro
posed changes in the use ofthe Book of Common Prayer.
After the formation of a diocesan missionary society, the
convention proceeded to the consideration of the proposed
alteration in the constitution, without which, as we have
seen, no suffragan or assistant bishop could be elected. A
large majority of the convention was found to be favour
able to the change, when the following resolution was pre
sented, and finally adopted by a vote of fifty against thir
teen : " Resolved, that this convention deem it expedient,
considering the age and bodily infirmity of our most ven
erated bishop, to proceed to the election of an assistant
bishop, who is not to be considered as entitled to the succes
sion, but that it shall be the right and duty of the conven
tion of the diocess of Virginia, on the demise of pur ven-

1829.] IN VIRGINIA. 275
erated bishop, to proceed to the election of a principal
bishop, as a successor to the said deceased bishop."
The precise ground on which the convention proceeded
in withholding the right of succession from the assistant,
it would, perhaps, be difficult distinctly to specify : it was
deemed expedient to do so ; and the right of the Virginia
church to pursue this course, seems to have been unques
tioned by a very large majority. Under the resolution
the Rev. William Meade, D.D., was nominated by an
almost unanimous vote of the clergy, (two only out of
twenty-seven having deposited blanks,) and the nomina
tion was approved by the laity without a dissentient, voice:
he was therefore declared to be duly elected.
The case of a diocess, having a bishop and an assistant,
was not without precedent in the Episcopal church in the
United States. Such examples had occurred, but they
were few, and hence resulted the difficulty of clearly de
fining the. respective duties of the diocesan and his assist
ant ; or of guarding against a conflict in the exercise of
episcopal power. The delegation from Virginia was,
therefore, instructed to bring the subject before the general
convention, that the number of bishops which a diocess
might have should be settled ; and that the circumstances
might be prescribed under which a suffragan or an assist
ant might be chosen. The convention then proceeded to
sign the testimonial ofthe newly elected bishop.
We must now direct our attention to the general con
vention of 1829. The election of Dr. Meade having been
made within one year before the meeting of that body, the
consideration of the case came before it, under the pro
visions of the constitution, and there underwent a discus
sion of some days continuance. Before we enter upon
the views which were entertained, it is due to Dr.
Meade to remark that no speaker expressed himself in any
terms but those of the utmost respect towards the bishop
elect. His worth and fitness were not questioned ; but a

276 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1829.
matter of principle was supposed to be involved in the
restriction put upon the right of succession.
The argument against the consecration turned chiefly
upon constitutional objections. It was, in substance, that
the constitution did not contemplate the possibility of a
bishop without a diocess ; and that, according to the spirit of
that instrument, it was at variance with the system of episr
copacy, (as received by the Protestant Episcopal church in
the United States, associated under that constitution,) not to
guard against the possibility of such an event in the church,
as that of a bishop at large. It was said that Virginia had
not the right to impose any such restriction; and on this
head an argument was deduced from the state ofthe church
under the several colonial governments ; when, notwith
standing the distinct rule exercised over the several colo
nies, the church was one, and but one, united under its
only diocesan, the Bishop of London. That, consequently,
after the revolution, it continued to be one, and was not
made up of many independent churches then coming into
union for the first time, and reserving certain rights while
they surrendered others. How far this opinion is correct,
may be learned from some of our previous pages.* Cer
tain it is, that the church in Virginia (whatever may be
the proper theory on the subject) always was in her
practice independent, and deemed herself at liberty to act
accordingly, up to the period when she gave her assent to
the great charter of union. In fact, (as was correctly re
marked in the course of the discussion,) our ecclesiastical
legislature was here perplexed with the same delicate and
intricate question which has been so much agitated in the
halls of civil legislation : state sovereignty and the powers
ofthe general government came into collision.
It was also contended, that to impose the restrictions
Under discussion, was a deviation from the general course
» Vide ante, pp. 179, 184, 185, 190.

1829.] IN VIRGINIA. 277
pursued relative to coadjutors or assistant bishops. In
stances might indeed be adduced to the contrary, arid
some too in very early times ; but these are to be deemed
exceptions to the rule.
On grounds of policy, also, it was agreed that a restric
tion upon the succession was to be deprecated. Factious
and ambitious presbyters would be tempted to raise parties
for themselves, in opposition to those possessed of an epis
copate, the exercise of which was to cease upon the death
of the diocesan : and laymen of influence, it was said, (if
such restriction was countenanced,) might be led to im
pose it for the purpose of keeping a temporary bishop in
subjection to their control, and thereby destroying his in
dependence. The result cf the deliberations and discussions in the
House of Clerical and Lay Delegates was, that the testimo
nials of Dr. Meade were signed by a majority of the mem
bers, and sent up to the House of Bishops. Before, how
ever, that body proceeded to the consecration, it sent down
to the lower house a declaration, as follows : " The bishops
cannot proceed to this important measure without declaring
their disapprobation of the provision in the election of Dr.
Meade, which prevents immediate succession to the epis
copacy, on the decease of the present bishop of the diocess.
Nevertheless, this being a new case, in questions of conse
cration in the church, in this country, the bishops, enter
taining no doubt of Dr. Meade's succeeding to the dio
cesan episcopacy, in the event of his surviving of the pres
ent bishop, have not permitted the preceding consideration
to be a bar to his consecration. But they cannot proceed
to it without declaring unanimously their determination,
nor without recommending to the future members of this
house, now that the peculiarities of this case will have
ceased, not to give such further countenance to the innova
tion, as might be construed to bind it on the church to her
lasting injury." And with this protestando, the bishops

278 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [1829.
proceeded to the consecration, which took place in Phila
delphia, on the nineteenth pf August, 1829.
William Meade, D.D., assistant bishep pf Virginia, was
born in Frederick county, Virginia, on the eleventh of No
vember, 1789. His father was Major R. K. Meade, one
of the aids of General Washington during the war of the
revolution. His mother was a woman of eminent piety;
and to her early instruction, under God, does the bishop
ascribe his own religious character, and subsequent devo
tion to the ministry. Until the age of ten years, when, for
the first time, he went to school, he was educated entirely
by his mother: at this school he remained until he reached
the age of seventeen, when he was sent to Princeton Col
lege. Here he continued until 1809, when he completed
his course of study. During his residence at college, the
fruit of an early religious education exhibited itself in an
increase of all his previous impressions, and a resolution to
devote himself to the ministry of the Episcopal church, in
which he had been baptized and trained, and to which his
parents belonged. After leaving college, he spent some
time in reading, with a view to the ministry, with a pious
and excellent clergyman,the Rev. Walter Addison of Mary
land. In the fall of 1809 he returned to Princeton, with
the view of enjoying more advantages in the prosecution
of his studies than he could procure in Maryland. In this
purpose, however, he was disappointed, for in a few days
after his arrival he became sick, and continued so for some
weeks. As soon as he became convalescent, and was able
to travel, he returned to Virginia, so that he never pursued
his theological studies at Princeton. He, however, prose
cuted them in private until March, 1811, when he was or
dained deacon by Bishop Madison in Williamsburg. He
immediately commenced his ministry among his relations,
in the place .of his nativity, where he had been officiating
as a lay reader for more than half a year preceding. In
the autumn of that year, he accepted an invitation to Christ

1829.] IN VIRGINIA. 279
Church, Alexandria, where he remained eighteen months,
and then returned to his congregation in Frederick county,
of which he has ever since been rector. The bishop has
of necessity been much of an itinerant in his ministry, and
without having been so, his services had been less valuable
than they were in resuscitating the church. He is still in
the vigour of his days, and of his usefulness, and pos
sesses a persevering industry, which promises much for the
cause of religion.
It will be remembered that the convention of Virginia
had directed its delegates to bring before the general con
vention the subject of assistant bishops, with the view of
settling the point as to the number of bishops which any
diocess might have. Without any direct agency on the
part of the representatives of Virginia to produce this
end, the circumstances of Dr. Meade's case presented
forcibly to the general convention the fact that some legis
lation was necessary. Accordingly a canon was passed,
giving in all cases the right of succession to an assistant
bishop, who should survive the diocesan ; and permitting
the election of one assistant whenever the bishop of a dio
cess became " unable, by reason of old age, or other per
manent cause of infirmity, to discharge his episcopal
duties." When the convention of 1830 assembled, the subject
came again under discussion ; and the course pursued by
that body, representing, as it did, one of the most important
diocesses in the Union, was one which did honour to Vir
ginia ; while at the same time it illustrated the happy
effects which flow from prudent counsels. Had matters
been pushed to an extreme in the general convention of
1829, and consecration being refused to Dr. Meade, on the
ground merely that he was excluded from the succession,
while it was admitted that his piety and talents entitled
him to the place which he had been selected to fill, and
while his elevation was desired almost unanimously by the

280 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH [_1829.
Churchmen of Virginia, the consequences must have been
of a most serious character, and fatal to the harmony and
union of the church. Virginia, probably, never would have
submitted to the decision : but the course pursued was one
which, wisely guarding against the introduction of a dan
gerous precedent, compromised no principle, and still grati
fied Virginia in all that she asked : it inflicted no wound on
the feelings ofthe excellent gentleman who had been elected
assistant bishop, and left the diocess untouched, in the atti
tude of independence which she had assumed. It was a ju
dicious course ; and, as usual, the church is indebted for it
to the wisdom, the prudence, and calm thought of the ven
erated man whom God has so long preserved to watch over
the infancy ofthe American Episcopal church, and to assist
in laying securely its foundations : the prelate who thinks
wisely, because he thinks dispassionately. Bishop White
drew up the protestation which has already been spread
upon our pages.
By adopting this course, the surest method was hit upon
of accomplishing all that the general convention desired in
the establishment of an important principle ; and of inducing
Virginia, by her own voluntary act, to bring herself within
the operation of that principle, though she had previously
rejected it. It was an appeal made to the generous feel
ings of the members of the Virginia convention ; and it
was not made in vain ; for in the convention of 1829, a
resolution was adopted, in the following terms : " Whereas,
the general convention of the Protestant Episcopal church
in the United States have, by the fifth canon of 1829, pro
vided that every assistant bishop, who may hereafter be
elected in the said church, shall be in all cases entitled to
succeed the bishop of the diocess in which he may be
elected ; and, whereas, the convention is desirous of pre
serving, as far as possible, the harmony and uniformity of
the church, and of testifying its confidence in the assistant
bishpp pf this dipcess : therefore, reselved, that the restric-

1835.] IN VIRGINIA. 281
tion annexed to the election of the assistant bishop pf Vir
ginia, be hereby rempved."
If fidelity in the discharge ef duty, and unwearied per
severance be desirable qualities in a bishop, and may be
deemed sufficient to entitle him to exercise the episcopal
office while he lives, then the removal of the restrictions
on Bishop Meade's right to succession may be placed on
the ground of simple equity. His repprts, made annually
to the convention, show that he is " in journeyings often ;"
and he is very far from belonging to the class of " un-
preaching prelates."
In 1832, the assistant bishop, besides discharging a full
share of duties in his own diocess, visited, by request, both
the infant diocesses of Kentucky and Tennessee. This
labour occupied three months, and contributed in no small
measure to forward the complete organization of those dio
cesses; both of which are now supplied with episcopal
services by their respective bishops.
But little remains to be added to our narrative. The
present condition of the church in Virginia is one of grati
fying prosperity. With more than one hundred churches,
some of them the fruit of reviving zeal in parishes which
once flourished, but have long been almost dead, the dio
cess now numbers more than seventy clergymen ; and
with a missionary fund, unemployed in part, because mis
sionaries are not to be had, the diocess is labouring to sup
ply in some measure its necessities, by means of its semi
nary at Alexandria. Of this institution, it is only necessary
to remark, in addition to what has already been said, that
it has afforded instruction during the last three years to
sixty candidates for orders, and has given thirty-six clergy
men to the church.
Not to bear testimony, in conclusion, to the zeal and
piety of our Virginia brethren, both of the clergy and laity,
would be to prove a traitor to the cause of worth and good
ness; which surely deserve honourable notice, none the
N N

282 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN VIRGINIA. [1835.
less because they do not stoop to seek it. The author of
these sheets, in taking leave of a subject which has, at in
tervals, for a lpng time engaged his thoughts and occupied
his pen, hopes to be pardoned, should he indulge the ex
pression of personal and national feeling: he cannot leave a
topic which, if it has brought some labour, has also brought
more pleasure, without tendering to southern brethren the
affection of a southern man's heart ; who, while he loves all,
yet holds it no sin to prefer some. His affection may at
times have blinded his judgment ; but that affection will
not diminish the fervour ofthe prayer which he offers, that
while prospered of Heaven, the Churchmen of Virginia
may not forget that prosperity brings danger with it ; and
that in their own past history, the lesson is written, that
abused prosperity is apt to find its corrective, sooner or
later, in the purifying touch of persecution.

THE END.

[Note A, page 64.]
THE LOYALTY OF VIRGINIA.
It was not until recently that the loyalty of Virginia, immediately be
fore and during the protectorate, was questioned. In the reference to this
note, the author, it will be seen, classes the last writer on American history
with those who have intimated doubts on this subject. It would be doing
great injustice to Mr. Bancroft, not to acknowledge the merit of his work.
It is especially valuable for its references to early authorities. The labour
of research, in the preparation ofthe published volume of the " History of the
United States," must have been great ; and the author of this note thinks
that he can appreciate it, because he has had to encounter a similar task.
Almost every rare and early tract or volume referred to by Mr. Bancroft
had been examined by the author of this book; and, therefore, in the
perusal of Mr. Bancroft's volume, he found himself on familiar ground. To
the general accuracy of that volume, and the propriety of its references, the
present writer bears cheerful testimony. Feeling some American pride in
Mr. Bancroft's book, as being decidedly superior to anything yet written on
the subject of this country, the author regretted to find that he seemed to
doubt what appeared (to him at least) capable of proof as an historical fact,
most honourable to Virginia, and affording the only key to a solution of
some of the peculiarities both of individual and national character. In an
interview with Mr. Bancroft, (had since the page referring to this note was
printed,) it was with no little gratification the writer heard him disclaim the
intention of representing Virginia as wanting in loyalty ; under such cir
cumstances, he of course retracts his observations on Mr. Bancroft's sup
posed mistake. Having said thus much, as an act of justice to the author
of the History of the United States, the evidence which, to the mind of the
writer, established the fact of the loyalty of Virginia, and which it was
originally intended should alone constitute this note, is subjoined.
I. The uniform testimony of all the first historians of Virginia. The
question, it must be remembered, was one of fact, and evidence upon that
fact must have been afforded the one way or the other, in the everyday
intercourse of life. It would, therefore, seem strange that a mistake on the
subject should be made, and perpetuated without discovery, until modern
times. Those who lived nearest to the time, and wrote upon the subject,
could not, without contradiction, have asserted the fact to be one way, when

284

NOTE.

all around them knew it to be otherwise. The presumption, therefore, is
in favour of the correctness of the early historians.
2. The known state of the colony at that time, with reference to the char
acter of its population. Beyond ail dispute, Berkley, the governor, was a
devoted adherent to the royal family. The.cavaliers at home looked upon
the colony of Virginia as their place of refuge, and the land in which they
might indulge all their feelings of loyalty without stint or apprehension.
One of them gives this account of the matter. After relating the death of
the king, he proceeds —
" The sad prpspect of affairs in this juncture, gave such a damp to all the
royal party who had resolved to persevere in the principle which engaged
them in the war, that a very considerable number of nobility, clergy, and
gentry so circumstanced, did fly from their native country." " Of the num
ber who chose to steer their course for America, such of them as inclined
to try their fortunes at Surinam, Barbadoes, Antigua, and the Leeward
Islands, were to be men of the first rate, who wanted not money or credit,"
&c, &e. The writer himself being, as he states, " nearly related to Sir
WjUiam Barkeley the governor," on that account came with his com
panions tp Virginia. The same writer informs us that Berkley " showed
great respect (o all the royal party who made that colony their refuge. His
house and purse were open to all that were so qualified :" and the fact is
put beyond dispute, that the stanch old loyalist kept up a correspondence
with the king ; for the very writer, from whom we quote, was himself sent
over at Berkley's expense, to find out the king in Holland, and have an
interview with him. — See Norwood's Journal of u. Voyage to Virginia ;
6 Churchill's Collection of Voyages, 145. It is evident, then, that the
cavaliers were strong in Virginia. At the commencement of the civil wars
in England, the population of Virginia was about twenty thousand. — See
1 Holmes's Annals, 315. It will not be disputed that of these, a proportion,
at least, was attached to the reigning family. Let it be supposed to be one
half; it probably was more. At the restoration, the population of Virginia,
from the influx of cavaliers, (few others had any reason to come,) amounted
to thirty thousand. — See 1 Holmes, 315. Here, then, is an increase of
ten thousand ; add it to the one half of the former population, and the nu
merical strength will be on the side of the loyalists : add but the half of this
increase, and parties are equally balanced ; so that Virginia can not be pro
nounced to be either republican or loyal. Are not the probabilities all on the
side of there being in the colony a majority of cavaliers ? If such was the
fact, Virginia must have been loyal.
3. Berkley remained in the colony, keeping up a correspondence with the
king, as we have seen, and the records of that day show the names of many,
high in offices of trust and profit, who are known to have been cavaliers.
There must have been a lamentable scarcity of men of a different stamp,
which would hardly have been the case, had a majority been commonwealth

NOTE. 285
men; or, if the majority were commonwealth men, we must admit that they
entertained a singular preference for officers to whose political opinions they
were bitterly opposed. Be this however as it may, it cannot reasonably be
supposed that there was not a perfect understanding between Berkley and
the leading cavaliers ; and if so, then all were in correspondence with the
king. Couple this with two well-known facts, viz. that Berkley never left
the colony, (though the right to do so within a year was saved to him by the
treaty of surrender,) and that, the protector having died in September, 1658,
and the governor of Virginia soon after, Berkley was immediately appointed
governor in January, 1659. It matters not whether this appointment was
madeupon the demand of a tumultuous assemblage, as the early historians say,
or not : one thing is certain, that it could not have been made, had a tumul
tuous assemblage opposed it. We must consequently admit, that the people
understood the matter and were content ; or we must suppose that in their
ignorance they followed their leaders — these leaders must have been loyal
ists ; and in either case, the political character of the colony must have been
loyal. As to this matter of the tumultuous assemblage, a word of remark
may not be misplaced. It seems to be the particular most questioned, be
cause it apparently contradicts existing records. Mr. Hening, in the Statutes
at Large, (the best History of Virginia, by-the-way, which has yet been
written,) doubts it, because he finds Berkley elected precisely as the other
governors had been in Virginia, during the protectorate. It is admitted ; but
is by no means inconsistent with the fact of a multitude having demanded
of him to take upon him his old office of governor. There may have been
a popular call to office, but not a popular election. That in the unsettled
state of the times was left to go on in the old mode, and probably because it
was well known, that those who were to make it were cavaliers, and conse
quently ready enough to elect him whom the multitude preferred. Berkley
himself looked upon his election as one made in the exigency of circum
stances, and did not consider himself as in, of his old official appointment.
The truth seems to be, that there was a temporizing policy pursued in this
matter, which was founded on existing circumstances. Oliver Cromwell was
dead— Richard had succeeded him. During Oliver's life, there was noprospect
of the restoration of the king, and Virginia submitted, however reluctantly ;
but was Richard to prove an Oliver 1 This was a question which time only
could determine. If he did, then Virginia had nothing to do but continue
her former submission : if he did not, then Virginia was very willing to
place herself in a position in which she might advantageously raise the
standard of royalty. She elected Berkley in the old mode ; that suited the
commonwealth, if the commonwealth continued. Berkley had also the royal
commission, and no other man in the colony had ; this gave the cavaliers a
vantage ground on which to stand, should the commonwealth cease, and an
auspicious time arrive for unfurling the standard ofthe king. May not con
siderations like these have operated in that day] On this theory, the seem-

286

NOTE.

Ing contradiction of the records of that day may all be harmonized. Accord*
ing to the view of Berkley himself, though^elected by fhe assembly ^anck"
therefore, in one sense their servant,) neither he nor they had any power be- ¦;
'.Jf'yond that which the necessity of the times forced some one to exercise.
¦ Writing to Governor Stuy vesant, he says, *ll am but a servant of the As-*
sembly ; neither do they arrogate any power to themselves, further than the
miserable distractions of England force them to. For when God shall be
pleased in his mercy to take away and dissipate the unnatural divisions of
their native country, they will immediately return to their own professed
obedience."— Jlf Smith's New- York; tl .
4. Cromwell always viewed Virginia with suspicion : and the text fur
nishes an instance of.it, in the reproof with which he visited them for their
"' jkindness to Maryland.
5. Contemporaries, actors in the scenes, residents in Virginia, have left fjr
behind them their testimony, and it has come down to us to prove the loyalty '&t
of Virginia. We have already mentioned in the text that, after the restora"-
tion, when Sir William Berkley was called home on a visit, by the king, a
paSnphlet was presented to the Bishop of London, which it is supposed,
was prepared by direction of Berkleys it is entitled " Virginia's Cure, an
advisive Narrative concerning Virginia," &c, &c; and was printed in
,1661. In a passage, quoted in the text, the author(who was himself in Vir
ginia) states, that the naval force of the parliament "had reduced the colony
under the power "\b%l never to the obedience) of the usurpers.'' And as a
proof of it, in part, he states -that " the people generally bear a great love to
the stated constitutions of the Church of England in her government and
public worship ;". and the especial claim of Virginia to the kind and prompt
attention of his lordship, is urgedupon the ground that, " in the late times of
our church's persecution, her people alone cheerfully and joyfully embraced,
encouraged, and maintained the orthodox' ministers that went over to them
in their public conformity to the Church of England in her doctrine and
stated manner gf public worship." A part of that public worship included
a prayer for the king, the use of which was, indeed, prohibited by one of the
articles of the surrender, but whieh the language of our authority would
justify us in supposing was, notwithstanding, used, particularly as we know
that other articles of the surrender were disregarded. Another contempo
rary publication, ,to which we have referred in the text, is explicit on the
subject. The book is entitled " Leah and Rachell ; or, the two fruitfull
Sisters of Virginia and Maryland," printed in 1656. It was written by
John Hammond, who lived in both colonies, and in fact gives the first con
temporary history which was written of the subjugation of Virginia by the
parliamentary commissioners. Speaking of Virginia, during the protecto
rate, his words are, " Virginia being whole for monarchy."
->' Upon the testimony herein presented, the author has considered the fact
of Virginia's loyalty as one which is sustained by sufficient evidence.

JOURNALS

CONVENTIONS

DP THE *'

PROTESTANT E PIS COPAL CHURCH

DIOCESS OF VIRGINIA.

FROM 1785 TO 183 5, INCLUSIVE.

JOURNALS
OF THE
CONVENTIONS
OF THE
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN VIRGINIA,
FROM THE YEAR 1785 TO THE PRESENT DAY.

AN ACT FOK INCORPORATING THE PROTESTANT
EPISCOPAL CHORCH.
"Whereas the Clergy of the Protestant Epis
copal Church, by their petition presented, have
requested that their church may be incorporated,
Be it enacted by the General Assembly, That
every minister of the Protestant Episcopal
Church, now holding a parish within this com
monwealth, either by appointment from a vestry
or induction from a governor, and all the ves
trymen in the different parishes now instituted,
or which hereafter may be instituted, within this
commonwealth, that is to say, the minister and
vestrymen of each parish respectively, or, in case
of a vacancy, the vestry of each parish, and
their successors for ever, are hereby made a
body corporate and politic, by the name of the
minister and vestry of the Protestant Episcopal
Church in the parish where they respectively
reside ; and by the name, style, and title afore
said, they and their successors shall for ever
lawfully have, hold, use, and enjoy all and every
tract or tracts of glebe-land already purchased,
the churches and chapels already built, with the
burying-grounds belonging to them, and such as
were begun and contracted for before the first
day of January, in the year 1777, for the use of
the parishes, with their hereditaments and apper-
tenances; and all books, plate, and ornaments
appropriated to the use of, and every other thing
the property of the late established church, to
the sole and only proper use and benefit of the
Protestant'Episcopal Churcr. in the parish where
the respective ministers and vestries reside (ex
cept the glebe in the county of Augusta ; the
rents or profits arising from which that are now
due, or that shall become due, until a sufficient
number of the professors of the church now in
corporated by this act shall be formed into a
society in the said county, shall be, by the over
seers of the poor, applied to the repairing the
church and- churchyard, and for the sttpport
of the poor of the said county), and -where
the property is situate and being, agreeable to
the true intent for which it was purchased or
given ; and by the name, style, anj| title afore
said, they shall be capable in law to hold, main
tain, and recover all their estates, rights, and

privileges, and to sue and be sued, plead and be
empleaded, answer and be answered unto, de
fend and be defended, in all suits, controversies,
causes, actions, matters, and things, in any courts
or courts of law or equity whatsoever, and shall
have one common seal and perpetual succession.
—Provided al^vays and be it further enacted, That
in all proceedings of the aforesaid ministers and
vestries, all matters shall be decided by a major
ity of votes, and the minister shall in no case
have a negative on the proceedings of the said
corporation, except where his vote shall be.with
or make a majority of the votes present at any
meeting of the said corporation.
And be it further enacted, That the respective
incorporated ministers apd vestries of the Prot
estant Episcopal Church shall have full power,
good right, and lawful authority, to have, take,
receive, acquire, purchase, use, and enjoy lands,
tenements, and hereditaments, and all goods and
chattels, and to demise, alien, improve, and lease
(gleberlands intended for the minister's resi
dence excepted, and those to lease and improve
during a vacancy) the said lands, tenemehts,-and
hereditaments, and to use and improve such
goods and chattels to the use and benefit of the
said church within their respective parishes,
not to exceed eight hundred pounds yearly rent
or income, any law, usage, or custom to the
contrary notwithstanding : And- that it shall be
lawful for the said ministers and vestries of the
Protestant Episcopal Church to apply any goods
or chattels belonging to the said" church, to the
purposerof erecting or repairing churches, ox
building or repairing dwelling or other houses
for the use of their ministers, or school-houses,
as they shall from time to time think necessary
within their respective parishes.
And be it further enacled,]£ha.t the minister, or,
in ca.se of absence or vacancy, the church-war
dens, shall call a meeting of the incorporated
body as often as it shall be deemed needful,' and
sevenof the said body shall be a. sufficient tim
ber to constitute a meeting for the despatch of
business, and shall have poweT, except in cases
of demising, alienation, or leasing, in which.
cases a concurrence of a majority of -the wholes
shall be necessary to make such rulers, and or
ders for managing all the temporal affairs and

ACT OF INCORPORATION.

concerns of said church as they, or the major
part of them so met, shall agree upon, and shall
think most conducive to the interest and pros
perity of that church, and shall have the sole dis
position and ordering of all payments of the
moneys belonging to the said church, and also
the appointing a clerk, v. treasurer, and collect
or, whenever they judge it necessary, and the
said clerk, treasurer, and collector at their pleas
ure to remove, and to appoint others in their
stead. AU which orders and rules they shall
cause to be fairly entered and preserved in
books to be provided for that purpose.
And be it further enacted, That in whatever
parish or parishes within this commonwealth,
ministers and vestrymen are wanting to form a
body corporate and politic, agreeable to the di
rections of this act, it shall be lawful for any
two reputable inhabitants, members of the Epis
copal Church, to call together at some conve
nient place, by notice duly given, the members
of the said church residing within such parish
Or parishes, and there elect, by a majority of
votes, twelve able and discreet men, members
of the Protestant Episcopal Church, who shall
be a vestry to all intents and purposes, and who,
with their minister, or during a vacancy, with=
out a minister, shall be a body corporate and
politic by the same name, and shall enjoy all the
rights, powers, privileges, and immunities, as
by this act are given to the respective ministers
and vestries of the Protestant Episcopal Church
within this commonwealth.
And be it further enacted, That at all future
elections of vestries, no person shall be allowed
to vote who does not profess himself a member
of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and actual
ly contribute towards its support. There shall
be elections of vestrymen every third year for
ever ; the first election to be held on Monday in
next Easter-week, if fair, if not, the next fair
day, and a$ succeeding elections on the same
day, except as before excepted, in every third
year ; which elections shall be held and con
ducted in the following manner, viz : The mem
bers of the Protestant Episcopal Church shall
assemble at their respective parish churches, or
at some other convenient place in the parish, on
Easter-Monday, except as before excepted, every
third year, and then and there elect twelve able
and discreet men, members of the same church,
who shall, previous to their entering on the
office of vestrymen, subscribe in vestry to be
conformable to the doctrine, discipline, and wor
ship of the ProtestantnEpiscopal Church. Two
of the vestry so chosen shall, by a majority of
the vestry assembled, be nominated church
wardens, who, or either of whom, and their suc
cessors, shall preside at all future elections,
shall take care that the elections are conducted
in a fair and orderly manner, and shall be judges
of the qualifications of electors. And tot the
intent that vacancies in vestries may be rilled
up, Be it enacted,*Tba.t whenever vacancies in
vestries shall happen, either by death, resigna
tion, or removal from the parish, the remaining
vestrymen, or a quorum of them, shall choose
such persons as they may judge proper to supply

the office of vestrymen ; who, on their subscri
bing in vestry as before directed, shall continue
in office until the next general election of ves
tries, except they remove from the parish for
which they were elected, or shall resign.
And be it further enacted, That the ministers
and vestries of the respective parishes, or the
person or persons authorized by them to manage
the temporal concerns of the Protestant Episco
pal Church in the respective parishes, shall, and
they are hereby required, on the court-day of
their respective counties next following the tri
ennial elections, and so continually once in
every three years, at the court aforesaid, to ex
hibit upon oath an account and inventory of all
the estate, both real and personal, belonging to
their respective churches or religious societies,
together with the account of the annual revenue
arising therefrom ; and in case the vestry of any
parish, or the person or persons intrusted with
the care of the temporalities of the respective
churches or religious societies of the Protestant
Episcopal Church, shall fail to exhibit an ac
count and inventory of the estate and annual rev
enue of the said churches respectively, for the
space of twelve months after the expiration of
the three years within which time they are
hereby required to render such account and in
ventory, the vestry for the parish thus failing
shall forfeit and pay the sum of one hundred
pounds, to the use of the commonwealth, to be
recovered by action of debt in any court of rec
ord ; and in case the account and inventory shall
not be returned at the time appointed after the
next general election, the vestry thus failing
shall cease to be a body corporate.
And be it further enacted, That in all cases
where it shall appear by the account and inven
tory rendered as aforesaid, that the annual rev
enue of any church exceeds the said sum of
eight hundred pounds, the court before whom
such account is rendered'-is hereby required to
report the same, together with the account and
inventory by which such excess appears, to the
executive, to be by them laid before the General
Assembly at their next session. And to the in
tent that the Protestant Episcopal Church may
be released from those restraints which are yet
imposed on her by the laws of this common
wealth, Be it enacted, That all former acts relating to
the elections, qualifications, powers, and duties
of vestrymen and church-wardens, all former
acts for the support of the clergy, all former acts
relating to the appointment or qualifications or
duties of ministers, all acts enjoining the obser
vance of any particular liturgy or form of wor
ship, "the use of any particular catechism or mode
of faith, and the observance of fasts and festi
vals, and all former acts imposing penalties on
clergymen for neglecting to keep registers, or
neglecting to give notice of any observance, or
publishing any law, and every other act or
clauses of acts within the purview of this act,
are hereby repealed ; and all the vestries within
this commonwealth are, on the day before the
Monday of next Easter-week, declared to be dis
solved ) and the Protestant Episcopal Churchs

CONVENTION OF 1785.

3

within this commonwealth is hereby authorized ;
to regulate (in conventions of their church to be ,
held so often as, and where they think proper, j
and to consist of a deputation of two persons
from each parish, whereof the minister shall al
ways be one, if there be a minister in the parish,
and the other person or persons shall be ap- J
pointed by the vestries) all the religious con- 1
cerns of that church, its doctrines, discipline,
and worship, and to institute such rules and reg
ulations as they may judge necessary for the i
good government thereof, and the same to re- 1
voke and alter at their pleasure. Forty persons ;
so appointed shall be a convention, and the first
meeting may be at the call of any three minis
ters of the Protestant Episcopal Church. Pro
vided, that no rules or regulations shall be in
stituted that shall be repugnant to the laws and
constitution of this commonwealth, or by which
a minister may be received into or turned out

of a parish contrary to the consent of a majority
of a vestry.
And be it further enacted, That the ministers
and laymen met in general convention shall
have full power and authority, on good cause to
them shown, to remove from any parish any
minister accused of unworthy behaviour, or neg
lecting the duties of his office.
And bett farther enacted, That where it shall
have happened that the present vestries have
failed in any parish to lay their parish levy, and to
make provision for their poor, or other legal de
mands against such vestry at the time prescribed
by law, such vestries having so failed are here
by authorized to levy on their respective parishes
all arrearages due from the said vestry, in the
same manner as they might have done before
the passing of this act, any thing in this act to
the contrary notwithstanding.

Journal of a Convention of the Clergy and Laity of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Virginia,
begun and holden in the City of Richmond, Wednesday, May 18, 1785.

A List of the Members of the Convention.

Counties.
Accomack,Albemarle,Brunswick and
Greensville,
Berkeley,Caroline, Charles City,
Chesterfield,
Culpepper,Cumberland,Dinwiddie,Elizabeth City,
Essex,Fairfax,
Fauquier,
Frederick,Gloucester, Goochland,Hanover,
Henrico,James City,
King George, |
King and Queen,
King William, <

Parishes.
| Accomack,
I St. George,
Fredericksville,
I St. Andrew,
l Meherrin, Norborne,
("Drysdale,I St. Asaph,
| St. Margaret,
[_St. Mary,
Westover,
, Manchester,
' Dale,
j St. Mark,
! Bromfield,Lyttleton,Bath,
Elizabeth City,
) South Farnham,
' St. Anne,
Fairfax,Leeds,
Frederick,
r Abingdon,Petsworth,
, Kingston,St. James's Nor-
tham,
I St. Paul,
St. Martin,
Henrico, James City,
Hanover, St. Pauls,
St. Stephen,
St. John,
St. David,

Lay Deputies.
Jabez Pittis.
Levin Joynes and Tully Wise.
John Walker.
Drury Stith.
Thomas Claiborne.
Morgan Morgan.
William Lyne.
John Page, jun.
Samuel Hawes.
Robert Gilchrist.
John Tyler.
Archibald Cary.
James Pendleton.
Reuben Beall.
Benjamin Wilson.
Robert Walker.
( Wilson Miles Cary and
( George Wray.
S Spencer Roane and
I Newman Brockenbrough.
Robert Beverley.
Bryan Fairfax.
Philip Mallory.

' Clergymen.

Thomas Lundie.

 Carter.
Samuel Shield.
Archibald Dick.

Charles Clay.
William Leigh.
James Stephenson.
Christopher Macrae.
Devereaux Jarratt.

A3

John Page.
Matthew Anderson.
Thomas Smith.
> Thomas Underwood.
j John Pendleton and
[ Bartlett Anderson.
John Winston.
Edmund Randolph.
WiUiam Lee.
Burditt Ashton.
Townsend Dade.
Anderson Scott arid Henry Young
Carter Braxton.
Benjamin Temple.

David Griffith.
Alexander Belmain.

Robert Barret.
John Buchanan.
James Madison.

William Skyring.

CONVENTION OF 1785.

Counties.
Lancaster, Louisa,
Lunenburg,Middlesex,Mecklenburg,Nansemond,New Kent,
Norfolk, Northumberland,
Northampton, Orange, Pittsylvania,
Powhatan,P. George,
P. Anne,
P. William,
''Richmond, Southampton, Spotsylvania,Stafford, Surry,
Warwick, Westmoreland,Williamsburg,
York,

Parishes.
Christ Church,
Trinity, Cumberland,Christ Church,
St. James,
I Upper,
! Suffolk,
; Blisland,
; St. Peter,
, Elizabeth,
! Portsmouth,
; Wicomico,
! St. Stephen,
Hungars,
St. Thomas,
Camden,Southam,
; Martin's Brandon,
I Bristol,Lynhaven,Dettingen, Farnham,
St. Luke,
i St. George,
; Berkeley,
| Over Wharton,
! Brunswick,
Southwark,Warwick,Washington,
Bruton,
; York Hampton,
; Charles,

Lay Deputies.
James Ball.

Clergymen.

Garret Minor and Chas. Yancey.
Thomas Buford. James Craig.
Samuel Klug.
Lewis Burwell.
Willis Riddick and Richard Baker.
Solomon Shepherd. Arthur Emmerson.
Burwell Bassett. Price Davies.
William Hartwell Macon. James Semple.
James Taylor and George Kelly.
John Hudson.

Thomas Gaskins.
Hudson Meuse.
Thomas Barbour.
Abraham Shelton.
Vincent Maikham.
Nathaniel Harrison.
Robert Boiling.
Jesse Ewell.
William Peachey.
Joseph Brock. -
Beverley Winslow and J. Dawson
Charles Carter.
William Fitzhugh.
Carter B. Harrison.
Richard Cary.
John Blair.
Nathaniel Nelson.
Robert Shield.

John Leland.
Thomas Davis.
Samuel S. M'Croskey.

John H. Saunders.
Benjamin Blagrove.
John Cameron.
 Simpson.

George Gurley.

Robert Buchan.
Thomas Thornton.
H. John Burgess.
William Bland.
Francis Wilson.
John Bracken.
Robert Andrews.
Joseph Davenport.

A sufficient number of clergymen and lay
deputies to form a Convention agreeable to the
act of Assembly for incorporating the Protestant
Episcopal Church having met,
The Rev. James Madison, D. D., was unani
mously elected President of the Convention.
The Rev. Robert Andrews, A. M., was unan
imously appointed Secretary of the Convention.
Ordered, That a committee be appointed to
examine and report to the Convention the cer
tificate of appointment of the sitting members.
And a committee was appointed of Mr. Lee,
Mr. Wilson M. Cary, Mr. Braxton, Mr. Page,
of Gloucester, Rev. Mr. Griffith, and Rev. Mr.
Shield. Resolved, That this Convention will observe
the standing rules of the House of Delegates.
Ordered, That two door-keepers be appointed.
The act of Assembly for incorporating the
Protestant Episcopal Church, and a paper con
taining the proceedings of a Convention of Cler
gymen and Lay Deputies of the Protestant Epis
copal Church, held at New- York, on the 6th
and 7th of October, 1784, were read.
Ordered, That the said act and paper lie on
the table.
Resolved, That this Convention will to-mor
row resolve itself into a committee of the whole
Convention to take into consideration the state
of the Protestant Episcopal Church in this com
monwealth. Resolved, That the secretary be authorized
to employ a*i assistants.

Resolved, That this Convention will attend
divine service to-morrow morning, at 9 o'clock,
at the church in this city : And that divine ser
vice shall afterward be performed every morning
in the capitol when the president takes the chair.
The Convention adjourned till to-morrow
morning, 10 o'clock.
Thursday, Mat 19, 1785.
The Convention having met according to ad
journment, Ordered, That the thanks of the Convention
be given to the Rev. John Bracken for the ex
cellent sermon preached by him this morning.
The Convention, according to the order of
the day, resolved itself into a committee of the
whole Convention to take into consideration the
state of the Protestant Episcopal Church in this
commonwealth. Mr. Braxton in the chair.
Mr. Braxton, from the committee of the whole
Convention to take into consideration the state
of the Protestant Episcopal Church in this com
monwealth, reported. That the committee had,
according to order, taken the same into consid
eration, and come to the following resolution
thereupon, which was read and agreed to as fol-
loweth : —
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this com
mittee that an address be prepared to the mem
bers of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Vir
ginia, representing the condition of that Church,
and exhorting them to unite in its support.

CONVENTION OF 1785.

Ordered, That a committee of eight members
be appointed to prepare the address : And a
committee was appointed of Mr. Page, of Glou
cester, Mr. Randolph, Mr. Braxton, Mr. Walk
er, Rev. Mr. Griffith, Rev. Mr. Burgess, Rev.
Mr. Bracken, and Rev. Mr. Andrews.
The Convention again resolved itself into a
committee of the whole Convention on the state
ofthe Church, and after some time spent there
in, Mr. President resumed the chair, and Mr.
Braxton reported that the committee had, ac
cording to order, taken the state of the Church
under consideration, and had come to several res
olutions thereupon, which were read and agreed
to by the Convention, as followeth : —
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this com
mittee that deputies be appointed to represent
the Protestant Episcopal Church of Virginia, in
the General Convention to be holden in the city
of Philadelphia on the Tuesday before the feast
of St. Michael next.
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this com
mittee that the deputation to the General Con
vention consist of two clergymen and two lay
men ; any two of whom shall be considered as
a representation. Resolved, That it is the opinion of this com
mittee that instructions be prepared for the con
duct of the said deputies.
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this com
mittee that the said instructions be so framed as
to leave the Convention of this state at liberty
to approve or disapprove of the proceedings of
the General Convention.
Mr. Braxton informed the Convention that
the committee of the whole Convention on the
state of the Church had not gone through the bu
siness to them referred ;. and moved that the said
committee have leave to sit again, whereopit was
Resolved, That the Convention will again, to
morrow, resolve itself into a committee of the
whole Convention on the state of the Church. .
Ordered, That the committee appointed to
prepare the address to the members of the Prot
estant Episcopal Church in this commonwealth,
also prepare the instructions for the conduct of
the deputies to the General Convention ; and
that the Rev. Mr. M'Croskey and Mr. Lee be
added to the committee.
Ordered, That a committee be appointed to
prepare a plan for the support Of the deputies to
the General Convention : And a committee was
appointed of Mr. Randolph, Rev. Mr. Griffith,
Mr: Walker, and Rev. Mr. Davis.
Resolved, That the Convention will on Sat
urday next proceed by ballot to the choice of
deputies to attend the General Convention.
Ordered, That a committee be appointed to
prepare and report fit rules for the order, gov
ernment, and discipline of the Protestant Epis
copal Church in this commonwealth. And a
committee was appointed of Mr. N. Harrison,
Rev. T. Davis, Rev. Mr. Shield, Rev. Mr, Sky-
ring, Rev. Mr. Davenport, Rev. Mr. Cameron,
Rev. Mr. Griffith, Rev. Mr. M'Croskey, Rev.
Mr. Burgess, Mr. Page, Mr.' W. M. Cary, Mr.
Taylor, Mr. Lee, Mr. Gilchrist, Mr. Nelson, and
Mr. Peachey.

The Convention adjourned till to-morrow
morning, 11 o'clock.
Friday, May 20, 1785.
Mr. Page, from the committee appointed to
prepare instructions for the deputies to the Gen
eral Convention, presented a draught of such in
structions, which were read, and ordered to be
referred to a committee of the whole Conven
tion to-morrow.
Mr. Randolph, from the committee appointed
to prepare a plan for the support of the deputies
to the General Convention, reported, That the
committee had, according to order, had the same
under consideration, and had come to some res
olutions thereupon, which were read and agreed
to, as followeth : —
Resolved, That it is the opinion of your com
mittee that it be recommended to the several
vestries of this commonwealth to procure by sub
scription, from the members of the Protestant
Episcopal Church within their respective par
ishes, the sum of five pounds, for the purpose
of defraying the expenses of the deputies of the
said church to the General Convention, to be
holden at Philadelphia on the Tuesday before
the feast of St. Michael next, and to forward
the same to the Rev. John Buchanan, of the
city of Richmond, on or before the twentieth
day of August next.
Resolved, That the said Rev. John Buchanan
be requested to receive the moneys raised by
the aforesaid subscription ; and to pay the same
in equal proportions to such of the said deputies
as shall undertake the business, or to their or
der, as far as the sum of forty pounds each, and
to r-etain the balance in his hands, subject to the
order of the Convention.
Resolved, That the representatives of the sev
eral parishes in this Convention will exert them
selves for the payment of the sum aforesaid.
Resolved, That his excellency the Governor,
the members of the Council, and the judges of
the Supreme Courts, be admitted to seats within
the bar.
The Rev. Mr. Thomas Davis, from the com
mittee appointed to prepare fit rules for the or
der, government, and discipline of the Protest
ant Episcopal Church in Virginia, informed the
Convention that the said committee had, ac
cording to order, framed several rules for the
attainment of those ends ; which were read, and
ordered to be referred to a committee of the
whole Convention to-morrow.
Ordered, That the secretary procure a copy of
the Canons of the Church of England for the
use of the Convention.
Ordered, That the 'proceedings of the Con
vention of the Protestant Episcopal Church,
holden at New-York on the 6th and 7th days
of October, 1784, be referred to the committee
appointed to draw up the instructions for the
deputies to the General Convention ; and that
Mr. A. Cary and Rev. Mr. Leigh be added to
the said committee.
Resolved, That the order of the day that the
Convention resolve itself into a committee of
the whole Convention on the state of the Prot-

6

CONVENTION OF 1785.

estant Episcopal Church in this commonwealth
be put off until to-morrow.
The Convention adjourned till to-morrow, 10
o'clock. Saturday, May 21, 1785.
Mr. Lee, from the committee appointed to
examine and report the certificates of appoint
ment of the sitting members, reported, That the
said committee had, according to order, exam
ined the same, and had come to some resolu
tions thereupon, which were read.
Ordered, That the said resolutions lie on the
table. «
The Convention, according to the order of
the day, resolved itself into a committee of the
whole Convention on the draught of the instruc
tions for the deputies to the General Conven
tion; and after some time spent therein, Mr.
President resumed the chair, and Mr. Braxton,
from the said committee, reported, That the
committee had gone through the business to them
referred, and had made several amendments,
which he was ready to report when the Con
vention should be pleased to receive them.
•Resolved, That the Convention will on Mon
day next receive the said report.
The Convention, according to the order of
the day, resolved itself into a committee of the
whole Convention on the rules for the order,
government, and discipline of the Protestant
Episcopal Church in Virginia, and after some
time spent therein, Mr. President resumed the
chair, and Mr. Braxton reported, That the com
mittee had, according to order, taken under con
sideration the business to them referred, and
had made some progress therein, but not having
had time to go through the same, he moved that
the committee have leave to sit again.
Resolved, That the Convention will on Mon
day next again resolve itself into a committee
of the whole Convention on the rules for the
order, government, and discipline of the Prot
estant Episcopal Church in Virginia.
Resolved, That the several orders of the day
be put off until Monday next.
The Convention adjourned till Monday next,
10 o'clock. Monday, May 23, 1785.
Mr. Randolph, from the committee to which
the proceedings of the Convention holden at
New- York were referred, reported, That the
committee had, according to order, had the
same under consideration, and had come to some
resolutions thereon, which were read and agreed
to as followeth : —
Resolved, That this Convention are willing
to unite in a general ecclesiastical constitution
with the members of the Protestant Episcopal
Church in the other states of America.
Resolved, That this Convention do accede to
the following recommendations of the late Con
vention at New- York, as fundamental principles
in the said ecclesiastical constitution : —
1. That there shall be a General Convention
of the Protestant Episcopal Church in America.
8. That the Episcopal Church in each state

send deputies to the said Convention, consisting
of clergy and laity.
3. That associated congregations in two or
more states may send deputies jointly.
4. That in every state where there shall be a
bishop consecrated and settled, he shall be con
sidered as a member of the said Convention, ex
officio. Resolved, That this Convention cannot bind
themselves on the subject of the fourth article,
until the same shall be revised at the next Gen
eral Convention at Philadelphia, and reported to
the next Convention.
Resolved, That this Convention cannot ac
cede to the sixth article, recommended as a fun
damental principle of the said ecclesiastical con
stitution. Resolved, That this Convention will however
accede to the mode of voting, recommended in
the sixth article, with respect to the Convention
to be holden at Philadelphia, reserving a right
to approve or disapprove their proceedings.
The Convention, according to the order of the
day, proceeded to consider the amendments
made to the instructions for the conduct of the
deputies appointed to attend the General Con
vention at Philadelphia, and, haying made some
other amendments, agreed to the instructions, as
followeth : —
Gentlemen, — During your representation of
the Protestant Episcopal Church in the General
Convention, we recommend to your observance
the following sentiments concerning doctrine
and worship. We refer you, at the same time,
for these and other objects of your mission, to
our resolutions on the proceedings of the late
Convention at New-York.
Uniformity in doctrine and worship will un
questionably contribute to the prosperity of the
Protestant Episcopal Church. But we earnestly
wish that this may be pursued with liberality
and moderation. The obstacles which stand in
the way of union among Christian societies are
too often founded on matters of mere form.
They are surmountable therefore by those who,
breathing the spirit of Christianity, earnestly
labour in this pious work
'From the Holy Scriptures themselves, rather
than the comments of men, must we learn the
terms of salvation. Creeds, therefore, ought to
be simple : And we are not anxious to retain
any other than that which is commonly called
the Apostles' Creed.
Should a change in the liturgy be proposed,
let it be made with caution : And in that case
let the alterations be few, and the style of prayer
continue as agreeable as may be to the essential
characteristics of our persuasion.
We will not now decide what ceremonies ought
to be retained. We wish, however, that those
which exist may be estimated according to their
utility ; and that such as may appear fit to be
laid aside, may no longer be appendages of our
church. We need only add, that we shall expect a re
port of your proceedings to be made to those
whom we shall vest with authority to call a Con
vention.

CONVENTION OF 178S.

Done in Convention this 22d day of May, in
the year of our Lord 1785.
On a motion made, Resolved, That it be rec
ommended to the several vestries to ascertain,
by the best means in their power, the number
of the members of the Protestant Episcopal
Church within their respective parishes, and re
port the same to the next Convention.
The Convention, according to the order of the
day, proceeded by ballot to the appointment of
deputies to attend the General Convention, to
be holden in Philadelphia in September next ;
and Mr. Harrison, Mr. Randolph, Rev. Mr.
Burgess, and Rev. Mr. Shield, were appointed
a committee to examine the ballots, who, hav
ing withdrawn and examined the same, reported,
That they had found the numbers for the sev
eral persons balloted for to be as followeth : —
• For Rev. David Griffith, 71 ; John Page,
Esq., 67 ; WiUiam Lee, Esq., 43,; Rev. Sam
uel S. M'Croskey, 38 ; Rev. Robert Andrews,
35 ; Carter Braxton, Esq., 33 ; Rev. John
Bracken, 2 ; Rev. John Burgess, 2 ; Bryan
Fairfax, Esq., 1 ; Dr. James Taylor, 1.
And it appearing from the report that the
majority of the whole Convention were in fa
vour of Mr. Griffith, Mr. Page, Mr. Lee, and
Mr M'Croskey,
Resolved, therefore, That the Rev. David Grif
fith, John Page, Esq., William Lee, Esq., and
the Rev. Samuel Smith M'Croskey, be appointed
deputies to the General Convention of the Prot
estant Episcopal Church, to be holden at Phil
adelphia on the Tuesday before the feast of St.
Michael next.
The Convention, according to the order of
the day, resolved itself into a committee of the
whole Convention on the rules for the order,
government, and discipline of the- Protestant
Episcopal Chureh ; and after some time spent
therein, Mr. President resumed the chair, and
Mr. Harrison reported, That the said commit
tee had, according to order, had under their con
sideration the business to them referred, and
had made some progress in the same, but that
not having had time to go through it, he was di
rected to move that the said committee have
leave to sit again.
Resolved, That the said committee sit again
to-morrow. A letter from his excellency the Governor, di
rected to the President of the Convention, and
enclosing an extract of a letter from Count de
Rosencrone, respecting the means of procuring
ordination of American clergymen in Denmark,
was, together with the said extract, read and or
dered to be referred to a committee : And ,a
committee was appointed of Mr. Braxton, Mr.
Page, Rev. Mr. Davis, and Rev. Mr. Shield.
Resolved, That the order of the day for the
Convention to resolve itself into a committee of
the whole Convention on the state of the church
be put off until to-morrow.
The Convention adjourned fill to-morrow
morning, 9 o'clock.
Tuesday, May 24, 1785.
Mr. Page, from the committee appointed to

prepare an address to the members of the Prot
estant Episcopal Church, reported, That the
said committee had prepared such an address ;
which was read and agreed to, as followeth : —
Tlie Address of the Convention to the Members
of the Protestant Episcopal Chureh in Vir
ginia. For more than eight years our church hath
languished under neglect. We will not, how
ever, believe that her friends have revolted, and
therefore trust that a knowledge of her present
condition will rekindle their former affections.
Religion does not inv^e by inducements from
eternal interest alone ; society feels her benig
nity in remedying the defects of laws. Secret
injuries to social rights escape the censures of
government. From the constitution of human
affairs, human wisdom cannot be certain, that
an antidote applied to one evil will not produce
another ; and many are the duties of imperfect
obligation, which no legislative provision can
enforce. Nor can society at all times furnish
incitements to virtuous conduct by rewards ; and
even if this were practicable, the most enlight
ened tribunal on earth could not be assured of
the purity of the motive which gave birth to the
action rewarded. Religion, on the contrary, fixes
the eye of conscience on deeds however remote
from public view ; arrests the hand of vice by
holding forth the responsibility of man to his
Creator; rescues benevolence from the vortex
of self-love ; administers self-complacency, that
highest prize of merit ; and withholds it in spite
of partiality when it is not due.
From the earliest day, and in every clime, has
the efficacy of religion been acknowledged. Un
der various forms have her benefits been soli
cited, and we have enlisted ourselves under the
banners of the Protestant Episcopal Church.
Let us not then desert this object of our choice,
but, conscious of her scriptural authority, devote
ourselves to her relief.
Of what is the church now possessed ! Noth
ing but the glebes and your affections. Since
the year 1776, she hath been even without reg
ular government, and her ministers have re
ceived but little compensation for their services.
Their numbers are diminished by death and
other causes, and we have as yet no resource
within ourselves for a succession of ministers.
Churches stand in need of repair, and there is
no fund equal to the smallest want.
By the favour of Providence, indeed, the Prot
estant Episcopal Church is incorporated by law,
and under this sanction are we now assembled.
We have accepted the invitation of a Conven
tion, lately holden at New-York, to send depu
ties to another to be holden at Philadelphia in
the fall. We shall not enter into a revision of
doctrine and worship, until their return and re
port of the sentiments of those of our commu
nion with whom they may be associated. We
have, however, organized the government of the
church. But whither must our labours tend without
your assistance 1 To contempt they cannot ;
for we have the consciousness of aiming at our

8

CONVENTION OF 1785.

common welfare alone. To almost every thing
underlhe sun belongs a crisis, which, if em
braced, stamps our endeavours with success — if
lost, with ruin. In this situation does our
church now stand : and why do you hesitate 1
Are the doctrines of our church less excellent
than at any former period 1 Have you embraced
the persuasion of that church, to abandon it in
the hour of difficulty 1 Common justice requires
that those who profess themselves to be members
of a society, should unite in cherishing it ; and
let us not be the only example of a religious asso
ciation withering from the want of support from
its own members. •
But do not believe that by thus exhorting you
to zeal for our church, we mean to provoke an
aversion to other Christian societies. It is vain
to expect unanimity among mankind ; and who
can with confidence declare himself infallible 1
We rather conceive that Christians of every de
nomination, who are sincere in their opinion, are
not less our brethren for maintaining different
tenets. It is our duty to be ready to unite upon
principles consistent with the gospel, and bring
the Christian Church to unity, as nearly as con
science will permit.
We therefore entreat you in the most solemn
manner, we conjure you by all the ties of reli
gion, to co-operate fervently in the cause of our
church. Should these our earnest efforts be
abortive, we shall always with truth call the
Searcher of hearts to witness, that the downfall
of the Protestant Episcopal Church is not to be
named among our offences, and to this admoni
tion shall we ever appeal.
Ordered, That copies of the address be
immediately printed.
Resolved, That it be recommended to the sev
eral vestries to take the most effectual measures
for procuring by voluntary subscriptions a com
petent support for the incumbents of their re
spective parishes ; and to report the result of
their endeavours -to the next Convention.
The proceedings' of a vestry holden for North
Farnham parish, April 9, 1785, were laid before
the Convention.
Ordered, That they lie on the table.
The Rev. T. Davis, from the committee to
whom were referred the letter from his excel
lency the Governor, and the extract of a letter
from the Count de Rosencrone, reported, That
the said committee had, according to order, had
under consideration the papers to them referred,
and had come to some resolutions thereon,
which were read and agreed to, as followeth : —
Resolved, That the thanks of this Convention
are due to his excellency the Governor for this
mark of his attention to their interests, and that
the President of the Convention be requested to
write a letter expressive of their thanks, and to
assure him that they have a proper sense of the
indulgence granted by, his Danish majesty to the
Episcopalians of these United States.
Resolved, That the deputies be instructed to
communicate to the General Convention at Phil
adelphia the contents of the Count de Rosen
crone's letter.

The Convention, according to the order of
the day, resolved itself into a committee of the
whole Convention on the rules for the order,
government, and discipline of the Protestant
Episcopal Church, and after some time spent
therein, Mr. President resumed the chair, and
Mr. Harrison reported, That the said committee
had, according to order, had the said rules under
consideration, and made several amendments
therein, which were read and agreed to ; and
the rules, as amended, were ordered to be fairly
transcribed and read to-morrow.
Resolved, That the committee of the whole
Convention on the state of the church be dis
charged from sitting again.
On a motion made,
Resolved, That it is the Opinion of this Con
vention that the Canons of the Church of Eng
land have no obligation on the Protestant Epis
copal Church within this commonwealth.
Resolved, That until the farther order of the
Convention, the liturgy of the Church of Eng
land be used in the several churches throughout
this commonwealth, with such alterations as the
American Revolution has rendered necessary.
The Convention adjourned till to-morrow
morning, 10 o'clock.
Wednesday, May 25, 1785.
The rules for the order, government, and dis
cipline of the Protestant Episcopal Church, hav
ing been fairly transcribed, were read, and the
blanks filled up : And then it was resolved unan
imously that the said rules do pass, as follow
eth: —
Rules for the Order, Government, and Disci
pline of the Protestant Episcopal Church in
Virginia.
1. Conventions shall be holden annually on
the fourth Wednesday in May, in the city of
Richmond : Provided nevertheless, That if a
sufficient number of members to form a Con
vention shall not attend on the said day, any
fourteen then assembled shall have power to ad
journ. 2. A person shall preside in Convention with
the title, of president, who shall always be a
bishop, when there is one properly consecrated
and settled in this church, till which time a pres
ident shall be appointed by the Convention out
of their own body. If more than one bishop is
found necessary in this church, they shall pre
side alternately.
3. A secretary shall be appointed by the Con
vention, and dismissed by them at their pleas
ure, who shall take an oath of office, keep a rec
ord of their resolves and proceedings, and have
the records in his custody so long as he shall
continue in office.
4. Standing rules shall be established for the
preservation of decorum, and the orderly man
agement of business.
5. All questions, whether they relate to the
order, government, discipline, doctrine, or wor
ship of this church, or to any other matter
which is properly before the Convention, shall
be determined by a majority of votes.

CONVENTION OF 1785.

9

6. At all future Conventions, each member
(whether minister or layman) shall, previous to
his admission, produce a testimonial of his being
regularly appointed, which testimonial shall be
signed by one or both of the church-wardens or
by the clerk of the respective vestries.
7. All the ordinances and other proceedings
of the Convention shall be attested by the sec
retary. 8. The clergy of several neighbouring par
ishes, not less than three nor more than ten, shall
assemble in presbytery annually on the second
Wednesday in April, at some convenient place
in the district, to be appointed by a majority of
the ministers in the same district : One in each
district shall be appointed by the Convention to
preside in their meetings with the title of vis
iter, who shall annually visit each parish in his
district — shall attend to and inspect the morals
and conduct of the clergy — shall see that the
canons and rules of the church are observed,
and that no abuses are practised — shall admon
ish and reprove privately those clergymen who
are negligent, or act in an unbecoming manner,
and shall report yearly to the bishop, if there be
one, or, if there be no bishop, to the next Con
vention, the state of each parish in his district,
noting down the offenders and their offences.
9. The clergy who shall minister in this
church shall be the three orders of bishops,
priests, and deacons.
10. Every person hereafter to officiate in this
church as a bishop, shall be nominated by the
Convention ; and having received episcopal con
secration before he enters on his office, shall
take the oath of allegiance tothis commonwealth,
and subscribe to conform to the doctrine, disci
pline, and worship of the Protestant Episcopal
Church of Virginia : And no person shall be re
ceived into the church as a bishop until he shall
have completed the 30th year of his age.
11. As we conceive the office of a bishop, ac
cording to the true Apostolic institution, differs
in nothing from that of other ministers of God's
Word, except in the power of ordination and con
firmation, and the rights of superintending the
conduct of the clergy, and of precedency in ec
clesiastical assemblies, that office shall accord
ingly be so exercised in this church : And every
bishop, after his promotion to the episcopal
order, shall continue to hold a parish and to do
the duty of a parish minister, except when he is
necessarily employed in the discharge of his
episcopal office.
12. No bishop shall inflict any censure upon,
or exercise any power over the clergy under his
inspection, other than he is allowed to do by the
laws and institutions of this church made in
Convention. 13. No priest or minister shall hereafter be
received into any parish within this common
wealth unless he first produce to the vestry suf
ficient testimonials of his having been regularly
ordained a priest by some Protestant bishop —
take the oath of allegiance to this common
wealth, and subscribe to be conformable to the
doctrine, discipline,, and worship of the Prot
estant Episcopal Church. Provided, That any

person who hath been ordained by a bishop of
the Church of Rome may also be received as a
minister, who shall produce satisfactory testi
monials respecting his ordination, morals, and
conduct — renouncing the errors of that church
— take the oath, and subscribe as aforesaid.
14. No minister shall hereafter be received
into a parish who does not. first produce to the
vestry satisfactory testimonials of his morals,
conduct, and conversation, from the person or
persons appointed by the Convention to inquire
into such matters and gr.ant such testimonials.
15. The right of presentation or appointing
ministers to serve in the parishes shall continue
in the vestries, and each vestry shall choose its
own minister.
16. Every person to be ordained priest or
deacon, by any bishop of this church, ¦ shall
first produce testimonials of his good morals
and orderly conduct from the clergy, assembled
in the district where he for some time last re
sided, and from the vestry of the parish where
he last lived : Provided there be in the district
a sufficient number of clergymen to form a
presbytery, otherwise a testimonial from the
minister and vestry of his parish, or from the
vestry alone, if the parish is vacant, shall be
deemed sufficient : Provided also, the candi
date is not an inhabitant of some other state,
and intended to minister in some parish or con
gregation in a neighbouring state ;, Of the suf
ficiency of these testimonials, as well as of the
literary and other qualifications of the candi
dates, the bishop shall be the judge, and shall
approve or reject at his discretion.
17. No person shall be admitted to priest's
orders until he shall have completed the twenty-
fourth year of his age, and is assured of the
willingness of some parish or congregation to
receive him as their minister, to be certified
from under the hands of the church-wardens,
and attested by the clerk of the vestry.
18. Every person approved of by the bishop,
whether for priest's or deacon's orders, shall be
ordained according to the form prescribed in the
Book of Common Prayer, &c, directed to be
used in this church. But no person shall be
ordained priest until he has served six months
in the office of deacon.
19. No person shall be ordained a deacon
until he shall have completed the twenty-first
year of his age.
20. No person having deacon's orders only
shall be allowed to hold a parish. But a deacon
may, during a vacancy, officiate in a parish,
if chosen by the vestry to do so. He shall
preach the gospel and baptize. He may assist
in administering the sacrament of the Lord's
supper, but not consecrate the elements. He
may solemnize marriages, and shall attend to
the situation and circumstances of the poor
where it may be necessary.
21. A person may be ordained a deacon
though he shall have no assurance of being
called to minister in a parish or congregation,
provided his testimonials and qualifications are
satisfactory to the bishop.
22. A deacon may minister as a probationer

10

CONVENTION OF 1785.

or missionary under the direction of the Con
vention or the bishop.
23. It being directed by the incorporating act
that church-wardens shall be appointed, it shall
be their duty to superintend the building and
repairing of churches and other buildings be
longing to the parish — to see that they are done
agreeably to the directions of the vestry and
according to contract — to restrain and check
disorderly behaviour during time of worship —
to prosecute, under the direction of the vestry,
persons offending in such instances — to furnish
books, ornaments, surplices, elements for the
sacrament, and every other thing judged ne
cessary by the vestry, out of the church reve
nues, and to have, together with the minister,
the care of and superintendence over the
churchrcs and burying-grounds. Church-war
dens are to be considered as the acting part of
the vestry, who are to see their orders and reso
lutions carried into execution : and they are to
report the state of the parish to the bishop and
visiter at their visitations.
24. The parish clerk shall be appointed by
the minister and vestry, and displaced by them
whenever his services are not satisfactory to the
people : whenever he shall neglect his duty, or
otherwise misbehave himself.
25. Sextons shall be appointed by the vestries,
and dismissed by them when they think proper.
It shall be their duty to keep the keys of the
church, subordinate to the minister or church
wardens, to keep the church in decent order,
and to have the charge of the books, ornaments,
and other necessaries.
26. Bishops shall be amenable to the Conven
tion, who shall be a court to try them, from
which there shall be no appeal. On all such
occasions a president shall be chosen by the
Convention to sit as judge, and they shall also
appoint a clerk to the court.
27. All accusations against a bishop, as such,
shall come from the vestries ; but no accusa
tion against a bishop shall be received unless
three vestries join in the complaint. Ajl com
plaints against a bishop shall be lodged with
such persons as may be appointed to call a Con
vention, and a copy of the charge or charges to
be brought against him shall be communicated
to him in writing at least two months before
the trial. Counsel may be employed on both
sides ; and none but legal evidence shall be
admitted. 28. Disorderly, scandalous, and immoral con
duct, neglect of duty, u disregard to the rules
and canons of the church, or taking a bribe to
grant either ordination or a recommendation for
a vacant parish, shall be considered as offences
in a bishop, for which he may be brought to
trial, and, on his being convicted of any of these,
he shall be reproved, suspended, or dismissed,
at the discretion of the court.
29. Courts shall be instituted to examine
into complaints exhibited against ministers or
deacons, to consist of six members, viz., three
clergymen and three vestrymen, from the nearest
and most convenient parishes, one from each.
The appointment ofthe said vestrymen shall be

determined by lot. The oldest clergyman in
orders shall preside as judge. On conviction
of the minister, the court shall report the facts
and state the evidence to the Convention, who
shall proceed without delay to pronounce such
sentence as a majority of them shall think the
offence deserves ; which shall be either reproof,
suspension, or dismission.
30. No vestryman shall sit on the examina
tion of a minister belonging to the parish
wherein such vestryman resides. The exami
nation shall be held in the parish where the ac
cused minister officiates, and at a place to be
appointed by the vestry. The judges shall ap
point a clerk occasionally for such examinations.
31. Complaints against a minister shall be
received from the vestry of the parish where the
minister officiates, and from no other person or
persons whatever. They shall be signed by a
majority of a vestry, without which no com
plaint shall be received. They shall be directed
to the bishop, -or to the persons who may be
vested by the Convention with authority to re
ceive such complaints, and to direct courts of
examination. In every complaint the offence
or offences shall be stated, and the minister
shall be furnished with a copy of the charges
brought against him, and with notice of his in
tended examination, at least one month before
the examination. Viva voce evidence only shall
be admitted, and that on oath ; and counsel
may be employed on both sides.
32. Disorderly, scandalous, and immoral con
duct ; neglect of duty ; a disregard to the rules
and canons of the church ; or taking a bribe to
recommend either for ordination or a parish, are
to be considered as among the offences for
which a minister may be brought to trial.
33. The bishop, or persons vested with au
thority for this purpose, shall, on receiving a
complaint against any minister, immediately in
stitute a court, as before described, to examine
into the complaint, and shall take care that the
ministers and vestrymen who are to compose
the court shall be informed in time. The
bishop or persons so vested with authority shall
cite the accused person before the appointed
court, which shall (unless the accused person
is prevented from attending by sickness) pro
ceed to examine the testimony against the of
fender, and take the depositions of the witnesses.
They shall then report the case, with the testi
mony, to the Convention at their next meeting,
who shall, if they think proper, proceed to pass
sentence against the accused person at their
discretion : Provided, That no sentence shall be
other than reproof, suspension, or dismission.
34. Deacons behaving in a scandalous, dis
orderly, or immoral manner, or who neglect the
duty they have undertaken, shall, on full and
satisfactory proof, be suspended, or silenced by
the bishop, until the sense of the Convention
shall be known. And the salary accruing du
ring the suspension of a minister or deacon,
who is afterward found guilty, shall go to the
vestry for the use of the church.
35. Bishops shall visit the different parishes
under their inspection ones in three years at

CONVENTION OF 1785.

11

least, of which visitation the clergy or church
wardens shall have timely notice. In their vis
itations they shall confirm such as choose to re
ceive confirmation. They shall inspect the state
of the parishes, and the conduct of the clergy,
who shall give them what information they can
respecting such ecclesiastical matters as they
may choose to be informed of. They shall re
ceive complaints against ministers and deacons,
and inquire into the ground of them, and at their
discretion shall admonish or suspend the person
accused : And, if they think the offence de
serving a severer sentence, shall cause the ac
cused person to be brought to trial.
36. Bishops shall hold ordinations at such
times and places as they may judge necessary
and convenient.
37. Bishops, after every visitation, shall re
port the state of the church in the different
parishes to the Convention.
38. No minister or bishop shall be allowed
to hold more than one parish at the same time.
Nevertheless a minister may, if called .thereto
by the vestry, preach in a neighbouring parish
or parishes during a vacancy in such parish or
parishes, and may receive a compensation for his
services : Provided he has the consent of his
own vestry, and shall not neglect the duties of
his parish.
39. Every minister shall reside within his
parish, unless a majority of his vestry shall agree
to dispense with his residence ; and shall at no
time leave it for more than one month without
the consent of the said vestry.
40. Ministers shall, at their churches or other
convenient places, instruct children, and such
ignorant'persons as may require it, in their cate
chism, and the principles of the Christian reli
gion as maintained by this church. Provided
this duty may be dispensed with during the in
clement winter months. They shall also explain
the nature of confirmation, and instruct and
prepare their parishioners for it.
41. Ministers and deacons shall wear a sur
plice during the time of prayer at public wor
ship, in places where they are provided ; shall
wear gowns when they preach, where they con
veniently can ; and shall at all times wear ap
parel suited to the gravity of their profession ;
— such as may distinguish them from lavinen.
42. Ministers and deacons may encourage
people to assemble together in small societies
at convenient times for their edification, and
may visit, superintend, and instruct such so
cieties at their meetings. Provided they shall
not do it to the encouragement of idleness, or
to the injury of private families.
43. Ministers officiating in this church,
whether bishops, priests, or deacons, shall
preach once at least on every Lord's day, and
at other stated seasons, unless prevented by
some sufficient cause. They may, at their dis
cretion, preach also at other times when oppor

tunities shall offer of edifying the church.
Bishops and priests shall administer the sacra
ment at least four times in the year at each
church or place of worship in their respective
parishes ; and shall visit the sick when called
on for that purpose.
Resolved, That a standing committee be ap
pointed, whose business it shall be to .corre
spond with any society or societies of the Prot
estant Episcopal Church in the United States,
on any matters relating thereto ; to call a meet
ing of the Convention whensoever it shall seem
necessary ; to receive complaints against the
clergy, and to direct courts of examination,
pursuant to the rules for the government, of the
church ; to make such representations on behalf
of the church as may from time to time be ex
pedient ; to give advice on difficulties propounded
to them concerning the church during the recess
of the Convention, and to report their proceed
ings to every succeeding Convention, to be con
firmed or rescinded.
Resolved, That the said committee consist
of four members; that they continue- in office
until the next Convention ; and that vacancies
by death, resignation, or removal from the
country, be supplied by the votes of the remain
ing members : And a standing committee was
appointed ofthe Rev. Robert Andrews, the Rev.
John Bracken, Hon. John Blair, and John Page,
Esquire. Resolved, That the standing committee frame
rules for the orderly management of business in
future Conventions, and report them to the next
Convention. Resolved, That the standing committee be
instructed to consider of the proper means of
obtaining consecration for a bishop to officiate
in this church ; of sending the person who may
be hereafter appointed to be consecrated ; and
of supporting him during his continuance in
office ; and to make their report to the next
Convention. Resolved, That it be recommended to the
several vestries always to keep in office a depu
tation to the Convention of this church.
Resolved, That a committee be appointed to
revise and publish the journals of the Conven
tions : And a committee was appointed of Mr.
Blair, Mr. Randolph, Mr. Fairfax, Rev. Mr.
Griffith, Rev. Mr. Andrews, and Rev. Mr.
Buchanan. Resolved, That the committee appointed to
revise and publish the journals apply the money
now contributed to the payment of the door
keepers, publishing the proceedings, and de
fraying other necessary expenses of this Con
vention. The Convention adjourned.
Signed by order of the Convention,
James Madison, President.
Attest, Robert Andrews, Secretary.

12

CONVENTION OF 1788.

Journal of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Virginia, begun and held at the
Public Buildings in the City of Richmond, on Wednesday, the 2ith of May, 1786.
A List of the Members of the Convention.

Counties.

Parishes.

Clergymen.

Lay Deputies.

Accomack,

( St. George,
{ Accomack,

Theophilus Nugent.

A. Armstead.

Albemarle,

Fredericksville,

John Walker.

Amherst,

Lexington,

< Hugh Rose.
J Roderic M'Culloch.
Brunswick,
St. Andrews,
John Jones.
Chesterfield,
Manchester,
Charles Clay.
William Fleming.
Cumberland,
Littleton,
Mayo Carrington.
i St. Asaph,
James Taylor.
John Page.
Caroline,
< St. Margarets,
Archibald Dick.
t St. Mary,
Robert Gilchrist.
Chesterfield,
Dale,
Archibald Cary.
Culpepper,
St. Mark,
Robert Slaughter.
Charles City,
Westover,
John Dunbar.
Dinwiddie,
Bath,
William Withers.
Elizabeth City,
Bath,
William Bland.
Wilson Miles Cary.
Essex,
South Farnham,
John Edmondson.
Fairfax,
Fairfax,
David Griffith.
Gloucester,
< Abindon,
( Petsworth,
John Page.
Matt. Anderson.
Goochland,
St. James Northam,
( Thomas M Randdlph
J Thomas Underwood.
Hanover,
St. Paul,
j John Pendleton.
i Park Goodall.
Henrico,
Henrico,
John Buchanan.
Nathaniel Wilkinson.
Isle of White,
John S. Wells.
King William,
St. Johns,
Henry Skyring.
Carter Braxton.
St. David,
( Benjamin Temple.
\ William Spiller.
King and Queen
St. Stephens,
( Anderson Scot.
j Thomas Hill.
Lunenburg,
Cumberland,
es Craig.
Thomas Buford.
Louisa,
Trinity,
Charles Yancy.
Lancaster,
Christ Church,
Cyrus Griffin.
Middlesex,
Christ Church,
Samuel Klug.
Ralph Wormeley.
Mecklenburg,
St. James,
( Samuel Goode.
< William Hepburn.
Nansemond,
Suffolk,
William Eley.
Norfolk,
Portsmouth,
WiUiam Westcote.
Northumberland,
Wicomico,
John Leland.
Thomas Gaskins.
Orange,
St. Thomas,
t William Moore.
{ Thomas Barber.
Prince William,
Dettingen,
Jesse Ewell.
Prince George,
t Bristol,
\ Martin's Brandon,
John Cameron.
Robert Boiling.
Benjamin Blagrove.
Richmond,
Farnham,
William Peachey.
Spotsylvania,'
Berkeley,
j John Dawson.
\ Beverley Winslow.
Stafford,
Brunswick,
William Fitzhugh.
Southampton,
St. Luke,
Benjamin Blunt.
Williamsburg,
Bruton,
John Bracken.
John Blair.
York,
York Hampton,
Samuel Shield.
Hugh Nelson.
The Convention met according to appoint
ment ; but there not being a sufficient number
of members to proceed on business, they ad
journed till to-morrow, 10 o'clock.
Thursday, May 25, 1786.
The Convention having met according to
adjournment, The Reverend John Bracken was unanimous
ly appointed Secretary to the Convention.
The Reverend James Madison, D. D., wd«
unanimously elected President.
Ordered, That a committee be appointed to
examine and report to the Convention the cer
tificates of appointment of the sitting- members ;
and a committee was appointed of the Rev.
Mr. Shield, Mr. Page, of Gloucester, Rev. Mr.
Griffith, and Mr. Wilson M. Cary.
Mr. Blair, from the standing committee, laid
before the Convention the report of the depu-
CONVENTION OF 1786.

13

ties to the late General Convention held at
Philadelphia, with the journal of the same, and
also a letter from the archbishops and sundry
bishops of the Church of England to the cleri
cal and lay deputies of the Protestant Episco
pal Church in sundry of the United States of
America, which were read, and ordered to he
on the table.
On a motion made, Resolved, That the report
of the late delegates of this church in General
Convention made to the standing committee,
and by them laid before this Convention, be re
ferred to a select committee ; and that they be
directed to collect into one view the several
alterations made in the Book of Common Prayer,
and report the same to this Convention : And a
committee was appointed of the Reverend Mr.
Griffith, Mr. Page, of Gloucester, Reverend Mr.
Shield, Mr. Braxton, Rev. Mr. Buchanan, Mr.
Walker, Hon. Mr. Fleming, and Rev. Mr. Clay.
The treasurer laid before the Convention an
account of all moneys received and disbursed by
him. Ordered, That it lie on the table.
On a motion made, Resolved, That the General
Ecclesiastical Constitution of the Protestant
Episcopal Church in the United States of Ameri
ca, recommended by the General Convention
held at Philadelphia, be now referred to a com
mittee of the whole Convention.
The Convention, according to order, resolved
itself into a committee of the whole Conven
tion, to take into consideration the General
Ecclesiastical Constitution of the Protestant
Episcopal Church in America ; and, after some
time spent therein, Mr. President resumed the
chair, and Mr. Braxton reported, that the com
mittee had, according to order, taken the same
into consideration, and come to the following
resolution, which was read, and agreed to.
Resolved, That the General Ecclesiastical
Constitution of the Protestant Episcopal Church
in the United States of America, as proposed by
the late General Convention held at Philadel
phia, be approved and ratified, except as to the
4th, 9th, and 10th articles, which are reserved
for farther consideration.
Ordered, That his excellency the Governor,
the members of the Council, and the Judges of
the Supreme Courts, be admitted to seats within
the bar.
On a motion, Resolved, That a petition be pre
sented to the next General Assembly, praying
that the act incorporating the Protestant Epis
copal Church may not be repealed ; and that it
be recommended to the several parishes to pre
sent petitions of a similar nature.
Ordered, That a committee be appointed to
prepare the petition. And a committee was
appointed of the Honourable John Blair, Rever
end Mr. Griffith, Hon. A. Cary, Reverend Mr.
Shield, Mr. Page, of Gloucester, Mr. Braxton,
Rev. Mr. Skyring, and Rev. Mr. Buchanan.
On a motion, Resolved, That it be referred to
the select committee to collect the matters unfin
ished by the last Convention, which were refer
red to this Convention, and make report thereof.
A report from the standing committee was [

presented by the Honourable John Blair, and
read, as followeth : —
The committee, to whom it was referred to
frame rules for the orderly management of busi
ness in future Conventions, and report them to
this Convention, have had that subject under
consideration, and after the maturest reflection,
are of opinion, that they can devise no set of
rules fitter to be adopted than those which
regulate the proceedings of the House of Dele
gates : — That with respect to another part of
their instructions, which was to consider of the
proper means of obtaining consecration for a
bishop to officiate in their church, they thought
it unnecessary for them to take any step of that
sort, after it came to their knowledge that the
late General Convention held at Philadelphia
had taken up that business in behalf of this
church in the several United States of Ameri
ca ; but with respect to the means of supporting
a bishop during his continuance in office, they
are of opinion, it can only be done by a regular
subscription throughout the several parishes.
Adjourned till to-morrow, 10 o'clock.
Friday, May 26, 1786.
The Convention having met according to ad
journment, Ordered, That the thanks of the Convention be
given to the Reverend Mr. Madison for his ser
mon preached this morning, and that he he de
sired to print the same.
The Reverend Mr. Griffith, from the select
committee appointed to take under considera
tion the report of the late delegates of this
church in General Convention, made to the
standing committee, and by them laid before
this Convention, and to collect into one view
the several alterations made in the Book of
Common Prayer, reported, That they had, ac
cording to order, gone through the business to
them referred, and that he was ready to make
report when the Convention should be pleased
to receive it.
Resolved, That the report be now received,
and referred to a committee of the whole Con
vention. The Convention, according to order, resolved
itself into a committee of the whole Convention,
to take under consideration the aforesaid report ;
and, after some time spent therein, Mr. Presi
dent resumed the chair, and Mr. Braxton re
ported, That the said committee had, according
to order, taken under ' consideration the busi
ness to them referred, and had made some
progress in the same ; but that not having had
time to go through it, he was directed to move
that the said committee have leave to sit again.
Ordered, That the said committee sit again
to-morrow. Honourable Mr. Blair, from the committee
appointed to prepare a petition to the next
General Assembly, presented a draught of such
petition, which was read, and ordered to be re
ferred to a committee of the whole Convention
to-morrow. The Convention adjourned till to-morrow,
10 o'clock.

14

CONVENTION OF 1786.

Saturday, May 27, 1786.
Reverend Mr. Shield, from the committee
appointed to examine the certificates of appoint
ment of the sitting members, reported, That the
said committee had, according to order, ex
amined the same, and had come to a resolution
thereupon, which was read, and ordered to lie
on the table.
On a motion, Ordered, That the secretary at
the table add to the list of sitting members re
ported by the aforesaid committee, the names
of such other members as shall produce satis
factory proofs of their appointment.
Reverend Mr. Griffith, from the select com
mittee to whom it was referred to collect the
matters unfinished by the last Convention, re
ported, That the said committee had, according
to order, gone through the business to them re
ferred, and come to some resolutions thereon,
which were read, and agreed to, as followeth :
Resolved, That the different parishes which
have not made a return of the provision made
for their clergymen, be now addressed to make
such returns to the standing committee appoint
ed by this Convention : And that it be also rec
ommended to those parishes which have not
paid in their five pounds, required by the last
Convention, now to make payment.
Resolved, That a committee be appointed to
lay off this state into districts, and to nominate
a visiter in each, agreeably to the eighth canon
of this church ; and a committee was appointed
of the Hon. A. Cary, Honourable Mr. Fleming,
Mr. Mayo Carrington, Mr. John S. Wells, Rev.
Mr. Clay, Rev. Mr. Craig, Mr. John Walker,
Rev. Mr. Shield, Mr. Barber, Rev. Mr. Sky-
ring, Mr. Armstead, Rev. Mr. Nugent, Rev.
Mr Griffith, Rev. Mr. Leland, Mr. Peachey,
Rev. Mr. King, and Mr. Jones.
Resolved, That a standing committee ought
to be appointed to correspond with the English
bishops, and to carry into effect the directions
of this Convention, and that their powers be de
fined. And a committee was appointed of the
Rev. Mr. Madison, Hon. Mr. Blair, Mr. Page,
of Gloucester, E.ev. Mr. Shield, Rev. Mr.
Bracken, and Mr. H. Nelson.
Resolved, That delegates be appointed to the
General Convention to be held at Philadelphia
in June next, and that their powers be defined
by instructions.
Resolved, That a committee be appointed to
adjust the treasurer's accounts, and the ac
counts of the late delegates to the General
Convention, and make report thereof: And a
committee was appointed of the Honourable
Mr. Braxton, Rev. Mr. Skyring, Mr. Griffin,
and Rev. Mr. Shield.
Resolved, That the journals of this Conven
tion be printed, and paid for by the treasurer,
and that copies be transmitted to such parishes
as were represented in the last and in the pres
ent Convention ; and that one or two copies of
the journal of the late General Convention now
on hand be also sent to the different parishes.
Resolved, That the treasurer be requested to
send such recommendations to the different

parishes as are directed by this Convention, and
to desire that returns may be made to him in
pursuance thereof.
On a motion, Resolved, That a committee be
appointed to consider what powers .ought to be
committed to the standing committee, and also
to draw up instructions to the delegates who
shall be appointed to the next General Conven
tion. And a committee was appointed of Mr.
Wormeley, Mr. Braxton, Mr. Page, of Caroline,
Mr. Walker, Mr. W. M Cary, Reverend Mr.
Skyring, Reverend Mr. Buchanan, Reverend
Mr. Leland, Reverend Mr. Craig, and Reverend
Mr. Clay.
On a motion, Resolved, That two committees
be appointed with powers to grant testimonials
to candidates for parishes; that they be con
fined within certain districts ; and that the said
districts be laid off by the committee appointed
to define the powers of the standing committee.
The Convention, according to the order of
the day, -resolved itself into a committee of the
whole Convention, to take under consideration
the report of the select committee on the seve
ral alterations in the Book of Common Prayer,
as recommended by the late General Conven
tion ; and after some time spent therein, Mr.
President resumed the chair, and Mr. Braxton
reported, That the said committee had, accord
ing to order, taken under consideration the
business to them referred, and had made some
progress in the same ; but that not having had
time to go through it, he was directed to move
that the said committee have leave to sit again.
Ordered, That the Convention will, on Mon
day next, resolve itself into a committee of the
whole Convention, to take under consideration
the aforesaid report.
On a motion, Resolved, That the report of
the select committee, so far as relates to the
articles of religion, be referred to the considera
tion of a private committee, and that the com
mittee of the whole Convention be discharged
from the farther consideration of the same.
And a committee, was appointed of Mr. Page,
of Gloucester, Hon. Mr. Blair, Rev. Mr. Shield,
Rev. Mr. Griffith, Rev. Mr. Bracken, Mr. W.
M. Cary; Rev. Mr. Clay, Mr. Wormeley, Rev.
Mr. Skyring, Mr. Griffin, Mr. Walker, Rev.
Mr. Buchanan, Rev. Mr. Craig, Rev. Mr. Tay
lor, Mr. Rose, Rev. Mr. Cameron, Rev. Mr.
Bland, Hon. Mr. Fleming, Mr. Edmondson,
Rev. Mr. Dick, Mr. Gilchrist, and Rev. Mr.
Leland. The Convention, according to the order of
the day, resolved itself into a committee of
the whole, to take under consideration the
draught of a petition to the next General Assem
bly ; and after some time spent therein, Mr.
President resumed the chair, and the Hon. Mr.
Blair reported, That the said committee had,
according to order, considered the same, and
made some amendments therein, which were
read, and agreed to.
Ordered, That the secretary be authorized to
employ an assistant.
The Convention adjourned till Monday next,
-10 -o'clock. •' . .,

CONVENTION OF 178C.

15

Monday, May 29, 1786.
The Convention having met according to ad
journment, Mr. Page, from the committee appointed to
consider the report of the select committee, so
far as relates to the articles of religion, reported,
That they had gone through the business to them
referred, and come to several resolutions there
on, which were read, and ordered to be referred
to a committee of the whole Convention.
The Convention having, according to order,
resolved itself into a committee of the whole
Convention on the report above referred — after
some time spent therein, Mr. President resumed
the chair, and the Hon. Mr. Blair reported, That
the said committee had, according to order,
gone through the business to them referred,
and made some amendments therein, which
were read, and, when farther amended, agreed
to, as followeth : —
Resolved, That the first article of religion be
agreed to.
In the second article, lines 13th and 14th,
strike out the words was never any, and insert,
there is no.
Resolved, That such part of the second arti
cle as relates to the books commonly called
Apocryphal, ought to be expunged.
Resolved, That the third article be agreed to.
In the fourth article, after the word creed, in
sert, as contained in the Book of Common
Prayer recommended by the late General Con
vention. Resolved, That the fifth and sixth articles be
agreed to.
In the 7th article, strike out the words justi
fied by faith only, in the seventh lme, and in
sert, thus justified by faith.
Resolved, That the 8th, 9th, and 10th arti
cles be agreed to.
Resolved, That the eleventh article on pre
destination be omitted.
Resolved, That the 12th, 13th, and 14th ar
ticles be agreed to.
In the 15th article, strike out the first clause
as unnecessary.
In the 16th article, strike out the words, as
by an instrument, in the seventh line.
In the 17th article, strike out all that relates
to transubstantiation.
Resolved, That the 18th, 19th, and 20th arti
cles be agreed to.
On a motion, Resolved, That the Convention
will to-morrow proceed by ballot to the appoint
ment of deputies to the next General Conven
tion. On a motion, Resolved, That the committee
appointed to draw up instructions for the depu
ties to the General Convention be directed,
among other things, to instruct them to move
for such alterations in the Book of Common
Prayer and Articles of Rehgion as shall be
agreed, to by this Convention, as fit to be pro
posed to the General Convention.
Resolved, That the order of the day for the
Convention to resolve itself into a committee
of the whole Convention on the report of the
select committee, be put off until to-morrow.

The Convention adjourned till to-morrow,
10 o'clock. Tuesday, May 30, 1786.
On a motion, Ordered, That the thanks of
this Convention be given to the late deputies
who attended the General Convention held at
Philadelphia, for their diligent attention to the
interests of the church, and faithful discharge
of the duties of their appointment.
Mr. Wormeley, from the committee appointed
to draw up instructions for the deputies to the
next General Convention, presented a draught
of such instructions, which were read, and, with
some amendments, agreed to as followeth : —
Gentlemen, — You are instructed to move for
such alterations in the Book of Common Pray
er and Articles of Religion as shall be agreed
to by this Convention as fit to be proposed to
the General Convention.
We consider the Protestant Episcopal Church
in America as an incorporate society, and there
fore unity in doctrine and worship its character
istic : Conformably to this, you will not carp at
expression, nor carry your objections to unes
sential points ; guarding against schisms by all
possible means, and giving our church every
benefit and strength it can acquire from union.
It is superfluous to observe to you, that the
sooner our church can have the benefit of
episcopal superintendence, the nearer it will
approach to perfection ; and to recommend to
your attention the aid of this necessary character.
Mr. Wormeley, from the committee to whom
was referred the consideration of the powers to
be given to the standing committee, reported,
That they had, according to order, had the same
under their consideration, and had come to the
following resolution thereon, which was read
and agreed to.
Resolved, That the standing committee ap
pointed by this Convention shall have power
to correspond with the Protestant archbishops
and bishops in Europe, and with any society
or societies of the Protestant Episcopal Church
in these United States, on any matters relating
to the church ; — to call a meeting of the Con
vention whensoever it shall to them seem.
necessary ; — to receive complaints against the
clergy, and to direct Courts of Examination
pursuant to the rules for the government of the
church ; — to grant testimonials to all persons,
candidates for parishes, and not citizens of this
state, who may apply for the same ; — to make
such representations on behalf of the church,
as may from time to time be expedient ;— to
give advice on difficulties propounded to them
concerning the church during the recess of
Convention ; — and to do all other things rec
ommended by the Convention, and not by them
assigned to others to execute ; — and to report
their proceedings to every succeeding Conven
tion. The Honourable A. Cary, from the committee
appointed to lay off this state into districts, in
conformity to the eighth canon for the order,
government, and discipline of the Protestant
Episcopal Church, reported, That they had gone

16

CONVENTION OF 1786.

, through the business to them referred, and had
come to some resolutions thereon, which were
read and agreed to, as followeth : —
Resolved, That the State of Virginia ought
to be divided into twepty-four districts,for as
sembling the ministers "annually in presbytery,
and for several other purposes, as set forth in
the eighth canon.
Resolved, That the twenty-four districts be
adjusted according to the senatorial division,
except where the line of a district divides a
parish ; in which case the parish so divided
shall be considered as belonging to that district
in which its glebe is situate.
District No. 1, containing the counties of
Chesterfield, Amelia, Cumberland, and Powhat
an, of which district the Rev. Mr. William
Leigh is appointed Visiter.
District No. 2, containing the counties of
Brunswick, Greensville, Lunenburg, and Meck
lenburg, the Rev. Mr. Craig, Visiter
District No. 3, containing the counties of
Charles City, James City, New Kent, the Rev.-
Mr. Madison, Visiter.
District No. 4, containing the counties of
Henrico, Goochland, Louisa, the Rev. Mr. Bu
chanan, Visiter.
District No. 5, containing the counties of
Augusta, Rockingham, Rockbridge, Shenan
doah. District No 6, containing the counties of
Lancaster, Richmond, and Northumberland, the
Rev. Mr. Leland, Visiter.
District No. 7, containing the counties of
Isle of Wight, Surry, and Prince George, the
Rev. Mr. Burgess, Visiter.
' District No. '8, containing the counties of
Charlotte, Halifax, and Prince Edward.
District No. 9, containing the counties of
Gloucester and Middlesex, the Rev: Mr. Klug,
Visiter. District No. 10, containing the counties of
Spotsylvania, Orange, and Culpepper, the Rev.
Mr. Stevenson, Visiter.
District No. 11, containing the counties of
Loudoun and Fauquier, the Rev. Mr. Craig,
Visiter. District No. 12, containing the counties of
Frederick, Berkeley, Hampshire, and Hardy.
District No. 13, containing the counties of
Dinwiddie, Southampton, arid Sussex, the Rev
Mr. Gufley, Visiter.
District No. 14, containing the counties of
Botetourt, Washington, Montgomery, Jefferson,
Fayette, Lincoln, Nelson, Greenbrier, and such
other counties as were made from these the last
session of Assembly.
District No. 15, containing the counties of
Hanover and Caroline, the Rev. Mr. Dick,
Visiter. , ^ ¦
District No." 16, containing the counties of
Essex, King William, King and Queen, the
Rev. Mr. Skyring, Visiter.
District No. 17, containing the counties of
Prince William and Fairfax, the Rev. Mr.
Griffith, Visiter.
District No. 18, containing the cdunties of
Ohio, Monongahala, and Harrison.

District No. 19, containing the counties of
Accomack and Northampton, the Rev. Mr.
M'Croskey, Visiter.
District ftfo. 20, containing the counties of
Princess Anne, Norfolk, and Nansemond, the
Rev. Mr. Emmerson, Visiter.
District No. 21, containing the counties of
Buckingham, Albemarle, Amherst, and Fluvan-
nah, the Rev. Mr. Maury, Visiter.
District No. 22, containing the counties of
Bedford, Henry, Campbell, Pittsylvania, and
Franklin, the Rev. Mr. Holt, Visiter.
District No. 23, containing the counties of
Elizabeth City, Warwick, and York, the Rev.
Mr. Bracken, Visiter.
District No. 24, containing the counties of
Westmoreland, Stafford, and King George, the
Rev. Mr. Thornton, Visiter.
On a motion, Resolved, That a third com
mittee be appointed to grant testimonials to
citizens candidates for parishes, who may apply
within the district of the same. .
The Convention resolved itself into a com
mittee of the whole Convention, to take under
their farther consideration the report of the se
lect committee on the several alterations made
in the Book of Common Prayer recommended
by the late General Convention ; and after
some time spent therein, Mr. President resumed
the chair, and Mr. Braxton reported, That the
committee had, according to order, gone through
the business above referred to them, and had
come to a resolution on the same, which was
read, and, after some amendments, agreed to, as
followeth :—
Resolved, That the Book of Common Prayer,
as recommended by the late General Conven
tion, be approved, ratified, and used, except the
Rubric before the Communion Service, and such
alterations of the Articles as are referred to the
consideration of the next General Convention ;
and that the Psalms be used as heretofore, un
til a sufficient number of the new books can be
procured. On a motion by Mr. W. M. Cary, that the
yeas and nays be taken on the above resolution,
they stood as followeth : —
' John Walker, Robert Slaughter, William
Withers, John Edmondson, John Page, John
Pendleton, Nathaniel Wilkinson, Carter Brax
ton, Thomas Buford, Rev. Archibald Dick,
Rev. William Bland, Rev. D. Griffith, Rev.
John Buchanan, Rev. James Craig, Charles
Yancey, Ralph Wormeley, Thomas Barber, Jes
se Ewell, Benjamin Blunt, Robert Boiling,
Rev. S. Klug, Rev. Samuel Shield, Rev.
John Cameron, Rev. John. Leland, Rev. John
Bracken, Samuel Goode, John Jones, William
Peachey, Archibald Cary, Thomas Gaskins, A.
Armstead, Anderson Scot, voted in the affirma
tive. Rev. James Madison, WiUiam Fleming, Mayo
Carrington, Robert Gilchrist, Wilson M. Cary,
Thomas Underwood, Matt. Anderson, Benjamin
Temple, William Spiller, Rev. Charles Clay,
Rev. James Taylor, Rev. Henry Skyring, Cyrus
Griffin, William Westcote, William Eley. Wil
liam Moore, -John Dawson, Beverley Winslow,

CONVENTION OF 1786.

IT

William Fitzhugh, Thomas Hill, voted in the
negative. Mr. Braxtofi, from the committee appointed
to examine the treasurer's Recounts, reported,
That they had, according to order, examined the
same, and found the balance in his hands to be
1332. 6s. 9d.
On a motion, Resolved, That the order of the
day for the Convention to proceed by ballot to
the appointment of deputies to the next General
Convention, be put off till to-morrow.
On a motion, Resolved, That only one cleri
cal and one lay deputy be appointed to the next
General Convention.
The Convention adjourned till to-morrow
morning, 8 o'clock.
Wednesday, May 31, 1786.
Ordered, That the Rev. John Bracken have
leave of absence during the remainder of this
Convention, on Mr. M. Anderson's supplying
his place as secretary.
Mr. Wormeley, from the committee to whom
it was referred to lay off districts for granting
testimonials to candidates for parishes, reported,
That they had, according to order, gone through
the business to them referred, and had come to
some resolutions thereon, which were read,
and, with some amendments, agreed to, as fol
loweth : —
Resolved, That the first or southern distric
be bounded by James river and the North
Carolina line, extending westward to our
hmits. Resolved, That the second district be be
tween James river and Rappahannock, extend
ing westward to our limits, and that it include
the two counties on the eastern -shore.
Resolved, That the third district be that
tract of country known by the name of the
Northern Neck, including all that territory not
included in the two former districts.
On a motion, Resolved, That three commit
tees for granting testimonials to citizens candi
dates for parishes be now appointed, one for
each district.
And a committee was appointed for the first
district, ofthe Rev. Mr. Leigh, Rev. Mr. Cam
eron, Rev. Mr. Blagrove, Hon. A. Cary, Mr.
Bannister, and Mr. R. Boiling, or any three of
them. For the second district a committee was ap
pointed of the Hon. Edmund Pendleton, Rev.
Mr. Dick, Rev. Mr. Waugh, Rev. Mr. Taylor,
Mr. Gilchrist, and Mr. Hoomes, or any three of
them. For the third district a committee was ap
pointed of the Rev. Mr. Griffith, Mr. Grayson,
Mr. Buckner, Mr. Fitzhugh, of Chatham, Mr. B.
Fairfax, and Mr. Jesse Ewell, or any three of
them. Resolved, That it be recommended to the
different vestries within this state to collect
from their parishioners such sums of money as
they can get subscribed, for the purpose of
raising a fund to pay the expenses of obtaining
consecration for a bishop, and for his support
when appointed. The money, when collected,

must be sent to the treasurer appointed by the.
Convention, who is directed to report the
amount of such returns to the standing com
mittee ; and they are hereby required, upon the
appointment of a bishop, and after paying the
expenses attending his consecration, to lay or
let out the residue in such manner as shall to
them appear most advisable.
Resolved, That the Convention do now pro
ceed, by ballot, to the appointment of a person
proper to be recommended for consecration as
bishop of this state.
Honourable Mr. Braxton, Mr. Page, Rev.
Mr. Cameron, and the Rev. Mr. Craig, were
appointed a committee to examine the ballots,
who, having withdrawn and examined the same,
reported, That they had found the numbers for
the several persons balloted for to be as follow
eth:— For the Reverend David Griffith, 32 ; Rev
erend John Bracken, 10 ; Reverend Samuel
Shield, 7.
And it appearing from the report that a ma
jority of the whole Convention was in favour of
the Reverend Mr. Griffith,
Resolved, therefore, That the Reverend D.
Griffith be recommended as a proper person to
be consecrated bishop for this state.
Resolved, That this Convention will, after
consecration, receive the said D. Griffith as
bishop. The Convention, according to the order of
the day, proceeded by ballot to the appointment
of deputies to attend the General Convention
appointed to be held in Philadelphia ; and Mr.
Page, Mr. Edmondson, the Rev. Mr. Cameron,
and the Rev. Mr. Craig, were appointed a com
mittee to examine the ballots ; who, having
withdrawn and examined the same, reported,
That they found the numbers for the several per
sons balloted for to be as followeth :
For Cyrus Griffin, Esq., 40 ; the Reverend
David Griffith, 32 ; Reverend John Bracken, 9 ;
Reverend Samuel Shield, 4 ; John Walker,
Esq., 2 ; Ralph Wormeley, Esq., 1.
And it appearing from the report that a ma
jority of the whole Convention were in favour
of Cyrus Griffin and Mr. Griffith,
Resolved, therefore, That Cyrus Griffin, Esq.
and the Rev. David Griffith be appointed
deputies to the General Convention of the
Protestant Episcopal Church, appointed to be
held in the city of Philadelphia on the third
Tuesday of June next.
The* Convention resolved itself into a com
mittee of the whole Convention, to take under
their consideration the 4th, 9th, and 10th arti
cles of the General Ecclesiastical Constitution
of the Protestant Episcopal Church ; and after
some time spent therein, Mr. President resumed
the chair, and Mr. W. M. -Gary reported, that
the committee had, according to order, con
sidered the same, and come to a resolution
thereon, which was read, and agreed to, as fol
loweth : —
Resolved, That the 4th, 9th, and 10th arti
cles of the General Ecclesiastical Constitution
be agreed to.

18

CONVENTION OF 1787.

On a motion, Resolved, That the treasurer
De directed to pay tpjthe two depiigies' appoint
ed to attend the next- General Convention the
sum of forty pounds each.
Resolved, That the treasurer be directed
to pay to Mr. William., Pierce the sum of five
pounds for his services.

, Resolved, That the treasurer be allowed the
sum of twenty pounds for his last year's services.
The Convention then adjourned.
Signed: by order of the Convention,
^ James Madison, President.
Attest, J.' Bracken^ Secretary.
M- Anderson, Sec. 2>ro tern.

Journal of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Virginia, held at- the Putlic
Buildings, in the City of Richmond, May 16th, 1787.

A List of the Members of the Convention.

Counties.
Brunswick,Caroline, Charles City,
Chesterfield,
Fairfax,Gloucester,Frederick, Goochland,
Hanover,Henrico,James City,
King and Queen,
King William,
Lunenburg,New Kent,
Norfolk, Northumberland,Powhatan,Prince George,
Spotsylvania,
Williamsburg, York,

Parishes.
St. Andrews,
f Drysdale,
< St. Asaph,
( St. Margaret,
¦' Westover,
SDale, Manchester,
Fairfax,
Abingdon, Frederick, St. Jas. Northam,
\ St. Paul,
I St. Martins,
Henrico, 1
James City,
St. Stephens,
f St. John,
1 St. David,
Cumberland, Blisland, St. Brides,
Wicomico,
< Southam,
j King William,
Bristol,
( St. George,
{ Berkeley,
Bruton,
York Hampton,

Clergymen.
Jesse Carter.
James Taylor.
Archibald Dick.
Benjamin Blagrove.

D. Griffith.

John Buchanan.
James Madison.
Henry Skyring.

Lay Deputies.
John Jones.
John Baylor.
Robert Mickleborough. P
Jerman Baker.
J David Patterson.
\ George Markham.
Bryan Fairfax.
< John Page.
{ Thomas Lewis.
James Wood.
J Thomas Underwood.
X Major Saunders.
J John Pendleton.
\ Thomas Tinsley.
Garland Anderson,

James Craig.
Needier Robinson.
John Leland.
John H. Saunders.

John Cameron.

John Bracken.
Samuel Shield.

Wednesday^ May .16.
The Convention met, and there not being a
sufficient number of members to proceed to
business, adjourned till to-morrow 10 o'clock.
Thursday, May 17.
The Convention having met, the Rev. J.
Bracken was unanimously appointed Secretary
to the Convention.
The, Rev. Dr. Griffith was unanimously elect
ed President. .
Ordered, That a committee be appointed to
examine and report the certificates of appoint
ment of the sitting members.
And a committee was appointed of the Hon.
James Wood, Rev. Mr. Madison, Rev. Mr.
Cameron, and Mr. Pendleton.
The Rev. Mr. Madison, from the Standing

Thomas Hill.
Wm. D. Claiborne.
( Wm. Spiller.
\ Ben.. Temple.
Henry Stokes.
Burwell Bassett.
DavidBall.
-. Littlebury Mosley.
5 John Harris.
Thomas Turpin.
John Shore.
Thomas Ryan.
Beverley Winslow.
Robert Andrews.
Wm. Nelson.
committee, laid before the Convention the jour
nal of a General Convention held at Philadelphia,
September 27, 1786, the journaPof another Gen
eral Convention, held at Wilmington, October
10, 1786, and the proceedings of the standing
committee, with some other papers, which were
read, and ordered to lie on the table.
On a motion, Resolved, That this Convention
will, in their proceedings, observe the standing
rules of the House of Delegates so far as they
may be applicable ; except that the Convention
will not on any occasion resolve itself into a
committee of the whole Convention, that the
president shall, in the chair, enjoy, in common
with the other members of the Convention, the
right of delivering his sentiment on any question,
and that the yeas and nays shall not be called
for on any question.

CONVENTION OF 1787.

19

Rev. Mr. Leland reported the proceedings of
the examining court, had on the trial- of Edward
Jones, clerk, rector of the parish of Northfarn-
ham, Northumberland county, which were read,
and ordered to lie on the table. *>"
On a motion, Resolved,"That a committee be
appointed to frame such rules andj, regulations
for the government of the church, as- the repeal
of the act of incorporation has rendered neces
sary, and to revise the canons formerly made,.
and .prepare .such alterations in them as the
present situation of the church requires.
And a committee was appointed of the Rev.
Mr. Madison, the Rev. Mr. Bracken, the Rev.
Mr. Shield, the Rev. Mr. Taylor, the Rev. Mr:
Cameron, the Rev. Mr. Craig, the Honourable
James Wood, Mr. Underwood, Mr. Baker, Mr.
..Andrews, Mr." Pendleton, and Mr. Nelson.
On a motion, Resolved, That a committee be
appointed to take into consideration the pro
ceedings of the General Convention held in
Philadelphia in June, 1786, the proceedings of
another General Convention held in Wilming
ton in October, 1786, and the other papers laid
before this Convention by the standing com
mittee, and that they report thereon.
And a committee was appointed of the Rev.
Mr. Dick,. Rev. Mr- Buchanan, Rev. Mr. Ryan,
Rev. Mr. Fairfax, Rev. Mr. Leland, Major Saun
ders, Mr. Baylor, Mr. Shore, and Mr. T. Lewis.
The Convention adjourned till to-morrow, 10
o'clock. Friday, May 18.
The Convention having met, according to
adjournment, the Rev. -Mr. Madison, from the
committee appointed to frame such rules and
regulations for the government of the church
as the repeal- of the act of incorporation has
rendered necessary, and to revise the canons
formerly made, reported, That they had, accord
ing to order, had under their consideration the
business to them referred ; and had in conse
quence thereof prepared an ordinance for ap
pointing vestries and other purposes ; and had
also gone through the revision of the canons.
Ordered, That the said ordinance and revision
of the canons be now received and read.
On a motion, Ordered, That the ordinance for
appointing vestries and for other purposes be
read a second time.
The ordinance for appointing vestries and for
other purposes, was read * second time, and,
with the amendments, ordered to be transcribed
and read to-morrow a third time.
On a motion, Ordered, That the rules for the
order, government, and discipline of the Prot
estant Episcopal Church in Virginia, be now
read a second time.
The rules for the order, government, and dis
cipline of the Protestant Episcopal Church being
read a' second time, and amended, were ordered
to be transcribed with the amendments, and
read to-morrow a third time.
The Rev. Mr. Dick, from the committee ap
pointed to take under their consideration the
proceedings of a General Convention held- at
Philadelphia in June, 1786, and also the pro-
B2

ceedings of another General Convention held
at Wilmington in October, 1786, and the other
papers laid before this Convention by the stand
ing committee, reported, That they had, ac
cording to order, gone through the business to
them referred, and had come to several resolu
tions thereon, which were read, and, -f
.. On a motion, Ordered to be recommitted.
Ordered, That Mr. Baker, Mr. Jones, Mr.
Underwood, the Rev. Mr. Madison, the Rev.
Mr, Shield, and Mr. Andrews, be added to the
aforesaid committee.
On a motion, Ordered, That the treasurer be
requested to lay his accounts before the Con
vention to-morrow.
On a motion, Resolved, That the Convention
will, to-rnorrow, proceed by ballot to appoint
deputies to the next General Convention.
And then the Convention adjourned till to
morrow, 10 o'clock. Saturday, May 19.
The Convention having met, according to
adjournment, the Rev. Mr. Dick, from the com
mittee appointed to take under consideration
the proceedings of a General Convention held
in PhUadelphia in June, 1786, the proceedings
of another General Convention held in Wil
mington iri -October, 1786, and the other papers
laid before this Convention by the standing
committee, reported, That, they had, according
to ord'er, gone through the business to them
referred, and had come to several resolutions
thereon, which- were read, and, when amended,
agreed to, as follows : —
I. Resolved, That it is the opinion of this
committee, that the recommendation to the
churches therein represented, not to receive
to the pastoral charge, within their respective
limits, clergymen professing canonical subjec
tion to any bishop, in any state or country,
other than those bishops who may be duly set
tled in the states represented in the said Gen
eral Convention, ought to be acceded to.
II. Resolved, That it is the opinion of this
committee, that the 1st, 2d, 3d, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th,
10th, and 11th articles ofthe General Constitu
tion be acceded to, and that the 4th and 9th
articles be also acceded to, but as articles of a
temporary nature, .and not as forming a part of
the General Constitution.
IIT. Resolved, That it is the opinion of this
committee, that the recommendation from the
General Convention not to admit any person as
a minister within this church who should receive
ordination from any bishop residing in America,
during the application pending % the English
bishops "for episcopal consecration, cannot be
complied with.
IV. Resolved, That it is the opinion of this
committee, that the deputies to be appointed to
attend the next General Convention, be instruct
ed to move the General Convention to expunge
the words, " He descended into hell," inserted
in the Apostles' Creed by the General Conven
tion held at Wilmington, and also whatever
relates to the restoration of the Nicene Creed.
V. Resolved, That it is the opinion of this

20

CONVENTION OF 1787.

committee, that the alteration made in the form
of subscription prescribed in the 10th article of
the General Constitution is- not necessary, the
object of it appearing to us to be provided for
by what are called the 4th, 9th, and 10th articles
of the General Constitution.
VI. Resolved, That the recommendation from
the General Convention to the Convention of
the several states, to authorize and empower
their deputies to the next General Convention,
after a bishop or bishops shall be obtained in
the church, to confirm and ratify a General
Constitution respecting both the doctrine and
discipline of the Protestant Episcopal Church
of the United States of America, ought to be
complied with.
VII. Resolved, That it is the opinion of this
committee, that the standing committee have
shown a proper and diligent attention to the in
terests of this church during the recess of the
Convention. The Hon. James Wood, from the committee
appointed to examine the certificates of appoint
ment ofthe sitting members, reported, That they
had, according to order, examined the business to
them referred, and had come to a resolution there
on, which was read, and ordered to lie on the table.
On a motion, Resolved, That two deputies be
appointed to attend the General Convention.
The Convention, according to order, pro
ceeded to ballot for deputies to attend the next
General Convention ; and theRev. Mr. Shield and
Mr. Jones were appointed to examine the ballots,
who, having withdrawn and examined the same,
reported, That they had found the numbers for the
several persons balloted for to be as followeth : —
Mr. Andrews, 34 ; Rev. Dr. Griffith, 23 ; Rev.
Mr. Madison, 13.
And, it appearing from the report, that a ma
jority of the whole Convention was in favour
of Mr. Andrews and the Rev. Mr. Griffith,
Resolved, therefore, That Mr. Andrews and
the Rev. Mr. Griffith be appointed deputies to
attend the next General Convention of the Prot
estant Episcopal Church.
The treasurer, according to order, laid his
accounts before the Convention.
Ordered, That they be referred to a committee ;
and a committee was appointed of the Rev. Mr.
Skyring, Mr. Baker, Mr. Jones, Mr. Underwood,
and the Rev. Mr. CraigV
On a motion, Resolved, That a committee be
appointed to draw up a recommendation of one
uniform mode of supporting the clergy in this
state ; and a committee was appointed, of Mr.
Jones, Mr. Page, Hon. James Wood, Mr. Baker,
Mr. Andrews, .; Rev. Mr. Madison, Rev. Mr.
Cameron, Rev. Mr. Shield; Rev. Mr. Craig,
and the Rev. Mr. Skyring.
On a motion, Resolved, That an address be
prepared to the members of the Protestant Epis
copal Church in this state, and that it be refer
red to the committee last appointed to draught
the same.
Resolved, That the order of the day be put off
till Monday next.
The Convention adjourned till Monday, 7
o'clock.

Monday, May 21.
The Convention having met, according to
adjournment, Mr. Baker, from^jthe committee
appointed to examine the' treasurer's accounts,
reported, That they had, according to order, ex
amined the same, had found them fairly stated,
and that the balance remaining in his hands was
103/. 6*. Wid.
The ordinance for appointing vestries and
trustees, and for other purposes, having been
fairly transcribed, it was read, and the blanks
filled up ; and then it was resolved that the said
ordinance do pass.
The rules and canons for regulating the order,
government, and discipline ofthe Protestant Epis
copal Church in Virginia having been fairly trans
cribed, were read, and the blanks filled up, and
then it was resolved that the said rules do pass.
Mr. Jones, from the committee appointed to
prepare and recommend one uniform mode of
supporting the clergy, reported, That they had,
according to order, had under consideration the
business to them referred, and had come to some
resolutions thereon, which were read and agreed
to, as followeth : —
In order that one uniform mode of supporting
the clergy may be adopted throughout this church,
Resolved, That it be recommended to the
church- wardens or trustees in the different par
ishes, where the incumbent is not satisfied with
the provision already made for him, so soon as
convenient after vestries and trustees are duly
elected, to convene the members of the Prot
estant Episcopal Church in their respective
parishes, and propose to such members, when
convened, that they do there deUberate and de
termine upon the sum which they are willing
annually to contribute to the support of the
minister ; and that they do, by their voluntary
consent, authorize the vestry to receive such
sum from the members of the said church in
proportion to the titheables possessed by each.
Resolved, That it be further recommended to
the different parishes, that they do agree such
sum, when fixed upon, shall be permanent, until
changed or altered by a majority of the society.
Resolved, That it be recommended to the dif
ferent church-wardens to have similar provision
made for the clerks, sextons, and necessary ex
penses of the church.
Mr. Jones, from the committee appointed to
prepare an address to the members of the Prot
estant Episcopal Church, reported, That they
had, according to order, had under consideration
the business to them referred, and had prepared
the same, which was read and agreed to, as fol
lows : —
The Address ofthe Convention to the Members of
the Protestant Episcopal Church in Virginia.
We, your pastors and lay deputies, in Con
vention assembled, have, by the favour of Divine
Providence, and according to the privilege secu
red by the laws of the country to every society
of Christians of managing its own temporal con
cerns, and of regulating its discipline and wor
ship, instituted certain fundamental canons,

CONVENTION OF 1787.

made necessary hythe repeal of the incorpora
ting act, and have framed rules for the order,
discipline, and worship of pur church. We
think, however, thaf to discharge fully the duty
we owe on this occasion to Gorfcand to you, jt
is incumbent on us briefly to put "you in mind
of some things which remain for you to do, and
to which, if you do not attend, all ,-our labours
here must be ineffectual. To render our church
truly respectable, and our institutions of service
to the cause of Christianity ,f a general and reg
ular attendance on public worship, and the con
stant practice of piety and morality, in all times
and in all places, are indispensable. This is so
obvious, that we trust we need only mention it
to you. A moderate but adequate provision for
your pastor, is another thing which must claim
your attention and exertions. Both Scripture
and common sense point out this to be your
duty, and the omission of it involves conse
quences which no real Christian can think of
without horror. The want of proper teachers
must be the effect of this omission ; and igno
rance and error, with aU their train of evils, will
follow. The very idea of being the author of
so great an injury to the temporal and eternal
concerns of mankind must rouse and alarm you ;
and, we trust, will excite your most serious en
deavours to provide for the preservation of the
pure doctrines of religion. The general affairs
of our church also require from you a small con
tribution. We have been careful to frame our
institutions of a nature as simple and unex-
pensive as possible ; but we could not constitute
a church which would call for no support from
its members. Recommending these things to
your attention, and you to the Almighty gui
dance and protection, we are your affectionate
brethren in Christ.
On a motion, Ordered, That 200 copies of
the ordinance for regulating the appointment of
vestries, &c, and of the address to the mem
bers of the Protestant Episcopal Church, be im
mediately printed ; and that the treasurer be re
quested to transmit them to the several parishes.
I. On a motion, Resolved, That the several
parishes of this state be divided into 24 dis
tricts, for assembling the ministers annually in
presbytery, and for other purposes, as set forth
in the eighth Canon.
II. Resolved, That the 24 districts be ad
justed according to the senatorial division, ex
cept where the line of a district divides a parish ;
in which case, the parish so divided shall be
considered as belonging to that district in which
its glebe is situated.
III. Resolved, That the several visiters ap
pointed by the last Convention be continued in
their respective districts, as thereby provided ;
except that the Rev. Mr. Fairfax be appointed
visiter in the room of Dr. Griffith, nominated
to be bishop ; and the Rev. John H. Saunders
in the room of Mr. Leigh, deceased.
IV. Resolved, That three committees be ap
pointed to grant testimonials to citizens, candi
dates for parishes, who may apply within the
divisions of the same.
V. Resolved, That the first or southern di-

,A;:

21

vision be bounded by James river and the
North Carolina line, extending westward to the
limits of this state. ' r^j
VI. Resolved, That the second division be be
tween James river and Rappahannock, extend
ing westward, to the limits of this state, and that
it include the two counties on the eastern shore.
VII. Resolved, That the third division be
that tract of country known by the name of the
Northern Neck, and that it include all the ter
ritory not comprehended within the-two former
divisions. VIII. Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. Cameron,
the Rev. Mr. Craig, the Rev. Mr: Gerard, Col.
Banister, Mr. Robert Boiling, Mr. Jerman Baker,
or any three of them, be appointed a committee
for the first division.
IX. Resolved, That the Hon. Edmund Pen
dleton, the Rev. Mr. Dick, the Rev. Mr. Waugh,
the Rev. Mr. Taylor, Mr. Gilchrist, and Mr.
Hoomes, be appointed a committee for the
second division, or any three of them.
X. Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. Grayson,
the Rev. Mr. Buchanan, the Rev. Mr. Fairfax, Mr.
Fitzhugh, of Chatham, Mr. Jesse Ewell, and Dr.
Brown, be appointed a committee for the third
division, or any three of them.
On a motion, Resolved, That the Rev. Mr.
Madison, the Rev. Mr. Bracken, the Rev. Mr.
Shield, the Hon. John Blair, Mr, Page, of Rose-
well, and Mr. Andrews, be appointed a standing
committee ; and that they have power to cor
respond with the Protestant archbishops and
bishops in Europe, and with any society or so
cieties of the Protestant Episcopal Church in
these United States, on any matters relating to
the church ; to call a meeting of the Convention
whensoever it shall to them seem necessary ;
to receive complaints against the clergy, and to
direct courts of examination pursuant to the
rules for the government of the church ; to
grant testimonials to all persons candidates for
parishes, and not citizens of this state, who
may apply for the same ; to make such repre
sentations on behalf of the church as may from
time to time be expedient ; to give advice on
difficulties propounded to them concerning - the
church during the recess of Convention ; and
to do all other things recommended by the Con
vention, and not by them assigned to others to
execute ; and to report their proceedings to
every succeeding Convention.
On a motion, Resolved, That all reasonable
expenses be allowed the deputies appointed to
attend the next General Convention, and that
the sum of thirty pounds be advanced to them
on account.
On a motion, Resolved, That . the standing
committee, without delay, request of the Right
Rev. Dr. White, Bishop of the Protestant Epis
copal Church in the State of Pennsylvania, and
the Right Rev. Dr. Provost, bishop of the said
church in the State of New-York, that they,
or either of them, admit to consecration the
Rev. Dr. Griffith, nominated by the last Con
vention bishop of the church in this state.
On a motion, Resolved, That the standing
committee be authorized to appoint a deputy or

22

CONVENTION OF 1787.

deputies to the General Convention, should both
or either of the gentlemen appointed by this
Convention be prevented from attending.
On a motion, Resolved, That it be recom
mended to the several parishes (who have not
complied with the recommendation of the last
Convention, to collect from their parishioners
such sums of money as they could get subscri
bed, for the purpose of raising a fund to pay the
expenses of obtaining consecration for a bishop,-
and for his support when consecrated), to hasten
such collections, and to forward the money when
collected to the Rev. Mr. Buchanan, treasurer,
who is directed to report the amount to the'
standing committee ; and they are hereby re
quired, after paying the above-mentioned ex
penses, to lay or let out the residue in such
manner as shall to them appear most advisable.
On a motion, Resolved, That the members
of this Convention proceed to sign the testimo
nials of the Rev. Dr. Griffith.
On a motion, Resolved, That it be recom
mended to the different parishes to provide funds
for the education of two youths from their early
years, in such a manner as to be properly quali
fied for discharging the important duties of the
ministry in this church. And towards effecting
this purpose, be it further recommended to the
clergy, to preach annually a charity sermon in
their respective parishes, and transmit the money
so collected to the treasurer, which money shall
be subject to the disposal of the bishop and the
standing committee, who shall conjointly have
the direction of the education of the two youths.
And be it further resolved, That the choice
of such youths shall reside in the bishop and the
standing committee.
On a motion, Resolved, That the treasurer be
allowed five per cent, on all moneys received
since last Convention.
On a motion, Resolved, That 150 copies of
the Journal of this Convention be printed under
the inspection ofthe Rev. Mr. Buchanan.
On a motion, Resolved, That Mr. Pierce be
allowed the sum of five pounds for his services.
Resolved, That the next Convention be called
to meet in the city of Richmond.
The Convention then adjourned.
D. Griffith, President.
J. Bracken, Secretary.

AN ORDINANCE FOR REGULATING THE APPOINT
MENT OF VESTRIES AND TRUSTEES, AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES.
Whereas an act of General Assembly, which
was passed in the year one thousand seven
hundred and eighty-four, entitled, " An act for
incorporating the Protestant Episcopal Church,"
hath been repealed by an act of the last session ;
in consequence of which, it is supposed that the
several powers of government and discipline in
the said church are returned to the members at
large ; and in order to exercise those powers,
the members of the said church, in their several
parishes, have elected two deputies to represent
them in a Convention, to be held in the city of
Richmond, on this sixteenth day of May, one

thousand seven hundred and eigSty-seven, with
full powers to deliberate upon, foim, and estab
lish such regulations as they should judge to
be necessary, and proper for the government,
discipline, and worship of the said church, and
the care and direction of the social property ; in
order to effect which purposes, it is judged ne
cessary that vestries should forthwith be elected
in each parish.
Be it therefore ordained by the deputies so
appointed, and now met in Convention at the
time and place prefixed, That the church- wardens
and. Vestrymen in the several parishes within
this commonwealth, who were elected into office
in conformity to an acf o{ General Assembly,
passed in the year one thousand seven hundred
and eighty-four, entitled, "An act for incorpo
rating the Protestant Episcopal Church," be,
and are hereby declared and acknowledged as
trustees for the members of the Protestant
Episcopal Church, until a new election shaU
take plaee, and to hold the property, both real
and personal, belonging to the said church, for
their use and benefit, subject to such regula
tions as shall be made from time to time by the
Convention of deputies elected by the members
of the said church. And be it further ordained,
that as soon as may be after notice of this ordi
nance, the late church-wardens, or any other
two reputable inhabitants (being members of
the Protestant Episcopal Church) in each parish,
do call together, at some convenient time and
place, by notice duly given, all the freeholders
and housekeepers in such parish who are mem
bers of the said church, and contribute to the
support thereof; then and there to elect twelve
of the most able and discreet men of their so
ciety to be a vestry for such parish, and trustees
of their property ; to continue in office until the
Monday in Easter-week, in the year one thousand
seven hundred and ninety, and on that day, if
fair, otherwise the next day which is so, there
shall be a new election of vestrymen ; and such
elections shall continue to be made triennially
on Easter-Monday, if fair, or the next fair day,
until the Convention shall otherwise direct ; in
termediate vacancies occasioned by death, re
moval, or resignation, to be filled by the remain
ing vestrymen, and those so chosen to act until
the period of the next general election.
Every vestryman, before he acts in office,
shall subscribe in vestry to be conformable to
the doctrine, discipline, and worship of the Prot
estant Episcopal Church.
Each vestry, at their first meeting after their
election, shall choose two of their members to
be church-wardens, who shall superintend the
next general election of vestrymen ; judge of
the qualifications of voters, and certify the names
of the persons chosen. They shall be consid
ered as the acting part of the vestry, and shall
see that the orders and resolutions of the vestry
be carried into execution.
The vestries respectively, with the minister,
where there is one, shall hold and enjoy all
glebes, lands, churches, books, plate, and other
property, now belonging or hereafter accruing
to the said church, as trustees for the benefit

CONVENTION OF 1787.

23

of the society, and may improve or demise, the
lands during the vacancy of a minister, f but may
not demise lands allowed for the minister's hab
itation or use, when they have one, without his
consent. They may also use, improve, Or dis
pose of all personal property, and the produce,
rents, and profits of lands (not appropriated for
the minister) belonging to the - church, for the
benefit of the socjety, in erecting or repairing
churches, glebe-houses, or otherwise ; and may
make such rules and orders for managing the
temporal affairs and concerns of the church,
within their respective parishes, as they,- shall
think most conducive to its interest and pros
perity, and for carrying into execution such
orders and rules for government and discipline,
or other spiritual! .purposes, as shall be directed
by this or any future Convention. They shall
have the sole power of directing the payment
of money belonging to the church within their
respective parishes, and of appointing a clerk,
treasurer, and collector, when they think neces
sary. All of which proceedings shall be fairly
entered in a book to be kept for that purpose.
A meeting of the body (to be called by the
minister, or, if he be absent, or, in case of a
vacancy, by the church-wardens, or by a church
warden, if but one within the parish, or by any
two vestrymen, if there be no minister or church
warden) shall be had as often as is necessary,
the minister to have a vote equal to, and not
greater than a vestryman in all questions, ex
cept for the demise of the glebe-lands assigned
for his residence or use, in which he shall have
a negative. Seven members shall be sufficient
to constitute a meeting, and all questions shall
be decided by a majority. of those present.
Future Conventions shall consist of two depu
ties from each parish, of whom the minister
shall be one, if there be a minister, the other a
layman, to be annually chosen by the vestry,
who shall also choose another where there is no
minister in the parish. And twenty-five deputies
thus qualified and appointed shall be a Convention.
Conventions shall regulate all the religious
concerns of the church, its doctrines, discipline,
and worship, and institute such rules and regu
lations as they may judge necessary' for the good
government thereof, and the same revoke and
alter at their pleasure.

CANONS.
I. Conventions shall be holden annually on
the first Wednesday in May, provided neverthe
less, that if a sufficient number of members to
form a Convention shall not attend on the said
day, any five then assembled shall have power
to adjourn.
II. A person shall preside in Convention with
the name of president, who shall always be a
bishop, when there is one present properly con
secrated and settled in the church, till which
time a president shall be appointed by the Con
vention out of their own body ; if more than
one bishop is found necessary in this church,
they shall preside alternately.
III. A secretary shall be appointed by the

Convention,' who shall continue in office during
good behaviour, who shall keep a record of their
resolves and proceedings, and have the records
in his custody so long as he shall continue in
office. IV. Standing rules shall be established for
the preservation of decorum, and the orderly
management of business.
V. All questions, whether they relate to the
order, government, discipline, doctrine, or wor
ship of this church, or to any other matter which
is properly before the Convention, shall be de
termined by a majority of votes.
VI. At all future Conventions, each member
(whether minister or layman) shall, previous to
his admission,; produce a testimonial of his being.
regularly appointed, which testimonial shall be
signed by one or both of the church-wardens, or
by the clerk of the respective vestries.
VII. All the ordinances and other proceed
ings of the Convention shall be attested by the
secretary. VIII. The clergy of several neighbouring
parishes, not less than three nor more than
ten, shall assemble in presbytery annually, on
the second Wednesday in April, at some con
venient place in the district, to be appointed by
a majority of the ministers in the same district ;
one in each district shall be appointed by the
Convention, to preside at their meetings with
the title of visiter, who shall annually visit each
parish in his district — shall attend to and in
spect the morals and conduct of the clergy —
shall see that the canons and rules of the church
are observed, and that no abuses are practised
_ — shall admonish and reprove privately those
clergymen who are negligent, or act in an un
becoming manner ; and shall report yearly to
the bishop, if there be one, or if there be no
bishop, to the next Convention, the state of each
parish in his district, noting down the offenders
and their offences.
IX. The clergy who shall minister in this
church shall be the three orders of bishops,
priests, and deacons.
X. Every person hereafter to officiate in this
church as a bishop, shall be nominated by the
Convention ; and having received episcopal con
secration before he enters on his office, shall
subscribe to conform to the doctrine, discipline,
and worship of the Protestant Episcopal Church
of Virginia ; and no person shall be received
into the church as a bishop until he shall have
completed the thirtieth year of his age.
XI. As we conceive the office of a bishop,
according to the true apostolic institution, dif
fers in nothing from that of other ministers of
God's word, except in the power of ordination
and confirmation, and the rights of superintend
ing the conduct of the clergy, and of precedency
in ecclesiastical assemblies, that office shall be
accordingly so exercised in this church t and
every bishop, after his promotion to the episcopal-
order, shall continue to hold a parish, and to do
the duty of a parish minister, except when he is
necessarily employed in the discharge of his
episcopal office.
XII. No bishop shall inflict any censure upon,

24

CONVENTION OF 1787.

or exercise any power over, the clergy under his
inspection, other than he is allowed to do by the
laws and institutions of this church made in
Convention. XIII. No priest or minister shall hereafter
be received into any parish within this common
wealth, unless he first produce to the vestry
sufficient testimonials of his having been reg
ularly ordained a priest by some Protestant
bishop, and of having taken the oath of allegiance
to this commonwealth, and subscribe to be con
formable to the doctrine, discipline, and worship
of the Protestant Episcopal Church ; nor till he
shaU have entered into a contract in writing
with the vestry or trustees on behalf of the
society within such parish, by which it shaU be
stipulated and declared that he holds the ap
pointment subject to removal upon the deter
minations of the Convention of the Protestant
Episcopal Church in this state. Provided, That
any person who hath been ordained by a bishop
of the Church of Rome, may also be received
as a minister, who shall produce satisfactory
testimonials respecting his ordination, morals,
and conduct, renounce the errors of that church,
take the oath, and subscribe as aforesaid.
XIV. No minister shall hereafter be received
into a parish who does not first produce to the
vestry satisfactory testimonials of his morals,
conduct, and conversation, from the person or
persons appointed by the Convention to inquire
into such matters, and grant such testimonials.
XV. The right of presentation, or appointing
ministers to serve in the parishes, shall continue
in the vestries, and each vestry shall choose its
own minister. ;
XVI. Every person to be ordained priest or
deacon by any bishop of this church, shall pro
duce testimonials of his good morals and orderly
conduct from the clergy assembled in the district
where he for some time last resided, and from
the vestry of the parish where he last lived
provided there be in the district a sufficient
number of clergymen to form a presbytery ;
otherwise a testimonial from the minister and
vestry of his parish, or from the vestry alone,
if the parish is vacant, shall be deemed suffi
cient : Provided also, the candidate is not an
inhabitant of some other state. No person shall
be ordained until due examination had by the
bishop and two priests.
XVlI. No person shall be admitted to priest's
orders until he shall have completed the twenty-
fourth year of his age, and is assured of the
willingness of some parish or congregation to
receive him as their minister, to be certified
under the hands of the church-wardens, and at
tested by the clerk of the vestry.
XVIII. Every person who shall be admitted
either to priest's or deacon's orders, shall be
ordained according to the form prescribed in
the Book of Common Prayer, &c, directed to
be used in this church ; but no person shall be
ordained priest until he has served six months
in the office of deacon.
XIX. No person shall be ordained deacon
until he shall have completed the twenty-first
year of his age.

XX. No person having deacon's orders only
shall be allowed to hold a parish ; but a deacon
may, during,a vacancy, officiate in a parish, if
chosen by the vestry to do so ; he shall preach the
gospel, and baptize ; he may assist in administer
ing the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, but not
consecrate the elements ; he may solemnize mar
riages, and shall attend to the situation and cir
cumstances ofthe poor when it may be necessary.
XXI. A person may be ordained a deacon
though he shall have no assurance of being "_3
called to minister in a parish or congregation,
provided his testimonials and qualifications are
satisfactory. XXII. A deacon may minister as a proba
tioner or missionary, under the direction of the
Convention or the bishop.
XXIII. The parish clerk shall be appointed
by the minister and vestry, and displaced by
them whenever his services are not satisfactory
to the people, whenever he shall neglect his
duty, or otherwise misbehave himself.
XXIV. Sextons shall be appointed by the
vestries, and dismissed by them when they think
proper. XXV. Bishops shaU be amenable to the
Convention, who shall be a court to try them,
from which there shall be no appeal ; on all
such occasions, a president, who shall be a
bishop, shall be chosen by the Convention to sit
as judge ; and they shall also appoint a clerk to
the court.
XXVI. All accusations against a bishop, as
such, shall come from the vestries ; but no ac
cusation against a bishop shall be received un
less three vestries join in the complaint ; all
complaints against a bishop shall be lodged with
such persons as may be appointed to call a Con
vention ; and a copy of the charge or charges
to be brought against him shall be communi
cated to him in writing, at least two months be
fore the trial ; counsel may be employed on
both sides, and none but vit& voce evidence shall
be admitted.
XXVII. Disorderly, scandalous, and immoral
conduct, neglect of duty, a disregard to the rules
and canons of the church, or taking a bribe to
grant either ordination or a recommendation for
a vacant parish, shall be considered as offences
in a bishop, for which he may be brought to
trial ; and on his being convicted of any of
these, he shall be reproved, suspended, or dis
missed, at the discretion of the court.
XXVIII. Courts shall be instituted to ex
amine into complaints exhibited against minis
ters or deacons, to consist of six members, viz.,
three clergymen and three vestrymen from the
nearest and most convenient parishes, one from
each ; the appointment of said vestrymen shall
be by lot ; the oldest clergyman in orders shall
preside as judge ; on conviction of the minis
ter, the court shall report the facts, and state
the evidence to the Convention, who shall pro
ceed without delay to pass such sentence as a
majority of them shall think the offence de
serves, which shall be either reproof, suspension,
or dismission.
XXIX. No vestryman shall sit on the ex-

CONVENTION OF 1787.

25

amination of a minister belonging to the parish
wherein such vestryman resides ; the examina
tion shall be held in the parish where the accu
sed minister officiates, and at a place to be ap
pointed by the vestry ; the judges shall appoint
a clerk occasionally for such examinations.
XXX. Complaints against a minister shall be
received from the vestry of the parish where the
minister officiates, and from no other person or
persons whatsoever ; they shall be signed by a
.majority of a vestry, without which no com
plaint shall be received ; they shall be directed
to a bishop, or to the persons who may be ap
pointed by the Convention with authority to
receive such complaints, and to direct courts of
examination ; in every complaint, the offence or
offences shall be stated, and the minister shall
be furnished with a copy of the charges brought
against him, and with notice of his intended ex
amination, at least one month before the ex
amination ; viva voce evidence only shall be ad
mitted, and that on oath, and counsel may be
employed on both sides.
XXXI. Disorderly, scandalous, and immoral
conduct, neglect of duty, a disregard to the
rules and canons of the church, or taking a
bribe to recommend either for ordination or a
parish, are to be considered as among the offences
for which a minister may be brought to trial.
XXXII. The bishop, or persons vested with
authority for this purpose, shall, on receiving a
complaint against any minister, immediately in
stitute a court, as before described, to examine
into the complaint, and shall take care that the
ministers and vestrymen who are to compose
the court shall be informed in time. The
bishop, or persons so vested with authority, shall
cite the accused person before the appointed
court, which shall (unless the accused person is
prevented from attending by sickness) proceed
to examine the testimony against the offender,
and take the depositions of the witnesses.
XXXIII. Deacons behaving in a scandalous,
disorderly, or immoral manner, or who neglect
the duty they have undertaken, shall, on full
and satisfactory proof, be suspended or silenced
by the bishop until the sense of the Convention
shall be known. And the salary accruing during
the suspension of a minister or deacon, who is
afterward found guilty, shall go to the vestry for
the use of the church.
XXXIV. Bishops shall visit the different
parishes under their inspection once in three
years at least ; of which visitation the clergy
or church-wardens shall have timely notice ; in
their visitation, they shall confirm such as choose
to receive confirmation ; they shall inspect the

state of the parishes, and the conduct of the
c'ergy. who shall give them what information
they can respecting such ecclesiastical matters
as they may choose to be informed of.
XXXV. Bishops shall hold ordinations at such
times and places as they may judge necessary
and convenient.
XXXVI. Bishops, after every visitation, shall
report the state of the church in the different
parishes to the Convention.
XXXVII. No minister or bishop shaU be
allowed to hold more than one parish at the
same time. Nevertheless, a minister may, if.
called thereto by the vestry, preach in a neigh
bouring parish or parishes during a vacancy in
such parish or parishes, and may receive a com
pensation for his services, provided he has the
consent of his own vestry, and shall not neglect
the duties of his parish.
XXXVIII. Every minister shall reside within
his parish, unless a. majority of his vestry shall
agree to dispense with his residence, and shall
at no time leave it for more than one month
without the consent of the said vestry.
XXXIX. Ministers shall, at their churches
and other convenient places, instruct children,
and such ignorant persons as may require it, in
their catechism, and the principles of the Chris
tian religion as maintained by this church : Pro
vided this duty may be dispensed with during
the inclement winter months. They shall also
explain the nature of confirmation, and instruct
and prepare their parishioners for it.
XL. Ministers and deacons shall wear a sur
plice during the time of prayer at public wor
ship, in places where they are provided ; shall
wear gowns when they preach, where they con
veniently can ; and shall at all times wear ap
parel suited to the gravity of their profession.
XLI. Ministers and deacons may encourage
people to assemble together in small societies
at convenient times for their edification, and
may visit, superintend, and instruct such socie
ties at their meetings ; provided they shall not
do it to the encouragement of idleness, or to
the injury of private families.
XLII. Ministers officiating in this church,
whether bishops, priests, or deacons, shall preach
once at least on every Lord's day, and at other
stated seasons, unless prevented by some suffi
cient cause ; they may at their discretion preach
also at other times, when opportunities shall
offer of edifying the church ; bishops and priests
shall administer the sacrament at least four times
in the year, at each church or place of worship
in their respective parishes, and shall visit the
j sick when caUed on for that purpose.

CONVENTION OF 1788.
The hope was at one time entertained that a copy could be procured of the proceedings of
every Convention which has been held in Virginia, and no pains have been spared on the part of
the author of this work to obtain such copies. In some few instances, however, his efforts have
been fruitless ; and he has been led to doubt whether any record of two or three of the earlier
Conventions is now in existence. He has never seen or heard of a copy of the proceedings of
the Convention of 178a

26

CONVENTION OF 1789.

Journal of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the State of Virginia, held in the
,f . City of Richmond, from May 6 to May 9, 1789.

A List of the Members of the Convention.

Counties.
Amherst, Caroline,Charles City,
Chesterfield,Cumberland,Elizabeth City,
Goochland,Hanover, Henrico,
Lancaster,Lunenburg,Middlesex,Norfolk,New-Kent,Northumberland, Powhatan,
Prince George,
Spotsylvania,Surry, Williamsburg,
York,

Parishes.
Lexington,
St. Margaret,
Westover,Manchester, Littleton,Elizabeth City,
St. James Northam,
I St. Paul,
( St. Martin,
Henrico,
Christ Church,
Cumberland, Christ Church,
Elizabeth river,
St. Peter,
Wicomico,
\ King William,
( Southam,
Bristol,
( St. George,
\ Berkeley,
Southwark, Bruton,York-Hampton,

Clergymen.

William Cameron.

Elkanah Talley.
Peter Nelson.
John Buchanan.
David Ball.

Alexander Whitehead.
Benjamin Blagrove.

John Cameron
Hugh C. Boggs.
John Bracken.

Lay Deputies.
Josiah Ellis.
Thomas Rootes.
Charles Carter.
David Patterson.
Mayo Carrington.
Wilson Miles Cary.
Thomas Underwood.
John Pendleton.
William Foushee.
Martin Sherman.
Henry Stokes.
Philip L. Grymes.
John Boush.
William H. Macon
Onesiphorus Harvey.
( Thomas Harris.
( John Harris.
Edward Carrington.
William Robertson.
Francis Thornton, jun.
William Allen.
Robert Andrews.
Abraham Archer.

Wednesday, May 6, 1789.
The Convention met, and there not being a
sufficient number of members to proceed to busi
ness, adjourned until to-morrow at 10 o'clock.
Thursday, May 7.
The Convention having met, according to ad
journment, the Rev. John Bracken was unani
mously elected President of the Convention.
Mr. Robert Andrews was unanimously ap
pointed Secretary.
Ordered, That a committee be appointed to
examine and report the certificates of appoint
ment of the sitting members : And a commit
tee was appointed of the Rev. Mr. J. Cameron,
Rev. Mr. Buchanan, Mr. Underwood, and Dr.
Foushee. Resolved, That this Convention will observe
in their proceedings the standing rules of the
House of Delegates, so far as they may be ap
plicable. A letter from the Rev. David Griffith, D. D„
addressed to the President of the Convention,
and relinquishing the appointment of bishop
elect of the Protestant Episcopal Church in this
state ; also, a letter from the Rev. Mr. Emmer-
son, addressed to the president, and containing
a report of the state of the Protestant Episco
pal Church in the district of which he is the
visiter, were read, and ordered to lie on the
table. Mr. Andrews, of the standing committee, re
ported sundry proceedings of the said commit
tee, accompanied with letters and papers, which

were read and ordered to be refeired to a com
mittee of the whole Convention on the state of
the Protestant Episcopal Church within this
Commonwealth. On motion, Resolved, That the Convention
adjourn until noon.
Thursday, May 7, at 12 o'clock. — The Con
vention having met, according to adjournment,
the Rev. Mr. J. Cameron, from the committee
appointed to examine and report the certificates
of appointment of the sitting members, re
ported, That the committee had, according to or
der, examined the same, and had come to a res
olution thereon, which was read, and agreed to
by the Convention, as followeth : —
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this com
mittee, that the certificates of appointment from
the parishes of King William, Southam, Hen
rico, Manchester, St. James Northam, St. Paul,
St. Martin, Westover, Christ Church, in Middle
sex county, St. Margaret, Bristol, Wicomico,
Christ Church, in Lancaster county, Littleton,
St. Peter, Elizabeth City, Bruton, Berkeley,
and Southwark, are satisfactory.
The Rev. J. Cameron farther reported from
the said committee, That they had found in the
return from the parish of St. George, Spotsyl
vania county, the Rev. Mr. Thomas Thornton,
Mr. John Legg, and Mr. Francis Thornton, jun.,
or any two of them, appointed deputies to this
Convention : And also that from the parish of
Elizabeth river and county of Norfolk there
were two returns ; viz., one appointing the Rev.
Mr. Whitehead and Mr. John Boush, which

CONVENTION OF 1789.

27

was certified by William Ingram, church-war
den ; the other appointing Mr. John Calvert, as
a layman, which was certified by John Seymour,
clerk of the vestry.
On motion, Ordered, That the report, so far
as it relates to the return from the parish of
St. George, Spotsylvania county, be recommit
ted : And that the clause relating to the returns
from Elizabeth river parish, Norfolk county,
be referred to a committee of the whole Con
vention. Mr. Abraham Archer having produced satis
factory evidence of his appointment to repre
sent the parish of York-Hampton as a lay dep
uty in this Convention, was admitted to his
seat. The Convention resolved itself into a com
mittee of the whole Convention, to take into
consideration the returns from the parish of Eliz
abeth river, Norfolk county ; and after some
time spent therein, Mr. President resumed the
chair, and Mr. E. Carrington reported, That the
committee had, according to order, taken the
said returns under their consideration, and had
come to several resolutions thereon, which were
read, amended, and agreed to, as followeth : —
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this com
mittee that all appointments of trustees of par
ish property prior to the ordinance of the last
Convention for the appointment of vestries and
trustees, where subsequent appointments have
taken place agreeably to the regulations and di
rections ofthe said ordinance, are null and void.
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this com
mittee that Paul Loyall, Thomas Matthews,
Paul Proby, William Ingram, Alexander Mose-
ly, George Kelly, John Boush, Matthew God
frey, Robert Taylor, Robert Boush, Thomas
Newton, jun., and Edward Archer, are duly
elected vestrymen and trustees of the Protest
ant Episcopal Church for the parish of Eliza
beth river, Norfolk county, agreeably to an or
dinance regulating the appointment of vestries
and trustees, and for other purposes.
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this com
mittee that the Rev. Alexander Whitehead and
Mr. John Boush are legal deputies to represent
the parish of Elizabeth river, Norfolk county,
in this Convention.
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this com
mittee that Mr. John Calvert is not legally ap
pointed a deputy to represent the parish of Eliz
abeth river, Norfolk county, in this Conven
tion. Ordered, That the treasurer be requested to
lay his accounts before the Convention to-mor
row. And then the Convention adjourned until to
morrow morning, 10 o'clock.
Friday, May 8.
Mr. Josiah Ellis, lay deputy from Lexington
parish, Amherst county, and Henry Stokes, lay
deputy from the parish of Cumberland, Lunen
burg county, produced their certificates of ap
pointment, and were admitted to their seats.
The treasurer, according to order, laid his
accounts before the Convention.

Ordered, That they be referred to a commit
tee : And a committee was appointed of the Rev.
Mr. J. Cameron, Mr. Underwood, Rev. Mr.
Tally, and Mr. Boush. «
The Rev. Mr. Cameron, from the committee
to whom the return frorrt'the parish of St.
George, Spotsylvania county, was re-commit
ted, reported, That the committee had, according
to order, had the same under their consideration,
and had come to a resolution thereon, which
was read and agreed to, as followeth : —
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this com
mittee, that as Mr. John Legg, one of the lay
deputies mentioned in the said return, has vol
untarily withdrawn himself, the return should be
amended by striking out his name.
On the motion of Mr. Andrews,
Ordered, That leave be given to bring in an or
dinance to amend the ordinance for regulating
the appointment of vestries and trustees, and for
other purposes : And Mr. Andrews, Mr. Cary,
Mr. Buchanan, and Mr. Whitehead, were ap
pointed a committee to prepare the same.
On motion, Resolved, That the present mem
bers of the standing committee be continued
and remain in office until the end of the next
session of Convention, and that Edmund Ran
dolph, of the city of Williamsburg, be added
thereto. The Convention adjourned until 1 o'clock
P. M.
Friday, May 8, 1 o'clock P. M. — The Con
vention having met, according to adjournment,
the Rev. Mr. Cameron, from the committee ap
pointed to examine the treasurer's accounts,
reported, That they had, according to order, ex
amined the same, had found them fairly stated,
and that there was in his hands the sum of
1071. 8s. ; of which the sum of 28/. 17*. lOjrf.
was paid him to enable the bishop to obtain con
secration, and that the balance, being 78/. 10s.
lid., is for the general support of the church.
Mr. Andrews, from the committee appointed
to prepare an ordinance to amend the ordinance
for regulating the appointment of vestries and
trustees, and for other purposes, reported, That
the committee had, according to order, prepared
the same. The ordinance was received, read
three times, and passed, as followeth : —
An Ordinance to amend an Ordinance, entitled
"An Ordinance for regulating the appoint
ment of Vestries and Trustees, and for other
purposes." Be it ordained by the clergy and lay deputies
of the Protestant Episcopal Church, in Conven-
vention, that in case of the neglect or refusal
of any minister of a parish to call a meeting of
the vestry, when required to do so by two or
more vestrymen, the church-wardens, or church
warden, if but one within the parish, or any two
vestrymen, if there be no church-warden, may
call a meeting.
Resolved, That Mr. Thomas Griffin Peachy
be appointed a member of the third district in
the room of Mr. John Banister, deceased.
Resolved, That the deputies appointed to at
tend the next General Convention of the Prot-

28

CONVENTION OF 1789.

estant Episcopal Church, be desired to notify
to {lie General Convention that the Rev. Dr.
Griffin, 'bishop elect of the said church in this
state, 'has relinquished the said appointment,
and that no person has been elected in his
room. Resolved, That 150 copies of the Journal of
this Convention be printed under the inspection
of the Rev. Mr. Buchanan, and that the ordi
nance for regulating the appointment of vestries
and trustees, and for other purposes, and the
canons passed by the last Convention, be an
nexed. Resolved, That the standing committee be re
quested to frame an address to the members of
the Protestant Episcopal Church, to hasten and
forward the necessary contributions from their
respective parishes, for defraying the expenses
of the consecration of a bishop for the said
church in this state, and that the same be
printed at the end of the journal of this Con
vention. Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. John Cameron
be appointed visiter of the 7th district in the
room of the Rev. Mr. Burgess, who has re
moved out of the said district.
Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. Boggs be ap
pointed a member of the committee of the 2d
or middle district of recommendation, in the
room of the Rev. Mr. Taylor, who has removed
out of the said district.
Resolved, That the next Convention be open
ed with a sermon, and that the Rev. Mr. John
Cameron be requested to preach the same.
Resolved, That the next Convention be called
to meet in the city of Richmond.
The Convention then adjourned.
John Bracken, President,
Robert Andrews, Secretary.
Address of the StandingTCommittee to the mem
bers of the Protestant Episcopal Church.
Brethren, — Convinced that the God whom we
worship hath furnished us, if we be not wanting
to ourselves, with ample means for the preser
vation of that church of which we profess to
be members ; satisfied also that it claims a foun
dation the most truly apostolic, and that the
proper support of it involves our dearest inter
ests, both temporal and eternal ; it is with the
sincerest regret that we contemplate the situa
tion to which it is now reduced. We trust that
you have also viewed with sorrow a situation so
humiliating to a Christian society ; and we ar
dently hope that, not unmindful of the blessings
which the bountiful hand of Providence hath so
liberally bestowed onus, in common with other
Christian societies, you now feel yourselves con
scientiously bound to improve, with gratitude

and industry, those means which may tend to
promote the prosperity of our church, and thus
render themost pure and rational mode of wor
ship and instruction as extensively beneficial as
possible. Under these impressions, brethren,
we once more call your attention to the duty
of completing the organization of our church.
The superintendence and government of the
episcopal office are indispensably necessary.
Without them our religious concerns, important
as they are in the eyes of every serious mem
ber — we may add of every worthy citizen, must
rapidly decline. But the attainment of those
benefits which result from the episcopal office,
requires exertions of a pecuniary nature beyond
the abilities of a few individuals. It is not just
nor consistent with the principles of out reli
gious union, that the generous alone should feel
those burdens which belong to the whole of the
society, and which, if properly distributed, may
be borne with ease. We therefore earnestly
recommend to all the friends of the Protestant
Episcopal Church, that they do cheerfully assist
in raising the sum necessary for defraying the
expenses attendant on the consecration of a
bishop. Arguments the most pressing might
be urged, were they deemed necessary, to in
duce a ready compliance with this recommenda
tion. But we hope, that as you regard the in
terests of religion, and of that church in partic
ular of which you are members ; as you esti
mate the advantages which civil society must re
ceive from a mode of worship conducted on
principles the most rational ; as you venerate
those instructions which so nearly concern your
temporal and eternal happiness ; and as you
would with a parental tenderness cherish the
best means of improving the morals of the ri
sing generation, no one will, on this occasion,
refrain from casting his mite into the common
treasury. Let it, we exhort you, brethren, be
no longer said that we, of all Christian societies,
are alone inattentive to our religious concerns.
It is time to awake from an inattention which,
if continued, must prove fatal to the Protestant
Episcopal Church.
We do not think it necessary to point out the
particular mode in which the contributions may
be collected ; but suggest it to the consideration
of the several ministers how far this end may
be facilitated by their preaching occasional ser
mons at their respective churches, and in those
of such vacant parishes as may be convenient.
That the divine wisdom may influence and di
rect your exertions, at this important crisis of
our church, is the fervent prayer of your affec
tionate brethren in Christ.
%* Note that the contributions are to be for
warded to the Rev. Mr. Buchanan, of the city
of Richmond.

CONVENTION OF 1790.

20

Journal of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the State of Virginia, held in the
Capitol in the City of Richmond, from May 5th to May 8th, 1790.
A List of the Members of the Convention.

Counties.
Accomack, Amelia,Amherst,
Amherst, Albemarle,Charles City,
Chesterfield,
Chesterfield,Cumberland, Caroline,Dinwiddie,
Elizabeth City,
Frederick, Goochland,
Halifax, Hanover,Henrico, Hanover,
James City,
James City,
King and Queen,
King William,
Lancaster,Lunenburg,
Norfolk,
Northampton,
Northumberland, Northumberland,Nottoway, Orange,Prince George,
Princess Anne,
Powhatan,
Prince George,
Suffolk,
Surry,Spotsylvania, Southampton,
York,

Parishes.
St. George,
Rawleigh, Amherst, Lexington,
Fredericksville,
Westover, Dale,
Manchester,
Lyttleton,St. Margaret,
Bath, Elizabeth City,
Frederick, St. J. Northam,
Antrim, St. Martin,
Henrico, St. Paul,
Bruton,James City,
St. Stephen,
St. David,
Christ Church,
Cumberland,
Elizabeth River,
Hungars,St. Stephen,
Wicomico, Nottoway,St. Thomas,
Bristol, Lynnhaven, King William,
Mar. Brandon,
Suffolk, Southwark, Berkeley, St. Luke,
York Hampton,

Clergymen.
William Vere.
Isaac Dameille.
Charles Crawford.
James Henderson.
Needlet Robinson.
William Cameron.
Elkanah Talley.
Devereaux Jarratt.
Alexander Balmain.
Charles Hopkins.
Peter Nelson.
John Buchanan.
John Bracken.
James Madison.
Reuben Clopton.
David Ball.
James Craig.
James Whitehead.
S. S. M'Croskey.
Thomas Davis.

John Cameron.
Anthony Walke.
John J. Spooner.
James Taylor.
Samuel Butler.
Hugh C. Boggs.
Samuel Shield.

Lay Deputies.
John Royall.

Francis Walker.
Charles Carter.
David Patterson.
Mayo Carrington.
Anthony New.
George Wray.
James Wood.
Archibald Brice.
J. Coleman, E. Ragland.
William Fontaine.
William Foushee.
T. White, W. Norvell.
Robert Andrews.
John Ambler.
Thomas Hill.
Nathaniel Burwell.
James Ball.
Edward Ragsdale.
William White.
Isaac Avery.
Isaac Besye.
W. and F. Fitzgerald.
T. Barber and J. Daniel.
James Campbell.
John and Thomas Harris.
Edward Bland.
Michael King.

John Rogers.

Wednesday, May 5th, 1790.
A sufficient number of clergymen and lay
deputies to form a Convention having met, ac
cording to appointment,
TheRev. James Madison, D. D., was unani
mously elected President.
The Rev. Thomas Davis was unanimously ap
pointed Secretary.
Ordered, That a committee be appointed to
examine and report to the Convention the cer
tificates of appointment of the sitting members,
and a committee was appointed of the Rev.
John Bracken, the Rev. John Cameron, Hon.
James Wood, and Mr. Walker.
Resolved, That this Convention will observe
in their proceedings the standing rules of the
House of Delegates, as far as they may be ap
plicable. The Rev. Mr. Bracken reported a journal of
the General Convention held in the city of Phil
adelphia, from July 28th to the 8th of August,

and continued by adjournment from Sept. 30th
to the 10th of October, 1789, which was read
and ordered to lie on the table.
The Convention then adjourned till 2 o'clock.

The Convention having met, according to ad
journment, The Rev. John Bracken, from the committee
appointed to examine the certificates of appoint
ment of the sitting members, reported, That the
committee had, according to order, examined the
same, and found the certificates from the fol
lowing parishes to be made agreeably to the
canons, viz., St. George, &c. ;* they also found
a double return from Elizabeth river parish, ap
pointing different deputies, and each return
signed by different persons, styling themselves
church- wardens.
Ordered, That so much of the aforesaid re-

* As in the list prefixed to this journal, except
ing Elizabeth river parish.

30

CONVENTION OF 1790.

port as relates to the double return from Eliza
beth river parish be recommitted to the same
committee, and that the Rev. S. S. M'Croskey,
the Rev. Anthony Walke, the Rev. Thomas
Davis, Mr. Wray, Mr. Avery, and Mr. Barber,
be added thereto.
The Convention adjourned till to-morrow, 9
o'clock. Thursday, May 6.
The Convention having met, the Rev. J,
Bracken read prayers, and a sermon was deliv
ered by the Rev. John Cameron.
Ordered, On motion of Mr. Avery, that the
thanks of this Convention be presented to the
Rev. J. Cameron, for his judicious, affectionate,
and seasonable discourse delivered, and that he
be requested to prepare a copy for the press.
The Rev. J, Bracken, from the committee ap
pointed to examine the double return of certifi
cates from Elizabeth river parish, reported, That
they had, according to order, examined and consid
ered the business to them referred, and had come
to some resolutions thereon, which were read,
and, when amended, agreed to, as follows : —
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Con
vention, that the Rev. Mr. Wm. Whitehead
and Mr. W. White are legal deputies to repre
sent the parish of Elizabeth river, Norfolk
county, in this Convention.
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Con
vention, that the Rev. William Bland is not
legally appointed a lay deputy for Elizabeth river
parish in this Convention.
A journal of the proceedings of the standing
committee, with some other papers respecting
the rights of the Protestant Episcopal Church,
were presented by 'Mr. Andrews, and read.
Ordered, That they be referred to a commit
tee of the wliole Convention on the state of the
Protestant' Episcopal Church.
Resolved, That this Convention will to-mor
row resolve itself into a committee of the whole
Convention on the state of the Protestant Epis
copal Church.
On motion, Resolved, That this Convention
will to-morrow proceed to the nomination of a
bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in
Virginia. On motion, Resolved, That a committee be
appointed to amend the canons which respect
the trial of offending clergymen.
And a committee was appointed of the Rev.
S. Shield, the Rev. J. Cameron, the Rev. S. S.
M'Croskey, the Rev. Mr. Jarratt, the Rev. Mr.
Craig, Messrs. R. Andrews, M. Carrington, A.
New, Ja. Avery, and J. Campbell.
On motion, Ordered, That leave be given to
bring in an ordinance to amend the ordinance
for the appointment of vestrymen and trustees,
and for other purposes, and that the committee
appointed to revise and amend certain canons
do prepare and bring in the same.
The Convention adjourned till to-morrow
morning, 9 o'clock. Friday, May 7.
The Convention, according to the order of the
day, proceeded by ballot to the nomination ol a

bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in
this state ; and the Rev. Mr. Craig, the Iffifev,
Mr. Cameron, Mr. New, and Mr.;Andrews, were
appointed a committee to exanjir&'the4allots s
who, having withdrawn and examined the same,
reported, That they found the numbers for the
persons balloted for to be as followeth : —
For the Rev. James Madison, 46 ; Rev.
Samuel Shield, 9.
And it appearing from the .report that a ma
jority of the whole Convention was in favour of
the Rev. James Madison,
Resolved, therefore, That the Rev. James
Madison, D. D., be recommended as a proper
person to be consecrated bishop of the Protest
ant Episcopal Church in the State of Virginia.
Ordered, That the Rev. Alexander Balmain
be appointed visiter for District No. 12, including
the counties of Frederick, Berkeley, Hampshire,
and Hardy.
That the Rev. Thomas Davis be appointed
visiter for District No. 6, including the counties
of Lancaster, Northumberland, Richmond, and
Westmoreland. That the Rev. Elkanah Talley be appointed
visiter for District No. 1, in the room of the
Rev. J. H. Saunders, who is discontinued.
That the Rev. Abner Waugh be appointed
visiter of District No. 15, including the coun
ties of Hanover and Caroline, in the room of
the Rev. Mr. Dick, who hath resigned.
That the Rev. Jesse Carter be appointed
visiter of District No. 16, including the counties
of Essex, King William, and King and Queen,
in the room of the Rev. H. Skyring, who hath
removed out of that district.
On motion, Resolved, That the members of
this Convention do advance for their respective
parishes two dollars, to be applied to the general
purposes of the Convention.
Resolved, That a committee be appointed to
examine the treasurer's accounts, and make
report thereof ; and a committee was appointed
of Mr. R. Andrews, Mr. Walker, the Rev. J.
Cameron, and the Rev. Mr. Walke.
Resolved, on the motion of the Rev. J. Cam
eron, That this Convention do recommend it to
the bishop, to whom Mr. Stephen Johnson, a
candidate for holy orders, shall apply for ordina
tion, to dispense with, in the examination of the
said Johnson, that knowledge of the Greekand
Latin languages which is required by the sev
enth general canon of the Protestant Episcopal
Church in the United States of America."
Ordered, That the Rev. Devereaux Jarratt
have leave of absence for the remainder of this
Convention. The Convention, according to the order of
the day, resolved itself into a committee of the
whole Convention on the state of the Protest
ant Episcopal Church ; and, after some time
spent therein, Mr. President resumed the chair,
and the Rev. S. Sheld reported. That the said
committee had, according to order, taken under
consideration the business to them referred, and
had come to several resolutions thereon, which
were read and agreed to as follows :—
Resolved, That it is the. opinion of this Con-

CONVENTION OF 1790.

31

yention, that the Protestant Episcopal Church
is the exclusive owner of the glebes, churches,
and other property held by the Church of Eng
land, in Virginia, at the commencement of the
revolution. t Resolved, That the principles upon which the
said property is held, are those only by which
the rights of property are regulated.
Resolved, That the interference of the legis
lature in the sale of that property, or in the dis
posal of it to any other purpose than that for
which it is now held, would be a violation of
the constitution.
Resolved, That the several documents now
referred to the Convention be referred to the
standing committee : And that they be instructed
to adopt such measures, and to make such pub
lications or representations, as to them shall
seem advisable on the premises.
The Convention adjourned until 9 o'clock to
morrow morning. Saturday, May 8.
The Convention having met, the Rev. S.
Shield, from the committee appointed to bring in
an ordinance to amend the ordinance for the
appointment of vestries and trustees, and for
other purposes, reported, That they had, ac
cording to order, prepared the same, which was
read, and ordered to be read a second time.
The Rev. Mr. Shield, from the same committee,
reported, That they had, according to order, had
the canons respecting the trial of offending
clergymen under consideration, and had prepared
some new .canons relative thereto, which were
read, and ordered to be read a second time.
Mr. Andrews, from the committee appointed
to examine the treasurer's account, reported,
That the committee had, according to order, ex
amined the same, and found them justly and
fairly stated, and that the balance in his hands
for general purposes is 30/. 17s. 6d. That the
committee, however, thought it their duty to
observe, that the treasurer had advanced to the
deputies who went to the last General Conven
tion 15/. 2s. l\d. more than was directed by the
resolution of the last Convention : That they
had farther found that the said deputies have
still a claim on account of their expenses for
the following balances, viz. : —
The Rev. John Bracken, for a balance of 7/.
8s. ; Mr. Robert Andrews, for a balance of 11.
9s. lOid.
That the committee had also found in the
hands of the treasurer a balance of 126/. lis.
lOlrf. due to the bishop's fund : Whereupon the
Convention came to a resolution that the treas
urer's account do pass ; and that he pay to the
Rev. Mr. Bracken and Mr. Andrews the bal
ances reported to be due to them.
It appearing that the Rev. Mr. Buchanan had
declined receiving any compensation for his ser
vices as treasurer of the Convention for the last
year, On motion, Resolved, That the thanks of this
Convention be given to the Rev. Mr. Buchanan
for his faithful and disinterested discharge of the
duties of the office of treasurer.

On motion of Mr. Walker, Resolved, That the
thanks of this Convention be given to the Rev.
Dr. James Madison, for his valuable essay read
before the Convention, containing a defence
of certain rights of the Protestant Episcopal
Church. On motion of the Rev. John Bracken, Or
dered, That the treasurer of this Convention ad
vance to the Rev. Dr. James Madison such a
sum of money as may be directed by the stand
ing committee, for the purpose of defraying his
expenses in obtaining consecration, provided
such sum does not exceed 200/. ; and that it be
advanced out of the money in the bishop's
fund. On motion, Resolved, That deputies be ap
pointed to attend any General Convention of
the Protestant Episcopal Church which may be
called before the month of May, 1791 : And
the Rev. John Bracken and Mr. Robert An
drews were accordingly appointed.
On motion of Mr. Campbell, Resolved, That
the deputies to the next General Convention be
instructed to endeavour to procure the following
amendment to the 7th general canon, viz., after
" required," in the 5th line, to insert, " and can
also satisfy the bishop that he hath a competent
knowledge of moral philosophy, church history,
and the belles lettres, and hath paid particular
attention to acquire rhetoric and pulpit elo
quence, as the means of giving additional effi
cacy to his labours."
On motion, Resolved, That the parish trus
tees be desired to transmit to the Rev. Mr.
Buchanan, of the city of Richmond, to be laid be
fore the next Convention, an account of the
property of the church, both real and personal,
within their respective parishes, with a state of
the condition and supposed value of their glebes.
Resolved, That a register of the ministers of
the Protestant Episcopal Church, who hold
parishes within this state, and also of assistant
ministers, be kept by the Secretary of the Con
vention ; and that for this purpose, the vestries
be desired to certify to the Rev. Mr. Buchanan
the names of the ministers who hold their re
spective parishes, and .of the assistant min
isters. On motion of Mr. Andrews, Resolved, That
the trustees of the parish of Bruton have the
consent of this Convention to sell the glebe of
the said parish, provided it shall be the opinion
of the trustees that it can be done with ad
vantage to the Protestant Episcopal Church.
Ordered, That a standing committee be ap
pointed, to continue in office until the end of
the next session of Convention, and that their
powers be the same as those vested in the former
standing committees. A standing committee
was accordingly appointed, of the Rev. James
Madison, Rev. John Bracken, Rev. Samuel
Shield, Hon. John Blair, Robert Andrews, Esq.,
Hon. Edmund Randolph, Hon. Joseph Prentis,
and Rev. Henry Skyring.
Resolved, That the said committee be re
quested to frame standing rules for regulating
the proceedings of Conventions, and to report
the same to the next Convention.

32

CONVENTION OF 1790.

Ordered, That 200 copies of the Journal of
this Convention be .printed, under the inspection
of the Rev. Mr. Buchanan ; and that the or
dinances and canons of the Protestant Episcopal
Church in this state which shall be in force at
the end of this session, together with the Gen
eral Constitution and canons framed by the late
General Convention, be annexed to the journal.
An ordinance to amend an ordinance, entitled
" An ordinance for regulating the appointment
of vestries and trustees, and for other purposes,"
was read the second time, and ordered to be
read a third time.
Resolved, That it be recommended to the
several parishes within this commonwealth, to
send the sum of twelve dollars to the Rev. Mr.
Buchanan, treasurer, on or before the first
Tuesday of May next ; to be applied by the
Convention to the general purposes of the Prot
estant Episcopal Church in this state.
An ordinance to amend the ordinance for the
appointment of vestries and trustees, and for
other purposes, was read the third time.
Resolved, That the ordinance do pass ; and
that the title be, " An ordinance to amend farther
the ordinance entitled An ordinance for regu
lating the appointment of vestries and trustees,
and for other purposes."*
The reported canons respecting the trial of of
fending clergymen, were read a second time.
Resolved, That they be agreed to ; and that
they be numbered as the 28th and 29th canons, t
Resolved, That the former 28th, 30th, and
i32d canons be, and they are hereby, abrogated.
Resolved, That the next Convention be
opened with a sermon, and that the Rev. Thomas
Davis be requested to preach the same.
Resolved, That the next Convention be call
ed to meet on the first Tuesday in May, 1791,
unless the standing committee shall think it ne
cessary to call a Convention at an earlier pe
riod : and that the next Convention meet in the
city of Richmond.
The Convention then adjourned.
James Madison, President.
Thomas Davis, Secretary.

APPENDIX.
An Ordinance for regulating the Appointment
cf Vestries and Trustees, and for other pur
poses. Whereas an act of the General Assembly,
which was passed in the year one thousand seven
hundred and eighty-four, entitled, " An act for
incorporating the Protestant Episcopal Church,"
hath been repealed by an act of the last session ;
in consequence of which it is supposed that the
several powers of government and discipline in
the said church are returned to the members
at large ; and in order to exercise those pow
ers, the members of the said church, in their
several parishes, have elected two deputies to
represent them in a Convention to be held in the
city of Richmond, on this sixteenth day of May,
* See Appendix.
t,See 28th and 29th canons in the Appendix.

one thousand seven hundred and eighty-seven,
with full powers to deliberate upon, form, and
establish such regulations as they should judge
to be necessary and proper for the government,
discipline, and worship of the said church, and
the care and direction of the social property ; in
order to effect which purposes, it is judged ne
cessary that vestries should forthwith be elect
ed in each parish.
Be it therefore ordained by the deputies so
appointed, and now met in Convention at the
time and place prefixed, That the church-war
dens and vestrymen in the several parishes
within this commonwealth, who were elected
into office in conformity to an act of the General
Assembly, passed in the year one thousand seven
hundred and eighty-four, entitled, " An act for
incorporating the Protestant Episcopal Church,"
be, and are hereby declared and acknowledged
as trustees for the members of the Protestant
Episcopal Church until a new election shall take
place, and to hold the property, both real and per
sonal, belonging to the said church, for their use
and benefit, subject to such regulations as shall
be made from time to time by the Convention
of deputies elected by the members of the said
church. And be it further ordained, that as
soon as may be after notice of this ordinance,
the late church-wardens, or any two other repu
table inhabitants (being members of the Protest
ant Episcopal Church) in each parish, do call
together, at some convenient time and place, by
notice duly given, all the freeholders and house
keepers in such parish who are members of the
said church, and contribute to the support
thereof; then and there to elect twelve of the
most able and discreet men of their society to
be a vestry for such parish, and trustees of their
property ; to continue in office until the Mon
day in Easter-week, in the year one thousand
seven hundred and ninety, and on that day, if
fair, otherwise the next day which is so, there
shall be a new election of vestrymen ; and such
elections shall continue to be made triennially on
Easter-Monday, if fair, or the .next fair day,
until the Convention shall otherwise direct ; in
termediate vacancies occasioned by death, re
moval, or resignation, to be filled by the remain
ing vestrymen, and those so chosen to act until
the period of the next general election.
Every vestryman, before he acts in office,
shall subscribe in vestry to be conformable to
the doctrine, discipline, and worship of the Prot
estant Episcopal Church.
Each vestry, at their first meeting after their
election, shall choose two of their members to
be church-wardens, who shall superintend the
next general election of vestrymen ; judge of
the qualifications of voters, and certify the
names of the persons chosen. They shall be
considered as the acting part of the vestry, and
shall see that the orders and resolutions of the
vestry be carried into execution.
The vestries respectively, with the minister,
where there is one, shall hold and enjoy all
glebes, lands, churches, books, plate, and other
property, now belonging or hereafter accruing to
the said church, as trustees for the benefit of the

CONVENTION OF 1790.

33

society, and may improve or demise the lands
during the vacancy of a minister, but may not
demise lands allowed for the minister's habita
tion or use, when they have one, without his
consent. They may also use, improve, or dis
pose of all personal property, and the produce,
rents, and profits of lands (not appropriated for
the minister) belonging to the church, for the
benefit of the society, in erecting or repairing
churches, glebe-houses, or otherwise ; and may
make such rules and orders for managing the
temporal affairs and concerns of the church,
within their respective parishes, as they shall
think most conducive to its interest and pros
perity, and for carrying into execution such or
ders and rules for government and discipline, or
other spiritual purposes, as shall be directed by
this or any future Convention. They shall have
the sole power of directing the payment of
money belonging to the church within their re
spective parishes, and of appointing a clerk,
treasurer, and collector, when they think neces
sary. All of which proceedings shall be fairly
entered in a book to be kept for that purpose.
A meeting of the body (to be called by the
minister, or if he be absent, or in case of a va
cancy, by the church-wardens, or by a church
warden, if but one within the parish, or by any
two vestrymen, if there be no minister or church
warden) shall be had as often as is necessary,
the minister to have a vote equal to, and not
greater than a vestryman, in all questions ex
cept for the demise of the glebe-lands assigned
for his residence or use, in which he shall have
a negative. Seven members shall be sufficient
to constitute a meeting, and all questions shall
be decided by a majority of those present.
Future Conventions shall consist of two depu
ties from each parish, of whom the minister
shall be one, if there be a minister, the other a
layman, to be annually chosen by the vestry,
who shall also choose another where there is no
minister in the parish : And twenty-five depu
ties thus qualified and appointed shall be a Con
vention. Conventions shall regulate stl the religious
concerns of the church, its doctrines, discipline,
and worship, and institute such rules and regu
lations as they may judge necessary for the good
government thereof, and the same revoke and
alter at their pleasure.
An Ordinance to amend the foregoing Ordi
nance.
Be it ordained by the clergy and lay depu
ties, of the Protestant Episcopal Church, in
Convention, that in case of neglect or refusal of
any minister of a parish to call a meeting of the
vestry, when required to do so by two or more
vestrymen, the church-wardens, or church
warden, if but one within the parish, or any two
vestrymen, if there be no church-warden, may
call a meeting.
An Ordinance to amend further the Original
Ordinance.
Be it ordained by the clergy and lay depu
ties of the Protestant Episcopal Church, in Con-
C

vention, that in any parishes which have neglect
ed to elect vestries and trustees agreeably to
the "Ordinance for regula*irrg the appointment
of vestries and trustees, and for other purpos
es," or which shall hereafter neglect to make
such election, the members, of the Protestant
Episcopal Church within such parishes may at
any time afterward within six months elect
vestries and trustees, in the manner -directed by
the aforesaid ordinance. And in all cases
where elections have not been held, or shall not
be held, at the periods fixed by the said ordi
nance for general elections, the former vestries
and trustees shall continue to act until elections
shall be held as hereby directed ; or, if no elec
tions shall be held, until a future Convention
shall take some farther order in the matter.
Provided nevertheless, That where any parish
which had failed to elect vestrymen and "trus
tees at the time appointed by the said ordinance
for a general election, hath since- elected the
same, such election is hereby declared to be
valid. If any person elected a vestryman and trus
tee shall neglect or refuse to attend two suc
cessive meetings of the body, having had due
notice thereof, he mav be considered as having
vacated his office ; and the remaining vestrymen
and trustees may elect into his place sonie other
able and discreet man of their society.
In case of the nonattendance of the church
wardens at an election of vestrymen and trus
tees in any parish, the minister, or, if he be
absent, or, if there be no minister in the parish,
any two vestrymen, or, if there be no vestrymen
present, any two reputable inhabitants of the
parish vvho are members ofthe Protestant Epis
copal Church, may be appointed to superintend
the election.
No sale of such property as is of the nature
of principal or stock, Belonging to the Protest
ant Episcopal Church "in any parish, shall be
made without the consent of a Convention.
Any ordinance or part of an ordinance which
is contrary to this ordinance, is hereby declared
null and of no effect.

CANONS.
I. Conventions shall be holden annually on
the first Wednesday in May, provided neverthe
less, that if a sufficient number of members to
form a Convention shall not attend on the said
day, any five then assembled shall have power
to adjourn.
II. A person shall preside in Convention with
the name of president, who shall always be a
bishop, when there is one present properly con
secrated and settled in the church, till which
time a president shall be appointed by the Con
vention out of their own body ; if more than
one bishop is found necessary in this church,
they shall preside alternately.
III. A secretary shall be appointed by the
Convention, who shall continue in office during
good behaviour, who shall keep a record of
their resolves and proceedings, and have the

34

CONVENTION OF 1790.

records in his custody-so long as he s
tinuo inioffice.
IV. Standing rules, shall be established for
the preservation of decorum, and the orderly
management of business. , .
V. All questions, whether they relate to the
order, government, discipline, doctrine, or wor
ship of this church, or to any other matter which
is properly before the Convention, shall be de
termined by a majority of votes. '-^
VI. At all future Conventions, each member
(whether minister or layman) ishall, previousto
his admission, produce a testiijhonial of his being
regularly appointed, which testimonial shaU be
signed by one or both of the church-wardens, or
by the clerk of the respective vestrie's.
VII, All the ordinances and other proceed
ings of the Convention shall be attested by the
secretary. •"* • ,f • ••:.
VIII. The clergy . of several neighbouring
parishes, not less than, three nor more than ten,
shall assemble in presbytery annually on the
second Wednesday in Aprils at some convenient
place in the district, to be appointed by a major
ity of the ministers in the same district ; one in
each district shall be appointed by the Conven
tion to preside at their meetings with the title
of visiter, who shall annually visit each parish in
his district — shall attend to and inspect the
morals and conduct of the clergy — shall see that
the canons and rules of the church are observ
ed, and that no abuses are practised — shall ad
monish and reprove privately those clergymen
who are negligent, or act in an unbecoming
manner, and shall report yearly to the bishop, if
there be one, or, if there be no bishop, to the next
Convention, the state of each parish in his dis
trict, notingdown the offenders and their offences.
IX. The clergy who shall minister in this
church shall be the three orders of bishops,
priests, and deacons.
X. Every person hereafter to officiate in this
church as a bishop, shall be nominated by the
Convention ; and having received episcopal con
secration before he enters on his office, shall
subscribe to conform to the doctrine, discipline,
and worship of the Protestant Episcopal Church
of Virginia ; and no person shall be received into
the church as a bishop until he shall have com
pleted the thirtieth year of his age.
XI. As we conceive the office of a bishop,
according to the true apostolic institution, dif
fers in nothing from that of other ministers of
God's word, except in the power of ordination
and confirmation, and the rights of superintend
ing the conduct of the clergy, and of precedency
in ecclesiastical assemblies, that office shall be
accordingly so exercised in this church ; and
every bishop, after his promotion to the episco
pal order, shall continue to hold a parish and to
do the duty of a parish minister, except when
he is necessarily employed in the discharge of
his episcopal office.
XII. No bishop shall inflict any censure
upon, or exercise any power over, the clergy
under his inspection, other than he is allowed to
do by the laws and institutions of this church
made in Convention.

XIII. No priesf^or^ajnister shall hereafter
be received into any parish within this common
wealth, unless he first produce to the vestry suf
ficient-testimonials of his having been regularly
ordained a priest by some Protestant bishop, and
of having taken the oath of allegiance to this
commonwealth, and subscribe to be conformable
to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of the
Protestant Episcopal Church ; nor till he shall
have entered into a contract in writing with the
vestry or trustees on behalf of the society within
such parish, by which it shall be stipulated and
declared that he holds the appointment subject
to removal upon the determinations of the Con
vention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in
this state. Provided, That any person who hath
been ordained by a bishop of the Church of Rome
may also be received as a minister, who shaU
produce satisfactory testimonials respecting his
ordination, morals, and conduct, renounce the
errors of that church, take the oath, and sub
scribe as aforesaid.
XIV. No minister .shaU hereafter be received
into a parish who does not first produce to the
vestry satisfactory* testimonials of his morals,
conduct, and conversation, from the person or
persons appointed by the Convention to inquire
into such matters, and grant such testimonials.
XV. The right of presentation or appointing
ministers to serve in the parishes shall continue
in the vestries, and each vestry shall choose its
own minister.
XVI. Every person to be ordained priest or
deacon by any bishop of this church, shall pro
duce testimonials of his good morals and orderly
conduct from the clergy assembled in the dis
trict where he for some time last resided, and
from the vestry of. the parish where he last
lived, provided there be in the district a suffi
cient number of clergymen to form a presby
tery ; otherwise a testimonial from the minister
and vestry of his parish, or from the vestry
alone, if the parish is vacant, shall be deemed
sufficient : Provided also, the candidate is not
an inhabitant of some other state, and intended
to minister in'some parish or congregation in a
neighbouring state. No person shah be or
dained until due examination had by the bishop
and two priests.
XVII. No person shall be admitted to priest's
orders until he shall have completed the twenty-
fourth year of his age, and is assured of the
willingness of some parish or congregation to re
ceive him as their minister, to be certified under
the hands of the church-wardens, and attested
by the clerk of the vestry.
' XVIII. Every person who shall be admitted
either to priest's or deacon's orders, shall be or
dained according to the form prescribed in tho
Book of Common Prayer, &c. directed to be used
in this church ; but no person shall be ordained
priest until he has served six months in the Of
fice of deacon.
XIX. No person shall be ordained deacon
until he shall have completed the twenty-first
year of his age.
XX. No person having deacon's orders only
shall be allowed to hold a parish ; but a deacon

CONVENTION OF 1790.

35

may, during a vacartcy„ officiate in a parish, if
chosen by the vestry to'do so ; he shall preach
the gospel, and baptize '; he may assist in admin
istering the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, but
not consecrate the elements ; he may solemnize
marriages, and shall attend to the situation and
circumstances of the poor when it may be ne
cessary. XXI. A person may be ordained a deacon
though he shall have no assurance of being
called to minister in a parish or congregation,
provided his testimonials -and qualifications are
satisfactory. XXII. A deacon may minister as a proba
tioner or missionary under the direction of the
Convention or the bishop.
XXIII. The parish clerk shall be appointed
by the minister and vestry, and displaced by
them whenever his services are not satisfactory
to the people, whenever he shall neglect his
duty, or otherwise misbehave himself.
XXIV. Sextons shall^be appointed by the
vestries, and dismissed* by them when they think
proper.* „ — !^% .
XXV. Bishops shall be:amehable to the Con
vention, who shall be a court to try them, from
which there shall be no appeal ; on all such oc
casions a president, who shall be a bishop, shall
be chosen by the Convention to sit as judge,
and they shall also appoint a clerk to the court.
XXVI. All accusations against a bishop, as
such, shall come from the vestries ; but no ac
cusation against a bishop shall be received un
less three vestries join in the complaint. All
complaints against a bishop shall be lodged
with such persons as may be appointed to call a
Convention ; and a copy of the charge or charges
to be brought against him shall be communicated
to him in writing at least two months before the
trial ; counsel may be employed on both sides,
and none but viva voce evidence shall be ad
mitted. XXVII. Disorderly, scandalous, and immoral
conduct, neglect of duty, a disregard to the
rules and canons of the church, or taking a bribe
to grant either ordination or a recommendation
for a vacant parish, shall be considered as of
fences in a bishop, for which he may be brought
to trial ; and on his being convicted of any of
these, he shall be reproved, suspended, or dis
missed, at the discretion of the court.
XXVlII. Courts shall be instituted to exam
ine into complaints exhibited against ministers
or deacons, which courts shall be composed of
one clergvman and one vestryman from each
parish of the district in which the accused min
ister resides, the parish excepted to which the
minister belongs. The appointment of the ves
trymen shall be by lot ; and the visiter of the dis
trict, unless he shall be the accused person,
shall preside as judge ; and in that case, the
oldest clergyman in orders shall be the judge :
Provided nevertheless, That where the number
of settled clergymen in the district shall be less
than two, the visiter shall call for a clergyman
from a neighbouring district ; and, moreover, if,
when the court assembles, the number of vestry
men shall be found to exceed the number of cler-
C 2

gymen present, so -many vestrymen shall be
withdrawn, by lot'is shaUbe necessary to
equalize the number, of the two orders.
Any number of members, not less than three,
two of whom -shall be clergymen, shall be suf
ficient to cpnstitute.a courfl^
On conviction of a minister, the court shall
proceed to pass' sentence ; which shall be none
Other than reproof or suspension,; -and in all
cases where the offence 'shall be thought to de
serve suspension, the- court shall without delay
report the facts .and state the evidence^ to the
bishop, or, until a bishop shall be consecrated
for the church in this state, to the chairman of
the standing committee, who, wjth the- standing
committee, or three fourths of thejsame, shall
be, and are hereby constituted- and appointed, a
court in the last resorf'to try the offender •-..and
who, if th,ey do not acquit him, shall either con
firm the sentence of the examining court, or pass
such other sentence as a, majority of them shall
think the offence deserves ; which shall be
either reproof, dismission, or degradation. -
XXIX. Complaints against a minister shall
be received from the vestry of the parish where
the minister officiates, and from no other per
son or persons whatever. They shall be signed
by a majority of a vestry, without which' no
complaint shall be received- They, shall be
directed to the visiter of the district in which
the accused minister resides, .or, where there is
no visiter, or if the visiter be the person accused,
to a member of the presbytery in the said district,
who shall forthwith appoint a convenient time
and place for the trial ; and take care that the
members who are to compose the court shall
have timely information thereof.
In every complaint, the offence or offences
shall be stated ; and the minister shall be fur
nished with a copy of the charges brought
against him, and with notice of his intended
trial, at least one month before the trial. Viva.
voce evidence only shall be admitted, and that
upon oath, or the evidence of authenticated
records ; and counsel may be employed on both
sides. The visiter, or the person to whom the com
plaint shall be made, shall cite the accused per
son before the appointed court ; which shall (un
less the person accused is prevented from at
tending by sickness) proceed to the trial, exam
ine the testimony against the offender, and take
the depositions of the witnesses.
XXX. No vestryman shall sit on the exam
ination of a minister belonging to the parish
wherein such vestryman resides ; the examina
tion shaU be held in the parish where the ac
cused minister officiates, and at a place to be
appointed by the vestry ; the judges shall appoint
a clerk occasionally for such examinations.
XXXI. Disorderly, scandalous, and immoral
conduct, neglect of duty, a disregard to the
rules aud canons of the church, or taking a
bribe to recommend either for ordination or a
parish, are to be considered as among the offen
ces for which a minister may be brought to trial.
XXXII. Deacons behaving in a scandalous,
disorderly, or immoral manner, or who neglect

36

CONVENTION OF 1791.

the duty they have undertaken, shall, on full, and
satisfactory proof, be suspended or silenced by
the bishop until the sense of the Convention
shall be known. And the salary accruing during
the suspension of a minister or deacon, who is
afterward found guilty, shall go to the vestry
for the use of the church.
XXXIII. Bishops shall visit the different
parishes under their inspection once in three
years at least ; of which visitation the clergy
or church-wardens shall have timely notice ; in
their visitation they shall confirm such as choose
to receive confirmation, they shall inspect the
state, of the parishes, and the conduct of the
clergy, who shall give them what information
they can respecting such ecclesiastical matters
as they may choose to be informed of.
XXXIV. Bishops shall hold ordinations at
such times and places as they may judge neces
sary and convenient.
XXXV. Bishops, after every visitation, shall
report the state of the church in the different
parishes to the Convention.
XXXVI. No minister or bishop shall be al
lowed to hold more than one parish at the same
time. Nevertheless, a minister may, if called
thereto by the vestry, preach in a neighbouring
parish or parishes during a vacancy in such par
ish or parishes, and may receive a compensation
for his services, provided he has the consent of
his own vestry, and shall not neglect the duties
of his parish.
XXXVII. Every minister shall reside within
his parish, unless a majority of his vestry shaU
agree to dispense with his residence, and shaU

at no time leave it for more than one month
without the consent of the said vestry.
XXXVIII. Ministers shall, at their churches
and other convenient places, instruct children,
and such ignorant persons as may require it,
in their catechism, and the principles of the
Christian religion as maintained by this church ;
provided this duty may be dispensed with during
the inclement winter months. They shall also
explain the nature of confirmation, and instruct
and prepare their parishioners for it.
' XXXIX. Ministers and deacons shall wear
a surplice during the time of prayer at public
worship, in places where they are provided;
shall wear gowns when they preach, where they
conveniently can ; and shall at all times wear
apparel suited to the gravity of their profession.
XL. Ministers and deacons may encourage
people to assemble together in small societies
at convenient times for their edification, and
may visit, superintend, and instruct such socie
ties at their meetings ; provided they shall not
do it to the encouragement of idleness, 01 to the
injury of private families.
XLI Ministers officiating in this church,
whether bishops, priests, or deacons, shall preach
once at least on every Lord's day, and at other
stated seasons, unless prevented by some suffi
cient cause ; they may at their discretion preach
also at other times, when opportunities shall
offer of edifying the church ; bishops and priests
shall administer the sacrament at least four
times in the year at each church or place of
worship in their respective parishes, and shall
visit the sick when called on for that purpose.

Journal of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the State of Virginia, held in the
Capitol in the City of Richmond, from May 3d to May 6th, 1791, inclusive.
A List of the Members of the Convention.

Parishes.
Abingdon,
Antrim,Bath,Berkeley,Bristol,Bruton, Charles,Christ Church,
Cumberland,
Dale,Drysdale, Elizabeth River,
Fairfax, Henrico,Hungars,
James City,
King William,
Lexington,Littleton,Lynnhaven,Manchester,Meherrin,Nottoway, Raleigh,

Clergymen.
James Price.
Alexander Hay.
Devereaux Jarratt.
Hugh C. Boggs.
John Cameron.
John Bracken.
Samuel Shield
David Ball.
James Craig.
Needier Robinson.
Jesse Carter.
James Whitehead.
John Buchanan.
James Madison (Bishop and Pres.).
Charles Crawford.
Elkanah Talley.
Anthony Walke.
William Cameron.
Stephen Johnson.

Lay Deputies.
John Page.
John Coleman

Thos. G. Peachy.
Robert Andrews.
Starkey Robinson.
James Ball.
John Stevenson.
William Lyne.
Robert T. Hooe.
William Foushee.
John L. Fulwell.
John Ambler.
Thomas Harris.
Mayo Carrington.
Edward H. Moseley.
David Patteson.
S Rowland Ward.
P. Robinson.
John Royall.

Parishes.
St. Asaph,
St. Bride,
St. David,
St. George (Acco.),
St George, (Spot.),
St. James Northam,
St. Margaret,
St. Mark,
St. Martin,
St. Mary,
St. Paul,
Southam,
Southwark, Suffolk,Trinity,
Upper Parish )
(Nansemond), $
Westover,

CONVENTION OF 1791.
Clergymen.
James Morris.
Reuben Clopton.
William Vere.
John Woodville.
Charles Hopkins.

87

Lay Deputies.
John Hoomes.

Peter Nelson.
Abner Waugh.

Samuel Butler.
James Taylor.

James Henderson.

On Tuesday, the third of May, in the year of
our Lord one thousand seven hundred and nine
ty-one, being the day appointed for the meeting
of the Convention of the Protestant Episcopal
Church in the Commonwealth of Virginia, a.
sufficient number of members to proceed on bu
siness being present,
Ordered, That Robert Andrews be appointed
Secretary to the Convention.
The Right Rev. James Madison, D. D., hav
ing laid before the Convention his letters of con
secration to the office of bishop of the Prot
estant Episcopal Church in this Commonwealth,
took his seat as President of the Convention.
Ordered, That a committee of elections be ap
pointed, to examine the returns of the sitting
members, and to report thereon : And a com
mittee was appointed of .Mr. New, Mr. Craig,
Mr. Page, and Mr.-Buchanan.
Ordered, That a committee be appointed to
examine the treasurer's accounts, and to report
thereon : And a committee was appointed of
Mr. New, Mr. Bracken, Mr. Hoomes, and Mr.
Shield. On motion, Ordered, That a committee be
appointed to revise the canons : And a com
mittee was appointed of Mr. Shield, Mr. Jar
ratt, Mr. Whitehead, Mr. Page, and Mr. E.
Carrington. And then the Convention adjourned till to
morrow morning, 10 o'clock.
Wednesday, May 4.
The Right Rev. the President having, on his
taking the chair this morning, delivered a charge
to the Convention,
Resolved, unanimously, That the thanks of
this Convention be given to the Right Rev. Dr.
Madison for the seasonable, judicious, and affec
tionate charge delivered them this day, and that
he be requested to furnish a copy of the same
for the purpose of having it published.
An Address to the Convention of the Protestant
Episcopal Churchin Virginia, by the Rt. Rev.
J. Madison, D. D., Bishop of the said Church.
Brethren, — The office to which it hath

Robert Twiford.
Archibald Brice.
Anthony New.
David Jameson.
James Taylor.
( Thomas Tinsley.
X John Garland.
Edwd. Carrington.
James A. Bradley. - ->-<
Mills Godwin,
Charles Yancey.
5 Arch. Richardson.
I John Driver.
Charles Carter.
pleased the church, by the permission of Provi
dence, to call me, is attended with duties of a
very serious and interesting nature. Would to
God I were capable of discharging them- in a
manner equal to that full conviction which I
have of the importance of the trust, or to that
ardent but charitable zeal for the prosperity of
our church, which it shall be my endeavour at
all times to evince. I should then anticipate a
satisfaction from the expected fruits of my la
bours replete with the highest reward, and esteem
myself happy indeed in being called to an office
which enabled me to be extensively useful in a
cause the most interesting to mankind. But
when I reflect upon my own imperfections ;
when I consider the present situation of our
church ; and further, when I cast my eyes to
wards the many obstacles to its prosperity which
present themselves on every side, I confess to
you that, struck with the arduous enterprise, I
feel myself for a moment intimidated ; that for
a moment despondency instead of hope, fear of
evils greater than we have yet experienced in
stead of the consolatory anticipation of better
prospects, take possession of my soul.
It is from you, my brethren, from this re
spectable assembly, from the strenuous and
zealous support of the many worthy members
of our church, and particularly from the zealous
co-operation of her pastors ; but, above all, it is
from the favour of Heaven itself that I derive
hope and animation. Yes, my brethren ; while
I can flatter myself with your zealous co-opera
tion, while I can behold the ministers of our
church anxious, nay, ardent in the great work
in which we are engaged, so long I will indulge
the pleasing, the animated hope, that Heaven
will smile upon our labours, that the obstacles
which now surround us will vanish before our
united exertions, and that religion, pure and spot
less as she sprung from the Eternal, will once
more regain her blissful empire in the hearts of
men. Let us reflect that difficulties, instead^
of depressing, often serve only to call forth new
ardour, even in pursuits that are bounded by this
world. Let us follow the example ; but with
this difference, that our ardour should rise above

38

CONVENTION OF 1791.

that of others in proportion to the superior im
portance of the cause in which we are engaged.
If such application, such zeal, such courage, be
exertea1 to accomplish ends which must still
bear the stamp of mortality, surely an infinitely
greater degree of application, of zeal, and of
courage, may be expected from those who have
in view eternal pursuits and immortal ends.
Encouraged by these considerations, permit
me, in entering upon my episcopacy, to request
your attention to such observations as the pres
ent occasion seems to require ; and to exhort
you, my reverend brethren in particular, at the
same time admonishing myself, that we should
not only recall to mind the duties of our voca
tion, but endeavour to reanimate each other, as
bearing the same burden : and since Providence
hath permitted me to be placed in a station
so responsible to God and man, and hath asso
ciated you with me as fellow-labourers in my min
istry, let us go to the source of our misfortunes,
and try to discover the necessary remedies.
I. Were we then, in the first place, to in
vestigate the causes which have operated in re
ducing our church to its present situation, per
haps we should find that too many of them have
originated from ourselves. The suggestion, I
am well aware, is pregnant with reflections the
most poignant and alarming. But I do not
think I should discharge my duty in the manner
which my conscience and my inclination dic
tate, were I not to speak upon this occasion
with all that plainness and freedom which the
importance of the subject demands. I know
that our church is blessed with many truly pious
and zealous pastors ; pastors from whose ex
ample the greatest advantage may be derived
by all of us ; but, at the same time, I fear there
is too much reason to apprehend, that the great
dereliction sustained by our church hath arisen
in no small degree from the want of that fervent
Christian zeal which such examples ought more
generally to have inspired. The trials to which
we have been exposed, the reverse of situation
which we have experienced, the coldness and
indifference of our lay brethren to their most
essential interests, both temporal and eternal,
are considerations, it is true, which seem to
plead strongly in our excuse. But though our
most fervent zeal might not, and indeed ought
not to have prevented that reverse of situation
in one respect, yet perhaps it has been too much
aggravated by our own conduct. The coldness,
the indifference of the laity, of which we so
much complain, from whence hath it arisen 1
Hath the sacred lire committed to our trust
been everywhere and at all times cherished by
us with that watchful and zealous attention
which so holy a deposite required 1 Had it been
thus cherished, might not, my brethren, that
ancient flame, which once animated and en
lightened the members of our church, still have
diffused its warmth, and thus have banished far
that coldness which threatens an approaching
torpor fatal to religion 1 or, instead of indiffer
ence to our church, might we not now have
beheld many of those members who have for
saken her, still ardent, and zealous in her sup

port % In an inquiry which so nearly concerns
every minister of the church, who shall not be
found wanting V — Great God ! perhaps a want
of zeal in the discharge of my pastoral duties
may have stored up for me, in the dreadful
secrets of thy justice, judgments at which I
ought to tremble ! But I will implore the ex
tension of thy mercies. I will endeavour, with
thy aid, not only to awaken within myself a just
sense of my duties, but exert the small portion
of talents which thou hast allotted to me in
impressing deeply upon the minds of all my fel
low-labourers, " that a holy, fervent 2eal, at
tempered with charity, is the most essential
qualification of a minister of the gospel, and the
first effect of sacerdotal grace."
Be ye then renewed, in the spirit of your mindy
or of your vocation. Recollect, n.y reverend
brethren, to whom the apostle formerly addressed
this word of exhortation — to ministers of the
gospel, as has been well observed, who exposed
their lives every hour for him who sent them ;
to ministers, persecuted, reviled, trampled under
foot, yet suffering with joy, and embracing death
as a reward ; to the first preachers of the Chris
tian religion, among whom were apostles, •proph
ets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers ; to men
whose sanctity and zeal the whole world, with
all its ostentatious philosophy, could not re
sist. Such were the men to whom the apos
tle thus earnestly recommended, that they
should renew themselves in the spirit of their
vocation ; men who were still full of that holy
spirit which had lately descended from heaven,
and who, like their master, diffused it from
their plenitude over the people and the nations.
It is this same exhortation which I address to
you, and at the same time to myself; to us, who
are respectively called to the ministry, as the
successors of those men, in this latter age ; an
age which would substitute the cold lessons of
a political philosophy for those sublime, those
warm and consolatory ideas, that spring from
religion, and which are no less necessary to
vivify the moral, than the rays which flow from
the sun are to invigorate the vegetable world ;
to us, who not only behold those temples dedi
cated to the living God too frequently deserted
by their once warm and zealous friends, but to
us, in whose days, unless those ideas, so prolific
of duty, which our religion enforces, be revived,
licentiousness must triumph, and not only shake
the foundations of civil liberty, but, like a tor
rent, bursting all the mounds of virtue, must
overwhelm whatever remains of truth, integrity,
and happiness. Let us then be renewed, I en
treat you, in the spirit of our vocation ; in that
holy, fervent zeal, which should be the distin-
auishing characteristic of every minister of the
gospel. But how is that zeal, which I now recom
mend as the most essential qualification of every
minister of the gospel, to be displayed 1 I an
swer, by the manner in which we shall dis
charge the ministerial functions, by our con
versation, and by our example. Be thou an ex
ample of the believers, in loord, in conversation^
in charity t in spirit^ in faith, in purity. A law-

CONVENTION OF 1791.

39

.ful minister of thjpospel, in the language of the
apostle, is an ambassador for' Christ. Such a
character suggests to us, in the first place, the
importance and the dignity of our functions, and
at the same time, the fidelity and the zeal with
which they should be performed. But such a
minister is also termed a labourer together with
God for the salvation of souls ; by preaching
the gospel, by the administration of the sacra
ments, and by , all those other functions which
tend to promote and establish virtue and cljarity
among men, and to keep alive a just sense of
the inestimable benefits of the Christian dis
pensation. We are also, my brethren, to watch
for the souls of others, as they that are to give
an account. If such be the nature, such the
functions, of our sacred, embassy, what minister,
what priest, what bishop is there, who will not,
with pious awe, reflect most seriously upon the
momentous charge committed to him ; and
while he profoundly meditates upon the extent
of his duties, ardently supplicate, at the throne
of grace, the renewal of that fervent' zeal, with
out which the great ends of his ministry can
never be accomplished.
II. Renewed with this holy zeal, we should
turn our attention to the principal means which
are offered to us of displaying it ; and of labour
ing effectually, together with God, for the salva
tion of so7tls. The first which presents itself
is pulpit eloquence. Pulpit eloquence, my rev
erend brethren, is one of those remedies for
which our present misfortunes call aloud ; it is
that ethereal fire which, if properly excited and
conducted, will not fail to restore our enfeebled
church. Every minister of the gospel will readily
agree, that his first duty is to adapt his dis
courses to those important purposes for which
he is called to the ministry. As an ambassador
of Christ, he must continue the mission of his
Lord. His discourses must have for their con
stant aim the salvation of souls ; he must keep
alive a just sense of God, the beneficent Crea
tor and preserver of the universe; he must
make known the gospel of Christ, and the man
ner of our redemption ; he must convince men
of the certainty of a future judgment ; he must
keep their consciences awake to the dangers of
sin ; he must show that religion is the rock upon
which our happiness, both temporal and eternal,
must be founded ; he must, in short, enforce all
the truths of our religion, in order to persuade
men to be virtuous and good. The pulpit ora
tor must address the understanding, inform and
enlighten the mind ; he must " reason" of righte
ousness, levtperance, and judgment to come, but
he should remember that knowledge without
practice is useless. He must convince in order
to persuade. He must not only prove to men
in what their greatest good consists, but call to
his aid all the powers of the oratorical art, to
persuade them to love and to pursue that good ;
he must not only give just and clear views of
religious truths, but inculcate them in so forci
ble a manner that they shall penetrate the heart ;
that they shall there make an impression which
no time or circumstances can ever efface. It is

thus that he will influence the practice of his
hearers ; it is thus that practice will gradually
ripen into habit, and that men will see and ac
knowledge that happiness is the offspring of
religion. In whatever point of view we consider this im
portant part ofthe ministerial functions, it must
be acknowledged, that every sermon should be a
persuasive oration. Let, then, the situation of
the church, and, in particular, the glorious fruits
which spring up at the voice of the persuasive
preacher, excite within us an ardent desire to
render our discourses truly persuasive. To ac
complish an end so devoutly to be wished, per
mit me to recommend, with a degree of ear
nestness which the sincerest anxiety only for the
honour and the prosperity of our church could
call forth, that all the principle^ of pulpit elo
quence be most assiduously studied by every
minister of the church ; and that, by reiterated
practice in private, they endeavour to evince
their energy in public. Be persuaded that pul
pit eloquence is an art, and one of the noblest,
perhaps I may also add, one of the most difficult
of the arts. But, should difficulties appal those
whose profession enjoins the attainment of this
art as a sacred duty 1 To attain it, however,
we must first be possessed of all the principles
upon which the art is founded ; we must study
those authors who have most clearly developed
them ; and then we should despise all toil, all
labour, until we are enabled to reduce them to
practice. It is then, my brethren, we shall in
such a m&rmer/reason of righteousness, of tem
perance, and a judgment to come, that eveiy sin
ner shall tremble, and with new-born fervour ac
knowledge, thou persuades t me to be a Christian.
What I have taken the liberty to recommend,
appears to be well worthy of the attention of
every pastor ; but to the minister who has just
entered upon the career of his labours, it is cer
tainly of the utmost importance. If he be anx
ious, at the eve of a life dedicated to the service
of his God, to enjoy the noble, the grateful ret
rospect, of having promoted piety among men,
of having rendered them virtuous and happy, by
persuading them to practise those duties which
they owe to themselves, to their fellow-crea
tures, and to their God, he must be eloquent ; he
must unite the two great characteristics of the
pulpit orator, gravity and warmth. They should
be united, not only in the composition of his
discourses, but also in his manner of delivering
them. The nature of the subjects upon which
he is to speak requires gravity; but their im
portance to mankind demands also warmth ;
they demand, essentially, that pious, interest
ing, affecting, penetrating manner, which a con
sciousness of the momentous truths he delivers
naturally dictates.
I do not pretend that equal eminence is at
tainable by every preacher. Each will have a
manner in some respects peculiar to himself.
Every man hath his proper gift of God, one
after this manner, another after that. What is
natural we should preserve ; but we may, by
attention, not only remove adventitious faults,
but greatly improve our proper gifts. For this

40

CONVENTION OF 1791.

purpose it has been recommended, occasionally,
to request some person in the congregation,
upon whose judgment and candour we can rely,
to point out whatever may be defective either
in the management of the voice or in action.
Good sense, and an earnest desire of being a
profitable minister of the church, will soon eff'ect
the desired amendment. But every attempt
towards amendment as a preacher, presupposes
that the inanimate method of reading sermons
is to be abandoned. The best discourse, when
the eyes are continually fixed to the paper, in
stead of exciting warm affections, will scarcely
engage the attention. But, on the other hand,
when a sermon has been sufficiently digested,
and in part committed to memory, it may be
delivered with freedom and spirit ; the preacher
will be at liberty to enforce his words with cor
respondent looks, and even with a becoming
action ; he will insensibly address every part of
his audience, and thus perceive whether they
comprehend what has been delivered, or whether
he has moved and roused them as he intended ;
he will also, after a short experience, be enabled
to enlarge upon particular heads, as the occa
sion may require, or to add to his discourse new
observations and reflections, more striking than
might have occurred to him at the cool moments
of composition ; he will likewise, by prudent
extemporaneous efforts, counteract those de-
claimers whose popularity depends upon such
a method of speaking ; and as their followers
have the strange credulity to think them pos
sessed of a supernatural gift, he will enjoy the
reward of undeceiving them, by imitating the
practice of St. Paul upon another occasion ;
what I do, I will do, that wherein they glory,
they may be found even as we. The truth is,
we have lost too many members of the church
by the cold method of reading sermons, and by
not preaching in a manner sufficiently evangeli
cal ; nor shall we either recover them, or pre
vent a continued diminution of our numbers,
until we accustom ourselves to declare with zeal,
with force, and with spirit, all the counsel of
God. Let it be declared in a manner adapted
to the comprehension of the lowest as well as
of the highest. Let it be our care, as it was
our Saviour's, that the poor have the gospel
preached to them. It is among them that re
ligion is most cherished ; the heavenly blessing
is their chief consolation and support, even in
this world. They stand in most need of reli
gious instruction ; and therefore every pious min
ister will consider himself as conscientiously
bound to take the greatest care, that his dis
courses be not only calculated for that purpose,
but that they may be delivered in a manner
which shall command their attention, and in
spire an ardent love for piety and virtue ; he
will always remember that he is a debtor both to
the wise and the unwise ; he will consider, both
while he is framing and preaching his discourse,
" whether this be sufficiently adapted to the
capacities, the state of mind, the circumstances,
of the poor ; will this part be clear, that home
enough ; a third well guarded against mistakes ;
will they return as much better disposed than

they came, as it was in ow: power to make
them V In short, he will alwljys endeavour that
the word of God may be still, as it was origi
nally, powerful, and sharper than- any two-edged
sword. It will not be inferred, I hope, from what has
been said, that I am an advocate for that man
ner which is termed theatrical ; on the con
trary, I consider it as most improper in the
Christian orator, or for those noisy declama
tions with which Christian congregations are
sometimes addressed. No; such declamations
are as unworthy of comparison with the har
mony of that eloquence which allures the soul to
heaven, as the noise of cranes with the delight
ful symphonies of the organ.
Much also of our attention should be-turned
to the manner in which the other parts of divine
service ought to be performed. We boast, and
certainly with the greatest reason, of the excel
lency of our liturgy. Let us then study to de
liver it in a manner worthy of such a composi
tion ; let us study the art of reading. Let us
study to read distinctly, emphatically, fervently ;
we should no longer behold congregations inat
tentive ; on the contrary, we should have the
satisfaction of experiencing that the service,
read or delivered with devotion, with force, and
propriety, would infuse the spirit of devotion,
and excite an ardent love for so excellent, so
rational a form of public worship.
We complain, and with too much reason, of
the decadence of religion, of the declension of
our church, and of the inefficacy of the minis
terial labours ; but let her ministers be dis
tinguished not only for piety and learning, but
for pulpit eloquence and propriety of reading ;
we should soon find that they would be admi
red, followed, and almost adored.
III. In the next place, let me exhort you, my
brethren, earnestly to impress upon parents not
only the duty of infant baptism, but also the
farther duty of having them instructed, as early
as possible, in the principles of Christianity, and
thus prepared for the ancient apostolic rite of
confirmation. I trust the ministers of each
parish will consider the instruction of children,
in the principles and duties of Christianity, as
an important part of their functions, and that,
for this purpose, they will,- at regular stated
periods, examine and instruct them in their
catechism, as our church directs. She pru
dently and wisely extends her maternal arms to
the rising generations at the earliest periods.
Gratitude for those blessings will be a source
of the strongest attachment at a more advanced
period. So far as the episcopal duties may re
quire attention, I hope in God they will be
discharged with a becoming zeal and fidelity.
It is my present purpose trienniaUy to visit each
parish ; and I flatter myself I shall enjoy the
consoling prospect, not only of seeing our con
gregations revived, and religion everywhere
diffusing its vital blessings, but also that such
children as are come to years of discretion will
be properly instructed and prepared for the rite
of confirmation.
IV. In the fourth place I must observe, that

CONVENTION OF 1791.

41

psalmody has been too much neglected in our
churches. Let us be careful to revive so exalt
ed a part of our publicworship, and to render it
not only more perfect, but more general. Let
us endeavour to encourage those schools where
in that manner which is most melodious, and at
the same time properly adapted to public wor
ship, may be taught. All the members of
our religious assemblies will thus be enabled
and induced to join in those solemn acts of
praise and thanksgiving ; or, in making a joyful
noise to the God of their salvation, and in sing
ing his praise with understanding. It has ap
peared to me, that a proper attention to this
subject is one of the necessary requisites to re
vive our congregations ; and also, that the
modem psalmody is generally to be preferred.
There are various hymns, composed by many
excellent and pious men, which breathe the
spirit of true devotion, and which are admirably
adapted to Christian worship; they admit of
that solemn and elevated strain of harmony,
which never fails to excite and increase, by
sympathetic emotions, that ardour which should
pervade the whole congregation ; they may
therefore be introduced to the greatest advan
tage. V. But among the many duties which await
us as ministers of the' gospel, there can be none
more important than that of earnestly pressing
upon the minds of our congregations the obliga
tion and the benefits of receiving, at regular
stated times,* the sacrament. I fear the com
municants, in too many parishes, are not as
numerous as formerly. If this be the case, it
surely indicates an alarming declension of a just
sense of the religion we profess. Let me, then,
exhort you, particularly to impress upon your
congregations the duties of observing strictly
this holy ordinance, instituted by Christ him
self, and the distinguishing badge of a Christian
society, by plain, practical, and interesting dis
courses, wherein the nature, end, and benefit
of the Lord's Supper may be clearly and fully
shown. VI. Another important duty, incumbent upon
the ministers of Christ, claims also our atten
tion ; which is, to exercise a godly discipline.
Without such discipline, the church of Christ,
which should. be holy and without blemish, can
not prosper. It is the duty of every pastor of
the church to check the progress of wicked
ness by all means becoming the spirit of the
gospel ; by exhortation and by reproof, both pri
vate and public. If this part of the ministerial
discipline be performed with meekness, with
prudence, and Christian charity, it would cer
tainly be attended with happy effects. But
there is a discipline which particularly respects
ourselves, and which must be most strictly re
garded. The church has wisely ordered that
visiters should be selected for certain districts,
and pointed out the duties which they are to
perform. Those duties, I hope, will be most
sedulously attended to ; and therefore I beg to
take this opportunity of exhorting and of char-
ging-all those ministers who are intrusted with
the visitatorial power, to consider the due exer- .

cise of it as indispensable. I doubt not of your
zeal in this respect, but the importance of the(
trust requires that the strict execution of it
should be earnestly recommended. This is not
only necessary for the preservation of that godly
discipline, without which our church must rush
precipitately into still greater difficulties than
those which now surround her ; but the annual
visits of clergymen, respectable for their piety,
their zeal, their example, their eloquence, must
serve to reanimate the members of the church,
must confirm the wavering, and give fresh ac
tivity to the spirit of religion. We should be
hold our churches upon those occasions crowd
ed ; we should find a love for public worship
would soon succeed to that indifference which
is now so predominant. I am satisfied also,
upon the same principle, that if the neighbour
ing ministers would occasionally assist each
other in the performance of divine service, the
interchange would be productive of the greatest
benefits to the church. The love of novelty, so
congenial to the human mind, should be grati
fied ; or, rather, that principle should be seized
upon and employed as one of the means which
are offered to us to promote religion, to con
duct men to the knowledge of the gospel, to
prevent their being carried about by every blast
of vain doctrine, and to renovate the former
attachment to our church. As far, then, as such
an interchange of pastoral duties can be effect
ed, I would warmly recommend it also to the
ministers of our church.
VII. There still remains, my brethren, a sub
ject of great importance, at all times, to the
church, but which, at present, requires a par
ticular attention. A minister of Christ is to
teach his flock by his good example. He is to
be the pattern of all good works. Ye are the
salt of the earth. Ye are, by your example as
well as your doctrine, to prevent that corruption
of manners to which the nature of man continu
ally tends. Example, you know, is the abridged
method of persuasion. Men live, for the most
part, by imitation. It is the source of almost
all their vices and their virtues. What happi
ness for that parish, or that congregation, when
God raises up among them a minister whose
example for piety and virtue serves as a specta
cle both for men and angels ! It is, if I may
avail myself of the observations of one of the
luminaries of the Christian church, a continued
gospel before their eyes. If his example should
not recall men to their duties, at least it inspires
them with respect for virtue ; it forces them to
acknowledge that there are still just men upon
earth ; repairs the injury which unworthy min
isters do, in the opinion of the public, to the
sanctity of the ministerial character ; and cor
rects the censures and the derisions which lib
ertines throw upon the ministry itself. Yes,
my brethren ; though a pious minister should
confine all the good he can do to the example
of a regular and edifying life ; though he should
only show to the public, in the detail of his
manners, an example of piety, of prudent con
versation, of charity, of modesty, of innocence,
and of sacerdotal gravity, it would be still true,

42

CONVENTION OF 1791.

that he would be set for the rising or the salva
tion of many.
But, on the other hand, what reflections must
attend that pastor, who, through the defect of
such an example, sees, that during the course of
a long ministry, be has not withdrawn a single
soul from the ways of destruction ; that he has
corrected no disorders, public or private, in his
parish ; that, instead of effecting a change for
the better, his ministry has been attended with
a rapid degeneracy of manners, and a contempt
for religion ! What reflections must he make
upon the long inutility of his ministerial labours !'
Ought he to search for the cause in his own
conduct, in his relaxed piety, in his want of
that zeal which should have animated a Chris
tian pastor, in the defect of that example which
should have adorned his life, or in the hardness
and depravity of his flock 1 But alas ! when
the heavenly lustre of a pious and virtuous ex
ample is wanting, how can the event be other
wise 1 Doth he reprove, correct, instruct 1 It
is not with that earnest zeal which animates the
truly pious. Doth he deliver truths the most
alarming 1 They are accompanied with an air of
coldness or insensibility which takes from thein
all their influence ; or, if he attempt a zeal, a
warmth which such truths call for, that pure
and spotless character, which gives weight and
energy to the most simple discourse, is wanting ;
they come disarmed of all their force ; instead
of transfusing into the souls of his hearers an
ardour for religion, or kindling the divine fire
of love for God, they make no impression, but
melt away like the sounds which convey them,
and are nowhere felt. How different the effect
when such truths fall from the lips of a minister
respectable for his virtue and piety, whose ex
ample, in word, in conversation, in charity, in
spirit, in faith, in purity, is a source of con
tinual instruction ! Doubt it not, my brethren ;
if we would speak with dignity and success, we
must stand, like the apostle, upon the holy emi
nence of a sublime virtue and an animated zeal.
It is from that eminence that we must speak
terror into the "souls of the violators of divine
law, that we must draw tears of compunction
from the eyes of the wicked, and oblige them,
by the ardour of our zeal, to burn or trample
under foot the idols which they have hitherto
worshipped. We cannot too often reflect, that the voice
of mankind, the nature of our office, the solemn
engagements we entered into when that office
was conferred upon us, the prosperity of the
church, the commands of our Lord and master,
every consideration, either of duty or honour,
demands from us a life of holiness. There are
some vices, such as those of profaneness and
ebriety, such as spring from ungoverned pas
sions, from a disregard to veracity and honour,
which demonstrate a mind lost to every principle
of goodness ; God grant that such may never
be found in our society ! But should they un
happily be found, or the least approximation to
them, every member of the church, and in partic
ular every worthy minister, is bound, by motives
the most sacred, to exert himself in expelling

from among us examples so ruinous to religion,
so calamitous to the church, so disgraceful to
humanity. There are, However, some failings
to which we may be more exposed, and which,
though not stained with the turpitude of those
just mentioned, still tend to destroy the respect
which is due to the ministerial character, and to
detract from the utility of our labours. We
should always bear in mind, that what may be
slightly censured in others, is often deemed
criminal to ministers of the gospel. Even they
who solicit a clergyman to enter into all the
diversions of the day, and entice him to an im
prudent levity, will afterward despise him as
a minister, though they affect to esteem him as
a friend. Let not the example or corrupted
sentiments of the world, let not an affectation
of spirit and freedom, let not any inducement,
prevail upon us to depart, in any instance, from
the character we have undertaken to support.
Beauty of character always reposes upon con
sistency. This is particularly expected from
us, and must be maintained, if we would acquire
respect and real esteem.
I have considered it as my duty earnestly to
recommend zeal. It is certainly an essential
qualification of the ministerial character. But
we should beware of intemperate zeal. This
vice, as well as the slighter failings to which we
stand exposed, may insinuate itself too easily
unless we guard against it. Respect for Chris
tians of every denomination, a liberal and candid
interpretation of their sentiments and designs,
is a necessary consequence of that charity, that
love, which is so often enjoined by the inspired
writers. Instead of cherishing or encouraging
animosities, be it ours to show an example wor
thy of the Christian character. Forbearance
will thus become general ; and at length, per
haps, we may all be united in the bonds of love
and peace. Should, indeed, our just rights as a
Christian society be invaded, it then becomes a
duty, I had almost said a sacred duty, for I feel
the obligation to be such, to maintain them
with firmness. But let prudence and charity
always prescribe the rule of conduct.
But in a place so full of the sacerdotal spirit,
I will not dwell longer upon this subject, how
ever interesting and momentous. God grant
that the ministers of this church may ever bear
in mind their high vocation ; that they may be
distinguished as examples to believers for the
purity of their manners, for their godly conver
sation, for the soundness of their faith, for their
charity to other sects, for liberal and extensive
knowledge, for the practice of the most exalted
virtue, and for their earnest zeal in the dis
charge of all their ministerial functions ! May
we ever remember, that all our labours will be
fruitless, that the most edifying truths of the
gospel will be lost in darkness, unless they be
attended with that light which beams from a
pious and virtuous example. May you, my
reverend brethren, who discharge your duties
with so much edification, serve as models to
the more negligent ; may your fervour, your
example, diffuse their influence. through every
member of the church, until, by the grace of

CONVENTION OF 1791.

43

God, we all acquire those habits of piety, un
feigned humility, extensive benevolence, charity,
and every other amiable virtue which can adorn
our profession or our religion. Thus shall we
be found faithful stewards ; thus shall we ensure
our own salvation, while we are engaged in
promoting the salvation of others.
There are many other subjects of great im
portance to us as a Christian society, to which
I might, and perhaps ought to have requested
your attention ; but I fear I should trespass upon
your patience. I must rely upon your own
serious reflections, and that holy ardour which,
I tryst, will animate the breast of every minister
of the church, to supply what has been omitted.
To you, mv respected lay brethren, I beg now
to address a few observations. It is with the
sincerest pleasure that I congratulate the
church on the attachment which many excel
lent characters among the laity have uniformly
manifested to the communion in which they
were nurtured. I must applaud and admire
their attachment, since I behold in them not
only zealous Christians, but the best of patriots.
Yes, mv brethren ; to minds free from preju
dice, and uncorrupted by the sophisms of the
age, nothing appears more amiable, nothing
more essential to the happiness of man, either
in his individual or social capacity, than that
pure and truly divine religion which our Saviour
delivered. The voice of reason, the language
of experience, the records of all ages, evince
that the happiness of individuals and the pros
perity of nations spring from the principle of vir
tue. But from whence can this principle gain
so firm a support as from religion ; from just and
exalted ideas of that Being who delights in vir
tue1! In vain shall the legislator enact laws
upon laws ; in vain shall the moralist prescribe
rules of duty ; in vain shall he harangue upon
the beauty of virtue and the deformity of vice :
respect for the laws will vanish ; virtue will
lose its elasticity ; corruption of manners, with
all their consequent and dreadful attendants,
must ensue, unless those principles be fortified
by religion, — by just ideas of our relation and
dependance upon a God, all-wise, all-just, om
nipotent, and omnipresent, — the avenger of ini
quity, but the remunerator of virtue The
effect cannot be otherwise. The mere coercive
power of human laws, aided by all the abstract
deductions of the political moralist, is inade
quate to the great ends either of private happi
ness or public liberty. This position will not
be questioned, if we reflect that it is religion
alone which penetrates the secret recesses of
the soul, and furnishes that interior authority
which so regulates the heart of man, that its
ruling passions are made to harmonize with the
great and essential appointments of public law.
If, indeed, laws in the present state of society
appear to restrain men, it is because their nas
cent passions have felt the control of religious
instruction. But were men freed from the mild
bonds of religion ; were their passions no longer
under the control of its salutary instructions ;
were those ideas of duty, which flow from the
belief of an all-ruling Providence, no longer to

have their influence over the human heart ; was
the soul no longer, as soon as reason begins to
dawn, to hear the awful voice of religion ; I
would ask, in the name of every thing which
men hold most dear, in the name of truth, of
integrity, of benevolence, of every imperfect
right, of social order, of civil liberty, nay, of
philosophy itself, whether the coercive power
of human laws, together with all the abstrac
tions of the moralist, would be sufficient to curb
the violent impetuosity of those headlong pas
sions which every moment stimulate to action 1
Or rather, I would ask, if religion were no longer
the faithful sentinel, whether, when inflamed
by the innumerable temptations which present
themselves on every side, they would not burst
all those restraints, as a thread of tow is broken
when it toucheth the fire ? As well might a
Samson be bound with green withes, or with
new ropes which were never occupied. Besides,
there are a thousand duties, a thousand rights,
and as many correlative obligations, which,
though of the first consequence to social hap
piness, are, however, of so delicate a nature,
that they elude the coarse touch of civil laws.
But, even admitting that the causes before men
tioned were adequate to the desired ends, who
would not prefer the mild coercion of religion,
which prevents crimes, to the sanguinary laws
which punish them ; the one, a guardian angel,
bearing us up, lest at any time we dash our
foot against a stone; while the other, like a
Saturn, devours his own children. Doubt it
not, my brethren, " every thing," as an amiable
and eloquent philosopher observes, "is replaced
and firmly established by religion ; it surrounds,
I may say, the whole system of morality, re
sembling that universal and mysterious force in
the physical world, which retains the planets in
their orbits, and subjects them to a regular rev
olution ; and which, in the midst of the general
order it maintains, escapes the observation of
men, and appears to their feeble sight uncon
scious of its own work."
But, my brethren, it is not you only who will
acknowledge the justice of these observations ;
infidelity itself has reluctantly acknowledged the
transcendent excellence of our holy religion ;
even infidelity has not denied, that the gospel
system was admirably calculated to promote the
temporal happiness of mankind. But how much
more enlarged and exalted are those views which
that system presents to the eye of faith ! They
are not bounded by the narrow horizon of this
world ; they extend beyond the grave ; they
penetrate into regions of immortality ; the cer
tainty of future rewards and punishments is
contemplated ; misery and vice, happiness and
virtue, are beheld as inseparably associated, even
when this transitory scene shall vanish and be
no more ! What a noble, what a powerful, what
an almost irresistible stimulus to great and
laudable action, to the exercise of every virtue
which can adorn the Christian or the citizen !
One of the wisest of the ancients, to whom the
gospel system was not revealed, held it as a
maxim, " That it is impossible for those who
have no belief of the immortality of the soul, or

44

CONVENTION OF 1791.

a future state of rewards and punishments, to
sacrifice their particular interests and passions
to the public good, or to have a generous con
cern for posterity." Nay, the almost inspired
Plato has declared, " that concerning those great
duties which men's appetites and passions render
difficult, it should seem rather the work of God
to provide, than of human legislators." The
Sun of righteousness had not risen in their days ;
but with what love, with what ardour, with
what gratitude, should not we cherish the glo
rious light which now beams from it ; a light
whose genial rays warm and expand the noblest
virtues of the human soul ; a light which shows
to man the unerring path that conducts to in
dividual and to social, to temporal and to ever
lasting happiness, Let us cherish the blessings
which it gives ; let us leave to infidelity its dark
and comfortless system ; but let us not deny
the Lord that bought us ; let us earnestly con
tend for the faith which was once delivered to
the saints.
My brethren, our religion claims a divine
descent ; it is the work of God ; but let it not
be thought that it doth not therefore require the
support of man. Far otherwise ; it is the very
reason, as was well observed by a venerable
prelate of our church, which should urge us to
exert the utmost care and diligence in its sup
port. Good men will consider it as their in
dispensable duty to co-operate with the designs
of Providence. It is in religion, as in the works
of nature. God supplies abundantly the means,
the rest is left to human industry. He causes
the earth to bring forth materials for food and
raiment ; but human industry must improve,
prepare, and properly apply, both the one and
the other. The same analogy extends itself to
religion. The things which belong to our salva
tion, though originally the work of God, require
the protection of human aid, the furtherance of
all wise and good men.
Since, then, God has graciously reveale.d his
will, and supplied the means of rendering it
known to all ; to supply those means, and to
make that use of them which his goodness de
mands, it is the duty of man. But how can
this be effected but by a standing ministry ? by
an order of men properly instructed and sup
ported, whose whole business it shall be, week
ly and daily, to attend to the interests of reli
gion, to preach the gospel, to make known its
whole system, to convince men that they are
accountable to God for their actions — in a
word, to enforce those principles of piety and
of virtue which lead both to present and future
happiness t It was for this reason that our Sav
iour gave authority to his apostles and their suc
cessors, to finish the work which he had begun ;
that is, to preach the gospel to all succeeding
generations : " Go ye and make disciples to me
in all nations, baptizing them in the name of
the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost ; leaching them to observe all things
whatsoever I have commanded you, and lo .' I
am with you unto the end of the world." This
commission was given to the apostles and their
successors. Men are thus commissioned by

Jesus Christ to teach what he has commanded
them, — who have his promise to be with them
in the exercise of their ministry unto the end of
the world. Let us, then, consider a standing
ministry, properly instructed and supported, as
essential to the prosperity of the church, and as
the means originally designed to make known
the will of God.
But a standing ministry is not only necessary
to make known the great truths of our religion,
not only necessary to persuade men to be vir
tuous and good, but to perform those ordinan
ces established by Christ himself, and which
they alone can perform. The sacraments of
baptism and of reconciliation are surely bles
sings which every wise and good man must
esteem of the highest importance ; yet how will
they be dispensed, but by ministers duly autho
rized \ They are the stewards of the ministry
of God. But the ministers of Christ have also
a daily charge upon them ; they stand obliged,
either publicly or in private, to offer to God the
prayers of the chuich in behalf of their flocks ;
to return thanks for the divine mercies ; and to
implore the protection and the blessing of God
upon their labours.
" In short, the ministers of the gospel, and
the ordinances intrusted to them, are those ordi
nary means by which God himself hath ap
pointed that men should be taught, edified,
blessed, and saved."
I will not add to the benefits of a standing
ministry already mentioned, those which must
result from having men of learning, piety, and
virtue, in every parish, who may instruct your
children in their early years in the rudiments of
knowledge. I will not speak of the advantages
which must result from the establishment of
private schools in each neighbourhood, which
may be conducted by men worthy of the minis
try ; nor of the incitements to virtue which
must arise from their examples. These, and
many other considerations, I leave to your own
reflections : — but I would impress strongly upon
your minds the blessings which must arise from
a ministry properly instructed and qualified to
discharge the sacred office ; I would present to
you, in all its force, not only the duty of encour
aging and supporting the means which God
hath appointed for the dissemination of Chris
tianity, and thus of co-operating with the de
signs of Providence ; but I entreat you to call
to mind the calamities, both individual and
social, which must flow from the neglect of
those means. For a moment, let us behold the
pure religion of our forefathers, together with a
mode of worship which hath excited the admi
ration of men the most distinguished for piety,
wisdom, and patriotism, borne down by a tor
rent of ignorance and enthusiasm : behold her
expiring through the cold neglect of her once
warm and zealous friends : behold her temples
tottering to ruin, her ministers slighted, her
flocks scattered upon the hills as sheep that have
not a shepherd. Should such a spectacle be pre
sented to us, might we not soon expect also to
behold virtue retiring, the bonds of society
bursting asunder, corruption advancing with

CONVENTION OF 1791.

45

rapid strides, liberty and happiness preparing to
bid us a long adieu ! May such a spectacle, my
friends, never be seen but in imagination.
Wise, prudent, virtuous, and patriotic men,
will, however, guard against so calamitous an
event. They will consider pure and undefiled
religion as the rock upon which all their hopes
are founded ; they will contemplate the things
which belong to our salvation, as requiring the
protection of human aid ; and they will be ac
tive, strenuous, and zealous in affording it ; they
will consider that our church requires the ten
der, the affectionate, the fostering care of all
the ministers of her family ; and that her future
prosperity depends not only upon the zeal of
the clergy, but of the laity. It is theirs to en
courage respect for their pastors ; to set a just
value upon their labours ; to esteem them highly
for their works' sake ; and to be attentive to pro
mote the interests of the church, by all those
means which a catholic spirit will approve. It
is theirs to be constant and uniform in their at
tendance upon divine worship, and to stimulate
each other by a reciprocal example ; it is theirs
to assist our ministers in forming the minds of
the rising generation to the love of religion and
virtue, and to impress, at the earliest period, a
just esteem and veneration for our church. O,
let not religion, source of so many hopes, aban
don the infant mind ; leave it not desolate ; and,
above all, defend it from the ascendency of
ignorance and enthusiasm, which afflict the
heart, which render it miserable and abject, by
pretending to comfort it ! Moreover, it is the
part of the laity to make prudent arrangements
for the certain and decent support of the clergy,
and thus to enable them constantly to apply to
their functions.
They who preach thegospel, St. Paul declares,
should live by the gospel. Let me then earnestly
recommend, in order that you, and your children,
and your children's children, may receive all the
blessings of a learned, pious, zealous, standing
ministry, that the worthy and influential mem
bers in each parish warmly interest themselves
in the decent support of the clergy, and uni
formly pursue those means for the attainment
of so desirable an end which may be thought
best. If a similar mode were adopted through
out the church, if it were considered as the duty
of each member to contribute in the proportion
which the law formerly prescribed, the burden,
thus divided, would be light, and I doubt not
but the happiest effects would ensue. But, my
brethren, think not that what has been just said
is merely for our own sakes. You cannot, you
wiU not, if you reflect upon the benefits of a
standing ministry, such I mean as becomes the
church of which we are members ; or if you
regard that rational mode of worship to which
you have been long accustomed, and the ad
vantages of religious instruction for yourselves,
your children, your country.
To you, reverend brethren, as the anchor of
my hopes, my thoughts again return. Let us
sincerely and earnestly endeavour, I once more
entreat you, to be renewed in the spirit of our
vocation. Let our diligence, as ministers of

the gospel of Christ, rise in proportion to the
difficulties which surround us. Let us uni
formly preserve an inviolable equity in all our
transactions, a generous disinterestedness in
our functions, the strictest adherence to the
rules of the church, the most warm and anima
ted piety ; but, above all, a fervent zeal for the
salvation of souls. In a word, let us be sober,
prudent, serious, diligent, andpious; in aU things,
examples to the flock. Remember, son of man,
that 2 have made thee a watchman unto the house
of Israel ; therefore hear the word of my mouth,
and give them warning from me. If thou dost
not speak to warn the wicked from his wicked
way, he shall die in his iniquity ; but his blood
will I require at thine hand. But if thou warn
the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness,
he shall die in his iniquity ; but thou hast de
livered thy soul.
But, my brethren, vain will be our endeavours
for the prosperity of our Zion, unless they be
attended with fervent prayers, that God would
graciously enable us to perforin our duty with
zeal, fidelity, and success. Our sufficiency is
of God. To that infinitely great and glorious
Being, let us therefore, with humdity, now offer
up our united supplications.
Almighty and everlasting God. Look down
from heaven, and behold and visit this vine,
and the vineyard which thy right hand hath
planted; shed the dew of thy blessing upon the
labours of thy servants here assembled ; may thy
holy Spirit animate the ministers of the gospel
of Christ with a sincere and fervent, but cath
olic zeal, in the discharge of their duties ; may
it inspire them with true piety, with charity,
with every godly and virtuous affection. Pros
per, O Lord, our endeavours to revive among
us a just sense of the inestimable benefits of
true religion ; dispose the hearts of the laity to
receive thy word, and grant that the fruits of
righteousness may abound more and more.
Help us, for the glory of thy name, and merci
fully grant, that every member of thy holy
church, in his vocation and ministry, may truly
and godly serve thee, through our Lord and
Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
The Rev. John Cameron laid before the Con
vention sundry resolutions of a presbytery held
at the glebe of Martin's Brandon Parish on Wed
nesday, the 13th of April, 1791, which were read,
and ordered to be referred to a committee of the
whole Convention.
Ordered, That Mr. J. Cameron, Mr. Waugn,
Mr. Peachy, and Mr. New, he added to the com
mittee for revising the canons.
Mr. New reported, from the committee of
elections, That the committee had, according to
order, examined the certificates of the appoint
ment of deputies to serve in the present Con
vention, and had come to a resolution thereon,
which was read and agreed to by the Convention,
as followeth ¦
Besolved, That it is the opinion of this com
mittee, that the certificates of the appointment
of deputies to serve in the present Conven
tion for the parishes of Abingdon, Antrim, Bath,

46

CONVENTION OF-1791.

Berkeley, Bristol, Bruton, Charles, Christ's
Church, Cumberland, Dale, Drysdale, Eliza
beth River, Fairfax, Henrico, Hungars, James
City, King William, Littleton, Lynnhaven, Lex
ington, Manchester, Meheirin, Nottoway, Ra
leigh, St. Asaph, St. Bride, St. David, St.
George (Accomack), St. George (Spotsylvania),
St. James Northam, St. Margaret, St. Mark,
St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Paul, Southam, South
wark, Suffolk, Trinity, Upper Parish (Nanse-
mond), and Westover, are made as prescribed
by canon.
The Convention, according to order, resolved
itself into a committee of the whole Conven
tion on the resolutions of the presbytery held
at Martin's Brandon glebe, and after some time
spent therein, Mr. Page reported, That the com
mittee had, according to order, had the said
resolutions under their consideration, and had
come to several resolutions thereon, which were
read and agreed to, as followeth : —
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this com
mittee, that as there are at present no divinity
schools in our church, the instruction of stu
dents in divinity might very properly be made
part of the business of each presbytery within
its own bounds ; and that the presbyteries, in
stead of meeting annually on a certain day,
should be required to assemble as often as any
student of that description should make applica
tion ; and when thus assembled, should examine
the applicant, and, on finding his literary quali
fications such as the canon made in that behalf
requires, prescribe to him a theme or text, and
give him such directions as they may think prop
er, in order to enable him to compose a dis
course on the same, and, on a future day to be
appointed by themselves, hear him deUver the
said discourse.
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this com
mittee that every candidate for holy orders
ought to be required to produce to the bishop
to whom he may present himself for ordination,
a certificate of his having performed, in a satis
factory manner, the several exercises prescribed
to him by the presbytery.
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this com
mittee, that the members of the Protestant Epis
copal Church within this commonwealth ought
to form a society for the relief of distressed
widows and orphans of clergymen, and that a
committee ought to be appointed to frame a
plan of such a society.
Ordered, That a canon or canons be brought
in, pursuant to the first and second resolutions,
and that the committee appointed to revise the
canons prepare and bring in the same.
The Convention adjourned until 12 o'clock
to-morrow. Thursday, May 5.
Mr. Shield, from the committee appointed to
revise the canons, reported, That the committee
had, according to order, taken under their con
sideration the business to them referred, and
had prepared canons to be substituted in the
place of the 8th, 16th, 18th, and 29th canons,
and also a canon for the trial of offending min

isters not holding parishes, which several can
ons, after being twice read, were referred to a
committee of the whole Convention.
The Convention having resolved itself into a
committee of the whole Convention on the can-
-ons, and having spent some time therein, Mr.
Page reported, That the committee had, accord
ing to order, had the same under their consider
ation, and had made some amendments thereto,
which were read and agreed to, and the canons
were ordered to be fairly transcribed and read a
third time.
A letter from the Rev. Mr. Emmerson, visit
er of District No. 20, resigning that office, was
read ; whereupon the Rev. James Taylor, Rector
of Suffolk Parish, was appointed visiter in his
room. On motion, Resolved, That this Convention
do recommend it to the Right Rev. Dr. James
Madison, bishop in this state, to dispense with,
in the examination of such gentlemen as are
now in deacon's orders in this state, that knowl
edge of the Greek and Latin languages which is
required by the seventh canon of the General
Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church
in the United States of America.
Friday, May 6.
The canon to be substituted in place of the 8lh
canon, was read the third time and passed.
The canon to be substituted in place of the
16th canon, was read the third time and rejected.
The canons to be substituted in place of the
1 8 th and 29th, were severally read the third
time and passed.
The new canon for the trial of offending
ministers not holding parishes, was read the
third time and rejected.
Leave was given to bring in a canon to amend
the thirty-first canon ; and Mr. Foushee, Mr.
Patteson, Mr. Jarratt, Mr. Craig, Mr. Waugh,
and Mr. Carrington, were appointed to prepare
and bring in the same.
Resolved, That deputies be appointed to at
tend any General Convention of the Protestant
Episcopal Church which may be called before
the month of May, 1792 : And the Rev. John
Bracken and Robert Andrews, Esquire, were ac
cordingly appointed.
Resolved, That a standing committee be ap
pointed, to continue in office until the end of the
next session of Convention, with the like powers
as were vested in the last standing committee :
And the Rev. John Bracken, Rev. Samuel
Shield, Robert Andrews, Esquire, Rev. Henry
Skyring, Hon. Joseph Prentis, Hon. Cyrus Grif
fin, and Joseph Hornsby, Esquire, were accord
ingly appointed.
Resolved, That 300 copies of the Journal of -
this Convention be printed under the inspection
of the Rev. Mr. Buchanan, and that the charge
delivered by the president, together with the
ordinances and canons, be annexed to the same,'
Resolved, That it be recommended to the sev
eral vestries of this church to transcribe the
ordinances and canons into their vestry-books.
Resolved, That it be recommended to the
ministers of this church to read or cause to be

CONVENTION OF 1791.

47

lead the ordinances and canons in each of
their churches at least once in every year.
Resolved, That New-Year's day be set apart
for the purpose of divine worship, and that the
ministers in their respective parishes recom
mend it to their parishioners to devote them
selves particularly on that day to the service of
their Maker.
Mr. Foushee, from the committee appointed
to prepare and bring in a canon to arnend the
31st canon, reported, That the committee had,
according to order, prepared the same ; which
was received, read the usual numbe* of times,
and passed.
Mr. New, from the committee appointed to
examine the treasurer's accounts, reported, That
the committee had, according to order, examined
the same, and found them justly and fairly sta
ted, and that the balance in his hands for general
purposes was 108/. 15s. Id.; and the balance
belonging to the bishop's fund 15/. 12s. 8d. ;
but that of the sum of 200Z., directed by the
last Convention to be paid to the bishop for the
purpose of obtaining his consecration, only 136/,
lis. lOd. had been paid.*
Resolved, That the treasurer's accounts do
pass. Resolved, That the treasurer, out of any
money in his hands, pay to Bishop Madison the
sum of 63/. 8s. lhd., the balance due to. him
on the vote of the last Convention.
Resolved, That it is the duty of every member
of the Protestant Episcopal Church to contrib
ute towards,, a, decent and comfortable support
of their bishops and other pastors, and to de
fray the necessary expenses of their church.
Resolved, That to promote the welfare of the
Protestant Episcopal Church, it be recommend
ed to the vestries of the several parishes to raise
a fund for the general purposes of the said
church. Resolved, That it be recommended to the sev
eral parishes within this commonwealth, to send
the sum of sixteen dollars each, to the Rev.. Mr.
Buchanan, treasurer, on or before the first
Thursday in May next, to be applied by the
Convention, in such proportions as they shall
judge necessary, to enable the bishop to make
his visitations, and to perform the other duties
of his office, and for the other purposes of the
Protestant Episcopal Church in this state.
Resolved, That the report of the church prop
erty in the parishes within this commonwealth,
directed by the last Convention to be forwarded
to the Rev. Mr. Buchanan, and laid before this
Convention, together with such further reports
on the same subject as shall come to his hands,
be registered by the treasurer in a book to be
kept for that purpose, in which shall be distin
guished the parish and each species of property
under its respective head in separate columns.
On motion, resolved, That the State of Vir
ginia be divided into districts for assembling the

* Mr. Graham Franks, merchant, of London,
gave five guineas to the bishop's fund, as a mark
of his zeal for the interest of the Protestant Epis
copal Church in Virginia.

ministers in presbytery and for other purposes,
as set forth in the 8th canon, and that the dis
tricts be arranged in the following manner, viz :
District No. 1, containing the parishes of
Lynnhaven, Elizabeth River, Portsmouth, St.
Bride, Suffolk, and Upper Parish (in Nanse-
mond), Rev. James Taylor, visiter.
District No. 2, containing the parishes of
Newport, Southwark. St. Luke, and Nottoway
(in Southampton), Rev. George Gurley, vis
iter. District No. 3, containing the parishes of Mar
tin's Brandon, Albemarle, Bristol, Bath, Dale,
and Manchester, Rev. John Cameron, visiter.
District No. 4, containing the parishes of
Raleigh, Nottoway (in Nottoway), Cumberland,
St. Andrew, Meherrin, and St. James, Rev.
James Craig, visiter.
District No. 5, containing the parishes of
King William, Southam, Littleton, Tillotson,
and St. Patrick, Rev. Elkanah Talley, visiter.
District No. 6, containing the parishes of
Cornwall, Antrim, Camden, and Russell, Rev.
Alexander Hay, visiter.
District No. 7, containing the parishes of
Patrick, Fincastle, and Botetourt.
District No. 8, containing the parishes of
Accomack, St. George, and Hungars, Rev.
Samuel S. M'Croskey, visiter.
District No. 9, containing the parishes of
Elizabeth City, Warwick, Yorkhampton, Charles,
and Bruton, Rev. John Bracken, visiter.
District No. 10, containing the parishes of
Abingdon, Ware, Kingston, Pettsworth, and
Christ's Church (in Middlesex), Rev. Samuel
Klug, visiter.
District No. 11, containing the parishes of
James City, Blisland, St. Peter, and Westover,
Rev. James Henderson, visiter.
District No. 12, containing the parishes of*
South Farnham, St. Anne, St. David, St. John,
StraUen Major, St. Stephen, and Drysdale,
Rev. Jesse Carter, visiter.
District No. 13, containing the parishes of
St. Asaph, St, Margaret, St. Mary, St. Paul,
and St. Martin, Rev. Abner Waugh, visiter.
District No.. 14, containing the parishes of
Henrico, St. James Northam, and Trinity, Rev.
John Buchanan, visiter.
District No. 15, containing the parishes of
St. George, Berkeley, St. Thomas, St. Mark,
and Bromfield, Rev. James Stephenson, visiter.
District No. 16, containing the parishes of
Fredericksville, St. Anne, Amherst, and Lex
ington, Rev. Matthew Maury, visiter.
District No. 17, containing the parishes of
Augusta and Beckford.
District No. 18, containing the parishes of
Christ's Church (in Lancaster), St. Stephen, Wi
comico, Lunenburg, and Farnham, Rev. Thom
as Davis, visiter.
District No. 19, containing the parishes of
Cople, Washington, Overwharton, Brunswick,
Hanover, and St. Paul.
District No- 20, containing the parishes of
Fairfax, Truno, and Dettingen, Rev. Brian
Fairfax, visiter.
District No, 21, containing the parishes of

48

CONVENTION' OF 1791.

Hamilton, teeds, Cameron, and Shelburne,
Rev. James Craig, visiter.
District No. 22, containing the parishes of
Frederick, Norborhe, Hampshire, and Hardy,
Rev. Alexander Balmain, visiter.
The Convention having taken into considera
tion a resolution of the last General Convention,
respecting the propriety of investing the House
of Bishops;with a full negative on the proceed
ings of the other house, came to the following
resolution :
Resolved, That the deputies from the Prot
estant Episcopal Church in this state to the
next General Convention, be instructed to ex
press the disapprobation of this Convention re
specting the matter of the said resolution of the
General Convention.
Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. Jarratt be re
quested to preach a sermon at the next Con
vention. Resolved, That the next Convention be held
in the city of Richmond.
The first canon was amended with respect to
the time of the annual meeting of the Con
vention. And then the Convention adjourned until the
..30th day of April, 1792.
James Madison, President.
Robert Andrews, Secretary.

CANONS.
I. Conventions shall be holden annually on
the first Thursday in May, provided neverthe
less, that if a sufficient number of members to
form a Convention shall not- attend on the said
day, any five then assembled shall have power
to adjourn.
II. A person shall preside in Convention with
the name of president, who shall always be a
bishop, when there is one present properly con
secrated and settled in the church,, till which
time a president shall be appointed by the Con
vention out of their own body ; if more than one
bishop is found necessary in the church, they
shall preside alternately.
III. A secretary shall be appointed by the
Convention, who shall continue in office during
good behaviour, who shall keep a record of their
resolves and proceedings, and have the records in
his custody so long as he shall continue in office.
IV. Standing rules shall be established for
the preservation of decorum, and the orderly
management of business.
V. All questions, whether they relate to the
order, government, discipline, doctrine, or wor
ship of this church, or to any other matter which
is properly before the Convention, shall be de
termined by a majority of votes.
VI. At all future Conventions, each member
(whether minister or layman) shall, previous
to his admission, produce a testimonial of his be
ing regularly appointed, which testimonial shall
be signed by one or both of the church-wardens,
or by the clerk of the respective vestries.
VII. All the ordinances and other proceed
ings of the Convention shall be attested by the
secretary.

VIII. The clergy of the several Neighbouring
parishes, not/less than three nor. more than ten
shall assemble., in presbytery, arftually on some
Sunday in April, and at other" times, , if required
thereto, at some convenient place -in- the dis
trict. One in each district shall be appointed
by the Convention to preside at their meetings,
with the title of visiter, who shall name the
place and time of meeting ; shall annually visit
each parish in his district ; shall attend to and
inspect the morals and conduct of the clergy ;
shall see that the canons and rules of the church
are observed and practised ; shall adrtaonish
and reprove those clergymen who are negligent,
or act in an unbecoming manner ; and shall re
port yearly to the bishop, if there be one, or, if
there be no bishop, to tbe next Convention, the
state of each parish in his district, noting down
the offenders and their offences. It shall be the
business of the presbytery when thus assembled
to instruct and examine candidates for holy
orders within their respective districts, to pre
scribe to them a thesis or text, and give them
proper directions for composing a discourse on
the same ; and it shall be the duty of every candi
date for holy orders to make application to the
presbytery of the district within which he re
sides for such instruction and examination.
IX. The clergy who shall minister in this
church shall be the three orders of bishops,
priests, and deacons.
X. Every person hereafter to officiate- in this
church as a bishop, shall be nominated by the
Convention ; and having received episcopal con
secration before he enters on his office, shall
subscribe to conform to the doctrine, disci
pline, and worship of the Protestant Episcopal
Church of Virginia : And no person shall be re
ceived into the church as a bishop until he shall
have completed the thirtieth year of his age.
XI. As we conceive the office of a bishop, ac
cording to the true apostolic institution, differs
in nothing from that of other ministers of God's
"Word, except in the power of ordination and con
firmation, and the rights of superintending the
conduct of the clergy, and of precedency in ec
clesiastical assemblies, that office shall be ac
cordingly so exercised in this church : And every »
bishop, after his promotion to the episcopal
order, shall continue to hold a parish and to do
the duty of a parish minister, except when he.is
necessarily employed in the discharge of "his
episcopal office.
XII. No bishop shall inflict any censure upon,
or exercise any power over, the clergy under his
inspection, other than he is allowed to do by the
laws and institutions of this church made in
Convention. XIII. No priest or minister shall hereafter be
received into any 'parish within this common
wealth unless he first jproduce to the vestry suf
ficient testimonials of his having been regularly
ordained a priest. by some Protestant bishop,
and of having taken the oath of allegiance to
this commonwealth, and subscribe to be" con
formable to the doctrine, discipline, and worship!
of the Protestant Episcopal Church, nor" "till he
shall have entered into a contract in writing

CONVENTION- OF 1791.

49

with the vestry or trustees on behalf of the so
ciety within such parish, by which, it shall be
stipulated and declared that he; fiolds the ap
pointment, subject to removal, upon the determi
nation of the Convention of the Protestant Epis
copal Church in this state. Provided, That any
person who hath been ordained by a bishop of
the Church of Rome may also be received as a
minister, who shall produce satisfactory testi
monials respecting his ordination, morals, and
conduct, renounce the errors of that church, take
the oath, and subscribe as aforesaid.
XIV. No minister shall hereafter be received
into a parish who does not first produce to the
vestry satisfactory testimonials of his morals,
conduct, and conversation, from the person or
persons appointed by the Convention to inquire
into such matters and grant such testimonials.
XV. The right of presentation or appointing
ministers to serve in the parishes shall continue
in the vestries, and each vestry shall choose its
own minister.
XVI. Every person to be ordained priest or
deacon by any bishop of this church, shall
first produce testimonials of his good morals
and orderly conduct from the clergy assembled
in the district where he for some time last re
sided, and from the vestry of the parish where
he last lived : Provided there be in the district
a sufficient number of clergymen to form a
presbytery ; otherwise, a testimonial from the
minister and vestry of his parish, or from the
vestry alone, if the parish is vacant, shall be
deemed sufficient : Provided also, the candi
date is not an inhabitant of some other state,
and intended to minister in some parish or con
gregation in a neighbouring state. No person
shall be ordained until due examination had by
the bishop and two priests.
XVII. No person shall be admitted to priest's
orders until .he shall have completed the twenty-
fourth year of his age, and is assured of the
willingness of some parish or congregation to
receive him as their minister, to be certified
under the hands of the church-wardens, and at
tested by the clerk of the vestry.
XVIII. Every person who shall be admitted
either to priest's or deacon's orders, shall be or
dained according to the form prescribed in the
Book of Common Prayer.
XIX. No person shall be ordained a deacon
until he shall have completed the twenty-first
year of his age.
XX. No person having deacon's orders only
shall be allowed to hold a parish. But a deacon
may, during a vacancy, officiate in a parish,
if chosen by the vestry to do so. He shall
preach the gospel and baptize. He may assist
in administering the sacrament of the Lord's
Supper, but not consecrate the elements. He
may solemnize marriages, and shall attend to
the, situation and circumstances of the poor
where it may be necessary.
, - XXI. A person may be ordained a deacon
^though he shall have no assurance of being
called to minister in a 'parish or congregation,
provided his testimonials and qualifications are
satisfactory to the bishop. D

XXII. A deacon may minister as » proba
tioner or missionary under the direction of the
Convention or the bishop.
XXIII. The parish clerk shall be appointed by
the minister and vestry, and displaced by them
whenever his services are not satisfactory to the
people : whenever he shall neglect his duty, or
otherwise misbehave himself.
XXIV. Sextons shall be appointed by the ves
tries, and dismissed by them when they think
proper. XXV. Bishops shall be amenable to the Con
vention, who shall be a court to try them, from
which there shall be no appeal. On all such oc- I
casions a president, who shall be a bishop, shall
be chosen by the Convention to sit as judge, and
they shall also appoint a clerk to the court.
XXVI. All accusations against a bishop, as
such, shall come from the vestries ; but no accu
sation against a bishop shall be received unless
three vestries join in the complaint. All com
plaints against a bishop shall be lodged with
such persons as may be appointed to call a Con
vention, and a copy of the charge or charges to
be brought against him shall be communicated to
him in writing at least two months before the
trial. Counsel may be employed on both sides ;
and none batviv&voce evidence shall be admitted.
XXVII. Disorderly, scandalous, ahd immoral
conduct, neglect of duty, a disregard to the rules »
and canons of the church, or taking a bribe to
grant either ordination or a recommendation for
a vacant parish, shall be considered as offences
in a bishop, for which he may be brought to
trial, and, on his being convicted of any of these,
he shall be reproved, suspended, or dismissed,
at the discretion of the court.
XXVIII. Courts shall be instituted to exam
ine into complaints exhibited against ministers or
deacons, which courts shall be composed of one
clergyman and one vestryman from each parish
of the district in which the accused minister re
sides, the parish excepted to which the minister
belongs. The appointment of the vestrymen
shall be by lot ; and the visiter of the district,
unless he shall be the accused person, shall pre
side as judge ; and in that case, the oldest cler
gyman in orders shall be the judge : Provided
nevertheless, That where the number of settled
clergymen in the district be less than two, the
visiter shall call for a clergyman from a neigh
bouring district ; and, moreover, if, when the
court assembles, the number of vestrymen shall
be found to exceed the number of clergymen
present, so many vestrymen shall be withdrawn
by lot as shall be necessary to equalize the
numbers of the two orders.
Any number of members, not less than three,
two of whom shall be clergymen, shall be suffi
cient to constitute a court.
On conviction of a minister, the court shall
proceed to pass sentence, which shall be none
other than reproof or suspension ; and in all cases
where the offence shall be thought to deserve
suspension, the court shall without delay report
the facts and state the evidence to the bishop ;
or, until a bishop shall be consecrated for the
church in this state, to the chairman of the

50

CQNVENTION OF 1791.

standing committee, who, with the standing
committee, or three fourths of the same, shall
be, and are hereby constituted and appointed
a court, in the lastjjesort, to try the offender ;
and who, if they donqt acquit him, shall either
confirm the sentence of the examining court, or
pass such other sentence as a majority of them
shall think the offence deserves ; which shall
be either reproof, dismission, or degradation.
XXIX. Complaints against a minister shall
be received from the vestry of the parish where
the minister officiates, and from no other person
or persons whatever. They shall be signed by
a majority of a vestry, without which no com
plaint shall be received. They shall be directed
to the visiter of the district in which the ac
cused minister resides, or, where there is no
visiter, or if the visiter be the person accused,
to a member of the presbytery in the said dis
trict, who shall forthwith appoint a convenient
time and place for the trial, and take care that
the members who are to compose the court shall
have timely information thereof.
In every complaint, the offence or offences
shall be stated ; and the minister shall be fur
nished with a copy of the charges brought
against him, and with notice of his intended
trial, at least one month before the trial : viva
voce evidence only shall be admitted, and that
upon oath ; and counsel may be employed on
both sides.
The visiter, or person to whom the complaint
shall be made, shall cite the accused person
before the appointed court ; which shall (unless
the person accused is prevented from attending
by sickness) proceed to the trial, examine the
testimony against the offender, and take the
depositions of the witnesses.
XXX. No vestryman shall sit on the exam
ination of a minister belonging to the parish
wherein such vestryman resides ; the examina
tion shall be held in the parish where the ac
cused minister officiates, and at a place to be
appointed by the vestry ; the judges shall appoint
a clerk occasionally for such examinations.
XXXI. Disorderly, scandalous, and immoral
conduct, neglect of duty, a disregard to the
rules and canons of the church, or taking a bribe
to recommend either for ordination or a parish,
are to be cgnsidered among the offences for
which a minister, whether benefited or not, may
be brought to trial.
Complaints against a minister who has never
been inducted into a parish, or, having been in
ducted, shall have vacated the same, shall be re
ceived from the minister as is hereinafter di
rected, or from the vestry of the parish where
the offence is said to have been committed.
They shall be signed by the minister of such
parish, and four of his vestry at least, or by a
majority of the vestry, where the minister is not
included as a complainant, without which no
complaint shall be received ; and all other
proceedings shall be the same as for the trial
of a beneficed minister, except that the parish
wherein the offence is alleged to have been
committed shall be considered as the parish
where the offending minister resides : Provided

always, That where th^e visiter or his yestjy^nake
the complaint, the riexfct eldest irHjiister ifi the
district shall act in'the place-of "Such visiter ;
and the court shalfhSve the same power to pro
nounce sentence as against the beneficed min
ister. " »
XXXII. Deacons behaving in' a scandalous,
disorderly, or immoral manner, or who neglect
the duty they have undertaken, shall, on full and
satisfactory proof, be suspended ¦ or silenced by
the bishop until the sense of the Convention
shall be known. And the salary accruing during
the suspension of a minister or deacon who is
afterward found guilty, shall go to the vestry, for
the use of the church.
XXXIII. Bishops shall visit the different
parishes under their inspection once in three
years at least ; of which visitation the clergy
or church-wardens shall have timely notice ; in
their visitation they shall confirm such as choose
to receive confirmation, they shall inspect the
state of the parishes, and the conduct of the
clergy, who shall give them what information
they can respecting such ecclesiastical matters
as they may choose to be informed of.
XXXIV. Bishops shall hold ordinations at
such times and places as they may judge neces
sary and convenient.
XXXV. Bishops, after every visitation, shall
report the state of the church in the different
parishes to the Convention.
XXXVI. No minister or bishop shall he al
lowed to hold more than one parish at the same
time. Nevertheless, a minister may, if 'called
thereto by the vestry, preach in a neighbouring
parish or parishes during a vacancy in such
parish or parishes, and may receive a compensa
tion for his services, provided he has the con
sent of his own vestry, and shall not neglect the
duties of his parish.
XXXVII. Every minister' shall reside within
his parish, unless a majority of his vestry shall
agree to dispense with his residence ; and shall
at no time leave it for more than one month
without the consent of the said vestry.
XXXVIII. Ministers shall, at their churches
and other convenient places, instruct children,
and such ignorant persons as may require it, in
their catechism, and the principles of the Chris
tian religion as maintained by this church ; pro
vided this duty may be dispensed with during
the inclement winter months. They shall also
explain the nature of confirmation, and instruct
and prepare their parishioners for it.
XXXIX. Ministers and deacons shall wear a
surplice during the time of prayer at public
worship, in places where they are provided ; shall
wear gowns when they preach, where they con
veniently can-; and shall at all times wear ap
parel suited to the gravity of their profession,
XL. Ministers and deacons may encourage
people to assemble together in small societies
at convenient times for their edification, and
may visit, superintend, and instruct such soci
eties at their meetings ; provided they shall not
do it to the encouragement of idleness, or to
the injury of private families.
XLI. Ministers officiating in this church,

CONVENTION OF 1792.

51

whether bishops, prjests, or deacons, shall preach
once at least on evejjy 'jgord's- day , and at other
stated seasons, unless prevented by some suffi
cient cause ; they may at their discretion preach
also at othej times, when opportunities shall

offer of edifying the church; bishops and priests
shall administer the sacrament at least four
times in the year at each churchnr place . oj
worship in their respective parishes, and shall
visit the sick when called on for that purpose.

Journal of a Convention ofthe Protestant Episcopal Church, in the State of Virginia, held in the
Capitol in the City of Richmond, May 3d, 1793.

A List of the Members of the Convention.

Parishes.
Antrim,
Bath,
Bristol, Bruton, Charles, Christ Church (Middlesex),
Christ Church (Lancaster),
CumberlandDale, Frederick, Henrico, Hungars,
James City,
King William,
Littleton,Manchester,
Martin's Brandon,
Raleigh,St. David,
St. James Northam,
St. John,
St. Luke,
St. Margaret,
St. Mary,
St. Paul (Hanover),
St. Stephen (K. &. Queen),
St. Stephen (Northumb.),
South Farnham,
Southwark,Westover,
•Wicqmico,

Clergymen.
Devereaux Jarratt.
John Cameron.
John Bracken.
Samuel Shield.
David Ball.
James Craig.
Needier Robinson.
Alexander Balmain.
John Buchanan.
Samuel S. M'Croskey.
James Madison (Bishop & Pres.).
Elkanah Talley.
William Cameron.
John Jones Spooner.
Reuben Clopton.
Charles Hopkins.
Joseph Gurley (Assistant Min.),
Abner Waugh,

Thomas Davis.
Andrew Sim.
Samuel Butler.
James Henderson,
John Bryan.

On Thursday, the third of May, in the year of
our Lord one thousand seven hundred and
ninety-two, being the day appointed for the
meeting of the Convention of the Protestant
Episcopal Church in the Commonwealth of
Virginia, a sufficient number of members to pro
ceed on business being present,
The Right Rev. Bishop Madison took his
seat as President of the Convention.
Robert Andrews took his seat as Secretary to
the Convention.
The Rev. Mr. Bracken, from the standing
committee, reported standing rules for regula
ting the proceedings , of Conventions, which
were read and agreed to, a3 follows : —
1 . No member shall absent himself from the
service of the Convention unless he have leave,
or be sick and unable to attend.
?. When any member is about to speak in
debate, or deliver any matter to the Conven
tion, he shall rise from his seat, and, without ad
vancing, shall with due respect address himself
D2

Lay Deputies.
Henry E. Coleman.
Peterson Goodwin.
Archibald Gracie.
Robert Andrews.
Francis Corbin.

Jerman Baker.
William Foushee.
John Tankard.
John Ambler.
Thomas Harris.
John H. Overstreet.
David Patteson.
George Ruffin,
William Murray.
Nathaniel Burwell.
Archibald Bryce.
Carter Braxton, jun,
Anthony New,
j John Pendleton and
\ William Norvell.
Thomas Hill.
William Gatewood.
James Allen Bradby,
Charles Carter,

to Mr. President, confining himself strictly to
the point in debate, and avoiding all indecent
and disrespectful language.
3. No member shall speak more than twice
in the same debate without leave.
4. A question, being once determined, must
stand as the judgment of the Convention, and
cannot be again drawn into debate during the
same session.
5. While the President is putting any ques
tion, no one shall hold private discourse, stand
up, walk into, out of, or across the house, or
read any book.
6. Every member who shall be in the Con
vention when any question is put, shall, on a
division, be counted on one side or the other,
7. When the Convention is to .rise, every
member shall keep his seat until the president
go out.
Ordered, That a committee be appointed to
examuie the. return of the sitting members, and
to report thereon. And a cdrnrhittee was ap-

52

CONVENTION OF 1792.

pointed of Mr. Bracken, Mr. Corbin, Mr.
Shield, and Mr, Ambler. '
Ordered,'- That "Mr. Patteson, Mr. William
Cameron, Mr. Davis, and Mr. Baker, be ap
pointed a committee to examine the treasurer's
accounts, and to report thereon.
Ordered r That leave be given to bring in a
canon of canons to amend the 15th, 29th, and
30th canons; and that Mr. Talley, Mr. Hen
derson, Mr. Brice, Mr. New, Mr. M'Croskey,
and Mr. Bracken, prepare and bring in the same.
Ordered, That Mr. Shield, Mr." Carter, Mr.
M'Croskey, Mr. Bracken, Mr. Braxton, Mr. Cor
bin, Mr. Baker, and Mr. Andrews, be appointed
a committee to form a plan of a society for the
relief of distressed widows and orphans of
clergymen of the Protestant Episcopal Church
in this state.
Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a
canon to amend the 20th and 21st canons ; that
the committee appointed to prepare and bring in
a canon or canons to amend the 15th, 29th, and
30th, prepare and bring in the same ; and that
Mr. Shield and Mr. Baker be added to the said
committee. Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a
canon to direct the mode in which notorious
crimes and scandals within the church shall be
censured ; and that Mr. New, Mr. Talley, Mr.
Craig, Mr. Jarratt, Mr. Davis, Mr. Robinson,
Mr. Ruffin, Mr. Patteson, Mr. Foushee, Mr.
Burwell, and Mr. Bradby, prepare and bring in
the same.
The Convention adjourned until 5 o'clock in
the afternoon.
May 3, 5 o'clock P. M.— The Rev. Mr. Jar
ratt, according to the order of the last Conven
tion, preached a sermon before the Convention.
The Convention adjourned until 10 o'clock
to-morrow morning. Friday, May 4.
Mr. Shield, from the committee appointed to
form a plan of a society for the relief of dis
tressed widows and orphans of clergymen of
the Protestant Episcopal Church in this state,
reported, That the committee had, according to
order, prepared such a plan, which was read
and agreed to, as follows : —
A fund for the relief of distressed widows
and orphans of clergymen shall be raised by
subscription, and subscribers may be divided
into three classes, viz. : —
1. Subscribers who choose to have the in
terest of their subscription confined in the div
idends to the families of subscribing clergymen.
2. Subscribers who choose to name a par
ticular clergyman, to whose family the same
benefit shall be extended as to the families of
subscribing clergymen.
3. Subscribers' who choose to have their in
terest applied to relieve indigent families of
clergymen in general, without confining it to
those of subscribers.
The subscriptions to each class shall be taken
distinctly, and the account of the interests and
dividends of the third class shall be kept separ
ately from that of the first and second.

The yearly subscription of each membei.*hall
be at least six dollars.
The principal money shall remain a standing
fund ; and the dividends, which shall be annual,
shall be made of the interest only.
In the first and second classes, a subscription
of five years shall entitle the family for whose
benefit the subscription was made to a full div
idend, provided the subscription be made before
the 4th day of May, 1 793 ; but those becoming
interested after that time, shall be entitled to a
full dividend only on a subscription of eight years.
And in case of a subscription for a less term
than what entitles to a full dividend, the family
shall receive in proportion, with the option of
allowing to be withheld annually a sum equal to
the yearly subscription, until they shall be en
titled to a full share.
The claims of widows and daughters shall
cease at their marriage ; and that of sons on
their attaining the age of twenty-one years.
Meetings of the subscribers shall be held for
the management of the fund, at least once in
every year, at which each subscriber shall have
an equal vote.
The general rules and principles of the fund
shall not be altered but with the consent of two
thirds of the members present at an annual
meeting. The subscribers to the fund shall be called a
society for the relief of distressed widows and
orphans of clergymen of the Protestant Episcopal
Church in the State of Virginia.
A subscriber failing for five years to pay his
subscription, shall forfeit his claim to a dividend ;
and in case of failure for any less term, he shall
preserve it only by a full payment of arrears,
with interest.
Five trustees shall be appointed by the so
ciety, to continue in office until the next stated
meeting, of until a new appointment shall be
made. A treasurer shall be appointed by the society,
by ballot, to continue in office during good be
haviour; who shall give bond to the trustees,
with security, in such penalty as the trustees or
a majority of them may direct, for the faithful
discharge of his duty.
Occasional donations may be received by the
society, to be applied as the donor or donors
may direct ; and in case there be no direction,
the donations shall go into the fund for the gen
eral relief of the indigent families of deceased
clergymen. We, the subscribers, do therefore agree to be
come members of the said society for the relief
of the distressed widows and orphans of clergy
men of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the
State of Virginia, and to pay the sums annexed
to our respective names, to be applied according
to the class in which our subscriptions shall stand.
Resolved, unanimously, That the thanks ofthe
Convention be given to the Rev. Mr. Jarratt
for the very excellent, seasonable, and animated
sermon preached by him yesterday before the
Convention, and that he be requested to pre
pare a copy of the same for the press.
Mr. Patteson, from the committee appointed

CONVENTION OF 1792.

53

to examine the treasurer's accounts, reported,
That the committee had, according to order, ex
amined the same, and found them justly and
fairly stated ; and that the balance in his hands
for general purposes is 15'Zl. 8s. Id., of which
the sum of 102Z. Is. 5d. has been received
from sundry parishes in consequence of the rec
ommendation of the last Convention.
Resolved, That the treasurer's accounts do
pass. Mr. Bracken presented, according to order,
canons to amend the 15th, 20th, 21st, 29th, and
30th canons, and the same were read the first
time, and ordered to be read a second time.
Mr. Bracken, from the committee appointed
to examine the returns of the sitting members,
reported, That the committee had, according to
order, examined the same, and found that the
returns from the following parishes, viz., An
trim, Bath, Bristol, Bruton, Charles, Christ
Church (Middlesex), Christ Church (Lancaster),
Cumberland, Dale, Frederick, Henrico, Hungars,
James City, King William, Littleton, Manches
ter, Martin's Brandon, Raleigh, St. David, St.
James Northam, St. John, St. Luke, St. Mar
garet, St. Mary, St. Paul (Hanover), St. Ste
phen (King and Queen), St. Stephen (North
umberland), South Farnham, Southwark, West-
over, and Wicomico, were made agreeably to
the canons.
The canons to amend the 15th, 20th, 21st,
29th, and 30th canons, were read the second
time, and amended.
Ordered, That the same be fairly transcribed,
and read a third time.
Resolved, That the Convention proceed by
ballot to the choice of two deputies, to attend
any General Convention of the Protestant Epis
copal Church in the United States of America,
which may meet before the month of May, 1793.
The Convention accordingly proceeded by
ballot to the said choice ; and Mr. J. Cameron
and Mr. Corbin being appointed a committee to
examine the ballots, and report to the Conven
tion on whom the majority of votes should fall,
withdrew, and after some time returned into the
Convention, and Mr. J. Cameron reported, That
the committee had, according to order, examined
the ballots, and found them to stand as follows :
for the Rev. Samuel S. M'Croskey, 25 ; Robert
Andrews, Esq., 38 ; Rev. John Bracken, 14 ;
Rev. John Cameron, 1 ; Rev. James Craig, 1 .
A majority of votes appearing in favour of the
Rev. Samuel S. M'Croskey and Robert An
drews, Esq., Resolved, That the Rev. Samuel
S. M'Croskey and Robert Andrews, Esq. be,
and they are hereby appointed, deputies to at
tend any General Convention of the Protestant
Episcopal Church in the United States of
America, which may be held before the month
of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand
seven hundred and ninety-three.
Mr. New, according to order, presented a
canon to direct the mode in which notorious
crimes and scandals within the church shall be
censured ; and the same, after being twice read,
was ordered to be fairly transcribed, and read a
third time.

The canons to amend the ljith,c20th, and 29th
canons were read the thrro; tirire and passed, as
follows, to be substituted in the joom of the
said 15th, 20th, and 29th, and numbered as such.
Canon XV. The right lyf presentation or of
appointing ministers to serve in the parishes
shall continue in the vestries, and jsach vestry
shall choose its own minister ; and no minister
shall officiate as a stated lecturer or preacher in
any parish in which there is a rector, without
having first obtained the leave of the said rector,
or of a majority of the vestry.
Canon XX. No person having deacon's
orders only, shall be allowed, as such, to hold a
parish, until after he hath officiated eighteen
months as a deacon, and attained the age of
twenty-five years : A deacon shall- preach the
gospel and baptize ; he may solemnize mar
riages, and assist in administering the sacrament
of the Lord's Supper, but not consecrate the
elements. Canon XXIX. Complaints against a minister
shall be made on oath, and directed to the visiter
of the district in which the accused minister re
sides, or, where there is no visiter, or if the vis
iter be the person accused, to a member of the
presbytery in the said district ; who shall forth
with appoint a convenient time and place for the
trial within the parish where the accused min
ister officiates, and take care that the members
who are to compose the court shall have timely
information thereof. The judges shall appoint
a clerk occasionally for such trials, and no ves
tryman shall sit on the trial of an accused min
ister belonging to the parish wherein such ves
tryman resides. In every complaint, the offence
or offences shall be stated ; and the minister
shall be furnished with a copy of the charges
brought against him, and with notice of his in
tended trial, at least one month before the trial :
Viva voce evidence only shall be admitted, and
that upon oath ; and counsel may be employed
on both sides.
The visiter or person to whom the complaint
shall be made, shall cite the accused person be
fore the appointed court; which shall, unless
the person accused is prevented from attending
by sickness, proceed to the trial, examine the
testimony against the offender, and take the
depositions of witnesses.
In all complaints where the accused minister
shall be the only clergyman resident within the
district, the complaint shall be made to the
bishop and standing committee, who shall with
out delay institute a court, consisting of two
clergymen from an adjoining district, and two
vestrymen from the most convenient parishes
within the district. They shall appoint also the
time for trial, which shall be held at such place
within the parish of the accused minister as the
vestry thereof shall direct.
Resolved, That a standing committee be ap
pointed, to continue in office until the end of the
next session of Convention, with the like powers
as were vested in the last standing committee :
And the Rev. John Bracken, Rev. Samuel
Shield, Robert Andrews, Esq., Rev. Henry Sky
ring, Hon. Joseph Prentis, Hon. Cyrus Griffin,

54

CONVENTION OF 1793.

and Joseph Hornsby, Esq., were' accordingly
appointed. Resolved, That all reasonable expenses be
allowed the deputies appointed to attend the
next General Convention, and that the sum of
twenty-five pounds be advanced to each of them
on account.
Resolved, That the standing committee be
authorized to appoint a deputy or deputies to
the General Convention, should either or both of
the deputies appointed by this Convention be
prevented from attending.
Resolved, That all reasonable expenses be
allowed the Right Rev. Dr. Madison, which he
has incurred in his several visitations, and which
may arise from his attendance on the next Gen
eral Convention, and that the sum of eighty
pounds be advanced to him on account. Bishop
Madison delivered in to the Convention a report
of his visitations since the last Convention,
which was read, and is as follows : —
"Agreeably to the 35th canon, the bishop
begs leave to report that he has visited the fol
lowing parishes, viz. : York-Hampton, Elizabeth
City, Abingdon, Ware, Christ Church (Middle
sex), St. Anne, St. Paul (King George), Berke
ley, Westover, Blisland, Bruton, James City,
Henrico, and Lunenburg; and is happy to assure
the Convention that in most of the parishes, the
conduct of the ministers appeared to be such
as merited the highest commendation. The
congregations where he attended were generally
numerous, and attentive to the form of worship
established by the church ; and though he had
too much reason to lament that sufficient regard
was not paid to the decent support of the clergy
in many of the parishes, yet the diligence with
which most of the ministers continued to dis
charge their sacred functions, while it afforded
the highest proof of their zeal and piety, yielded

at the same time a pleasing hope fhat the church
would gradually revive. In the five parishes of
Abingdon, Ware, Christ Church (Middlesex),
Berkeley (Fredericksburg), and Bruton, up
wards of six hundred persons have been con
firmed." Resolved, That it be recommended to the
several parishes within this commonwealth, to
send each the sum of fifteen dollars to the Rev.
Mr. Buchanan, treasurer, on or before the first
Thursday in May next, to be applied by the
Convention as they shall judge necessary, to
enable the bishop to make his visitations and
perform the other duties of his office, and to the
other purposes of the Protestant Episcopal
Church in this state.
Ordered, That the standing committee be
directed to apply to the different parishes
which have not complied with the requisition
of the last Convention for the sum of sixteen
dollars, to transmit the same to the Rev. Mr.
Buchanan as soon as possible.
Resolved, That 300 copies of the Journal of
this Convention be printed under the inspection
of the Rev. Mr. Buchanan ; and that the ser
mon preached yesterday by the Rev. Mr. Jarratt
be annexed to the same.
Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. Waugh be re
quested to preach a sermon before the next
Convention. The canon to direct the mode in which no
torious crimes and scandals within the church
shall be censured, was read the third time ; and
the question being put whether the same shall
pass, it was determined in the negative.
Resolved, That the next Convention be held
in the city of Richmond.
The Convention adjourned.
Signed, James Madison, President.
Robert Andrews, Secretary.

Journal of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the State of Virginia, held in the
City of Richmond, May 2d, 1793.

Parishes.
Antrim,Berkeley,Bristol,Bromfield,
Bruton,
Dale,Frederick,
Fredericksville, Henrico,
Hungars,
James City,
Kingston, King William,
Littleton, Lexington,
Manchester,Nottoway,St. Andrews,
St. Bride,
.St. David,

A List of the Members of the Convention.

Clergymen.
Hugh Corrans Boggs.
John Cameron.
John Bracken.
Needier Robinson.
Alexander Balmain.
John Buchanan.
Samuel S. M'Croskey.
J. Madison (Bishop and Pr.).
Armistead Smith.

Charles Crawford.
William Cameron.

James Morris.

Lay Deputies.
Henry E. Coleman.
Alexander M'Rae.
Reuben Beall.
Robert Andrews.
Thomas Friend.
John Walker.
William Foushee.

Dudley Carey.
John Harris.
Joseph Carrington.
David Patterson.
John Gooch and Richard Bland.
Charles B. Jones.
Joshua Grymes.
Benjamin Temple and Nath. Burwell,

t.i.

CONVENTION OF 1793.

55

Parishes. Clergymen.
St. George. (Accomack),
St. James Northam,
St. Margaret,
St. Martin, Peter Nelson.
St. Paul (Hanover),
St. Stephen, Thomas Andrews.
St. Thomas,
South Farnham, Andrew Sim.
Southam, John H. Saunders.
Washington,
Westover, Seawell Chapin.
York Hampton, James Henderson.
On Thursday, the second day of May, in the
year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred
and ninety-three, being the day appointed for
the meeting of the Convention of the Protestant
Episcopal Church in the commonwealth of Vir
ginia, a sufficient number of members to proceed
on business having convened,
The Right Rev. Bishop Madison took his
seat as President of the Convention.
Robert Andrews took his seat as Secretary
to the Convention.
Ordered, That a committee be appointed to
examine the returns of the sitting members, and
.to report thereon. And a committee was ap
pointed of Dr. Bracken, Mr. Balmain, Mr. Fou
shee, and Mr. Patterson.
Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a
.canon concerning vestries and trustees ; a canon
concerning conventions ; a canon concerning
presbyteries ; a canon concerning bishops ; a
canon concerning the ordination of priests and
deacons, and their duties ; a canon concerning
the induction of ministers into parishes ; a canon
concerning offences and the mode of proceeding
against offending ministers ; a canon concerning
the appointment and duties of a standing com
mittee ; a canon concerning the manner of grant
ing testimonials to citizens candidates for par
ishes ; a canon concerning a treasurer ; and a
canon rescinding certain ordinances and can
ons ; and that Mr. Andrews, Mr. Balmain, Dr.
M'Croskey, Mr. Walker, Mr. T. Andrews, Mr.
Foushee, Dr. Bracken, Mr. W. Cameron, Mr.
Patterson, Mr. Henderson, Mr. Carrington, Mr.
Sims, Mr. Gatewood, Mr. Boggs, Mr. Drum-
mond, Mr. Morris, Mr. Jones, Mr. Carter, and Mr.
Charles B. Jones, prepare and bring in the same.
Mr. Andrews presented, according to order,
a canon concerning vestries and trustees ; a can
on concerning conventions ; a canon concerning
presbyteries ; a canon concerning bishops ; a
canon concerning the ordination of priests and
deacons, and their duties ; a canon concerning
the induction of ministers into parishes ; a canon
concerning offences, and the mode of proceeding
against offending ministers ; a canon concerning
the appointment and duties of a standing com
mittee ; a canon concerning the manner of grant
ing testimonials to citizens candidates for par
ishes ; a canon concerning a treasurer ; and a
canon rescinding certain ordinances and canons ;
which several canons were received, read a first
time, and ordered to be read a second time.
On motion made, the canon concerning ves-

Lay Deputies.
Cave Jones and William Drummond.
Archibald Bryce.
Samuel Temple.
William Tinsley
Thomas Barbour.
William Gatewood.
Daniel M'Carty, jun.
Charles Carter.
Hugh Nelson.
tries and trustees, and the other canons before
the Convention, were read a second time, and
ordered to be committed to a committee of the
whole Convention to-morrow.
Ordered, That a committee be appointed to
examine the treasurer's accounts : And a com
mittee was appointed of Dr. Bracken, Mr. Bryce,
Mr. Charles B. Jones, and Mr. Henderson.
The Convention adjourned until 10 o'clock
to-morrow morning. Friday, May 3.
Bishop Madison having delivered a charge to
the clergy at the meeting of Convention this
morning, Resolved, unanimously, That the thanks of
the Convention be given to the Right Rev. Doc
tor Madison, for his very sensible, pious, and
excellent address delivered this day, and that he
be requested to furnish a copy for the press.
An Address to the Convention of the Protestant
Episcopal Church in Virginia. By Bishop
Madison.
Brethren, — When I determined to send cir
cular letters to the different visiters, in order that
I might, through them, request a general attend
ance of the clergy at this Convention, I was
well aware of the inconveniences to which some
of the members might be exposed. But, such is
still the situation of our church, so loudly doth
it call for the counsels of all its friends, that no
doubt was left upon my mind but those incon
veniences would be cheerfully borne, provided
our consultations should be productive of bene
ficial effects. Whatever may be the result,
whether we shall be enabled to devise any plan
or propose any measures which may tend to that
end, so ardently to be supplicated, still, it is surely
a solemn duty imposed upon all of us, to endeav
our to promote the prosperity of our Zion by
all those prudent means which our profession
will justify. This is most likely to be effected
by the combined wisdom and experience of the
whole body of the clergy. It is not then to be
wondered at, that I should be anxious to see all
the faithful pastors of our church here assem
bled, and that I should earnestly entreat them,
in particular, seriously to consult, to digest, and
bring forward, for the consideration of the Con
vention, whatever may appear most likely to pro
mote the interest of religion, and that church of
which we are the ministers.
I trust that the good effects of our late minis
terial exertions are generally felt and acknowl.

56

CONVENTION OF 1793.

edged ; and that our affairs, under the blessing
of Providence, begin to assume somewhat a
more pleasing aspect. Several valuable minis
ters have been sent forth, men from whose
piety and labours we may anticipate the happi
est effects ; our congregations seem more atten
tive to their religious concerns, and, I ardently
hope, are gradually advancing to a greater de
gree of Christian perfection. Still, however,
our exertions must be unabated, they must even
increase ; we must 'continue to advance if we
would not become retrograde. Nor can I think
but that Providence, at this moment, affords the
most favourable opportunity for prudent and
strenuous exertions. It has, in some degree,
checked that fervour of enthusiasm which has
lately ravaged our church. Our evils have in
a great measure flowed from that source. But
there is another enemy which is daily making
rapid advances, and whose progress, if possible,
we must arrest ; I mean the demon of irreligion.
These are the two principal enemies which we
have to oppose, and which call for all the wis
dom and all the zeal of every sincere minister.
That the spirit and the resolution necessary
for the most zealous opposition animates the
breast of every one present, I do not question ;
but what are the prudent means which we must
employ 1 what are the weapons'! what is the
armour we must put on for this Christian war
fare? These are inquiries which demand our
most serious attention.
I could have wished, upon this occasion, rather
to have heard the sentiments of my brethren,
than to have expressed my own. I do not pre
tend that I have not reflected, and that often
and seriously, upon the situation of our church,
and the means of promoting its prosperity ; but
I am not so presumptuous as to think, that bet
ter may not still be devised than those which
have occurred to me. Perhaps, however, the
propositions which I think it my duty to lay be
fore you, if they do not meet with the approba
tion of this assembly, may at least be the means
of calling forth others, which may operate more
effectually to the end we all have in view.
The first that I shall submit to your consider
ation, as of great importance in my mind to
wards reviving a just sense of religion, and es
tablishing a due ministerial influence among our
parishioners, is, that the different pastors should
consider it as a duty to visit their parishioners
at their private dwellings as often in the year
as may be convenient; — that, at these visits,
children should be examined and instructed in
their catechism ; parents, when necessary, ex
horted to lead Christian lives, and to be attentive
to the religious instruction of their children ;
while the well-disposed should be encouraged
to persevere, and to be steadfast in their attach
ment to the church. A practice of the kind
here recommended would not only be produc
tive of the best effects in a religious point of
view, but it seems also essentially necessary in
order to form that friendly attachment, or that
intimate union, between ministers and their
flocks, which would render their public exhorta
tions more efficacious ; it would afford the best

opportunity of counteracting the great havoc
which novel teachers are daily making, and
which is carried on more successfully, I believe,
by their private intercourse, than by their public
harangues ; it would also evince a spirit of dis
interestedness and real concern for the religious
welfare of our flocks, which, while it is the duty
of a minister uniformly to manifest, would at
the same time cause him to be more highly re
spected and beloved. It appears then that this
proposition is recommended to us by several
cogent considerations, whether we attend to the
proper discharge of the ministerial functions, to
the influence it will give the different pastors in
their congregations, or to the means it would
afford of counteracting the opponents of the
church, and of renovating constantly the attach
ment of its members. Perhaps in some cases
such visits would not always be convenient ;
but I am persuaded that, by the greater part of
our congregations, they would be justly estima
ted, and, I have no doubt, prove highly beneficial
to the interest of the church.
A second proposition which I shall make, ap
pears also, at this time in particular, of great
importance to the real interest of our holy re
ligion and of our chureh.
It is, that the ministers should cause to be
distributed among their congregations such
books or pamphlets as would tend to check that
spirit of proselytism which so strongly distin
guishes most sects, by exposing whatever may
appear erroneous, in a plain and candid manner,
and at the same time showing the verity and
constant superiority of the principles of our own
church. The dissemination of pamphlets which
might have such a tendency, appears particular
ly necessary at this time. Every one must have
observed that there are two kinds of enthusi
asts ; the one seems to be composed of men of
a warm imagination, strong passions, and little
or no judgment. These lay hold of some fa
vourite tenet, which may afford them an oppor
tunity of exercising the powers of the imagina
tion, and which they make the groundwork upon
which to erect a sect. The other is composed
of men more ignorant, but active and indefati
gable. They dream dreams and see visions.
They are favoured with immediate inspiration
from Heaven ; they soar above the vulgar rules
of morality, and, sanctifying the means by the
end, omit nothing to complete their designs.
How shall we effectually counteract either, but
by diffusing such pamphlets as shall place those
truths or principles which are in danger of being
obscured, in their proper light 1 What mischief,
for instance, have not those wild notions re
specting divine illumination, or inspiration, pro
duced f The ordinary means of interpreting
and explaining Scripture are of no moment, so
long as the extraordinary can be obtained ; the
Scriptures are thus warped to support any
opinion, however contrary to the truth ; our
flocks are misled, and too often, in consequence,
abandon their maternal church. These evils
flow from the want of information. Place the
truth in its proper light ; let it shine forth in
every man's house, from plain but judicious

CONVENTION OF 1793.

57

pamphlets, and it will soon illuminate the mind.
Again, it is an opinion which has become too
prevalent, that a Christian may, consistently
with his profession, change his sect as often as
he pleases, or as often as caprice may direct ;
and that the ordinances of Christ may be ad
ministered by any one who shall assume the
ministerial office. Such opinions not only nurse
the spirit of disunion among Christians, whose
fatal effects to genuine religion I need not here
mention, but subvert the fundamental principles
of a Christian church. It is time to evince to
the people committed to our charge the error
and the dangerous tendency of such sentiments,
and to show the duty and the necessity of ad
hering to those institutions which Christ and his
apostles established.*
I would propose that the clergy now assem
bled specify such pamphlets as shall appear
most useful for doctrinal information ; that a
sufficient number of copies be obtained for the
congregations generally ; that the respective
ministers be supplied in proportion to the extent

* In a late charge by the Bishop of Norwich, a
prelate distinguished for his learning and his piety,
speaking of the constitution and use of the church
of Christ, he makes some observations which de
serve the serious attention of all Christians. " Sal
vation," says he, "is a gift of grace; that is, it
is a free gift, to which we have no natural claim.
It is not to be conceived within ourselves, but to
be received, in consequence of our Christian call
ing, from God himself, through the means of his
ordinances. These can no man administer to ef
fect, but by God's own appointment ; at first by
his immediate appointment, and afterward by
succession and derivation from thence to the end
of the world. "Without this rule we are open to
imposture, and can be sure of nothing ; we cannot
be sure that our ministry is effective, and that our
sacraments are realities. We are very sensible
the spirit of division will never admit this doc
trine ; yet the spirit of charity must never part
with it. Writers and teachers who make it a
point to give no offence, treat these things very
tenderly ; but he who, in certain cases, gives men
no offence, will for that reason give them no in
struction. Light itself is painful to weak eyes ;
but delightful to them when grown stronger, and
reconciled to it with use ; and he who was instru
mental in bringing them to a more perfect state
of vision, though less, acceptable at first, may yet,
for his real kindness, be more cordially thanked
afterward, than if he had made the ease and safe
ty of his own person the measure of his duty."
In the same paragraph he further observes,
" We are informed that the liberties taken of late
years against the ministry of the church, have ter
minated in an attempt to begin a spurious epis
copacy, or an episcopacy without succession, in
America ; a particular account of the affair has
been published in a Life of Mr. John Wesley, and
the case appears to have been as reported. Mr.
Wesley, when questioned about this fact in his
lifetime, did not deny it, but pleaded necessity to
justify the measure (see Memoirs ofthe Rev. John
Wesley, by John Hampson) ; a fatal precedent, if
it should be followed. For if a presbyter can con
secrate a bishop, we admit that a man may confer
a power of which he is not himself possessed^
instead of ' the less being blessed of the greater,'
the ' greater is blessed of the less,' and the order of
all things inverted."

of their cures ; and that they distribute them to
the people, charging them only with the first
cost. It is true, that sermons should occasionally be
delivered upon such doctrinal and institutional
topics as may appear most necessary for the in
formation of congregations ; they would, no
doubt, when conducted without reflections upon
particular sects, have a good effect for the mo
ment. But to produce that which shall be per
manent, the same doctrine must be submitted
to private consideration and reiterated perusal.
Nor should our attention be confined to
pamphlets which respect merely the doctrines
or the institutions of our church. Devotional
tracts, such as would inspire and keep alive the
spirit of a warm but rational piety, are greatly
wanted. Let then such of this nature also be
dispersed, as the ministry may approve and rec
ommend to their congregations. They would
not only be thus called to active piety, but se
cured against the impressions which the appear
ance of greater devotion and zeal in other sects
must always make upon the minds of the truly
religious. Many educated in the bosom of our
church desert it, not solely from a conviction of
errors in doctrine, but because the great bulk of
its members seem indifferent to religious exer
cises. Another society is sought for, in which
the pious are countenanced and stimulated by
reciprocal example. Why can we not introduce
an equal attention to their religious duties
among the -members of our own church, a con
duct, equally guarded and pious? It must be
done, or we shall have only the semblance of
religion among us. We have approached too
nearly to that verge already. Let us then en
deavour to disseminate valuable devotional trea
tises, and by all the means in our power recom
mend and encourage, exhort and enforce, atten
tion to them.
A third proposition I have to make is, that
we should endeavour to introduce family prayers
among the members of our church ; nothing,
we are persuaded, tends more to keep up a
sense of religion in the minds of men, than a
serious and constant performance of this neces
sary duty. But it is more neglected in the
families who profess themselves to be of our
church, than in any other whatever. I would
therefore beseech you, with earnestness, to ex
hort every housekeeper in your parishes, both
privately and publicly, to worship God daily in
their families. Among the poorer class, books
with proper forms should be distributed gratis,
or at as low a price as possible. I would not
propose that the clergy should be burdened with
this expense, but that the vestries should supply
such as the ministers may recommend. If also,
on particular days, as Sundays, when there may
be no public service in our church sufficiently
convenient, families could be persuaded to in
troduce their devotions with singing of psalms
or hymns, the practice would effectually revive
psalmody in our churches. Unless it originate
or prevail in families,- our congregations will
never be brought to join generally in that essen
tial and beautiful part of public worship. It is

58

CONVENTION OF 1793.

this circumstance which, in point of psalmody,
gives to the dissenting congregations such an
advantage over those of our church.
If the duty which I have mentioned could be
brought into general practice, and I cannot
doubt but the well-disposed might be easily led
to the constant performance of it, the happiest
change in our religious affairs would be the im
mediate consequence ; the change would be
most important in a religious point of view,
which is ever the first consideration, and it
would also make an impression most favourable
to our church in the minds of all.
4th. I have only one more proposition to
make ; which is, that we should all consider the
interests of the church as a common cause,
which we are bound to support by every consid
eration the most sacred. The ministers, in par
ticular, should ever hold themselves related to
each other by a truly fraternal connexion. A
general cause unites them ; but this union
should be cherished ; it should be a principle of
action ; it should animate the whole body, and
render the concerns of one the concerns of the
whole. But this principle, that it may be pro
ductive of the beneficial effects we desire, sup
poses necessarily the utmost purity in the order
to which we belong. It is essentially necessary,
then, that the preservation of the credit and
reputation of our order should be the constant
object of every minister. That confidence in
each other which should distinguish our society,
that disinterested love for the brotherhood, that
respect and estimation which it should have in
our own eyes, as well as those of the world, re
quire, that every one should consider himself as
deeply interested in the conduct of every cler
gyman. Without an entire purity, we cannot
have confidence ; without confidence, we cannot
act as one firm, united body, whose interests
and views are the same ; in short, as a phalanx,
whose strength depends upon the integrity of
all its parts. Without this union, this entire
consolidation of views and interests, success, as
a Christian sect, cannot be expected. Observe
what strength and firmness those sects are gain
ing, by their prudent regulations of this kind,
whose views are certainly not friendly to the
prosperity of our church. To maintain even
the ground we now possess, we must adopt
measures equally prudent ; but to advance, to
recover a part of what we have lost, our system
must not only be wise and prudent, but it must
be pursued with a uniformity, with an undevi-
ating regularity, with a firmness and a constan
cy, which no events can shake. It is time to
unite " the wisdom of the serpent with the in
nocence of the dove." And it is fortunate that
these measures, which expediency may seem to
suggest, or particularly to require, are also sug
gested by duty.
The promotion of true religion is our primary
duty ; but, split as the Christian world is into par
ties, we have also the interests of a sect to pro
mote, in order to perform that primary duty.
For this purpose, we must have not only our
external, but internal regulations ; we must have
a line of conduct delineated, which, though it

will not admit of canonical injunction, still
should be systematically pursued by every min
ister. The force of a uniform systematic con
duct upon the human mind, in every instance, is
almost irresistible. It carries individuals di
rectly, or by the shortest route, to the object at
which they aim ; but when wisely conceived by
a body of men, they are rendered compact and
strong; their progress towards the attainment
of their end is constantly accelerated : but with
out a system, a sect becomes a heap of sand,
unconnected and disunited, ready to be drifted
or blown about in any direction, by the first
wind which assails them.
Thus, my brethren, I have laid before you, as
briefly as I could, such observations as it ap
peared to me were not unworthy of your atten
tion : of that, however, you will judge. Their
object is to promote that holy religion whose
ministers we are, by reviving a spirit of true
piety, and by invigorating that attachment to
our church, which, through the want of proper
information, I fear has been too much relaxed
among most of our congregations. But let
those means which have been proposed be
adopted with a zeal becoming the greatest of all
objects, the salvation of souls ; or let any others,
which the wisdom of this assembly may prefer,
be adopted and pursued in the manner they
ought, and I doubt not, with the assistance of
divine grace, but that success will reward our
labours. Like the rebuilders of Jerusalem after
the captivity, we must, in the language of the
Prophet, " every one, with one of his hands,
work in the building ; with the other, hold a
weapon." With one hand we must build up
our people in the doctrine of piety and the
apostolic institutions of our church, while, with
the other, we must resist that spirit of prosely-
tism which is so unworthy of the followers of
Christ, but which will otherwise demolish as
fast as we build. In short, be it our duty in all
things " to show ourselves approved unto God,
as workmen that need not to be ashamed, rightly
dividing the word of truth," " taking heed to
the ministry, which we have received in the
Lord, that we fulfil it."
Another proposition, which I confess I had
much at heart, I should have laid before this
Convention ; but its fate has, I fear, been already
determined ; I mean, an invitation to all sincere
Christians to unite with us in forming one
church, and in abolishing those dissensions
which are so contrary to our profession. There
is no one here present but must cordially wish
for such a union, provided it did not require a
sacrifice of those points which are deemed es
sentials by our church ; from them we have not
the power to retreat. But in such matters as
are subject to human alteration, if, by a candid
discussion, they could be found capable of being
so modified as to remove the objections of any
sect of Christians who may be actuated by the
same catholic spirit, and thereby effect a union,
in that case, we should surely have reason to
rejoice, not only in the event, but also in being
the first to set an example to Christians which
it is the duty of all to follow ; and in convincing

CONVENTION OF 1793.

59

them that there is infinitely more religion in not
contending, than in those things about which
they contend. There appear, however, so
many difficulties, so many obstacles to this
great work, in the opinion of those whose judg
ment I much respect, that I do not mean to
take up your time by making a direct proposi
tion upon it. But if any of the members here
present should be acquainted with circumstan
ces which may justify a conclusion that those
apparent difficulties may be removed, or that
the end mentioned can be effected by any means
which have occurred to them, consistently with
the fundamental principles of our own church,
I doubt not but this Convention would gladly
hear both the one and the other.
You see, respected lay brethren, with what
difficulty the pastoral office is surrounded.
You see the weight of that burden we have to
support. But you see also that we are not dis
mayed, but anxious to encounter those difficul
ties, or support that burden, with a fortitude
and a faithfulness proportionate to their magni
tude. It must be remembered, however, that
our success, next to the divine blessing, depends
upon the zealous assistance which the most re
spectable lay members of the church in each
parish shall afford. Much indeed depends upon
your example ; upon the influence which the real
concern you discover for the prosperity of the
church must have upon the minds of the people
in general. Are you constant and exemplary in
your attendance upon divine worship 1 Are you
particularly observant of that excellent mode of
worship which our church has adopted ? Do you
refrain from countenancing those teachers, the
validity of whose ministry the church does not
admit 1 Do you evince an earnest zeal for the
prosperity of our Zion 1 The example will be,
and, I am happy to say, is already, felt and fol
lowed, wherever it is fortunately held forth to
public view.
Let me exhort you, brethren, be emulous in
setting such an example in your respective par
ishes. Your pastors tremble at their insuffi
ciency for their momentous undertaking. Be it
yours to lessen the burden of the ministerial
functions, by offices of affection, of kindness, and
respect. Be it yours ever to say, " If I forget
thee, O Zion, let my right hand forget her cun
ning ; if I do not remember thee, let my tongue
cleave to the roof of my mouth, if I prefer not
Zion above my chief joy."
Bishop Madison reported the state of the
churches visited by him since the last Conven
tion, and also laid before the Convention the
reports made to him by sundry visiters, which
reports were read, and ordered to lie on the table.
Dr. Bracken, from the committee appointed
to examine the returns of the sitting members,
reported, That the committee had, according to
order, examined the same, and found that the
returns from the following parishes, viz., An
trim, Berkeley, Bristol, Bromfield, Bruton, Dale,
Frederick, Fredericksville, Henrico, Hungars,
James City, Kingston, King William, Lexing
ton, Littleton, Manchester, Nottoway, St. An

drews, St. Bride, St. David, St. George (Acco
mack), St. James Northam, St. Margaret, St.
Martin, St. Paul (Hanover), St. Stephen, St.
Thomas, South Farnham, Southam, Washing
ton, Westover, and York Hampton, were made
agreeably to trie canons.
Dr. Bracken, from the committee appointed
to examine the treasurer's accounts, reported,
That the committee had, according to order,
examined the same, and found them justly and
fairly stated, and that there is a balance in his
hands of 139?. 19s. Id.
On motion, Resolved, That permission be
given to the Vestry and Trustees of the Parish
of St. George (Accomack) to sell the glebe in
the said parish, for the purpose of purchasing one
in a more eligible situation, provided it can be
done to the advantage of this church.
Ordered, That the treasurer pay to the dep
uties to the late General Convention any bal
ances which may be due to them on account of
their expenses in attending the said Conven
tion. The Convention, according to the order of the
day, resolved itself into a committee of the whole
Convention on the canons concerning vestries
and trustees, concerning conventions, &c, &c,
and after some time spent therein, Mr. President
resumed the chair, and Mr. Charles B. Jones
reported, That the committee had, according to
order, had the said canons under their consider
ation, and had made several amendments there
to, which were read by the secretary, and agreed
to by the Convention.
Ordered, That the said canons, with the amend
ments, be engrossed, and read a third time.
The Convention adjourned until 10 o'clock
to-morrow morning. Saturday, May 4.
An engrossed canon concerning vestries and
trustees was read the third time.
Resolved, That the canon do pass, and that
the title be, " A canon concerning vestries and
trustees." An engrossed canon concerning conventions
was read the third time.
Resolved, That the canon do pass, and that
the title be, " A canon concerning conventions."
An engrossed canon concerning presbyteries
was read the third time.
Resolved, That the canon do pass, and that
the title be, " A canon concerning presbyteries."
An engrossed canon concerning bishops was
read the third time.
Resolved, That the canon do pass, and that
the title be, " A canon concerning bishops."
An engrossed canon concerning the ordination
of priests and deacons, and their duties, was read
a third time.
Resolved, That the canon do pass, and that
the title be, " A canon concerning the ordination
of priests and deacons, and their duties."
An engrossed canon concerning the induction
of ministers into parishes was read a third time.
Resolved, That the canon do pass, and that
the title be, " A canon concerning the induction
of ministers into parishes."

60

CONVENTION OF 1793.

An engrossed canon concerning offences, and
the mode of proceeding against offending min
isters, was read the third time. '
Resolved, That the canon do pass, and that
the title be, " A canon concerning offences, and
the mode of proceeding against offending min
isters." An engrossed canon concerning the appoint
ment and duties of a standing committee was
read the third time.
Resolved, That the canon do pass, and that
the title be, " A canon concerning the appoint
ment and duties of a standing committee."
An engrossed canon concerning the manner
of granting testimonials to citizens candidates
for parishes was read a third time.
Resolved, That the canon be rejected.
An engrossed canon concerning * treasurer
was read the third time.
Resolved, That the canon do pass, and that
the title be, "A canon concerning a treasurer."
An engrossed canon rescinding certain ordi
nances and canons was read the third time.
Resolved, That the canon do pass, and that
the title be, " A canon rescinding certain ordi
nances and canons."
Resolved, That the Rev. John Buchanan be
appointed treasurer for the ensuing year.
Resolved, That it be recommended to the
several parishes within this commonwealth, to
send each the sum of fifteen dollars to the Rev.
Mr. Buchanan, treasurer, on or before the first
Tuesday in May next,- to be applied by the Con
vention towards compensating the bishop for
his services, and expenses incurred in his visi
tations, and to the general purposes of the Prot
estant Episcopal CHurch in this state.
Resolved, That the treasurer be instructed
to send to the several visiters of districts a list
of the arrearages due from the parishes within
their respective districts, and that it be recom
mended to the visiters to use their endeavours
to have the said arrearages collected and trans
mitted to the treasurer.
Resolved, That the visitatorial districts con
tinue as at present arranged.
Resolved, That the Rev. Henry J. Burgess
be appointed visiter of District No. 2, in the
room of the Rev. George Gurley, who has re
signed his parish ; the Rev. Charles Crawford,
visiter of District No. 7; the Rev. Thomas An
drews, visiter of District No. 18, in the room of
the Rev. Thomas Davis, who has removed ; the
Rev. Robert Buchan, visiter of District No. 19 ;
the Rev. Thomas Davis, visiter of District No.
20, in the room of the Rev. Brian Fairfax, re
signed ; and the Rev. James Thompson, visiter
of District No. 21, in the room of the Rev. James
Craig, infirm.
Resolved, That Samuel Shield, Robert An
drews, Joseph Prentis, Cyrus Griffin, Joseph
Hornsby, and James Henderson, be appointed a
standing committee for the ensuing year.
On motion, Resolved, That a committee be
appointed to examine Mr. Overstreet, a candi
date for holy orders, and report to the Conven
tion whether, in their opinions, the dispensing
with the knowledge of the Latin and Greek lan

guages in the examination of the said Mr. Over-
street before the bishop will be of use to the
church in this state ; and a committee was ap
pointed of Dr. M'Croskey, Dr. Cameron, Mr.
Henderson, Mr. Balmain, and Mr. Buchanan.
A resolution of the last General Convention
having been communicated to the Convention,
which is in these words, " Resolved, That it be
made known to the several state Conventions,
that it is proposed to consider and determine, in
the next General Convention, on the propriety
of investing the House of Bishops with a full
negative upon the proceedings of the other
house;" Resolved, unanimously, That the dep
uties from the Protestant Episcopal Church in
this state to the next General Convention, be
instructed to express the highest disapprobation
of this Convention respecting the investing of
the House of Bishops with such negative.
Resolved, That the said deputies be further
instructed to use their utmost endeavours to
obtain a repeal of the sixth additional canon
passed at the last General Convention.
Resolved, That the Convention proceed im
mediately to the choice of two deputies to attend
any General Convention of the Protestant Epis
copal Church in the United States of America,
which may be called before the next meeting of
the Convention of the said church in this state.
The Convention having accordingly balloted,
Mr. Crawford and Mr. M'Rae were appointed
a committee to examine the ballots ; who, having
withdrawn, after some time returned into the
Convention, and reported, That they had ex
amined the same, and found the votes unani
mously in favour of the Rev. Dr. Samuel S.
M'Croskey and Robert Andrews, Esq.
Resolved, That the sum of one hundred
pounds be allowed to the Right Rev. Dr. Madi
son, for his services as bishop in this church
for the last year, and for expenses incurred in his
visitations, and that the treasurer pay the same.
The president signed the canons passed this
day. Resolved, That 300 copies of the Journal of
this Convention be printed, under the inspection
of the Rev. Mr. Buchanan ; and that the bishop's
charge, the canons passed by this Convention,
the general constitution, and the general canons,
be annexed.
Dr. M'Croskey, from the committee appointed
to examine Mr. Overstreet, Reported, That the
committee found they should not have sufficient
time to examine into the qualifications of Mr.
Overstreet during the present session of Con
vention ; and had therefore instructed him to
move that they should be discharged from pro
ceeding further in the examination, which was
agreed to.
Resolved, That the Rev. Dr. M'Croskey be
requested to preach before the next Convention.
Resolved, That the next Convention be held
in the city of Richmond.
Resolved, That the treasurer pay five dollars
to the doorkeeper for his services.
The Convention adjourned.
Signed, James Madison, President.
Attest, Robert Andrews, Secretary.

CONVENTION OF 1793.

61

CANONS FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PROT
ESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN THIS STATE.
1. A Canon concerning Vestries and Trustees.
1. In each parish within the Commonwealth
of Virginia, there shall be triennially elected, on
Easter-Monday, if fair, otherwise on the next
fair day, at some convenient place (of which
due notice shall be given), by the freeholders
and housekeepers who are members of the
Protestant Episcopal Church within such parish,
and regularly contribute to the support of the
minister, where there is one, and to the com
mon exigences of the church within the parish,
twelve of the most able and discreet men of
their society, of the above description and quali
fications, to be a vestry for such parish, and
trustees of their property for the three succeed
ing years. Intermediate vacancies occasioned
by death, removal, or resignation, shall be filled
by the remaining vestrymen and trustees, and
those so chosen shall have power to act until
the time of the next general election ; the first
general election shall be in the year of our Lord
1796. 2. Every vestryman shall, before he acts in
office, subscribe in the vestry-book of his parish
t"o be conformable to the doctrine, discipline,
and worship of the Protestant Episcopal Church
in the United States of America, and to the
orders and canons of the said church in this
state. 3. Each vestry, at their first meeting after
their election, shaU choose two of their members
to be church-wardens, who shall superintend
the next general election of vestrymen, judge
of the qualifications of voters, and certify the
names of the persons chosen. They shall be
considered as the acting part of the vestry, and
shall see that the orders and resolutions of the
vestry be carried into execution.
4. In case of the nonattendance of the church
wardens at an election of vestrymen and trustees
in any parish, the minister, or, if he be absent, or
if there be no minister in the parish, any two
vestrymen, or if there be no vestrymen present,
any two reputable inhabitants of the parish, who
are members of this church, may be appointed
to superintend the election.
5. If any person elected a vestryman and
trustee shall neglect or refuse to attend two
successive meetings of the body, having had
due notice thereof, he may be considered as
having vacated his office ; and the remaining
vestrymen and trustees may elect into his place
some other able and discreet man of their so
ciety. 6. In any parishes which have neglected to
elect vestries and trustees agreeably to the ordi
nances heretofore in force, or which shall here
after neglect to make such election as herein
directed, the members of the Protestant Epis
copal Church within such parishes may, at any
time afterward within six months, elect vestries
and trustees in the manner herein directed.
And in all cases where elections have not been
held, or shall not be held, at the periods fixed
for general elections, the former vestries and

trustees shall continue to act until elections
shall be held as hereby directed ; or, if no elec
tions shall he held, until a future Convention
shall take some order in the matter. Provided
nevertheless-, That where any parish which had
failed to elect vestrymen and trustees at the
time appointed for a general election, hath since
elected the same, such election is hereby decla
red to be valid.
7. The vestries respectively, with the min
ister, where there is one, shall hold and enjoy
all glebes, lands, churches, books, plate, and
other property now belonging or hereafter ac
cruing to the Protestant Episcopal Church within
their respective parishes, as trustees for the
benefit of the society ; and may improve or
demise the lands during the vacancy of a min
ister, but may not demise lands allowed for the
minister's habitation or use, without his con
sent. They may also use, improve, or dispose
of all personal property, and the produce, rents,
and profits of lands and buildings (not appropri
ated- for the minister) belonging to this church,
for the benefit of the society in erecting or re
pairing churches, glebe-houses, or otherwise ;
and may make such rules and orders for mana
ging the temporal affairs and concerns of the
church (not contrary to nor inconsistent with
the rules and orders of Convention) within their
respective parishes, as they shall think most
conducive to its interest and prosperity, and for
carrying into execution the orders and canons
for government and discipline, or other spiritual
purposes, which shall be framed by this or any
future Convention. They shall have the sole
power of directing the payment of money be
longing to the church within their respective
parishes, and of appointing a clerk, and such
other officers of the church as they shall think
proper, and of removing them when they shall
see cause. All their proceedings shall be fairly
entered in a book to be kept for that purpose.
8. A meeting of the body, to be called by the
minister, or, if he be absent, or in case of a
vacancy, by the church-wardens, or by a church
warden, if but one within the parish, or by any
two vestrymen, if there be no minister or church
warden, shall be had as often as may be neces
sary. In these meetings, the minister shall have
a vote equal to, and not greater than, a vestry
man, in all questions except for the demise of
the glebe-lands assigned for his residence or
use, in which he shall have a negative. Seven
members shall be sufficient to constitute a meet
ing ; and all questions shall be decided by a
majority of those present. Provided always,
That in the induction of a minister, and in grant
ing testimonials to candidates for orders, the
votes of six members at least shall be neces
sary. 9. If any minister of a parish shall neglect or
refuse to call a meeting of the vestry, when re
quested by two or more vestrymen, the church
wardens, or church-warden, if but one within the
parish, may call a meeting ; or if there be no:
church-warden, or if the church- ward ens or
church-warden neglect or refuse when requested,
any two vestrymen may call a meeting.

62

CONVENTION OF 1793.

10. No sale of that kind of property which
may be considered as principal or stock, belong
ing to this church in any parish, shall be made
without the consent of the Convention.
2. A Canon concerning Conventions.
1. There shall be a Convention of the Prot
estant Episcopal Church in this commonwealth
on the first Tuesday of May in every year,
in such place as shall be agreed on by the
Convention. A Convention shall consist of
two deputies from each parish, of whom the
minister shall be one, if there be a minister, and
the other shall be a layman, to be annually
chosen by the vestry. If there be no minister
in any parish, two lay deputies shall be chosen.
Twenty-five deputies, thus qualified or appointed,
shall be a Convention ; provided always, that
if a sufficient number to form a Convention shall
not attend on any day, any five members then
assembled shall have power to adjourn.
2. Special Conventions may be called at other
times, in the manner hereafter to be provided
for. 3. Each member shall, on taking his seat,
deliver in to the secretary of the Convention a
testimonial of his being regularly qualified or
appointed, signed by one or both of the church
wardens, or by the clerk of the vestry, of the
parish he represents.
4. A person shall preside in Convention with
the name of president, who shall always be a
bishop, when there is one present properly con
secrated and settled in the church. If there be
no bishop present, the Convention shall appoint
some other member of their body president.
If there be more bishops than one in Conven
tion, they shall have the right of presiding in
rotation. 5. A secretary shall be appointed by the
Convention, who shall continue in office during
good behaviour. He shall keep a record of their
acts and proceedings, and have the custody of
the records, so long as he shall continue in
office. 6. The Convention shall establish standing
rules for the preservation of decorum, and the
orderly management of business.
7. Conventions shall regulate all the religious
concerns of the Protestant Episcopal Church
within this state, its doctrines, discipline, and
worship, and institute such rules and regulations
as they may judge necessary for the good gov
ernment thereof, and the same revoke and alter
at their pleasure. Provided always, That the
powers hereby declared shall not be so con
strued as to affect any powers exclusively vest
ed in the General Convention of the Protestant
Episcopal Church in the United States of
America. 8. All questions before the Convention shall
be determined by a majority of votes.
3. A Canon concerning Presbyteries.
1. The clergy of the several neighbouring
parishes, not less than three nor more than ten,
shall assemble in presbytery annually, on some
Monday in April, and at other times, if thereto

required, at some convenient place in the dis
trict. The arrangement of the parishes into
districts for this purpose shall be byvthe Con
vention, who shall also appoint in each distal
one of the said ministers, to preside at their
meetings with the title of visiter. The visiter
shall name the place and time of meeting jf the
presbyteries ; shall annually visit each parish! in
his district ; shall attend to and inspect the morals- '
and conduct of the clergy ; shall see that the
canons and rules of the. church are observed and„
practised ; shall adrriftpish and reprove privately
those clergymen who are negligent or act in an
unbecoming manner ; and shall report yearly $o
the bishop, if there be one, or if there be no
bishop, to the next Convention, the state of each
parish in his district.
2. It shall be the business of the presbytery, ;
when assembled, to instruct and examine candi
dates for holy orders within their respective dis
tricts, to prescribe to them a thesis or text, and
give them proper directions for composing a
discourse on the same. And it shall be tile
duty of every candidate for holy orders to make
application to the presbytery of his district for
such instruction and examination^.*" '
4. A Canon concerning Bishops.
1. Every person to officiate as a bishop of the
Protestant Episcopal Church in this .state, shall
be nominated to that office by the .Convention;
and, having received episcopal consecration,
shall, before he enters on his office, subscribe
to conform to the doctrine, discipline, and-wor-
ship of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the
United States of America, and to the orders and
canons of the said church in this state.
2. Every bishop, after his promotion to the
episcopal order, may continue to hold a parish,
and to do the duty of a parish minister, except
when he is necessarily employed in the discharge
of his episcopal office.
3. No bishop shall inflict any censure on, or
exercise any power over, the clergy under his
inspection, other than he is allowed to do by the
laws and institutions of this church made in
Convention. 4. Bishops, after every visitation, shall report
the state of the church in the different parishes
to the Convention.
5. Bishops shall have power to call special
meetings of the Convention ; to grant testi
monials to all persons who are candidates for
parishes, and who are not citizens of this state ;
to make such representations on behalf of this
church, as may from time to time be expedient ;
to give advice on difficulties propounded to them
concerning this church during the recess of
Convention ; and to correspond with any society
or societies of the Protestant Episcopal Church
in these United States, on any matters relating
to this church, which several powers shall be
exercised only with advice of the standing com
mittee. 6. Bishops shall be amenable to the Conven
tion, who shall be a court to try them, from
which there shall be no appeal. On all such
occasions, a bishop shall preside.

CONVENTION OF 1793.

63

(m7 All' accusations against a bishop, as such,
shall be on oath ; but no accusation against a
bishop shall be received unless three respectable
persons join in the complaint. All complaints
against a bishop shall be lodged with the stand-
,}lig>*fcommittee ; and a copy of the charge or
charges to.be brought against him shall be com
municated to him in writing, at least two months
before the trial. Counsel may be employed on
both sides, and none but viva voce evidence shall
be admitted
8. If a complaint be against a bishop, as a
minister of a parish, it may be brought as is
directed in the canon concerning offences arid
the mode of proceeding against offending min
isters, except that the complaint shall be made
to the standing committee ; and the subsequent
proceedings thereon shall be before the Conven
tion ; and in like manner, as herein prescribed,
where the complaint is made against him as a
bishop. 9. Disorderly, scandalous, and immoral con
duct, neglect of duty, a disregard to the rules
and canons of the church, or taking a bribe to
grant either ordination or a recommendation
for a vacant parish, shall be considered as of
fences in a bishop for which he may be brought
to trial ; and on being convicted of any of these,
he shall be reproved, suspended, or degraded.
5. A] Canon concerning the Ordination of
Priests' and Deacons, and their Duties.
1. Every person to be ordained priest or
deacon by any bishop of this church, shall pro
duce such testimonials of his good morals and
orderly conduct as are required by the canons
of the General Convention, from the clergy as
sembled in the district where he for some time
last resided, and from the vestry of the parish
where he last lived, provided there be in the
district a sufficient number of clergymen to form
a presbytery ; otherwise a testimonial from the
minister and vestry of his parish, or from the
vestry alone, if the parish be vacant, shall be
deemed sufficient : Provided also, That the can
didate is not an inhabitant of some other state,
and intended to minister- in some parish or con
gregation in a neighbouring state. No person
shall be ordained until due examination had by
the bishop and two priests.
2. Ministers shall, at their churches and other
convenient places, instruct children, and such
ignorant persons as may require it, in their
catechism, and the principles of the Christian
religion as maintained by this church ; pro
vided that this duty may be dispensed with
during the inclement winter months. They
shall also explain the nature of confirmation,
and instruct and prepare their parishioners
for it.
3. Ministers shall wear a surplice during the
time of prayer at public worship, in places where
they are provided ; shall wear gowns when they
preach, where they conveniently can ; and shall
at all times wear apparel suitable to the gravity
of their profession.
4. Ministers may encourage people to as
semble together in small societies at convenient

times for their edification, and may visit, super
intend, and instruct such societies at their meet
ings ; provided they shall not do it to the en
couragement of idleness, or to the injury of pri
vate families.
5. Ministers officiating in this church, whether
bishops, priests, or deacons, shall preach once
at least on every Lord's day, and at other stated
seasons, unless prevented by some sufficient
cause. They may, at their discretion, preach
also at other times, when opportunities shall
offer of edifying the church. Bishops and priests
shall administer the sacrament of the Lord's
Supper at least four times in the year at each
church or place of worship in their respective
parishes, and shall visit the sick when called
on for that purpose. Deacons as well as priests
shall baptize ; and may solemnize marriages,
and assist in administering the sacrament of the
Lord's Supper, but they shall not consecrate
the elements.
6. A Canon concerning the Induction of Min
isters into Parishes.
1. The right of presentation, or appointing
ministers to serve in the parishes, shall continue
in the vestries, and each vestry shall'choose its
own minister.
2. No minister shallxbe received into a parish
who does not first produce to the vestry satis
factory testimonials of his morals, conduct, and
conversation, from the person or persons ap
pointed by the Convention to inquire into such
matters, and grant such testimonials.
3. No person shall be received into any parish
within this commonwealth as a minister, unless
he first produce to the vestry sufficient testi
monials of his having been regularly ordained a
priest or deacon by some Protestant bishop, and
of having taken the oath of allegiance to this
commonwealth, and subscribe to be conformable
to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of the
Protestant Episcopal Church of the United States
of America, and to the orders and canons of the
said church in this state ; nor until he shall have
entered into a contract in writing with the vestry
or trustees on behalf of the society within such
parish, by which it shall be stipulated and de
clared, that he holds the appointment subject to
removal, agreeably to the rules and canons of the
Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church
in this state. Provided, That any person who
hath been ordained by a bishop of the Church
of Rome may also be received as a minister,
who shall produce satisfactory testimonials re
specting his ordination, morals, and conduct,
take the oath, and subscribe as aforesaid.
4. No minister shall be allowed to hold more
than one parish at the same time. Neverthe
less, a minister may, if called thereto by the
vestry, preach in a neighbouring parish or par
ishes during a vacancy therein ; and may re
ceive a compensation for his services, provided
he has the consent of his own vestry, and does
not neglect the duties of his parish.
5. Every minister shall reside within his parish,
unless a majority of his vestry shall agree to
dispense with his residence, and shall at no

64

CONVENTION OF 1793.

*> lime leave it for more than one month without
the consent of the said vestry.
6. No person having deacon's orders only
shall be allowed as such to hold a parish, after
he hath officiated eighteen months as a deacon,
and attained the age of twenty-five years.
7. A Canon concerning Offences, and the mode
of proceeding against offending Ministers.
1. Disorderly, scandalous, and immoral con
duct, neglect of duty, a disregard to the rules
and canons of the church, or taking a bribe to
recommend either for ordination or a parish, are
offences for which a minister, whether beneficed
or not, may be brought to trial.
2. District courts shall be instituted to ex
amine into and decide on complaints exhibited
against ministers, which courts shall be com
posed of one clergyman and one vestryman from
each parish of the district in which the accused
minister resides, the parish excepted to which
the accused minister belongs, or in which he re
sides. The appointment of the vestrymen shall
be by their respective vestries, and by lot. The
visiter of the district shall preside, unless he be
the accuser or the accused person ; in either of
which cases, the oldest clergyman in orders
shall be the president. Provided nevertheless,
That where the number of settled clergymen in
the district be less than two, the president shall
call for a clergyman from a neighbouring dis
trict. And moreover, if, when the court as
sembles, the number of vestrymen shall be found
to exceed the number of clergymen present, so
many vestrymen shall be withdrawn by lot as
shall be necessary to equalize the numbers of
the two orders.
3. Any number of members not less than
three, two of whom shall be clergymen, shall be
sufficient to constitute a court.
4. Complaints against a minister shall be on
oath, and directed to the visiter of the district
in which the accused minister resides ; or, where
there is no visiter, or where the visiter exhibits
the complaint, or is the person accused, to a
member of the presbytery in the said district.
The visiter, or member of the presbytery, as the
case may be, shall forthwith appoint a convenient
time and place for the trial within the parish
where the accused minister officiates or resides,
and shall take care that the members who are
to compose the court may have timely informa
tion thereof. The courts shall appoint their
clerks occasionally for such trials ; and no ves
tryman shall sit on the trial of an accused min
ister belonging to or residing in the parish to
which such vestryman belongs.
5. In every complaint the offence or offences
shall be stated, and the accused minister shall
be furnished with a copy of the charges brought
against him, and with notice of his intended
trial, at least one month before the trial.
6. The visiter, or person to whom the com
plaint shall be made, shall cite the accused
minister before the appointed court, which shall,
unless the person accused is prevented from at
tending by sickness, proceed to the trial. Viva
voce evidence shall only be admitted, and that

upon oath ; and counsel may be employed on
both sides.
7. If the court shall he of opinion that the ac
cused minister is guilty of the charge or charges ,
brought against him, or of any-, of fhem, they
shall proceed to pass sentencejwvhich shall be
none other than reproof ^f "suspension,
8. In all cases where the. court shall be of
opinion that the offence deserves suspension,
they shall take the depositions pf witnesses, and
shall without delay report their proceedings and
the depositions to the bishop ; or, if there be no
bishop of the church in this state, to the chair
man of the standing committee ; and the bishop,
with the standing committee, or, if there be no
bishop, the standing committee, or a majority
of them in either case, shall be, and are hereby
constituted and appointed a court, in the last
resort, to try the offender. If, on considering
the case, they do not acquit him, they -shall
either confirm the sentence of the district court,
or pass such other sentence as a majority of
them shall think the offence deserves, which
shall be either reproof or degradation. Pro
vided always, That if there be no bishop of this
church settled in the state, and the offences for
which any minister may be suspended by a dis
trict court shall appear to the standing com
mittee to merit the punishment of degradation,
the standing committee shall not in that case
pronounce sentence of degradation, but shall
request the attendance of any bishop of this
church in a neighbouring state, who shall, on
the trial and in pronouncing sentence, be vested
with as full and ample powers as a bishop of
this church settled in the state would have.
9. If a minister, while under the sentence
of suspension, shall nevertheless continue to
execute the functions of the clerical office, on
satisfactory proof thereof being made to the
bishop, or standing committee, if there be no
bishop, the sentence of degradation shall be
passed on him.
8. A Canon concerning the Appointment and
Duties of a Standing Committee.
1. A standing committee, consisting of six
persons, shall be annually appointed by the Con
vention. They shall be considered in office
from the end of the session of the Convention
in which they are appointed, and shall continue
in office until the end of the next annual session
of Convention. Any four of them shall be a
sufficient number to do business.
2. The standing; committee shall have power,
when there is no bishop of this church settled
in this state, to call meetings of the Convention
when they shall think them necessary ; to grant
testimonials to all persons Candidates for par
ishes, and not citizens of this state, who may
apply for the same ; to make such representa
tions on behalf of the church as may from time
to time be expedient ; to give advice on diffi
culties propounded to them concerning the
church during the recess of Convention ; to
correspond with any society or societies of the
Protestant Episcopal Church in these United
States, on any matters relating to the church ;

CONVENTION OF 1794.

65

and to do all other things assigned to them by
the rules and canons ofthe Protestant Episcopal
Church in the United States of America passed
in General. Convention, or in Convention of the
said chjirch -in-this state.
9< A Canon Concerning a Treasurer.
1. There shall Joe appointed annually by the
Convention a treasurer of this church in this state,
who shall be a man of good character and respon
sibility. He shall be removable at the pleasure
of the Convention ; but, unless so removed, shall
continue in office until the end of the next annual
session of a Convention after his appointment.
2. He shall keep a fair and exact account of
all moneys received and paid away by him ; and
shall lay before the Convention annually, or
oftener if thereto required, a full and accurate
statement of his accounts. He shall pay no

money but by direction of the Convention, and
shall in all things relating to his office conform
to their orders and regulations. For his services
he shall be allowed a compensation of five per
cent, on all moneys received by him.
10. A Canon rescinding certain Ordinances and
Canons.
1 . Whereas a general code of canons for the
regulation and government of the Protestant
Episcopal Church in this state has been framed
by this present Convention, all ordinances and
canons in force prior to the meeting of this Con
vention shall be, and they are hereby rescinded.
Provided nevertheless, That nothing in this
canon shall be construed to affect any rights,
remedies, forfeitures, or penalties, which have
accrued, been vested, or incurred, prior to the
passing of this canon.

Journal of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the State of Virginia, held in the.
City of Richmond, May 6th, 1794.
A List of the Members of the Convention.

Parishes,
Abingdon,Bristol,Bruton,
Christ Church (Lancaster),
Dale,Frederick,Fredericksville,Henrico,James City,
King William,
Littleton,
Manchester,
Martin's Brandon,
Nottoway,St. Andrews,
St. David,
St. George (Accomack),
St. John,
St. Paul (Hanover),
York Hampton,

Clergymen.
Andrew Syme.

Needier Robinson.
Alexander Balmain,
Matthew Maury.
John Buchanan.
James Madison (P. and B.),

William Cameron.
John J. Spooner.
John Cameron.

Cave Jones.
James Price,
James Henderson.

Lay Deputies.
Warner Lewis.
G. K. Taylor.
Robert Andrews.
i Raleigh W. Downman,
> W. Eustace,

Reuben Lindsay.
William Foushee.
William Browne,
John Harris.
James Deane,
David Patteson.
Robt. Fitzgerald,
W. E. Broadnax,
Joseph Gwatney, >
Drury Ragsdale.
Thomas Tinsley, John Garland,
Hugh Nelson.

The Rev. Sewall Chapin and Samuel Tyler, Esqrs., from the parish of Westover, arrived on
the second day too late to take their seats in Convention.

On Tuesday, the sixth day of May, in the
year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred
and ninety-four, being the day appointed for the
meeting of the Convention of the Protestant
Episcopal Church in the commonwealth of Vir
ginia, a sufficient number of members to pro
ceed on business having convened,
The Right Rev. Bishop Madison took his seat
as President of the Convention.
. Robert Andrews took his seat as Secretary
ofthe Convention.
Ordered, That a committee be appointed to
examine the returns of the sitting members, and
to report thereon : And a committee was ap
pointed of Mr. Nelson, Mr. Patterson, Rev. Mr.
J. Cameron, and Rev. Mr. Maury.
A motion being made by Mr. Nelson, and sec-
E

onded by Mr. Patteson, that the Convention
come to this resolution, Resolved, That a com
mittee be appointed to inquire into the proceed
ings of all the Conventions of the church within
the state, since the repeal ofthe law incorpora
ting the church, as well as into the proceedings
of the several General Conventions, and to make
report, with their opinion thereon, to this Con
vention, the resolution was read by the sec
retary. Ordered, That the said resolution lie on the
table. Ordered, That a committee be appointed to
examine the treasurer's accounts : And a com
mittee was appointed of Mr. Patteson, Rev. Mr.
W. Cameron, Rev. Mr. Balmain, and Mr. Lind
say,

CONVENTION OF 1794.

A letter from the Rev. John H. Saunders, ad
dressed' to the president, was laid before the
Convention and read ; whereupon the Conven
tion came to the following resolution : —
Resolved, That the mode of communicating,
by letter, sentiments on subjects proper for the
discussion of the Convention, is irregular in in
dividual members of the church.
.__, Papers from the parishes of James City and
Blisland, recommending Mr. Benjamin Brown
for holy orders, and that examination in the
Latin and Greek languages might be dispensed
with, were read, and ordered to be referred to a
committee, consisting of Mr. Brown, Rev. Mr.
J. Cameron, Rev. Mr. Maury, Mr. Garland, and
Rev. Mr. Henderson.
Papers from Accomack parish to the same
effect in favour of Mr. Isaac Foster were read,
and ordered to be referred to the same commit
tee. The Convention adjourned until 10 o'clock
to-morrow morning. Wednesday, May 7.
Mr. Brown, from the committee appointed to
examine the papers relative to Mr. Benjamin
Brown and Mr. Isaac Foster, reported, That the
committee had, according to order, examined
the same, and had come to a resolution thereon,
which was read, and agreed to by two thirds of
the Convention, as follows : —
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this com
mittee, that the dispensing with the knowledge
of the Greek and Latin languages in the exam
ination of the said Mr. Benjamin Brown and
Mr. Isaac Foster for holy orders, may be of ad
vantage to the Episcopal Church in this state.
Mr. Nelson, from the committee appointed to
examine the returns of the sitting members, re
ported, That the committee had, according to
order, examined the same, and had found that
the returns from the following parishes, viz.,
Abingdon, Bristol, Bruton, Christ Church (Lan
caster), Dale, Frederick, Fredericksville, Hen
rico, James City, King William, Littleton, Man
chester, Martin's Brandon, Nottoway, St. An
drews, St. David, St. George (Accomack), St.
John, St. Paul (Hanover), and York Hampton,
were made agreeably to the canon.
Resolved, That the Convention proceed by
ballot to the choice of two deputies to attend
any General Convention ofthe Protestant Epis
copal Church in the United States of America,
which may meet before the next meeting of the
Convention of the said church in this state.
The Convention having accordingly balloted,
Mr. Foushee and Mr. Henderson were appoint
ed a committee to examine the ballots ; who,
having withdrawn, after some time returned into
the Convention, and reported, That they had
found a majority of the votes ofthe whole Con
vention in favour of the Rev. Dr. Samuel S.
M'Croskey and Robert Andrews, Esqrs.
Resolved, unanimously, That the deputies to
the next General Convention from the Protest
ant Episcopal Church in this state be instructed
to express the highest disapprobation of this
Convention, respecting the investing of the

House of Bishops with a full negative upon the
proceedings of the House of Deputies.
Resolved, That the said deputies be also in
structed to use their endeavours to have the
sixth additional canon, passed at the last Gen
eral Convention, so amended as to vest the war
dens, vestrymen, or trustees of any parish, with
the power of granting permission to any clergy
man of this church to preach or read prayers in
the churches under their care, whenever they
shall be of opinion that the interests of religion
will be thereby promoted.
Bishop Madison reported the state of the
churches visited by him since the last Conven
tion. Mr. Balmain, from the committee appointed
to examine the treasurer's accounts, reported,
That the committee had, according to order, ex
amined the same, and found them justly- and
fairly stated : and that there is in his hands a
balance of 87Z. 18s. lid.
Resolved, That the treasurer's accounts do
pass. Resolved, That the Rev. John Buchanan be
appointed treasurer for the ensuing year.
Resolved, That Samuel Shield, Robert An
drews, Joseph Prentis, Cyrus Griffin, Joseph
Hornsby, and James Henderson, be appointed a
standing committee for the ensuing year.
Resolved, That it be recommended to the
several parishes within this commonwealth to
send each the sum of fifteen dollars to the
Rev. Mr. Buchanan, treasurer, in the city of
Richmond, on or before the first Tuesday in
May next, to be applied by the Convention to
wards compensating the bishop for his services,
and expenses incurred in his visitations, and to
the general purposes of the Protestant Episco
pal Church in this state.
Resolved, That the visiters of districts be
requested to use their endeavours to have the
arrearages due from the parishes within their
respective districts collected and transmitted to
the treasurer.
Resolved, That the sum of one hundred
pounds be allowed to the Right Rev. Dr. Mad
ison for his services as bishop of this church for
the last year, and for expenses incurred in his
visitations, and that the treasurer pay the same.
Resolved, That the inhabitants of Tillotson
parish qualified by the canons to vote for ves
trymen and trustees, be empowered to elect the
same on any day before the first day of January,
1795, in the manner prescribed by the canon
concerning vestries and trustees.
Resolved, That the Rev. Needier Robinson
be appointed visiter of District No. 3, in the
room of the Rev. John CamSron, who has left
the said district.
Resolved, That the Rev. Needier -Robinson
be requested to preach before the next Conven
tion. Resolved, That the standing committee be
directed to address the members of the Prot
estant Episcopal Church in the differerlt par
ishes of this state, through their ministers, or
vestries, where there are no ministers, on the
situation of the church, and the necessity ol

CONVENTION OF 1796.

67

complying with the requisitions of the Conven
tion. Resolved, That the next Convention meet in
the city of Richmond.
Resolved, That the treasurer pay twenty shil
lings to the doorkeeper for his services.

Resolved, That 200 copies of the Journal of
this Convention be printed, under the inspection
of the Rev. Mr. Buchanan.
The Convention adjourned.
Signed, James Madison, President.
Attest, Robt. Andrews, Secretary.

CONVENTION OF 1795.
A copy of the journals of this Convention could not be found.

Journal of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Virginia, held at the Capitol in
the City of Richmond, May 3d, 1796.

A List of the Members of the Convention.

Parishes.
Amherst,Antrim, Berkeley,Blisland, Botetourt,Bristol,Bruton,Christ Church,
Cumberland,
Dale, Elizabeth City,
Frederick,
Fredericksville,
Hanover,Hardy, Henrico,Hungars, James City,
Manchester, St. Andrew,
St. Asaph,
St David,
St. George (Ac),
St. George (Sp.),
St. James Northam,
St. Mark,
St. Martin (Ha.),
St. Paul (do.),
St. Stephen (K. & Q.),
St. Stephen (Nor.),
- Shelburne,Southam,
Ware,Washington, Westover^ y-
Wicomico, York Hampton,

Clergymen.
William Crawford.
Alexander Hay.
Hugh C. Boggs.
Samuel Gray.
Andrew Syme.
John Bracken.
Daniel M'Naughton.
John Cameron.
Needier Robinson.
John Jones Spooner.
Alexander Balmain.
Matthew Maury.

John H. Reynolds.
John Buchanan.
Sam. S. M'Croskey.
Jas. Madison (B. & P.).

George Spierin.
Cave Jones.
James Stephenson.
John Woodville.
Peter Nelson.

John Seward.
Alex. M'Farland.

Elkanah Talley.
John O'Donnell.
Sewall Chapin.

Lay Deputies.
Joseph Shelton.
Edward Herndon.
Burwell Bassett.
Alexander M'Rae.
Robt. Andrews.
James Ball.
Christopher Robertson.

James Wood.
John Walker.
] Aaron Thornley,
> Peter Jett

Nathaniel Darby.
John Ambler.
David Patteson.
t John Dunn,
{ Charles B. Jones.
John Woolfolk.
< Thomas Fox,
( William Dabney,
John Reid.
William Lovell.
Archibald Bryce.
Robt. Slaughter, jr.
( Thomas Tinsley,
X John Rowe.
c Thomas Hill,
\ William Fleet.
Abraham Beacham.
Brett Randolph.
William Hall,
Daniel M'Carty.
< Hopkins Hardy,
X Tho. Hurst.
Thomas Griffin.

On Tuesday, the third day of May, in
the year of our Lord one thousand seven
hundred and ninety-six, being the day ap
pointed for the annual meeting of the Con
vention of the Protestant Episcopal Church
in the State of Virginia, a sufficient num-
E2

ber of members to proceed on business* having
convened, The Right Reverend Bishop Madison took
his seat as President of the Convention,
Robert Andrews took his seat as Secretary
to the Convention.

68

CONVENTION OF 1796.

A committee, consisting of the Rev. Dr.
Cameron, Mr. Wood, Mr. Balmain, and Mr.
Jones, was appointed to examine and report on
the returns of the sitting members.
A committee, consisting of Dr. Cameron, Mr.
Patteson, Mr. Balmain, and Mr. Ambler, was
appointed to examine the treasurer's accounts,
and to report thereon.
Dr. M'Croskey and Mr. Andrews, deputies
to the last General Convention, reported the
proceedings of that body.
The accounts of the deputies to the last
General Convention, for their expenses, were
laid before the Convention, and referred to the
committee appointed to examine the treasurer's
- accounts. Dr. Cameron, from the committee appointed
to examine the returns of the sitting members,
which had been directed to withdraw for the
purpose of examining the same, reported, That
they had found the returns from the following
parishes, viz., Amherst, Antrim, Berkeley,
Blisland, Botetourt, Bristol, Bruton, Christ
Church (Lancaster), Cumberland, Dale, Eliza
beth City, Frederick, Fredericksville, Hanover,
Hardy, Henrico, Hungars, James City, Man
chester, St. Andrew, St. Asaph, St. David, St,
George (Accomack), St. George (Spotsylva
nia), St. James Northam, St. Mark, St. Martin,
St. Paul (Hanover), St. Stephen (King and
Queen), St. Stephen (Northumberland), Shel
burne, Southam, Ware, Washington, Wicomi
co, Westover, and York Hampton, were made
agreeably to the canon.
The Convention resolved itself into a com
mittee of the whole Convention on the state of
the church ; and after some time spent therein,
the committee rose, and Mr. Wood reported
progress, and asked for leave to sit again ;
whereon it was agreed that the Convention
will to-morrow resolve itself into a committee
of the whole Convention on the state of the
church. The Convention adjourned to 10 o'clock to
morrow. Wednesday, May 4.
The Rev. Mr. Needier Robinson, according
to appointment, preached before the Conven
tion. The Right Rev. Bishop Madison laid before
the Convention a report of the visitation of
parishes made by him since the last Convention,
which was read.
The Convention resolved itself into a com
mittee of the whole Convention on the state of
the church ; and after some time spent therein,
the committee rose, and Mr. Wood reported,
That the committee had taken under their con
sideration the state of the church, and had
come to some resolutions thereon, which were
agreed to, as follows : —
Resolved, unanimously, That it is the opin
ion of this committee, that, by various acts of
the Legislature of Virginia, the property of the
church, formerly established by law, has been
confirmed to the Protestant Episcopal Church
in this state ; and that, therefore, any legisla

tive interference without the consent of the said
church, by which its right to the said property
would be affected, would be a violation of the
rights of private property, and of one of the
fundamental principles of the present civil gov
ernment. Resolved, That the Convention ought to
present a memorial to the ensuing General As
sembly, stating the grounds of the right of the
Protestant Episcopal Church to the glebes,
churches, and other property now held by the
said church in this state.
Mr. Bassett, Dr. Cameron, Mr. Andrews, Dr.
M'Croskey, Mr. Walker, and Mr. Maury, were
appointed a committee to draw the said me
morial. A petition was presented from the parish of
Cumberland, praying for leave to sell a part of
their glebe, for the purpose of raising money to
repair the buildings of the said glebe ; whereon it
was resolved, That the trustees of the parish of
Cumberland have the consent of this Conven
tion to sell that part of the glebe-land of the
said parish which lies on the north side of the
Reedy Creek road, containing about one hun
dred acres, for the purpose of raising money to
repair the buildings on the said glebe.
On motion, Resolved, That the vestry or
trustees of St. Andrew's parish have the con
sent of the Convention to sell the glebe of the
said parish for the purpose of purchasing a more
convenient one ; provided it shall be done with
in twelve months, and it shall be the opinion of
the trustees that it can be done with advantage
to the Protestant Episcopal Church.
Mr. Spierin, Mr. Spooner, and Mr. Nelson,
obtained leave of absence for the remainder of
the session.
The Convention adjourned to 10 o'clock to
morrow. Thursday, May 5.
Dr. Cameron, from the committee appointed
to examine the treasurer's accounts, reported,
That they had examined the same, and found
them fairly and truly stated, and that there was
in his hands a balance of two hundred and fifty-
two pounds six shillings and a halfpenny ; and
that there was due to the Rev. Dr. Samuel
S. M'Croskey the sum of thirty pounds, and
to Robert Andrews the sum of twenty-three
pounds eighteen shillings and eleven pence, for
expenses incurred by them respectively in at
tending the last General Convention of the
Protestant Episcopal Church, as deputies from
the said church in this state ; whereon,
Resolved, That the treasurer's accounts do
pass. Resolved, That the treasurer pay to the
Rev. Dr. M'Croskey and Robert Andrews the
sums reported to be due to them.
Resolved, That the treasurer pay to Bishop
Madison twenty-five pounds for his expenses in
attending the last General Convention ; and
also two hundred pounds for his services, and
the expenses incurred in his visitations in the
years 1794 and 1795.
Resolved, That it be recommended to each

CONVENTION OF 1797.

fl9

of the parishes within this commonwealth to
send to the Rev. Mr. Buchanan, treasurer, in
the city of Richmond, on or before the first
Tuesday in May next, the sum of fifteen dol
lars, to be applied by the Convention towards
compensating the bishop for his services, and
expenses incurred in his visitations, and to the
general purposes of the Protestant Episcopal
Church in this state.
Mr. Bassett, from the committee appointed to
prepare a draught of a memorial to be presented
to the next General Assembly, on the subject
of the property of the church, reported the
same, which was read and agreed to ; and it
was resolved, That it should be signed by the
president on behalf of the Convention, and that
he should have it presented to the next General
Assembly, should he find it expedient.
Resolved, That John Blair, Robert Andrews,
Joseph Prentis, Cyrus Griffin, James Hender
son, and Champion Travis, be appointed a
standing committee for the ensuing year.
Resolved, That the Rev. John Buchanan, of
the city of Richmond, be appointed treasurer
for the ensuing year.
The Rev. Dr. John Cameron was appointed
visiter of District No. 4, in the room of the
Rev. Mr. Craig, deceased.
The Rev. Mr. James Whitehead was appoint
ed visiter of District No. 1, in the room of the
Rev. Mr. Taylor, deceased.
The Rev. Mr. John Seward was appointed
visiter of District No. 18, in the room of the
Rev. Mr. Andrews, deceased.
Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. Cave Jones be
requested to preach before the next Convention ;
and also, that the Rev. Mr. Daniel M'Naughton
be requested to prepare a sermon for the next
Convention. The Convention having proceeded by ballot
to the choice of deputies to represent the church

in this state in any General Convention of the
Protestant Episcopal Church in the United
States which might meet before the next meet
ing of the Convention ofthe said church in this
state, on examining the ballots it appeared that
the Rev. Samuel S. M'Croskey, D. D., was
chosen clerical deputy, and Robert Andrews,
lay deputy.
Resolved, That the next Convention of the
Protestant Episcopal Church in this state meet
in the city of Richmond.
Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. Needier Robin
son be requested to furnish for the press a copy
of his pious and judicious sermon preached yes
terday. Resolved, That 200 copies of the Journal of
this Convention be published, and under the di
rection of the Rev. Mr. Buchanan ; and that the
sermon preached by Mr. Robinson, and the
canons passed at the last General Convention,
be annexed thereto.
Dr. Cameron presented a canon respecting
ministers holding military commissions, which,
after the customary readings, was passed, as
follows : —
A canon to prohibit clergymen of the Protest
ant Episcopal Church from holding military
commissions, and for other purposes.
No clergyman of the Protestant Episcopal
Church in the State of Virginia shall be per
mitted to hold a military commission : nor shall
a clergyman leaving one parish be inducted into
another, unless he shall produce to the vestry of
such parish testimonials of his good conduct from
the vestry of the parish where he last resided.
Resolved, That the treasurer pay five dollars
to the person who has acted as doorkeeper to
the Convention for his services.
The Convention adjourned.
James Madison, President.
Attest, Robert Andrews, Secretary.

Journal of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Virginia, held at the Capitol in
the City of Richmond, December 6th, 1797.
A List of the Members of the Convention.

Parishes.
Abingdon,Amherst,Berkeley,
Blisland,
Bristol,Brunswick,
Bruton,Christ Church (Lancaster),
Cumberland,Dale,St. David,
Elizabeth River,
Elizabeth City,
Fairfax,
Frederick,
Fredericksville,Henrico,
Hungars,
James City,
King William,

Clergymen.
William Crawford.
Hugh C. Boggs.
Andrew Syme.
John Bracken.
Daniel M'Naughton.
John Cameron.
Needier Robinson.
Thomas Hughes.
James Whitehead.
John J. Spooner.

John Buchanan.
Right Rev. Dr. Madison.

Lay Deputies.
John Page.
Hudson Martin.
•Burwell Bassett.
George K. Taylor.
Wm. Alexander.
Robert Andrews.
Martin Sheraton.
Christ. Robertson.
Thomas Boiling.
Benj. Temple.
Thos. Matthews.
Wilson M. Cary.
Ludwell Lee.
Governor Wood.
John Walker.
Edw. Carrington.
John Stratton.
Thomas Harris.

70

CONVENTION OF 1797.

Parishes.
Leeds,
Littleton,Lunenburg,St. Margaret,
St. Martin,
St. Mark,
St. James Northam,
Overwharton,St. Paul's (Hanover),
Shelburne,Southam,St. Thomas,
Ware,Westover,Wicomico,York Hampton,
St. Stephen,
St. John,
Middlesex,Botetourt,

Clergymen.

 Young.'
Peter Nelson.
John Woodville.

Alex. Macfarlane.
Charles O'Niel.
Sewall Chapin.
James Henderson.
John Dunn.
Henry Heffernan.

Lay Deputies.
William Chilton.
Alexander Brend, James Deane.
Richard Barnes.
Daniel Coleman, Richard Wiatt.
John Jameson.
Archibald Bryce.
John Moncure.
Thomas Tinsley, John Bowie.
Francis Peyton.
Edm. Randolph.
William Moore,
Peter B. Whiting.
Thomas Gaskins, Thomas Hurst.
Thomas Griffin.
William Claughton.
James Ruffin.
Ralph Wormeley.
James Brackenridge.

A sufficient number of clerical and lay
deputies having met to form a Convention,
Robert Andrews, Esq., resigned his office of
secretary to the Convention, and the Rev. John
Bracken, D. D., was appointed in his room.
The Right Rev. Dr. Madison, Pr., then ad
dressed the Convention on the subject and oc
casion of their present meeting.
Ordered, That it be referred to a select com
mittee to take into consideration the matters
therein contained, and to report thereon, as also
. the mode which in their opinion will be most
proper for showing the sense of this Conven
tion upon the subject of the sale of church prop
erty, submitted by the last session of the Gen
eral Assembly to the consideration of the peo
ple ; And a committee was appointed for that
purpose of Mr. Lee, Governor Wood, Mr. An
drews, Mr. George K. Taylor, Dr. Cameron, Dr.
Buchanan, the Rev. Mr. Spooner, and the Rev.
Mr. Dunn.
The opinions of Bushrod Washington, Ed
mund Randolph, and John Wickham, Esqrs.
upon the subject aforementioned, were presented
by the president to the Convention, and being
read, were ordered to be referred to the said
committee. On motion, Ordered, That the Rev. James
Whitehead, Mr. John Walker, the Rev. Hugh
C. Boggs, and Mr. Thomas Tinsley, be appoint
ed a committee to examine and make report on
the certificates of appointment of the sitting
members. On motion, Ordered, That a committee be ap
pointed to examine and report on the treasurer's
accounts : And a committee was appointed of
Mr. Andrews, Dr. Cameron, Mr. Griffin, and the
Rev. Mr. Spooner, for that purpose.
The Convention then adjourned until to-mor
row, 1 o'clock. Thursday, December 7, 1797.
Mr. Andrews, from the committee appointed
to examine the treasurer's accounts, reported,
That they had, according to order, examined
the same," and found them to be fairly and justly

stated ; and that the balance remaining in his
hands due to the church, this 7th day of Decem
ber, 1797, is 53'. 2s. Id.
Resolved, That the treasurer's accounts do
pass. The Rev. Mr. Whitehead, from the commit
tee appointed to examine the certificates of ap
pointment of the sitting members, reported,
That they had, according to order, examined
the same, and found the certificates of appoint
ment from the following parishes to be made
agreeably to the canons ; viz.—
Abingdon, Amherst, Berkeley, Blisland, Bris
tol, Brunswick, Bruton, Christ Church (Lan
caster), Cumberland, Dale, St. Davids, Eliza
beth River, Elizabeth City, Fairfax, Frederick,
Fredericksville, Henrico, Hungars, James City,
King William, Leeds, Littleton, Lunenburg, St.
Margaret, St. Martin, St. Mark, St. James
Northam, Overwharton, St. Paul's (Hanover),
Shelburne, Southam, St. Thomas, Ware, West-
over, Wicomico, York Hampton, St, Stephen, St.
John, Middlesex, and Botetourt.
Mr. Lee, from the committee appointed to
take into consideration the address of the bishop,
and to report the mode which, in their opinion,
would be most proper for showing the sense of
this Convention upon the subject of the sale of
church property, submitted by the last session
of the General Assembly to the consideration of
the people, reported, That they had, according
to order, taken into consideration the matter re
ferred to them, and had come to several reso
lutions thereon, which, being read, were ordered
to be committed to a committee of the whole
Convention. The Convention having resolved itself into a
committee of the whole (Mr. Basset in the chair),
proceeded to take into consideration the afore
said resolutions ; and having gone through and
amended the same, the president resumed the
chair. Mr. Bassett, from the committee of the whole,
reported, That they had, according to order,
gone through and considered the resolutions to
them referred, and had amended the same, which,

CONVENTION OF 1797.

71

with the amendments, being read and debated,
] aragraph by paragraph, were agreed to.
The Convention then adjourned until to-mor
row, 1 o'clock. Friday, December 8, 1797.
After prayers, and a sermon suitable to the
occasion, delivered by the Rev. Mr. M'Naugh
ton in the general court room, the Convention
met according to adjournment.
On motion, Resolved, That the report of the
select committee on the president's address, &.C.,
as amended and agreed to yesterday, be recon
sidered. The Convention proceeded to reconsider the
resolutions aforesaid, and having farther amend
ed the same, agreed thereto, as follows : —
Resolved, That the following are the grounds
of the title of the Protestant Episcopal Church
to the glebes, churches, and other property in
their possession.
1. That the said glebes, churches, &c, were
vested, prior to the revolution, in the then ex
isting church, by public authority or private
donations. 2. That the Protestant Episcopal Church is
the same in its rights of property with the church
which existed prior to the revolution.
3. That these rights cannot be wrested from
the Protestant Episcopal Church upon any prin
ciple which will not impair all other rights of
private property which was acquired before the
revolution. 4. That if succour need be drawn to these
rights, existing (as they do) independently of
the will of the legislature, they have been
solemnly recognised by an act of the General
Assembly — made at the session succeeding that
which framed the bill of rights and constitu
tion — by the same body which composed the
Convention, and became, under the constitu
tion, the House of Delegates ; and at the in
stance of those who were opposed to the said
church. 5. That no subsequent act of the General
Assembly, relative to the Protestant Episcopal
Church, ought, or can be so interpreted, as to
.confer on the General Assembly any authority to
.assume, confiscate, or appropriate, without the
will of the said church, the whole, or any part, of
the property aforesaid.
6. That the bill of rights and constitution
forbid the intrusion of the General Assembly
into questions concerning the right of property ;
^nd more especially when the object of such
intrusion is to apply that property to public
uses to which the whole commonwealth, and
not a selected and marked portion only of its
citizens, ought to contribute.
7. Resolved, That a committee of five per
sons be appointed by ballot, whose duty it shall
he to attend the discussion of the memorial of
the Protestant Episcopal Church, the consider
ation whereof was postponed to the present ses
sion of the General Assembly, and to make to
the General Assembly such other representa
tions, by memorial or otherwise, in behalf of the
Protestant Episcopal Church, as to them shall

seem necessary, and shall be conformable with
the spirit of the foregoing resolutions.
8. Resolved, That from the firm persuasion
which this Convention entertains of the validity
of the rights of property asserted in the forego
ing resolutions, it be an instruction to the said
committee to propose to the General Assembly,
that the controversy concerning them be sub
mitted to the decision of a proper tribunal of
justice. 9. Resolved, That this Convention will cause
to be defrayed all reasonable and necessary ex
penses in carrying into execution the foregoing
resolutions. The house proceeded to ballot for five per
sons to form a committee whose duty it should
be to attend the discussion of the memorial of
the Protestant Episcopal Church, &c. ; and the
Rev, Mr. Henderson and Mr. Griffin being ap
pointed to examine the ballots, proceeded to
examine the same, and reported, That a majori
ty of the whole house was in favour of Robert
Andrews, Ludwell Lee, George K. Taylor,
John Page, and James Brackenridge, Esqrs.
Resolved, therefore, That they are appointed
a committee for the purpose aforesaid.
Resolved, unanimously, That the Rev. John
Buchanan, D. D., be continued treasurer for
the ensuing year, and to the end of the next
Convention. Resolved, That John Blair, Robert Andrewss
Cyrus Griffin, Joseph Prentis, Esqrs., the Rev.
James Henderson, and Champion Travis, Esqrs.,
be continued members of the standing commit
tee, and that they remain in office to the end of
the next Convention.
On motion, Resolved, That it be an instruc
tion to the standing committee to make inquiry
concerning any church property which may
have been alienated since the commencement
of the revolution, and to report the situation
and circumstances to the next session of the
Convention. Resolved, nemine contradicente, That Robert
Andrews, Esq., and the Rev. John Bracken,
D. D., do represent the Protestant Episcopal
Church of this state in the next General Con
vention. On motion, Resolved, That the deputies to
the next General Convention be instructed to
agree to the following addition to the second
article of the general constitution, in the ninth
line after the word constitution, viz., "But if
the church shall not be represented in both or
ders in a majority of the states, then the vote
shall be given by states without regard to
orders." Ordered, That the Rev. Mr. Smith be ap
pointed a visiter in the room of James M. Fon
taine, D. D., deceased.
Ordered, That the Rev. Mr. Dunn be re»
quested to preach before the next Convention,
Resolved, That it be recommended to the
several parishes within this state, to forward the
annual contribution of 15 dollars, for the use of
the church, to John Buchanan, D. D., treasurer,
and that such as are in arrears do immediately
send forward their arrearages,

72

CONVENTION OF. 1799.

Ordered, "That 300 copies of the Journal of
this Convention be printed,, under the direction
of Dr. Buchanan, and distributed among the
several parishes.
Resolved, unanimously, That the thanks Of
this Convention be given to Bushrod Washing
ton, Edmund Randolph, and John Wickham,
Esqrs., for their opinion, delivered in to this
house by the president, on the subject of the
sale of glebes and other church property.
Ordered, That the next Convention do meet
in the city of Richmond.
Ordered, That the treasurer pay to the door
keeper the sum of six dollars.
The Convention then adjourned.
Signed, James Madison, President.
Attest John Bracken, Secretary.
Richmond, Dec. 5, 1797.
Sir, — We have endeavoured to fulfil the re
quest of yourself and the standing committee,
by the best examination in our power, of the
tenure under which the Protestant Episcopal
Church claim the glebes, churches, &c. Know
ing that you possess every document and fact
to which we have access, and that we may be
therefore permitted to excuse ourselves, by the

multiplicity of our late professional labours,
from a detail of the reasons which govern us,
we shall offer to you the conclusions only which
we have formed. These are,
1st. That the Protestant Episcopal Church
is the exclusive owner of those glebes, churches,
&c. 2d. That so far is the title of the Protestant
Episcopal Church from being impaired (as has
been suggested) by our bill of rights, that they
do not clash on any sound construction ; but
that title stands upon the same grounds with
the rights of private property, which have been
recognised and secured by the principles of the
revolution and by the constitution.
3d. And that any question concerning the
right of property in those glebes, churches, &c,
being of a judicial nature, must constitutionally
be decided by the judiciary, and the judiciary
alone. We have the honour, sir, to be, with great
respect, your most obedient servants,
Bushrod Washington,
Edmund Randolph,
John Wickham.
The Right Rev. James Madison, Bishop "of
the Protestant Episcopal Church in Virginia.

CONVENTION OF 1798.
The Journal of this year has not been obtained.

joVffnal of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Virginia, held at the Capitol in
the City of Richmond, May 7th, 1799.
A List of the Members of the Convention.

Parishes.
Bristol,Blisland,Bruton, Christ Church (Lan.),
Cople,Cumberland,Dale,
Fredericksville,Hampshire, Henrico,
Hungars,
James City,
Littleton,
Lunenburg,Manchester St. David,
St. George (Accom.),
St. John (King William),
St. Martin,
St. Paul (Hanover),
St. Peter,
St. Stephen,
Washington,Westover, Wicomico,
York Hampton,

Clergymen.

Daniel M'Naughton.
James Elliott.
John Cameron.
Needier Robinson.
Matthew Maury.
John Buchanan.
James Madison (B. and Pr.).
James Dickinson.
George Young.
John Dunn.
Thomas Hughes.
Cave Jones.

Peter Nelson.
Benjamin Brown.
John Seward.

Sewall Chapin.

Lay Deputies.
John Grammer.
Henry Brown.
Robert Andrews.
Wm. Montague.
Peter Eppes, jun.
John Walker.
John H. Reynolds.
William Berkeley.
Nathaniel Wilkins.
John Ambler.
Alexander Trent.
David Patteson.
Thomas Fox.
j Ed. P. Chamberlayne,
! John Lord.
Carter Berkeley.
Thomas Tinsley.

William Thompson.
< William Davenport,
( Thomas Harvey.
Gavin L. Corbin.

CONVENTION OF 1799.

73

Tuesday, May 7, 1799.
A sufficient number of clerical and lay depu
ties having met to form a Convention,
The Right Reverend Dr. Madison took the
chair as president ex-officio. Robert Andrews
was appointed to act as secretary in the absence
of the Rev. Dr. Bracken.
Ordered, That the Rev. Dr. John Cameron,
Rev. Mr. Jones, Mr. Patteson, and Mr. Am
bler, be appointed a committee to examine and
report immediately on the testimonials of the
members. The committee, accordingly, having with
drawn and examined the testimonials, reported,
That the testimonials from the following parishes
were made agreeably to the canons, viz. : —
Bristol, BHsland, Bruton, Christ Church
(Lancaster), Cople, Cumberland, Dale, Freder
icksville, Hampshire, Henrico, Hungars, James
City, Littleton, Lunenburg, Manchester, St.
David, St. George (Accomack), St. John (King
William), St. Martin, St. Paul (Hanover), St.
Peter, St. Stephen, Washington, Westover,
Wicomico, and York Hampton.
Ordered, That Bishop Madison and Mr. Am
bler be appointed a committee to consult gentle
men of eminence in the law respecting the
method of defending, before the judiciary, the
right of the church to glebes directed to be sold
by act of Assembly.
Ordered, That the Rev. Mr. Maury and Mr.
W. Berkeley be appointed a committee to ex
amine the treasurer's accounts, and report
thereon. Resolved, That one hundred and fifty copies
of the canons be printed and distributed among
the parishes within this state ; and that the bish
op be requested to accompany them with an ad
dress to the members of the church, enjoining a
strict observance of the same, and of the sev
eral duties particularly required of them at this
important crisis.
Resolved, That the Convention do attend di
vine service in the assembly room at 10 o'clock
to-morrow morning.
The Convention adjourned till 10 o'clock to
morrow morning. Wednesday, May 8, 1799.
The Convention met according to adjourn
ment. Divine service was performed, and, agreeably
to an order of the last Convention, a sermon was
delivered by the Rev. Mr. Dunn, which was
well adapted to the occasion.
Mr. Ambler, from the committee appointed to
consult gentlemen of eminence in the law re
specting the method of defending, before the ju
diciary, the right of the church to glebes, &c,
made a report, which was read, and ordered to
be filed by the secretary among the papers of
the Convention.
Resolved, That the Convention grant per
mission to the vestry and trustees of Bristol par
ish to sell and dispose of the present glebe-
land of the parish, if they shall think proper,
and to vest the proceeds thereof in such prop

erty as may be thought more beneficial and
profitable to the parish and the incumbent.
Mr. Maury, from the committee appointed to
examine the treasurer's accounts, reported, That
the committee had, according to order, examined
the same, that they had found them fairly and
justly stated, and that the balance remaining in
his hands this day is ninety-four pounds seven
shillings and ten pence.
Resolved, That the treasurer's accounts do
pass. Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a
canon to amend the canon entitled " A canon
concerning offences, and the mode of proceeding
against offending ministers :" and the Rev. Mr.
Maury and the Rev. Mr. Jones were appointed
to bring in the same.
Resolved, That the Rev. Doctor John Bu
chanan be appointed treasurer for the ensuing
year. Resolved, That John Blair, Robert Andrews,
Cyrus Griffin, Joseph Prentis, James Hender
son, and Champion Travis, be appointed a stand
ing committee for the ensuing year.
Mr. Maury, from the committee appointed, re
ported a canon to amend the canon concerning
offences, and the mode of proceeding against of
fending ministers, which was read the first time,
and ordered to be read a second time.
Resolved, That the bishop and standing com
mittee be authorized to employ counsel to defend
the right of the church to its property, whenever
it shall appear to thern most proper to bring the
question before the judiciary, and to draw on
the treasurer for any money which may be ne
cessary for the said purpose. :
Resolved, That two clerical and two lay dep
uties be appointed to attend the next General
Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church,
and also any General Convention of the said
church which shall convene before the next
meeting of the Convention of the church in this
state. The Convention then proceeded by ballot to
the appointment of deputies to the next Gen
eral Convention, &c. ; when a majority of votes
appeared in favour of the Rev. Dr. John Brack
en and the Rev. Dr. Samuel S. M'Croskey as
clerical deputies, and of Robert Andrews and
John Walker, Esqrs., as lay deputies.
The canon to amend the canon concerning
offences, and the mode of proceeding against
offending ministers, was read a second time,
amended, and ordered to be fairly transcribed
for a third reading.
Resolved, That it be an- instruction to the
deputies appointed to attend the next General
Convention, to submit to the said Convention an
amendment to the sixth general canon, so far as
it requires testimonials of piety and good moral
conduct for three years.
The canon to amend the canon concerning
offences, and the mode of proceeding against of
fending ministers, was read the third time and
passed. '* ¦ -,
Ordered, That the treasurer pay to Bishop
Madison the sum of one hundred and sixty dol
lars.

74

CONVENTION OF 1799.

Resolved, That one hundred and fifty copies
of the Journal be printed under the direction of
the Rev. Dr. Buchanan.
Resolved, That it be recommended to the
several parishes within this state, to forward the
annual contribution of 15 dollars, for the use of
the church, to the Rev. Dr. John Buchanan,
treasurer, and that such as are in arrears do im
mediately send forward their arrearages.
Resolved, That the next Convention do meet
in the city of Richmond.
Ordered, That the treasurer pay four dollars
to the doorkeeper.
Resolved, That the Rev. Mr, Cave Jones be
requested to preach before the next Convention.
Resolved, That it be enjoined on the clergy
throughout the state, to officiate in the vacant
parishes in their neighbourhoods as frequently
as the duties of their own parishes will permit.
The Convention then adjourned.
Attest, James Madison, President.
Robert Andrews, >
for John Bracken, Secretary. S

Canons— for the government of the Prot
estant episcopal church in this state.
1. A Canon concerning Vestries and Trustees.
1. In each parish within the Commonwealth
of Virginia, there shall be triennially elected, on
Easter-Monday, if fair, otherwise on the next
fair day, at some convenient-place (of which due
notice shall be given), by the freeholders and
housekeepers who are members of the Prot
estant Episcopal Church within such parish, and
regularly contribute to the support of the min
ister, where there is one, and to the common exi
gences of the church within the parish, twelve of
the most able and discreet men of their socie
ty, of the above description and qualifications, to
be a vestry for such parish, and trustees of their
property for the three succeeding years. In
termediate vacancies, occasioned by death, re
moval, or resignation, shall be filled by the re
maining vestrymen and trustees, and those so
chosen shall have power to act until the time of
the next general election ; the first general elec
tion shall be in the year of our Lord 1796.
2. Every vestryman shall, before he acts in
office, subscribe in the vestry-book of his parish
to be conformable to the doctrine, discipline, and
worship of the Protestant Episcopal Church in
the United States of America, and to the or
ders and canons of the said church in this state.
3. Each vestry, at their first meeting after
their election, shall choose two of their members
to be church-wardens, who shall superintend the
next general election of vestrymen, judge of the
qualifications of voters, and certify the names
of the persons chosen. They shall be consid
ered as the acting part of the vestry, and shall
see that the orders and resolutions of the vestry
be carried into execution.
4. In case of the nonattendanee ofthe church
wardens a't an election of vestrymen and trus
tees in any parish, the minister, or, if he be ab
sent, pr if there be no minister in the parish,
any two vestrymen, or if there be no vestrymen

present, any two reputable inhabitants of the
parish, who are members of this church, may be
appointed to superintend the election.
5. If any person elected a vestryman and
trustee shall neglect or refuse to attend two
successive meetings of the body, having had due
notice thereof, he may be considered as having
vacated his office ; and the remaining vestrymen
and trustees may elect into his place some other
able and discreet man of their society.
6. In any parishes which have neglected to
elect vestries and trustees agreeably to the or
dinances heretofore in force, or which shall here
after neglect to make such election as herein
directed, the members of the Protestant Epis
copal Church within such parishes may, at any
time afterward within six months, elect vestries
and trustees in the manner herein directed.
And in all cases where elections have not been
held, or shall not be held at the periods fixed
for general elections, the former vestries and
trustees shall continue to act until elections
shall be held as hereby directed, or, if no elec
tions shall be held, until a future Convention
shall take some order in the matter. Provided
nevertheless, That where any parish which had
failed to elect vestrymen and trustees at the
time appointed for a general election, hath since
elected the same, such election is hereby de
clared to be valid.
7. The vestries respectively, with the minis
ter, where there is one, shall hold and enjoy all
glebes, lands, churches, books, plate, and other
property now belonging or hereafter accruing to
the Protestant Episcopal Church within their
respective parishes, as trustees for the benefit
of the society ; and may improve or demise the
lands during the vacancy of a minister, but may
not demise lands allowed for the minister's hab
itation or use without his consent. They may
also use improve, or dispose of all personal
property, and the produce, rents, and profits of
lands and buildings (not appropriated for the min
ister) belonging to this church, for the benefit
of the society, in erecting or repairing churches,
glebe-houses, or otherwise, and may make such
rules and orders for managing the temporal affairs
and concerns of the church (not contrary to nor
inconsistent with the rules and orders of Con
vention) within their respective parishes, as they
shall think most conducive to its interest and
prosperity, and for carrying into execution the
orders and canons for government and disci
pline or other spiritual purposes, which shall be
framed by this or any future Convention. They
shall have the sole power of directing the pay
ment of money belonging to the church within
their respective parishes, and of appointing a
clerk and such other officers of the church as
they shall think proper, and of removing them
when they shall see cause. All their proceed?
ings shall be fairly entered in a book to be kept
for that purpose.
8. A meeting of the body, to be called by the
minister, or, if he be absent, or in case of vacan?
cy, by the church-wardens, or by a church-war
den, if but one within the parish, or by any two
vestrymen, if there be no minister or church?

CONVENTION OF 1799.

75

warden, shall be had as often as may -be neces
sary. In these meetings the minister shall have
a vote equal to, and not greater than a vestry
man, in all questions except for the demise of
the glebe-lands assigned for his residence or use,
in which he shall have a negative. Seven mem
bers shall be sufficient to constitute a meeting ;
and all questions shall be decided by a majority
of those present. Provided always, That in the
induction of a minister, and in granting testimo
nials to candidates for orders, the votes of six
members at least shall be necessary.
9. If any minister of a parish shall neglect or
refuse to call a meeting of the vestry when re
quested by two or more vestrymen, the church
wardens, or church-warden, if but one within
the parish, may call a meeting ; or if there be
no church-warden, or if the church-wardens or
church-warden neglect or refuse when request
ed, any two vestrymen may call a meeting.
10. No sale of that kind of property which
may be considered as principal or stock, belong
ing to this church in any parish, shall be made
without the consent of the Convention.
2. A Canon concerning Conventions.
1 . There shall be a Convention of the Prot
estant Episcopal Church in this commonwealth
on the first Tuesday of May in every year, in
such place as shall be agreed on by the Con
vention. A Convention shall consist of two dep
uties from each parish, of whom the minister
shall be one, if there be a minister, and the other
shall be a layman, to be annually chosen by the
vestry. If there be no minister in any parish, two
lay deputies shall be chosen. Twenty-five depu
ties, thus qualified or appointed, shall be a Con
vention : Provided always, That if a sufficient
number to form a Convention shall not attend on
any day, any five members then assembled shall
have power to adjourn.
2. Special Conventions may be called at other
times in the manner hereafter to be provided for.
3. Each member shall, on taking his seat, de
liver in to the secretary of the Convention a
testimonial of his being regularly qualified or
appointed, signed by one or both of the church
wardens, or by the clerk of the vestry of the
parish he represents.
4. A person shall preside in Convention with
the name of president, who shall always be a
bishop, when there is one present properly con
secrated and settled in the church. If there be
no bishop present, the Convention shall appoint
some other member of their body president. If
there be more bishops than one in Convention,
they shall have the right of presiding in rotation.
5. A secretary shall be appointed by the Con
vention, who shall continue in office during good
behaviour. He shall keep a record of their acts
and proceedings, and have the custody of the
records so long as he shall continue in office.
6. The Convention shall establish standing
rules for the preservation of decorum, and the
orderly management of business.
7. Conventions shall regulate all the religious
concerns of the Protestant Episcopal Church
within this state, its doctrines, discipline, and

worship, and institute such rules and regulations
as they may judge necessary for the good gov
ernment thereof, and the same revoke and alter
at their pleasure. Provided always, That the
powers hereby declared shall not be so con
strued as to affect any powers exclusively vested
in the General Convention of the Protestant
Episcopal Church in the United States of
America. 8. All questions before the Convention shall
be determined by a majority of votes.
3. A Canon concerning Presbyteries.
1 . The clergy of the several neighbouring par
ishes, not less than three nor more than ten, shall
assemble in presbytery annually on some Mon
day in April, and at other times, if thereto re
quired, at some convenient place in the district.
The arrangement of the parishes into districts
for this purpose shall be by the Convention,
who shall also appoint in each district one of
the said ministers, to preside at their meetings
with the title of visiter. The visiter shall name
the place and time of meeting of the presby
teries ; shall annually visit each parish in his
district ; shall attend to and inspect the morals
and conduct of the clergy; shall see that the
canons and rules of the church are observed
and practised ; shall admonish and reprove pri
vately those clergymen who are negligent, or
act ih an unbecoming manner ; and shall report
yearly to the bishop, if there be one, or, if there
be no bishop, to the next Convention, the state
of each parish in his district.
2. It shall be the business of the presbytery
when assembled to instruct and examine can
didates for holy orders within their respective
districts, to prescribe to them a thesis or text,
and give them proper directions for composing
a discourse on the same. And it shall be the
duty of every candidate for holy ordeTS, to make
application to the presbytery of his district for
such instruction and examination.
4. A Canon concerning Bishops.
1. Every person to officiate as a bishop of
the Protestant Episcopal Church in this state,
shall be nominated to that office by the Conven
tion ; and, having received episcopal consecra
tion, shall, before he enters on his office, sub
scribe to conform to the doctrine, discipline, and
worship of the Protestant Episcopal Church in
the United States of America, and to the orders
and canons of the said church in this state.
2. Every bishop, after his promotion to the
episcopal order, may continue to hold a parish,
and to do the duty of a parish minister, except
when he is necessarily employed in the dis
charge of his episcopal office.
3. No bishop shall inflict any censure on, or
exercise any power over, the clergy under his in
spection, other than he is allowed to do by the
laws and institutions of this church made in
Convention. 4. Bishops, after every visitation, shall report
the state of the church in the different parishes
to the Convention.
5. Bishops shall have power to call special
meetings of the Convention ; to grant testimo-

76

CONVENTION OF 1799.

nials to all persons who are candidates for par
ishes, and who are not citizens of this state ; to
make such representations on behalf of this
church, as may from time to time be expedient ;
to give advice on difficulties propounded to them
concerning this church during the recess of Con
vention ; and to correspond with any society or
societies of the Protestant Episcopal Church in
these United States on any matters relating to
this church ; which several powers shall be ex
ercised only with advice of the standing com
mittee. 6. Bishops shall be amenable to the Con
vention, who shall be a court to try them, from
which there shall be no appeal. On all such
occasions, a bishop shall preside.
7. All accusations against a bishop, as such,
shall be on oath ; but no accusation against a
bishop shall be received unless three respectable
persons join in the complaint. All complaints
against a bishop shall be lodged with the stand
ing committee, and a copy of the charge or
charges to be brought against him shall be com
municated to him in writing at least two months
before the trial. Counsel may be employed on
both sides, and none but viva voce evidence
shall be admitted.
8. If a complaint be against a bishop, as a
minister of a parish, it may be brought as is di
rected in the canon concerning offences, and the
mode of proceeding against offending ministers,
except that the complaint shall be made to the
standing committee ; and the subsequent pro
ceedings thereon shall be before the Convention,
and in like manner as herein prescribed, where
the complaint is made against him as a bishop.
9. Disorderly, scandalous, and immoral con
duct, neglect of duty, a disregard to the rules
and canons of the church, or taking a bribe to
grant either ordination or a recommendation for
.a vacant parish, shall be considered as offences
in a bishop, for which he may be brought to
trial ; and, on being convicted of any of these,
he shall be reproved, suspended, or degraded.
5, A Canon concerning the Ordination of
Priests and Deacons, and their Duties.
1 . Every person to be ordained priest or dea
con by any bishop of this church, shall pro
duce such testimonials of his good morals and or
derly conduct as are required by the canons of the
General Convention, from the clergy assembled
in the district where he for some time last re
sided, and from the vestry of the parish where
he last lived, provided there be in the district
a sufficient number of clergymen to form a pres
bytery ; otherwise a testimonial from the min
ister and vestry of his parish, or from the vestry
alone, if the parish be vacant, shall be deemed
sufficient ; provided also that the candidate is
not an inhabitant of some other state, and in
tended to minister in some parish or congrega
tion in a neighbouring state. No person shall
be ordained until due examination had, by the
bishop and two priests.
2. Ministers shall, at their churches and other
convenient places, instruct children, and such
ignorant persons as may require it, in their cate

chism and the principles; of the*Christian re
ligion as maintained by this church; provided
that this duty may be dispensed with dyring the-
inclement winter months ; they shall also explain
the nature of confirmation, and instruct and pre
pare their parishioners for it.
3. Ministers shall wear a surplice during the
time of prayer at public worship, in places
where they are provided ; shall wear gowns
when they preach, where they conveniently can ; k
and shall at all times wear -apparel suitable to
the gravity of their profession.
4. Ministers may encourage people to assem
ble together in small societies, at convenient
times, for their edification, and may visit, super
intend, and instruct such societies at their meet
ings ; provided they shall not do it to the en
couragement of idleness, or to the injury of pri
vate families.
5. Ministers officiating in this church, whether
bishops, priests, or deacons, shall preach once at
least on every Lord's day, and at other stated
seasons, unless prevented by some sufficient
cause. They may, at their discretion, preach
also at other times, when opportunities shall
offer of edifying the church. Bishops and
priests shall administer the sacrament of the
Lord's Supper at least four times in the year at
each church or place of worship in their respec
tive parishes, and shall visit the sick when
called on for that purpose. Deacons, as well
as priests, shall baptize ; and may solemnize
marriages, and assist in administering the sacra
ment of the Lord's Supper, but they shall not
consecrate the elements.
6. A Canon concerning the Induction of Min
isters into Parishes.
1. The right of presentation, or appointing
ministers to serve in the parishes, shall con
tinue in the vestries, and each vestry shall
choose its own minister.
2. No minister shall be received into a parish
who does not first produce to the vestry satis
factory testimonials of his morals, conduct, and
conversation, from the person or persons ap
pointed by the Convention to inquire into such
matters, and grant such testimonials.
3. No person shall be received into any parish
within this commonwealth, as a minister, unless
he first produce to the vestry sufficient testimo
nials of his having been regularly ordained a
priest or deacon by some Protestant bishop, and
of having taken the oath of allegiance to this com
monwealth, and subscribe to be conformable to
the doctrine, discipline, and worship of the
Protestant Episcopal Church of the United
States of America, and to the orders and canons
of the said church in this state ; nor until he
shall have entered into a contract in writing
with the vestry or trustees on behalf of the so
ciety within such parish, by which it shall be
stipulated and declared that he holds the ap
pointment, subject to removal, agreeably to the
rules and canons of the Convention of the Prot
estant Episcopal Church in this state. Pro
vided, That any person who hath been ordained
by a bishop of the Church of Rome may also be

CONVENTION OF 1799.

77

received as a minister, who shall produce satis
factory testimonials respecting his ordination,
morals, and conduct, take the oath, and sub
scribe as aforesaid.
4. No minister shall be allowed to hold more
than one parish at the same time. Neverthe
less, a minister may, if called thereto by the
vestry, preach in a neighbouring parish or par
ishes during a vacancy therein, and may re
ceive a compensation for his services, provided
he has the consent of his own vestry, and does
not neglect the duties cf his parish.
5. Every minister, shall reside within his
parish, unless a majority of his vestry shall
agree to dispense with his residence, and shall
at no time leave it for more than one month,
without the consent of the said vestry.
6. No person, having deacon's orders only,
shall be allowed, as such, to hold a parish, after
he hath officiated eighteen months as a deacon,
and attained the age of twenty-five years.
7. A Canon to amend the canon entitled " A
canon concerning Offences, and the mode of
proceeding against Offending Ministers."
1. Courts shall be instituted to inquire into
and decide on complaints exhibited against
ministers ; to compose which courts an equal
number of clergymen and vestrymen shall be
appointed, as follows : On the testimony of two
credible witnesses of the offence of any minis
ter, the bishop, with the advice and consent of
the standing committee, or the standing com
mittee, when there is no bishop, shall nominate
such clergymen as he or they shall think proper,
in the neighbourhood of the parish in which the
accused minister resides, and the vestries of
the parishes of such clergymen shall severally
appoint one of. their own body to act in con
junction with their clergymen. The visiter of
the district, if he be nominated, shall preside,
unless he be the accuser or the accused person,
in either of which cases, or in case there be no
visiter, or the visiter be not nominated, the
oldest of the clergymen assembled under the
nomination shall preside. If, when the court
assembles, the number of vestrymen shall be
found to exceed the number of clergymen pres
ent, so many vestrymen shall be withdrawn by
lot as shall be necessary to equalize the num
bers of the two orders. And courts thus con
stituted shall have the same powers as are vested
in the courts, directed for the like purposes, by
the canon entitled " A canon concerning of
fences, and the mode of proceeding against of
fending ministers;" and shall proceed in like
manner, except where it is herein otherwise di
rected and provided for.
2. The bishop, with the advice and consent
of the standing committee, shall appoint a con
venient time and place for the trial, and shall
take care that the members who are to com
pose the court may have timely information
thereof. The courts shall appoint their clerks
occasionally for such trials ; and no vestryman
shall sit on the trial of an accused minister be
longing to, or residing in, the parish to which
such vestryman belongs.

3. Any clergyman who, being nominated and
called on as above mentioned, shall refuse or
neglect to attend at the time and place fixed on
for the purpose of forming the court as afore
mentioned, shall be liable to be proceeded
against in the same manner as other offending
clergymen. 4. The bishop, or the standing committee,
if there be no bishop, shall cite the accused
minister before the appointed court; which shall,
unless the person accused is prevented from at
tending by sickness, proceed to trial. Viva voce
evidence only shall be admitted, and that upon
oath; and counsel may be employed on both sides.
5. The second, fourth, and sixth sections of
the canon entitled "A canon concerning of
fences and the mode of proceeding against of
fending ministers," is hereby repealed.
8. A Canon concerning the Appointment and
Duties of a Standing Committee.
1. A standing committee, consisting of six
persons, shall be annually appointed by the Con
vention. They shall be considered in office
from the end of the session of the Convention
in which they are appointed, and shall continue
in office until the end of the next annual ses
sion of Convention. Any four of them shall
be a sufficient number to do business.
2. The standing committee shall have power,
when there is no bishop of this church settled
in this state, to call meetings of the Convention
when they shall think them necessary ; to grant
testimonials to all persons candidates for parishes,
and not citizens of this state, who may apply
for the same ; to make such representations on
behalf of the church as may from time to time
be expedient ; to give advice on difficulties pro
pounded to them concerning the church during
the recess of Convention ; to correspond with
any society or societies of the Protestant Epis
copal Church in these United States, on any
matters relating to the church ; and to do all
other things assigned to them by the rules and
canons of the Protestant Episcopal Church in
the United States of America, passed in Gen
eral Convention, or in Convention of the said
church in this state.
9. A Canon concerning a Treasurer.
1. There shall be appointed annually by the
Convention a treasurer of this church in this
state, who shall be a man of good character and
responsibility. He shall be removable at the
pleasure of the Convention, but, unless so re
moved, shall continue in office until the end of
the next annual session of a Convention after
his appointment.
2. He shall keep a fair and exact account of
all moneys received and paid away by him ; and
shall lay before the Convention annually, or
oftener if thereto required, a full and accurate
statement of his accounts. He shall pay no
money but by direction of the Convention ;
and shall in all things relating to his office con
form to their orders and regulations. For his
services he shall be allowed a compensation of
five per cent, on all moneys received by him.

78

CONVENTION OF 1799.

10. A Canon rescinding certain Ordinances
and Canons.
Whereas a general code of canons for the
regulation and government of the Protestant
Episcopal Church in this state has been framed
by this present Convention, all ordinances and
canons in force prior to the meeting of this Con
vention shall be and they are hereby rescinded.
Provided nevertheless, 'That nothing in this
canon shall be construed to affect any rights,
remedies, forfeitures, or penalties, which have
accrued, been vested, or incurred, prior to the
passing of this canon.

An Address to the Members of the Protestant
Episcopal Church in Virginia. By Bishop
Madison. Brethren, — It is with an anxious solicitude
that I undertake to fulfil the request of the late
Convention of our church. At a crisis so in
teresting as the present, the zeal of that body
must appear highly commendable to you, as well
as to myself ; for the time has arrived when it
is no longer a doubt whether every one, who
has any regard for religion, for morals, for indi
vidual and for social happiness, should unite,
should rouse from their lethargy, and consider
profoundly the means of securing those great and
important objects. They are in jeopardy. That
dreadful prostration of religious and moral prin
ciple, which we everywhere experience, mani
fests the awful truth. Religion, the only an
chor which holds man to his duties, no longer
finds that firm ground in which it can inhere ;
morals, and with them private and public, pres
ent and future happiness, are left to the mercy
of a rude storm, which threatens their destruc
tion. Even they who still call themselves
Christians, have grown cold and languid ; while
thousands, availing themselves of that languor,
treat religion as a prejudice which debases the
human mind ; deride its sacred obligations, and
exultingly anticipate its obliteration from the
earth. The success which attends the inde
fatigable labours of those apostles of irreligion
and immorality, in disseminating principles
which appal the good, cannot be unknown to
you. To their own consciences, however, let
the appeal be made. I presume not to address
them. But to you, brethren, who have not yet
abjured your God and your Saviour, I address
myself with confidence ; you, who know that
good morals can spring only from the bosom of
religion, and that they are equally essential to
temporal and eternal happiness.
The first subject which solicits your atten
tion, is the necessity of a strict observance of
the canons, or laws, which have been enacted
for the government of our church. These laws
arise from two sources ; the General Conven
tion of the United Episcopal Churches in
America, and your State Convention ; both
regularly constituted and authorized by you to
enact all necessary laws for the above purpose.
They have done so. They have accomplished
that work as became faithful and zealous repre
sentatives ; and have deposited the result of

their labours in your hands, as the proper guar
dians. Destitute of that coercive power which
compels obedience to civil laws, the" enforce
ment of those which you jhave adopted as a
Christian society, depends entirely upon your
virtue. It is strictly a government of choice ;
a government which is, or should be, the result
of that noble, disinterested effort, which actuates
the great and good, when they experience no
other impulse than that which their own reason,
their own patriotism, their own generous love
for man communicates. It supposes a society
of Christians, governing - themselves not by
those severe penalties which civil laws annex to
their nonobservance, but by a high and elevated
sense of duty, by considerations no less im
portant than those which are suggested by
temporal and eternal felicity. It supposes vir
tue to be the basis ; and that its members will
never cease to strengthen that basis, by a daily
progression in virtue. It supposes men to be
actuated by a spirit worthy of Christianity :
sensible, indeed, that no society can exist with
out certain laws and rules by which the general
interest may be regulated and promoted ; but
cherishing the fond hope that every individual
will feel it his sacred duty, either to conform to
them, or voluntarily to aid in the enforcement
of them. Did men possess that virtue which
such a social union supposes, were they actu
ated by that truly dignified spirit which gave it
birth, no government could be more prompt or
certain in its effects. Every one would feel a
sincere anxiety for the preservation of its laws ;
obedience, springing from the noblest principle
of the human soul, would show to men the
practicability of a government, whose energy
consisted in the love of its members. Thus
would be realized that great truth in govern
ment, which Christianity desires to impress
upon the hearts of men : thus, either no viola
tions of those rules by which the society re
solved to act in concert would arise ; or, if
they should arise, the execution of that sen
tence which the laws had previously pro
nounced would inevitably follow. It is true,
then, that your representatives, either in the
General or State Conventions, were not pursu
ing a chimera when they digested a plan of
union, and enacted laws by which the church
should be governed. They did not rest upon the
aid of civil law, nor did they desire that aid to
cause their decrees to be enforced. But they did
confide in your virtue, in your good sense, in
your love for religion and your country. It was
a confidence which you reposed in yourselves.
And truly, it was a spectacle at which many
great and good men might well rejoice, when
they beheld the members of our church, after
the American revolution had sealed the liberties
of this western world, instead of repining at the
loss of those exclusive advantages which had
long been enjoyed, evincing their consciousness,
that on themselves alone depended the pros
perity of their Zion. Scarce was the voice of
one of her sons heard to utter the language of
discontent. They immolated with joy those
exclusive advantages upon the sacred altar of

CONVENTION OF 1799.

79

public justice. They organized their church,
adopted',j>ules by which, as a society, they were
to act in concert, and framed laws for its par
ticular government.
Such were the principles,- such the conduct,
which gave birth to your laws. You still ad
mire that self-confidence which suggested the
idea that we possessed sufficient virtue to gov
ern ourselves ; you still acknowledge that, with
out the observance of its rules, no society can
exist ; and you still retain the just conviction
that, without religion, man degenerates into the
beast that perishes. Shall I here, then, place
before your view that situation into which your
laws have fallen 1 Shall I remind you that they
have become a dead letter ; that they are treated
as unworthy of your regard ; that there is
scarcely a parish which conforms to them, or
even knows -the duties which they enjoin 1
No, brethren ! You are ready to spare me the
pain which you know must attend so disagreea
ble a recital, and yourselves the mortification
which it would excite in your breasts. To all
of us, this truth is too impressive not to be
felt and acknowledged, that, unless the laws
and the rules which we have adopted for our
government as a Christian society be strictly
adhered to and enforced, our church must fall
the victim of our own apathy. But, in God's
name, is it possible that the flight of a few
years has wrought such degeneracy in the sons
of a church which has for ages been the orna
ment and the bulwark of genuine Christianity 1
Is it possible that we have already experienced
so violent a recession from those just, wise, and
virtuous principles which originated our laws,
as that all attachment to them, all sense of their
utility, all conviction of the necessity of their
Observance, is eradicated and lost 1 I will not
indulge* a supposition so degrading to us, so
humiliating to our church, so afflictive to virtue
and to religion. But I will earnestly and affec
tionately exhort you, brethren, to dispel this
astonishing, this fatal lethargy ; to resume your
wonted love for your maternal church, that
church which first nurtured you with the milk
of the gospel ; and to evince a determination to
atone for past neglect, by your attention to her
laws in future. That every difficulty may be
removed in thus acting, the Convention has
directed a sufficient number of copies of them
to be forwarded to each parish. Let, I entreat,
the vestries become intimately acquainted with
thefm, and zealous for their observance ; let
stated times of reading, them to our congrega
tions be carefully regarded ; and let ministers,
vestrymen, every worthy member of the church,
feel a lively interest in their support. In those
parishes where there are no vestries duly
elected, let some friend to our church urge,
without delay, the duty and the necessity of
holding an election, and of organizing that es
sential part of our ecclesiastical government.
Let men be chosen whose souls can comprehend
a general good ; and whose hearts, warmed
with the love of religion, know how to appre
ciate its value. Let such men be the guardians
of the property of the church ; let them hus

band it with an affectionate concern ; let them
manage it with the same prudence which they
extend to their private affairs ; and let them not
despair of obtaining, in due time, holy and vir
tuous pastors, whose instructions, admonitions,
and example, they will love, reverence, and
follow. I proceed to another subject. St. Paul, when
he visited Athens, observed an altar dedicated
to the unknown God. Suppose the holy apostle,
descending from the mansions of eternal bliss,
should visit our altars and our temples : to
whom do you imagine he would think they
were dedicated 1 Not, surely, to that God
in whom we live, move, and have our being,
and who was made known to us by his messen
gers : nor even to the unknown God. No !
he would consider them as dedicated, or rather
devoted, to the demon of ruin ; he would read
in their dejected, forlorn aspects, the fate which
threatens them ; and in that fate the degeneracy
of those who once felt a holy pride in having
reared them for the service of the living
God. Ah, brethren ! Is it a melancholy
truth, that your temples are the just emblems
of your regard for religion 1 You see them,
almost everywhere (I thank God. there are
some exceptions), tottering to their base. ShaU
ruin seize them 1 Shall those venerable fabrics
perish, and leave not a trace of public worship
among us 1 It is in vain to urge that our uncer
tain tenure of them will not justify the expense
which their repairs demand. Four of the most
able jurists, men whose bright talents reflect a
lustre upon their profession, and even upon their
country, have not hesitated to declare that your
title is valid. The integrity ofthe judiciary will
then be your shield against every attack. Pro
ceed upon this ground ; and while, as good citi
zens, you cheerfully acquiesce in those laws
which the constitution of our country will em
brace, and which the public good may require,
still maintain a sacred regard for your rights as
men and as members of a Christian society ;
nor fear a deprivation of them by any exertion
of power which justice and the universal laws
of property will not sanction. Hasten, I en
treat you, to cause your churches to assume an
appearance more worthy of adorators of the
beneficent Parent of the universe ; let them no
longer present to the astonished eye of every
good man the miserable garb of exiles or out
casts ; let not their silent eloquence plead in
vain ; but let the love of God and of our holy
religion open the palm of bounty, and let all vol
untarily contribute to their necessities, accord
ing to that store with which a kind Providence
hath blessed him. The vestries will, I trust,
make every proper arrangement, and conduct
this good, this necessary work, with a zeal which
knows how to ensure success. The simplicity
of our worship requires no pomp or magnifi
cence in our buildings appropriated for that pur
pose ; but assuredly it is a duty incumbent
upon us to keep them in decent repair, to guard
them against the injuries which they must re
ceive from time, and particularly from a shame
ful exposure to every insult.

80

CONVENTION OF 1799.

This subject is interesting, not 'only on ac
count of the value of the buildings, and their
convenience for public worship, but also on
another ground. By an unavoidable associa
tion of ideas, men easily transfer to religion
itself that indifference, that contempt, which
they see manifested towards one of the means
of promoting it. It is in vain to say we have
a just and a sincere regard for religion ; we
know and we feel its infinite importance to tem
poral and eternal felicity ; and at the same time
permit those buildings, so essential to its dis
semination, to exhibit a spectacle at which the
good and the pious man, of whatever sect he
may be, must weep. No, brethren ! Your
very children will not be duped by so shallow a
pretext. They will draw for themselves that in
ference which you will never afterward be able to
shake. They will be cradled in a contempt for
religion. Yes ; this afflicting spectacle of an
object which ought to recall to the infant
mind, and to the minds even of the aged, the
awfui idea of a God, such as we worship, must
be fatal to religion and to virtue.
Let me then, brethren, earnestly exhort you,
in every parish to which the exhortation will
apply, and particularly in those parishes where
there may not be, at present, a stated minister,
carefully to attend to this important object ;
and let us evince externally, as well as inter
nally, that we have not forsaken the God who
made us, nor lightly esteemed the rock of our
salvation. This subject calls me to another very nearly
connected with it ; I mean, the situation of
your pastors. That some stipend should be
allowed for their support and that of their fami
lies, is obvious. The truth is acknowledged
by the facility with which a subscription is gen
erally obtained ; but, unfortunately for the pastor
and for religion, the collection too often proves
another mortifying truth, which I need not de
tail. It is not expected, it is not desired, that
the pastoral office should be burdensome to
those for whose instruction and benefit it was
instituted ; but, on the other hand, it can nei
ther be expected nor desired by the real friends
of religion, that the labours of that office should
receive so uncertain, so precarious a reward, as
not to afford the necessary support. In the
present state of society, nothing can be accom
plished without pecuniary aid. Your pastors,
though glowing with the zeal of martyrs, though
animated by the most ardent love for piety and
virtue, though urged by the strongest sense of
duty to God and to their Saviour, cannot devote
themselves to their holy functions, unless they
know that they may rely upon a certain stipu
lated income. No clergyman is so weak as to
expect to be enriched by his ministerial labours ;
but every one who discharges his duty with the
fidelity which becomes his station, and whose
life is, as it ought to be, a living gospel to his
parishioners, should in justice receive that
compensation at least which may enable him
to continue his utility. It is fortunate for you,
for themselves, and for society, that to the min
isterial office, your pastors generally add the

office of instructers of youth. In this double
capacity, they discharge duties the most inter
esting. It is certainly in the first period of edu
cation that the germe of future greatness is
either fostered with a genial warmth which en
sures its full development, or is bruised, stifled
perhaps, or deadened, by the murdering hand of
the instructer. Of what infinite importance,
then, is it not to parents and to their children,
to have in their own neighbourhood, or in their
parishes, schools under the guidance of men
whose profession and whose duty is the incul
cation and the practice of the sublimest moral
duties, while they are instilling into the infant
mind the first rudiments of science. Parents
ought to have the highest security that the pas
tor of their church will be the faithful guardian
of the morals and improvement of their chil
dren ; while the vicinity also of the school ena
bles parents to superintend the discharge of
this most important trust. It is true, and I re
joice at it, that the pastor frequently derives
from his labours, as instructer of youth, a rea
sonable competence ; but it is no less true, that
without this auxiliary resource, few could con
tinue their ministerial functions. They do not
find, that they who preach the gospel can live
by the gospel, though the Scriptures inform us
they should. But if this be the case, if it be a
melancholy truth that the ministers of our
church do not, as ministers, receive that sup
port which their labours merit, or which will
enable them to continue those iabours, the in
evitable consequence must be, so soon as this
generation is passed, that there will be neither
able pastors of our churches, nor confidential
pastoral instructers of our children. But, I
ask, who among us wishes to see the mournful
period arrive, when the attendants at the altar
shall no longer be men well instructed, well
educated in all liberal science ; men whose
minds, enlarged by true philosophy, and exalted
by sublime conceptions of the Deity, contain
within themselves the strongest stimulus to vir
tuous action, as well as the surest antidote to
a grovelling fanaticism, or a wild and extrava
gant enthusiasm, as inconsistent with the gos
pel as with reason 1 And yet arrive it must,
unless the only preventive which the case will
admit be strenuously applied. I exhort you,
then, adopt in your respective parishes some
certain mode, by which your pastors may be
assured of receiving the stipulated support
which you may find yourselves able and willing
to give. Let it be moderate, but let it be cer
tain. It is now no longer admitted to plead disaf
fection to the clergyman. He is a man of like
passions with yourselves. He may prove a re-
oreant in the cause of religion and virtue. If
such should be the fatal issue ; if he should de
part from the strictest adherence to those sa
cred duties which his profession enjoins ; if,
instead of being a light, he should become a
blot upon our church, the canon passed at our
last state Convention points out to you the
mode by which we may, as expeditiously as
justice will admit, purge off the foul stain.

CONVENTION OF 1799.

81

There still remains another subject which
ought not to be omitted in this short, but sin
cerely affectionate address.
Certainly, our best reason authorizes the be
lief, that the order of. the universe was not only
at first established, but is every moment main
tained, by the incessant agency of one Supreme
Mind. All the phenomena of this world, and
of other worlds, so far as we can trace them,
lead to the necessary conclusion of a presiding, as
well as a creating God. Nor is it less certain,
that our perceptions of moral distinctions, the ad
monitions of conscience, the irresistible impulse
whioh forces us to love virtue and to hate vice,
do all imply a conviction of the" moral adminis
tration of the universe. Man sees everywhere
clear indications of a connexion between virtue
and happiness, to which he must conform if he
would avoid misery. He sees eveiywhere a
system upheld by laws, both physical and moral, '
which never err ; and which, the more they
are investigated, the more do they evince the
beneficent design of the Creator. It is thus
that the mind acquires just ideas of the attri
butes of God, and from thence of the relatipn
we bear to him. The duties of religion follow
as a self-evident consequence. If infinite power,
infinite wisdom, infinite moral excellence be the
attributes of the Deity, must we not extend to
him, though in an infinite degree, all those affec
tions of veneration, of love, of gratitude and
confidence, which similar attributes in our fel
low-creatures, however vast the difference, never
fail to excite in the breast of every one who has
not lost the nature of a man ? Surely the cul
tivation of those affections, the establishment
of an habitual love and reverence for the Su
preme Being, is the first great branch of mo
rality ; nor is it possible that the virtue of that
man can be complete or consistent with itself,
whose mind is not acted upon, warmed, and
elevated by these first sentiments of piety, which
nature and reason so powerfully inculcate ; while,
on the other hand, it is impossible that exalted
virtue should not be the offspring of such senti
ments, wherever they are received, loved, and
cherished in all their purity. Can man conceive
just ideas of a God, can he believe in him as
the Creator, the protector of whatever exists,
but particularly as the frien.^ of innocence and
virtue, and not feel the strongest inducement to
practise every branch of his duty 1 Will not
conscience be to him the vicegerent of God?
Will not its whispers be to him the commands
of that Being whose' government can hate no
other object than the happiness and the perfec
tion of his creation? Can man extend his
views stilt further, and, aided by the combined
light of reason and revelation, contemplate him
self as the heir of immortal life ; can he enter
tain a just regard for an eternity of happiness ;
can he consider the connexion between that
happiness and virtue as indissoluble ; can he, in
a word, look intensely forward to a state of fu
ture rewards and punishments, and not be urge'd,
by the most irresistible motives, to love and to
practise the purest virtue 1 Who does not see
that religion thus becomes a species of authori

tative law, enforced by the most awful sanc
tions, and extending not merely to our actions,
but to our thoughts ? "In the case of the
great bulk of mankind," says an able modern
philosopher, "who are incapable of abstract spec
ulation, and whose moral feelings cannot be
supposed to have received much cultivation, it
is chiefly this view of religion, which is addressed
to their, hopes and fears, that secures a faithful
discharge of their social duties." Let us not,
then, suppress the truth, that religion, such as
the blessed Jesus presents to us, is essential to
private and to public, to temporal as well as
eternal felicity. Ah ! had men acted upon
this truth, had they cherished the spirit of our
holy religion and obeyed its precepts, instead
of desolation and misery, instead of those bit
ter potions of sorrow and wretchedness with
which ambition and impiety have drenched the
human race, righteousness and peace, justice
and benevolence, would long have flowed as
mighty streams throughout the .earth, gladden
ing the nations, and pouring through a thou
sand different channels prosperity, happiness,
and joy.
But, brethren, if reason, if revelation, if duty
and interest, "if the good order of society, if
every unbiased sentiment of the human heart,
if, in short, every consideration the most impor
tant to man, thus evinces the high and inestima
ble value of religion, it follows, undoubtedly,
that the abandonment of it must be fatal to
human happiness. This conclusion follows, or
we should be justified in the expectation of an
effect~when the only cause which can produce
it is removed. What then is the real fact?
Is not religion, I might not confine the question
to that sincere and ardent love for it which the
truly virtuous only feel, hut is not even the ap
pearance of religion almost laid aside, nay,
scoffed at, by the great bulk of society ! I do
not think it becomes me to dissemble this truth,
terrific as it really is ; nor do I think it nece's,-
sary, though the task would not be difficult, to
investigate the causes which have produced the
effect;' but I am convinced, deeply convinced,
that the affirmative cannot be denied. Do not
our days of public worship manifest this truth?
Does not the entire neglect of parents in the
religious instruction of their children manifest
this truth? Does not the rapid growth of im
morality in general, of profaneness and impiety ;
do not the beginnings of prodigious crimes ;
d-oes not that party rage, which, not content
with, blasting, by slander's envenomed breath,
the well-earned fame of honesty and worth, but,
tiger-like, thirsts even for the blopd of fellow-
citizens; do not all these effects demonstrate
that religion no longer dwells among us ? But,
indeed, I might save both you and myself the
trouble of these interrogatories, ahd ask, whether
there bo a truth more manifest to the mind's of
all, or one, which could be the cause of more
exultation to many ?
If such then be our situation, while the im
portance of religion is also such as we contend
for, what remains to be done ? Shall we, with
folded arms, await fee rising tempest' which

82

CONVENTION OF 1799.

threatens to shake this guilty land, and to sweep
with the besom of destruction these fair fabrics
of human wisdom, the proudest monuments of
republican virtue ; or shall we raise to Heaven
the only means which are left of averting the
impending ruin, and of conducting it silently
and imperceptibly from us? Between these
extremes, a wise man will not hesitate. He
will seize those means with avidity. He will
become the sincere and the active friend of
rational religion ; convinced that it is the only
foundation upon which good morals, and, con
sequently, private, social, and eternal happiness,
can securely rest. He will see that those pre
tended lovers of morality who tear it from
religion, leave a bleeding trunk and grasp a
withered bough. He will guard the sacred
trunk, nourish its roots, protect its branches,
and once more indulge the delicious hope of
enjoying the fruits of righteousness and of
peace. But in order that a specific mode may be
adopted which shall be the most likely to pro
duce the effect so devoutly to be wished, the
revival of a just sense of religion, permit me to
submit the following to every parish. — Let the
vestries assemble so soon as it may be conve
nient ; and let it then be proposed to enter into
a solemn engagement with each other, to use
every exertion to induce a regular attendance at
church, whenever an opportunity is presented ;
let them resolve to set the example ; let then-
attendance, with their families, be as constant
and uniform as possible ; and let each, being
provided with a prayer-book, join in the service,
as our church has directed. Let them also use
all their influence, by reasoning, by persuasion,
by such exhortations as may be thought most
proper, to induce their neighbours to adopt and
to carry into effect the same resolution. Let
them begin, seriously and heartily, to attend to
whatever concerns the interest of the church ;
and, for this purpose, to have regular quarterly
meetings. If those meetings could be held in
church, after divine service, I believe it would
often be found most convenient. Let also every
respectable and influential character who may
prefer our church, whether he be a vestryman
or not, resolve to give his assistance : let all join
zealously in this good work, and we should soon
see rational religion to revive among us. I do
not suppose that any one, who has voluntarily
undertaken the office of a vestryman, will object
to what has been here proposed, unless he can
suggest a better plan to effect the same purpose ;
but if any one should, a resignation would be a
benefit which he could have no reluctance in
conferring upon religion and the church.
It will not be objected to this proposal, that
we might thus have the show of religion, but
still want the reality. No ! I have a higher
idea of the attractive charms of religion than to
believe that they who frequent her courts, and
who come within the music of her voice, will
not learn to love her. I know that inattention
to religion produces indifference, and that indif
ference terminates in irreligion, in profaneness,
and impiety ; one effect thus becoming the pro

lific paient of other effects the most deadly to
individual, to domestic, and to social happiness.
The unnatural state of man is certainly that
which is diseased and polluted with moral tur
pitude ; which is rendered loathsome by crimes
rank and offensive to Heaven and earth. A
state of religion and of virtue is his only natural
state. The distinction between the religious
and the moral man is a cobweb, which may en
tangle the sophist himself; but he who loves
virtue, he who really practises moral duties,
will never, without some violence offered to his
nature, fall into the absurdity of neglecting the
God by whose appointment they are made
necessary to happiness. We need, then, to
arrest the progress of irreligion, only assemble
men once more as Christians ; we need only
accustom them to worship their God, to hear
instruction, and to see how amiable his taberna
cles are ; they will abandon the unnatural state,
they will return to that which is so congenial to
their nature ; they will gradually, repent, and
turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
We should behold, in a short tfme, how great a
matter a little fire kindlelh ; we should see the
love of God and man to warm the breasts of
fellow-citizens ; we should see a society where
each might say, We have wronged no man, we
have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no
man ; a society in which, instead of being hate
ful and hating one another, all bitterness, and
wrath, and clamour, and evil-speaking, and evil-
doing, would be put away from us.
To the soul frozen with apathy, or entirely
engrossed with its worldly pursuits ; to the man
who has so long abstracted himself from every
thought of religion, that it is not possible to find
even a few of its scattered rays emanating from
his breast, which we might concentre, and re
flect back upon himself in their collec ted warmth,
these ideas will appear vain and illusory, perhaps
extravagant and enthusiastic. Be it so. To
those who cherish virtue ; who know, from all
past and present experience, throughout every
period of civil history, that criminality has
always advanced in the same proportion as the
principle of religion has receded ; and that it is
more easy to recall men to a state which is
natural to- them, and in which their happiness is
placed by God himself, than to turn them from
it to one which is Unnatural, and consequently
miserable, to such I address myself with con
fidence. From such I hear the animating voice,
Come, let us make the noble effort ; it is reason,
it is patriotism, it is our best interest, it is grati
tude to our God, which persuades ; let us snatch
ourselves, our children, our country, from the
madness of libertinism, from the vortex of im
piety and irreligion, and let us revive the reign
of truth and justice, of peace and righteousness,
of love to God and man. Let us unite ; let us
act as fathers, as patriots, and as Christians ; let
us raise the parent of morality and happiness
from the dust ; and let us resolve henceforth to
become her protectors, her guardians, her truly
sincere and zealous friends.
Before such sentiments, such resolutions,
would not every obstacle vanish ? Would they

CONVENTION OF 1805.

83

not disappear, like the light down which the
wind chaseth from the mountain's top ? They
would. There is not a tongue which is not
ready to join in the response. See then the
conclusion. The means are certain ; they are
within jour power; nay, they invite you to
hasten to their adoption. If they be not adopt
ed, the consequences may be fatal to human
happiness. To your consciences, and to your
God, I leave the decision. If religion, such as
the wisest and the best of men approve, must
continue to decline — perish it cannot — nothing
remains for its real friends but the mantle of
mourning. I anticipate, however, a far different
event. Besides the hope of your exertions, a
ray of consolation seems to break forth from
another quarter. The cultivation of piety is
ranked by the most eminent writers among the
highest duties which a nation owes to itself.
Perhaps the time may not be far distant, when
the enlightened patriots of this country, in their
legislative capacities, conscious of this duty,
"knowing that nothing is so proper as piety to
strengthen virtue, and to give it its full extent ;"
and preferring the prevention of crimes to the
multiplication of sanguinary laws ; or the per
fection of citizens to their extermination ; will
bring forward some well-digested plan for the
security of this great object. Whether a gen
eral assessment, upon principles suited to the
nature of a free government, would not be the
most happy expedient, and productive of really
great and extensive public good, is a subject

well worthy of the most serious consideration of
every friend to virtue and genuine republicanism.
To you, reverend brethren, in particular, a
few words only shall be added. This is the
season for exertion. You will find, I trust, in
every parish, many good men, who will gladly
aid you. Consult with them ; exhort and en
courage each other ; unite your zeal with
theirs, and let not the overflowings of ungod
liness deter you from your duty. Extend your
care not only to your own parish, but to any
neighbouring parish which may not have a
minister. Make known to all the laws and
regulations which govern us as a Christian so
ciety ; excite all to a diligent observance of
them ; and be the first to set the example. Be
zealous for the glory of our God, walk in all his
ordinances blameless, and in every thing keep
a conscience void of offence. Be ever im
pressed with this truth, the most important to
us and to religion, that, to be useful, we must
be respected ; and to be respected, we must be
truly good. Prudence, mildness, benevolence,
charity for all men, wisdom and piety, active,
zealous, but liberal ; — great God ! with these
virtues clothe the ministers, of thy gospel.
And now, brethren, I commend you to God,
and to the word of his grace, which is able to
build you up, and to give you an inheritance
among all them that are sanctified. James Madison,
Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal
Church in Virginia.

From the best information which the author has been able to collect, the depressed condition
of the church led to the entire discontinuance of the Conventional meetings for several years,
There will therefore be found irregularity in the Journals from this period up to 1812. All that
could be procured are published.

Journal of a Special Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Virginia, held at the
Capitol- in the City of Richmond, May 7th, 1805.

On Tuesday, the 7th of May, in the year of
our Lord 1805, being the day appointed for a
special meeting of the Convention of the Prot
estant Episcopal Church at the Capitol in the
city of Richmond, a sufficient number of mem
bers having attended to form a Convention, the
Rev. Abner Waugh read prayers, after which the
Rt. Rev. Dr. Madison took his seat as president.
Charles Marshall was appointed secretary to
the Convention.
An address suitable to the occasion was de
livered by the president.
The deputies then delivered in at the secre
tary's table the certificates of their appoint
ments. Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. M'Norton and
Mr. Ambler be appointed a committee to ex
amine the certificates of the deputies attending,
and report to the Convention.
The committee appointed to examine the cer
tificates of members attending reported, That
F2

the returns made from the parishes of Berkeley,
Bruton, Christ's Church, Fredericksville, Ham
ilton, Henrico, Elizabeth River, James City,
Manchester, St. Mark, Southam, St. Stephen,
St. Martin, Shelburne, Wicomico, Ware, St.
James Northam, Cumberland, and Bath, were
conformably to the canons.
The Rev. Abner Waugh, Sewall Chapin, and
Andrew Syme, appeared without certificates ;
and the Convention being satisfied that they
were regularly ordained ministers, and in the
following parishes, to wit : the Rev. Abner
Waugh in the parish of St. Mary's (Caroline),
the Rev. Andrew Syme of the parish of Bris
tol, the Rev. Sewall Chapin in the parish of
Westover, and Godfrey Davenish, Master of an
Academy, King William, were severally per
mitted to take their seats in Convention without
certificates. The Convention was than composed of the
following membars, viz ,-—

84

CONVENTION OF 1805.

"'Clerical Deputies.
Hugh Coran Boggs,
Daniel M'Norton,
Matthew Murray, D. D.,
Charles O'Neal,
James Madison (B. and P.),

James Whitehead, D. D.,
Duncan M'Naughton,
John Dunn,
John Buchanan, D. D,,

Lay Deputies.
Robert Greenhow,
James. Ball,
John Walker,
Charles Marshall,
John Ambler,
David Patteson,
James A. Patterson
William Broadus,
William Bently,
John Hull,
William Fontaine,
Richard Gaskins,
Richard Banum,

A

John Cameron, D. D.,
Wright Tucker,
Abner Waugh,
Godfrey Davenish, Master of an Academy,
Sewall Chapin,
Andrew Syme,

John Curd,
Edmund P. Bacon,
John Walker,

Parishes.
Berkeley.
Bruton.Christ's Church.
Fredericksvillfe.
Hamilton.
James City.
Manchester.Elizabeth River.
St. Mark.
Southam.St. Stephen.
St. Martin.
Shelburne.
Wicomico.Ware. Henrico. St. James.
Cumberland.
Bath. St. Mary.
King William,
Westover. Bristol.

Resolved, That Mr. Ambler, Mr. Fontaine,
Rev. Mr. M'Norton, and Rev. Mr. Waugh, be
appointed a committee to examine the treasu
rer's accounts and report, &c.
Resolved, That the Rev. Doctor Cameron,
the Rev. Doctor Buchanan, the Rev. James
Whitehead, the Rev. Daniel M'Norton, the
Rev. Matthew Murray, the Rev. Hugh Coran
Boggs, the Rev. Abner Waugh, Mr. Walker,
Mr. Ball, Mr. Ambler, Mr. Greenhow, Mr.
Fontaine, Mr. Broadus, and. Mr. Marshall, be
appointed a committee to take under considera
tion the subjects mentioned in the president's
address this day delivered, and also the general
business to be laid before the Convention, and
report their opinion of the measures necessary
to be adopted, and that the president be re
quested to attend the said committee.
Resolved, That the Convention do to-morrow
form themselves into a committee of the whole, to
take under consideration the state of the church.
Resolved, That the thanks of this Conven
tion be given to the Right Rev. Doctor Madi
son for his well-timed and judicious address.
Resolved, That the visiters of districts who
are present, give as accurate information as
they can to the secretary, of the officiating
clergy within their respective vestry districts.
Ordered, That the Convention do adjourn un
til to-morrow morning, 9 o'clock.
Wednesday, May 8th, 1805.
The Convention met according to adjourn
ment. Prayers were read by the Rev. Mr.
Young, and a sermon delivered by the Rev.
Mr. Dunn.
The Rev. John Bracken, D. D,, ofthe parish'
of Bruton, appeared and took his seat.
Certificates from the clerk of Washington
parish, from the Wardens Of Elizabeth City
parish, from Drysdale parish.,--end from Fred
erick parish, were severally handed in at the

secretary's table, and, upon being examined by
the committee appointed for that purpose, were
found to be conformable to the canons ; where
upon the Rev. James Elliott and Daniel Car-
michael, deputies from the parish of Washing
ton, the Rev. Benjamin Brown and John Coop
er, deputies from the parish of Elizabeth City,
Wilham Syme, a lay deputy from the parish of
Drysdale, and Gilbert Page, a lay deputy from
the parish of Frederick, severally took their seats.
The committee appointed yesterday to take
under consideration the president's address, and
also the general business to be laid before the
Convention, returned a report in part, which
was delivered in at the secretary's table, where
it was read.
Resolved, That the Convention form them
selves into a committee of' the whole on the
state of the church.
The Convention then formed themselves into
a committee of the whole, to take under consid
eration the report of the select committee, Mr.
David -Patteson in the chair ; and att3r some
time spent, the committee rose, reported, and
asked leave to sit again.
Mr. David Patteson reported, That the com
mittee of the whole had gone through the re
port of the select committee, and agreed to the
same, with an amendment, which he delivered
in at the secretary's table.
Resolved, That the said report lie on the table,
and be made the order of the day for to-morrow.
The Rev. John Bracken and Robert Page
were added to the committee appointed to take
under consideration the president's address, and
the general business to be laid before the Con
vention. Ordered, That the Convention be adjourned
until to-morrow morning, 9 o'clock.
Thursday, May 9th, 1805.
The Convention met according to adjourn-

CONVENTION OF 1805.

85

ment. Prayers were read by the Rev. John
Buchanan. The Convention then proceeded
to consider the report yesterday made from the
committee of the whole on the state of the
church, and which was made the order of the
day. f i
The said report having been debated by sec
tions, received several amendments, and was
afterward read by the secretary as amended.
Resolved, That the said report, as amended,
be agreed to.
Resolved, That a canon in conformity to the
said report be prepared and reported to the
Convention. A canon conformably to the said report was
then presented, as follows :
A Canon for the effectual government of the
Protestant Episcopal Church in this State.
Whereas the present state of the Prot
estant Episcopal Church in Virginia has ex
perienced many and great inconveniences from
the want of such regulations and provisions as
the good and wholesome government of the
said church required, and from the nonper
formance of existing canons ; Now, in order
that such inconveniences may be removed, so
far as lieth in this Convention, and that the
rules and canons of the said church, and also
those of the General Convention, may be
strictly observed and enforced in all time to
come, that all the members of the said church,
whether clergymen or laymen, may be excited
to the most zealous and commendable exertions
to further,' by all justifiable means, the future
prosperity of the church,
Be it ordained, That every minister shall lay
before each Convention a full statement of the
church within his care, which shall exhibit not
only the numbers of his congregation or con
gregations, but of their increase or decrease,
the number of communicants, the support which
he receives, the attention paid to the preservation
of the church or churches, the state of psalm
ody, the use of the Book of Common Prayer,
and the general observance of the ordinances.
Sec. 2d. Every minister shall take due care
. that vestries be regularly elected, that the rules
of the church be read agreeably to a canon pro
vided fdr that purpose, and shall once at least
in every year preach a sermon upon the neces^
sity of knowing and adhering to the rules ofthe
church, and use every exertion to instruct the
rising generation in the principles of Christianity
and of our church.
Sec. 3d. Every minister shall attend Con
ventions, unless in case of sickness or other
sufficient reason, of which each succeeding
Convention shall be notified and judge.
Sec. 4th. In any case of nonobservance of
these regulations, the sentence shall be admo
nition, censure, or suspension.
Sec. 5th. Any lay member of the church,
conducting himself in a manner unworthy of a
Christian, may be, and ought to be, admonished
by the minister and vestry of the parish or con
gregation ; and if .such member persevere in
such conduct, he shall be suspended or expelled

by the minister and vestry ; in which case he
may appeal to the Convention, who shaff have
power to confirm or reject the -sentences
Resolved, That the said canon do pass, and
the title thereof be, " A canon for the effectual
government of the Protestant Episcopal Church
in this state."
Resolved, That the treasurer be directed to
take measures for compiling into one volume all
the canons and resolutions, as well of the gen
eral as State Conventions, which shall have been
heretofore made and are now in force, for the
government ofthe Protestant Episcopal Church ;
and that he cause two hundred copies to be im
mediately printed, and distributed among the
ministers and laymen of the several parishes
within this state, who shall hold such copies for
the use of their respective vestries, and shall
submit them, when desired, to the inspection of
parishioners. Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. M'Norton, the
Rev. Mr. Whitehead, D. D., the Rev. Mr.
Bracken, D. D., the Rev. Mr. Boggs, Mr. Walk
er, Mr. Ambler, and Mr. Page, be appointed a
committee to bring in a canon amendatory of
the canon concerning presbyteries.
Resolved, That the thanks of this Convention
be given to the Rev. Mr. Dunn for his excel
lent sermon preached yesterday.
The committee appointed to examine- the
treasurer's accounts, returned their report that
there was a balance remaining in his hands of
671. 12s. 7d.
Resolved, That the said account and report
do pass.
The committee appointed to take into con
sideration the subjects mentioned in the presi
dent's address, and also the general business to be
laid before the Convention, reported, That they
had, according to order, again taken those sub
jects into their consideration, and had agreed to
several resolutions thereupon, which were de
livered in at the secretary's table : which reso
lutions are in the words following, to wit : —
Whereas the great question of the title to
the glebe-lands belonging to the Protestant
Episcopal Church, in the estimation of this
committee, remains yet undecided ; and this
committee, considering the law of this common
wealth, passed in the year 1802, authorizing the
overseers of the poor to expose to sale all va
cant glebes, to be unconstitutional, as interfering
with a title completely vested in the Episcopal
Church, and subversive of private right ; and
this committee, feeling an ardent desire to de
fend the rights of the fehurch, they therefore
recommend to the Convention; for their adoption,
the following resolutions : — -
Resolved, That the bishop and standing com
mittee be authorized and requested to pursue to
the end the defence of the rights and property
of the churches aforesaid.
Resolved, That this Convention will endeav
our, by contribution from the several parishes or
otherwise, to raise a fund for the purpose of
defraying any and all expenses wliich may he
incurred in the protection and maintenance of
the rights aforesaid.

86

CONVENTION OF 1803.

These resolutions, after being read, were
agreed to.
A resolution from the same committee was
delivered in at the secretary's table, arid, after
being read, was agreed to in the words follow
ing : —
Resolved, That it shall be the duty of the vis
iter of each district in the state, to report as
soon as possible to the bishop and standing com
mittee all the parishes within his district, with
the name of each parish, what parishes have
incumbents, who those are, what parishes are
vacant, what glebes have been sold, and what
are in a state of litigation ; and that it be the
duty of the bishop and standing committee to
report the result to the next Convention.
Resolved, That the committee appointed to
take into consideration the subjects mentioned
in the president's address, and also the general
business to be laid before the Convention, be
discharged from further proceeding.
Whereas the bishop has represented to this
Convention, that from want of bodily strength,
and from sundry necessary and official occupa
tions, he finds himself unable to discharge the
whole of the arduous and important duties an
nexed to that office ; Resolved, That it is ex
pedient an assistant bishop be appointed.
Ordered, That the said resolution be commit
ted to a committee of the whole on the state of
the church.
The Convention then formed themselves into
a committee of the whole on the state of the
church, Mr. D. Patteson in the chair ; and af
ter some time spent therein, the committee
rose, and the chairman reported, That the com
mittee had, according to order, taken the said
resolution under consideration, and had directed
him to report the same without amendment.
The Convention then took the report of the
committee of the whole into consideration, and
agreed thereto.
Resolved, That the nomination of an assist
ant bishop be postponed until the next Conven
tion. Resolved, That it be recommended to the
clergy in their respective cures, to embrace
every opportunity of visiting their parishioners,
accompanying those visits with instructions suit
able to their sacred office, insisting on the ne
cessity of religion to the happiness of man, the
duty incumbent on all parents to instruct their
children in the principles of Christianity, the
advantages arising from family worship, and a
pointed attendance on the public worship of our
church. The said resolution being first read by the sec
retary, and then by the president, was agreed to.
A resolution respecting itinerant ministers
was delivered in at the secretary's table ; and af
ter being read, Resolved, That the said resolu
tion be committed to the Rev. John Bracken,
D. D., the Rev. Mr. Whitehead, D. D., the
Rev. Mr. Boggs, the Rev. Mr. M'Norton, Mr.
Walker, Mr. Ambler, and Mr. Page, to make a
report on the same.
Ordered, That the Convention adjourn until
to-nfdrrdw morning, 10 o'clock.

Friday, May 10, 1806.
The Convention met according to adjourn
ment. The Rev. Matthew Murray, D. D., read pray
ers. The committee to whom was referred the res
olution concerning itinerant missionaries re
ported, That they had, according to order, taken
into consideration the subject, and had come to
a resolution thereupon, which was delivered in
at the secretary's table, and, after being twice
read, was agreed to, as follows : —
Whereas many parishes in this state are with
out pastors, so that the members of the Prot
estant Episcopal Church residing therein have
no opportunity of hearing the doctrines of our
church explained and inculcated, and of having
its several ordinances administered : And where
as it is believed that the interests of religion
will be promoted by the mission of suitable char
acters in the several districts within this state,
for the purpose of explaining and inculcating
those doctrines, and of administering such or
dinances : Resolved, That it be recommended
to the bishop and standing committee to select
so many suitable characters as they shall deem
necessary, from time to time, for the objects
aforesaid ; and that, previous to such missions,
due notice shall be given, by circular letters or
otherwise, to the minister and vestry, or, where
there is no vestry, to some respectable member
or members of each parish, whose duty it shall
be to promote a subscription for the compensa
tion of such travelling ministers, and that the sev
eral sums so raised be forwarded to the treasurer
of the church, subject to the management and
disposal of the bishop and standing committee.
Resolved, That the Rev. Dr. Buchanan be
appointed treasurer of the church for the ensu
ing year.
Resolved, That the next Convention be held
in the city of Richmond.
Resolved, That the treasurer be directed to
report to the next Convention what parishes
have failed in payment of the annual requisi
tions, with a statement of the amount of the ar
rearages due from each delinquent parish j and, in
the meantime, that he shall transmit to the minis
ter and vestry, or, where there shall be no minis-
terorvestry, to some respectable member of such
delinquent parish, a statement of the balances
due from such parish.
Resolved, That Cyrus Griffin, Joseph Prentis,
James Henderson, Champion Travis, John
Bracken, and Robert Greenhow, be appointed a
standing committee for the ensuing year.
The thanks of this Convention were unani
mously given to Charles Marshall, for his atten
tion to the duty of secretary.
Ordered, That the treasurer pay to the Right
Rev. Dr. Madison one hundred and fifty dol
lars, for his services as bishop for the last year.
Resolved, That the Reverend Mr. Duncan
M'Naughton, the Rev. Mr. Davenish, and the
Rev. Mr. Boggs, be each of them requested to
prepare a sermon, to be preached before the next
Convention. Resolved, That the treasurer pay five dollars

CONVENTION OF 1812.

87

to the person who has acted as doorkeeper to
the Convention.
Resolved, That it be recommended to the
bishop and standing committee to call the next
Convention to meet on the first Tuesday in
May, 1806.
Resolved, That two hundred copies of the
Journal be printed, under the direction of the
Rev. Mr. Buchanan, D. D., and that two copies
be furnished to each parish.
The Convention then adjourned.
Attest, Charles Marshall, Secretary.
A Canon to amend the Canon entitled "A
Canon concerning Conventions." [Passed in
May, 1803.]
Fifteen deputies, qualified or appointed agree

ably to the canon concerning Conventions, shall
be a Convention, any thing in the said canon
concerning Conventions notwithstanding : And
there shall be a Convention of the Protestant
Episcopal Church in this state on the" fourth
Tuesday of May in every year, instead' of the
first Tuesday of May, in such place as shall be
agreed on by the Convention. Provided al
ways, That for the altering or framing of a canon,
twenty-five members at least shall be neces
sary.
A Canon for the effectual government of the
Protestant Episcopal Church in this State.
[Passed in May, 1805.]
See Journal of May 9th, 1805.

Journal of a Special Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Virginia, held at the
Capitol in the City of Richmond, May 13th, 1812.

On Wednesday, the 13th of May, in the year
of our Lord 1812, being the day appointed for
the special meeting of the Convention of the
Protestant Episcopal Church in Virginia, at the
capitol in the city of Richmond, a sufficient
number of members having attended to form a
Convention, the Rev. Mr. Strebeck read prayers,
after which the Rev. Dr. John Bracken was
chosen president, and George Deneale, Esq.
was appointed secretary.
The clerical and lay deputies then delivered
¦in at the secretary's table the certificates of
their appointment.
On motion, Resolved, That the Rev. John

Cameron, the Rev. John Buchanan, and Mr.
William Moore, be appointed a committee to
examine the certificates aforesaid, and to report
thereon. The said committee shortly after reported,
That the returns made from the parishes of
Bristol, Lynnhaven, Cumberland, Manchester,
Henrico, Lyttleton, Staunton, St. Mark, Christ
Church, Alexandria, St. George, Wicomico,
Suffolk, Berkeley, Bruton, and Antrim, were con
formable to the canons.
The Convention was then composed of the
following members, viz. : —

Clerical Deputies.
Rev. Andrew Syme,
Anthony Walke,
John Cameron,
John Buchanan,
William King,
John Woodville,

William Meade,
George Strebeck,
Samuel Low,
Jacob Keeling,
Hugh C. Boggs,
John Bracken,
Alexander HavJ

Lay Deputies.
William Moore,

David Patteson,
Alexander M'Rae,
Codrington Carrington,
George Turner,
Robert Slaughter,
Raleigh W. Downman, )
John M- Smith, )
George Deneale,
William S. Stone,
Thomas Gaskins,
Thomas H. P. Goodwyn,

On motion made by the Rev. Dr. Cameron,
Resolved, That a committee be appointed to
take into consideration the expediency of amend
ing the canon concerning vestries and trustees,
passed in May, 1799, which resolution was re
ferred to the Rev. Mr. Cameron, Rev. Mr.
Walke, Rev. Mr. Boggs, Mr. M'Rae, arid Mr.
Patteson. On motion made and seconded, Resolved,
That a committee be appointed to amend the
canon entitled a canon concerning Conventions,
passed in May, 1803, which resolution was also

Parishes.
Bristol.Lynnhaven.Cumberland.Manchester.Henrioo.Littleton.
Staunton. St. Mark.
.Christ Church.
Alexandria. St. George.
Wicomico. Suffolk.
Berkeley.Bruton. Antrim.

referred to the Rev. Mr. Cameron, Rev. Mr.
Walke, Rev. Mr. Boggs, Mr. M'Rae and Mr.
Patteson. On motion, Resolved, That Mr. Robert
Slaughter and Mr. William B. Stone be ap
pointed a committee to examine the treasurer's
accounts, and to report thereon.
A motion was made and seconded, That a
committee be appointed to consider the ex
pediency of amending the 7th canon; and on
the question being put, it passed in the affirma
tive. The following gentlemen were accord-

Convention of mi.

ingly appointed, viz. : the Rev. Mr. Cameron,
Rev. Mr. Walke, Rev. Mr. Boggs, Rev. Mr.
Meade, Rev. Mr. Hay, Mr. M'Rae, Mr. Patte
son, Mr. Gaskins, and Mr. Downman.
A certificate from Frederick parish was laid
on the secretary's table by Mr. Edward M'Guire,
showing his appointment as a lay deputy from
the said parish ; which, on examination, was
found to be conformable to the canons, and Mr.
M'Guire took his seat accordingly.
The Rev. Alexander Hay, from Antrim parish,
presented a report agreeably to a canon "for the
effectual government of the Protestant Episco
pal Church in this state."
On a motion made, it was unanimously Re
solved, That the Rev. Dr. Bracken be requested
to deliver a sermon to-morrow morning at
11 o'clock.
The Convention then adjourned until to
morrow morning 1 1 o'clock.
Thursday, 14th May, 1812.
The Convention met, agreeably to adjourn
ment, at 11 o'clock. Present the same mem
bers as yesterday. Divine service was per
formed, and a sermon preached by the Rev. Dr.
Bracken; after which, Resolved, That the thanks
of this Convention be given to the Rev. Dr.
Bracken, for the excellent sermon he delivered.
On a motion made and seconded, the Con
vention resolved itself into a committee of the
whole on the state of the church, Mr. Moore
in the chair ; and after some time spent therein,
the committee rose, and the chairman reported,
That the committee had come to the following
resolutions, viz. : —
Resolved, That it is expedient that the stand
ing committee should -address, and they are
hereby requested to address, a circular letter to
the minister and vestrymen of each parish in this
state, or to the vestry, where there is no minister,
calling on them in the most urgent manner to
carry into effect " the canon for the effectual gov
ernment of the Protestant Episcopal Church in
this state ;" and also the fortieth canon of the
General Convention of the Protestant Episco
pal Church. And also, Resolved, Thaf the stand
ing committee be requested to address the min
ister and vestry of each parish, or the vestry,
where there is no minister, urging them to com
ply with the annual requisition for the general
purposes of the church.; which said resolutions
having been twice severally read, were agreed
to by the Convention.
A motion was made, That, when the Conven
tion adjourns, it adjourn to the hour of five this
afternoon, for the purpose of taking into con
sideration the propriety of electing a bishop for
this state, which motion was agreed to.
The committee to whom was referred the
settlement of the treasurer's accounts reported,
That they had performed that duty, and found said
accounts to be correctly stated and supported by
vouchers, and that there remained in the treas
urer's hands a balance of 52/. 2s. Id., which report
was received and approved by the Convention.
The Convention then adjourned till 5 o'clock
P.M.

Thursday, 5 o'clock P. M. — The Conven
tion met agreeably to adjournment.
The chairman of the committee appointed to
take into consideration the expediency of amend
ing the canon concerning vestries and trustees,
passed in May, 1799, reported it to be the
opinion of the committee, That it is inexpedient
at this time to alter in any manner whatever
any part of the canon aforesaid ; which report
having been twice read, was agreed to by the
Convention. The chairman of the committee appointed to
amend the canon concerning Conventions, pass
ed in May, 1803, reported, That the said com
mittee had, according to order, maturely con
sidered whether any, and if any, what amend
ments were necessary to the said canon, and
had agreed to the following, to wit : that in the
first line thereof the word nine should be in
serted in place of the word fifteen ; and that in
the last line but one, the word fifteen should be
inserted instead of the words twenty-five ; which
said several amendments having been duly read,
were agreed to by the Convention ; artd a canon
conformably thereto was accordingly prepared
and submitted : the said canon having been
read a first ahd second time, was ordered to be
engrossed, and read a third time ; and having
been so read, was passed. Ordered, That the
title of the said canon be, " A canon to amend
the canon entitled a canon to amend the canon
entitled a canon concerning Conventions."
The chairman of the committee appointed to
consider the expediency of amending the 7th
canon reported, That, according to order, the
said committee having maturely considered the
propriety of amending the same, had agreed to
the following amendments, to. wit : That all the
words ofthe first section, from the word "cler
gymen" in the eighth line, to the word " the" in
the thirteenth line, shall be stricken out, and that
in lieu thereof be inserted the following words,
viz. . and vestrymen as he or they may deem
proper; and also, that the whole of the third
section of the said canon be expunged there
from : which said several amendments having
been duly considered, were 3greed to by the
Convention. A canon was then prepared in
conformity to the said amendments, which
canon having been read a first and second time,
was ordered to be engrossed, and read a third
time ; and after being engrossed, having been so
read, was passed. Ordered, That the title of the
said canon be, "A canon to amend thecanon en
titled a canon to amend the canon entitled a
canon concerning offences, and the mode of pro
ceeding against offending ministers."
The Rev. William H. Wilmer and Mr.
Charles Page appeared and produced certifi
cates of their election as deputies from St.
Paul's Church, in Alexandria ; which, on exam
ination, were found to be conformable to the
canons, and they took their seats accordingly.
A motion was made and seconded, That the
Convention do now proceed to the appointment
of deputies to the next General Convention to be
holden in Philadelphia ; and on the question
being put, it passed in the affirmative; the Rev,

CONVENTION OF 1813.

89

Doctor Bracken, the Rev. Mr. Wilmer, Mr.
M'Rae, and Mr. M'Guire, were accordingly ap
pointed. On motion of the Rev. Mr. Hay, leave is
granted him to withdraw his report laid on the
table yesterday.
The expediency of electing a bishop was next
considered, according to the resolution of this
morning, whereupon, Resolved, That it is ex
pedient that the Convention do now proceed to
the choice of a bishop. The Rev. Mr. Bu
chanan having nominated the Rev. Dr. Brack
en, the members then proceeded to ballot ; and
the ballots being received, the Rev. Mr. Bu
chanan and Mr. M'Rae were appointed a com
mittee to count the same. The said committee
having performed that duty, reported, That they
found the ballots to be, for the Rev. Dr. Brack
en, 22, and for the Rev. Mr. Boggs, 3 ; and
thereupon the Rev. John Bracken, D. D., was
declared to be duly elected Bishop of the Prot
estant Episcopal Church in this state.
On motion, Resolved, That the Convention
do now proceed to the election of a treasurer ;
and thereupon the Rev. Mr. Buchanan was
duly elected.
On motion made by Mr. M'Rae, and seconded,
Resolved, unanimously, That the Rev. Mr.
Meade be requested to deliver a sermon to
morrow. On motion, Resolved, That the Rev. Mr.
Dennis, the Rev. Mr. Halson, Mr. Wilson
Miles Cary, Mr. James Henderson, Mr. Alex
ander Campbell, and Mr. Anthony Robinson, be
appointed a standing committee, agreeably to the
8th canon. Resolved, That two hundred copies
of the Journal be printed, with the canons an
nexed, under the direction of the Rev. Mr.
Buchanan and Mr. M'Rae, and that the. same

be distributed among the several parishes in
this state.
A motion was made and seconded, That the
Convention do now proceed to the appointment
of a clerical deputy, in the room of the Rev.
Dr. Bracken, elected bishop, to the next General
Convention ; and on the question being taken,
it passed in the affirmative, and the Rev. Mr.
Strebeck was appointed accordingly.
Then the Convention adjourned until to
morrow morning 9 o'clock.
John Bracken, President.
Friday, 15th May, 1812.
The Convention met agreeably - to adjourn
ment, and the president being absent, the Rev.
Mr. Boggs was requested to. take the chair.
A motion was made and seconded, That the
Convention appoint two clerical and two lay
deputies, in addition to those heretofore ap
pointed, to attend the next General Convention
in Philadelphia ; and the question being put,
it passed in the affirmative. The Rev. Mr.
Meade, the Rev. Mr. Boggs, Mr. Deneale, and
Mr. Patteson, were accordingly appointed.
Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. Wilmer, the
Rev. Mr. Strebeck, and the Rev. Mr. Wood-
ville, be each of them requested to prepare a ser
mon to be preached before the next Convention.
Resolved, unanimously, That the thanks of
this Convention be given to George Deneale,
Esq., for his services as their secretary.
Resolved, That this Convention do now ad
journ, to meet again on the fourth Tuesday in
May, in the year of our Lord 1813, in the city
of Richmond.
The Convention then adjourned.
Hugh C, Boggs.
Attest, G. Deneale, Secretary.

Journal of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the State of Virginia, held at the
Capitol, ih the City of Richmond, from May 25th to May %6th, 1813, both inclusive.

Tuesday, May 25.
According to the adjournment of the last
Convention, the following gentlemen of the
clergy and laity assembled at the capitol, viz-. :
Rev. Dr. Cameron, Mr. James M'Farland,
Cumberland; Rev. Dr. Buchanan, Henrico;
Rev. Andrew Syme, Mr. William Moore, Bris
tol ; Rev. Samuel.Low, Mr. Joseph Ball, Wi
comico ; Rev. Wright Tucker, Bath ; Rev.
John Dunn, Shelburne ; Mr. David Patteson,
Manchester ; Mr. Anthony Crease, Alexandria ;
Mr. James Mosely, Lynnhaven.
It being late before a sufficient number to
form a quorum had convened, they resolved to
adjourn until to-morrow.
Wednesday, May 26th.
The Convention met pursuant to adjourn
ment, and the Rev. Mr. Meade read prayers.
After which the Rev. Doctor Bracken was
chosen president, and Mr. Anthony Crease, sec
retary. Resolved, That the Rev. Dr. Cameron, Mr.

Syme, and Mr. Patteson, be a committee to
examine the testimonials of the deputies to this
Convention, and to report thereon. They were
accordingly appointed, and reported, That the
following persons have exhibited the requisite
credentials, and are entitled tb seats, viz. : —
Lay Deputies — Rev. John Bracken, D. D.,
Bruton ; Rev. John Buchanan, D. D., Mr. John
Adams, Henrico ; Rev. Andrew Syme, Mr.
William Moore, Bristol ; Rev. Wright Tucker,
Bath ; Rev. John Cameron, Mr. James M'Far
land, Cumberland ; Mr. Anthony Crease, Alex
andria ; Mr. David Patteson, Manchester ; Mr.
Samuel Wilson, Littleton ; Rev. Samuel Low,
Mr. Joseph Ball, Mr. William Lee Ball, Wico
mico, Christ Church ; Mr. James Mosely, Lynn
haven ; Rev. John Dunn, Shelburne ; Rev.
William Meade, Frederick.
The Rev. Dr. Bracken, who was elected
bishop of the church in this state by the last
Convention, gave in his resignation thereof,
1 which was accepted.
Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. Syme, Messrs.

90

CONVENTION OF 1813.

Patteson and Moore, be a committee to examine
the treasurer's account, and report thereon.
Resolved, That the Convention do now pro
ceed to the election of a treasurer ; and there
upon the Rev. Dr. Buchanan was unanimously ,
chosen. Resolved, That the treasurer do apply the
funds accrued and accruing in such manner as
he may deem expedient for its interest.
The committee to whom was referred the
examination of the treasurer's account report,
That they had performed that duty, and found
the account to be correctly stated, and support
ed by vouchers ; and that the sum remaining in
the hands of the treasurer amounts to 1002.
5«. Id. Resolved, That the Convention do
concur in the said report.
The report on the state of the church in
each parish, required by the canon, was called
for, and the following gentlemen complied with
the request, viz. : — The Rev. Drs. Bracken and
Buchanan, the Rev. Messrs. Syme, Low, Cam
eron, Tucker, and Dunn, and Mr. Anthony
Crease. The Rev. Mr. Anthony Walke hav
ing in the course of the day appeared and taken
his seat, gave in his report also.
Resolved, That the said reports be referred
to the treasurer.
Resolved, That the Convention do now pro
ceed to the election of a standing committee for
the ensuing year ; whereupon the following per
sons were chosen : — The Rev. John Dunn,
William H. Wilmer, Oliver Norris, the Hon.
Bushrod Washington, Nicholas Fitzhugh, and
Edmund I. Lee, Esq.
The Rev. Oliver Norris was elected to repre
sent this state in the next General Convention,
instead of Mr. Strebeck, who has removed;
and the election of the gentlemen by the last
Convention was confirmed.
The following resolution was submitted and

parishes in this state, be, and* are hereby re
quested, to use their best endeavours, either by
subscriptions or otherwise, to promote this ob
ject, and to forward the amount of the sums
thus raised to the treasurer, at or before the
meeting of the next Convention.
Resolved, That the members, of this church
generally are hereby most earnestly entreated
to consider the necessity of adopting zealous
measures for the restoration of religion- among
us ; that they endeavour to manifest their grati
tude to Almighty God, and their sense of the
awful importance of his blessed revelation ; that
they consider the unspeakable rewards they
will receive from that gracious Master to whom
they belong, whose goodness demands the
warmest returns of love, duty, and obedience ;
and that they will contribute, to the utmost in
their power, to render this most acceptable ser
vice to his cause.
Resolved, That the standing committee do
frame an address on the state of the church ; and
that they cause to be printed thereof 200 copies,
and to address them in the form of a circular let
ter, and accompanied by the Journal, to the min
ister and vestry of each parish, and to such other
persons as may be likely, in their judgment, to
promote the interest of the church.
Contributions from the following parishes
were received, and paid into the hands of the
treasurer, viz. : —

Whereas, from the destitute state of the
churches in this state, many piously disposed
persons, who are attached to the doctrine, wor
ship, and discipline of the Protestant Episcopal
Church, are deprived of the means of worship
ping God according to her venerable forms,
to the great unhappiness of hemselves, as well
as to the great detriment of the church at large,
Resolved, therefore, That it is expedient to
raise a fund for the purpose of aiding in the sup
port of such clergymen of piety and talents as
may be obtained, to perform divine service in
such districts in the state as may be assigned
them by the Convention.
Resolved, That the clergy and vestry, or any
influential members of the church in the several

I. s. d.

Bristol,

. . .

4 10 0

Antrim,

. - .

3 0 0

Cumberland, -

- -

4 10 0

Bath, - -

-

4 10 0

Wicomico, -

-

4 10 0

Lancaster (Christ Church),

4 10 0

Henrico,

-

9 0 0

Manchester, -

3 0 0

Shelburne, -

-

4 10 0

Bruton, -

-

4 }0 0

Bristol,

- -

4 10 0

Alexandria, -

4 10 0
The balance before on hand,
55 00 0
100 5 1
155 5 1
Now in the treasury,
Resolved, That 200 copies of the Journal be
printed, under the superintendence of the Rev,
William H. Wilmer and Mr. Anthony Crease.
Resolved, That the Convention do now ad
journ, to meet at Richmond, on the first Wednes
day in May, in the year 1814.
Adjourned. John Bracken, President.
Anthony Crease, Secretary,
CONVENTION OF 1814.

91

Journal of a Special Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Virginia, held at the
Capitol in the City of Richmond, May ith, 1814.

At a special meeting of the members- of the
Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church
of the State of -Virginia, held at the capitol in
the city of Richmond, on Wednesday, the 4th
day of May, 1814,
A sufficient number of members appearing to
form a Convention, Samuel Greenhow was ap
pointed secretary ; the Convention then pro
ceeded to ballot for a president, and the Rev.
William H. Wdmer was elected.

On motion, it was Ordered, That a committee
be appointed to examine the certificates of the
appointment of the clerical and lay deputies ;
and that the Rev. Andrew Syme, the Rev.
Oliver Norris, Messrs. David Patteson, and John
Adams, be that committee ; which committee re
ported forthwith the following members to be
duly appointed, conformably to the canons of
the Episcopal Church of Virginia, viz. :—

Clerical Deputies.
The Rev. Oliver Norris,
The Rev. Wm. H. Wilmer,
The Rev. Wm. Meade,

The Rev. J. Cameron, D. D.,
The Rev. John Dunn,

The Rev. J. Buchanan, D. D.,
The Rev. Andrew Syme,

Lay Deputies.
Mr. Edmund J. Lee,
Dr. Geo. Thornton,
Mr. Wm. Mayo,
Wm. Broadus,
James Hunter, )
Thos. Matthews, J
Edward M'Guire, )
Hugh Mercer, 5
David Patteson,
John Buford,
Wilson C. Selden,
Daniel Carmichael, ,
Baldwin M. Lee,
Dr. John Adams,
Richard Stuart, )
C. J. Dade, $
Wm. Cameron,

Parishes.
Christ Church, Ala.
Fairfax. Do.
Frederick.
St. Mark.
St. Anne.
St. George.
Manchester. Cumberland.
Shelburne.
Washington. Henrico. St. Paul.
Bristol.

All of whom appeared and took their seats,
except Dr. Wilson C. Selden, the lay deputy
from Shelburne parish.
On motion, Ordered, That the secretary do
read the standing rules for regulating the pro
ceedings of the Conventions of this diocess ;
which was accordingly done.
On motion, Resolved, That a committee be
appointed to revise the standing rules for regu
lating the proceedings of the Conventions ; and
the following gentlemen were appointed to form
that committee : The Rev. John Buchanan,
the Rev. Andrew Syme, the Rev. John Dunn,
Dr. John Adams, Col. Hugh Mercer, and Mr.
Edmund J. Lee.
Dr. John Adams presented a memorial from
the vestry of the Monumental Church in the
city of Richmond, praying the right of represen
tation in this Convention ; which was received,
and ordered to be read by the secretary ; and the
same was accordingly read : —
And on motion made and seconded, Resolv
ed, That the prayer of the memorial of the ves
try of the Monumental Church in the city of
Richmond be granted, and that the deputies ap
pointed by that vestry be invited to take their
seats in the Convention immediately.
Resolved, That the Rev. John Dunn, the
Rev. Andrew Syme, the Rev. William Meade,
the Rev. Oliver Norris, Col. Hugh Mercer, Ed
mund J. Lee, Dr. James McClurg, and Dr.
John Adams, be a committee to take into con
sideration the state of the church in the diocess,
and report thereupon to the Conventions

Resolved, That the thanks of this Convention
be presented to the Rev. William H. Wilmer,
for the eloquent, appropriate, and impressive dis
course delivered in the Monumental Church this
morning. The Hon. John Marshall and Dr. James Mc
Clurg appeared, presented their certificate of ap
pointment as lay deputies of the Monumental
Church (which was received), and took their
seats as members of the Convention.
Resolved, That the memorial of the vestry
of the Monumental Church of the city of Rich
mond, with the regulations referred to therein,
be referred to the committee appointed to take
into consideration the state of the church.
And then the Convention adjourned, to meet
again at 10 o'clock A. M. on to-morrow.
Thursday, May 5, 1814.
The Convention met agreeably to adjourn
ment, and was opened with prayer by the Rev.
John Dunn.
The committee appointed to examine and re
port on the state of the church, and to whom
was referred so mueh of -the memorial of the
Monumental Church as prays for the reception
of that church into the general government
of this diocess, reported sundry resolutions and
recommendations, which, after consideration and
amendments, were adopted, as follow : —
Resolved, That the prayer of the memorial
of the vestry of the Monumental Church is rea
sonable. And the same committee having reported a

92

<vi'.

CONVENTIC#OF 1814.

canon to provide for the reception of the Monu
mental Church as a member of the general
church of th^i diocess, and to provide for similar
cases in future, the same was considered, and,
after amendment, was adopted, in the words
following, to wit : —
Whereas that canon of the Protestant Epis
copal Church of Virginia which directs the man
ner of choosing vestrymen in the several par
ishes is not applicable to the case of churches
built and supported by voluntary associations of
individuals, without any parochial charge ; and
it is proper that those who hold the sole prop
erty of a particular church should provide for
its care and management : Be it ordained, That,
in all such cases, and particularly in that of the
Monumental Church of Richmond, the choice
of the vestrymen shall be in the pew-holders
of such churches, who, in the number and time
of election of their vestrymen, may, until some
general regulation be made on this subject, con
sult their own convenience : Provided, That
every vestryman hereafter to be elected, before
he acts in office, shall subscribe in the vestry-
book of his church to be conformable to the
doctrine, discipline, and worship of the Protest
ant Episcopal Church in the United States of
America, and to the orders and canons of the
said church in this state.
Resolved, That the appointment of a bishop
for this diocess is highly expedient and necessary
for the maintenance and support of the church.
On motion made and seconded, Resolved,
That the Convention proceed immediately to
the election of a person to fill the episcopate in
this state.
Dr. James McClurg then presented a certi
fied extract from the vestry-book of the Monu
mental Church in Richmond, showing the ap
pointment ofthe Rev. Richard Channing Moore,
D. D., of the city of New-York, to the rector
ship of that church.
I On motion, Ordered, That the secretary read
sundry letters, exhibited by members of the
standing committee, from Dr. Moore and the
Right Rev. Bishop Hobart, which was accord
ingly done.
Dr. Moore was nominated to fill the office of
bishop in this state.
No other person being in nomination, the
Convention proceeded to ballot for a bishop.
The Hon. John Marshall and Mr. Edmund
J. Lee were appointed to count the ballots ;
who reported, That there were twenty-three
votes for the Rev. Richard Channing Moore,
and one vote for Dr. John Buchanan.
Whereupon the Reverend Richard Channing
Moore was declared to be duly elected to the
episcopate in the diocess of Virginia ; and the
members of the Convention proceeded to sub
scribe the testimonial required by the constitu
tion of the general church of the United States.
Resolved, That the president be requested to
(apprize Dr. Moore of his election to the episco
pate ; and that the secretary do furnish forth
with a certificate of that appointment.
, Resolved, That a committee be appointed,
whose duty it shall be to revise and condense the

constitution and canons of this church, and re
port to the next Convention ; andthat theRev.
Oliver Norris, the Rev. William H. Wilmer,
and Mr. Edmund J. Lee, constitvite that com-^
mittee. Resolved, That the resolutions and address
passed at the last Convention, providing for the
raising of a fund to'be applied to the support of
clergymen in vacant parishes of this state, be
published on the journals of this Convention.
Resolved, That committees be appointed in
the city of Richmond, the city of Williamsburg,
the borough of Norfolk, the towns of Alexandria,
Fredericksburg, Petersburg, Lynchburg, Lees-
burg, Winchester, Fairfax (Culpepper), Shep-
herdstown, Martinsburg, in the parish of Man
chester, and in the counties of Orange, King
George, Westmoreland, and Essex, who shall
be earnestly requested to aid in the furtherance
and advancement of the object of the aforesaid
resolutions. Resolved, That the following gentlemen con
stitute the committees required by the last res
olution, and that the secretary do convey to
each of the said committees a copy of the
journals of this Convention.
For the city of Richmond — The Hon. John
Marshall, Dr. James McClurg, Mr. Samuel
Greenhow. For Winchester — The Rev. Wm. Meade,
Mr. Henry St. George Tucker, Mr. Alfred
Powell. For the city of Williamsburg — The Rev.
John Bracken, the Hon. Robert Nelson, Mr.
Ferdinand L. Campbell.
For the borough of Norfolk — General Robert
B. Taylor, Mr. Littleton W. Tazewell, Mr.Wm.
Nivison. For Alexandria — Mr. George Taylor, Mr.
John Muncaster, Mr. Daniel McLean.
For Fredericksburg — Mr. Benjamin Day, Col.
Hugh Mercer, Mr. Robert Lewis.
For Petersburg — Mr. Robert Boiling, Mr.
Wm. Moore, Mr. Wm. Cameron.
For Lynchburg — Mr. Charles Johnston, Mr.
Wm. Norvel, Col. John Wiatt.
For Leesburg-^-Dr. Wilson C. Selden, Dr.
Henry Claggett, Dr. Wm. B. Tyler.
For Martinsburg — Mr. Wrh. Pendleton, Col.
Elisha Boyd, Mr. Raleigh Colston.
For Fairfax, in Culpepper — Mr. Robert
Slaughter, Mr. Garland Thompson, Mr. Peter
Hansbrough, jr.
For Manchester parish— Mr. Philip Turpin,
Mr. Thomas Braneh, Mr. David Patteson.
For Orange county — Dr. Francis Dade, Dr.
Wm. Shepherd, Mr. Hay Taliaferro, Rose Hill.
For King George — Mr. Richard Stuart, Mr.
Cadwalladet J. Dade, Mr. Townshend J. Dade.
For Westmoreland — Mr. Baldwin M. Lee,
Mr. Daniel Carmichael, Mr. John Payne.
For Essex — Mr. James M. Garnett, Mr.
James Hunter, Mr. Edward Rouzee.
The resolutions are as follow : —
Whereas, from the destitute state of the
churches in this state, many piously disposed
persons, who are attached to the doctrine-, wor
ship, and discipline of the Protestant Episcopal

CONVENTION OF 1814.

93

Church, are deprived of the means of worship
ping God according to her venerable forms, to
t.the great unhappiness of themselves, as well as
to the great detriment of the church at large :
Resolved, therefore, That it is expedient to
raise a fund for the purpose of aiding in the
support of such clergymen of piety and talents
as may be obtained, to perform divine service
in such districts in the state as may be assigned
them by the Convention.
Resolved, That the clergy and vestry, or any
influential members of the church, in the several
parishes in this state, be, and are hereby re
quested, to use their best endeavours, either by
subscriptions or otherwise, to promote this ob
ject, and to forward the amount of the sums
thus raised to the treasurer, at or before the
meeting of the next Convention.
Resolved, That the members of this church
generally are hereby most earnestly entreated
to consider the necessity of adopting zealous
measures for the restoration of religion among
us ; that they endeavour to manifest their grat
itude to Almighty God, and their sense of the
awful importance of his blessed revelation ; that
they consider the unspeakable rewards they will
receive frem that gracious Master to whom they
belong ; whose goodness demands the warmest
returns of love, duty, and obedience ; and that
they will -contribute, to the utmost in their
power, to render this most acceptable service
to his cause.
Resolved, That the deputies of this diocess
be directed to use their influence to cause the
next General Convention succeeding that to be
holden in this month to make their session in
the city of Richmond, or at some place conve
nient to themselves, and as near to the city of
Richmond as that convenience will admit of.
The committee to whom was referred the
amendment and revision of the rules and reg
ulations for the orderly transaction of the busi
ness of the Convention, reported, That they
had, according to order, had the same under con
sideration, and had agreed upon the following :
1st. The business of every day shall be intro
duced by prayer.
2d. When the president takes the chair, no
member shall continue standing, or afterward
stand up, unless to address the chair.
3d. No member shall absent himself from the
service of the Convention, unless he have leave
of absence, or.be -unable to attend.
4th. When any member is about to speak in
debate, or deliver any matter to the Convention,
he shall rise from his seat, and, without advari-
6ing, shall-, with due respect, address himself to
the president, confining himself strictly to the
poirit in debate.
5th. No. member shall speak more than twice
in the same debate without leave of the house.
6th. A question being once determined, shall
stand as the judgment of the Convention, and
shall not be again drawn into debate during the
same session, except two thirds of the members
present in Convention shall consent to revise
the decision.
7th. While the president is putting any ques

tion, no one shall hold any private discourse,
stand up, walk into, out of, or across the house,
or read any book.
8th. Every member who shall be in the Con
vention when any question is put, shall, on a de
cision, be counted, unless he be particularly in
terested in the decision. ,
9th. No motion shall be considered as before
the house, unless it be seconded and reduced to
writing when required.
10th. After the Convention is formed and or
ganized, the president shall call for the parochial
reports. 1 1th. After calling for and receiving the paro
chial reports, the canons of the general Con
vention, and the journals of the standing com
mittee, shall be read.
12th. Before any subject is taken up, a com
mittee, consisting of three clerical and three lay
deputies, shall be appointed, to take into con
sideration the general state of the church, and
report thereupon.
13th. When any question is before the Con
vention, it shall be determined on before any
thing new is introduced, except the question for
adjournment. 14th. The question on a motion for adjourn
ment shall be taken before any other, and with
out debate.
15th. When the Convention is to rise, every
member shall keep his seat until the president
leaves the chair.
16th. All subjects brought before the Conven
tion may, on application of any members, be
acted upon in the committee of the whole, be
fore they are finally disposed of.
17th. Whenever a quorum ofthe delegates
has assembled, they shall proceed to the elec
tion of a president, and appoint a committee to
examine the credentials of delegates, and report
to the Convention.
18th. The members upon committees shall
be appointed by the president of the Convention.
Which several rules were approved, and
adopted by the Convention.
On motion, Ordered, That the Rev.. Andrew
Syme and Mr. David Patteson be a committee
to examine the accounts of the treasurer.
That committee having retired, after some
time reported the treasurer's accounts, as follows :
The Treasurer — to the Protestant Episcopal
Church, Dr.
1813, May 25th. I s. d.
To balance, 100 5 1
" Interest one year, 6 0 0
1814, May 5.
To Contribution from Cumberland
Parish, 4 10 0
" do. from Bristol do. 4 10 0
" do. do. St. Paul's Parish, Al
exandria, 9 0 0
" do. do. Christ Church, Fair
fax Parish, 9 0 0
" do. do. St. Mark's Parish, 4 10 0
" do. do. Monumental Church of
Richmond, 4 10 0

Amount carried forward,

142 5 1

94

CONVENTION OF 1814.

s. d.
5 1

To

I.
Amount brought forward, 142
Contribution from St. George's
Parish,
from Henrico Parish,
do. Frederick Parish, for
procuring ministers
to officiate in vacant
parishes, 13 10 0
do. do. Henrico Parish for do. 13 10 0

do.do.

10 0
10 0

Cr.

178 5 1

s. d.
6 0

3 0

1813, May 31st. I
By cash paid doorkeeper, 0
Sept. 7.
By cash paid carriage of Jour
nals from Alexandria, 0
*' do. paid for printing 200
copies of Journals,! 6 0 0
" do. paid for printing 200
copies of Circular
Letter, 2 8 0

8 17 0

169 8 1

Leaving in the hands of the
treasurer
Of which 27/. is a part of the fund for sup
porting ministers in vacant parishes.
Resolved, That the treasurer's accounts pass.
Resolved, That the Rev. William Meade be
requested to deliver a discourse in the Monumen
tal Church in this city, at the hour of eleven A. M.
on the next Sabbath day, appropriate to the oc
casion of admitting that church into the general
church of this diocess.
The Rev. Dr. Buchanan, who has executed
the duties of treasurer to the general church for
nearly thirty years, urging his increased years
and- consequent infirmity, declined a reappoint
ment to the office of treasurer of the church in
the diocess ; — and thereupon, on motion made
and seconded, the Convention proceeded to the
appointment of a treasurer.
Samuel Greenhow alone was in nomination
on an order to proceed to the appointment of a
treasurer. The Conventiou proceeded to elect by ballot
a treasurer for the church ; and Samuel Green
how was unanimously elected to fill that office.
Resolved, That the following gentlemen be
appointed as the standing committee of the
church of this state until the next Convention,
and until a new appointment of a standing com
mittee shall be made by a future Convention,
viz. : the Rev. Wm. H. Wilmer, the Rev. Oli
ver Norris, the Rev. John Dunn, the Hon.
Bushrod Washington, the Hon. Nicholas Fitz
hugh, and Mr. Edmund J. Lee.
On motion, The proceedings of the standing
committee were read by the secretary.
The donation and sentence of consecration
of Christ's Church, in Fairfax parish, by the
Right Reverend Thomas John Claggett, D. D.,
bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church of
Maryland, were read, and ordered to be recorded
in a book to be provided for that purpose by
the secretary.

Ordered, That- three hundred copies of the
Journal be printed, under the superintendence
of the secretary ; which shall be distributed as
the standing committee or the Convention may
direct. Resolved, That the Rev. William H. Wil
mer, the fltev. Oliver Norris, the Rev. John
Dunn, the Rev. William Meade, and Col. Hugh
Mercer, with Mr. George Deneale, Mr. Edward
McGuire, and Mr. David Patteson, be appointed
deputies to represent this diocess in the Gen
eral Convention of 'the Protestant Episcopal
Church of the United States, to be holden in
Philadelphia on the third Tuesday of the present
month. Ordered, That the treasurer do furnish to the
deputation to the General Convention a testi
monial or testimonials of their appointment to
represent this diocess in that Convention.
Resolved, That the treasurer do pay to the
deputies who shall attend the General Conven
tion at Philadelphia, and who. reside on the
north side of the Rappahannock, each, the sum
of fifty dollars ; and to those who shall attend
that Convention, and who reside on the south
side of that river, the sum of seventy ¦ dollars
respectively, for the purpose of defraying their
expenses. And then the Convention adjourned, to meet
again on to-morrow, at 10 o'clock A. M.
Friday, May 6th, 1814.
The Convention met agreeably to adjourn
ment, and was opened with prayer by the Rev.
Oliver Norris.
Resolved, That the names of the members
returned as delegates to this Convention be
called by the secretary, and'that he enter those
present on the journal, which was done ; and
the following gentlemen were present.
Clerical Deputies — The Rev. Oliver Norris,
the Rev. Wm. H. Wilmer, the Rev. Wm.
Meade, the Rev. John Dunn, the Rev. John
Buchanan, D. D.
Lay. Deputies — Mr. Edmund J. Lee, Dr.
George Thornton, Mr. William Mayo, Mr. Will
iam Broadus, Mr. James Hunter, Mr. Thomas
Matthews, Mr. Edward McGuire, Col. Hugh
Mercer, Mr. D. Carmichael, Mr. Baldwin M.
Lee, Dr. John. Adams, Mr. Richard Stewart,
Mr. Cadwallader J. Dade, the Hon. John Mar
shall, Dr. James McClurg.
On motion of Mr. Edmund J. Lee, leave of
absence from the Convention for this day was
granted to Dr. George Thornton.
Resolved, That the thanks of this Convention
be returned to the Rev. Dr. John Buchanan, for
his long and faithful services as treasurer to the
Convention of the Episcopal Church in Virginia.
The Rev. John Dunn having resigned his ap
pointment of yesterday as a deputy to the General
Convention, the Rev. Hugh C. Boggs was
appointed, in his place, a deputy to represent
this diocess in the next General Convention.
Resolved, That the standing committee be
requested to make provision for the delivery of
a discourse on the meeting of the next Con
vention.

CONVENTION OF 1814.

95

On motion of Mr. Edmund J. Lee, Resolved,
That the committee to whom was referred the
revision of the constitution and canons 'of the
church do particularly report, whether any, and
what amendments should be made, to the con
stitution and canon concerning the offences of
ministers, and the manner of trying them.
On motion, The Convention resolved itself
into a committee of the whole, to take into con
sideration the amendment of the canon concern
ing Conventions. Dr. John Adams was called
to the chair : After some time spent therein, the
committee rose ; and Dr. Adams reported, That
the committee had, according to order, had un
der their consideration the canon aforesaid,' and
had directed him to report an amendment, which
he was ready to do.
Ordered, .That the report of the committee of
the whole be now received ; and the same hav
ing been considered, the Convention adopted
the following amendment to the canon concern
ing Conventions.
Be it ordained, That the second canon of the
church of this state be, and the same is hereby
amended, by adding after the words, " to be an
nually chosen by the vestry," in the first section,
the following clause ; " or, where there be no
vestry, by persons who may, with propriety, be
considered as members of the Protestant Epis
copal Church, duly notified ; and the election
6hall be certified by at least five respectable
members of the church."
Resolved, unanimously, That the thanks of
this Convention be returned to the president
and secretary for their attention to the order
and business of this Convention during the
present session.
No farther business being before the Conven-
vention, on motion, the Convention adjourned, to
meet again on the fourth Tuesday in May next.
Wm. H. Wilmer, President.
Attest, Samuel Greenhow, Secretary.

2d. — A Canon concerning Conventions.
1st. There shall be a Convention of the
Protestant Episcopal Church in this common
wealth on the fourth Tuesday of May in every
year, in such place as shall be agreed on by the
Convention. A Convention shall consist of
two deputies from each parish, of whom the
minister shall be one, if there be a minister,
and the other shall be a layman, to be annually
chosen by the vestry ; or, where there be no ves

try, by persons who may, with propriety, be con
sidered as members of the Protestant Episcopal
Church, duly notified; and the election shall be
certified by at least five respectable members of
the church. If there be no minister in any par
ish, two lay deputies shall be chosen. Nine
deputies, thus qualified or appointed, shall be a
Convention. Provided always, That for the
altering or framing of a canon, fifteen members
at least shall be necessary. Provided also, That
if a sufficient number to form a Convention
shall not attend on any day, any five members
then assembled shall have power to adjourn.
2d. Special Conventions may be called at
other times, in the manner hereafter to be pro
vided for.
3d. Each member shall, on taking his seat,
deliver in to the secretary of the Convention a
testimonial of his being regularly qualified or
appointed, signed by one or both of the church
wardens, or by the clerk of the vestry of the
parish he represents.
4th. A person shall preside in Convention
with the name of president, who shall always
be a bishop, when there is one present properly
consecrated and settled in the church. If there
be no bishop present, the Convention shall ap
point some other member of their body presi
dent. If there be more bishops than, one in
Convention, they shall have the right of presi
ding in rotation.
5th. A secretary shall be appointed by the
Convention, who shall continue in office during
good behaviour. He shall keep a record of
their acts and proceedings, and have the cus
tody of the records, so long as he shall continue
in office.
6th. The Convention shall establish standing
rules for the preservation of decorum, and the
orderly management of business.
7th. Conventions shall regulate all the reli
gious concerns of the Protestant Episcopal
Church within this state, its doctrines, disci
pline, and worship, and institute such rules and
regulations as they may judge necessary for the
good government thereof, and the same revoke
and alter at their pleasure : Provided always,
That the powers hereby declared shall not be
so construed as to affect any powers exclusively
vested in the General Convention of the Prot
estant Episcopal Church in the United States
of America.
8th. AU questions before the- Convention
shall be determined by a majority of votes.

!->

CONVENTION OF 1815. - •

Journal of the Proceedings of a Conven^m^ftheProfeMaj^Epvicopal C\$ich$mrg\nia, which
assembled in the City of Richmond, on Tuesday, the 23d of May,. 1815.

At a meeting of a Convention of the Foot*] ick parish ; the ^Rev'v.. Olive:

estant Episcopal Church of the State of Virginia,
hejd,at the Monumental ."Church in the city 'o?
Richmond, on Tuesday.the 234 of May, inthe
year of our <Lord One thousandieight hundred
and fifteen, •' '.-..,,-
A sufficient nuinber of members appearing to
form a Convention, the- Right K,e#r -Richard
Channing Moore, D. D., bishop of -this diocess,
took the chair as president, and William Mun-
ford was appointed secretary "to this .Conven
tion. ' -"
On motion, it was Ordered, That a-committee
fee appointed to exanrine; the certificates of the
appointment of the lay deputies ; and that the
Rev*William H. Wilmer, Dr. James McClurg,
the Hon. Bushrod Washington, and William
Munford, be that committee ; which committee
reported forthwith the following members to be,
duly appointed, conformably with the canons of
the Episcopal Church of Virginia.
, Dr. John Adams, for Henrico parish, Henrico
county'; the Hon. Hugh Nelson, fbr Fredericks
ville parish,, Albemarle ; Mr. Robert Slaughter,
for St.. Mark's. parish, Culpepper; Mr. 'Charles
Page, fori St. Paul's -Church, Alexandria; Mr.™
Wjlliain. Pendleton, for Norbome parish, Berke-1-
ley ; Gen. Charles F. Mercer, for Shelburne
parish, Loudoun, ; Mr. Samuel Slaughter,Jbr St.
Stephen's Church, Culpepper; Maj. Benjamin
Day, for St. George's parish, Fredericksburg-;
the Hon. Bushrod Washington, for Christ
Church,«Fairfax parish, Alexandria; Mr. John
Buford, for Gumberlahd parish, Lunenburg ; Mr.
Samuel Low and Dr. Thomas Henderson,- for
Hamilton parish, Fauquier; Mr. Cadwallader J.
Dade and Mr. John.Stith, for St. Paul's parish?'
King George; Mr. David Patteson and Mr.
Matthew Cheatham, for Manchester parish,
Chesterfield^ Dr. Carter Berkeley, for St. Mar
tin's parish, in Hanover, -#nd Louisa; Mr.
Thomas G. Alien, for Aquia parish, Stafford ;
Mr. William Cameron, for Bristol parish, Pe
tersburg ; Mr. Ferdinand Campbell, for Bruton
parish, Williamsburg.
All of whom appeared and took- their seats,
except Mr. Matthew Cheatham, the lay deputy
for Manchester parish.
For reasons appearing to the Convention, Mr.
Laurefice T. Dade was also admitted to a seat
as lay deputy for St. Thomas parish, in Orange
county ; Mr. William Mayo as lay deputy for
Frederick parish ; and Mr. Benjamin Allen, jr.,
as lay deputy for St. Andrew's parish, in the
county of Jefferson.
The following clerical deputies, appeared and
took their seats in this Convention, viz. : —
The Rev. John Cameron, D. D., Cumberland
parish; the Rev. John Buchanan, D. D., Hen
rico parish ; the Rev. John Dunn, Shelburne
parish ; the Rev. Andrew Syme, Bristol parish ;
the Rev. John Woodville, St. Mark's parish ;
the Rev. William H. Wilmer, St. Paul's Church,
Alexandria ; the Rev. William Meade, Freder-

No

ofn's, ,

Christ

Church, Alexandria; the Rev. Edward G.
M'Guire,' St. George's ^parish ; the Revi Will
iam ' King, Staunton parish ; the Rev. Alex
ander Hay, Ah^im parish,, Halifax ; the Rev-
Hugh C. Boggs, Berkeley parishy.Spptsylvania;
the Rev. Jphn Philips, St. Martin's ;parish ; the
Rev. William Hawley, St. Stephen's Church,
Culpepper. - •
Ordered, That the'secrttary read the stand
ing rules for regulating the ''proceedings of the
Conventions of -this-'Biocess ,; which was ac
cordingly done. , , . -f'".
Resolved, ThaiTthe Rev. William Meade, the
Rev. Oliver Norris, the Rev. William H. Wil
mer, the Rev. Andrew Syme, the Hon. Bush
rod Washington, Gen. Charies F. Mercer, and
Mr. William Mayo, be a committee to take into
consideration the state of the church in ¦ the
diocess, and report thereupon to the Conventions .
Resolved, That the Rev. Hugh C. Boggs, the
Rev. Johtf,Woodville, Maj. Benjamin. Day, and
Dr. John Adams, be a committee to examine the
parochial Reports. >>
On motion, Resolved, That a committee be
appointed to wait oh the several printers of
newspapers^- this city^>nd request them not
to, publish5? any proceedings of this Convention
but ' such as the said committee shall assure
them to be correct ^ and that Dr. John Adams
and Mr. William Mayo he that committee.
The Convention being informed that Samuel
Greenhow, late treasurer of the Episcopal
Church in this diocess,- has .departed this life,
.proceeded to the appointment of a successor ;
whereupon William Munford, being the only person nom
inated, was duly elected treasurer. *=. , '
Resolved, unanifnqusfc'That the thanks of
this Convention be presented to the Right Rev.
Bishop Moore, for the evangelical and eloquent
discourse delivered- by him in the Monumental
Church this momrng.; and- that he be requested
to favour the Convention with a copy thereof
for publication.
And then the Convention adjourned, to meet
again at the capilol, at 9 o'clock A. M., on to
morrow. Wednesday, May 24, 1815.
The Convention met according to adjourn
ment, and was opened with prayer by the Rev.
William Meade.
The following Jay deputies produced certifi
cates of their appointments, which, being ex
amined by the committee appointed for that pur
pose, were found conformable to the canons of
the Protestant Episcopal Church of Virginia,
viz. : — v
Mr. Robert W. Carter and Mr. Jphn Tayloe
Lomax, ' for , Lunenburg parish, Richmond
county ; Mr. Peter Presley Cox and Maj. John
Turberville, for Cople parish, Westmoreland
county ; and Dr. James McClurg, for the vestry

CONVENTION OF-1815;

97

of the Monumental ChuTcR-jR. the city of Rich
mond, .-**,.-,«,"
The Revrf Oliver Norris/frora the committee
to whom was referred, by aresolve^of the Con?.
vention,of the 5th oftMay, 1814, the subject of
revising and cglidensSng tjie constitution and
canons of this church, reported, That, according
tq, order, the said committee had taken the sub
ject referred to them into consideration, and had
agreed upon a revision of the constitution and-,
canons of this -diocess, which he., now laid be
fore the Convention.
¦ The constitution and canons, as revised by the
said committee,, were then read by the secre
tary, and, onmotion, referred to a committee
of the whole house. ¦ -
' The Convention accordingly resolved itself
into a committee of the whole house, the Hon.
Hugh Nelson in the chair— and after some time
spent therein, the president resumed the chair,
and Mr. Nelson reported, That the committee of
the whole house had, according to order, had
under consideration the re-vised constitution and
canons to them referred, and agreed to sundry,
amendments thereto, which he delivered in at the
secretary's table, together with the said revisal.
On motion, Ordered, That the same do lie
upon the table until to-morrow.
The Rev. William Meade, from the commit
tee on the state of the church, made a report in
part, which, for reasons appearing to the,Conven-i
tion, was ordered to be recommitted to the same
committee. .
On motion, Ordered, That the gentlemen
charged with parochial reports deliver them to
the Rev. Hugh C. Boggs, chairman of the com
mittee appointed to examine such reports ; and
that the said committee be instructed to report
to the Convention the substance thereof in a
condensed form. ;
On motion, leave of absence from the Con
vention, for the remainder of this day, was
granted to the Rev. William King.
The Canons of~ the Protestant Episcopal
Church in the Uriited States of America,
established by the General Convention, were
then" read by the secretary, in obedience to the
11th standing rule for- regulating the proceed
ings of the Conventions of this diocess.
The journal of the proceedings of the stand
ing committee of the church of this state were
laid before the Convention by the Rev. William
H. Wilmer, and read by the secretary.
On motion, Ordered, That the Rev. John
Buchanan and Dr. John Adams be appointed
a committee to examine the accounts of the
late treasurer, and report thereupon to this
Convention. The donation and sentence of consecration
of  — Church, in the town of Petersburg,
by the Right Rev. Richard Channing Moore,
D. D., bishop of this diocess, were read, and
ordered to be recorded by the secretary.
The president laid before the Convention a
letter from Dr. John Augustine Smith, Presi
dent of William and Mary College, which was
read, and ordered to be referred to the commit
tee on the state of the church. G

tAndthen the^Co^ventioialadjourned, to meet
again on to-morrow, at 9 o'clock A. M.
'¦»''* Thursday, May 25th, 1815.
? .
The Convention met according to adjourn
ment, and was opened with prayer by the Rev.
WiUiam Meade.*. '. .-?
Mr. Matthew Cheatham, one of the lay dep
uties for Manchester parish, appeared and took
Jhis seat in the Convention.
On motion of the Rev. Alexander Hay,
Resolved, That. the committee on the subject
of the parochiafrepOrts be discharged from the
farther consideration thereof ; that the said
reports be read by the secretary, and inserted in
the Journal.
The same were accordingly delivered in by
the chairman of the committee, and read by the
secretary. On motion of the Rev. William H. Wilmer,
• Resolved, Thatthevote forinserting the said
reports in the Journal be reconsidered, and that
the same be again committed to the said commit
tee, with instructions to report the substance
thereof'to the Convention in a condensed form.
The Revised Constitution and Canons of the
Protestant Episcopal Church in this state were
then taken up, with the amendments thereto
proposed by the committee, of the whole house.
-And the said amendments, on questions sev
erally put thereupon, were agreed to by the
Convention. The constitution was farther amended ; and
thereupon, Resolved, unanimously, That the
said'constitution, as amended, be adopted and
established as the constitution of the Protestant
Episcopal Church in the Diocess of Virginia.
The canons were also farther amended, and
agreed to as amended.
On motion of the Hon. Hugh Nelson,
Resolved, That the vote of this Convention
agreeing to the said canons be reconsidered,
and that the same be again committed to a com
mittee of the whole house.
The Convention accordingly resolved itself
into a committee of the whole house, the Hon.
Hugh Nelson in the chair.; and, after some
time spent therein, the president resumed the
chair, and Mr. Nelson reported, That the com
mittee of the whole house had, according to
order, had under consideration the canons to
them referred, and agreed to sundry amend
ments thereto, which he delivered in at the
secretary's table, together with the said canons.
The said amendments being read, were, on
questions severally put thereupon, agreed to by
the Convention ; and the canons were farther
amended, on motion,
Whereupon, Resolved, That the said canons,
as amended, be approved and established as the
Canons of the Protestant Episcopal Church in
the Diocess of Virginia : Provided, That the
6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th canons shall not take
effect until after the rising of the next Conven
tion for the said diocess.
On motions severally made, leave of absence
for the remainder of the session of this Con
vention was granted to Maj. Benjamin Day, Mr.

98

CONVENTION OF 1815.

Robert Slaughter,' the Rev. John Woodvilje,
Mr. Charles Page, and Mr. William Cameron.
And then the Convention adjourned until to
morrow morning, 9 o'clock.
Friday, May 26th, 1815.
The Convention met according to adjourn
ment, and was opened with prayer by the Rev.
William Hawley.
Mr. Meade, from the committee on the
state of the church, presented a report, which
was read, as follows : —
The committee to whom was referred the state
of the church report, That Evan Ragland, de
ceased, late of the county of Halifax, in this
state, did, by his last will and testament, dated the
4th of June, 1814, devise to the President and
Professors or Masters of William and Mary Col
lege, and to their successors, a tract of land lying
in the said county, together with five negroes, in
trust, for the maintenance of a minister or min
isters of the Protestant Episcopal Church within
the parish of Antrim in the' said county; and
also, in trust, to raise thereout the sum of eighty
dollars per annum during the term of fifteen years,
and annually thereafter the sum of one hundred
' dollars for ever, to be appropriated, under the di
rection of the President and Professors or Mas
ters of William and Mary College, as a fund to
be applied towards defraying the general expenses
of the church in this state, at the discretion of
the bishop and standing committee thereof, or of
the Convention of this state, in case there should
be no bishop or standing committee.
Your committee further report, that the title to
the land so devised is disputed by the heirs of
the said Evan Ragland, the testator; in conse
quence of which, the Rev. Alexander Hay, the
present incumbent of the church in the parish of
Antrim, has been compelled to institute a suit in
the Court of Chancery against the heirs of the
said testator and the trustees named in the said
will, for the purpose of obtaining the benefit of
the same, so far as he is interested ; to which
suit the Right Rev. Bishop of this diocess is
made a party defendant.
Your committee, after such inquiries 3S it has
been in their power to make in relation to the
value of the property charged as aforesaid, with
the bequest made in favour of the Protestant
Episcopal Church of this state as aforesaid, and
also to the title to the land so devised, are clearly
of opinion that all proper means should be imme
diately pursued for securing to the church the
benefit of the aforesaid bequest ; and that the ex
penses which may be necessarily incurred in as
serting the right of the church ought to be defray
ed out of the funds belonging to the said church,
at the disposal of the Convention of this state.
Resolved, therefore, That it be the duty of
the standing committee, under the direction of
the bishop, to pursue all proper means for secu
ring to the church the full benefit of the afore
said bequest, made in her favour by the will of
the said Evan Ragland : and to draw upon the
treasurer of the said church, from time to time,
for such sums as may be necessary for defray
ing the expenses which may be incurred in the
discharge of this duty.
The committee to whom was referred the
proposition from the President of William and
Mary College, on the expediency of providing a
sum for the support of the theological chair in
that institution, have taken the subject into

consideration, and retommend to the Conven
tion the following resolution :-—
Resolved, That the bishop and Istandino- com
mittee be requested to ascertain what practica
ble mode can be devised to that effect ; and that
they be authorized to adopt measures for the
promotion of an object of so great magnitude,
and which may, under the blessing of God, be
productive of the most beneficial consequences.
The resolutions of the said committee, on the
subject of the devise from Evan Ragland, de
ceased, and in relation to the proposed estab
lishment of a theological professorship in the
College of William and Mary, were, on ques
tions severally put thereupon, agreed to by the
Convention. Mr. Boggs, from the committee on the sub
ject of the parochial reports, presented a state
ment containing the substance thereof in a con
densed form ; which statement was, on motion,
ordered to be recommitted ; was afterward
again reported from the same committee with
amendments ; and; being so amended, was ap
proved by the Convention, and ordered to be
inserted in the Journal, as follows : —
The following condensed report of the paro
chial returns, exhibiting a view of the state of the
Episcopal Churches in Fredericksburg; in An
trim parish/Halifax county ; in Shelburne parish,
Loudoun county ; in Hamilton parish, Fauquier
county; in the congregations of Dumfries and
Aquia, Prince William county; in Cumberland
parish; in the parishes of Norborne and St. An
drews ; in the parish of Frederick ; in the par
ishes of Hardy and Hampshire ; in the parishes
of Manchester and Bristol ; of Berkeley, in the
county of Spotsylvania ; of the church in Alex
andria ; in the parish of Lunenburg ; in that of
St. Paul, in the county of King George ; in the
parish of St. Martin's in Hanover county; and
in that of Cople, Westmoreland county, is laid
before the Convention of the Protestant Epis
copal Church, assembled in the city of Richmond,
in May, 1815, by the committee appointed to ex
amine the parochial reports.
The report from the church in Fredericksburg,
from Shelburne parish, from Hamilton parish,
from the congregations of Dumfries and of Aquia,
from the parishes of Norborne and St. Andrews,
from the church in Winchester, from the parishes
of Hardy and Hampshire, and from St. Martin's,
is favourable. The spirit of religion is increasing ;
many are zealously attached to the Episcopal
Church, and are making exertions to support her
ordinances. The state of the church in Antrim
parish is discouraging in the extreme. The two
churches in the parish of Manchester are in a
state of decay. Relative to Bristol parish, there
is nothing particularly mentioned, except that, at
the consecration of the church, twenty-five per
sons, male and female, were confirmed. The re
port from Cumberland parish exhibits nothing
more than the baptism of twenty-one white chil
dren and ten negro children, the burial of nine
grown persons and four children, and the mar
riage of three couple. The report of Mr, Will
iam King shows that he has been unable to or
ganize a church in Staunton. The number of
communicants in the two congregations in "Win
chester is between 80 and 90. In Shelburne par
ish there have been four baptisms, five funerals.
The number of communicants is twenty. In the
church of Fredericksburg the number of commu
nicants is upwards of sixty ; the baptisms last year

CONVENTION OF 1815.

99

are fourteen, the marriages four, and the number
of funerals ten. Since the induction of the Rev.
Mr. Hay, the number of baptisms has been annu
ally between thirty or forty, marriages two or
three. The Episcopal Church in the county of
Fauquier is in a very prosperous condition. A
strong disposition has been lately manifested, by
the members of the church in that county, for the
obtainment of religious knowledge. The attach
ment of the mass of the community to our church
is strong and ardent. .The- number of communi
cants upon occasional celebrations of the Lord's
Supper last year was thirty ; and an increase of
communicants is expected. From the liberal zeal
of the members of the church, recently mani
fested by pecuniary contributions, the pleasing
expectation is entertained that a sufficient number
of churches will soon be in repair. The church
in Alexandria is in an improving state. The
churches are in good order. There is among the
members of the church an increase of evangelical
piety. The number of communicants is about
two hundred, the baptisms about one hundred and
fifty. In the parish of Cople the number of com
municants is considerable, and an earnest desire is
manifested among the people to revive the church.
A hope is confidently entertained, that soon the
former character of the church in that parish will
be supported, by making provision for the perma
nent and respectable establishment of a minister.
The report from the parish of St. Paul, King
George county, states, that the church is falling
to ruin ; that there are no funds for the support of
a pastor ; but that, however, of late, a spirit of
religion is reviving in the parish, and Mr. Keith,'
who officiates on alternate Sundays, has large con
gregations. In the parish of Lunenburg, many
persons are sincerely attached to the church.
No doubt is entertained but that the congregation
will be sufficiently numerous to afford a compe
tent support to a minister. In the church of the
city of Richmond, much attention is given to di
vine worship. The. number of communicants is
about one hundred ahd twenty, and the number
of prayer-books is increased.
On motion of Mr. Samuel Low, Resolved,
That the 11th canon, established yesterday, be
reconsidered :
The said canon was amended, on Mr. Pat-
teson's motion, and agreed to as amended.
Resolved, That the following gentlemen be
appointed the standing committee of the church
of this state until the next Convention, and
until a new appointment of a standing commit
tee shall be made by a future Convention, viz. :
the Rev.. William H. Wilmer, the Rev. Oliver
Norris, the Rev. John Dunn, the Hon. William
Cranch, and Edmund J. Lee, Esq.
On motion of the Hon. Hugh Nelson,
The following canon was added to the can
ons revised and established by the present Con
vention, viz. : —
The canons and constitution heretofore
adopted by the former Conventions of this
slate, shall be and are hereby repealed.
Resolved, That the secretary of the Conven
tion be requested to transmit annually the pro
ceedings' of the Conventions of this diocess to
the secretaries of the Conventions of the several
states, and to request of them to send in return,
annually, (tie journals of their several Conven
tions. On motion of Dr. James McClurg,

Resolved, That a committee be appointed to
consider the expediency of re-enacting the canon
of the last Convention concerning the Monu
mental Church in the city of Richiri'SiBd.
And a committee was appointed of Dr. James
McClurg, the Rev. William H. Wilmer, and
Dr. John Adams ; and, after some time, Dr.
McClurg reported thereupon, That, in the opin
ion of the said committee, a canon ought to be
established, in addition to the canons enacted
yesterday ; which additional canon he delivered
in at the secretary's table. The same being
read, was agreed to by the Convention, and
ordered to be inserted as the twelfth in the
list of canons.
Dr, John Adams, from the committee to
whom the accounts of the late treasurer were
referred, presented a report, which was read, as
follows : —
Samuel Greenhow, late treasurer of the Prot
estant Episcopal Church of Virginia, in ac
count with said church, Dr.
1814? May 6.
To cash received of the Rev. John
Buchanan, his predecessor in office,
for the general fund, $-270
To do. received of do. for the mis
sionary fund, 90
May 11.
To do. received of do. in full of the
balance reported to the Convention
as being in his hands, 204 68

$564 68
1814, May 6. Cr.
By cashpaid the following dep
uties to the General Conven
tion, viz. :
Edward G. McGuire, $70
Hugh Mercer, 70
Rev. William H. Wilmer, 50
" Oliver Norris, 50
" William Meade, 50
To do. paid the doorkeeper for
attendance during the Con
vention, 1
May 10.
By cash paid Mr. George De
neale, a deputy to the General
Convention, 50
May 12.
By cash paid Fitzwhylsonn and
Potter, for four blank books,
and a ream of paper to print
the journal on, 25
May 19.
By cash paid for printing and
stitching 300 copies of the
Journal of Convention, 24
July 4.
By cash paid Thomas Ritchie for
publishing notice of Conven
tion to be holden in May, 1814, 1 75

Balance due,

891 75

$173 93

100

CONVENTION OF 1815.

Of which ninety dollars are due to the mis
sionary fund.
The above statement has been taken from the
books of the late treasurer, and is believed by
the committee to be correct, but no acknowledg
ment of the balance due has been obtained from
the executrix. J. Adams.
May 26, 1815.
Resolved, That the said report be approved.
On motion, the Convention proceeded to the
election, by ballot, of delegates to the General
Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church
— whereupon the Rev. William H. Wilmer, the
Rev. William Meade, the Rev. William Haw-
ley, Gen. Charles F. Mercer, the Hon. Hugh
Nelson, and Doctor John Adams, were duly
elected. On motion of Dr. Adams, Resolved, That
the treasurer be authorized to pay, out of any
funds which may be in his hands, the expenses
which may attend the episcopal visitations in
this diocess.
On motion of the Rev. William H. Wilmer,
Resolved, That a committee be appointed to
prepare an article to be added to the constitu
tion in relation to the office of treasurer.
And a committee was appoinled of the Rev.
William H. Wilmer and the Hon. Hugh Nel
son, who prepared and reported an article, which
was read and agreed to by the Convention, and
ordered to be inserted as the 9th article in the
constitution for the government of the Protest
ant Episcopal Church in this diocess.
The Right Rev. Bishop Moore delivered to
this Convention an address on the state of the
church ; which being heard,
Resolved, unanimously, That the thanks of
the Convention be presented to the Right Rev.
Richard Channing Moore, D. D., for his excel
lent address this day delivered ; and that the
same be inserted in the Journal : which address
is in the following words : —
Brethren, — It becomes my duty, by virtue of
the canon of the General Convention, to lay
before you a view of the state of the church in
this diocess. As my residence in Virginia has
been of short duration, it cannot be supposed
that I could have possessed myself of informa
tion very general in its nature. The visita
tions, however, which I have made, though very
circumscribed, have enabled me to form some
view of the state of our ecclesiastical concerns,
and from that view I think myself justified in
drawing the most pleasing conclusions.
In every parish which I have visited, I have
discovered the most animated wish in the peo
ple to repair the waste places of our Zion, and
to restore the church of their fathers to its
primitive purity and excellence. I have found
their minds alive to the truths of religion, and
have discovered an attachment to our excellent
liturgy exceeding my utmost expectations. I
have witnessed a sensibility to divine things
bordering on the spirit of gospel times. I have
seen congregations, upon the mention of that
glory which once irradiated with its beams the
church of Virginia, burst into tears, and by
their holy emotions perfectly electrify my mind.

The apostolic rite of confirmation, which I
have administered in several parishes, was re
ceived by people of all ages with the greatest
joy, and a general principle of union and exer
tion was upon those occasions universally ex
pressed. Parishes which have been destitute
of ministerial aid for many years, which had
slumbered until the warmest friends of the
church conceived it to have been the sleep of
death, have, in two instances, been awakened
from that state of torpor in which they were in
volved, and have arisen in all the vigour of per
fect health. The younger clergy of this dio
cess, who, from their youth and spiritual attain
ments, are well qualified for the glorious work,
have exerted themselves in a manner deserving
the most honourable mention. They have car
ried the standard of the Lord Jesus Christ
through a considerable portion of this church ;
they have gone out into the highways and hedges,
preaching the truths of their Divine Master;
and by their holy conversation with the people,
have adorned the gospel of Christ. A number
of their elder brethren, though prevented by age
from using the same exertion, have laboured
with fidelity, and contributed their best efforts
to promote that work which has been commit
ted to their hands. The laity have been equal
ly assiduous in the discharge of that duty pecu
liar to their station — the duty of providing for
the ministers of religion. May Heaven reward
them for their labours of love ; and may every
cup of cold water which they have given to a
disciple, in the name of a disciple, receive a dis
ciple's reward.
The members of the church in this eity,
brethren, deserve my sincerest thanks, for the
friendship, affection, and indulgence with which
they have favoured me .- — they have shown, by
their marked and continued tenderness towards
me and my family, that they are alive to all the
sensibilities which adorn our nature. I have
found in them not only friends, but brothers and
benefactors ; they have met my necessities with
a solicitude beyond my expectations ; they have
anticipated my every want ; they have dis
charged the duty of the most affectionate chil
dren towards their spiritual father.
I have admitted within the past year, as
candidates for the ministry, Mr. George H.
Norton, Benjamin Allen, Jr., Thomas G. Alien,
and Samuel Low. I have licensed as lay read
ers, Mr. Benjamin Allen, Thomas Allen, Mr.
Keith, and Thomas Henderson. I have ad
mitted to the order of deacon, Mr. Edward G.
M'Guire and John P. Philips ; and to the order
of priesthood, the Rev. William Hawley. I
have held a confirmation in the church of Alex
andria, at which place upwards of fifty persons
received that holy rite. I have held a confirm
ation in Culpepper, when upwards of sixty, and
in Fauquier, when upwards of fifty, received that
rite. I have visited and consecrated the church
at Petersburg, under the direction of the Rev.
Mr. Syme ; at which time upwards of twenty
were confirmed. I have preached in Manches
ter twice, and in Hanover in three different
places.

CONVENTION OF 1815.

101

Should my health be continued, brethren, it
is my intention to visit as many parishes this
summer and autumn as my parochial engage
ments will admit of, and shall thank the Con
vention or the standing committee to direct me
to those parts of the diocess where my labours
may be thought to promise the most benefit to
the church. My Brethren of the Clergy— The
welfare and advancement of our Zion depend
upon our joint and vigorous exertions. Great
is the duty imposed upon us, and great is the
responsibility of that character which we fill,
as ministers of the gospel of peace. If there
ever was a period in which exertion was neces
sary, and if there ever was a period which bids
fair to crown that exertion with success, this is
the time. Though few in number, yet, depend
ing for support upon the promises of God, we
may look for an abundant blessing upon our la
bours. Jehovah has promised to be with his
church to the end of the world, and he will fulfil
his declaration. The parishes are invoking our
aid. Oh ! listen, I beseech you, to their numer
ous entreaties. Be steadfast, then, be unmovea-
ble, always abounding in the work of the Lord,
and your labour will not be in vain in the Lord.
On motion, Resolved, unanimously, That the
thanks of this Convention be presented to the
secretary, for his services during the present
session. Ordered, That the usual number of copies of
the Journal of this Convention be printed, and
sent by the secretary to the respective parishes.
No further business being before the Con
vention, on motion, the Convention adjourned,
to meet again on the third Tuesday in May
next. Richard Channing Moore,
Bishop of the P. E. Church in the
Diocess of Virginia.
Attest, Wm. Munford, Secretary.

Constitution and Canons for the government of
the Protestant Episcopal Church of Virginia.
Revised and established by the Convention of
that Church which met in the City of Rich
mond on Tuesday, May 23d, 1815.
CONSTITUTION.
Article I. There shall be a Convention of
the Protestant Episcopal Church in this state
on the third Tuesday in May every year : but
the Convention which meets in the year pre
vious to the meeting of the General Convention,
may have power to appoint the time and place
of meeting for the next annual session.
Art. II. The Convention shall be composed
of the officiating ministers who have been reg
ularly and canonically elected in parishes or
churches within this state, and within that part
of the territory of Columbia formerly part of
this state ; and of those whom age or infirmity
prevents from exercising their clerical functions,
who shall be considered members ex-officio.
The Convention shall also be composed Of lay
members, consisting of one delegate from each
parish (or of two lay deputies, where there
shall be no clergyman in the parish), chosen by

the vestry thereof, or, if there be no vestry,
by at least twelve persons who may with pro
priety be considered as members of the Protest
ant Episcopal Church, duly notified : and tlje
election shall be certified by at least five mem
bers of this church ; provided, that every parish
having more than one officiating minister who
hath been regularly and canonically elected,
shall be entitled to send as many lay delegates
as it has ministers.
Art. III. Six members of the clerical, and
six of the lay order, shall constitute a quorum
for the transaction of business ; but a smaller
number may adjourn.
Art. IV. In all matters that shall come be
fore the Convention, the clergy and laity shall
deliberate in one body ; and the concurrence of
a majority shall give validity to any measure.
But, when three members require it, there shall
be a vote by orders.
Art. V. The election of a bishop of this
church shall be made in Convention, in the fol
lowing manner. The order of the clergy shall
nominate and appoint, by ballot, some fit and
qualified clergyman for that office ; and the
votes of two thirds of that order shall be requi
site to constitute a choice. And thereupon
such appointment shall be presented to the or
der of the lay delegates, and be considered by
them ; and if, on a ballot, it shall appear that
the person so ordained is approved of by two
thirds of the lay order, he shall be then declared
to be duly elected.
Art. VI. In this diocess there shall be but one
bishop. He shall be president of the Conven
tion ; in which character it shall be his duty to
give to the Convention, as often as he may
deem expedient, a general view of the state of
the church ; to call special Conventions, at
whatever times and places he may think neces
sary ; to preserve order during the time of ses
sion ; to put the question, collect the votes, and
declare the decision. He may make any mo
tion which he shall judge conducive to the good
of the church, but shall not enter into debate ;
and he may deliver his sentiments on any subject
after it has been discussed, before a vote there
on. Art. VII. In case of a vacancy in the epis
copal office, the Convention, immediately upon
their assembling, shall choose, by joint ballot, a
president from among the order of priests, who
shall remain in office until the next election of a
president. He shall perform all the duties and
possess all the privileges above specified ; but
he shall not call special meetings of the Conven
tion, unless applied to for that purpose by a
majority of the standing committee. And if,
while there is a bishop in this church, he shall
not be present at any meeting of the Conven
tion, they shall elect, in the manner aforesaid,
a president pro tempore.
Art. VIII. A secretary shall be appointed
by the Convention, who shall continue in office
during good behaviour. His duty shall be to
make minutes of their proceedings, to preserve
their journals and records, to attest the public
acts of the body, and faithfully to deliver into

102

CONVENTION OF 1815.

the hands of his successor all books and papers,
relative to the concerns of the Convention,
which may be in his possession. It shall be his
duty to notify, through the channel of the public
papers, as he may think proper, the time and
place appointed for the meeting of the succeed
ing Convention.
Art. IX. A treasurer shall be appointed by
the Convention, who shall continue in office
during good behaviour, and who shall discharge
the duties usually appertaining to that office.
Art. X. Before the adjournment of each an
nual Convention, a standing committee, con
sisting of six members, three clerical and three
of the lay order, shall be chosen by a ballot of
the clergy and laity.
Art. Xi. If at any time there should be no
bishop in this church, the Convention shall di
vide the state or diocess into districts, and as
sign to such clergymen as they may appoint
the superintendence of a district, which it shall
be their duty to visit at least once a year, and to
report the ecclesiastical and secular state there
of to the Convention.
Art. XII. Every parish within this diocess
shall be entitled to the entire benefit of this
constitution, as soon as it shall have signi
fied its ratification thereof, either in writing or
by sending a lay delegate to the Convention ;
and such parish shall thereafter be benefited and
bound, equally with the other parishes in this
diocess, by every rule and canon which shall be
framed, by any Convention acting under this
constitution, for the government of this church
in ecclesiastical concerns.
Art. XIII. This constitution shall be unal
terable, except in the following manner : — a
proposition for any change shall be introduced
in writing, and considered in Convention ; and,
if approved of, the same shall be transmitted to
the several vestries of the parishes which shall
have ratified this constitution ; and if again ap
proved of in the next ensuing Convention by a
majority, the change shall then take place, and
the constitution, so altered, shall be valid and
obligatory.

The minister of each parish shall make out
and continue an exact register of all the com
municants within his congregation ; which regis
ter shall be left, upon his death or removal, for
the use of his successor. CANON II.
It shall be the duty of the ministers of our
church to be careful in observing all the direc
tions of the rubric, and of the General Conven
tion, which relate to communicants ; to main
tain the most affectionate intercourse with all
their members on religious subjects ; but, es
pecially, to converse with those who offer them
selves for the first time for the communion, on
those qualifications which are proper for the
worthy receiving of the sacrament, unless they
be otherwise satisfied that they are properly
qualified.

LAY DISCIPLINE.
CANON III.
Communicants to have Family Worship.
It shall be the duty of every communicant of
this churSh, who is the head of a family, to live
in the habitual exercise of family worship.
CANON IV.
The members of this Church to instruct their fam
ilies in the Principles of Religion.
The members of this church shall instruct
their families, as far as they are able, in the
principles of the Christian religion ; and, as soon
as they are sufficiently informed and impressed
with the importance and sacredness of their bap
tismal vow, and have come to a proper age to
ratify the same in their own persons, they shall
present them to the bishop for confirmation,
when conveniently in their power.
canon v.
The members of this Church to be regular in
their attendance on Public Worship.
The members of this church shall attend the
public worship of God as regularly and con
stantly as, from their age, infirmities, and cir
cumstances in life, may be reasonably expected ;
and shall admit of no excuse for the neglect of
this important duty, but such as they may plead
at the bar of God in the day of judgment.
canon vi.*
Offences for which a Layman may be presented
and tried.
Drunkenness, incontinence, profane swear
ing, general neglect of public worship, Sabbath-
breaking, irreverent behaviour during divine ser
vice, gaming, extortion, and any other open vi-
ciousness of life, are crimes and misdemeanors
for which lay members who are communicants
of this church may be reproved, publicly cen
sured, or repelled from the holy communion, ac
cording to the degrees of the offence, and the
age and other circumstances of the offender.
CANON VII.*
Manner of proceeding against a Layman.
If a lay member, being a communicant, shall
offend in any of these respects, the minister of
the parish in which the offender shall reside
shall, upon receiving information thereof, take
cognizance of the offence ; and if he shall have
sufficient evidence of the guilt, he shall privately
admonish the person ; and if this shall not have
the desired effect, he shall then convene the ves
try and wardens ; first giving the party reason
able notice, in writing, of the nature of the of
fence alleged, and of the time appointed for the
meeting of the minister, vestry, and wardens, for
the purpose of inquiring into it ; who shall
thereupon proceed to inquire into the charge ;
and, if they shall be of opinion that it is substan
tiated, the minister shall pronounce such sen
tence as the offence may deserve ; which sen
tence shall be either reproof before the vestry
and wardens, public censure in the church, or
repelling him from the holy communion. But
if the person accused, being duly notified, shall

CONVENTION OF 1815.

103

refuse to appear, the minister, vestry, and war
dens shall, notwithstanding, proceed to inquiry
and sentence : Provided, That every minister so
repelling any as is herein specified, shall be
obliged to give an account of the same to the
ordinary, as soon as conveniently may be, who
shall decide thereupon.
CLERICAL DISCIPLINE.
CANON VIII.*
Offences for which a Clergyman may be brought
to trial.
Whereas it is essential to the purity and
prosperity of all religious communities that the
temper and deportment of their ministers be
preserved holy and unblameable ; it is hereby de
clared to be the duty of the bishop, or, if there
be none, of the standing committee, to take cog
nizance of any offence against decorum and re
ligion, of which a priest or deacon shall be
charged upon credible testimony. Disorderly,
scandalous, and immoral conduct, neglect of
duty, disregard of the constitution or canons of
the church, disseminating or countenancing of
opinions which are contrary to her doctrines,
gaming, or any other vicious or unseemly diver
sions, are offences for which (as well as for
a violation of the 26th canon of the General
Convention) a minister may be brought to trial.
And the mode of proceeding shall be as fol
lows : —
Whenever satisfactory information shall be
given in writing, by any two credible members
of the church in this diocess, to the bishop or
standing committee, that any clergyman is guilty
of a violation of the canons, or conducts him
self in any way incompatible with the character
of a minister of Christ, the bishop shall sum
mon a meeting of the standing committee, or, if
there be no bishop, the president of the standing
committee shall assemble them, for the purpose
of inquiry and trial. Notice of the time and
place of meeting shall be given to the accused
party, and also a copy of the charge or charges
laid against such clergyman, at least two months
before the time appointed for trial. Witnesses
shall be called, and no charge shall be deem
ed substantial but upon the testimony of two
credible witnesses, upon oath, either deliv
ered viva voce, or by deposition taken after
reasonable notice given of the time and place
of taking the same. The party accused may call
in any person to assist him in his defence, and
also such witnesses as he may think proper, and
have the benefit of depositions as above pre
scribed. The bishop, or, if there be no bishop,
the standing committee, may appoint a clergy
man to conduct the trial on the part of the
church ; and counsel may be employed on each
side. If, after hearing the evidence and the de
fence of the party accused, two thirds of the
quorum of the standing committee shall be of
opinion that the person is guilty of the charge
or charges brought against him, the bishop shall
proceed to reprove, suspend, or degrade him, as
the offence may deserve. If there be no bish
op, the standing committee shall take record
and give notice of the punishment due to the

party offending : and, in the latter case, an ap
peal may be made to the State Convention,whose
decision shall be final. Provided, That none but
a bishop shall pronounce sentence of deposition
or degradation from the ministry on any cler
gyman, whether bishop, or presbyter, or deacon.
CANON IX.*
Manner of proceeding against a Bishop.
If the bishop of this church shall voluntarily
commit any act or acts violating the constitu
tion or canons, presentment shall be made, by
the Convention, to two or more bishops of the
Protestant Episcopal Church in the United
States. Such bishops shall have authority to
institute a trial within the diocess of the accu
sed party : and the sentence of the two bishops,
or of a majority of a greater number, being
founded on the canons of the church, shall be
final ; except the sentence of degradation, in
which case he shall be allowed the privilege of
an appeal to the House of Bishops, provided he
give notice of such appeal, within six months,
to the bishop who presided in the House of Bish
ops at their session immediately preceding.
canon x.
It shall be the duty of every parish to send
to the Convention the sum of thirty dollars an
nually, for the contingent expenses of the
church ; which money shall be lodged with the
treasurer of the Convention of this church, and
held subject to their order,
CANON XI.
The manner of electing Vestrymen.
On every Easter-Monday, each parish shall
elect eight vestrymen. Two weeks notice shall
be given of the meeting by the minister, from the
pulpit ; or, if there be no minister, by the ves
try ; and, if there be no vestry, by any two mem
bers who last possessed the power of vestry
men ; who shall cause advertisements of the
meeting to be put up at such public places as
will secure due notice of the meeting. And
every pew-holder and contributor to the sup
port of the church shall be entitled to vote.
Every vestryman shall, upon taking his seat,
subscribe the following form : —
" I do believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old
and New Testaments to be the word of God, and
to contain all things necessary to salvation ;
and I do solemnly engage to conform to the
doctrines and worship of the Protestant Epis
copal Church in these United States."
The vestrymen thus elected shall choose two
church-wardens out of their own body, to dis
charge the duties appropriate to their office.
In cases where unavoidable circumstances
prevent the election on Easter-Monday, it shall
take place on any time that may be deemed
expedient by persons authorized to call the
meeting, and in the manner aforesaid : and, un
til a new election, the former vestry shall con
tinue in office. The minister shall be a mem-

* Note.— The 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th canons are
suspended, by a resolution of this Convention, un
til the end of the session of the next Convention.

104

CONVENTION OF 1816.

ber ex-qfficio; and five members shall be re
quired to constitute a quorum.
CANON XII.
Whereas that canon of the Protestant Epis
copal Church of Virginia which directs the
manner of choosing vestrymen in the several
parishes is not applicable to the case of
churches built and supported by voluntary asso
ciations of individuals, without any parochial
charge ; and it is proper that those who hold
the sole property of a particular church should
provide for its care and management ; —

In the case of the Monumental Church in
the city of Richmond, and in all similar cases,
the choice of vestrymen shall be made by the
pew-holders of the respective churches, con
forming, as to the time of appointment and man
ner of qualifying the vestrymen, to the regulations
prescribed by the 11th canon established by the
present Convention. CANON XIII.
The canons and constitution heretofore adopt
ed by the former Conventions of this state shall
be and are hereby repealed.

Journal of the Proceedings of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Virginia, which
assembled in the City of Richmondlon Tuesday, the 21st of May, 1816.

A sufficient number of members appearing
to form a Convention, the Right Rev. Richard
Channing Moore, D. D., bishop of this diocess,
took the chair as president of this Convention.
A committee was appointed to examine the
certificates of appointments of the lay deputies ;
which committee, consisting of the Rev. John
Dunn, the Rev. Andrew Syme, Mr. Robert
Randolph, and William Munford, secretary of
the Convention, reported forthwith the follow
ing members, being present, to be duly appoint
ed, conformably with the canons of the Prot
estant Episcopal Church of Virginia, viz. : —
William A. Knox, for St. George's parish,
Fredericksburg; John Hoof, for St. Paul's
Church, Alexandria ; Thomas G. Allen, for
Aquia parish, Stafford county ; John Adams
and Benjamin Watkins Leigh, for Henrico par
ish ; William Mayo and Lewis Berkeley, for
Frederick parish ; Alexander Keech, for St.
Mary's parish, Caroline county ; John S. Ra-
venscroft and John Buford, for Cumberland
parish, Lunenburg county ; Carter Berkeley,
for St. Martin's parish, in Hanovef and Louisa
counties ; Richard Stuart and Townshend S.
Dade, for St. Paul's parish, King George coun
ty ; Hugh Nelson, for Fredericksville parish,
Albemarle county ; Robert Randolph, for Ham
ilton parish, Fauquier county ; Benjamin Al
len, jr., for St. Andrew's parish, Jefferson
county ; Samuel Slaughter, foi St. Stephen's
Church, Culpepper county ; Henry Lee, jr., for
Washington parish, in Westmoreland county ;
David Patteson, for Manchester parish, Ches
terfield county ; Francis Adams, for Christ
Church, Alexandria.
The following clerical deputies appeared and
took their seats in this Convention, viz. : —
The Rev. John Buchanan, D. D., Henrico
parish ; the Rev. Edward C. M'Guire, St.
George's parish; theRev. Andrew Syme, Bris
tol parish ; the Rev. William H. Wilmer, St.
Paul's Church, Alexandria ; the Rev. William
H. Hart, church on Richmond Hill ; the Rev.
William Meade, Frederick parish ; the Rev.
Charles Crawford, Lexington parish, Amherst ;
the Rev. John Philips, St. Martin's parish ;
the Rev. William Steel, Dettingen parish, Prince
William ; the Rev. Hugh C. Boggs, Berkeley
parish, Spotsylvania ; the Rev. George Lem

on, Hamilton parish, Fauquier ; the Rev. Will
iam Hawley, St. Stephen's Church, Culpepper ;
the Rev. Oliver Norris, Christ Church, Alexan
dria ; the Rev. John Dunn, Shelburne parish,
Loudoun ; the Rev. Armistead Smith, Kingston
parish, Matthews ; the Rev. William King,
Staunton parish, Augusta.
Ordered, That the Rev. Hugh C. Boggs, the
Rev. William H. Wilmer, the Rev. William
Steel, Mr. John S. Ravenscroft, Mr. Richard
Stuart, and Mr. William Mayo, be a committee
to take into consideration the state of the church
in the diocess, and report thereupon to the Con
vention. Ordered, That the Rev. John Dunn, the Rev.
George Lemon, and Mr. Hugh Nelson, be a com
mittee to examine the parochial reports.
Ordered, That the Rev. William Hawley,
Mr. Robert Randolph, and Mr. Benjamin Wat-
kins Leigh, be a committee to examine the
treasurer's accounts.
Resolved, unanimously, That the thanks of
this Convention be presented to the Rev. Oliver
Norris, for his evangelical and eloquent dis
course on the duties of the ministry, delivered
this day in the Monumental Church.
And then the Convention adjourned, to meet
again at the capitol, in the Senate Chamber, at
9 o'clock A. M. on to-morrow.
Wednesday, May 22, 1816.
The Convention met according to adjourn
ment, and was opened with prayer by the Rev.
George Lemon.
The following lay deputies produced certifi
cates of their appointments, which, being read
by the secretary, were found conformable to the
canons of the Protestant Episcopal Church of
Virginia ; whereupon they took their seats in the
Convention, viz. : —
Wright Southgate and William Sharp, for
Christ Church, Norfolk ; John Thorn, for St.
Mark's parish, Culpepper ; and Doctor James
McClurg, for the Monumental Church in the city
of Richmond.
For reasons appearing to the Convention, Mr.
Benjamin Blackford was also admitted to a seat
as lay deputy for Beckford parish. Mr. Elijah
Fletcher, a lay deputy for Lexington parish, Am
herst county, also appeared and took his seat.

CONVENTION OF 1816.

105

The standing rules for regulating the pro
ceedings of the Conventions of this diocess
were then read by the secretary.
The canons of the Protestant Episcopal
Church in the United States of America, estab
lished by the General Convention, were also
read, in obedience to the 11th standing rule for
regulating the proceedings of the Conventions
of this diocess.
The journal of the proceedings of the stand
ing committee of the church of this state was
laid before the Convention by the Rev. William
H. Wilmer, and read by the secretary.
The Rev. Hugh C. Boggs, from the commit
tee on the state of the church, presented a re
port in part, which was read, as follows : —
The committee on the state of the church
having considered the various subjects which
suggested themselves, beg leave to recommend
the following resolutions : —
Whereas the 11th canon limits the number
of vestrymen to the number of eight, and as it
appears desirable to some parishes that they
should have the option of electing twelve ; and
whereas it is further deficient in the manner of
providing for a case in which there is no surviving
member of the vestry to give notice for a new
election ; and whereas it is further so con
structed as to make it necessary that a man
must be both a pew-holder and contributor, in
stead of a pew-holder or a contributor, in order
to be entitled to a vote for the vestry ;
Therefore, be it Resolved, That the aforesaid
canon be altered, and adapted to these views,
when it will read in the following manner.

On every Easter-Monday, each parish shall
elect eight vestrymen : but, where it is deemed
expedient, the number may be increased to twelve.
Two weeks notice shall be given of the meet
ing by the minister, from the pulpit ; or, if there
be no minister, by the vestry ; or, if there be
no vestry, by any two members who last pos
sessed the power of vestrymen ; or, if there be
no surviving members of the vestry, by three re
spectable members of the church; who shall
cause advertisements of the meeting to be put
up at such public places as will secure due no
tice of the meeting. And every pew-holder or
contributor to the support of the church shall be
entitled to vote. Every vestryman shall, upon
taking his seat, subscribe the following form : —
"I do believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old
and New Testaments to be the word of God, and
to contain all things necessary to salvation :
and I do solemnly engage to conform to the doc
trines and worship of the Protestant Episcopal
Church in these United States."
The vestrymen thus elected shall choose two
church-wardens out of their own body, to dis
charge the duties appropriated to their office.
In cases where unavoidable circumstances
prevent the election on Easter-Monday, it shall
take place on any time that may be deemed expe
dient by persons authorized to call the meeting,
and in the manner aforesaid : and, until a new
election, the former vestry shall continue in of

fice. The minister shall be a member ex-qfficio ;
and five members shall be required to constitute
a quorum. Resolved, That the 10th canon be amended,
by inserting after the word "annually," in the
second line, the following words : " or such sums
as the deputies can procure."
The said report was approved ; and the said
resolutions, on questions severally put thereupon,
were agreed to by the Convention.
The Rev. Edward C. M'Guire laid before
the Convention sundry resolutions of the vestry
in the town of Fredericksburg, disapproving of
the 6th and 7th canons adopted by the last
Convention ; and, the same being read, he
made a motion that the 6th and 7th canons be
repealed ; whereupon, on a motion made and
seconded, the Convention resolved itself into a
committee of the whole house to take the said
motion into consideration, Mr. Hugh Nelson in
the chair : — and, after some time spent therein,
the president resumed the chair, and Mr. Nelson
reported, That the committee of the whole Con
vention had, according to order, had under con
sideration the motion for repealing the 6th and
7th canons, and agreed to a resolution there
upon, which he delivered in at the secretary's
table, where the same was read, as follows : —
Resolved, That the 6th and 7th canons for
the government of the church of this diocess,
adopted by the last Convention, be repealed ;
and that the following canon, which, in sub
stance, was passed in May, 1805, be revived and
established in lieu thereof, viz. : —
Whereas the present state of the Protestant
Episcopal Church in Virginia has experienced
many and great inconveniences from the want of
such regulations and provisions as the good and
wholesome government of the said church re
quired, and from the nonperformance of existing
canons : Now, in order that such inconveniences
may be removed, so far as lieth in this Conven
tion, and that the rules and canons of the said
church, and also those ofthe General Convention,
may be strictly observed and enforced in all time
to come ; that all the members ofthe said church,
whether clergymen or laymen, may be excited
to the most zealous and commendable exertions
to further, by all justifiable means, the future
prosperity of the church ; —
Be it ordained, That any lay member of the
church, being a communicant thereof, conduct
ing himself in a manner unworthy of a Chris
tian, may and ought to be admonished by the
minister and vestry of the parish or congrega
tion ; and if such member persevere in such
conduct, he shall be suspended or expelled by
the ministry and vestry ; in which case he may
appeal to the ordinary, who shall have power to
confirm or reject the sentence.
The said resolution being read a second
time, was, on the question put thereupon, unani
mously agreed to by the Convention.
On motion of Mr. Nelson, Resolved, That
when this Convention adjourns to-day, it will
adjourn till to-morrow morning 10 o'clock ;
And then the Convention adjourned accord
ingly.

106

CONVENTION OF 1816.

Thursday, May 23, 1816.
The Convention met according to adjourn
ment, and was opened with prayer by the Rev.
William Meade.
Mr. William Page, a lay deputy for Nor
borne parish, Berkeley county, produced a cer
tificate of appointment, which was read and ap
proved ; whereupon he took his seat in the
Convention. Sundry reports of the state of the several
parishes in this diocess were received, and or
dered to be referred to the committee appointed
to examine the parochial reports.
The Rev. Hugh C. Boggs, from the commit
tee on the state of the church, presented a far
ther report, which was read, as/ollows : —
The committee on the state of the church
beg leave farther to recommend an alteration in
the 12th canon, by adding to it the words, "ex
cepting in the case of Christ Church in the
borough of Norfolk ; which, being under pe
culiar circumstances in relation to the number
of trustees, the time and manner of electing
them, and their rector, may be permitted to con
form to their own regulations in these par
ticulars." The said report being read a second time,
was, on the question put thereupon, approved,
and the amendment thereby proposed to the
12th canon was agreed to by the Convention.
On motion, Ordered, That the committee on
the subject of the parochial reports have leave
to sit while the Convention is in session.
Mr. Benj. Watkins Leigh, from the committee
appointed to examine the treasurer's accounts,
presented a report, which was read, as follows : —
The committee to whom the accounts of the
treasurer were referred have, according to order,
performed that duty, and come to the following
report : —
Your committee have examined the accounts
of the treasurer, and found that the same are fair
and correct, the debits being all supported by
proper vouchers ; and the balance in his hands,
at the meeting of this present Convention, was
sixty dollars and fifty-three cents, as appears by
the following state of the said accounts : —
Cash received by William Munford, treasurer
of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Vir
ginia, since his appointment to that office.
Contributions from the Parishes in May,
1815, viz. :—
From Henrico Parish, by Doctor John
Adams, - - $15 00
" St. Mark's — Culpepper, by Mr.
Robert Slaughter, - 15 00
" St. Paul's Church, Alexandria, by
Mr. Charles Page, - - 15 00
" Norborne Parish, Berkeley, by Mr.
Wm. Pendleton, - - 15 00
" Shelburne  , Loudoun, by the
Rev. John Dunn, 15 00
" St. Stephen's Church, Culpepper,
by Mr. Samuel Slaughter, - 15 00
" St. George's Parish, Fredericks
burg, by Major Benjamin Day, 15 00

Amount carried forward,

$105 00

Amount brought forward, $105 00
From Cumberland  , Lunenburg, by
Mr. John Buford, •
Hamilton  , Fauquier, by Doc
tor Thomas Henderson,
Manchester  , Chesterfield, by
David Patteson,
Matthew Cheatham,
Bristol Parish, Petersburg, by
Rev. Andrew Syme,
Bruton Parish, Williamsburg, by
Ferdinand Campbell,
St. Andrew's Parish, Jefferson, by
Benjamin Allen, jr.,
Frederick Parish, Frederick, by
the Rev. William Meade,
The Vestry of the Monumental
Church in the city of Rich
mond, by Doctor James Mc
Clurg,
Antrim Parish, Halifax, by the
Rev. Alexander Hay,
St. Paul's Parish, King George,
by Cadwallader J. Dade,
Frederick Parish, Frederick, by
the Rev. Alexander Balmain, - 30 00

15 00
15 00
10 00
5 00
- 15 00
15 00
15 00
20 00

15 00

10 00

10 00

Total of parochial contributions, $280 00
Received of the Rev. William Meade,
cash paid him by the former treasurer,
as a delegate to the General Conven
tion ; which he returns, in conse
quence of his having failed to attend
that Convention, - ¦ - - 50 00
Of the administratrix of Samuel Green
how, late treasurer of the Protestant
Episcopal Church, 172 93
On account of subscriptions to the pub
lication of Bishop Moore's sermon in
May, 1815, 72 00
$574 93
Cash paid by William Munford, treasurer,
since his appointment, viz. : —
1815, May.— To the Rev. Hugh C.
Boggs, his expenses as a delegate to the
General Convention last year, - - 70 00
June 9th. — To Messrs. Ritchie and True-
heart, for printing Bishop Moore's ser
mon, ... - 72 00
To do. for printing the Journal of the
Convention, - - - - 42 00
June 28th. — To Bishop Moore, for ex
penses of episcopal visitations, 60 00
July 27th. — To do. on the same
account, 100 00
Oct. 30th. — To do. on the same
account, - 170 00
 *330 00

Balance due May 21st, 1816,

$514 40
60 53
$574 93

* This expenditure has principally arisen from
the circumstance of the Right Reverend Bishop
Moore's being compelled to hire a carriage.

CONVENTION OF 1816.

107

The said report being read a second time,
was, on the question put thereupon, approved by
the Convention.
Mr. Hugh Nelson, from the committee on
the subject of the parochial reports, presented a
report, which was read, as follows : —
The committee on the subject of the parochial
reports beg leave to report the following con
densed statement of the reports that have been
submitted to them : —
The report from the parishes of St. Andrew's
and Norborne is highly favourable. A new church
has been finished at Shepherdstown. Two
others, one at Bunker's Hill, and one at Charles-
town, will, it is expected, be finished in the course
of a few months. Another at Hedges Chapel is
just commenced, and is expected to be under roof
this fall. Well-grounded hopes are entertained
that another will be shortly erected on Back
Creek, in the western part of the parish of Nor
borne. The Rev. Thomas Howell, of Maryland,
has been elected to the parish of Norborne. The
number of catechumens in these parishes is about
three hundred— baptisms eighty-five.
The report from Dettingen states, that a vestry
has been organized, and that they hope to build a
church this summer.
The report from Fredericksburg is highly fa
vourable. A large neat church has been completed.
Communicants ninety— baptisms thirty-four — mar
riages eight— deaths ten — catechumens forty-five.
The report from Hamilton parish is highly
favourable. A new church, it is hoped, will be
built this summer at Warrenton, and another cov
ered in before next winter in the neighbourhood
of Oak Hill. Communicants thirty-nine— bap
tisms, between twenty and thirty infants, and one
adult — marriages eight— funerals four.
The report from Manchester parish states, that
its two old churches are now undergoing repairs.
The report from Staunton parish states, that
though it has been long in a low state, it now be
gins to assume a more encouraging aspect. Bap
tisms for the last four years, forty infants and
seven adults — marriages one.
That in the parish of St. Mary's, in Caroline
county, the spirit of religion is reviving, and dis
pelling the gloomy spectacle of the temples of the
Most High in utter ruins. The sum of 3,000
dollars has been subscribed to erect a church in
Port Royal, which building, it is expected, will be
commenced in the approaching summer.
That in the Monumental Church in Richmond,
such has been the success, under Heaven, of the
pious and venerable bishop of this diocess in his
holy labours, as to excite in us the most lively
feelings of gratitude to the Great Author of our
religion. A devout attendance on their religious
duties, and a spirit of harmony, mark the conduct
of the members of this church. Communicants
to the number of one hundred and twenty sur
round the altar of the living God.
That the parish of St. Paul's exhibits no flat
tering prospect. The building destined for the
service of the only true God is, by an act of the
legislature, converted into a school-house, which
might yet be used as a place of public worship.
The parishioners appear inclined to cultivate the
revival of religion.
The church on Richmond Hill exhibits a lively
contrast to the last preceding— a spirit of religion
becoming general; about thirty communicants,
and six baptisms.
The church in Shelburne parish continues in a
prosperous state. Twenty-five baptisms, and com
municants increasing.

The parish of Washington, in Westmoreland
county, exhibits dilapidated churches, and an ab
sence of all public worship after the manner ofthe
Episcopal Church. It is expected the building
may soon be repaired, when, by the aid of some
pious divines, the spirit of religion may be once
again revived.
The report from the parish of St. Martin's, Han
over county, is favourable. In that parish the
number of communicants has increased, and vital
religion appears to he increasing. One marriage
solemnized— fifteen baptisms— two funerals— thir
ty communicants.
The report from the parish of Lexington is fa
vourable. Forty baptisms solemnized. There
are three churches in the parish, which are not in
good repair; but the vestry seem determined to
have them repaired.
The report from the parish of Kingston states,
that there have been two churches formerly in this
parish ; one of which has gone nearly to decay,
and the other entirely demolished. A subscrip
tion has lately been opened to repair the church
that is in a ruinous state.
The report from the parishes of St. Marks and
St. Stephens, in Culpepper, is favourable. There
are thirty-five communicants. Twenty-two bap
tisms have been solemnized in the course of eigh
teen months. Five marriages.
In consequence of the absence of the Rev. John
Woodville, the number of baptisms and marriages
in St. Marks is not known.
The report from the parishes of St. Thomas, in
Orange, is-favourable. The number of communi
cants there has increased.
On motion, Ordered, That the said report be
inserted in the journal.
On motion of Mr, Benjamin Allen, jr.,
Resolved, That " A Common Prayer-Book and
Tract Society, for the Diocess of Virginia," be
formed under the patronage of the Convention,
according to the following plan :
Constitution of the Common Prayer-Book and Tract-
Society of the Diocess of Virginia.
1. Every person who pays not less than three
dollars at the time of subscribing, and not less
than two dollars annually, shall be a member of
this society.
2. The business of the society shall be con
ducted by a board of managers, consisting of the
bishop and standing committee of the diocess for
the time being. A majority of the managers shall
constitute a quorum to do business. The board
of managers shall make all laws necessary for the
government of the society, and- shall cause a state
ment of the receipts and expenditures of money,
with other such matters as they may deem proper,
to be laid before the Convention of this diocess at
its annual meeting.
3. At some time during the session of each an
nual Convention, a suitable sermon shall be
preached by some person whom the bishop shall
appoint, after which a collection shall be made, to
be appropriated to the funds of the society.
4. The constitution of the society shall be un
alterable, except by a vote of the Convention.
. On motion, Resolved, That the Hon. Bushrod
Washington be added to the delegates hereto
fore elected to the approaching General Con
vention of the Protestant Episcopal Church.
In conformity with the 10th article of the
constitution for the government of this diocess,
the Convention proceeded to the election of a
standing committee, by ballot ; whereupon, the

108

CONVENTION OF 1816.

Rev. William H. Wilmer, the Rev. Oliver Nor
ris, the Rev. John Dunn, the Hon. Bushrod
Washington, the Hon. William Cranch, and
Edmund J. Lee, Esq., were duly elected.
A motion was made by Mr. Alexander Keech,
that the Convention agree to the following pre
amble and resolution : —
Whereas the extent of this diocess will not en
able our venerable bishop to visit as frequently
the several parishes as might be desired, and
preparations might be made to receive him ; and
as it is truly desirable, in the present state of the
church, that there should be a regular organ of
communication between the several parishes of
the state and their diocesan— Therefore,
Resolved, That the Convention recommend to
the members in the several parishes throughout
the state, when there is no rector or vestry, to
elect a vestry of at least eight of the most pious
members of the church, whose duty it shall be to
communicate with the bishop from time to time,
upon the prospects in their several parishes, and
to endeavour, by every possible means, to obtain
visits from the ministers of the adjoining parishes,
as often as the nature of their charges and other
circumstances may admit.
The said preamble and resolution being
twice read, were, on the question put there
upon, agreed to by the Convention.
The Rev. Oliver Norris, from the standing
committee of this diocess, submitted to the con
sideration of the Convention the following cir
cular letter : — Alexandria, March 1st, 1816.
We deem it our duty to submit to the friends
of the church in Virginia the following consider
ations : —
The Convention of 1813 adopted a resolution,
having for its object the creation of a fund, by
which the vacant parishes might occasionally en
joy the benefits of public worship. But an inhe
rent difficulty has been found to attach to the plan
proposed, from the small number of clergymen in
the state, and the consequent impossibility of ob
taining their services as missionaries. This cause,
which continues to operate, must defeat the be
nevolent scheme of the Convention ; and, until
some remedy can be applied, the church must
continue to moum her desolations, and many of
her children to sigh, that the harps of Zion are
unstrung, and no voice of praise is heard in her
courts. Our venerable bishop has done all in his power
to remedy the evil, and has diffused, through va
rious and remote parts, a portion of that zeal
which animates his labours. But the duties of
his parochial charge necessarily limit this sphere
of his usefulness. It appears to us therefore ne
cessary, as well in order to give full effect to his
episcopal ministrations, as to derive the benefits
contemplated by the Convention, that some mode
be devised by which he may be rendered independ
ent of any parochial charge. By this means ev
ery part of the church may occasionally enjoy the
benefits of the public ordinances, and of the epis
copal functions ; and thus, being enabled to per
vade every part of the diocess, he will have it in
his power to encourage the desponding, to rouse
the thoughtless, to give direction to the zeal and
energy of the pious, and to impress upon the whole
system a s.alutary impulse.
It is with this view we take the liberty of sub
mitting the propriety of constituting a fund for

the support of the episcopate. Contribu
tions may be obtained for it either by annual or
life subscriptions, or by advancing an amount
which would yield an interest equal to the annual
subscription.. Should the annual product thus
raised be more than necessary for the support
of the bishop, the surplus may be invested in
bank-stock, and the interest and dividend there
of be reinvested, so as to form, by its accumula
tion, at no distant period, we trust, a permanent
fund, when the further annual contributions might
cease. In aid of this fund, it does not appear to us un
reasonable to calculate upon the donations and
bequests of pious individuals, who, wishing to fa
vour this particular object, will find the means of
giving their bounty its proper direction, in the
fund now created under a specific appellation. As
soon as a similar fund was announced in one of
the Northern states, the committee of that diocess
received an anonymous letter, covering three
thousand dollars for their disposal.
We have thought it not improper to sketch
these general outlines of a plan, that they may be
considered, and the members of the next Conven
tion be prepared to make such improvements as
their better judgments may suggest. In the mean
time, we beg leave to recommend that measures
be taken in each parish towards obtaining contri
butions, and that the sums thus raised be forward
ed to the Convention, for the purpose above ex
pressed. The Convention of 1815 received a communica
tion from the President of William and Mary Col
lege upon the expediency of establishing a theo
logical professorship in that institution. Whether
this important object will ever be accomplished,
will depend entirely, under the blessing of God,
upon the liberality and zeal of the friends of the
church in providing for it a suitable fund. For
the present, we submit the subject for considera
tion, and ask your aid and advice at our next Con
vention, in organizing a plan which may embrace
a charity so extensive and useful.
When the number and wealth of Episcopalians
in Virginia are considered, we cannot but believe
that these several objects will be cherished, and
that our church, which is behind none in the
purity of her doctrines, and the excellence of her
forms, will be behind none in successful efforts
towards carrying into effect the several parts of
her religious and literary institutions. And surely,
in the long list of distinguished supporters, a pe
culiar honour will rest on those who, placed in
the highest rank and station, have associated their
greatness, and consecrated some portion of their
wealth, to such objects; and who will perceive
that, in rallying round the standard of religion,
they are upholding that which is not only the
best security and guard of social order, but is
also the promise and pledge of a felicity above
the warmest conceptions of the human imagina
tion. To conclude, in the words ofthe resolution be
fore alluded to; — we beg leave " most earnestly
to entreat the members of the church generally,
to consider the necessity of adopting zealous
measures for the restoration of religion among us :
that they endeavour to manifest their gratitude to
Almighty God, and their sense of the awful impor
tance of his blessed revelation : that they consider
the unspeakable rewards they will receive from
that gracious Master to whom they belong ; whose
goodness demands the warmest returns of love,
duty, and obedience ; and that they will contribute,
to the utmost in their power, to render this most
acceptable service to his cause."

CONVENTION OF 1816.

109

We are, respectfully, your friends and obedient
servants, Wm. H. Wilmer, "i „. ,- .-,
John Dunn, T >,^, S^"
Oliver Norris, I ™ttee°ftheProt-
Bush. Washington, >^tEp^eopal
W. Cranch, C.hfreh "f *«¦
Edm. 1. Lee, J f1"-
The said letter being read, was, on motion,
referred to the consideration of a committee,
consisting of the Rev. William H. Wilmer, the
Rev. Oliver Norris, the Rev. John Dunn, Mr.
Hugh Nelson, Mr. Benjamin Watkins Leigh,
and Doctor James McClurg.
On a farther motion, Resolved, That the said
vote be reconsidered ; and,
On motion of Mr Benjamin Watkins Leigh,
the Convention agreed to the following pream
ble and resolution : —
A circular letter of the standing committee,
addressed to the friends of the church in Vir
ginia, dated Alexandria, March 1st, 1816, recom
mending the constitution of a fund for the sup
port of the episcopate, having been laid before
the Convention —
Resolved, That the said letter be recommit
ted to the said standing committee, with in
structions that they prepare such detailed
scheme for effecting the object recommended
in the said letter as to them shall seem most
likely tp ensure the same ; and to transmit the
plan, as soon as may be, to the ministers and
vestries of the several parishes, to be by them
carried into execution in such manner as they
shall judge most effectual.
On motion of the Rev. William Hawley, Re
solved, That the next meeting of the Convention
of this diocess shall be at Fredericksburg, on
the first Tuesday in May, 1817.
The Right Rev. Bishop Moore delivered to
the Convention his address on the state of the
church ; which being heard,
Resolved, unanimously, That the thanks of
this Convention be presented to the Right Rev
erend Richard Channing Moore, D. D., for
his eloquent and appropriate pastoral address ;
and that he be requested to furnish a copy
thereof for insertion in the journal.
The address is in the following words : —
Brethren, — It is with the most sincere hap
piness I inform you, that the Protestant Episco
pal Church in the diocess of Virginia presents
to the view of her friends a prospect truly en
couraging. The clouds of adversity which for
years have overspread her horizon appear to be
dispersing, and our Zion, animated by the beams
of the Sun of righteousness, is recovering from
her desolations, exhibiting the most heart-cheer
ing evidences of returning health and vigour. In
her restoration are associated the most affecting
recollections. It is the church of our fathers,
the sanctuary in which they worshipped the Sov
ereign of Universal Nature, and in which they
expressed their grateful acknowledgments to
the Redeemer of the world. At her holy al
tars we were offered up in our infancy to the
God of our salvation. Hallowed be the courts
which they have trodden, and blessed be tho
altars at which they bowed in adoration !

Her children, to their honour be it mentioned,
have not deserted the church of their fathers in
her distress. Though they have noticed with
streaming eyes and bleeding hearts the desola
tion of our Zion ; though the prospect of her
restoration at one period appeared almost hope
less ; still, warmed by the genial influences of
filial affection, they have retained their allegi
ance to her interests, and preserved their attach
ment to her cause. May the blessings, the
richest blessings of heaven, be their portion ;
may the arms of Jehovah be their refuge, and
his bosom their pillow !
Conscious, brethren, that the concerns of the
church required the most prompt and vigorous
exertions, I have endeavoured to discharge the
duties which devolve upon me with fidelity;
and have extended my labours as far as my
parochial engagements and bodily strength
would admit. My first excursion, after the ri
sing ofthe last Convention, was directed towards
the eastern part of the diocess. I visited the
church at Williamsburg, at which place I
preached twice, and confirmed eighteen. I vis
ited York, and preached to an attentive auditory
twice. I visited Norfolk, and preached several
times in that church to a very numerous audi
tory, confirmed near two hundred, and adminis
tered the Lord's Supper to as many. I crossed
the river to Portsmouth, and officiated in the
church in that place. On my return to Rich
mond, I visited the county of Gloucester,
preached in Abingdon church in the morning,
and in the evening lectured at the house of the
excellent Mrs. Page, the widow of the late gov
ernor of this state.
My next excursion was in company with Col
onel Patteson, in the county of Chesterfield,
in which district I preached once at the house
of Col. Branch, and once in the church of Fall
ing Creek. A subscription was at that period
opened for the repair of the church, arid money
sufficient was subscribed upon the spot to an
swer the laudable purpose.
In the month of August I left Richmond in
order to visit the churches in the northern sec
tion of the state. I preached in the county of
Culpepper in four different places, to large and
respectable congregations, and confirmed, in
addition to those of the last year, eighteen.
In that place I also held an ordination, and ad
mitted to the holy order of deacon Mr. Clark
Brown. In Fauquier I also preached several
times to attentive auditories, and confirmed sev
enteen. I then crossed the Blue Ridge into
Frederick county, and officiated in Mr. Meade's
chapel twice, to a numerous and attentive con
gregation, and confirmed forty-eight. I then
proceeded to the county of Jefferson, and
preached at Harper's Ferry. The next object
which attracted my attention was Shepherds-
town, in which place I found a very large and
respectable assembly, to whom I preached, and
administered the rite of confirmation to up
wards of fifty. From thence I proceeded to
Mr. Colson's, and the next day preached to an
interesting congregation at the edge of the
North Mountain. I then proceeded to Martins-

110

CONVENTION OF 1816.

burg, where I officiated, and confirmed upwards
of fifty. From thence I bent my course to Win
chester, where I also preached, and confirmed
twenty-eight. Having performed my episcopal
duties in that district, I again crossed the Blue
Ridge, and went into the county of Loudoun,
and -at Leesburg preached to a congregation,
confirmed forty, and consecrated a handsome
new brick church. MayVe zeal of its patrons,
and the piety of its worthy rector, Mr. Dunn,
meet with the blessing of heaven ! I then vis
ited the county of Prince William, and preached
to an attentive auditory in that place. I also
visited and preached at Dumfries, to a people
with whose orderly deportment I was much
gratified, confirmed eighteen, and administered
the Lord's Supper to a goodly number. I
preached also at Aquia church, in the county of
Stafford, and confirmed seventeen. On my re
turn home I visited and preached at Fredericks
burg to a very large congregation, confirmed
upwards of sixty, and consecrated a handsome
brick edifice. The zeal of the members of that
church entitles them to the love and veneration
of their brethren, and the pious and indefatigable.
exertions of their minister, Mr. M'Guire, merit
my warmest .commendation.
In addition to the duties which I have enu
merated, I have preached in the county of Han
over several times, and have administered the
Lord's Supper to that people. I have also vis^
ited and preached, upon a funeral occasion, in
the county of Surry. I have preached twice in
Petersburg, twice in Lunenburg, and confirrried
seventeen. I have also preached to a very
large assembly in Powhatan. In Richmond I
have also held a confirmation, at which cere
mony about one hundred received that holy rite.
It is my intention, brethren, this fall, to visit
the parishes north and south of James river.
It is impossible for me to specify the precise
time, but the congregations in that diocess may
expect me to be with them.
It gives me great pleasure to mention, that a
spirit of gospel industry appears to pervade the
minds of all the clergy. When each individual
is doing his duty, it would be ungenerous to
make the least distinction. They possess my
entire confidence, and they deserve it. May
that Jesus whose cause they venerate, and
whose empire they are endeavouring to pro
mote, own their labours, and crown their exer
tions with the most abundant success !
During the time, brethren, in which the Lord
Jesus Christ has conferred upon us so many bles
sings, I have to mention one instance of adver
sity with which our Zion has been visited since
I last addressed you. The venerable Dr. Cam
eron, a clergyman to whose piety was added a dig
nity of deportment becoming his years and stand
ing, has been taken from our embrace. His little
flock have been called to part with their beloved
pastor, and his widow and children have to lament
the loss of a husband and parent, endeared to
them not only by the ties of nature, but by the
faithful and honourable discharge of the relative
duties of life. He died resigned to the will of
heaven, and has entered into the joy of his Lord.

My own congregation, brethren, continue, by
their benevolent efforts, to render my residence
in this place agreeable ; it has pleased God in
mercy to raise me up friends among those to
whom, until lately, I was an entire stranger.
May their friendship to me and my family meet
its due reward ; may the blessings of divine
love be their present and eternal portion !
1 should be wanting in duty were I to pass
over in silence the assistance which I derive
from the labours of my friend Dr. Buchanan.
Though advanced in years, when nature re
quires retirement and repose, he engages every
Sunday in the discharge of the public duties of
the ministry, and, without any reward except
that which arises from the testimony of his own
conscience, he labours in the gospel. May his
remaining days be crowned with happiness, and
his last end be the end of the righteous.
Since my residence in Virginia, three churches
in St. Martin's parish, Hanover arid Louisa coun
ties, have been furnished with regular and stated
worship by the Rev. Mr. Philips ; one in Staf
ford, and one in Prince William, by Mr. Thos.
-Allen : two in Prince William, by the Rev. Mr.
Steel : three in Fauquier by the Rev. Mr.
Lemon : three in Jefferson, and three in Berke
ley, by Mr. Benjamin Allen. Martinsburg has
called a clergyman, the Rev. Mr. Orrel. Cul
pepper has a second minister, the Rev. Mr
Hawley, who also supplies the county of
Orange ; and Lunenburg and:Mecklenburg are
supplied by Mr. John Ravenscroft.
I have admitted, as candidates for holy orders,
Mr. John L. Bryan, and Mr. John Ravenscroft.
I have admitted to the holy order of deacons
Mr. Clark Brown, Mr. Low, and Mr. Steel, and
to the order of the priesthood, Rev. John
Philips, and the Rev. Wm. Hart. I have
visited Norfolk a second time, and preached
four times in that borough, confirmed fifty-two,
and baptized thirteen children. I have also
visited Princess Anne, Orange, and Albemarle,
and preached in each place to attentive and
respectable congregations.
The prospect before us, brethren, is certainly
encouraging; and as the Almighty works through
the medium and agency 'of man, it is to the
clergy that we are to look up, under heaven, for
the revival. of our church. " The harvest truly
is great, and the labourers are few ;" but while
we can rank among those labourers so many in
defatigable and pious men as those who form
our body, we have every thing to expect. To
exhort them to industry is unnecessary ; their
duty prompts them to be watchful, and their
zeal impels them to the discharge of their re
ligious obligations.
Gentlemen of the laity ; — though you are not
called to labour in the gospel ministry, still, your
situation in life places in your power the means
of being useful. When I look around me, and
see so many individuals of distinguished char
acter stepping forth in support of the church,
my heart revives. It is the church of our
fathers ; I therefore commend her interests to
your care. The countenance which you. afford
to me and my brethren convinces me of your

CONVENTION OF 1816.

Ill

zeal, and your presence in our religious council
is a pledge of your support. Let us lay our
hands upon the altar of our church, and with full
purpose of heart determine, God being our
helper, to raise her from her ruins, and to re
store her to her primitive and apostolical purity.
Brethren, I bid you an affectionate farewell.
May you return in health to your families ; and
may the God of Jacob be your protector.
On motion of the Rev. Oliver Norris, Re
solved, That the constitution and canons for
the government of the church in this diocess,
as amended by the present Convention, be pub
lished with the journal of its proceedings ; and
that the secretary be directed to send, by post
or otherwise, twelve copies to each parish in the
state. On motion of Mr. Hugh Nelson, Resolved,
unanimously, That the thanks of this Conven
tion be presented to William Munford, Esq.,
for his disinterested and faithful services as
secretary to this Convention.
No farther business being before the Conven
tion, on motion, the Convention adjourned, to
meet again at Fredericksburg, on the first Tues
day in.May next. Richard Channing Moore,
Bishop of the Prot. Episcopal Church
of Virginia.
Attest, Wm. Munford, Secretary.

Constitution and Canons for the Government
of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Vir
ginia, revised and established by the Conven
tion of that Church which met in the City of
Richmond on Tuesday, May 23d, 1815 ; and.
amended by the Convention which met in the
same city on Tuesday, May 21st, 1816.
constitution.
Article I. There shall be a Convention of
the Protestant Episcopal Church in this state
on the third Tuesday in May every year : but
the Convention which meets in the year pre
vious to the meeting of the General Conven
tion, may have power to appoint the time and
place of meeting for the next annual session.
• Art. II. The Convention shall be composed
of the officiating ministers who have been
regularly and canonically elected in parishes or
churches within this state, and within that part
of the territory of Columbia formerly part of this
state ; and of those whom age or infirmity pre
vents from exercising their clerical functions,
who shall be considered members ex-qfficio.
The Convention shall also be composed of lay
members, consisting of one delegate from each
parish (or of two lay deputies, where there
shall be no clergyman in the parish), chosen by
the vestry thereof, or, if there be no vestry, by
at least twelve persons who may with propriety
be considered as members of the Protestant
Episcopal Church, duly notified : and the elec
tion shall be certified by at least five members
of this church ; provided, that every parish
having more than one officiating minister who
hath been regularly and canonically elected,

shall be entitle'd to send as many lay delegates
as it has ministers.
Art. III. Six members of..the clerical, and
six of the lay order, shall constitute a quorum for
the transaction of business : but a smaller num
ber may adjourn.
Art. IV. In all matters that shall come be
fore the Convention, the clergy and laity shall
deliberate in one body ; and the concurrence of
a majority shall give validity to any measure.
But, when three members require it, there shall
be a vote by orders.
Art. V. The election of a bishop of this
church shall be made in Convention, in the fol
lowing manner. The order of the clergy shall
nominate and appoint, by ballot, some fit and
qualified clergyman for that office ; and the
votes of two thirds of that order shall be requi
site to constitute a choice. And thereupon
such appointment 'shall be presented to the
order of the lay delegates, and be considered
by them ; and if, on a ballot, it shall appear
that the person sp nominated is approved of by
two thirds of theflay order, he shall be then de
clared to be duly elected.
Art. VI. In this diocess there shall be but
one bishop. He shall be president of the Con
vention ; in which character, it shall be his
duty to give to the Convention, as often as he
may deem expedient, a general view of the
state of the church ; to call special Conven
tions, at whatever times and places he may
think necessary ; to preserve order during the
time of session ; to put the question, collect the
votes, and declare the decision. He may make
any motion which he shall judge conducive to
the good of the church, but shall not enter into
debate ; and he may deliver his sentiments on
any subject after it has been discussed, before a
vote thereon.
Art. VII. In case of a vacancy in the epis
copal office, the Convention, immediately upon
their assembling, shall choose, by joint ballot, a
president from among the order of priests, who
shall remain in office until the next election of
a president. He shall perform all the duties
and possess all the privileges above specified ;
but he shall not call special meetings of the
Convention, unless applied to for that purpose
by a majority ofthe standing committee. And
if, while there is a bishop in this church, he
shall not be present at any meeting of the Gon-
vention, they shall elect, in the manner afore
said, a president pro tempore.
Art. VIII. A secretary shall be appointed
by the Convention, who shall continue in office
during good behaviour. His duty shall be to
make minutes of their proceedings, to preserve
their journals and records, to attest the public
acts of the body, and faithfully to deliver into
the hands of his successor all books and papers,
relative to the concerns of the Convention,
which may be in his possession. It shall be his
duty to notify, through the channel of the public
papers, as he may think proper, tlie time and
place appointed for the meeting of the succeed
ing Convention.
Art. IX. A treasurer shall be appointed by

112

CONVENTION OF 1816.

the Convention, who sha.ll continue in office
during good behaviour, and who shall discharge
the duties usually appertaining to that office.
Art. X. Before the adjournment of each
annual Convention, a standing committee, con
sisting of six members, three clerical and three
of the lay order,. shall be chosen by a ballot of
the clergy and laity.
Art. XI. If at any time there should be no
bishop in this church, the Convention shall
divide the state or diocess into1 districts, and
assign to such clergymen as they may appoint
the superintendence of a district, which it shall
be their duty to visit at least once a year, and
to report the ecclesiastical and secular state
, thereof to the Convention.
Art. XII. Every parish within this diocess
shall be entitled to the entire benefit of this con
stitution, as soon as it shall have signified its
ratification thereof, either in writing or by send
ing a lay delegate to the Convention ; and such
parish shall thereafter be benefited and bound,
equally with the other parishes in this diocess,
by every, rule and canon which shall be framed,
by any Convention acting under this constitu
tion, for the -government of this church in eccle
siastical concerns.
Art. XIII. This constitution shall be un
alterable, except in the following manner : — a
proposition for any change shall be introduced
in writing and considered in Convention ; and,
if approved of, the same shall be transmitted to
the several vestries of the parishes which shall
have ratified this constitution ; and if again ap
proved of in the next ensuing Convention by a
majority, the change shall then take place ; and
the constitution, so altered, shall be valid and
obligatory.

The minister of each parish shall make out
and continue an exact register of all the com
municants within his congregation ; which reg<
ister shall be left, upon his death or removal, for
the use of his successor.

It shall be the duty of the ministers of our
church to be careful in observing all the direc
tions of the rubric, and of the General Conven
tion, which relate to communicants ; to main
tain the most affectionate intercourse with all
their members on religious subjects ; but, espe
cially, to converse with those who offer them
selves for the first time for the communion, on
those qualifications which are proper for the
worthy receiving of the sacrament, unless they
be otherwise satisfied that they are properly
qualified. LAY DISCIPLINE.
CANON ill.
Communicants to have Family Worship.
It shall be the duty of every communicant of
this church, who is the head of a family, to live
in the habitual exercise of family worship.

The Members of this Church to instruct their
families in the Principles of Religion.
The members of this church shall instruct
their families, as far as they are able, in the
principles of the Christian religion ; and, as
soon as they are sufficiently informed and im
pressed with the importance and sacredness of
their baptismal vow, and have come to a proper
age to ratify the same in their own persons,
they shall present them to the bishop for con
firmation, when conveniently in their power.
canon v.
The members of this Church to be regular in
their attendance on Public Worship.
The members of this church shall attend the
public worship of God as regularly and con
stantly as, from their age, infirmities, and cir
cumstances in life, may be reasonably expected ;
and shall admit of no excuse for the neglect of
this important duty, but such as they may plead
at the bar of God in the day of judgment.

Offences for which a Layman may be presented
and tried.
Whereas the present state of the Protestant
Episcopal Church in Virginia has experienced
many and great inconveniences from the want
of such regulations and provisions as the good
and wholesome government of the said church
required, and from the nonperformance of ex
isting canons : Now, in order that such incon
veniences may be removed, so far as lieth in
this Convention, and that the rules and canons
of the said church, and also those of the General
Convention, may be strictly observed and en
forced in all time to come ; that all the mem
bers of the said church, whether clergymen or
laymen, maybe excited to the most zealous and
commendable exertions to further, by all justifi
able means, the future prosperity of the church ;
Be it ordained, That any lay member of the
church, being a communicant thereof, conduct
ing himself in a manner unworthy of a Chris
tian, may and ought to be admonished by the
minister and vestry of the parish or congrega
tion ; and if such member persevere in such
conduct, he shall be suspended or expelled by,
the minister and vestry ; in which case he may
appeal to the ordinary, who shall have, power to
confirm or reject the sentence. ' .-.- ' -'''..,"
CLERICAL DISCIPLINE.
CANON VII.
Offences for which a Clergyman may be brought
to trial.
Whereas it is essential to the purity and
prosperity of all religious communities that the
temper and deportment of their ministers be
preserved holy and unblameable ; it is hereby
declared to be the duty of the bishop, or, if there
be none, of the standing committee, to take cog
nizance of any offence against decorum and re
ligion, of which a priest or deacon shall be
charged upon credible testimony. Disorderly,
scandalous, and immoral conduct, neglect of

CONVENTION OF 1816.

113

duty, disregard of the constitution or canons of
the church, disseminating or countenancing of
opinions which are contrary to her doctrines,
gaming, pr any other vicious or unseemly diver
sions, are "offences for which (as well as for a
violation of the 26th canon of the General Con
vention) a minister may be brought to trial.
And the mode of proceeding shall be as fol
lows : —
Whenever satisfactory information shall be
given in writing, by any two credible members
of the church in this diocess, to the bishop or
standing committee, that any clergyman is guilty
of a violation of the canons, or conducts him
self in any way incompatible with the character
of a minister of Christ, the bishop shall summon
a meeting of the standing committee, or, if there
be no bishop, the president of the standing com
mittee shall assemble them, for the purpose of
inquiry and trial. Notice of the time and place
of meeting shall be given to the accused party,
and also a copy of the charge or charges laid
against such clergyman, at least two months
before the time appointed for trial. Witnesses
shall be called, and no charge shall be deemed
substantial but upon the testimony of two credi
ble witnesses, upon oath, either delivered viva
voce, or by depositions taken after reasonable
notice given of the time and place of taking the
same. The party accused may call in any per
son to assist him in his defence, and also such
witnesses as he may think proper, and have the
benefit of depositions as above prescribed. The
bishop, or, if there be no bishop, the standing
committee, may appoint a clergyman to conduct
the trial on the part of the church ; and counsel
may be employed on each side. If, after hear
ing the evidence and the defence of the party
accused, two thirds of the quorum of the stand
ing committee shall be of opinion that the per
son is guilty of the charge or charges brought
against him, the bishop shall proceed to reprove,
suspend, or degrade him, as the offence may de
serve. If there be no bishop, the standing com
mittee shall take record, and give notice of the
punishment due to the party offending: and,
in the latter case, an appeal may be made to the
State Convention, whose decision shall be final.
Provided, That none but a bishop shall pro
nounce sentence of deposition or degradation'
from the ministry on any clergyman, whether
bishop, or presbyter, or deacon.
canon vm.
Manner of •procecding-against a Bishop.
If the bishop of this church shall voluntarily
commit any act or acts violating the constitu
tion or, canons, presentment shall be made by
the.Convention to two or more bishops of the
Protestant ' Episeopal ChuTch in the United
States.- Such bishops shall have authority to
institute a trial within the diocess of the ac
cused party; and the sentence of the two
bishops, or of a majority of a greater number,
being founded on the canons of the church,
shall be final ; except the sentence of degrada
tion, in which case he shall be allowed the priv
ilege of an appeal to the House of Bishops, pro-
H

vided he give notice of such appeal, within six
months, to the bishop who presided in, ^he-
House of Bishops at their session immediately
preceding. •
CANON IX.
It' shall be the duty of every parish to send
to the Convention the sum of thirty dollars an
nually, or such sums as the deputies can pro
cure, for the contingent expenses of the church ;
which money shall be lodged with the treasurer
of the Convention of this church, and held sub
ject to their order. canon x.
The manner of electing Vestrymen. ¦
On every Easter-Monday, each parish shall
elect eight vestrymen ; but, where it is deemed
expedient, the number, may be increased to
twelve. Two weeks notice shall be given of
the meeting by the minister, from the pulpit ;
or, if there be no minister, by the vestry ; and
if there be no vestry, by any two members who
last possessed the power of vestrymen ; or, if
there be no surviving members of'the vestry, by
three respectable members of the' church, who
shall cause advertisements of the meeting to be
put up at such public places as will secure the
notice of the meeting. And every pew-holder
or contributor to the support of the church shall
be entitled to , vote. Every vestryman shall,
upon taking his seat, subscribe the following
form : —
" I do believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old
and New Testaments to be the word of God,
and to contain all things necessary to salvation :
and I do solemnly engage to conform to the
doctrines and worship of the Protestant Episco
pal Church in these United States." .
The vestrymen thus elected shall choose
two church-wardens out of their own body,
to discharge the duties appropriate to their
office. In cases- where unavoidable circumstances
prevent the election on Easter-Monday, it shall
take place on any time that may be deemed ex
pedient by persons' authorized to call the meet
ing, and in the manner aforesaid : and',' until a
new election, the former vestry shall continue
in office. The minister shall be a member ex-
officio ; and five members shall be required to
constitute a quorum. canon xi. ¦ . "
Whereas that canon of the Protestant Epis
copal Church in Virginia which directs the
manner of choosing vestrymen in the several
parishes is not applicable to the case of church
es "built and supported by voluntary associations
of individuals, without any parochial charge ;
and it is proper that those who hold the sole
property of a particular church should provide
fbr its care and management ; —
In the case of the Monumental Church in the
city of Richmond, and in all similar cases, the
choice of vestrymen shall be made by the pew-
holders of the respective churches, conforming,
as to tho time of appointment and "manner qf
qualifying the vestrymen, to the regulations

114

CONVENTION OF 1817.

prescribed by the 10th canon established by the
present Convention ; excepting in the case of
Christ Church in the borough of Norfolk,
which, being under peculiar circumstances in
relation to the numoer of trustees, the time and
manner of electing them, and their rector, may

be permittee- to conform to their own regula
tions in these particulars. CANON xii.
The canons and constitution heretofore adopt
ed by the former Conventions of this state shall
be and are hereby repealed.

Journal of the Proceedings of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Virginia,
which assembled in Fredericksburg, on Tuesday, the 6th of Map, 1817.
A sufficient number of members appearing
to form a Convention, the Right Rev. Richard
Channing Moore, D. D., bishop of this diocess,
took the ch.iir as president of this Convention.
A committee was appointed to examine the
certificates of appointments of the lay deputies ;
which committee, consisting of the Rev. John
Woodville, Mr. Philip Nelson, and Mr. Benja
min Day, reported forthwith the following mem
bers, being present, to be duly appointed, con
formably with the canons of the Protestant
Episcopal Church of Virginia, viz. : —
Francis Nelson, for St. Martin's parish, in
Hanover and Louisa counties ; Samuel Slaugh
ter and Isaac Winston, jr., for St. Stephen's
Church, Culpepper county ; Laurence G. Alex
ander, for Dettingen parish, Prince William ;
Samuel G. Adams, for Henrico parish ; George
W. Spottswood, for St. Thomas's Church,
Orange county ; William Broadus, for St.
Mark's parish, Culpepper ; John Nelson, jr.,
for St. James's parish, Mecklenburg ; Philip
Nelson, for Frederick parish ; Hugh Mercer,
for Shelburne parish, Loudoun county ; Edmund
I. Lee, for Christ Church, Alexandria ; James
M. Garnett, for St. Anne's parish, Essex ;
John Ambler, for the Monumental Church, in
the city of Richmond ; Thomas G. Allen, for
Dumfries parish, Prince William ; Rowzee
Peyton, for Aquia parish, Stafford ; Abram
Shepherd, for St. Andrew's parish, Jefferson ;
Robert Randolph, for Hamilton parish, Fau
quier ; John Daingerfield and Robert Weir, for
South Farnham parish, Essex ; Benjamin Day,
for St. George's parish, Fredericksburg.
The following clerical deputies appeared and
took their seats in this Convention, viz. : —
The Rev. Edward C. M'Guire, St. George's
parish, Fredericksburg ; the Rev. William H.
Wilmer, St. Paul's Church, Alexandria ; the
Rev. John Philips, St. Martin's parish, in Han
over and Louisa; the Rev. William Steel, Det
tingen parish, Prince William ; the Rev. Hugh
C. Boggs, Berkeley parish, Spotsylvania ; the
Rev. George Lemon, Hamilton parish, Fau
quier ; the Rev. Oliver Norris, Christ Church,
Fairfax parish, Alexandria ; the Rev. John
Dunn, Shelburne parish, Loudoun ; the Rev.
Alexander Balmain, Frederick parish ; the
Rev. John Woodville, St. Mark's parish, Cul
pepper ; the Rev. Benjamin Allen, St. An
drew's parish, Jefferson county ; the Rev.
Thomas Orrill, Norborne parish, Berkeley
county ; the Rev. John ,S, Ravenscroft, St.
James's parish, Mecklenburg county ; the Rev.

John L. Bryan, Christ Church, Norbome par
ish, Berkeley county.
On motion, Resolved, That the Rev. Will
iam Hawley, of the city of Washington, and
the Rev. John Bausman, of Calvert county,
Maryland, be admitted to seats in this Conven
tion as honorary members.
Resolved, unanimously, That the thanks of
this Convention be presented to the Rev. Mr.
Dunn, for his evangelical and appropriate dis
course on the duties of the ministry, delivered
this day in the church of Fredericksburg.
Ordered, That the Rev. Alexander Balmain,
the Rev. George Lemon, the Rev. Hugh C.
Boggs, Mr. Samuel G. Adams, Mr. William
Broadus, and Mr. Benjamin Day, be a commit
tee to take into consideration the state of the
church in this diocess, and report thereupon to
this Convention.
Ordered, That the Rev. John Dunn, the
Rev. John Philips, and Mr. Philip Nelson, be a
committee to examine the parochial reports.
Ordered, That the Rev. Oliver Noiris, the
Rev. John Woodville, and Mr. Edmund I. Lee,
be a committee to examine the treasurer's ac
counts. Ordered, That the Rev. Benjamin Allen,
Mr. Abram Shepherd, and Mr. Robert Ran
dolph, be a committee to examine the accounts
of the treasurer of "The Common Prayer-
Book and Tract Society for the Diocess of
Virginia." On motion, Resolved, That when the Con
vention adjourns on this day, it will adjourn to
meet to-morrow morning, immediately after the
conclusion of divine service.
And then the Convention adjourned accord
ingly. Wednesday, May 7, 1817.
The Convention met, according to adjourn
ment, after divine service by the Rev. John S.
Ravenscroft. The following lay deputies produced certifi
cates of their appointments, which, being read
by the secretary, were found conformable to the
canons of the Protestant Episcopal Church of
Virginia ; whereupon they took their seats in
the Convention, viz. : —
Mrs Alexander Keech, for St. Mary's parish,
Caroline county ; and Mr. John Hoof, for St,
Paul's Church, Alexandria.
For reasons appearing to the Convention,
Mr. Robert S. Garnett was also admitted to a
seat as lay deputy from St. Anne's parish, Essex.

(T-

CONVENTION OF 1817.

115

. The Rev. Andrew Syme, from Bristol parish,
Petersburg, and the Rev. William H. . Hart,
from Henrico parish, also appeared and took
their seats in the Convention*
. Resolved, That Mr. James Hunter, from St.
Anne's parish,, Essex, be admitted, also, as an
honorary member of this Convention.
The standing rules for, regulating the proceed
ings of the Conventions of this diocess, and the
journal -of the proceedings of the standing com
mittee of the church during the last year, were
read by the secretary.
The Rev. Benjamin Allen, from the commit
tee to which the accounts of the treasurer of the
Common Prayer-Book and Tract Society were
referred, presented a report, which was read and
approved, in the following words ; —
The committee to whom were referred the
accounts of the Common Prayer-Book and Tract
Society, report : — That they have duly examin
ed the same, and find them, correct," a balance
being due the treasurer of i$318 75.
A motion was made by the Rev. Benjamin
Allen, that the Convention agree' to the follow-
¦ing resolutions : —
Resolved, That the existing Common Prayer-
Book and Tract Society be extended to the pro
motion of Christian knowledge in general ; the
funds to be apportioned among the respective
means made use of, as the managers may deter
mine. Resolved, That it be recommended that an
auxiliary society be established in each parish,
one half of whose funds shall be thrown into
the treasury of the Diocesan Society ; the re
mainder to be applied as its managers may de
termine. On motion, Ordered, That the said resolu
tions be laid upon the table.
On motion of the Rev. William H. Wilmer,
Resolved, That the committee on- the state
of the church be requested to inquire and re
port to the Convention, whether it be proper or
not to give an expression of the opinion of this
house in relation to the 35th canon of the Gen
eral Convention.
On motion of Mr. Edmund I. Lee, the follow
ing preamble and resolutions were unanimously
agreed to by the Convention : —
Whereas an erroneous impression prevails
among the members of the Protestant Church of
this diocess, that the Convention, at its last ses
sion in May, 1816, by repealing the sixth canon
then in force, intended thereby to withdraw from
the ministers of the church the power which the
rubric gave them of reproving, censuring, or re
pelling* from the communion, any member who
may be guilty of the offences in the said sixth
canon described : —
This Convention, for the purpose of removing
such impression, feel themselves bound to de
clare, as they do now unanimously declare, that
such cannot be fairly considered as' the effect of
the repeal of the sixth canon ; and, further, that
the Convention expects each minister will consci
entiously execute the duty imposed on him by the
rubric of the church as it relates to communicants.
Resolved, unanimously, That the Convention
do seriously, and in the most affectionate. raannSt,
H 2

call on the members of this church, and particu
larly heads of families, to comply with the requisi
tions of the 3d and- 5th. canons of the church of
this diocess.
On motion of the Rev. William JL Wilmer,
Resolved, That it shall be the duty of the
standing committee, at every meeting of the
Convention, to submit, in addition to the' report
of their proceedings, the documents also which
have been laid before them during the year.
In conformity with the 10th article of the
constitution for the government of this diocess,
the Convention proceeded to the election of a
standing committee, by ballot ; whereupon, the
Rev. William H. Wilmer, the Rev. Oliver Nor
ris, the Rev. John Dunn, the Hon. Bushrod
Washington, the Hon. William Cranch, and
Mr. Edmund I. Lee, were duly elected.
On motion of Mr. Edmund I. Lee,
Resolved, That the deputies of this diocess
in the General Convention be directed to use
their influence to cause the next General Con
vention, succeeding-that to be holden in this
month, to hold their next session in the city of
Richmond, or at some place convenient to therii-
selves, and as near the city of Richmond as that
convenience will admit of.
A motion was made by Mr. Alexander Keech,
that the Convention agree to the following pre
amble and resolutions :—
Whereas, from the present desolate state of the
church, frequent and combined exertion is neces
sary for its revival throughout the diocess ; and
whereas the duties of the bishop require an ex
emption from regular parochial services, it be
comes the sacred duty of this Convention to pro
vide the most ample means in its power for his
support, that his exertions may give tone and
energy to subordinate efforts for the promotion of
Christian knowledge : therefore, for the accom
plishment of these and other objects,
Resolved, That the diocess of Virginia be divi
ded into as many convocational districts as, in the
opinion of the Convention, may be most expe
dient, and that semi-annual convocations be hold
en in the same, at such times and places as the
members of the said convocations shall determine.
Resolved, That each parish shall be entitled to
a representation in these convocations of two lay
deputies, besides its clergy.
Resolved, That these convocations shall su
perintend the interest of the church in their re
spective districts, devise means for raising finances
for the support of the episcopate, and the promo
tion of Christian knowledge in general, and shall
particularly attend to the providing supplies for
vacant churches.
Resolved, That the respective convocations
shall, at the opening of each meeting, proceed to
the election of a president and secretary : the for
mer in all cases to be elected from the clerical, the
latter from the lay order. '•¦
Resolved, That these meetings shall be under'
the immediate control ofthe bishop of the diocess,
and that a report of all proceedings shall be pre
pared by the meeting, signed by the president and
secretary, and forwarded to the bishop, to he by
him laid before the ensuing Convention,
; : Ordered, That the said preamble and resolu
tions be referred to a committee, consisting of
Mr. Alexander Keech, Mr. Edm'md I. Lee, the

116

CONVENTION OF 1817.

Rev. Oliver Norris, the Rev. William H.. Wil
mer, and Mr. James M. Garnett.
On motion, Ordered, That leave of absence
from the service of this house for the remainder
of the session be granted to Mr. Samuel G.
Adams. And then the Convention adjourned until to
morrow morning 9 o'clock.
Thursday, May 8, 1817.
The Convention met according to adjourn
ment, and was opened with divine service by
the Rev. William H. Wilmer.
Mr. Edmund I. Lee, from the committee to
whom the resolutions submitted by Mr. Alexan
der Keech were referred, presented a report,
with several resolutions, which were read, and,
on motion, referred to a committee of the whole
Convention. The Convention, accordingly, resolved itself
into a committee of the whole house, Mr.
James M. Garnett in the chair ; and after some
time spent therein, the president resumed the
chair, and Mr. Garnett reported, That the com
mittee of the whole house had, according to or
der, had- under consideration the said report and
resolutions, and agreed to several amendments
thereto, which he delivered in therewith at the
secretary's table ; which amendments, being
twice read, were, on questions severally put
thereupon, agreed to by the Convention.
THe said report and resolutions, as amended,
together with the address thereby proposed, be
ing twice read, were agreed to in the following
words : —
The committee to whom were referred sundry
resolutions on the subject of dividing the diocess
into convocational districts, have, according to
order, had the same under consideration, and
have agreed to the following resolutions, which
they beg leave to submit.
Resolved, That for the purpose of raising a fund
for the support of ministers who may be appointed
according to the rules and canons of the church,
to preach in those sections of the diocess which
are now or may hereafter be without a minister,
and also to raise money for the support of the
bishop, without being attached to any particular
parish, the ministers of this church do, in _their
respective parishes, at such time as they shall
deem most fit, endeavour to collect, by a collec
tion in their churches, or by subscriptions, such
sums of.money as the friends of religion shall be
disposed to contribute towards the objects ot this
resolution. Resolved, That all money which may be col
lected as aforesaid, intended by the contributor to
be applied to the support of the bishop, shall be
transmitted to the treasurer of this church, to be
applied in such way as the standing committee
shall direct. And so much of the money as shall
be raised for the support of the ministers shall be
placed in the hands of the vestry ofthe respective
parishes in which it may be raised. •
Resolved, That 400 copies of the following ad
dress, and of these resolutions, be printed, and
eight copies thereof be transmitted, as soon as
practicable, by the secretary, to the clerical and
lay delegates attending the present Convention,
and to such of the ministers of this church who
are not attending the Convention, all of whom
are earnestly solicited to use their best exertions

to effect, as speedily as they can, the.object of the
first and second resolutions.
Resolved, That the said address be printed in
such a form as to admit subscribers' names to the
same. Resolved, That as soon as the delegates of any
one or more adjoining parishes have funds, sep
arately or unitedly, sufficient to maintain for one
year, at a reasonable allowance, a minister or
ministers in the same, that the vestry, if any there
be, or, if there be none, then the delegates from
the said parish or parishes, do give information
of the same to the bishop.
To Christians of the Protestant Episcopalian De
nomination in the Diocess of Virginia.
The visitations with which it has pleased
Heaven, for a period (not a very short one), to
afflict our country, are sufficient.to manifest the
powers of its wrath, and are well calculated to ex
cite supplication to its mercy. War has afflicted
us with much of its desolation ; sickness has raged
with little less than pestilence ;. and want ap
proaches (at least to many) with almost the aspect
of famine. Human affliction is always divine cor
rection ; the pious man bows to its weight with
submission ; he mitigates its severity by supplica
tion; and thus, at least, prepares the subiimest
consolation for ills which come not from mortal
hands. What have we done in the eyes of Heaven
to merit its bounties or to avert its chastisement ;
or, rather, what have we not done, in the total
neglect of God, the abandonment of his worship,
the ruin and destruction of his temples, the profa
nation of his word, the contempt of his revelation,
the pursuit of all follies, the practice of all im
pieties ? What have we not done to kindle the
hottest' wrath of Heaven upon our heads, and to
exasperate the relenting mercies of God into the
just severity of eternal death? No public wor
ship excites in our bosoms the contagious sympa
thy of social devotion ; no public prayer prostrates
a people at the altar of God, to claim the salvation
which he condescends to offer to those who ear
nestly ask it ; no pubhc thanks are presented to
the source of all bounties, the benevolent Saviour
of man, and the beneficent Father of the world.
We live, as it were, without God in the world ;
the young rise up without knowing him, and the
old pass away without acknowledging him. Su
perstition can prostrate herself in all the fervour
of devotion before its idols of brass, and of stone,
and of wood ; before " images made like to cor
ruptible man, and to birds, and to four-footed
beasts, and creeping things," and immure its abom
inations in all the magnificence of costly and
massy architecture ; but we, who profess to be
lieve in the uncorruptible, the living God, the God
of grace and of mercy, whose mysteries are reve
lation, whose rites are love, whose worship is
peace, whose boon is heaven, we turn with frozen
apathy from his name and word, feel no devotion
to infinite goodness, offer no prayer for salvation,
breathe no thanks for redemption. We have
turned God out of his temples, and leave their
ruins as sepulchres of the piety which erected,
and monuments of the wickedness which profanes
them. These considerations are awfully affecting to
us all, but touch parents and the heads of families
with a vital keenness. The patrimony of guilt
and irreligion upon which we are rearing, and
which we are preparing to bequeath to our chil
dren, will accumulate in rankness in the inheri
tance. If the father does not live to curse him
self as the progenitor of his family's shame, his
children will live long enough to riot in the un-

CONVENTION OF 1817.

11?

bridled corruption of their hearts, which no check
but Heaven can reclaim, and to despise, if not to
curse, tlie author of their existence, who neglected
to impose religious restraints on appetites which
no earthly influence can subdue. If our own
hearts have been rendered so callous by our
neglect of public worship, that we are ourselves
willing to forego its enjoyments and its blessings,
let us not, however, fling them away from our
children. You are Christians. The divine intercessor for
man has said, " When two or three meet together
in my name, there am I in the midst of them ;"
will you renounce the promised intercourse with
God ? Are you parents ? Intercept not from your
children the light which Heaven would shed to
illumine their path through life to eternity. As
citizens, you love your neighbours and your coun
trymen. Will you withhold from them ihe moral
and religious instruction of the liturgy and the pul
pit, inspiring " on earth peace — goud-will towards
man ;" uniting them in bonds wrought by almighty
hands ; and subliming their affections, from the
low and grovelling objects of sensual appetite, into
social benevolence and Christian charity ?
Every relation in which we stand to God, to
ourselves, to our families, and to society, demands
from us a fervent zeal, and an active effort to re
store the church which we profess, purified, by
the revolutions she has undergone, from former
abuses, endowed by public veneration and Chris
tian piety, and supported by the purity of her doc
trines, the integrity of her ministers, and the be
nevolent toleration -of all religious classes.
With these views the annexed subscription-
paper is offered, to ascertain the willingness and
ability of individuals to aid the revival ofthe Prot
estant Episcopal Church in this diocess, and to
contribute to the support of a minister for the en
suing year.
The Rev. Alexander Balmain, from the com
mittee on the state of the church, presented a
report, which was read, and being, on motion,
amended, approved by the Convention ; and the
amendment thereby proposed to the 6th canon
was agreed to, as follows : —
The committee appointed to take into con
sideration the state . of the church, and report
thereon, having taken the same into considera
tion, and examined the canons of the church,
report, That the uniting of the vestry with the
minister in the admonition and the suspension
of a lay member, being a communicant, as in
the sixth canon, is inconsistent with the rubric.
The committee therefore recommend that the
said canon be so altered as to give to the min
ister alone the power of admonishing and sus
pending ; then the canon will read thus : " Be
it ordained, That any member of the church,
being a communicant thereof, conducting him
self in a manner unworthy of a Christian, may
and ought to be admonished or suspended by
the minister of the parish or congregation, ac
cording to the rubric."
With respect to the advice requested by the
Rev. Mr. Philips on the state of things^in his
parish, St. Martin's, in Hanover county", the
committee laments that such a state should
have ever occurred. But inasmuch as Mr.
Philips had no agency in producing it, and has
no power to remedy it, no censure can. attach
to him for its continuance.

The Rev. Oliver Norris, from the committee
appointed to examine the treasurer's accounts,
reported, That, upon examination, the same were
found fair and correct ; and that the balance in
his hands, at the meeting of the present Con
vention, was two hundred and thirty-five dollars
eighteen cents, as appears by the following
statement of the said accounts : —
WiUiam Munford, Treasurer of the Protestant
Episcopal Church of Virginia, Dr.
1816, May 23. — To balance due as per
settlement, - - $60 53
To cash received for contributions
from the parishes for the year 1816,
as follows : —
Of Manchester Parish, by David Patteson, 10 00
St. Martin's Parish, Hanover, by Dr.
Berkeley, - . - - 30 00
St. Mary's Parish, Caroline, by Alex.
Keech,  30 00
Shelburne Parish, Loudoun, by the
Rev. John Dunn, - - 15 00
Cumberland Parish, Lunenburg, by
John Buford, - - - 20 00
Bristol Parish, Prince George, by the
Rev. Andrew Syme, - - 30 00
Henrico Parish, by Dr. Adams, - 30 00
St.George's Parish, by the Rev. E. C.
M'Guire, ... - 30 00,
Hamilton Parish, by Robert Randolph, 30" 00
St. Andrew's Parish, Jefferson, by
Benj. Allen, jr., - - - 30 00
Frederick county, by the Rev. William
Meade, - - - 50 00
St. Paul's Church, Alexandria, by the
Rev. William H. Wilmer, - - 30 00
Lexington Parish, by the Rev. Charles
Crawford, - - 30 00
Beckford Parish, by Benjamin Black
ford, - - - - 30 00
St. Stephen's Church, "Culpepper, by
' Samuel Slaughter, - 30 00
St. Mark's Parish, do., by MajorThom, 30 00
The Monumental Church in the city
of Richmond, by Dr. McClurg, ¦ 30 00
St. Paul's Parish, King George county,
by Richard Stuart, - - 30 00
Washington Parish, Westmoreland,
by Henry Lee, jr., - - ¦ 30 00
Christ Church, Alexandria, by Francis
Adams, - - - 30 00
Fredericksville Parish, Albemarle, by
Hugh Nelson, - - - 30 00
Oct. 23. — Of Staunton Parish, by Chap
man Johnson, - - - - 30 00
From Cumberland county, by Willis
Wilson,  30 00
$725 53
1816, Cr. 
May. — By account for printing paid by
the Rev. William H. Wilmer,
and deducted by him from the
cash entered as paid by him to
the treasurer, as aforesaid, 15 50

Amount carried forward,

$15 50

118

CONVENTION OF 1817.

Amount brought forward, $15 50
Aug. 5. — By cash paid Bishop Moore in
advance to defray expenses of
episcopal visitations, arising
principally from the hire of a
carriage, - - 100 00
" 82.— By do. paid Ritchie, True-
heart, and Du-Val, for print
ing 1,200 copies of the Jour
nals of Convention, - - 99 84
Oct. 23. — By do. paid Bishop Moore to
wards defraying expenses of
episcopal visitations, - - 60 00
" 24. — By loss in exchange of 5268
of Baltimore and Alexandria
bank notes for Virginia notes,
at 7 per cent., 18 76
" 26. — By cash paid Bishop Moore
on account of expenses of
episcopal visitations, - 101 25
Dec. 21. — By cash paid do. on the same
account, - 95 00
Balance due, - 235 18

$725 53

1817, May 6.

By balance due from the treasurer, $235 18

Resolved, That the report of the said com
mittee be approved.
Mr. Philip Nelson, from the committee on the
subject of the parochial reports, presented a re
port, which was read and approved, as follows ; —
The committee on the subject of the parochial
reports, beg leave to report the following conden
sed statement of the reports that have been sub
mitted to them : —
The report from the parish of Hampton is fa
vourable. A new church has been erected in
Warrenton, in Hampton parish.
The report from Bristol parish states the num
ber of communicants to be increasing, and that
the state of the church is now more prosperous
than it was when the last report was made.
The report from the parish of St. Stephen states,
that there are about twenty-five communicants
there — forty baptisms.
The report from the parish of Henrico states,
that the church there is in a prosperous state.
The number of communicants has increased since
the last report.
The report from the parish of St. Mark's, Cul
pepper county, represents the church to be in a
more prosperous state than formerly. Communi
cants forty — baptisms twenty — marriages seven.
The report from the parish of Norborne states,
that there are two churches in that parish, one in
the town of Martinsburg, the other in the gap of
the mountain eight miles from Martinsburg. The
number of communicants is small in the church
in town. The congregation belonging to the
mountain church is numerous — communicants
from thirty to forty. The foundation of a church
has lately been laid near the site of the old one —
baptisms twenty-nine — marriages one — commu
nicants in the parish at large seventy-eight.
The report from the church in Winchester
states, that there are between thirty and forty
communicants there, and about fifteen or twenty
catechumens. The church in the lower part of
the parish flourishing—from fifty to sixty com

municants — eleven baptisms, marriages six, and
funerals five. -*--*• „
The report from Christ Church, Berkeley county,
as followeth : — thirty-one' communicants — bap
tisms forty-three— catechumens thirty-five. A
neat and commodious church has just been
erected. The report from St. George's parish, Fredericks
burg, states, that there are ninety communicants
in the Fredericksburg church — marriages eleven
— baptisms forty-five — deaths sixteen.
The report from St. Mary's parish, Caroline,
states, that a Christian spirit is increasing in that
parish, and that there is a probability of a church
being commenced in Port Royal in the course of
June next. Communicants thirty.
The report from the parish of St. James, Meck
lenburg, states, that the spirit of religion is re
viving there. A new building for the purpose of
public worship is begun, and will be finished before
the month of October. One of the old churches
has been partially repaired, and will be completely
so in a short time.
The report from the parish of Dumfries states,
that a vestry .-has been elected for that parish.
Communicants thirty -two — baptisms sixteen — cat
echumens twenty — deaths seven.
The report from the parish of Aquia states, the
members of the church in that parish are evincing
their attachment to the church, by repairing their
ancient edifice, which has been dilapidated. Com
municants sixteen — baptisms twenty-five — deaths
five — catechumens twelve.
The report from St. Anne's parish, Essex, states,
that there exists a general disposition among the
people to attend public worship, and a willingness
to support a resident clergyman. Communicants
thirty. The report from the parish of Shelburne states,
that there are thirty-five communicants now in
that parish — baptisms twenty — marriages six —
funerals two — psalmody in a prosperous state.
The report from the parish of St. Andrew's
states, that there are one hundred communicants
in that parish — baptisms eighty-seven. The new
church in Charlestown is nearly finished. The
church in a progressive state.
The report from the parish of South Farnham
states, that the church in that parish is about to
revive. A new church is about to be built.
The Monumental Church is represented to be
in a quiet state — communicants increasing : — the
church in Alexandria continues to improve — 200
communicants in the two churches. It is stated
to the committee that the church in the Northern
Neck is reviving.
On motion of Mr. James M. Garnett, the 5th
canon for the government of the church of this
diocess was amended, by striking therefrom the
words, " and shall admit of no excuse for the
neglect of this important duty, but such as they
may," and inserting,- in lieu of the words so
stricken out, the following, viz. : " and shall neg
lect the performance of this important duty for
no cause whatever, but such as they might."
The said canon, as amended, was, on the
question put thereupon, agreed to by the Con
vention, being in the following words : —
The members of this church shall attend the
public worship of God as regularly and con
stantly as, from their age, infirmities, and circum
stances in life, may be reasonably expected ; and
shall neglect the performance of this important
duty for ho" cause whatever, but such as they

CONVENTION OF 1817.

119

might plead :ff the bar of God in the day of
judgment. V
The Rev. William H. Wilmer presented a
report of the managers of the Common Prayer-
Book and Tract Society of the diocess of Vir
ginia, which was read and approved, being in the
following words : —
Early after the rising of the last Convention,
the managers of the Prayer-Book and Tract So
ciety made arrangements for carrying into effect
the objects of the society. With this view they
procured from Philadelphia twenty-five reams of
paper, and proceeded to print 5,500 Tracts, No. 1,
which have been forwarded to the different parts
of the state. They also ordered 100 prayer-books
of the stereotype edition, and 100 of a larger size.
These have been distributed to different parishes,
in such manner as the exigences of each and the
smaltness of the number seem to require. Since
the contributions received at the last Convention,
there have been received the sum of sixteen dol
lars twelve and a half cents, and 1,000 copies of
Bishop Beveridge's sermons, from the benevolent
Society of St. Andrew's. There are now on hand
nineteen reams of paper ; and the treasurer is in
advance $318 67J cents, as per his account now
rendered. To remunerate these responsibilities, and to
provide the means for the further operations of
this society, the exertions of the ministers and
vestries will be necessary : without their earnest
co-operation we shall be unable to proceed further.
But we trust that the importance of the object
will plead its own cause, and create an adequate
zeal in the friends of the church and of religion.
Who can tell how much light may be diffused ;
how much evil prevented ; how much misery
banished from the earth ; how many souls may
be delivered from eternal death, and made heirs
of everlasting life, by the blessing of God upon so
inconsiderable an expense as is required by the
contributions to this society '(
On motion, the resolutions proposed yesterday
by the Rev. Benjamin Allen were taken up, and
referred to a committee of the whole Convention.
The Convention, accordingly, resolved itself
into a committee of the whole house, Mr. James
M. Garnett in the chair; and after some time
spent therein, the president resumed the chair,
and Mr. Garnett reported, That the committee of
the whole house had, according to order, had un
der consideration the said resolutions, and agreed
to several amendments thereto, which he delivered
in therewith at the secretary's table.
The said amendments being twice read,
were, on questions severally put thereupon,
agreed to by the Convention ; as were also the
said resolutions as amended, being in the fol
lowing words .-—
Resolved, That it be recommended that an
Auxiliary Common Prayer-Book and Tract So
ciety be established in each parish, one half of
whose funds shall be thrown into the treasury
of the Diocesan Society, the remainder to be
applied as its managers may determine.
Resolved, That in those parishes where there
are a minister and vestry, the minister and
church-wardens be the managers of the auxilia
ry society ; in those parishes wnere there is no
minister or vestry, the subscribers shall elect
their own managers, not exceeding three in
number. On motion, the following proposition of an

amendment to the constitution for the govern
ment of the church of this diocess was consid
ered and approved by the Convention, and or
dered to be transmitted to the several vestries
of the parishes which have ratified the said, con
stitution, viz. : —
It is proposed, by way of amendment to the
first article of the constitution for the govern
ment of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Vir
ginia, that there shall be a Convention of , the
said church on the third Thursday in May in
each year ;* but the Convention which meets
in the year previous to the meeting of the Gen
eral Convention, may have power to appoint the
time and place of meeting for the next annual
session. On motion, Resolved, That the meeting of the
next Convention of the church of this diocess
shall be at Winchester.
The Rev. Wm. H. Wilmer, from the stand
ing committee, presented a report, which was
read, as follows : —
The standing committee beg leave to report,
That, in obedience to the resolution of the last
Convention, that they should prepare a detailed
scheme for effecting the object of a former let
ter published by the standing committee, they
have published and sent circular letters, a copy
of which is herewith presented to the different
parishes ; that they have received assurances
from St. James's parish, in Mecklenburg county,
that the sum of fifty-seven dollars will annually
be paid by certain persons in that parish to the
support of the episcopate ; from St. .-Andrew's
parish, in Jefferson county, that fifty dollars, and
from Christ Church, Alexandria, that one hun
dred dollars, will in like manner be paid to the
same object ; and promises have been received
from several other parishes that they will con
tribute, at the next Convention, what is in their
power. On motion of the Rev. John S. Ravenscroft,
Resolved, That the standing committee be
requested to send to each parish in this diocess
a copy of their circular letter on the subject of
the fund for the support of the episcopate ; that
another opportunity may be afforded to such as
have been disappointed in contributing to this
very essential object.
The Convention proceeded to the election,
by ballot, of six delegates, to represent the
church of this diocess in the approaching Gen
eral Convention ; whereupon the Rev. Wm. H.
Wilmer, the Rev. Oliver Norris, the Rev. John
Dunn, Mr. Charles F. Mercer, Mr. Hugh Nel
son, and Mr. Hugh Mercer, were duly elected.
On motion of Mr. Edmund I. Lee,
Ordered, That eighty dollars each be appro
priated to defray the expenses of the bishop,
and of the clerical and lay deputies from this
diocess to the General Convention.
Resolved, unanimously, That the expenses
of the secretary, in attending this Convention,

"¦ The meeting of the next Convention will be
on the third Tuesday in May, 1818 ; for, according
to the 13th article of the constitution, the above
proposition will not be vahd and obligatory until
approved by that body,

120

CONVENTION OF 1817.

be refunded to him out of the funds of the
church. Resolved, unanimously, That the thanks of
this Convention be tendered to Mr. Munford, for
his zealous services as secretary.
The Right Rev. Bishop Moore delivered to
the Convention his address on the state of the
church, which being heard,
Resolved, unanimously, That the thanks of
this Convention be presented to the Right Rev.
Richard Channing Moore, D. D., for his appro
priate and affectionate pastoral address ; and
that he be requested to furnish a copy thereof
for insertion on the Journal.
The said address is in the following words : —
The peculiar duties, brethren, which are at
tached to the episcopal office, I have endeav
oured faithfully to discharge. Nearly three
months of the last year have been devoted to
episcopal visitations, during which time I have
traversed an extensive district of country, and
have attended to the concerns of as many
parishes as the duties due my own parochial
charge would admit of.
My labours commenced in the county of
Orange, at which place I preached to a large
and attentive auditory, celebrated the Lord's
Supper, and administered the rite of confirma
tion to a goodly number. From thence I pro
ceeded to Albemarle, and officiated in two
churches, and also in the courthouse in Char
lottesville. Crossing the Blue Ridge, I passed
a Sabbath in Staunton, and preached twice to a
multitude of respectable and attentive hearers.
Returning from thence, I visited the county of
Nelson, and preached in two different places.
I then passed into Amherst, and officiated in
New Glasgow and Gaines's church. I then
visited Lynchburg, at which place I preached
twice on the Sabbath to very large congre
gations, and lectured the day following at the
house of Mr. Ward, a zealous and worthy
member of the church. The county of Buck
ingham then became the object of my attention,
in which part of the diocess I preached at the
courthouse. Passing from thence to Cumber
land, I officiated in one church on the Sabbath,
and in another on the Tuesday following.
Leaving Cumberland, I passed into Lunenburg,
and preached in two churches to a multitude of
religious worshippers, some of whom had trav
elled between thirty and forty miles to receive
the Holy Eucharist. Having performed my
duties in that county, I visited Mecklenburg,
and preached three times to very large audito
ries. In these two last places it is my duty to
observe, that the efficiency of the labours of the
Rev. Mr. Ravenscroft was evidenced by the
crowds who attended upon my services, and the
deep sensation which they exhibited during the
time of our devotional exercises. The Supe
rior Court, which was sitting, adjourned; and
the worthy judge, and the gentlemen of the bar,
with but one exception, attended the services of
the sanctuary.
Having discharged my duties in those coun
ties, I visited Halifax, and preached at the
courthouse to a very numerous and attentive

assembly. I then crossed the Roanoke, and
passed one Sabbath in N. C, and preached to a
small but devout congregation. Upon my re
turn to Richmond I stopped in Charlotte coun
ty, and preached to a respectable congregation.
After remaining in my own parish a few
weeks, I visited this city (Fredericksburg), in
which place I officiated as usual to a numerous
and devout people. (Here I think it my duty
to remark, that from all the observations I have
made, the labours of Mr. M'Guire have received
the sanction of his God. He lives in the hearts of
the pious people of his charge, and merits this
expression of my pastoral approbation.) Here
I was joined by the Rev. Mr. Hawley and Mr.
M'Guire, who attended me to Port Royal, and
on my route through the Northern Neck of Vir
ginia. At Port Royal Mr. H. and myself
preached to a large assembly, whose attachment
to the church of their fathers was evinced, not
only by their devout behaviour, but also by
their perfect acquaintance with the liturgy.
The responses were audibly made, and excited
in my mind the most pleasing sensations. I
then crossed the Rappahannock, and preached
in the courthouse in King George to a large
and respectable congregation. Leaving that
place, I visited and preached at Mattox church.
The next day Mr. M'Guire officiated at the
courthouse in Westmoreland county. We
then passed on to Northumberland ; but, as the
notice of our intentions had not reached the
neighbourhood of the church, the congregation
was small. I however lectured for them We
then visited Richmond county, at which place
I preached to an assembly much alive to the
subject to which I called their attention, and
delighted with the prospect of a revival of the
church among them. From thence we went
to Lancaster, and I preached upon a week-day
in the church in that county. The congregation
listened to the tidings of salvation with great
attention, and' the sensibility they manifested
gave me reason to hope that my labour in the
Lord was not in vain.
Having thus performed the duties I had
marked out in that district, I returned to Port
Royal, preached again in that place, and admin
istered the rite of confirmation to a large num
ber of persons. The sensation which they had
evinced during my first visit again manifested
itself, and deeply affected my heart.
In the course of the winter, I have preached
in Fluvanna, Buckingham, Cumberland, and
Chesterfield counties.
In every section of the state which I have visit
ed (and these visits have been very general), I
have observed the most sincere and ardent attach
ment to the church. From the temper of the peo
ple I draw the most pleasing conclusions -. and my
mind is perfectly convinced, that, were it possi
ble to procure a greater number of faithful min
isters, those ministers would be received with
joy by the vacant parishes, and provision made
for their support. Brethren, we have much to
do ; and while any thing remains to he done, I
trust that no languor will be exhibited by either
, ministers or people, but that every nerve will

CONVENTION OF 1818.

121

be exerted to carry into effect the hallowed
cause in which we have engaged.
Brethren, it is the church of God, and of our
fathers ! It is true she has been prostrate in
the dust ; but from her ruins she implores our
united aid, and supplicates our assistance.
The progress we have already made revives our
hopes. The blessings we have already re
ceived encourage us to look for greater mer
cies. Our exertions, I firmly believe, will be
crowned with success ; our Zion will raise her
dejected head — be disrobed by an omnipotent
arm of her weeds, and clothed in the attire of
joy. Her harp will be taken from the willows,
and the voice of joy and salvation fill her happy
courts. Brethren of the clergy — We have sworn
fidelity to her interest at the altar of the living
God. Aided by you, I will proceed in the glo
rious work with all the ardour with which heaven
in mercy shall inspire my mind. In your zeal
I have a perfect confidence. Our number, it is
true, is yet but small ; but, with Jehovah on our
side, we may be confident of success. Unborn
generations will enjoy the benefit of our labours,
and embalm our memory with the tear of grati
tude and affection.
Since the last Convention, I have admitted
to the order of deacon the Rev. Mr. Low, Mr,
Steel, Mr. Allen, Mr. Ravenscroft, and Mr.
Bryan ; and to the order of the priesthood, the
Rev. Samuel Low and John S. Ravenscroft.
The Rev. Mr. Orrill has settled in this diocess.
The Rev. Mr. Hawley has removed into the
diocess of Maryland.

Accept, brethren, my sincere wishes for your
present and eternal happiness. R. C. Moore.
On motion of the Rev. George Lemon,
Resolved, That seven hundred and fifty copies
of the Journal of this Convention be printed ;
and that twenty be sent to each parish.
No further business being before the Con
vention, on motion, the Convention adjourned,
to meet at Winchester, on the third Tuesday in
May next. Richard Channing Moore,
Bishop ofthe P. E. Church of Virginia.
Attest, Wm. Munford, Secretary.
The 5th and 6th canons of the church of this
diocess, as amended by this Convention, are in
the following words : —
canon v.
The members of this church shall attend the
public worship of God as regularly and con
stantly as, from their age, infirmities, and circum
stances in life, may be reasonably expected ;
and shall neglect the performance of this impor
tant duty for no cause whatever, but such as
they might plead at the bar of God in the day of
judgment. canon vi.
Be it ordained, That any member of the
church, being a communicant thereof, conduct
ing himself in a manner unworthy of a Christian,
may and ought to be admonished or suspended
by the minister of the parish or congregation,
according to the rubric.

Journal of the Proceedings of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Virginia,
which assembled at Winchester, on Tuesday, the 19lh of May, 1818.

The Convention met; but the bishop and
many of the clergy not having arrived, it was
proposed and agreed to, that the Convention
adjourn until to-morrow morning 9 o'clock.
Whereupon, the Convention adjourned ac
cordingly. Wednesday, May 20, 1818.
The Convention met according to adjourn
ment, and was opened with prayer by the Rev.
Alexander Balmain.
The bishop being still absent, Mr. Wilmer
took the chair as president pro tempore.
A committee was appointed to examine the
certificates of appointments of the lay deputies;
which committee, consisting of the Rev. John
Dunn, the Rev. Samuel Low, and Mr. Edmund
J. Lee, reported the following members, being
present, to have been duly appointed, conform
ably with the canons of the Protestant Episco
pal Church of Virginia, viz. : —
Edmund J. Lee, for Christ Church, Alexan
dria ; Abraham Shepherd, for St. Andrew's
parish ; Charles F. Mercer, for Shelburne par
ish ; William H. Fitzhugh and John Moncure,
for Aquia Church ; Philip Nelson and Obed
Waite, for Frederick parish ; Hugh Nelson, for

Fredericksville parish, Albemarle ; Edward
Digges, for Hamilton parish ; Samuel Slaugh
ter and Isaac Winston, for St. Stephen's
Church, Culpepper ; Joel Ward, for Christ
Church, Norborne parish ; Carter Berkeley
and Francis Nelson, for St. Martin's parish ;
Robert Lewis, for St. George's parish, Freder
icksburg; John Nelson, jr., for St. James's
parish, Mecklenburg ; Lewis Berkeley, for
Dettingen parish ; Needham L. Washington,
for St. Paul's parish ; Thomas Ambler and Al
fred H. Powell, for Henrico parish ; James
Walker, for Norborne parish ; Francis J. Wi-
att, for Christ Church, Norfolk.
The following clerical deputies appeared and
took their seats in this Convention, viz. : —
The Rev. Alexander Balmain, Frederick
parish ; the Rev. William H. Wilmer, St.
Paul's Church, Alexandria ; the Rev. Oliver
Norris, Christ Church, Fairfax parish, Alexan
dria ; the Rev. John S. Ravenscroft, St. James's
parish, Mecklenburg ; the Rev. John Dunn,
Shelburne parish, Loudoun ; the Rev. Samuel
Low, Norfolk ; the Rev. George Lemon, Ham
ilton parish, Fauquier ; the Rev. William
Meade, the chapel in Frederick parish ; the
Rev. Thomas Horrell, Norborne parish, Berke-

122

CONVENTION OF 1818.

ley county ; the Rev. John L. Bryan, Christ
Church, Norborne parish, Berkeley county ; the
Rev. John P. Bausman, Fredericksville, Albe
marle ; the Rev. Benjamin Allen, St. Andrew's
parish, Jefferson county ; the Rev. William
King, Augusta parish, Staunton ; the Rev. Jo
seph- R. Andrus, St. Paul's parish, King George
county ; the Rev. Edward C. M'Guire, St.
George's parish, Fredericksburg.
Ordered. That the Rev. Alexander Balmain,
the Rev. William H. Wilmer, the Rev. John
S. Ravenscroft, Mr. Charles F. Mercer, Mr.
Edmund J. Lee, and Mr. Philip Nelson, be a
committee to take into consideration the state
of the church in this diocess, and report there
upon to this Convention.
Ordered, That the Rev. George Lemon, the
Rev Thomas Horrell, Dr. Carter Berkeley, and
Dr. Isaac Winston, jr., be a committee to ex
amine the parochial reports.
Ordered, That Mr. Alfred H. Powell, Mr.
Obed Waite, and Mr. John Moncure, be a com
mittee to examine the treasurer's accounts.
Ordered, That Mr. Abraham Shepherd, Mr.
Thomas Ambler, and Mr. Francis J. Wiatt, be
a committee to examine the accounts of the
treasurer of " the Common Prayer-Book and
Tract Society for the Diocess of Virginia."
On motion, Resolved, That the reading of
the canons and journals of the General Con
vention be dispensed with.
The journal of the proceedings of the stand
ing committee of the church, during the last
year, was read by the secretary, together with the
rules for regulating the proceedings of the Con
ventions of this diocess.
The Convention then adjourned, for the pur
pose of attending divine service by the Rev.
John Dunn, and a sermon by the Rev. William
Meade ; after which the sitting was resumed,
and the Right Rev. Bishop Moore having ar
rived, took the chair as president of this Con
vention. Mr. James B. Nicholls, a lay deputy for St.
Paul's Church, Alexandria, also appeared and
took his seat.
On motion, Resolved, unanimously, That the
thanks of this Convention be presented to the
Rev. William Meade, for his evangelical and
appropriate discourse delivered in the church at
Winchester on this day.
A motion was made by Mr. Edmund J. Lee,
that the Convention come to the following res
olution : —
Resolved, That the annual contributions from
Christ Church, in Alexandria, of one hundred
dollars, for raising a fund for the support of the
bishop, which have now been paid, or which may
hereafter be received, be vested in bank-stock,
under the direction of the standing committee
of this diocess, in the names of George Deneale
and John Muncaster, church-wardens of Christ
Church, Fairfax parish, Alexandria, and their
successors, for the purpose aforesaid.
On motion, Ordered, That the resolution pro
posed be laid upon the table.
And then the Convention adjourned until to
morrow morning 9 o'clock.

Thursday, May 81, 1818.
The Convention met accdrding to adjourn
ment, and was opened with prayer by the Rev.
Mr. Norris.
The following lay deputies produced certifi
cates of their appointment, in conformity with
the canons of the Protestant Episcopal Church
of Virginia, and took their seats in the Conven
tion, viz. : —
William Broadus, for St. Mark's parish, Cul
pepper ; Benjamin Blackford and Philip Will
iams, Beckford parish.
The Rev. Thomas G. Allen, Dumfries
Church, Dettingen parish, Prince William, also
took his seat.
The bishop informed the Convention, that, in
the absence of John Brockenbrough, a lay dep
uty appointed by the vestry of the Monumental
Church in the city of Richmond, he, in pursu
ance of a vote of said vestry, certified the ap
pointment of William Munford to act as lay
deputy for that church.
On motion, Ordered, That the resolution pro
posed on yesterday by Mr. Edmund J. Jjee, be
referred to the committee on the state of the
church, to consider the same, and report their
opinion thereupon.
Mr. Powell, from the committee appointed to
examine the treasurer's account's, presented a
report, which was read, as follows : —
The committee appointed to examine the
treasurer's accounts repo, t, That they have dis
charged that duty, and find the accounts fair and
correct ; and that the balance in the hands of
the treasurer at the meeting of the present Con
vention was eighty-eight dollars and eighty-
seven cents ; all which will appeaT by the ac
companying accounts and documents, which are
respectfully submitted : —
William Munford, Treasurer of the Protestant
Episcopal Church of Virginia, Dr.
May 6, 1817.
To balance due as per settle
ment, - - - $235 IS
To cash received, for contri
butions from the parishes
for the year 1817, as fol
lows : —
Of St. Martin's Parish, by
Francis Nelson, - §25 00
St. Stephen's Church, by
Isaac Winston, jr., - 30 00
Dettingen Parish, by Law
rence G. Alexander, - 30 00
Henrico Parish, by Samuel
G Adams, - ¦ 30 00
St. Thomas's Church, by
George W. Spottswood, 30 00
St. Mark's Parish, by Will
iam Broadus, - 30 00
St. James's Parish, by John
Nelson, jr., 15 00
St. John's Church, Freder
ick, by the Rev. Alexan
der Balmain, 30 00
Amount carried forward, $220 00 $235 18

CONVENTION OF 1818.

123

Amount brought forward, $220 00 $235 18
Of Frederick Parish, by Philip
Nelson, - - - 30 00
Shelburne Parish, by the Rev.
John Dunn, - - 15 00
Christ Church, Alexandria,
by Edmund J. Lee, - 30 00
St. Anne's Parish, by James
M. Garnett, - - - 19 00
The Monumental Church in
the city of Richmond,
by John"Ambler, - - 30 00
St. Andrew's Parish, by
Abram Shepherd, - - 30 00
Hamilton Parish, by Robert
Randolph, - 30 00
South Farnham Parish, by
Robert Weir, - 20 00
St. George's Parish, Fred
ericksburg, by Benjamin
Day, -- 30 00
St. Paul's Church, Alexan
dria, by John Hoof, 30 00
Norborne Parish, by the
Rev. Thomas Horrell, 30 00
Bristol Parish, by the Rev.
Andrew Syme, - - 30 00
Norfolk Parish, by the Rev.
William H. Wilmer, - 30 00

Deduct account for print
ing paid by the Rev. Will
iam H. Wilmer,
Total received,

574 00

16 50

557 50

1817, May. Cr.
To the secretary's expenses
going to and attending the
Convention in Fredericks
burg, and returning to
Richmond, - - $21 00
" Stationary for the use of
the Convention, - - 0 81
" cash paid Bishop Moore,
Mr. Wilmer, Mr. Dunn,
Mr. Norris, and Mr. Hugh
Mercer, delegates to the
General Convention, $80
each, ... 400 00
July 31.
To printing account paid
Du-Val, Trueheart&Co., 71 50
Nov. 24.
To cash paid Bishop Moore,
on account of expenses of
episcopal visitations, - 185 50
1818, April-10.
To do. paid do. on same ac
count, - - 25 00
Balance due, 88 87

$792 68

May 19.
By balance due from the treasurer,

On motion, Resolved, That the report of the
committee on the treasurer's accounts be ap
proved. Mr. Abraham Shepherd, from the committee
appointed to examine the accounts of the treas
urer of the Common Prayer'Book and Tract
Society of the Diocess of Virginia, presented
the following statement and report : —
Prayer-Book and Tract Society of Virginia, in
account with William H. Wilmer, Dr.
1817, May 5th.
To balance as rendered to the Con
vention of 1817, - - $318 18i
" cash paid discount on $146 89,
paid to T. & J. Swords, - 2 19
" loss of bad notes collected in
church, - - - 1 00
" cash refunded widow of Rev. Mr.
Brown, his subscription, - - 3 00
Aug. 14.
To T. & J Swords, for their bill, as
per No. 1, herewith presented, 38 75
" cash paid freight and porterage, &c. 1 62$
April 20.
To T. & J. Swords for their bill, as
per No. 2, - - 30 80
" cash paid freight and porterage, 1 00

$88 87

May 8. Cr.
By amount annual subscrip
tion, .... $127 00
" do. collected in church at
Fredericksburg, - 1-10 00
" T. & J. Swords for error
in their bill, - 5 00
" one Prayer-Book, extra
bound, for myself, - 3 50
" cash received for sale of
Prayer-Books at Freder
icksburg, - - 47 80
" mv own subscription for
1816, - - 2 00
" the Rev. John Dunn, for
money paid by him, 17 00
Julie 19.
By cash of Rev. Mr. Hawley
for Prayer-Books, - 1 50
June 23.
By cash of Mr. Curtis for
4 do. do., , 2 00
" do. six quires paper sold, 1 50
July L
By do. received of Mr. T
G. Allen for Prayer-Books, 10 00
" do. do. of Rev. Mr. Lemon, 10 00
" cash received of Mr.
George Taylor for sun
dries, - - - - 5 25
" do. do. Rev. Mr. Norris,
for sundries, viz. : on ac
count Mrs. Custis, $4,
Mrs. Debutts, $2, Mr.
Norton, $2, catechisms,
62 cents, - 8 62

$396 55

Amount carried forward, $351 17 $396 65

124

CONVENTION OF 1818.

Amount brought forward, $351 17 $396 55
Oct. 22.
By cash of Rev. Mr. Norris
for 1 Prayer-Book, - 1 00
1818, Jan. 12.
By do. of Rev. Mr. Balmain
for 28 Prayer-Books, - 9 00
" do. of Rev. Mr. Norris, •
for 2 Prayer-Books, - 1 00
Jan. 28.
By do. of Mr. Allen for 20 do. 10 00
 372 17
May I. — To balance due treasurer, $24 38

We, the committee appointed to examine the
above account, find the balance due the treasurer
to be twenty-four dollars and thirty-eight cents,
as stated. Abkaham Shepherd,
Francis J. Wiatt,
Th. M. Ambler.
On motion, Resolved, That the said statement
and report be approved.
Mr. Wilmer, from the committee on the state
of the church, presented the following report : —
Whereas it is all-important to have the bene
fit of episcopal visitations throughout the dio
cess at an earlier date than the fund appro
priated to that purpose gives any promise of ef
fecting : to that end, Be' it resolved by this
Convention, That whenever it shall be neces
sary for the bishop to visit any part of this dio
cess, he shall be authorized to call a clergyman
from any part of the diocess to supply his place
in the duties of his parochial charge for not more
than two Sundays.
And be it further resolved, That for the pay
ment of the travelling expenses of such clergy
man, the sum of five dollars shall be required
from each parish, in addition to the thirty dollars
now payable to the general fund of the church.
Whereas the assistance of missionaries to
visit the destitute parishes is most desirable,
but cannot be obtained, owing to the poverty of
the church ; and whereas various proposals have
heretofore heen made for the purpose of raising
funds to educate young men desirous of entering
into the ministry, which have failed of success,
and are yet likely to fail : It is therefore recom
mended and enjoined upon such of the clergy
as are settled, to receive young men into their
families, for the purpose of assisting them in
their studies ; which young persons, when prop
erly qualified, may be licensed by the bishop as
lay readers, by, which means the clergy would
be occasionally enabled to make excursions into
distant and vacant parishes without leaving their
own charge entirely unprovided for — and would
have this further advantage, that these students
would join practice with theory.
On motion, Ordered, That the said report be
referred to a committee of the whole Conven
tion, and be the order of the day for to-morrow.
A motion was made by Mr. Edmund J. Lee,
that the Convention do come to the following
resolutions -. —
Whereas differences of opinion prevail among
some of the members of our church as to cer

tain fashionable amusements, and it appears de
sirable to many that the sense ofthe Convention
should be expressed concerning them — the Con
vention does hereby declare its opinion that
gaming, attending on theatres, public balls, and
horse-racing, should be relinquished by all com
municants, as being unworthy of the Christian
character ; and it cherishes the hope that this
expression of its opinion will be sufficient to
produce conformity of conduct and unanimity
of opinion among all the members of our com
munion. On motion, Ordered, That the said resolution
be laid upon the table.
The Rev. George Lemon, from the commit
tee to whom the parochial reports were.referred,
presented a condensed report thereupon, which
was received and laid upon the table.
The Convention then adjourned, for the pur
pose of attending divine service by the Rev.
John S. Ravenscroft, with . a sermon by the
Right Rev. Bishop Moore, who also administer
ed the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, and or
dained three priests and one deacon, after which
the sitting was resumed.
The Rev. Alexander Balmain, from the com
mittee on the state of the church, to whom was
referred the resolution proposed on yesterday by
Mr. Edmund J. Lee, presented a report there
upon, which was read, as follows : —
The committee on the state of the church, to
whom was referred the resolution providing a se
cure and permanent depository of the episcopal
fund, have, according to order, had the same un
der consideration_and beg leave to report : —
That, from the great extent of this diocess, it
has been deemed by preceding Conventions high
ly expedient, if not indispensably necessary to the
welfare of the Church of Virginia, that the bishop
should be relieved from the confinement of paro
chial duties, in order that the benefits of the epis
copal ordinances may be thereby more promptly
and widely diffused ; that the desolate temples of
religion may again hear the voice of our chief pas
tor within their own forsaken courts ; and that his
venerated authority and influence may be extend
ed over the whole flock which it has pleased God
to commit to his pious charge.
For this salutary and holy purpose, the standing
committee of the diocess early recommended the
establishment of a'fund for the support of the epis
copate, and the Convention seconded their recom
mendation by various resolutions, which have
been hitherto followed with imperfect success.
Particular parishes have contributed their sub
scriptions towards the fund, with a zeal becoming
its importance to the prosperity of the church,
while others have totally disregarded the appeal
which has been made to their piety and liber
ality. Your committee cannot recommend the aban
donment of a measure, so fraught with common
benefit, until every practicable effort for its accom
plishment shall have failed. It is confidently be
lieved, that the obstructions which have hitherto
opposed its success have arisen from a want of
confidence in the means which had been devised
for its attainment, rather than from an insensibility
to its importance.
The resolution referred to the committee, if
adopted, will effectually secure to the fund that
permanent character which should remove among
the parishes the fear that the fruits of their liber-

CONVENTION OF 1818.

125

ality will be hereafter misapplied ; among the first
subscribers, the apprehension that their pious con
tributions will not be seconded in time by all their
brethren; and in the church, the belief that any
delay, however protracted, can ultimately defeat
the object of its piety.
A decision of the Supreme Court of the United
States has recognised the legal existence, and its
authority will protect the rights of, the corpora
tion in which the resolution proposes to vest the
episcopal fund of this diocess. The committee
would have recommended a more central deposi
tory, could one have been obtained under the sanc
tion of law.
The resolutions of preceding Conventions have
too sanguinely contemplated an immediate resort
to the fund lor the object which it is designed to
accomplish. Your committee are of opinion that
this shoulcTbe deferred until the fund shall have
been so enlarged as to 'provide for that object by
its annual revenue. They beg leave, therefore, to
recommend to the Convention the adoption of the
following resolutions : —
1 . Resolved, That the annual contributions from
Christ Church, in Alexandria, of one hundred dol
lars, for raising a 'fund for the support of the
bishop, which have now been paid, or which may
hereafter be received, together with all other sums
which may be anywhere subscribed and collected
for the same object, be vested in bank-stock under
the direction of the standing committee of this
diocess, in the names of George Deneale and John
Muncaster, church-wardens of Christ Church,
Fairfax parish, Alexandria," and their successors,
for the purpose aforesaid.
2. That, in aid of the episcopal fund, the several
ministers of this' church do, in their respective
congregations, at some fit season in each year, de
liver an appropriate discourse, recommending the
pious object of the fund, and thereafter make a
collection, the amount of which they shall special
ly mention in their respective paroclual reports.
3. That each minister do, at some convenient
season of every year, visit one or more of the va
cant parishes of this diocess, or of the counties of
this commonwealth wherein there is no parish,
for the purpose of delivering a similar discourse,
and of collecting, by personal applications or other
wise, farther sums for the enlargement of the
episcopal fund, of which visit and collections
they shall respectively make a report at the suc
ceeding Convention.
4. That no part of the episcopal fund shall be
withdrawn for any purpose, until its annual inter
est shall suffice for the attainment of its object :
and that, in the interim, it shall be the duty of the
standing committee to see that its enlargement is
hastened by the prompt conversion of its revenue
into principal.
The said preamble and resolutions being
twice read, were, on questions severally put
thereupon, agreed to by the Convention.
On motion of Mr. Powell, the committee of
the whole Convention was discharged from the
consideration of the resolutions thereto referred :
And the said resolutions were then read a sec
ond time, and, on questions severally put, were
agreed to by the Convention.
Mr. Mercer, from the committee on the state
of the church, presented a farther report, which
was read, as follows : —
The committee on the state of the church rec
ommend to the Convention the adoption of the
following resolution : —
Resolved, That the secretary do annex to the

journals of the Convention the following list' of
the clergy of the diocess of Virginia, viz. : —
The Right Rev. Richard Channing Moore,
D. D., Bishop and Rector of the Monumental
Church, Richmond ; the Rev. Benjamin Allen,
Jefferson county ; the Rev. Thomas G. Allen,
Dumfries Church, Dettingen. parish, Prince WiU
iam ; the Rev. Alexander Balmain, D. D., Fred
erick parish, Winchester ; the Rev. Hugh C.
Boggs, Berkeley parish, Spotsylvania ; the Rev-.
John Bracken, D. D., Williamsburg ; the Rev.
John L. Bryan, Berkeley county ; the Rev.
John Buchanan, D. D., Rector of Henrico par
ish ; the Rev. Alfred Dashiell, deacon, New-
London ; the Rev. John Dunn, Shelburne parish,
Loudoun county ; the Rev. George Halson, re
siding near Norfolk ; the Rev. William H.
Hart, assistant minister of Henrico parish ; the
Rev. Alexander Hay, Antrim parish, Halifax ;
the Rev. Thomas Horrell, Berkeley county ; the
Rev. William King, Augusta parish, Staunton ;
the Rev. George Lemon, Hamilton and Leeds
parishes, Fauquier ; the Rev. Samuel Low,
Christ Church, Norfolk borough ; the Rev.
Edward C. M'Guire, St. George's parish, Fred
ericksburg ; the Rev. William Meade, Frederick
parish, Frederick county ; the Rev. John Mickle-
john, Mecklenburg ; the Rev. Oliver Norris,
Christ Church, Alexandria ; the Rev. John S.
Ravenscroft, St. James's parish, Mecklenburg ;
the Rev. William Steele, Prince William ; the
Rev. Andrew Syme, Bristol parish, Dinwiddie ;
the Rev. William H. Wilmer, St. Paul's Church,
Alexandria ; the Rev. John Woodville, St.
Mark's parish, Culpepper ; the Rev. John P.
Bailsman, Fredericksville parish, Albemarle ;
the Rev. Joseph R. Andrus, St. Paul's Church,
King George county.
And that the secretary annex to the journals
of every succeeding Convention a list of the
clergy, with all alterations therein produced in
the preceding year by ordinations, deaths, re
movals, suspensions, and degradations.
The said resolution being twice read, was, on
the question put thereupon, agreed to by the
Convention. On motion, Ordered, That the Rev. Mr.
King have leave of absence from the service of
this Convention for the remainder of the session.
In conformity with the 10th article of the con
stitution for the government of this diocess, the
Convention proceeded to the election of a stand
ing committee, by ballot ; whereupon the Rev.
William H. Wilmer, 01i,ver Norris, John Dunn,
the Hon. Bushrod Washington, Mr. Edmund J.
Lee, and Mr. George Taylor, of Alexandria,
were duly elected.
And then the Convention adjourned, to meet
again to-morrow morning, immediately after di
vine service. Friday, May 22, 1818.
The Convention met, after attending divine
service by the Rev. Mr. M'Guire, and a sermon
by the Rev. Mr. Wilmer.
On motion of Mr. Low, seconded byMr. Hugh
Nelson, the preamble and resolutions agreed to
by this Convention yesterday, on the subject of

126

CONVENTION OF 1818.

providing a permanent fund for support of the
bishop, were reconsidered, and amended by
striking therefrom the words, " others have to
tally disregarded," and inserting in lieu thereof
the following words, viz. : " it is confidently
hoped, that in imitation of the example which
has been thus afforded them, the other parishes
will second." — And the said preamble and res
olutions, as amended,, were, on the question put
thereupon, agreed to by the Convention.
On motion of Mr. Edmund J. Lee, the res
olution offered by him on the subject of certain
fashionable amusements was taken up, and
amended, as follows : —
' Whereas differences of opinion prevail as to cer
tain fashionable amusements ; and it appears de
sirable to many that the sense of the Convention
should be expressed concerning them ; the Con
vention dues hereby declare its opinion, that ga
ming, attending on theatres, public balls, and
horse-racing, should be relinquished by all com
municants of this church, as having the bad effects
of staining the purity ofthe Christian character, of
giving offence to their pious brethren, and of en
dangering their own salvation by their rushing
voluntarily into those temptations against which
they implore the protection of their heavenly Fa
ther ; and this Convention cherishes the hope that
this expression of its opinion will be sufficient to
produce conformity of conduct arid unanimity of
opinion among all the members of our commu
nion. A motion was made by Mr. Powell, that the
farther consideration of the said resolution be
postponed until the second day of the session of
the next Convention for the diocess.
And the question being put thereupon, was
determined in the negative. Ayes 12, Noes 28.
A motion was then made by Mf. Powell, that
a resolution of the House of Bishops, in the last
General Convention holden at -New-York, be
adopted in lieu of the said proposed resolution ;
which resolution of the House of Bishops was
read, as follows : —
The House of Bishops, solicitous for the preser
vation of the purity of thechurch and the piety of
. its members, are induced to impress upon thecler-
gy the important duty, with a discreet but earnest
zeal, of warning the people of their respective
cures of the danger of an indulgence in those
worldly pleasures which may tend to withdraw
the affections from spiritual things. And especial
ly, on thesubject of gaming, of amusements involv
ing cruelty to the brute creation, and of theatrical
representations, to which some peculiar circum
stances have called their attention— they do not
hesitate to express their unanimous opinion, that
these amusements, as well from their licentious
tendency as from the strong temptations to vice
which they afford, ought not to be frequented.
And the bishops cannot refrain from expressing
their deep regret at the information, that in some
of our large cities so little respect is paid to the
feelings of the members of the church, that theat
rical representations are fixed for the evenings of
her most solemn festivals.
The question being put upon agreeing thereto
as a substitute for Mr. Lee's resolution, was
determined in the negative.
A motion was made by Mr. Mercer, that a
preamble and resolutions, which he read in his
place, and delivered in at the secretary's table,

be agreed to by the Convention, in lieu of the
said proposed resolution ; which preamble and
resolutions were in the following words : —
Whereas differences of opinion have at all times
existed in Christian communities as to the criminal
tendency of certain customs or amusements, spring
ing from affections of the heart, which, innocent in
themselves, lose that character through excessive
indulgence ; and legislatures, civil as well as ec
clesiastical, have, by abstaining from the enaction of
positive laws to regulate or punish them, admitted
the difficulty of distinguishing between their use
and abuse, except where the consequences of such
abuse left no doubt of their guilt or impropriety p-
To prescribe, by practicable legal rules, the
proper boundary ot expense in dress, furniture, or
equipage, or of any other indulgence of taste ; to
mark the exact limit beyond which the desire Of
wealth becomes avarice or extortion, would be as
difficult as to regulate and enforce the rights and
obligations of hospitality or friendship. It is for
God to judge the heart of man.
It is the province of this Convention to legislate
for the government of the church of this diocess,
subject to the ordinances or canons of the Ameri
can Protestant Episcopal Church.
Its legislation is not by recommendations, but
laws. It is the province and duty of the clergy,
not only to enforce the sanction of those laws, but
to add to recommendations, persuasions and en
treaties : to discountenance vice and irreligion by
the denunciations and threats, — to encourage vir
tue and piety by the invitations, the hopes, and
the rewards, of that gospel which they are com
missioned to preach.
The great rule of moral action is prescribed to
both clergy and laity, by the unchangeable word
of God.
But, although this Convention deems any ex
pression of its mere opinion, upon any subject as
a departure from its peculiar and appropriate dvij "
ties, a necessity is at present urged upon -it, by a
regard to its own character, to counteract the ten
dency of misrepresentation to pervert its real mo
tives in relation to certain decisions of its late ses
sions, on a subject which has interested the church
of this diocess.
It has been again called upon, by some of its
members, to discountenance certain fashionable
amusements ; and it has been said that its reluc
tance on a former occasion to depart from its
proper province, amounted, to a tacit recognition
of their innocence.
With respect to gaming, by which is understood
play for money or other valuable thing, whatever form
it may assume, it is undoubtedly a practice re
pugnant alike to divine and to human law.
No canon of this church ought to be regarded
as necessary, nor any expression required of the
opinion of this Convention, to discountenance a
practice so iniquitous, both in its immediate ef
fects and its remote consequences, if indeed it ex
ists among the members oi this church.
That the theatre has, in every country in which
it has existed, led to the corruption of morals,
might, be inferred from the general character of the
dramas which it exhibits, if the dangerous circum
stances attending the exhibition itself, the numer
ous temptations to extravagance and vice to which
it exposes its actors and its audience, left any room
to doubt its pernicious tendency.
It will be the proper time to distinguish between
the use and the abuse of this fascinating amuse
ment, when the stage shall have been so regulated
as to realize the hopes of those who would regard
it as a school of Christian morality.

CONVENTION OF 1818.

127

That dancing, a natural exercise among all na
tions, civilized or savage, blended sometimes (as
its sister art, music, has often been) in their re
ligious ceremonies, has been, frequently is, and
always may, be innocently and usefully conducted,
those only will question whose entire inexpe
rience of the world has left them in ignorance of
its effects on the heart and manners.
That crowded and promiscuous public assem
blies, where no security exists for the moral char
acter of those who compose them except what
arises from;the possession of the means of pur
chasing admission ; where both gaming and drunk
enness are either licensed or tolerated ; where
amusement reels into debauchery, and time, and
fortune, and health pay the price of a fleeting and
feverish gratification of the love of pleasure — that
all such assemblies are hostile to the spirit of
Christianity, those who have most frequently
witnessed their .contagious influence must be ever
ready to acknowledge.
Yet, this Convention will not undertake to say
that individuals have not entered innocently these
dangerous scenes of pleasure, or passed through
them unhurt.
Still less is it about to denounce and repel by
its canons, from the bosom of the church, those
who, to-its regret, may sometimes appear to coun
tenance them.
The church warns its members of impending
danger : 'but, in cases of doubt, leaves their inno
cence or guilt to the judgment of an all-seeing God,
to the conscience of man, his vicegerent on earth.
Having said so much to the laity, this Conven
tion would conclude the expression which it has
reluctantly made of these opinions, with affec
tionately urging upon the ministers of religion,
while they enforce the necessary discipline of
their respective churches in conformity with the
rubric and canons, to unite tenderness with au
thority: In the pastoral language of an earlier age of the
church, "it is not enough that ye are the fathers,
be ye also the mothers of your .flock."
The question being put upon the said mo
tion, was determined in the negative.
The questiori recurring on Mr. Lee's resolution,
on motion of Mr. Powell, supported by three other
members, the sense of the Convention thereupon
was taken by orders ; and, the votes being counted,
it appeared that the clergy present were unani
mously in favour of the-said resolution. Seven
teen of the lay members voted in the affirmative,
and nine in the negative.
The bishop therefore announced that the said
resolution was agreed to by the Convention.
And then the Convention adjourned until to
morrow morning, 8 o'clock.
Saturday, May 23, 1818.
The Convention met according to adjourn
ment, and was opened with prayer by Bishop
Moore : after which he delivered his address on
the state of the church ; which being heard,
Resolved, unanimously, That the thanks of
this Convention be presented to the Right Rev.
Richard Channing Moore, D. D., for his pious
and affectionate address on the state of the
church this day delivered ; and that he be re
quested to furnish a- copy thereof for insertion
in the journal. v
The said address is in the following words :
Brethren, — The narrative of my episcopal

tour, in consequence of its recurrence every
year, would cease to enlist your feelings or to
command your attention, were it not for that
view of the church which it affords you. Every
circumstance which has the least bearing upon
her interest, I am convinced, must be important
in your estimation ; and as I perceive in the
laity of our communion such a devotion to her
cause, as I perceive in them a disposition to
rescue her from oblivion, and to raise her from
the dust, my bosom is inspired with confidence,
and I am encouraged to proceed in the history
of my official proceedings.
Immediately upon the adjournment of the
last Convention I visited Alexandria, preached
in both the churches in that city, admitted to
the order of deacon Mr. John Bryan and Mr.
Keith, and to the priesthood the Rev. William
Steel, of the county of Prince William. After
my return, in July, from the General Conven
tion, I visited the county of Chesterfield, and
preached to an attentive auditory in Falling
Creek church. Hanover formed the next ob
ject of my attention, in which county I preached
in three of the churches belonging to our com
munion, and in one meeting-house erected upon
a general plan. I administered the rite of con
firmation in that district of the diocess to a
small number of our members, and witnessed,
with infinite pleasure, that devotion to the in
terest of our communion for which that section
of the church is so peculiarly, so highly distin
guished. When I mention the warm devotion
of that congregation to the church, I would not
be understood to embrace in the expression the
most distant idea of religious bigotry. They
entertain and express a tenderness for all the
sincere worshippers of God ; but, bred in our
bosom, instructed in our principles, and well-
informed upon every point connected with vital
piety, they have united in a determination to
rally around the altar of their fathers ; and, by
such exertions as will reflect honour upon their
venerable families and names to the latest pos
terity, they have justified their claim to my
gratitude and respect.
In the month of September, I embarked in a
journey to some of the more distant counties.
In Nelson I preached a funeral sermon to a
large and deeply impressed auditory, on- the
occasion of the death of the venerable mother
of Judge Cabell. She died as she had lived,
an ornament to the Episcopal Church of Vir
ginia : her memory is embalmed by the tears,
not only of her children and descendants, but
of all who were favoured with her acquaintance.
I then crossed James river, into the county of
Campbell, and preached twice on Sunday in the
Methodist Church, and on Monday evening in
the Presbyterian Church, in Lynchburg. The
weather being very rainy, congregations were
comparatively small, but serious and devout. I
then visited New-London, and officiated in the
church near that place to a numerous assembly,
whose sensibility to the truths of religion
warmed my heart, and convinced me of their
piety and zeal. From New-London I proceeded
to Mecklenburg, and consecrated a new church

128

CONVENTION 0FV1SI8.

erected by the parishioners of the. Rev. Mr.
Ravenscroft. In that place, brethren, in which
the church was thought to be extinct, the friends
of our communion have awakened from their
slumbers : aided -by the exertions of their faith
ful and laborious minister, they have raised a
temple sacred to the living God. May that
Saviour whom they worship with so much ar
dour and sincerity of heart, accept their sacri
fice and remember them for good.
From Mecklenburg I proceeded to the county
of Brunswick, and preached to a very large as
sembly. From thence I went to Dinwiddie,
and officiated in the church formerly occupied
by the Rev. Mr. Jarratt. As I approached the
sacred edifice, I viewed it with sensations of no
common description. When I entered its walls,
I felt that I was treading on holy ground ; and
such was my impression of mind, that I could
not forbear from supplicating Heaven for the
mantle of that estimable, that holy man of God.
May Jehovah in mercy grant, that my brethren
of the clergy who now hear me may imitate
his bright example ; unawed by the world, may
they live as he did, and leave the minds of their
people as deeply impressed with their piety as
the minds of Mr. Jarratt's parishioners are with
his. I next visited Petersburg, and preached
in that place to a small but respectable auditory.
Having remained in my own parish a few
weeks, I made an excursion into the eastern
part of the diocess. I commenced my labours in
Gloucester county to a small and attentive au
dience. I then visited Matthews county, and
performed the last funeral solemnities for the
Rev. Mr. Smith. That gentleman continued
his labours until he was arrested by the disease
which terminated his life ; and it is with pleas
ure I mention, that his parishioners spoke of him
with the greatest tenderness and respect. He
has left a widow and children behind him, who
are settled in great comfort, and deservedly
enjoy the confidence and regard of all who
know them.
From Matthews I went to Urbanna, and
preached upon a Sabbath to a very large and
deeply impressed auditory. I then repaired to
Rappahannock, and officiated in that place with
great satisfaction to my own mind, and, I trust,
some benefit to those who heard me. The con
gregation was very respectable, and many of
them appeared to be deeply pious. From
thence I went to the church in the county of
Essex, and was amply repaid for my labours by
the devout attention of a worshipping people.
I then bent my course to Port Royal, where I
officiated to % large and attentive congregation.
In that place I have always been delighted with
the behaviour of the inhabitants during divine
worship ; and from the representations made to
me, I indulge a hope that it will not be long
before they will unite in support of a clergyman.
From Port Royal I repaired to King George
county ; and, although the court was sitting at
the time, the judges benevolently accommodated
me with an opportunity of preaching to the people.
I then went to Fredericksburg, in order to
admit the Rev. Mr. M'Guire to the priesthood.

In that place I preached, as usual, to a very
large congregation— a congregation who know
and who love the truth.
In the month of March I visited the church
of Norfolk, preached twice to large and respect
able congregations, and administered the rite
of confirmation to a considerable number. The
church of Norfolk is in a very flourishing con
dition : their worthy pastor, the Rev. Mr. Low,
stands high in the estimation of his parishioners,
and labours in the gospel with great fidelity.
On my way to this Convention I passed a few
days in Alexandria, in which city I preached
three times ; twice in Christ Church, and once
in St. Paul's. St. Paul's, brethren, is a new
building, and was consecrated to the service of
God the last Sabbath. It is an edifice honoura
ble to the congregation, an ornament to the
town, and reflects the greatest credit upon the
labours of its worthy-pastor, the Rev. Mr. Wil
mer. After the consecration service was con
cluded, I held a confirmation at the church, and
imposed my hands and invoked the blessings of
God upon eighty-eight persons, belonging to the
two churches in that city. In Alexandria the
church is rapidly advancing in numbers and in
piety. The congregations are overflowing, and
listen with the greatest avidity to the truths of
the gospel.
In my own parish, brethren, it is my duty to
mention, that my people continue to me their
affectionate regard — the number of the commu
nicants increase, and the congregation is very
respectable. I endeavour to secure the affec
tions of my parishioners by a faithful attention
to my parochial duties ; and, in order to pro
mote the interests of the church, I sometimes
lecture from one to three times in the week,
independent of my Sabbath exercises. If fidel
ity to God, and to their eternal interests, will
secure me the blessing of Heaven, that blessing,
I trust, will be obtained.
Brethren, we have much to encourage us in
the prosecution of the important object in which
we are jointly engaged. Many of the laity of
this diocess discover an ardour in the cause of
religion and the church which is calculated to
inspire the minds of the clergy with the greatest
energy and hope. While we perceive in them
an animation so laudable, the clergy cannot de
spair of success. United in love, we will ad
vance in a solid column, fighting under the ban
ner of the Lord Jesus Christ — the powers of
sin and darkness, I trust, will be vanquished,
the glory of God be promoted, our dilapidated
churches be rebuilt, and Zion rear her drooping
head. To promote the cause of genuine religion is
our only object ; and as that object is legiti
mate, it must succeed. We know of no ene
mies but the enemies of our exalted Redeemer ;
we stretch forth the right hand of fellowship to
all who in sincerity call upon the Lord Jesus
Christ ; we expect to meet in Heaven with
Christians of all denominations ; and, while we
labour in our department, we wish prosperity to
all the Saviour's friends. Yes, brethren, in
Heaven, distinctions will be done away — we

CONVENTION OF 1818.

129

shall then be imbodied under one name — " the
spirits of the just made perfect" — and in joyful
union we will unite with them and angels in
singing unto Him who loved us, and washed
us from our sins in his own blood ; unto Jesus,
the exalted, precious Jesus, be all honour and
glory ascribed for ever and ever. Amen.
A motion was made by the Rev. Mr. Low,
That the Convention do come to the following
resolution : —
Resolved, That the meeting of the next Con
vention shall be in the borough of Norfolk.
On motion of the Hon. Hugh Nelson, the
resolution proposed was amended, by striking
out the words, " borough of Norfolk," and in
serting in lieu thereof the words, " town of
Charlottesville." And the said resolution, as amended, was, on
the question put thereupon, agreed to by the
Convention. On motion, the amendment proposed by the
last Convention to the constitution for the gov
ernment of the Protestant Episcopal Church of
Virginia, was taken up and considered — where
upon, it was Resolved, That the said amend
ment be agreed to, so that the meeting of the
next Convention of the church of this diocess
shall be holden on the third Thursday in May
next. But it was farther proposed and agreed
to by the Convention, that a proposition be
made, to be ratified by the said next Convention,
and (prior to the meeting thereof) to be trans
mitted by the secretary to the vestries of the
several parishes whieh have ratified the said
constitution, viz. : that the said first article be
so amended, that the time of the Convention's
annual meeting shall thereafter be on the first
Thursday in June in each year.
The Convention proceeded to the election,
by ballot, of eight delegates, to represent the
church of this diocess in the next General Con
vention, to be holden at Philadelphia ; where
upon the Rev. William H. Wilmer, John S.
Ravenscroft, William Meade, George Lemon,
Mr. Hugh Nelson, Mr. Edmund J. Lee, Mr.
Philip Nelson, and Mr. Charles F. Mercer,
were duly elected.
On motion of the Rev. William Meade, Re
solved, unanimously, That the thanks of this
Convention be presented to the secretaiy for
his zealous and disinterested services.
The bishop retired, being compelled to leave
the Convention by urgent pastoral duties ;
whereupon Mr. Charles F. Mercer was re
quested to take the chair as president pro
tempore. On motion of the Rev. George Lemon, the
report of the committee to whom the parochial
reports were referred was taken up, and ordered
to be inserted in the journal, as follows : —
The committee on the subject of the parochial
reports beg leave to present the following con
densed statement of the reports that have been
submitted to them.
In the congregation at the church in Winches
ter, Frederick parish, divine service is tolerably
well attended, and generally performed with de
votion and decency. Number of communicants I

between 30 and 40 — of baptisms 21 — of marriages
.3— and of funerals 6.
The church of St. Stephen's, Culpepper, is still
without a minister, though/* everyjexertion has
been made by the vestry to obtain one,*but hitherto
without success. $j
Since the meeting of the last Convention, a
neat and commodious church has been erected on
the North Mountain, in Norborne parish — the
congregation and communicants have increased.
Communicants 90 — baptisms 10 — funerals 5 — mar
riages 3.
In St. James's Church, Shelburne parish, Lees-
burg — baptisms 22— communicants 42 — funerals
2 — marriages 3.
An Episcopal Female Society for the promo
tion of Christian Knowledge has been here estab
lished. The report from Fredericksville parish, Albe
marle, is favourable. The sacrament has not been
administered since the settlement there of a min
ister ; who, as yet, has only received deacon's
orders. Baptisms 5 — funerals 3.
The congregations of Hamilton parish, Fau
quier, continue numerous and attentive, and, it is
hoped, the spirit of true religion is increasing
among them. The church is not yet finished, hut
some measures have been lately taken to forward
that purpose.
The report from St. Paul's parish, King George
county, states, that religion is in a more pros
perous state than it has been for several years,
and that the congregations are as large as the
house at present used for divine service will admit
of. Since October last, baptisms 32 — marriages 3 —
deaths 4.
In Staunton, the members of the church are
few ; at Jennings's Branch, the congregations are
respectable ; and in Nelson the prospect is flatter
ing ; marriages 39 — baptisms 39.
In Dumfries Church, Dettingen parish, Prince
William county, communicants 30 — baptisms 13
—deaths 8.
Aquia Church, Overwharton parish, Stafford,
communicants 16 — baptisms 4 — 1 death.
In St. Martin's parish, in the counties of Han
over and Louisa — the connexion between the ves
try and their late rector, the Rev. John philips,
has lately ceased.
The vestry are zealous and anxious for the in
troduction of another minister, believing that a
pious and diligent labourer in our Lord's vineyard
would there meet with a cordial reception and a
comfortable support. Communicants about 30.
The report from St. James's parish, Mecklen
burg county, states, that the expectation held out
in the last year's report has been realized. The
church there begun has been finished, and conse
crated by the Right Rev. Richard C. Moore, and
regularly occupied on alternate Sundays since.
The service is well attended, and an increasing
interest therein is felt and manifested, and the
number of members and communicants has in
creased. Communicants 18. In the lower part
of the parish, little or no interest is taken in the
cause, except by a few who are members and com
municants — 10 in all. No increase in the past
year. Baptisms 56 — 44 of them black, eleven white
children, and 1 adult, white — 4 marriages and 6
funerals. Whole number of communicants in the
parish 28.
Church on Richmond Hill. The congregation
is in a flourishing state. The old church being
inadequate to the accommodation of all its mem
bers, they have, within the past year, determined

130

CONVENTION OF 1819.

upon the erecfion' of a spacious and handsome
brick church, which has been commenced,- and is
going on with every prospect of complete success.
Communicants about 30.
In Christ Church, Berkeley county, no change
has taken place indicative of a revival since the last
year's report. The regular attendance, -however,
of the members on the public worship of God,
and their orderly deportment while there, encour
age the hope that the diligent use .of those means
which God, in his word, has promised to bless and
make effectual in bringing the people out of dark
ness into light, and from the bondage of sin and
Satan into the glorious liberty of the children ,of
God, will be at last successful.
Two members added at the last communion : —
whole number of communicants 33 — baptisms 50
— catechumens 35 — 1 marriage — 1 death.
Parish of St. Andrews. Communicants 150 —
baptisms 153 — funerals (not before reported) 27 —
marriages (not before reported) 13.
A religious library has been established in each
of the principal congregations of the parish, the
benefits of which are extended to the catechumens
and the poor. Baptisms, 1 adult, 10 children, by
the minister of this parish, in vacant parishes
where no register is kept.
The church in Fredericksburg is still in a
flourishing state, increasing in numbers and piety.
In the parish of St. Mark, Culpepper county,
there are 42 communicants; and, since the last
Convention, 39 baptisms, 5 marriages, and 8 fu
nerals. In Norfolk, the church is in a flourishing con
dition. The number of those who attend on its
public services is very large, and the body of its
members characterized by very encouraging ap
pearances of religious life. Communicants about
130 — baptisms 67 — marriages 27.
The Monumental Church is in the same state
as formerly, — communicants increasing. The
chapel in the county of Frederick is in the same

state as .formerly, and another church in that
county nearly completed,
The churches in Alexandria continue in a flour
ishing condition ; since the last Convention, a large
and commodious edifice has been erected and
consecrated to the public service of God, in place
of the old St. Paul's Church, which had been
sold. The number of communicants is increasing,
and it is hoped that there is a correspondent im
provement in the piety of its members, and in their
attachment to the principles of the church.
Beckford parish, Shenandoah county. The
church in this parish has many sincere lovers,
who are not only able, but willing, to aid in reviving
the celebration of its ordinances among thera. At
present, they are destitute of a pastor. Could-one
be procured, they would most cheerfully support
him. In one part of the parish it has lately been
proposed to erect a brick church, and there is no
doubt of its being efected in the course of a short
time. This parish earnestly requests the Rev.
clergy to assist them as frequently as convenient,
and entreats the bishop to send them a pastor as
speedily as possible, pledging themselves to pro
vide for his comfortable support. Geop.ge Lemon,
Chairman ofthe Committee.
On motion of the Rev. Benjamin Allen,
Resolved, That one thousand copies of the
Journal of this Convention be printed,; and
that the same be distributed by the secretary,
under the superintendence of the bishop.
No farther business being before it, on mo
tion, the Convention adjourned, to meet at Char
lottesville, in the county of Albemarle, on the
third Thursday in May next.
Richard Channing Moore,
Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal
Church of Virginia.
Attest, William Munford, Secretary.

Journal of the Proceedings of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Virginia,
which assembled at Petersburg, on Thursday, the 13th of May, 1819.

The Convention met, and was opened with
divine service, and a sermon by the Rey. Enoch
M. Lowe.
The Right Rev. Bishop Moore took the chair
as president of the Convention.
A committee, consisting of the Rev. John S.
Ravensoroft, Mr. Philip Nelson, and Mr. Will
iam Mayo, were appointed to examine the cer
tificates of appointments of the lay deputies ;
whereupon the following gentlemen, being pres
ent, were reported to have been duly chosen,
conformably with the canons of the Protestant
Episcopal Church of Virginia, viz. : —
Robert Page, for the church in Winchester ;
Philip Nelson, for Frederick parish ; John
Thom, for St. Mark's Church, Culpepper ;
John Nelson, jr., for St. James's parish, Meck
lenburg ; William Mayo, for the Monumental
Church in the city of Richmond ; Nathaniel
Craighill, for St. Andrew's parish, Jefferson
county ; Carter Berkeley, for St. Martin's par
ish, Hanover ; Robert Randolph, for Hamilton
parish, Fauquier ; Sylvester Nash, for Christ
Church, Norborne parish ; Josias Clapham, for
Shelburne parish, Loudoun county ; John Gram
mar, for Bristol parish, Petersburg ; George F.

Washington, for St. Paul's Church, Alexan
dria ; Grandison Aisquith, for Christ Church,
Alexandria ; Strother M. Helm, for Norborne
parish, Berkeley ; Norman Nash, for Hampshire
county ; George M. Carrington, for Richmond
Hill Church, Henrico parish ; Needham L.
Washington, for St. Paul's parish, King George ;
John Gray, for St. George's parish, Fredericks
burg. The following clerical deputies appeared and
took their seats in this Convention, viz. : —
The Rev. W. H. Wilmer, St. Paul's Church,
Alexandria ; the Rev- Andrew Syme, Bristol
parish, Petersburg ; the Rev. Oliver Norris,
Christ Chureh, Alexandria ; the Rev. J. S. Ra
venscroft, St. James's parish, Mecklenburg ;
the Rev. John Dunn, Shelburne parish, Loudoun ;
the Rev. John L Bryan, Christ Church, Nor
borne parish, Berkeley county ; the Rev. Ben
jamin Allen, St. Andrew's parish, Jefferson ;
the Rev. Edward C. M'Guire, St. George's
parish, Fredericksburg ; the Rev. Thomas G.
Allen, Dettingen parish, Dumfries ; the Rev.
William H. Hart, church on Richmond Hill,
Henrico parish ; the Rev. Enoch M. Lowe,
Norborne parish, Berkeley ; the Rev. William

CONVENTION OF 1819.

131

Steel, Dettingen and Leeds parishes,. Prince
William county ; the Rev. S. Wydown, St.
Martin's parish, Hanover county.
Ordered, That the Rev. William H, Wilmer,
the Rev. John Dunn, the Rev. John S. Ravens
croft, Mr. Robert Randolph, Dr. Carter Berke
ley, and Mr. William Mayo, be a committee ;to
take into consideration the state of the church in
this diocess, and report thereupon- to' this Con
vention. Ordered, That the Rev. Oliver Norris, the
Rev. William H. Hart, the Rev. Edward. C.
M'Guire, Mr. Needham L. Washington, and
Mn John Nelson, jr., be a committee to examine
the .parochial reports.
Ordered, That Mr. Robert Page, Mr. George
F. Washington, and Mr. ¦ John Thorn, be a
committee to examine the treasurer's accounts.
Ordered, That Mr. Philip Nelson, Mr. John
Grammer, and Mr. John Gray, be a committee
to examine the accounts of the treasurer of " the
Common Prayer-Book and Tract Society for
the Diocess of Virginia."
On motion of Mr. Philip Nelson,
Resolved, unanimously, That the Rev. Enoch
M. Lowe be requested to accept the thanks of
this Convention, for his evangelical and appro
priate sermon delivered this morning.
On motion of the Rev. John S. Ravenscroft,
Resolved, That the reading of the canons of
this church at present be dispensed with.
The journal of the proceedings of the -standing
committee during the last year was read by
the secretary, together, with the rules for regu
lating the proceedings of the Conventions of
this diocess.
A report from the managers of " the Prayer-
Book and Tract Society of the Diocess of Vir
ginia" was presented by Mr. Wilmer, and read,
as follows : —
The managers of " the Prayer-Book and Tract
Society of the Diocess of Virginia," in obedience
to the rule of the Convention, beg leave to make a
report of their proceedings.
Since the formation of the society, it appears,
that about six hundred prayer-books, five hundred
Expositions of the Catechism by Lewis, and fif
teen thousand tracts, have been distributed. Some
of the prayer-books and catechisms have been sold
on a profit, and the proceeds thereof have been ap
plied to the credit of the society. There are now
on hand 120 prayer-books of the smaller size, 18
of the larger, 500 of the Expositions of the Cate
chism, and one thousand of the catechism with
out comment. There remains in the hands ofthe
treasurer the sum of seventy-one dollars and nine
cents, as per account herewith rendered to the
Convention. For this balance responsibilities
have been incurred, on account of tracts now in
the press. Arrangements have been made for
printing, which promise hereafter a more regular
and uninterrupted supply of tracts than we have
hitherto been able to obtain ; and the difficulty
which has presented itself in regard to the means
of transmitting the tracts to the various parts of
the state, we hope to remove, by forming a depot
at each of the places, Norfolk, Richmond, Fred
ericksburg, and Winchester ; at each of which it
is proposed to appoint an agent for receiving and
distributing them.
The managers felicitate themselves, that al

though- the operations of the society have been re
tarded more than perhaps might reasonably have
been expected, yet, that some good has already
been done, and they hope and believe that the ar
rangements which they have now succeeded in
making, will hereafter give more promptitude and
efficacy to their exertions. They therefore feel
encouraged to call upon the friends of religion and
the church to aid them in carrying into effect the
important and benevolent objects of the institu
tion. W. H. Wilmer, Chairman.
And then the Convention adjourned until to
morrow morning, 9 o'clock.
Friday, May 14, 1819.
The Convention met according to adjourn
ment, and was opened with prayer by the bishop.
Mr. Robert Page, from the committee for ex
amining the treasurer's accounts, presented a
report, which was read, as follows : —
We, the undersigned committee appointed to
examine the treasurer's accounts, report, That
we have discharged that duty, and find the ac
counts fair and correct ; and that the balance in
the hands of the treasurer at the meeting of the
present Convention, was four hundred and eigh
teen dollars and sixty-eight cents ; all which
will appear by the accompanying accounts and
documents, which are respectfully submitted.
Robert Page,
Geo. F. Washington,
John Thom,
William Munford, Treasurer of the Protestant
Episcopal Church of Virginia, in account with
said Church, Dr.
1818, May 20.
To balance due by settlement, *
To cash received for contributions from
the parishes for the year 1818, as
follows : —
Of Christ Church, Alexandria, by Ed
mund I. Lee, -
St. Andrew's Parish, by Abraham
Shepherd,
Shelburne Parish, by the Rev. John
Dunn, - - - -
Aquia Church, by William H. Fitz
hugh, -
Frederick Parish, by Philip Nelson,
do. by the Rev. Alexander Balmain,
Fredericksville Parish, Albemarle, by
Hugh Nelson,
Hamilton Parish, by Edward Digges,
St. Stephen's Church, Culpepper, by
Isaac Winston, jr.,
Christ Church, Norborne Parish, by
Joel Ward,
St. Martin's Parish, Hanover, by Car
ter Berkeley,
St. James's Parish, Mecklenburg, by
John Nelson, jr.,
Dettingen Parish, by Lewis Berkeley,
St. Paul's Parish, King George
County, by Needham L. Wash
ington, - -

$88 87

30

00

30 00

30

00

30 00
30 00
30 00

30 30

00 00

80 00

15 00

30 00

30
20

00
00

Amount carried forward',

30 00
$473 87

132

CONVENTION OF 1819.

Amount brought forward, $473 87
Of Henrico Parish, sent by the Rev.
Mr. Hart, - - n. 30 00
Norbome Parish, Berkeley, by James
Walker,  30 00
Christ Church, Norfolk, by Francis
I. Wiatt, - - - - - 30 00
St. George's Parish, Fredericksburg,
by Robert Lewis, - - - 30 00
St. Paul's Church, Alexandria, by
the Rev. William H. Wilmer, $30 i
Deducting S. Snowden's ac- > 24 00
count for printing, &c, - 6 )
Bristol Parish, Petersburg, by the
Rev. John S. Ravenscroft, - 30 00
Dumfries Church, Dettingen Parish,
by Thomas G. Allen, - - 14 00
St. Anne's Parish, Essex, by Robert
Lewis, - - - - 30 00
St. Mark's Parish, Culpepper, by Will
iam Broadus, - - - - 30 00
Monumental Church in the city of
Richmond, by Bishop Moore, 30 00
Beckford Parish, Shenandoah, by
Benjamin Blackford, - 30 00
1818, August 16.
Of Dettingen Parish, by hands of
Bishop Moore, - 30 00
Accomack County, by do., - 30 00

$841 87

May 13, 1819.— To balance due, $418 68

1818, May. Cr.
By cash paid for Bishop Moore, at Oc-
coquan, - - - - - $1 00
41 do. paid the Rev. William H. Wil
mer, stage-hire for do. on way to
Winchester, - 7 00
June 11.
By printing account paid Thomas
Ritchie, editor of the Richmond En
quirer, - - - 2 25
June 13.
By cash paid Lewis Armistead, hack-
driver, on account of Bishop Moore's
episcopal visitations, - 124 00
June 16.
By printing account, paid Ritchie, True-
heart and Du-Val, - - 77 94
July 11.
By hack-hire paid Lewis Armistead, on
account of Bishop Moore's episco
pal visitations, - - - 36 00
August 16.
By cash paid Bishop Moore on same
account, - - 10 00
October 13.
By hack-hire paid Lewis Armistead, on
same account, - - - 88 00
October 26.
By cash paid Bishop Moore on same
account, - • 40 00
" cash paid Bishop Moore on same
account, - - . 37 00

Amount brought forward,
Balance due from the treasurer,

Errors excepted,

$423 19
418 68
$841 87

William Munford, Treasurer.
On motion of Mr. Page,
Resolved, That the said report and statement
of the treasurer's account be approved.
On motion of Mr. Needham L. Washington,
Resolved, unanimously, That this Convention
express their approbation of the object of the
Colonization Society, and offer up their hearty
prayers for its success.
The Convention then attended divine ser
vice by the Rev. Thomas G. Allen, and a ser
mon by the Rev. John Dunn ; after which, the
session was resumed.
On motion of the Rev. William H. Wilmerv
Resolved, That a committee be appointed to
address the board of managers of the Coloniza
tion Society, and to express the approbation and
good wishes of this house.
And a committee was appointed of Mr. Wil
mer, Mr. Needham L. Washington, and Mr.
Robert Page.
Mr. Wilmer, from the standing committee,
presented a report of the money collected in the
different parishes on account of the fund for
the support of the episcopate, and of the invest
ment of part thereof in stock ; which was read,
as follows : —
Received on account of the Fund for the Sup
port of the Episcopate.
1818, Dec. 3.
By the Rev. William H. Wilmer, $169 00
1819, January 11th.
By the Rev. John Dunn, amount of
collection in Shelburne Parish, Lou
doun, - - - 67 68
" the Rev. Oliver Norris, amount of
annual contribution from Christ
Church, Alexandria, - 100 00
" George Taylor, Esq., from a sub
scriber for life, - - - 50 00
" contribution from St. Andrew's Par
ish, Jefferson County, - 100 00
" the Rev. Edward C. M'Guire, col
lected in St. Stephen's Church, Cul
pepper, - - - - 21 50
" Robert Randolph, Esq., collected in
Hamilton Parish, Fauquier, - - 71 25
" the Rev. J. S. Ravenscroft, annual
subscription, from St. James's Par
ish, Mecklenburg, - - 65 00
Collection in the same parish, 33 75
Collection in Brunswick County, - 24 67
By William Mayo, Esq., collection in
the Monumental Church, Richmond, 200 66
" the Rev. William H. Hart, collection
in the church on Richmond Hill, 33 00
" the Rev. Thomas G. Allen, collec
tion in Dumfries Church, 17 34
" in Aquia Church, - - 6 00
Stock purchased by the standing corn-

Amount carried forward,

$423 19 j Amount carried forward,

$959 85

CONVENTION OF 1819.

133

Amount Drought forward, $959 85
mittee in the Farmers' Bank of Al
exandria : —
1818, Dec. 7.
3 Shares, at $52, - - $156 00
1819, Feb. 17.
1 Share, at do., - 52 00
April 8.
4 Shares, at $50, - - 200 00
 408 00

Balance in hand,

$551 85

I have about three hundred dollars yet to col
lect from subscribers for the above purpose, and
which I would have collected before this, but for
my being unable for a long time to attend to
any business. Edmund J. Lee.
May 10th, 1819.
A donation of one hundred dollars to the said
fund was this day presented by Mrs. Jarratt,
widow of the Rev. Devereaux Jarratt, deceased ;
whereupon, Resolved, unanimously, That the thanks of
this Convention be given to Mrs. Jarratt, the
relict of the late Rev. Devereaux Jarratt, for
the very liberal donation of one hundred dollars,
which she has made to the episcopal fund ; and
that the secretary of the Convention be request
ed to transmit to Mrs. Jarratt a copy of this reso
lution, and to assure her of the high sense en
tertained by the Convention of this obligation,
-endeared as it is by the munificence of the
donor, and by the recollection of the virtues of
her late husband.
Mr. Philip Nelson, from the committee for
examining the accounts of the treasurer of the
Common Prayer-Book and Tract Society, pre
sented a report and statement, which were read,
as follows : —
We, the committee appointed to examine the
accounts of the treasurer of the Prayer-Book
and Tract Society of the Diocess of Virginia,
have examined the account, and find the balance
due by the treasurer seventy-one dollars and
nine cents. Philip Nelson,
J. Grammer,
May 11th, 1819. John Gray.
A motion was made by the Rev. Benjamin
Allen, that the Convention agree to the follow
ing resolution : —
Resolved, That the managers of the Com
mon Prayer-Book and Tract Society be autho
rized to receive and apply any funds committed
to them for the promotion of Christian knowl
edge generally.
On motion of Mr. William Mayo,
Ordered, That the said proposed resolution-
be referred to a select committee.
And a committee was appointed of the Rev.
Samuel Wydown, the Rev. William Steel, the
Rev. Benjamin Allen, and Mr. Philip Nelson.
In conformity with the 10th article of the
constitution for the government of this diocess,
the Convention proceeded to the election of a
standing committee, by ballot ; whereupon the
Rev. William H. Wilmer, the Rev. Oliver

Norris, the Rev. John Dunn, the Hon. Bushrod
Washington, Edmund J. Lee, and George Tay
lor, Esqrs., were duly elected.
On motion, the Convention also proceeded to
the election, by ballot, of eight delegates to rep
resent this diocess in the next General Conven
tion ; whereupon the Rev. William H. Wil
mer, the Rev. John S. Ravenscroft, the Rev.
William Meade, the Rev. George Lemon, the
Hon. Bushrod Washington, Edmund J. Lee,
Charles F. Mercer, and Philip Nelson, Esqrs.,
were duly elected.
And then the Convention adjourned until to
morrow morning, 9 o'clock.
Saturday, May 15, 1819.
The Convention met according to adjourn
ment, and was opened with prayer by the bishop.
Mr. John Moncure, a lay deputy for Aquia
Church, in Overwharton parish, Stafford county,
produced a certificate of his appointment in con
formity with the canons, and took his seat in
the Convention.
The Rev. Benjamin Allen, from the commit
tee to which the resolution offered by him for
the promotion of Christian knowledge wa3
referred, presented the following resolutions in
lieu thereof ; which, being twice read, were, on
questions severally put thereupon, agreed to by
the Convention, viz. : —
Resolved, That it is inexpedient to connect a
missionary fund with any other.
Resolved, That it be recommended to the
friends of the church immediately to organize
themselves into a missionary society for the
benefit of vacant parishes ; of which society the
bishop of the diocess shall be ex-qfficio president.
The Rev. John S. Ravenscroft, from the
committee on the state of the church, presented
a report, which was read, as follows : —
The committee to whom was referred the state
of the church, have, according to order, had the
same under their consideration, and beg leave to
submit the following resolutions : —
Whereas it was recommended at the last Gen
eral Convention, that the sense of the different
State Conventions should be taken, and reported
to the ensuing General Convention, on certain
amendments to the constitution of the church in
these United States — one of which relates to the
second article of the constitution as now estab
lished, and is in the following words, viz. : —
" To strike out from the beginning of the second
article to the end of the first period, which termi
nates with the word ' Convention,' and to insert,
in lieu thereof, the following provisions : — Every
state or territory of the United States may. be
made to constitute, of itself, or in union with the
whole or certain portions of any other state or
territory, one diocess, or be divided into two or
more diocesses by the General Convention, with
the consent of the local ecclesiastical authority or
authorities affected thereby. Each diocess shall
be entitled to a representation of the clergy and
laity, to consist of deputies chosen in such man
ner as the Convention of the diocess may pre
scribe ; the number of clerical deputies of each
diocess to be in the proportion of one deputy for
every five ministers resident, and the number of
lay deputies, of one for every ten congregations
organized therein ; provided that every diocess
shall be entitled to at least two clerical and two

134

CONVENTION OF 1819\ -

lay deputies, and that no diocess shall be entitled
to more than twelve clerical and eight lay depu
ties in the General Convention. In all questions
submitted to the house of clerical and lay depu
ties, the decision thereupon, if required by the
representation of any diocess, shall be by orders ;
each order having one vote expressed by a majori
ty of the voices therein, and the concurrence of
both orders shall be necessary in such case to
constitute the vote of the house."
And your committee being of opinion that no
beneficial result would be obtained either to the
general or particular interests of the church by
agreeing to the said proposed amendment, but,
on the contrary, that much injury would be sus
tained in various ways, particularly by the ten
dency which the proposed amendment has to ex
cite jealousy among the different diocesses and
branches of the church ; —
Therefore, be it Resolved by the Convention of this
diocess, That it is inexpedient to agree to the
said amendment of the second article of the con
stitution of the church as now established.
And whereas it was also recommended by the
last General Convention that an alteration should
be made in the first article of the constitution of
the general church, which amendment is in the fol
lowing words, viz. : —
" Resolved, That it is expedient to alter the
first article of the constitution of this church, so
far as it fixes the time of the meeting of the Gen
eral Convention thereof, by striking out the words
— 'third Tuesday in May, in the year of our
Lord 1808, and on the third Tuesday in May ;'
and inserting, instead thereof, the words, 'first
Tuesday in October, in the year of ovr Lord 1823,
and on the first Tuesday in October.' "
And your committee being of opinion that it
will be advantageous to the interests of the
ehurGh that the same be adopted : therefore,
Be it Resolved by the Convention of this diocess,
That the proposed amendment of the first article
pf the constitution of the general church be con
curred in,
"Sour committee have also had under their con
sideration an amendment, proposed at the last
Convention of this diocess, in the constitution of
the church in this state, by which the time of
meeting of the Conventions shall hereafter be on
the first Thursday in June of each year, instead
of the third Thursday in May. — And, being of
opinion that the proposed change would very con
siderably increase the inconvenience which the
lay delegates already have to encounter in leav
ing their homes at a busy season of the year,
therefore, Be it Resolved by this Convention, That it is in
expedient to agree to the said proposed amend
ment or alteration of the constitution of the
phurch in this diocess.
All which is respectfully submitted.
The said resolutions being twice read, were,
on questions severally put thereupon, agreed to
by the house.
The Convention then attended divine service
by the Rev. Samuel Wydown, and a sermon by
the Rev. Williarn H. Hart ; after which the
session was resumed.
The Right Rev. Bishop M°ore delivered to
the Convention his address on the state of the
church ; which being heard,
Resolved, unanimously, That the thanks of
this Convention be presented to the Right Rev.
Richard Channing Moore, D. D., for his af
fectionate and appropriate pastoral address, and

that he be requested to furnish a copy thereof
for insertion in the Journal.
The said address is in the following words : —
Brethren, — To effect great and important
objects, great and continued exertion is required.
Difficulties must not be permitted to paralyze
our efforts, nor to unnerve our arm. The mind,
fixed upon a legitimate point, must put forth all
its energies in the attainment of the contempla
ted design. To press forward towards the
mark, and to persevere with firmness, can alone
secure to us success, and effect the completion
of that hallowed object in which we have enga
ged, — the resuscitation of the church of our
fathers. When travelling through this extensive dio
cess, fatigued with labours peculiar to the
station which I occupy, my spirits are always
revived by recurring to that noble principle
which forms the soul of this Convention, and
which animates the bosom of each individual
member. It is to raise our Zion from the dust,
to build up her prostrated altars, and to furnish
the people of our communion with the bread of
life, that we are labouring. Jehovah from his
throne of mercy looks down with approbation,
and whispers to our hearts, " Well done, good
and faithful servants."
When the ruins of our desolated temples
meet my eye, and the religious privations of the
people are presented to my view, my soul is
overwhelmed with those reflections peculiar to
the case. Considering the enemy of mankind
as the origin of the desolation and distress which
I behold, a new impetus is communicated
tg my mind ! The cross of the Lord Jesus
Christ is presented to my view, and " lo ! I am
with you always," revives my heart, and impels-
me to renewed exertion. To labour in the
vineyard of the crucified Saviour, has formed
my chief delight for the last thirty-two years of
my life ; and though the power of doing good
is in a degree abridged by an increase of years,
still my inclination is as great as it has ever
been ; and if I can add one stone to the sacred
edifice, and see the church of my fathers placed
upon that height to which the apostolic purity
of her doctrines entitles her, I shall commit my
head to the pillow of death with satisfaction,
and leave my best blessings to those who shall
survive me.
Were I to say, brethren, that I entertain the
least doubt of our ultimate success, I should
speak a language foreign to my heart. We are
not, it is to be remembered, entering within the
enclosures of other denominations, and interfe
ring with them. We are absolutely seeking the
lost sheep of our own fold. We are in pursuit
of those who have been baptized at the altars
we are appointed to guard, and who are desti
tute of spiritual food.
When I look around me, and with an anxious
solicitude view those labourers engaged with
me in the work ; when I witness their zeal,
and listen to the sacred truths they deliver ;
when I hear the name of Jesus and the
triumphs of redeeming grace proclaimed by
youthful lips ; when I see the standard of \he

CONVENTION OF 1819.

135

cross erected in every pulpit ; when I hear the
Redeemer proclaimed as the Lord our righte
ousness, the only hope of the believer ; when I
see the ministers of the church leading their
flocks to the Saviour, as " the way, and the
truth, and the life ;" when I behold those who
have been set apart to the sacred ministry by
the imposition of my hands, treading in the
steps.of Hall, Davenant, and Hooker ; conduct
ing their fellow-mortals, not to Socrates and
Seneca for relief, but to that fountain which
was opened on Calvary for the salvation of a
ruined world ; — the wilderness and solitary
places of the church appear stripped of their
weeds, and are presented to my enraptured
view in all the verdure of primitive times.
Brethren, we have much cause of gratitude
to God for the mercies conferred upon us ; and
though all has ' not been done that we could
have wished, still, enough has been effected to
convince us that the Lord is with us, and that
Jehovah smiles upun our efforts.
After leaving the Convention in Winchester
last May, in which place I confirmed a goodly
number, and ordained two priests and one dea
con, I repaired to the congregation at Bunker's
Hill, at which place I consecrated a new stone
church to the service of Almighty God, preach
ed to a devout and pious people, and confirmed
thirty-five persons. I then visited Martinsburg,
at which place I preached twice on the Sab
bath, to a respectable and attentive auditory,
and confirmed fourteen. After discharging my
duties in Martinsburg, I visited the North
Mountain, where I proclaimed the truths of the
gospel to a large and attentive assembly, conse
crated a new and beautiful church, and confirm
ed fifteen.
From the North Mountain I went to Shep-
herdstown, at which place I preached to a large
auditory, and confirmed fifty. From thence I
went to Charlestown, in Jefferson county, open
ed a new and elegant church, arid confirmed
twenty-five. From Charlestown I repaired to
the chapel in Frederick county, and preached to
a pious and devout assembly. After completing
the object of my visit beyond the Blue Ridge, I
crossed into the county of Loudoun, and visited
the parish under the care of Mr. Dunn, preach
ed twice on the Sabbath, and once on Monday,
to large and attentive congregations, and con
firmed twelve. From Loudoun I repaired to
Prince William, and preached at Haymarket.
From thence I went to Fauquier, consecrated a
new church, delivered a discourse adapted to the
occasion, and assisted in the administration of
the Lord's Supper. From Fauquier I passed
into Culpepper, and preached to a large con
gregation. From Culpepper I went to Orange,
and preached on the Sabbath to a large and at
tentive assembly. From Orange I went to Al
bemarle, but, as some mistake had taken place
relative to my appointment, I was not presented
with an opportunity of officiating. Having thus
finished my spring tour, I returned to Richmond.
Remaining at home a fortnight, I again left
my parish the last of June, on a visit to some
of the lower counties. In New Kent I preach

ed to an attentive congregation, in the old parish
church of St. Peter's. I then repaired to Yprk-
town, and officiated in the courthouse, and on
the subsequent Sabbath preached in the church
in Williamsburg, administered the Lord's Sup
per to the people, and then returned home.
The claims of Hanover to my pastoral atten
tion summoned me into that county, in which
district I preached, in the course ef the week,
in four places of public worship, and lectured at
Doctor Carter Berkeley's. My visit to that
parish was again repeated after a little time,
when I administered the Lordls Supper, and
preached, as usual, to a pious and attentive con
gregation at the Fork Church. The state of
that parish, composed of individuals endeared to
me by a thousand tender considerations, in
duced me to visit it a third time, when I preach
ed in two of the churches, administered the
Lord's Supper, and lectured at Mr. Francis
Nelson's. The last autumn, I left Richmond on a tour
to the northern section of the diocess, preached
in Fredericksburg in the evening, and continued
my journey as far as Alexandria. In that city
I preached five times in three days, to over
flowing, pious congregations. From Alexandria
I passed into Prince William, consecrated a new
church, preached to a pious people, and admin
istered the Lord's Supper. From Prince Will
iam I again repaired to Fredericksburg, at
which place I preached twice, and assisted Mr.
M'Guire in the administration of the Lord's
Supper. From thence I went to Port Royal,
where I also officiated, and then returned to
Richmond. In addition to the duties above
specified, I have visited Chesterfield several
times — preached once in the church of Falling
Creek, and also upon two funeral occasions.
In the month of November I visited Norfolk,
in which place I delivered an ordination sermon,
and admitted to the holy order of priest the
Rev. Mr. Avery, of Edenton, North Carolina.
From Norfolk I went to the eastern shore of
Virginia, preached in three different places in
the county of Accomack, and administered the
Lord's Supper to a deeply impressed congrega
tion. From Accomack I proceeded to North
ampton, in which county I preached to a large
and attentive assembly. The congregation in
Accomack have procured the services of the
Rev. Mr. Eastburn, and it is my duty to state,
that, from the devotional disposition of the peo
ple, I have every reason to believe that the sit
uation will secure to him the greatest comfort.
It will not be thought irrelevant, brethren, to
notice at this time my late excursion through
the diocess of North Carolina. The church in
that state is rising in all the vigour of youth. A
new edifice has been lately erected in Fayette-
ville, an ornament to the town, and a credit to
the exertion of its founders, which I consecrated
to the service of Almighty God. I confirmed
in that place sixty persons, and admitted the
Rev. Mr. Shaw to the order of deacons. Among
the list of worthies who have exerted them
selves in the building of the church in Fayette-
ville, I. find the names of Cameron and Wins-

136

CONVENTION OF 1819.

low, the sons of two of our deceased clergy.
May the spirit of their fathers continue to ani
mate their bosoms, and may the children of
other ministers imitate their noble, their lauda
ble example. The church in Wilmington is
also in a prosperous condition. I preached in
that place to pious, crowded auditories, and con
firmed one hundred and thirty-three persons.
Newbern is also rising in importance. The
congregation have determined to erect a new
chuich, upon the plan of that in Fayetteville. I
preached in Newbern five times in three days,
confirmed fifty-two persons, and administered
the Lord's Supper to a large body of pious
communicants. I visited Washington, Green
ville, and Tarborougb, and preached several
times in each place.
Brethren, animated with the disposition of
doing good, let us renew this day, to God and
his church, our vows of fidelity. We have
pledged ourselves to exert every nerve in the
prosecution of the cause in which we have em
barked, and let us redeem that pledge by an in
defatigable attention to our duty. Let us con
tinue to love one another. Let us pray for our
mutual success. Let us speak the same things,
and proclaim the same truths. Peace will then
be within our walls, and the blessing of the Al
mighty will rest upon our labours. Going forth
in the strength of the Lord God, and making
mention of his righteousness, and his only, the
powers of darkness must yield to the force of
divine truth. The gospel will triumph over all
its enemies. The kingdom of the Messiah
must and will prevail, until the earth shall be
filled with the knowledge of God, as the waters
cover the sea. To assist in the accomplish
ment of the divine promises, we have been
called to labour. Attired in the armour of the
gospel, God will be on our side, and will ren
der our efforts successful. The members of our
churches will hold up our hands, and pray for
the advancement of the hallowed cause. " Who
is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of
that which is good 1" Brethren of the clergy
and laity, you carry with you my warmest
prayers and benediction. May Jehovah be your
portion, and underneath you may he place the
everlasting arms of his love.
The Rev. Oliver Norris, from the commit
tee to whom the parochial reports were refer
red, presented the following report ; which, be
ing read, was approved by the Convention,
viz. : —
The committee on the subject of the parochial
reports beg leave to present the following con
densed statement of the reports that have been
presented to them.
The church in Hampshire county begins to ex
hibit some symptoms of revival. About ten con
gregations have been formed since July last.
There are two churches nearly completed, and
preparations are making to repair an old one. The
Rev. Messrs. Allen and Bryan have visited these
congregations, and baptized fifteen. A vestry have
been elected, and a number of persons are anxious
to receive the sacrament of the Lord's Supper
when an opportunity offers.
Christ Church, Norbome parish, Berkeley coun

ty. The Rev. John L. Bryan, rector. Commu
nicants fifty — baptisms, one adult, eighteen white
children and seven coloured — marriages five —
catechumens thirty-five— funerals four. This
chureh has lately had times of refreshing from the
presence of the Lord. Many appear to be truly
penitent, and are inquiring what they shall do to
be saved, among whom are some of the young,
who, according to the counsel of Solomon, re
member their Creator in the days of their youth. A
Sunday School has been established in this parish,
which promises extensive usefulness to society.
Wickliffe Church, Frederick county. This is
a new church, lately erected. The congregation
is just forming, and the prospects are flattering.
The report from St. Andrew's parish, Jefferson
county, states, 200 communicants, eighty-eight
baptisms, six marriages, fifteen burials ; and the
collections made for the episcopal fund amount to
$100. As directed by the last Convention, the
rector of this parish, the Rev. Benjamin Allen, vis
ited a vacant parish in Shenandoah county, and
made a collection for the episcopal fund. The
proceeds were left in the hands of one of the vestry
for the purpose of increasing it. The amount has
not been received. Sunday Schools have been
established throughout .the parish, and have pro
ved extensively useful.
St, James's Church,Leesburg, Shelburne parish.
Baptisms twelve, and one adult — communicants
forty-three, one added — marriages three — burials
two — collection for the episcopal fund $67 67.
Dettingen and Leed's parishes, Prince William
county. A new church has been built and con
secrated. Communicants twenty-six— baptisms
thirty, and ten blacks — marriages ten. Prayer-
books are getting into general use, and a confident
hope is entertained that the principles of vital and
practical piety are gainirig ground among them.
The churches in Alexandria continue to be in
an improving condition. The number of commu
nicants has increased, especially among the young,
many of whom have set the laudahle example of a
public and worthy profession of religion. The
members of the church, generally, are strength
ening in their attachment to their own principles,
and, it is hoped, are growing also in grace, and in
the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ. From Christ Church, Alexandria, $100
have been received for the episcopal fund.
_ In St. Mark's parish, Culpepper county, there
have been, since the last Convention, four mar
riages, nine funerals, and twenty-five baptisms ;
and there are at present forty-five communicants,
five of whom have been added in the last year.
The report from Norborne parish, Berkeley
county, states, that its minister, only having dea
con's orders, and consequently not having author
ity to adriiinister the sacrament of the Lord's Sup
per, has not been able to ascertain with any cer
tainty the number of communicants in his parish.
He believes, however, the number to be about one
hundred. Marriages two— one baptism— funerals
three. The minister of this parish farther states
in his report, that the prospects of religious im
provement are very encouraging. The church
is raising her drooping head, and the kingdom of
our Lord and Saviour is rapidly advancing. The
vestry of this parish have purchased for their cler
gyman a comfortable parsonage.
The cause of pure and undefiled religion still
prospers in Frederick parish. The congregation
are devout, and attentive to the public services of
the church, and exemplify in their life and conver
sation the purity of their principles.
St. Paul's parish. King George county. The
minister of this parish not being present, the lay

CONVENTION OF 1819.

137

delegate in Convention begs leave to state, that re
ligion is still increasing, as appears by the number
of communicants.whichhas advanced since the last
report from six to thirty-two, aU of whom appear
to be deeply impressed with the solemnity of their
profession. The congregations generally are large,
and much attached to their worthy minister, whose
labours appear likely to raise that portion of the
church, long prostrate and almost hopeless. Pa
rents are becoming more attentive to the impor
tant duty of Christian education. Baptisms twen
ty-five, of which two were adults.
St. Martin's parish, Hanover county. The state
of the church is encouraging. A Sunday School
has lately been instituted, which promises much
good to the rising generation. Communicants
forty — baptisms two — marriages two.
Bristol parish, Petersburg. Nothing very ma
terial has occurred in this parish since the last
Convention. The administration of the word and
sacraments are, perhaps, better attended now than
ever they were. Owing to the severe and protract
ed indisposition ofthe rector, he has not been able
to pay that attention to the duties of his office
which he could have wished, and the state of his
parish required.
In Hamilton parish the number of communi
cants has increased, and religious zeal seems gen
erally increasing. A collection was made in this
church for the episcopal fund amounting to $ 71 25.
A Sunday School has been established in this par
ish, and is in a flourishing condition.
In Dumfries Church, Dettingen parish, Prince
William county. Communicants thirty-four — bap
tisms forty-three — marriages eleven — deaths four.
A collection of $17 34 for the benefit of the epis
copal fund was taken up in this church.
In Aquia Church, Overwharton parish, Staf
ford county. -Communicants twenty-one — bap
tisms seventeen — one marriage — deaths four. A
collection of $6 was made in this church for the
episcopal fund.
The report from St. James's parish is favoura
ble. The service is well attended, and heartily
joined in by the members. The number of com
municants has increased. In the upper congrega
tion there are twenty-two, in the lower nine com
municants — baptisms twenty-seven, one of them
an adult — funerals six — no marriages. A collec
tion of $24 67 for the episcopal fund was taken
up by the minister of this parish in Brunswick
county. A collection was also taken up for the
same purpose in this parish of $33 75.
Church on Richmond Hill. A new church has
been commenced, and it is hoped will soon be
completed. Communicants forty — baptisms twen
ty-six — marriages five. One flourishing Sunday
School. Contribution to episcopal fund $33.
The congregation of the Monumental Church
continues in the same state in which it was report
ed the last year. The number of the communi
cants increases, and several of the most valuable
of the society joined the altar upon the last Easter-
Sunday. A large Sunday School has been estab
lished in this church.
The church in Fredericksburg still enjoys the
converting and sanctifying influences of the Holy
Spirit, to an extent eminently encouraging. Com
municants ninety-four — baptisms twenty-eight —
marriages ten — funerals twelve — Sunday Schools
three, containing 225 scholars, and one parish
library. \
The Rev. William H. Wilmer, from the com
mittee appointed to prepare an address to the
President of the American Colonization Society,
resented -the following, which, being twice read,

and amended, was, on the question put there
upon, approved by the Convention, viz. : —
To the Hon. Bushrod Washington, President of the
American Colonization Society.
Petersburg, May 14, 1819.
Dear Sir, — We, the committee appointed by the
Convention to carry into effect the foregoing res
olution, have great pleasure in fulfilling this duty.
The object of the society over which you pre
side, is one which cannot fail to awaken the sym
pathy of every humane mind. The- forebodings
of the politician, the regrets of humanity, and
the prayers of Christians, have long been turned
upon the question of providing a remedy for
the evils growing out of the slave population in
this country. To ameliorate the condition of
that portion of society, and at the same time to
secure an exemption from any tendency to licen
tiousness and insubordination, are objects which
have been considered irreconcileable ; and which
have served to perplex and discourage both the
politician and the philanthropist. The plan and
views of your society, as far as they are under
stood by this Convention, appear well calculated
to effect and harmonize these objects ; to rescue
this unhappy class of our fellow-creatures from
the ignorance, vice, and degradation to which the
habitsand sentiments, if not the necessities, of the
present social state, will for ever doom them while
they remain in this country — to restore a people
whom "God hath made of one blood" with our
selves to their natural birthright of human be
ings ; and, by a process so gradual as to guard
against the effects of too abrupt a termination of
long-established habits, to deliver our land from a
calamity which, in its present progress, is por
tentous of incalculable misery and disaster. Nay,
more ; your sphere of benevolence takes a still
wider range, and proposes, by colonizing this
people on the coast of Africa, to diffuse thereby the
blessings of civilization and Christianity through
out the vast extent of that benighted region.
May it not be, that the great Disposer of events
designs thus to vindicate the mysterious dispen
sations of that power, which can render that
which was itself an outrage upon every principle
of humanity and religion, subservient to the great
purposes of his providence and "grace? Like the
captivity of Joseph, which was meant, indeed, for
evil by the perpetrators of the crime, may not the
affecting history of this people prove, that their
misfortunes were permitted in order "to save
much people alive," and to render their own desti
ny ultimately more glorious than it otherwise
would have been.
These views and hopes are confirmed by the re
markable synchronism of events and. circumstan
ces. The simultaneous efforts that are in prep
aration on every part of the globe for the further
ance of humanity and religion; the unanimity
with which the Colonization Society has been
cherished and supported, even among those who
might have been supposed to be hostile to it; and
the patronage which our general government
seems disposed to afford to it, are flattering indi
cations that these are the mighty doings of Him
"who turneth the hearts of *nen as rivers of wa
ter." The time appears to have come, when " the
isles shall wait on Him," and " Ethiopia shall
stretch out her hands unto God," — when the poor
negro on the banks of the Sherbro, the Niger, the
Gambia, and the Senegal, shall behold their wa
ters whitening with the sails of commerce — when
he shall behold cities spreading around, and tem
ples lifting up their heads, — when he shall hear his
valleys and-rocks resound with "the church-going

138

CONVENTION OF 1820.

bell," which shall call him to worship, in the
beauty of holiness, the God and Father of our Lord
Jesus Christ, the Saviour of mankind. To labour
in this work is to co-work with God. For your
encouragement to persevere, you require not our
approbation. You have a more elevated source
of satisfaction, a nobler reward, in the conscious
ness of doing good, and in the high prospects
which your labours have already unfolded. But
yve deemed it matter of justice to ourselves, to as
sure you of our best wishes and prayers. In the
name of God and of humanity, we wish you good
luck. May Heaven prosper and reward your la
bour of love !
For yourself, sir, individually, be pleased to
accept the assurances of our high esteem. Long
may you live to preside over the American Coloni
zation Society, and to extend to other lands the
blessings of a life which has already conferred im
portant benefits on your own country.
We are, very respectfully,
Your friends and obedient servants,
William H. Wilmer,
Robert Page,
Needham L.Washington.
Resolved, That the Rev. William H. Wil
mer be requested to transmit the foregoing ad

dress to the Hon. Bushrod Washington, president
of the American Colonization Society.
On motion of the Rev. William H. Hart,
Resolved, That the next meeting of the Con
vention for this diocess shall be at Alexandria,
on the Thursday preceding the third Tuesday in
May next, being the 11th day of that month.
On motions severally made,
Resolved, That 750 copies of the Journal of
this Convention be printed, and distributed
among the parishes by the secretary, under the
superintendence of the bishop.
Resolved, also, That the thanks of this Con
vention be presented to the secretary for his ser
vices, and that the expenses incurred by him in
travelling and attendance be defrayed by the
church. The Convention, having finished the business
before it, adjourned, to meet again at Alexandria,
on the Thursday preceding the third Tuesday
in May next. Richard Channing Moore,
Bishop of the Prot. Epis. Church of Virginia.
Attest, William Munford, Secretary.

Journal of the Proceedings of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Virginia,
which assembled at Alexandria, on Thursday, the 11th of May, 1820.

The Convention met, and was opened with
divine service, and a sermon by the Rev. John
S. Ravenscroft.
The Right Rev. Bishop Moore took the chair
as president of this Convention.
A committee, consisting of the Rev. John S.
Ravenscroft, Mr. Philip Nelson, and Dr. Carter
Berkeley, were appointed to examine the certifi
cates of appointments of the lay deputies ;
whereupon the following gentlemen, being pres
ent, were reported to have been duly chosen,
conformably with the canons of the Protestant
Episcopal Church of Virginia, viz. : —
John Nelson, jun., for St. James's parish,
Mecklenburg ; Sylvester Nash, Christ Church,
Norborne parish, Berkeley ; Robert Beverley,
St. Anne's parish, Essex ; John H. Wingfield,
New Church, Antrim parish, Halifax ; Bushrod
Washington, St. Paul's Church, Alexandria ;
Benjamin Blackford, Beckford parish, Shenan
doah ; Carlyle F. Whiting, Christ Church,
Norfolk ; Edmund J. Lee, Christ Church,
Alexandria ; Abraham Shepherd, St. Andrew's
parish, Jefferson ; Tillotson ¦ Fryatt, Norborne
parish, Berkeley ; George Taylor and George
Fayette Washington, Henrico parish ; Epaph-
xoditus L. Waring, Washington parish, West
moreland ; Wilson Cary Selden, Shelburne par
ish, Loudoun ; Robert Lewis, St. George's
parish, Fredericksburg ; Robt. Randolph, Ham
ilton parish, Fauquier ; William Foote, Det
tingen parish, Prince William ; Philip Nelson,
Chapel, Frederick ; Strother Jones, church in
Winchester, Frederick parish; Robert Page,
Wickliffe Church, Frederick ; Hugh Nelson,
Fredericksville, Albemarle ; Wm. Mayo, Monu
mental Church, city of Richmond ; Carter
Berkeley, St. Martin's parish, Hanover ; Rob

ert Weir, South Farnham parish, Essex ; Lewis
Berkeley, Haymarket Church, Leed's parish,
Prince William ; and William H. Fitzhugh,
Aquia Church, Overwharton parish, Stafford.
The following clerical deputies appeared and
took their seats in the Convention, viz. : —
The Rev. William H. Wilmer, St. Paul's
Church, Alexandria ; the Rev. Oliver Norris,
Christ Church, Alexandria ; the Rev. Alexan
der Balmain, Frederick parish, Winchester ;
the Rev. William Meade, Chapel, Frederick
county ; the Rev. John S. Ravenscroft, St.
James's parish, Mecklenburg ; the Rev. John
L. Bryan, Christ Church, Norborne parish,
Berkeley county ; the Rev. George Lemon,
Hamilton parish, Fauquier ; the Rev. Benjamin
Allen, St. Andrew's parish, Jefferson ; the
Rev. Edward C. M'Guire, St. George's parish,
Fredericksburg ; the Rev. Thomas G. Allen,
Dettingen parish, Dumfries ; the Rev. Enoch
M. Lowe, Norborne parish, Berkeley ; the Rev.
Wm. Steel, Dettingen and Leeds parishes, Prince
William ; the Rev. Samuel Wydown, St. Mar
tin's parish, Hanover ; the Rev. John Reynolds,
St. Anne's parish, Essex ; the Rev. Daniel
Stephens, Augusta parish, Staunton ; the Rev.
Joseph Lanston, Beckford parish, Shenandoah ;
the Rev. Frederick W. Hatch, Fredericksville
parish, Albemarle ; and the Rev. Joseph R.
Andrus, missionary, late of St. Paul's parish,
King George.
On motion of the Rev. Oliver Norris,
Resolved, That the following clergymen, who
are not members of this Convention, be invited
to take seats therein, \iz. : —
The Rev. Thomas Horrell, Charles Mann,
Ethan Allen, and Charles C. Austin, of Mary
land ; the Rev. Adam Empie and Richard S,

CONVENTION OF 1820.

130

Mason, of North Carolina ; the Rev. Walter
D. Addison and Reuel Kdith, of Georgetown,
D. C. ; the Rev. William Hawley and Andrew
T. M'Cormack, of the city of Washington.
On motion of Mr. Edmund J. Lee, the follow
ing rules of order were read and adopted, for
regulating the proceedings of this Convention,
viz. : —
1. The business of every day shall be intro
duced with the morning service of the church.
2. When the president takes the chair, no
member shall continue standing, or shall after
ward stand up, unless to address the chair.
3. No member shall absent himself from the
service of the house unless he have leave, or be
unable to attend.
4. When any member is about to speak in
debate, or deliver any matter to the house, he
shall with due respect address himself to the
president, confining himself strictly to the point
in debate.
5. No member shall speak more than twice
in the same debate without leave of the house.
.6. A question being once determined, shall
stand as the judgment of the house, and shall
not be again drawn into debate during the same
session, unless with the consent of two thirds
of the house.
7. While the president is putting any ques
tion, the members shall continue'in their seats,
and shall not hold any private discourse.
8. Every member who shall be in the house
when any question is put, shall, on a division,
tie counted, unless he be personally interested
in the decision.
9. No motion shall be considered as hefore
the house unless it be seconded, and, when re
quired, reduced to writing.
10. When any question is before the house,
it shall be determined on before any new thing
is introduced, except the question of adjourn
ment. 11. The question on a motion for adjourn
ment shall be taken before any other, and with
out debate.
12. When the house is about "to rise, every
member shall keep his seat until the president
shall leave his chair.
Ordered, That the Rev. William H. Wilmer,
the Rev. John S. Ravenscroft, the Rev. Will
iam Meade, Mr. Bushrod Washington, Mr.
William Mayo, and Mr. Robert Randolph, be a
committee to take into consideration the state of
the church in this diocess, and report thereupon
to the Convention.
Ordered, That the Rev. Oliver Norris, the
Rev. Alexander Balmain, the Rev. George
Lemon, Mr. Robert Lewis, Doctor Wilson
Cary Selden, and Mr. Strother Jones, be a com
mittee to examine the parochial reports.
Ordered, That Doctor Carter Berkeley, Mr.
George Taylor, and Mr. Abraham Shepherd, be
a committee to examine the treasurer's ac
counts. Ordered, That the Rev. Enoch M. Lowe,
the Rev. Edward C. M'Guire, and Mr. John
Nelson, jun., be a committee to examine the
accounts of the treasurer of " The Common

Prayer-Book and Tract Society for the Diocess
of Virginia."
On motion of Mr. Ravenscroft,
Resolved, That a committee be appointed to
examine and report upon the present state of the
" Widows' Fund."
And a committee was appointed, consisting
of Mr. Ravenscroft and Mr. Wilmer.
On motion of Mr. Lemon,
Resolved, unanimously. That the thanks of
the Convention be returned to the Rev. Mr.
Ravenscroft, for his impressive and appropriate
discourse delivered on this occasion.
And then the Convention adjourned until
to-morrow morning, 9 o'clock.
Friday, Mat 12, 1820.
The Convention met according to adjourn
ment, and was opened with prayer by Bishop
Moore. The Rev. John Dunn, a clerical deputy from
Shelburne parish, Loudoun, attended and took
his seat.
Doctor Berkeley, from the committee appoint
ed to examine the treasurer's accounts, present
ed a report and statement, which were read, in
the following words and figures, viz. : —
Alexandria, May 12, 1820.
We, the undersigned committee appointed to
examine the treasurer's accounts, report, That
we have discharged that duty, and find the ac
counts fair and correct, and that the balance
in the hands of the treasurer at the meeting of
the present Convention, was $772 68 ; all
which will appear by the accompanying account
and documents, whieh are respectfully sub
mitted. Carter Berkeley,
Abraham Shepherd,
George Taylor.
On motion, Resolved,That the said report and
statement of the treasurer's account be approved
and passed by the Convention.
On motion of Mr. Edmund J. Lee, a preamble
and resolution, submitted by him, in relation to
the episcopal fund, were referred to a select
committee to be considered.
And a committee was appointed of Mr. Ed
mund J. Lee, Mr. Abraham Shepherd, Mr.
Robert Page, Doctor Wilson Cary Selden, and
Mr. Hugh Nelson.
The journal of the proceedings of the stand
ing committee of this diocess was submitted to
the Convention by Mr. Wilmer, and read by the
secretary. On motion of Mr. Wilmer,
Resolved, That the resolution passed by the
Convention of 1818,, requiring the sum of five
dollars to be paid annually m addition to the
thirty dollars called for by the ninth canon, be
and is hereby rescinded.
A motion was made by Mr. Lee, that the 9th
canon of this church be amended, so that the
said canon read thus : —
" It shall be the duty of every parish to send
to the Convention the sum of thirty, apd not
less than fifteen dollars, annually, for the son-

140

CONVENTION OF 1820.

tingent expenses of the church ; which money
shall be lodged with the treasurer of the Con
vention of this church, and held subject to their
order." And the question being put upon the said
motion, was determined in the negative.
The Convention then suspended its session,
for the purpose of attending divine service ;
whereupon the service was read at St. Paul's
Church by the Rev. William Meade, and a ser
mon delivered by the Rev. Frederick W. Hatch;
the service was also read at Christ Church by
the Rev. Enoch M. Lowe, and a sermon de
livered by the Rev. John S. Ravenscroft.
The sitting of the Convention being resumed,
a motion was made by Mr. Hugh Nelson, that
the following resolution be adopted : —
Resolved, That the meeting of the next Con
vention shall be at the town of Charlottesville,
in the county of Albemarle.
And the question being put thereupon, was
determined in the negative.
A motion was then made by Mr. Meade, that
the Convention agree to the following resolu
tion : —
Resolved, That the meeting of the next
Convention shall be in the borough of Norfolk.
A motion was thereupon made by the Rev.
Benjamin Allen, that the resolution so proposed
be amended, by striking therefrom the words
"borough of Norfolk," and inserting in lieu
thereof, " town of Staunton, in the county of
Augusta." Whereupon, the question being put, was de
termined in the negative.
The said resolution, that the meeting of the
next Convention shall be in the borough of Nor
folk, being twice read, was, on the question put
thereupon, agreed to by the Convention.
And then the Convention adjourned until to
morrow morning, 9 o'clock.
Saturday,. May 13, 1820.
The Convention met according to adjourn
ment, and was opened with prayer by the Rev
William H. Wilmer.
Mr. Edmund J. Lee, from the committee to
which was referred the preamble and resolution
offered by him on the subject of the episcopal
fund, reported, that, upoir considering the same,
the said committee proposed the following in.
lieu thereof : —
The Convention of this diocess having hereto
fore expressed their opinion of the great im
portance to the promotion of religion, among those
who professed to belong to the Episcopal Church,
it would be, to release the bishop from the duties
of the charge of a particular congregation, have
called upon the members of this church to con
tribute towards raising a fund, the interest of
which should be appropriated exclusively to the
support of the bishop, and thereby afford him am
ple opportunities to travel frequently and regularly
through the diocess. While the Convention is
happy to find that this laudable object has not
been overlooked, and are pleased that a founda
tion has been laid for raising the contemplated
fund, they cannot let the present session pass by
without again calling on the members of the
church to aid in so desirable an undertaking.

It is therefore Resolved,
1. That the vestry of each parish forthwith
cause a registry to be made of the names of all
persons who profess to belong to the Episcopal
Church. 2. That each person who professes to belong to
the Episcopal Church in this diocess, be called on
to pay the sum of one dollar annually for 
years. 3. That the lay delegates attending the present
Convention do, with the clergymen of tha. differ
ent parishes, use their influence with their re
spective vestries to have appointed in each parish
one or more fit person or persons, who shall wait
upon the different members of the church, and
solicit of each person the above sum of one dollar.
4. That the money which shall be received in
pursuance of the preceding resolutions shall be
forthwith remitted to the chairman of the stand
ing committee of this diocess.
5. That the ministers of each parish do report,
on or before the  day of next  , to the
standing committee, their proceedings under these
resolutions. The said preamble and resolutions being
twice read, the question was put upon the first
resolution, and determined in the negative.
A motion was then made by the Rev. Benja
min Allen, that the second resolution be amend
ed by striking out the words, " called on to pay
the sum of one dollar," and inserting, in their
stead, the words, " requested to contribute a sum
not less than fifty cents."
The said amendment being under discussion,
a motion was made by Mr. Wilmer, that the
farther consideration of the said preamble and
resolutions be postponed until the second day of
the next Convention : and the question being
put thereupon, was determined in the affirma
tive. The Convention proceeded, in conformity
with the tenth article of the constitution for the
government of this diocess, to the election of a
standing committee, by ballot ; whereupon the
Rev. William H. Wilmer, the Rev. Oliver Nor
ris, the Rev. John Dunn, the Hon. Bushrod
Washington, Edmund J. Lee, and George Tay
lor, Esqrs., were duly elected.
The Convention also proceeded to the elec
tion, by ballot, of eight delegates to represent
this diocess in the approaching General Conven
tion ; whereupon the Rev. William H. Wil
mer, the Rev. John S. Ravenscroft, the Rev.
William Meade, the Rev. George Lemon, Will
iam Mayo, Philip Nelson, Charles F. Mercer,
and John Nelson, jun., Esqrs., were duly elected.
On motion of Mr. Meade,
Resolved, That William H. Fitzhugh, Esq.,
be appointed a deputy to the General Conven
tion, in the event of the inability of Charles F.
Mercer, Esq., to attend the said Convention.
A suspension of the sitting of this Conven
tion then took place, for the purpose of attend
ing divine service ; when the service was read
by the Rev. Adam Empie, and a sermon de
livered by the Rev. John S. Ravenscroft.
The session being resumed, the Rev. Enoch
M. Lowe, from the committee appointed to ex
amine the account of the treasurer of the Com
mon Prayer-Book and Tract Society, presented

CONVENTION OF 1820.

141

a report and account thereto subjoined, which
were read in the following words and figures : —
Alexandria, May 13th, 1820.
The committee appointed to examine the ac
counts of the treasurer of the Prayer-Book and
Tract Society of Virginia have discharged that
duty, and find the same to be correct.
Enoch M. Lowe, Chairman.
On motion, Resolved, That the said report
and account be approved and passed by the
Convention. Mr. Wilmer, from the committee on the
state of the church, presented the following
report : —
The committee on the state of the church beg
leave to recommend the adoption of the following
preamble and resolutions : —
Whereas nothing is more important, under the
blessing of God, than a pious and well-educated
ministry, it is
Resolved, That this Convention will ardently
cherish and endeavour to promote this object.
Resolved, That as the College of William and
Mary will probably soon employ a clerical profes
sor in that institution, who will take charge of
such theological students as maybe committed to
his care ; as the professors of the college have
also made liberal offers of assistance to such stu
dents of all denominations, and as an excellent
theological library belongs to the college, it is
Resolved, That the favour and benefit of these
circumstances are duly appreciated, and are wor
thy of the attention of the members of the church.
The said resolutions being twice read, were,
on questions severally put thereupon, agreed to
by the Convention.
On motion of Mr. Edmund J. Lee,
Resolved, That the several ministers of this
church do continue to carry into execution the
2d and 3d resolutions, passed by the Conven
tion in the year 1818, on the subject of the
episcopal fund.
The Rev. Oliver Norris, from the committee
to which the parochial reports were referred,
presented the following condensed report : —
The committee appointed to condense the parochial
reports have performed that duty, and beg leave to
make the following report : —
The committee are informed by Bishop Moore,
that, although in the Monumental Church in the
city of Richmond he does not perceive any pecu
liar religious excitement, yet it is with infinite
pleasure he can say, that the members in full
communion preserve their good standing ; and
that upon every sacramental occasion there is
some small increase of members. The congrega
tion are regular in their attendance upon public
worship, and manifest a disposition to render his
ministry among them happy and agreeable. The
number of communicants is about 125 or 130.
The church on Richmond Hill. This congre
gation has been almost crushed by the pressure
of the times ; but through divine favour it appears
to be again reviving.
The pastor of St. James's parish, Mecklenburg,
has the satisfaction to report to this Convention,
that it pleases God to continue bis blessing with
his word, though the increase is chiefly to be
found in the upper congregation of the parish.
The number of communicants has increased since

the last report, and I would hope that, in the esti
mation of those around us, the church is gaining
ground. The number of communicants is thirty-
five, of which twenty-six are in the upper and
nine in the lower congregation — two marriages —
thirty-six baptisms, nineteen of thehi blacks —
three funerals.
In obedience to the order of the Convention of
1818 he visited the county of Brunswick, and on
the 5th Sunday in August last preached at Red
Oak Church, when a collection was made for the
benefit of the episcopal fund of twenty -one dol
lars and forty cents. He also visited the county
of Dinwiddie, and preached in Sappone Church
on the first Sunday in September, when there
was collected for the same fund the sum of twenty-
five dollars and eighty cents. In the month of
April he preached in his own parish, and collected
on the 16th, at St. James's Church, the sum of thir
teen dollars and eighty-seven cents, and on the 23d,
at Speed's Church, the sum of three dollars twelve
and a half cents ; the small amount of these two
last collections is to be accounted for by the an
nual subscription of the parish to this fund,
amounting to sixty-six dollars ; the whole amount
collected for this fund is one hundred and thirty
dollars nineteen and a half cents.
Beckford parish, Shenandoah county. This
parish is in an infant state : they have had no
Episcopal minister among them since the revo
lutionary war, except occasional visits, and these
only within the last two or three years — the pres
ent minister has not resided there long enough to
enable him to say with correctness what the pros
pect is. The parish includes the whole county of
Shenandoah : the few Episcopal families residing
ill it are much scattered, and the people in general
pleased with the doctrines of the church. Mar
riages five — baptisms two.
The chapel in the county of Frederick. The
attendance of the members of this church is reg
ular, and their deportment serious — the services
of the church are well supported by the congre
gation, and it is believed there is an increase of
vital piety — the interest of nine-shares in the Little
River Turnpike is annually contributed to the
bishop's fund, and the shares themselves will be
given to the institution should it be prosecuted
with a likelihood of success : these shares are
valued at one hundred dollars each, and yield an
interest of at least six per cent. Twelve dollars
per annum are also subscribed to the same fund.
Dumfries Church, Dettingen parish, Prince
William county. Communicants thirty-three —
baptisms thirty-one — marriages thirteen — deaths
four. A collection was made in this church for
the benefit of the episcopal fund, which amounted
to six dollars sixty-six and a quarter cents.
Aquia Church, Overwharton parish, Stafford
county. Communicants twenty-four — baptisms
twenty — deaths two. A collection was made in
this church for the benefit of the episcopal fund,
which amounted to five dollars and forty-five
cents. St. James's Church, Leesburg, Shelburne par
ish. Baptisms nine. An accession of two per
sons to the number of communicants has taken
place within the year ; one of them is a person of
colour. The present number of communicants
forty-five — marriages seven. Divine service is
regularly attended in this church. Thirty dollars
have been collected for the episcopal fund.
Hamilton parish. Of the congregations of this
parish, those of Warrenton and Liberty, meetings
continue numerous and attentive ; while that of
Cool Spring is still but a small one. The com
municants are increasing in numbers, and many

142

CONVENTION OF 1820.

of them give most satisfactory evidence of growth
in spirituaUty ahd heavenly-mindedness. It is
confidently hoped that the cause of religion in
general, of our Church in particular, is advancing
in the reverence and affections of the people.
The congregation of the church in Winchester,
the parish of Frederick, is more numerous, se
rious, and devout than formerly. Communicants
between thirty and forty — catechumens thirty —
baptisms eleven— funerals three— marriages two.
A Sunday School has been lately instituted, and
promises, under divine blessing, to be productive
Of the most salutary consequences.
St. Mark's parish, Culpepper. Communicants
forty-seven, two having died, and four being added
since the last Convention — marriages seven— bap
tisms twenty, one of which was an adult — fune
rals twelve.
Dettingen and Leeds parish. Baptisms twenty.
one — communicants thirty, four having removed.
In this parish there has been an increase of com
municants, and a greater attention to the ordi
nances ofthe gospel. Prayer-books increase, and
some of the congregation have become more en
gaged for redemption through the blood of Christ.
The church in Fredericskburg still enjoys the
gracious presence and agency of God the Holy
Ghost, restoring fallen man to happiness and God.
Communicants one hundred — baptisms thirty-
three— funerals fifteen — marriages fifteen.
Christ Church, Norborne parish, Berkeley coun
ty — communicants fifty — baptisms nine, of which
two were adults, and seven infants — marriages four
— funerals two. The Sunday School established
last year is still progressing in usefulness.
Wickliffe Church, Frederick county. .Commu
nicants six — baptisms four — one funeral
In Norborne parish there are, communicants one
hundred and one — catechumens forty-five— mar
riages six — baptisms twenty-four — funerals six
teen. Ofthe above number of communicants, twenty-
four have been added since the last Convention ;
several are now in preparation for this holy ordi
nance. The prospects of the church in this par
ish are flattering in the highest degree. The peo
ple are spiritual and devotional, and manifest a
growing attachment to the principles and the lit
urgy of their church.
St. Martin's parish, Hanover. There is no
material alteration in the state of the churches
since the last report, except that the congregation
of the Fork Church is increased. There are
hopes that the good leaven of divine truth will, in
the end, produce the conversion of sinners to God.
The Sunday School is kept up better on the part
of the teachers than in the regular attendance of
the scholars. Communicants forty-one — baptisms
five — marriages four — one death.
South Farnham parish, Essex, and Washington
fiarish, Westmoreland, have been without a regu-
ar ministry for thirty years. The people in gen
eral manifest a sincere desire to receive the gos
pel, and considerable exertions are making to re
suscitate the churches. Baptisms fifteen — mar
riages eight — funerals four — Sunday Schools three
— scholars one hundred and eighty. The number
of communicants cannot be ascertained, as the
ordinance has not been administered.
The church in Augusta parish has been reor
ganized, and enjoys the ordmances of the gospel.
The members of the church in this parish are but
few in number.
The parish in Nelson county is sometimes vis
ited by the minister of Augusta parish, who thinks
a minister might be supported who would under
take the keeping of a school.

At Harrisonburg, in iRrJiSinghanv there i» a
pleasing-prospect of much good being done.
Communieants in ^ugusta,parish about twelve,
— marriages six — baptisms '.twenty-six — one iu-
neral. _ •>¦ .,£
According to..a Report "prepared ":by the Rev. James
W. Eastburn, and which was "to have been, commu
nicated at the last Convention, the following is the
stale of the church in St. G-eorge's parish, Acco
mack county.
The parish having been vacant for several years,
no regular ordinances have been administered
until the 10th of January, 1819. The churches
are now repairing, and a general spirit of reli
gious attention seems to be excited. The number
of communicants is uncertain, as the Lord's Sup
per has not yet been administered.
The Rev. James W. Eastburn continued in the
parish but a little more than six months, during
which there were thirty-six baptisms, of which
one was a white adult, and twenty-three coloured
children — one marriage— funerals three.
Before the departure of the Rev. Mr. Eastburn,
the repairs of the churches had considerably pro
gressed. There are four Sunday Schools under
the patronage of the Union Society — four com
municants have been added to the church.
St. George's parish, Accomack. Rev. Benja
min Smith rector, since November 15, 1819.
Baptisms seven — marriages two — funerals five-^-
communicants fifty-six, as near as can be ascer
tained ; five have been added since November.
Sunday School scholars four hundred. «
Parish of St. Andrew's. There has been an
increase of communicants ; sixty of those formerly
registered in this parish have been formed into a
church, in Maryland. The present -number, of
communicants is one hundred and fifty — baptisms
seventy-five — marriages nine — burials nine. The
church in Shepherdstown has been increased in
capacity. Contribution to episcopal fund fifty
dollars. The congregation of St. Paul's Church, Alex
andria, is rather increasing in numbers, and, there
is reason to hope, in piety, and in attachment to
the principles of the church. There is a Sunday
School belonging to this church of one hundred
and twenty persons, who are regularly catechised
and instructed in the principles of religion. The
number of communicants about one hundred and
ten — of baptisms fifty-three — of funerals twenty.
The church in Charlottesville is not yet organ
ized, but the present appearance is extremely flat
tering to its pastor.
The congregation of Christ Church, Alexan
dria, are regular and devout in their attendance on-
public worship. The number of communicants
has increased since the last report, and it is be
lieved that the whole number amounts to upwards
of one hundred. There is a Sunday School at
tached to this church, which promises to prove a
blessing. This congregation have contributed
their usual quota of one hundred dollars to the
episcopal fund.
Agreeably to the resolution of the Convention
in the year 1818, the rector of this church notified,
in October last, the different parishes in the coun
ties of Westmoreland, Northumberland, Lancas
ter, and Richmond, of his intention to preach and
administer the sacraments of the church in that
destitute part of our Zion, and to make collections
for the episcopal fund ; but, in consequence of
sickness, he was deprived the pleasure of per
forming this service. However, the Rev. Dr.
Wilmer kindly supplied his place, and the sum
of twenty dollars has since been received from

CONVENTION OF 1820.

143

Mrs. Sarah Washington, of. Westmoreland county,
for the episcopal fund. ,
Oliver Norris, Chairhian.
The said report being read, was approved.
On motion of lyir: Edmund J. Lee,
Resolved, Thatthe treasurer be directed to
pay into the hand/ of the standing committee
the sum of five hundred dollars, to be by them
vested in soine Safe stock, for the increase of
the fund for the support of the episcopate.
Mr. Edmund J. Lee laid before the Conven
tion an ac"count of the receipts and investments
of the episcopal fund, by the wardens of Christ
Church, Alexandria.
The said account being read, was approved
by the Convention.
On mojion of Mr. Wilmer,
Resolved, That the deputies to the General
Convention be instructed to act in conformity
with the resolution of the last Convention of
this diocess, disapproving of the amendment
proposed to the second article of the constitu
tion of this church.
The -Right Rev. Bishop Moore delivered his
pastoral address on the state of the church,
which being heard,
Resolved, unanimously, That the thanks of
this Convention be presented to the Right Rev.
Richard Channing Moore, D. D., for his affec
tionate and impressive pastoral address, and that
he be requested to furnish a copy thereof for
insertion in the journal.
The said address is as follows : —
"' Brethren, — Every Convention, as it pre
sents itself to view, affords us the greatest en
couragement. The information we receive
from the different sections of the diocess is cal
culated to inspire our minds with hope, and to
stimulate us to renewed and increased exertion.
The parishes which have been filled continue to
prosper ; and many parts of our Zion, which for
years have been buried in ruin, are calling for
help and- entreating our assistance.
When I first entered upon the discharge of
my important duties, I felt an apprehension that
the efforts which were made by the friends of
the church were too vigorous to continue, and
that after the lapse of a few years, unless the
most marked success should crown our labours,
those efforts would be succeeded by a state of
languor and despair. The undertaking in which
we had engaged formed an object of such mag
nitude as to excite my fears ; the difficulties
with which we had to struggle were sufficient
to appal the stoutest heart, and to excite trem
blings in the firmest mind. To have beheld
our dilapidated churches without -alarm, was
impossible ; to have reflected upon the scattered
flocks which once filled their courts, without
labouring under an apprehension that they might
never again be collected, would have evinced a
temper arrogant and ^presumptuous. Sensible
6f the prejudices which existed against the
€hurch, and frequently wounded by the observa
tions which were made in my presence, my
bosom was alive to the embarrassments which
surrounded us, and I trembled for the Ark of
God. The night of our affliction has, however,

been succeeded by a glorious day ; the prayers
of the pious have ascended to Heaven, and pro
cured for us the blessing of God, and the Al
mighty hath lifted upon us the light of his
countenance. The success which has attended the labours
of the clergy, and the warm and animated in
terest which the laity have taken in the restora
tion of the church, prove to a demonstration
that the work is God's, and that the set time
for the Lord to have mercy upon Zion has
come. Yes, brethren, the machine has been
set in motion by an omnipotent arm ; it is di
vine grace which in the first instance directed
our attention to the hallowed object, and it is
divine grace which hath influenced us to per
severe in the important work. Had we not
been actuated by principles such as Heaven
could indulgently approve, and had we not been
sustained by His grace, we must have fainted
by the way. It is to Jehovah that we are in
debted for the success with which we have been
favoured. " Not unto us, O ! Lord, not unto
us, but unto thy name, be the praise, for thy
honour and for thy truth's sake."
The same means which have been so sig
nally blessed will, if persevered in, produce
still greater effects. While the ministers of the
altar continue to preach the gospel, and to live
agreeably to its precepts, they may rest satisfied
that the Almighty will own their labours. " Lo,
I am with you always," is the Redeemer's
promise to Xhe faithful heralds of the cross.
Let us, my reverend brethren, be determined to
" take heed to ourselves and to our doctrine ;"
to "make full proof of our ministry;" to pro
claim the Lord Jesus as " the way, and the
truth, and the life ;" to adorn the gospel of
God our Saviour in all things ; to " follow
peace with all men, and holiness, without which
no man shall see the Lord."
Gentlemen of the laity, — Great is the happi
ness which arises in my mind, from that union
of affection which has always subsisted between
the clergy and yourselves. To see so many in
dividuals returning, year after year, to assist in
the councils of the church, is a proof that we
live in love and in peace, and that the God of
love and peace is with us. I owe you a debt
of gratitude for your indulgent reception of my
labours which I shall never be able to repay.
Fidelity in the discharge of my public duties ;
a wish to promote, by every honourable and
legitimate effort, the interest of the church you
have so much at heart ; and my constant prayer
to God for the happiness of the flock over
which the Holy Ghost hath made me overseer,
form the only return which it is in my power to
render you for your kindness.
Since the last Convention I have visited the
city of Williamsburg, preached and administered
the sacrament of the Lord's Supper in the
church, and lectured in the houses of two of the
most respectable families in the place. I have
also preached in St. Peter's Church, New Kent,
upon two different occasions — once in July, and
again in the last month. In August I visited
Petersburg, and preached to an overflowing and

144

CONVENTION OF 1821.

deeply penetrated congregation. I also visited
Hanover the last summer, preached in all the
churches in that parish, and administered the
Lord's Supper at the house of Mr. Francis Nel-
Bon. My visit to that county was repeated in
December last, at which time I administered
the Lord's Supper in the Fork Church, and ad
mitted the Rev. Mr. Wydown to the holy order
of the priesthood. I have visited and preached
in the county of Amelia, in which section of the
diocess there are a considerable number of the
most respectable families sincerely attached to
the church, and who are disposed to make the
most vigorous efforts in favour of her interests.
I have also been in Chesterfield, and preached
in .the church at Falling Creek. Goochland
has been attended to, and in the courthouse I
officiated to a large and attentive congregation.
In October last I preached to a crowded audi
tory at Orange courthouse, and administered
the Lord's Supper at the house of Mr. Madison,
the late President of the United States, to his
venerable and pious mother. I visited Albe
marle also, preached in Walker's church, and at
the courthouse in Charlottesville, to large and
respectable assemblies. In November I visited
Norfolk, preached several times in the church,
and administered the Lord's Supper. I also
lectured at the houses of the venerable Mr.
Reed and of Mr. John Southgate. I then
crossed the bay, and visited the counties of
Northampton and Accomack. In Northampton
I preached in the courthouse, the lower and
upper chapels, and lectured at the house of Dr.
Parker. In Accomack I preached and admin
istered the Lord's Supper in the parish church,
lectured in Drummondtown, and also in Acco
mack. The last month I repeated my visit to
Norfolk, preached twice, and administered the
Lord's Supper in the church. I have admitted
to the order of deacons, since the last Conven
tion, the Rev. Mr. Aisquith, Rev. Mr. Reynolds,

Rev. Mr. Norman Nash ; and to the priesthood
the Rev. Samuel Wydown.
As your regard for the interests of the
church must render you alive to her prosperity
in every section of the country, I consider it
not irrelevant to state to you that I. have at
tended the Convention in North Carolina, and
that the church in that diocess holds up to
your view the most encouraging prospects. In
Edenton, at which place the Convention con
vened, our sittings were attended by great num
bers of people, some of whom had come from a
distance of near fifty miles to witness our pro
ceedings and attend upon our ministry. In that
place I ordained two deacons, and admitted one
gentleman to the priesthood. In that diocess,
so late as the year 1817, there was not a single
clergyman : they are now blessed with the la
bours of seven faithful men, and in the course
of another year several candidates, who are
now preparing for holy orders, will be admitted
to the ministry of the word.
Wishing you an agreeable interview with
your families, I bid you an affectionate adieu.
On motion of the Rev. Benjamin Allen,
Resolved, That 750 copies of the Journal of
this Convention be printed, and distributed
among the parishes by the secretary, under the
superintendence of the bishop.
On motion of Mr. Wilmer,
Resolved, That the thanks of this Conven
tion be presented to the secretary for his ser
vices, and that the expenses incurred by him
in travelling and attendance be defrayed by the
church. The Convention, having finished the business
before it, adjourned, to meet again at Norfolk,
on the third Tuesday in May next.
Richard Channing Moore,
Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal
Church of Virginia.
Attest, William Munford, Secretary.

Journal of the Proceedings of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Virginia, which
assembled at Norfolk, on Thursday, the 17th of May, 1821.

At a meeting of a Convention of clerical and
lay deputies from parishes of the Protestant
Episcopal Church in the Diocess of Virginia,
assembled at Norfolk, on Thursday, the 17th
day of May, 1821,
The Right Rev. Richard C. Moore, D. D.,
bishop of the diocess (after divine service by the
Rev. John S. Ravenscroft), delivered a sermon
appropriate to the occasion, and then took the
chair as president of the Convention.
Ordered, That Mr. Philip Nelson and Mr.
Robert Randolph be appointed a committee
to examine the certificates of appointment of
the lay deputies, and report thereupon immedi
ately. The said committee accordingly examined, at
the secretary's table, such certificates as were
produced, and reported to the Convention that
the following gentlemen were duly appointed in
conformity with the canons for the government

of the Protestant Episcopal Church, whereupon
they appeared and took their seats, viz. : —
E. J. Lee. for Christ Church, in Fairfax parish,
Alexandria ; William Sharp, for Christ Church,
Norfolk ; William S. Stone, for Fredericksburg ;
Richard Taylor, for Truro parish, Fairfax coun
ty ; Philip Nelson and Francis G. Taylor, for
Frederick parish ; John Hoof, for St. Paul's
Church, Alexandria ; Albert Allmand, for Hen
rico Church ; James W. Parker, for St. George's
parish, Accomack ; Francis Nelson, for St.
Martin's parish, Hanover ; John Nelson, for St.
James's parish, Mecklenburg ; Jacob Parker, for
Hungar's parish, Northampton ; Edward Val
entine, for Augusta parish, Staunton ; Robert
P. Waring, for St. Anne's parish, Essex ; Moses
B. Chase and Arthur Emerson, for Portsmouth
parish, Norfolk county ; Warner Lewis, for
Southampton parish, Essex ; Abraham Shep
herd, for St. Andrew's parish, Jefferson ; John

CONVENTION OF 1821.

149

Grammer, for Bristol parish, Petersburg ; Robert
Randolph, for Hamilton parish, Fauquier ; Will
iam Mayo, for the Monumental Church in the
city of Richmond.
The following clerical deputies also appeared
and took their seats, viz. :-»-
The Rev. Oliver Norris, for Christ Church,
in Fairfax parish, Alexandria ; the Rev. Enoch
M. Lowe, for Christ Church, Norfolk ; the Rev.
Edward C- M'Guire, for Fredericksburg ; the
Rev. William Meade, for Frederick parish ;
the Rev. William H. Wilmer, for St. Paul's
Church, Alexandria ; the Rev. William H. Hart,
for Henrico Church ; the Rev. Benjamin B.
Smith, for St. George's parish, Accomack
county ; the Rev. Samuel Wydown, for St.
Martin's parish, Hanover ; the Rev. John S.
Ravenscroft, for St. James's parish, Mecklen
burg ; the Rev. Simon Wilmer, for Hungar's
parish, Northampton ; the Rev. Benjamin Alien,
for St. Andrew's parish, Jefferson ; the Rev
Andrew Syme, for Bristol parish, Petersburg ;
the Rev. Edward R. Lippit, for Norborne parish,
Berkeley ; the Rev. Reuel Keith, fbr Bruton
parish, Williamsburg.
On motion of Mr. Lowe, seconded by Mr.
Syme, Resolved, That the Rev. George Halson, of
Norfolk county, be admitted to an honorary seat
in this Convention.
On motion of Mr. Edmund J. Lee, the rules
of order adopted by the last Convention were
read by the secretary, and adopted for the gov
ernment of the proceedings of this Convention,
viz. : —
1. The business of every day shall be intro
duced with the morning service of the church.
2. When the president takes the chair, no
member shall continue standing, or shall after
ward stand up, unless to address the chair.
3. No member shall absent himself from the
service of the house unless he have leave, or
be unable to attend.
4. When any member is about to speak in
debate, *>r deliver any matter to the house, he
.shall, with due respect, address himself to the
president, confining himself strictly to the point
in debate.
5. No member shall speak more than twice
in the same debate, without leave of the house.
6. A question being once determined, shall
stand as the judgment of the house, and shall
not be again drawn into debate during the same
session, unless with the consent of two thirds
of the house.
7. While the president is putting any ques
tion, the members shall continue in their seats,
and shall not hold any private discourse.
8. Every member_who shall be in the house
when any question is^put, shall, on a division,
be counted, unless he be personally interested
jn the decision.
9. No motion shall be considered as before
the house unless it -be seconded, and, when re
quired, reduced to writing.
10. When any question is before the house, it
shall be determined on before any new thing is
introduced, except the question of adjournment. K

11. The question on a motion of adjourn
ment shall be taken before any other, and with?
out debate.
12. When the house is about to rise, every
member shall keep his seat until the president
shall leave his chair.
On motion of Mr. Lee,
Resolved, That the resolutions relating to
the fund for the episcopate, which were by the
last Convention postponed for farther considera
tion, be referred to a select committee to report
thereupon. And a committee was appointed of Mr. Lee,
Mr. Philip Nelson, Mr. Robert Randolph, Mr,
Abraham Shepherd, and Mr. William Mayo.
Ordered, That a committee be appointed to
examine the treasurer's accounts, consisting of
Mr. John Nelson, Mr. Philip Nelson, Mr. John
Grammer, and Mr. John Hoof.
Ordered, That a committee to examine the
state of the church in this diocess be appointed,
of the Rev. William H. Wilmer, John S. Ra,
venscroft, Oliver Norris, and William Meade,
Mr. William Sharp, Mr. William Stone, Mr,
Francis Nelson, and Mr. Francis G. Taylor.
Ordered, That a committee to examine the
accounts of the treasurer of the Common Prayer-?
Book and Tract Society be appointed, of the
Rev. Edward C. M'Guire, Benjamin Aljen, anrj
Mr. Jacob Parker.
Ordered, That a committee to examine the
accounts of the treasurer of the Widows' Fund
be appointed, of the Rev. Simon Wilmer, John
S. Ravenscroft, and Mr. Richard Taylor.
Ordered, That a committee to examine the
parochial reports be appointed, of the Rev,
Enoch M. Lowe, Audrew Syme, Reuel Keith,
William H. Hart, Benjamin B- Smith, and Ed*
ward R. Eippit.
Mr. Lee laid before the Convention a resolu?
tion of the vestry of Christ Church, Fairfax
parish, Alexandria, on the subject of the fund
for support of the episcopate ; which resolution
being read, was ordered to be referred to the
select committee this day appointed,
Mr. Lowe announced, that the members of
the Presbyterian and Baptist congregations, in
the borough of Norfolk, had voluntarily, and in
a very friendly and affectionate manner, offered
their churches in the said borough to this Con
vention, for the purpose of performing divine
service therein during the session thereof ;
whereupon, Resolved, unanimously, That the thanks of
the Convention be presented to their said Christ
tian brethren fpr the kindness thus manifested,
and that their said offer be gratefully accepted.
And then the Convention adjourned until to
morrow morning, 9 o'clock.
Friday, May 18th, 1831.
The Convention met according to adjourn
ment, and was opened with prayer by the Rev.
William H Wilmer.
The following gentlemen produced certificates
of appointment as lay deputies, which, being
read by the secretary, were approved, in con
formity with the canons ; whereupon they took

146

CONVENTION OF 182i.

their seats as members of the Convention ;
viz- -. —
Thomas Smith, for Ware parish, Gloucester
county ; Christopher Tompkins, for Kingston
parish, Matthews ; Burwell Bassett, for Bruton
parish, Williamsburg ; and James Chowning, for
Christ Church, Middlesex ; the Rev. John H.
Wingfield, a clerical deputy fromAntrim parish,
Halifax county, also appeared and took his seat.
On motion of the Rev. Simon Wilmer, sec
onded by the Rev. Enoch M. Lowe,
Resolved, unanimously, That the thanks of
this Convention be presented to the bishop for
his impressive and appropriate discourse, de
livered before this body at the opening of the
Convention. Mr. John Nelson, from the committee for
examining the treasurer's accounts, presented
a report and statement, which were read, in the
following words and figures, viz. : —
Norfolk, May 18, 182.1.
We, the undersigned committee appointed to
examine the treasurer's account, report, That
we have discharged that duty, and find the ac
counts fair and correct ; and that the balance
in the treasurer's hands, at the meeting of the
present Convention, is $161 24; all which will
appear by the accompanying account and docu
ments, which are respectfully submitted, by
John Nelson, jun., John Hoof,
Philip Nelson, J. Grammer.
Mr. Edmund J. Lee, from the select com
mittee on the subject of the fund for the support
of the episcopate, presented a report, which was
read, as follows :—
The committee towhom were referred the res
olutions upon me subject, of the permanent fund
for the support of the episcopate, have, according
to order, had the same under consideration, and
have agreed upon the following resolutions, which
they beg leave to report.
1. Resolved, That the vestry of each congrega
tion in the respective parishes of this diocess, do
take immediate steps to ascertain the number of
adult persons in their parishes who profess to be
long to the Episcopal Church.
2. That the vestries cause each adult person,
professing themselves to belong to the church, to
be called on, and requested each to pay the sum
of ¦  dollars, to be applied to the said fund.
3. That the money which shall be received by
the vestries in pursuance of the preceding resolu
tions be forthwith remitted to the president of the
standing committee of the church, for that com
mittee to invest it as heretofore directed.
4. That on or before the first day of January
next, and from time to time thereafter, reports be
made to the standing committee, of the proceed
ings under these resolutions.
" 5. That an appropriate address from the Con
vention on this subject be adopted and circulated,
with the preceding resolutions, among the mem
bers ofthe church.
6. Resolved, That copies of these res
olutions and of the address be printed ; and that
copies be transmitted, as soon as practi-
pable, to each of the clergymen ofthe church, and
to each of the lay delegates attending this Con
vention, all of whom are earnestly solicited to use
their utmost exertions to effect the object of the
caid resolutions,,

On motion of Mr. Lee,.
Ordered, That the said resolutions and act-
dress be laid upon the table.
A suspension of the sitting of the Convention
then took place, for fhe purpose of attending
divine service ; whereupon the service was read
by the Rev. Oliver Norris, and a sermon de
livered by the Rev. William Meade.
The session being resumed, the resolutions
on the subject of the fund for the support of the
episcopate, were, on motion of the Rev. Wm.
H. Wilmer, referred to a committee of the whole
house : whereupon the Convention resolved itr
self into a. committee accordingly,. for the pur
pose of considering the said resolutions, Mr.
Bassett in the chair ; and, after some time, the
bishop having resumed the chair, Mr. Bassett
reported, That the committee of the whole house
had, according to order, had under consideration
the resolutions to them referred, and agreed to
the five first resolutions, but . disagreed to the
last. On motion, Ordered, That the consideration
thereof by the house be postponed until to
morrow. And then the Convention adjourned until tor
morrow morning, 9 o'clock.
Saturday, May 19,, 1821..
The Convention met according to- adjourn
ment, and was opened with prayer.
The Rev. John Reynolds, a clerical deputy
from the parish of St. Anne's, in the county of
Essex, attended, and took his seat in the Con
vention'. The Rev. John S. Ravenscroft, from the com
mittee appointed to examine the accounts of the
treasurer of the Widows' Fund, presented a re
port, which was read, as follows : —
The committee to whom was referred the state
of the Widows' Fund beg leave to observe, that,
owing to the absence of the papers and accounts,
they can present no statement of the actual amount
of the fund, or of the manner in which its proceeds
are now applied. They believe, however., that it
remains, as to the principal, as reported by the
committee who last examined the treasurer's ac
counts. And it being satisfactorily ascertained
that the Rev. Dr. Buchanan, by reason of age and
infirmity, is desirous to resign the office of treas
urer, and surrender the funds in his hands,
Your committee therefore beg leave to recom
mend, that the amount constituting the Widows'
Fund be placed in the hands of a treasurer to be
appointed by this Convention.
That the direction and management of the fund
be transferred to the standing committee of this
diocess, according to whose direction only shall
its affairs be administered, and by whose order on
the treasurer all payments be made.
That the Right Reverend the Bishop of the
diocess be appointed to receive from the present
treasurer the specialties, books, and cash belong
ing to the fund, and to transmit the same to the
treasurer now to be appointed.
That it be the duty ofthe treasurer of this fund
to present annually to the standing committee a
statement of the condition of the fund, and of the
manner in which its proceeds have been applied,
with the names of the persons to whom relief has
been afforded ; which statement shall fonn'-a part

CONVENTION OF 1821.

147

of the annual report of the . proceedings of that
committee. Resolved, That John Hoof, of Alexandria, be
appointed treasurer of the fund for the relief of
the destitute widows and orphans of deceased
clergymen in this diocess.
Resolved, That it be the duty of the said treas
urer to call upon delinquent subscribers by letter
for the amount that may be in arrear.
Resolved, That it be his duty to send by the
standing committee, to each Convention of this
diocess, the subscription books of the fund, for
the purpose of obtaining new subscriptions to the
same. Resolved, further, That, at the meeting of every
Convention of this diocess, a sermon be preached
and a collection made for the benefit of this fund,
and that the Right Rev. the Bishop do appoint the
clergyman who shall officiate on that occasion.
The said report and resolutions, being twice
read, were, upon the questions severally put
thereupon, approved by the Convention.
The Rev. Enoch M. Lowe, from the commit
tee to whom the parochial reports were refer
red, presented a report, which was read, as fol
lows : — Norfolk, May 19, 1821.
The committee to whom was referred the pa
rochial reports, respectfully submit the following
condensed view of the same.
In the Monumental Church, Richmond — the
congregation are steady in their attendance upon
divine worship. At the administration of the
Lord's Supper the greatest solemnity is preser
ved, and some additional members generally ad
ded. They are affectionate to their pastor, and the
greatest love and harmony prevail.
In the parish of St. Andrew's— there are com
municants 150, baptisms 45, funerals 27. This
parish, within the last two years, has contributed
to the episcopal fund more than sufficient to re
deem its pledge of $ 50 per annum. The general
state of the church is improving, though nothing
worthy of special note exists.
In the parish of Bristol, Petersburg — there are
communicants 40, marriages 10, funerals 16, bap
tisms 36. The minister of this parish states, that
for two years past considerable amendment has
taken place in regard to attendance onpublic wor
ship and the solemn duties of religion.
Hungar's parish, Northampton county. This
parish for many years has been in a gloomy and
unpromising state ; but the present minister re
ports a favourable and signal change in its spirit
ual interests. A large church has been repaired,
and Sunday Schools have been instituted. There
are baptisms 41, communicants 28, funerals 6,
1 marriage. In St. James's parish, Mecklenburg — there are
communicants 35, marriages 2, baptisms 39, buri
als 9. The minister is sorry that he cannot report
any numerical addition to the communicants in
the two congregations he has in charge. He is
hopeful, however, that an increase of spiritual life
and strength is manifested by those formerly enu
merated. There has been collected for the bish-
op'sfund $91 '87|,
In the 'church in Fredericksburg — there are com
municants 100, baptisms 13, deaths 6, marriages
11. Something has been done for the episcopal
fund, and it is hoped more will be done hereafter.
InJJrederick parish, Winchester — there are com
municants 35, baptisms 10, marriages 4, funerals
3, and, one Sunday School.
In the Chapel congregation — communicants 55,
funerals 3, baptisms 10. The service well per-
K3

formed, and the attendance of the members reg
ular. In St. George's parish, Accomack county —
there are baptisms 24, marriages 2, funerals 16,
communicants 55, and 400 Sunday School schol
ars. In Norborne parish, Berkeley county — there are
baptisms 46, burials 8, marriageB 3, communicants
100. Christ Church, Norborne parish, Berkeley county
— communicants 50, baptisms 2, marriages 2. The
spiritual state of this church has not undergone a
material change since the last report. The peo
ple are serious and attentive to the word of God,
and are regular in their attendance onpublic wor
ship. In Hamilton parish — there are communicants
46, baptisms 10, marriages 9.
In this parish no remarkable change has taken
place since the last report.
In Augusta parish, Staunton — there are com
municants 25, catechumens 1 5, marriages 12, bap
tisms 33, funerals 7.
In Christ Church, Norfolk — there are commu
nicants 160, catechumens 75, baptisms 27, mar
riages 2, funerals 14. The prospects of this church
the minister states to be flattering. It enjoys in
a most signal manner the converting and sancti
fying influences of the Holy Ghost ; God in his
boundless mercy is daily adding to the church
such as, it is hoped, will be eternally saved.
The old congregation of Portsmouth parish
has been revived, and promises to become a flour
ishing branch of our Zion.
In Bruton parish, WilUamsburg — there are com
municants 25, baptisms 4, funerals 2, 1 marriage.
In the parishes of Washington, Westmoreland
county, St. Anne and South Farnham, Essex coun
ty, and some other parishes — there are baptisms
91, marriages 10, funerals 14, communicants 118,
Sunday Schools 9, and scholars 400.
In Christ Church, Fairfax parish, Alexandria —
there are communicants 130, baptisms 50, Sunday
scholars 100. Though the minister of this church
has cause of sorrow in the death of several of the
pious and exemplary members of his charge, yet
his congregation continues to flourish, and to af
ford increasing evidence of a growth in grace.
Since the last Convention, about 30 new members
have been added to his communion.
In St. Paul's Church, Alexandria — there are
baptisms 48, marriages 15, funerals 28, communi
cants 15, 2 deceased, 3 removed.
In the church on Richmond Hill, there are com
municants 40. The minister states that the situa
tion of this church is much improved since the last
Convention. Enoch M. Lowe, Chairman.
The said report was, on the question put
thereupon, approved by the house.
The Rev. William H. Wilmer, from the com
mittee on the state of the church, presented a
report, which was read, and, on motion, order
ed to belaid upon the table.
On motion of Mr. Lee, the resolutions con
cerning the fund for the support of the episco
pate were taken up and considered, whereupon
the first resolution was, on the question put,
disagreed to by the Convention ; the second and
fourth resolutions were amended, and agreed to
as amended ; the third and fifth were agreed to
without amendment ; and the Convention con
curred with the committee of the whole house
in disagreeing to the sixth resolution.

-V-3,

14S

CONVENTION OF 1821.

The said resolutions, as amended and appro
ved, are the following : —
The committee to whom were referred the res
olutions upon the subject of the permanent fund
for the support of the episcopate, have, according
to order, had the same under consideration, and
have agreed upon the following resolutions, which
they beg leave to report : —
1. Resolved, That the vestries or trustees of
each congregation in the respective parishes of
this diocess, do cause each adult person profes
sing themselves to belong to or to be friendly to
the church, to be called on, and requested, each,
to pay the sum of not less than one dollar, to be
applied to the said fund.
2. Resolved, That the money which shall be re
ceived by the vestries or trustees in pursuance of
the preceding resolution, be forthwith remitted to
the president of the standing committee of the
church, for that committee to invest it as hereto
fore directed.
3. Resolved, That on or before the first day of
January next, and from time to time thereafter, re
ports be made to the standing committee of the
proceedings under these resolutions.
4. Resolved, That an appropriate address from
the Convention on this subject be adopted and cir
culated, with the preceding resolutions, among the
members of the church.
On motion -of Mr. Ravenscroft, the following
additional resolution, being twice read, was, on
the question put thereupon, agreed to by the Con
vention, viz. :—
5. Resolved, That, in those parts of the dio
cess where there are no vestries or trustees, the
friends of the church be requested to give their aid
in effecting the object of these resolutions.
The proposed address of this Convention to
the members of the Protestant Episcopal
Church in this diocess being again read, was
approved unanimously, as follows : —
To the Members of the Episcopal Church m the Di
ocess of Virginia.
Dear Friends and Brethren ; —
It has been the anxious wish of preceding
Conventions to relieve the bishop of this diocess
from all parochial charge, so as to enable him to
visit frequently and in regular course each con
gregation in the state. This measure has been
suggested as the most effectual that could be de
vised for • promoting the prosperity of religion
among the members of our communion. To this
end a fund has been created, under the sanction of
the Convention, having for its object the accumu
lation of an amount, the annual interest of which
may be sufficient for the support of the episco
pate. Some efforts have been made to carry this
plan into effect ; but the attempt thus far has not
answered the expectations of its friends, and the
mode heretofore adopted for effecting it promises
at best only a distant prospect of success.
The present Convention, deeply sensible of the
magnitude and importance of the object, beg leave
again to call your attention to this interesting sub
ject. When the members of our church seriously
reflect upon the reality of religion, that it is em
phatically the one thing needful, they will not, it
is hoped, hesitate in giving their cheerful aid to all
reasonable means which may tend to the promo
tion of this greatest of blessings. That this sub
ject has not been heretofore duly appreciated by
the Episcopalians in ge»eral, is muchto be feared.
It is in vain to profess our attachment to the
Christian religion, and our wish to see it flourish

among us ; words are not sufficient ; they are
cheap, and will not alone produce a lasting bene
fit to any cause. It is only by actions, flowing
from a Christian principle, that the sincerity of our
professions can be tested. The Convention, in
the name and for the sake of that holy religion
which they most ardently desire to see extended
from heart to heart, from house to house, and
made the governing rule of all our conduct, do now
solicit the members of their communion to con
tribute a small portion of those worldly goods
which it has pleased our Divine Father to bestow
on them, towards carrying into full and immediate
effect the plan which has been adopted for placing
the head of the church in this diocess in a situa
tion to be extensively useful in this holy cause.
They cherish the hope that this appeal to the pi
ety and zeal of our members will not be in vain.
If the proposed plan is carried into execution, as
it can be where there are willing minds, " our ven
erable bishop will be able to visit every part of the
diocess ; he will have it in his power to encourage
the desponding, rouse the thoughtless, give direc
tion to the zeal and energy of the pious, and im
press upon the whole a salutary impulse." The
waste places and desolations of Zion would be re
paired, and our decayed and forsaken churches
would be rebuilt, and rendered once more vocal
with praise. Let it never be forgotten, that all the
means and institutions of religion are calculated
and intended to improve our hearts, to purify our
affections, to place them on heavenly things,
and to subdue all the evil propensities of a de
praved nature. The Convention, under a full
sense of their relation to the church, and of their
own awful responsibility as to the manner they
discharge the solemn duties of their station, are
constrained to remind their friends and brethren,
that every relation in which we stand to God, to
ourselves, to our dear families and friends, and to
society, demands from us all a fervent zeal and an
active effort to restore our church, endowed by
public veneration, supported by the purity of her
doctrines, the integrity and zeal of her ministers,
and the Christian toleration of all religious classes,
to her true character. With these feelings and
views do the members of this Convention most
earnestly entreat their brethren to reflect upon the
necessity of 'adopting the measure now submitted
to them, " and that they manifest their gratitude to
Almighty God, and their sense of the great im
portance of his blessed revelation ; that they con
sider the unspeakable reward they will receive
from that gracious Master to whom they belong,
whose goodness demands the warmest returns of
love, duty, and obedience ; and that they contrib
ute, to the utmost in their power, to render this ac
ceptable service to his cause."
On motion of Mr. Ravenscroft, The journal
of the proceedings, during the last year, of the
standing committee of the church in this diocess,
was read by the secretary.
On motion of the Rev. William Meade, sec
onded by Mr. Abraham Shepherd,
Resolved, That the next Convention of cler
ical and lay deputies for the diocess of Virginia
be holden at Charlottesville, in the county of
Albemarle. On motion of the Rev. Edward C. McGuire,
Ordered, That the committee appointed to ex
amine the account of the treasurer of the Com
mon Prayer-Book and Tract Society be dis
charged from that duty.
The Rev. William H. Wilmer laid before the

CONVENTION OF 1821.

140

Convention accounts of the management of the
fund for the support of the episcopate.
The said accounts were approved by the Con
vention. The sitting was then suspended, for the pur
pose of attending divine service ; when the
service was read by the bishop, and a sermon
delivered by the Rev. Reuel Keith.
The sitting being resumed, the Rev. William
H. Wilmer presented a report from the mana
gers of the Common Prayer-Book and Tract So
ciety, which was read, as follows :- —
The managers of the Prayer-Book and Tract
Society of Virginia report, That in consequence
of the establishment of auxiliary societies through
out the diocess, the friends of the parent institu
tion have been so much abridged as to paralyze its
efforts. The annual collection usual at the meet
ing of the Conventions was not made the last
year, and the managers have felt authorized, un
der these circumstances, to solicit the contribution
due from subscribers. Only a small amount of
money, therefore, has been received during the last
year. With this one hundred prayer-books have
been purchased, and three thousand tracts print
ed. Twenty prayer-books and several hundred
tracts have been sent to the Female Auxiliary So
ciety in Accomack, from which the sum of ten
dollars was received on the 10th instant. Twelve
prayer-books and an assortment of several hun
dred tracts have been sent to Christ Church par
ish, in Middlesex ; and such other distributions
have been made as the exigences and demands
have seemed to require. The remaining prayer-
books and tracts are now in Norfolk, at the dispo
sal of the Convention.
Under the present circumstances, the mana
gers submit it to the wisdom of the Convention,
whether it be better to dissolve the society, or
whether it be possible to incorporate with it the
subordinate societies, and thus to secure that har
mony of sentiment and action which is essential
to the vigour and prosperity of such institutions.
William H. Wilmer, Chairman.
On motion, Ordered, That the said report be
laid upon the table.
The following resolutions were proposed by
the Rev. Benjamin Allen, viz. : —
Resolved, That the existing Common Prayer-
Book and Tract Society be extended to the pro
motion of Christian knowledge in general, the
funds to be apportioned among the respective
means made use of, as the managers may deter
mine. Resolved, That it be recommended to the
friends ofthe church, in the different sections of
the diocess, to organize branches auxiliary to
this society, which branches, after supplying
their respective districts, shall throw their sur
plus funds into the treasury of this society.
Resolved, That the officers of all such aux
iliaries shall be ex-qfficio managers of this so
ciety. Resolved, That each member of this society
be entitled to two prayer-books and ten tracts
per annum.
On motion of Mr. Meade,
Resolved, That the further consideration of
the said resolutions be indefinitely postponed.
On motion, Ordered, That Mr. Alhuand have

leave of absence from this Convention for the
remainder of its session.
The report of the committee on the state of
the church was, on motion, taken up, and again
read, as follows : —
The committee on the state of the church,
taking into consideration the deficient condition
of the diocess as respects the means of theologi
cal instruction, and the importance of retaining
among ourselves, for education, those young men
who may be disposed to devote themselves to the
sacred office of the ministry, recommend to this
Convention the establishment of a theological
school in Williamsburg ; it being understood that
the society of the college in that place is willing
that such a step should be taken, and that the
faculty have generously offered to afford gratui
tously, to all bona fide students of theology, a
course of lectures for the support of such school.
It is therefore recommended, that a board of
'rustees, consisting of the following clergymen
and laymen, to wit :— the Right Rev. Bishop
Moore, the Rev. John S. Ravenscroft, the Rev.
WiUiam H. Wilmer, the Rev. William Meade,
the Rev. Reuel Keith, and Dr. Augustine Smith,
the Hon. Burwell Bassett, the Hon. Bushrod
Washington, Colonel Hugh Mercer, and William
Mayo, Esq., any three of whom shall constitute
a quorum, be appointed to adopt the most efficient
means for establishing the same, by raising funds
and selecting one or more professors ; the pro
ceedings of which board shall be subject to the
decision of the next Convention.
It is also recommended, that the Board of
Trustees enter into a correspondence with the
standing committees of the diocesses of Maryland
and North Carolina, in order to ascertain whether
the members of our church in those states are dis
posed to co-operate with us in this important
measure. In recommending these resolutions, the com
mittee think proper to declare, that they do not
intend any opposition to the General Seminary
established by the General Convention. On the
contrary, we cordially desire to see the prosperity
of an institution so vitally connected as that is
with the reputation and interest of our church.
But as there are peculiar circumstances which
render it necessary to cherish a seminary in the
southern district, we consider theduty of attempt
ing it as coming within the scope of the resolution
made by the House of Bishops, which declares its
intention " not to interfere with any plan now
contemplated or that may be hereafter contempla
ted in any diocess or diocesses for the establish
ment of theological institutions or professorships."
Therefore, Resolved, That Mr. John Nelson,
jr., delegate from St. James's parish, Mecklen
burg county, be appointed to solicit subscriptions
throughout the diocess for the above purpose.
Resolved further, That the board of trustees
be authorized, in case of death or resignation of
the above collector, to appoint another for the
said purpose, and generally to give such instruc
tions and directions as shall, in their judgment, be
proper. The said resolutions and preamble thereto
being twice read, were, on questions severally
put thereupon, agreed to by the Convention.
A motion was made by the Rev. Benjamin
B. Smith, that the following resolution be
adopted : —
Resolved, That in amendment of the last
clause of the 10th canon of the church in this

150

CONVENTION OF 1821.

state, the words, " within three years," be in
serted after the words, "at any time."
And the' question being -put thereupon, was
determined in the negative.
The Convention proceeded to the election,
by ballot, of a standing committee of. the
church in this diocess for the ensuing year ;
whereupon the following gentlemen were duly
elected, viz. : the Rev. William H. Wilmer,
John Dunn, Oliver Norris, the Hon. Bush
rod Washington, Edmund J. Lee, and George
Taylor, Esqrs.
The Convention also proceeded, in like man
ner, tothe; ejection of eight delegates to repre
sent (np diop ess in the next General Conven
tion of tho[£Protestant Episcopal Church of the
United States ; whereupon the following gen
tlemen were,- duly elected, viz.: the Rev. Will
iam H. Wilmer, John S. Ravenscroft, William
Mead& Sijnon Wilmer, Philip Nelson, Will
iam Mayo, Hugh Mercer, and Edmund J. Lee,
Esqrs j
Or/ motion of Mr. Lowe,
Resolved, -That the treasurer be directed to
pay -to each of the delegates to the General
Contention the sum of fifty dollars, to defray
their expenses.
The bishop delivered his pastoral address on
the state of the church ; which being heard,
On* motion of the Rev. Enoch M. Lowe,
seconder! by the Rev. John Reynolds,
Resolved, That the thanks of this Coriven-
tisa be. presented to the Right Rev. Richard C.
Moore, D. D., bishop of this diocess, for his
affectionate and evangelical pastoral address,
and that* -he be requested to furnish a copy
thereof for insertion in the Journal.
The said address was as follows : —
Brethren, — Another year has revolved since we
last assembled in Convention, to deliberate upon
the affairs of the 'church, and to take sweet coun
sel together, . An account of the discharge of our
clerical duties since that period has been recorded
in Heaven ; may that record bear witness to our
fidelity to God, anil to our watchfulness over our
respective flocks, "
The advances of our communion have been
such as to call for our gratitude to Heaven. The
clergy continue to manifest their zeal in the cause
of religion, and their attachment to the principles
of the church. Their best efforts have been used
in the discharge of their ministerial duties, and
there appears to exist among them the strongest
disposition to fulfil their sacred obligations. To
make the least discrimination in the expression of
my confidence in their integrity would be painful
to my heart, at a time in which I have reason to
believe that the utmost energies of all have been
exerted in promoting the prosperity of our Zion.
Fettered as I am with the weight of a parish, in
addition to that winch cometh upon me daily, the
care of all the churches, it is impossible to make
those exertions which could be effected with ease
were I released from parochial obligations. The
necessity of administering to the wants of my
congregation in Richmond; renders my pastoral
visits to the churches too much hurried. It pre
vents me from improving them to the best advan
tage, and precludes the possibility of acquiring
that knowledge of the members of our connexion
so indispensably necessary. Instead of passing a

few days in each parish, and forming an intimate
acquaintance with the individuals of the different
congregations, I appear among them, not as the
spiritual father of the whole family, but as a
stranger, and am obliged to pass with such rapid
ity from one place to another, that I am only
known to a majority of the people of my charge
in my official character.
The Convention of the church in this diocess,
alive to these considerations, have pressed, with
great wisdom and energy, the subject of an inde
pendent support for the episcopate. As the emolu
ments arising from the source to which 1 allude
would never equal the amount of my present
living, I cannot be charged with indelicacy in
urging the principle as a matter of primary im
portance, if the wealthy members of the church
would contribute but a small portion of their
worldly goods to this object, it could be effected
with the greatest ease ; the claims of the whole
diocess would then be equally imperative upon
the bishop ; lie would have it in his power to
travel as far and wide as the circumstances of the
church would require, and would discharge the
duties appertaining to his appointment as the chief
pastor of the flock. Should I not live to address
you again upon a conventional occasion, I must
entreat you to bear in mind, that I consider the
subject of a support for the episcopate as a matter
of leading importance, and earnestly supplicate
you to make that provision for my successor con
templated and embraced in the above remarks.
Since the last Convention, I have preached and
administered the Lord's Supper in the county of
Chesterfield. I have visited Dinwiddie, and offi
ciated in the church once filled by that pious ser
vant of God, the Rev, Devereaux Jarratt, and also
twice in the town of Petersburg. In October I
made an excursion into the upper country, visited
the county of Orange, but was prevented from
officiating by the inclemency of the weather. I
crossed the Blue Ridge, and visited Staunton in
the county of Augusta, in which place I preached
twice, to large and overflowing congregations,
and confirmed eighteen persons. The church in
Staunton appears to be in a flourishing condition,
and is blessed with the faithful services of the
Rev. Mr. Stephens. After leaving Staunton, I
again crossed the Blue Ridge, and, agreeably to
appointment, met several of the clergy in Char
lottesville. On Sunday morning I preached to a .
very large congregation, and, in connexion with
the clergy who were present, administered the
Lord's Supper. On Monday I rode to the Green
Mountain, upon which day I read prayers, arid
Mr. Meade preached ; and on Tuesday Mr. Wy
down read prayers, and I preached and adminis
tered the Lord's Supper to a number of devout
communicants. From the Green Mountain I re-
-paired to Mr. Hugh Nelson's, and on Wednesday
preached and administered the Lord's Supper in
Walker's church, and admitted the Rev. Mr. Mar
shall, of Culpepper, to the holy order ofthe priest
hood. In November I left home on a visit to the Nor
thern Neck of Virginia, and on the 15th of the
month preached twice in Fredericksburg. I then
passed on to Port Royal on the 16th, in which
place I read prayers and preached. On the 17th
I read prayers and preached at Vauter's church,
in the county of Essex. On the 18th I rode to
Rappahannock, and read prayers and preached ;
I then crossed the Rappahannock river, and on the
19th I read prayers and preached at Richmond
Courthouse. On the 20th I read prayers and
preached at White Chapel church. On the 21st
I read prayers ani preached at Lancaster court-

CONVENTION OF 1822.

151

house. On the 22d I read prayers and preached
in Christ Church, Lancaster county, and in the
evening lectured at Mr. Armistead Currie's. On
the 23d I rode to Northumberland, and officiated
in Wicomico church. On the 25th I read pray
ers and preached in the courthouse in Northum
berland. On the 26th I officiated in the church
at Mattox Bridge, Westmoreland county, and also
administered the Lord's Supper. On the 27th I
rode to King George courthouse, and there offi
ciated. On the 28th I read prayers and preached
in the old church in King George county ; I then
rode to Port Conway, and lectured the same even
ing at the house of Mr. Turner. On the 29th I
crossed the Rappahannock to Port Royal, in
which place I performed the funeral service, and
then bent my course towards Richmond. On this
tour, I rode in 18 days 360 miles, and officiated 17
times. I have been this month in Mecklenburg county,
and preached and administered the Lord's Supper,
in Mr. Ravenscroft's parish, to a large and atten
tive assembly. I have also visited the county of
Halifax, and preached in the church near the
courthouse, to an attentive congregation, under
the care of the Rev. Mr. Wingfield.
Thus, brethren, have I endeavoured to fulfil the
important duties intrusted to my care : and it is
with pleasure I inform you, that I discover, in
every district I visit, the strongest attachment to
the church. In the Northern Neck of Virginia in
particular, I observed such striking evidences of"
the affection of the people to the church of their
fathers, as has deeply affected my heart. In that
region, occupying a space of more than one hun-
.dred miles, they have not one clergyman of the

church to officiate regularly among them in their
churches. They appear to be an affectionate peo
ple, and I have no question would render -the life
of a virtuous clergyman happy who would reside
among them. Were I a young man, I should not
hesitate to throw myself into their arms, and ad
minister to their spiritual necessities. Accept,
my beloved brethren, every expression of my pas
toral regard, and may the Lord be with you all.
On motion of Mr. Lowe,
Resolved, That the thanks of this Conven
tion be presented to the secretary for his servi
ces, and that his travelling expenses be paid out
ofthe contingent fund.
On motion of the Rev. William H. Wilmer,
Resolved, That the thanks of this Conven
tion be presented to the inhabitants of the
borough of Norfolk, for their kindness and hos
pitality manifested to its members during its
present session.
On motion of the Rev. Simon Wilmer,
Ordered, That 750 copies of the Journal of
proceedings of this Convention be printed, and
distributed under the superintendence of the
bishop and secretary.
And then the Convention adjourned, to meet
again at Charlottesville, on the third Thursday
in May next. Richard Channing Moore,
Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal
Church of Virginia.
Teste, William Munford, Secretary..

Journal of the proceedings of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Virginia, which
assembled at Charlottesville, on Thursday, the 16th of May, 1822.

The Convention met, and was opened with
divine service by the Right Rev. Bishop Moore,
and a sermon by the Rev. Edward C. M'Guire.
The Right Rev. Bishop Moore took the chair
as president of the Convention ; and it appear
ing that Mr. Wm. Munford, the secretary of
the Convention, was absent,
Ordered, That Edw. Colston act as secretary
pro tempore.
Ordered, That the Rev. George Lemon,
Mr. Philip Nelson, and Mr. Edmund J. Lee, be
a committee to examine the certificates of the
appointments of lay deputies.
The Rev. Mr. Lemon, from the committee
appointed to examine the certificates of lay
deputies, made the following report, viz. : The
committee appointed to examine the credentials
of lay deputies have examined the same, and
report, that the following persons appear to be
duly elected, viz. :
John Campbell, Washington parish, West
moreland county; Hugh Nelson, Fredericks
ville parish, Albemarle county ; Dr. F. Carr
and Tucker Coles, St. Anne's parish, Albemarle ;
William Huntington, Henrico church, Rich
mond city ; Hugh Mercer, St. George's parish,
Fredericksburg ; Wm. M. Thompson, St. Ste
phen's church, Culpepper; John Nelson, jr.,
St. James's parish, Mecklenburg ; Edward Col
ston, Norborne parish; Berkeley ; William G.
Stuart, St. Paul's parish, King George; Ed

ward Valentine, jr., Augusta parish, Augusta ;
Abraham Shepherd, St. Andrew's parish, Jef
ferson ; Obed Waite and Philip Nelson, Fred
erick parish, Frederick ; Francis Nelson, St.
Martin's parish, Hanover ; Robert Randolph,
Hamilton parish, Fauquier ; Thomas L. Latane,
South Farnham parish, Essex ; John Gilliam,
Bristol parish, Petersburg ; Robert P. Waring,
St. Anne's parish, Essex; E. J. Lee, Christ
Church, Fairfax parish, Alexandria ; William
Mayo, Monumental Church, Richmond city ;
Alexander Gait, Christ Church, Norfolk bor
ough. They further report, that the paper purport
ing to be the credential of the appointment of a
lay delegate from Mill Creek Church, Berkeley,
is not in due form, and that the said delegate is
not entitled to a seat in this Convention ;
whereupon it was, on motion of Mr. Hugh
Nelson, Ordered, That the said report do lie upon
the table.
The following clerical deputies appeared and
took their seats in the Convention, viz. : —
The Rev. Wm. H. Wilmer, St. Paul's
Church, Alexandria ; the Rev. Oliver Norris,
Christ Church, Fairfax parish, Alexandria ; the
Rev. William Meade, Chapel, Frederick coun
ty ; the Rev. John S. Ravenscroft, St. James's
Church, Mecklenburg ; the Rev. George Le
mon, Hamilton parish, Fauquier; the Rev,

152

Convention of ia&

Edward C M'Guire, St. George's parish, Fred
ericksburg ; the Rev. William Steel; Dettingen
and Leeds parishes; Prince William ; the Rev.
John Reynolds, St. Anne's parish, Essex ; the
Rev. Daniel Stephens, Augusta parish; Staun
ton ; the Rev. Fred. Hatch, Frederjcksville
parish, Albemarle ; the Rev. Rich. H. Barnes,
St. Martin's parish, Hanover ; the Rev. Reuel
Keith, Bruton parish, Williamsburg ; the Rev.
Edward R. Lippit, Norborne parish, Berkeley ;
the Rev. William Crawford, Trinity parish;
Louisa ; the Rev. John J. Robinson, Frederick
parish, and Grace Church, Norborne parish,
Berkeley ; the Rev. Benj. B. Smith, St. An
drew's parish, Jefferson ; the Rev. William H.
Hart, Church on Richmond Hill ; the Rev.
Herbert Marshall, St. Stephen's parish, Cul
pepper ; the Rev. John Dunn, Shelburne parish,
Loudoun ; the Rev. Andrew Syme, Bristol
parish, Petersburg ; the Rev. John H. Wing-
field, Portsmouth parish, Norfolk county ; and
the Rev. Josias Clapham, St. Paul's parish,
King George, and Washington parish, West
moreland; Ordered, That the Rev. William H. Wilmer,
the Rev. John S. Ravenscroft, the Rev. William
Meade, the Rev. Oliver Norris, and Messrs.
William Mayo, Robert Randolph, and Hugh
Nelson, be a committee to take into consider
ation the state of the church in this diocess.
Ordered, That Messrs. Hugh Mercer, Abra
ham Shepherd, Obed Waite, and Francis Nel
son, be a committee to examine the treasurer's
account; Ordered, That the Rev. John Dunn, the
Rev. Daniel Stephens, Messrs. John Nelson,
jr., and Robert P. Waring, be a committee to
examine the account of the treasurer of the
Common Prayer-Book and Tract Society of
the Diocess of Virginia.
Ordered, That the Rev. Reuel Keith, the
Rev. Fred. Hatch, Messrs. E. J. Lee, and John
Campbell, be a committee to examine and
report on the present state of the Widows'
Fund. Ordered, That the Rev. George Lemon,
Messrs. Philip Nelson, and Edward Valentine,
jr., be a committee to examine the parochial
reports. Ordered, That the Rev. John S. Ravenscroft,
Messrs. Hugh Nelson, and Abraham Shepherd,
be a committee to examine the accounts of the
trustees of the Episcopal Fund.
Ordered, On motion of the Rev. George
Lemon, that the Rev. Mr. Mann, a clergyman
from the diocess of Maryland, attending this
Convention, be invited to an honorary seat
therein. On motion of the Rev. John S. Ravenscroft,
the following rules were read and adopted, for
regulating the proceedings of this Convention,
Viz. : —
1st. The business of every day shall be
introduced with the morning service of the
church. 2d. When the president takes the chair, no
member shall continue standing, or shall after
ward stand up, except to address the chair.

3d. No member shall absent himself from the
service of the house* unless he have leave, or
be unable to attend.*
4th. When any member is about to speak ifi
dec-ate, or deliver any matter to the house, he
shall, with due respect, address himself to the
president, confining himself strictly to the point
in debate.
5th. No member shall speak more than twice
in the same debate, without leave of the house.
6th. A question being once determined, shall
stand as the judgment of the house, and shall
not be again drawn into debate during the same
session, unless with the consent of two thirds of
the house.
7th. While the president is putting any ques
tion, the members shall continue in their seats,
and shall not hold any private discourse.
8th. Every member who shall be in the
house when any question is put, shall, on a
division, be counted, unless he be personally
interested in the decision.
9th. No motion shall be considered as before
the house unless it be seconded, and, when re-"
quired, reduced to writing.
10th. When any question is before the house,
it shall be determined upon -before any new
thing is introduced, except the question of ad
journment; 11th. The question on a motion of adjourn*
ment shall be taken before any other, and with
out debate.
12th. When the house is about to rise, every
member shall keep his seat until the president
shall leave the chair.
It appearing that Mr. Wm. Munford, the
treasurer of this Convention, is not present, on
motion of the Rev. Mr. Meade,
Ordered, That Mr. Hugh Mercer be ap
pointed to receive and account for, to the treas
urer, the contributions of the several parishes to
the Contingent Fund ; whereupon, the follow
ing payments were made, viz. : —
By Mr. John Campbell, Washington parish,
Westmoreland county, - - $30
Dr. F. Carr, St. Anne's parish, Albe
marle, ------ 30
Mr. William Huntington,Henrico Church,
Richmond city, - - 15
Hugh Mercer, St. George's parish, Fred
ericksburg, - - 30
William M. Thompson, St. Stephen's i
and St. Mark's Churches, Culpep- > 40
per, $20 each, - - J
John Nelson, jr., St. James's parish,
Mecklenburg, - - - 30
Edward Colston, Norborne parish, Berke
ley, - - - 30
W. G. Stuart, St. Paul's parish, King
George, - - - 30
Edward Valentine, jr., Augusta parish,
Augusta, ... 10
Abraham Shepherd, St. Andrew's parish,
Jefferson, - - - - - 30
Obed Waite and Philip Nelson, Fred
erick parish, Frederick, 30

Amount carried forward,

$30*

CONVENTION OF 1822.

153

Amount brought forward, $305
By Francis Nelson, St. Martin's parish,
Hanover, - - - - - 20
Robt. Randolph, Hamilton parish, Fau
quier, ....-- 30
T. L. Latane, South Farnham parish,
Essex, - ... 20
The Rev. Andrew Syme, Bristol parish,
Petersburg, - - - - 30
Mr. Robert P. Waring, St. Anne's parish,
Essex, ------ 30
Edmund J. Lee, Christ's Church, Fair
fax parish, Alexandria, - - - 30
William Mayo, Monumental Church,
Richmond city, - - - - 30
A. Gait, Christ's Church, Norfolk bor
ough, ..... 30
The Rev. Mr. Steel, Dettingen and
Leeds parishes, Prince William, 13
Mr. Dunn, Shelburne parish, Loudoun, 30
Mr. Wilmer, St. Paul's Church, Alex
andria, ... - 30
Mr. Hatch, Fredericksville parish, Albe
marle, - - - - 30
Mr. Wingfield, Portsmouth parish, Nor
folk county, ... 30

The Rev. Mr. Ravenscroft, from the committee
to examine the account ofthe trustees of the Epis
copal Fund, made the following report, viz. : —
The committee appointed to examine the ac
count of the trustees of the Bishops' Fund, re
port, That the account presented is truly stated,
by which it appears, that the money paid in has
been vested in bank-stock ; thirty-three shares
in the Farmers' Bank of Alexandria, amounting
to $1,650, and six shares in the Bank of Alex
andria, amounting to $1,200, making an aggre
gate of $2,850 ; and that there is a balance in
the hands of the trustees of $5 16, which they
have carried to the new account : all which will
more fully appear by referring to the account of
Richard M. Scott, President of the Fanners'
Bank of < Alexandria, herewith filed. And the
said report, being read, was approved by the
Convention. On motion of the Rev. Reuel Keith, the
Convention adjourned until to-morrow morn
ing, 9 o'clock, Friday, May 17, 1822.
The Convention met according to adjourn
ment, and morning prayer was read by the
Right Rev. Bishop Moore.
The Rev. Mr. Dunn, from the committee to
examine the account of the treasurer of the
Prayer-Book and Tract Society, made the fol
lowing report, viz. . The committee to whom
were referred the accounts of the treasurer of
the Prayer-Book and Tract Society, have per
formed that duty, and report, that it appears by
the accounts and documents rendered (all of
which are correct), that there is a balance due
the treasurer of $40 86, which is respectfully
submitted. Which report, with the accompanying docu
ments, was laid upon the table.

Mr. Hugh Mercer, from the committee to ex
amine the treasurer's account, made the follow
ing report, viz. : The committee to whom was
referred the treasurer's account have, accord
ing to order, had the same under consideration ;
they find the account properly stated, and sup
ported by correct vouchers, leaving a balance in
favour of the church, on the 16th instant, of
$47 88, in the treasurer's hands. The account,
with the accompanying documents, the commit
tee ask leave respectfully to submit to the
house. Which report was received by the
Convention, and, on motion of Mr. William
Mayo, Ordered, That the same, with the accom
panying documents, lie upon the table.
The Rev. Reuel Keith, from the committee
to whom was referred the examination of the
accounts of the treasurer of the Widows' Fund,
made the following report, viz. ; The commit
tee to whom was referred the subject of ex
amining the accounts of the treasurer of the
fund for the relief of the widows and orphans
of deceased clergymen of the Episcopal Church
of Virginia, report, that they have, according to
order, had the same under consideration, and
find, that there is now in the hands of the treas
urer $3,709 83, in three per cent, and six per
cent, stock of the United States, and in the
Farmers' Bank of Alexandria, which last stock
yields six per cent. : there is in the-hands of the
treasurer $6 94 ; all of which will more fully
appear by the account of the treasurer herewith
filed. On motion of Mr. John Campbell,
Ordered, That the said report be recommitted
to the committee which brought it in.
The Rev. Mr. Wilmer, from the trustees of the
Theological School, reported as follows, viz. : — A
committee was appointed to draught an address to
the members and friends of the church, which
was printed, and circulated very generally through
out the diocess. A correspondence was entered
into with the diocesses of Maryland and North
Carolina, which resulted in some difference of
opinion as to the usefulness of the contemplated
school, and its location at Williamsburg, by the
diocess of Maryland ; but was deferred, as to any
definitive step, until the meeting of their Conven
tion in the present year. From the State of North
Carolina, no reply whatever has been received.
Mr. John Nelson, jr., who was appointed to so
licit subscriptions throughout the diocess, has in
dustriously prosecuted the object committed to
him, and met with success beyond the most san
guine expectations of the trustees and friends of
the measure, as will more fully appear by the an
nexed statement of the amount obtained in the
different places he was able to visit personally,
viz. ; —
In Fredericksburg  $1,062 00
" Alexandria,  770 00
" Berkeley county,  150 00
" Frederick  1,185 00
" Jefferson,  515 33
" Norfolk and Portsmouth, . 1,334 00
" Petersburg  454 00
" Richmond  1,920 00
" Mecklenburg county  2,025 00
" Scattering,  853 00
$10,268 33

154

CONVENTION OF 1822.

Making an amount of $10,268 33, the existing
state of" which is^shown by the account thereof
rendered by the^gent, and hereto annexerl. In
presenting this report to the Convention, the
trustees cannot refrain from felicitating the friends
ofthe church on the*fevour manifested towards
this very important measure by the people .at
large, and from expressing their sanguine hope,
that the.future applications which will continue
to be made_ will enable them, at an early day, to
put in operation so desirable an institution. The
delay of another year, however, is inevitable, be
cause the subscriptions were taken payable in
three instalments, the first of which has only be
come due ; a measure judged prudent from the
very depressed state of the.coifiitry in its money
concerns. • . - %¦
They further report the following constitution,
viz. :—i--
1. The board of trustees of the Theological
School of the diocess of Virginia shall consist of
the bishop of the diocess and thirteen members,
to be chosen by the Convention of the church,
who shall continue in office during good beha
viour. 2. The bishop of the diocess shall be, ex-officio,
president of the board.
3. The board shall appoint its own vice-presi
dent, treasurer, and secretary.
4. It shall be the duty of the board to take
proper steps to collect the money already sub-
scribed, and to obtain additional funds in aid of
the -institution.
5. There shall be an annual meeting of the
board of trustees on the day previous to the meet
ing of the Convention, and at the place appointed
for the same.
6. Special meetings of the board shall be called
by the bishop, on the application of any three
trustees, at such places as the bishop shall ap
point, due notice of which shall be given.
7. At all meetings of the board, whether gener
al or special, eight members shall be necessary to
constitute ar quorum.
8. A majority of the trustees present shall be
necessary to determine any measure, question, or
business'before them. ~
9. Vacancies occurring in the board shall be
supplied by the vote of the Convention at their
annual meetings.
10. The funds ofthe Theological School shall be
under the management of the trustees (who shall
report annually to the Convention a full state
of the same), and be subjefit, in the disposition of
the same, to the control and direction of that
body. 11. The management of the institution shall be
vested in the board of trustees, who shall have
power to choose a professor or professors, and to
prescribe a course of study agreeably to the can
ons of the church, and in general to make rules
and regulations for the government and good man
agement of the institution.
12. The board of trustees shall keep a regular
record'of their proceedings, and report the same
regularly to the annual meetings of the Conven
tion. 13. This constitution, or any article thereof,
shall not be altered or amended, unless by a vote
of two thirds of the Convention.
On motion of Mr^ Hugh Nelson, the words,
" who shall continue in office" during good be
haviour," in the first article, were struck out,
and the other articles, having been severally
considered by the Convention, were adopted ;
whereupon,

Ordered, That the"said constitution, as amend
ed, be adopted as the-constitution of the Theo
logical School of the diocess of Virginia.
The Convention adjourned for divine service.
Morning service was read by the Rev. Mr.
Wingfield, and a sermon by the Rev. Mr. Ra
venscroft. The,. Convention met according to adjourn
ment \ :and, on motion of the Rev. Mr. Hatch,
was further adjourned until five o'clock.
The Convention met at five o'clock.
Ordered, That the Convention do now pro
ceed to the election of deputies to the General
Convention. Ordered, That Mr. Edmund J. Lee and Ed-
Sjiard Colston be a committee to count the bal
lets. , -Mr. Colston, from the committee to count the
;%aflots, made the following report : — -"The com
mittee appointed to count the ballots for the
election of deputies to the GeneraliSonvention,
have, according to order, performed that duty,
and report, That there were forty ballots taken,
of which the following gentlemen have a ma
jority, viz. : — the Rev. William H. Wilmer, the
Rev. John S. Ravenscroft, the Rev. William
Meade, Mr. Hugh Mercer, Mr. Edmund J. Lee,
Mr. William Mayo, and Mr. Philip Nelson,
"who are therefore elected ; but that no other
person had a majority of the whole number of
ballots given ; whereupon,
Ordered, That the Convention now proceed
to the election of one clerical deputy, to supply
the deficiency oT clerical delegates to represent
this diocess in the General Convention ; and
the same committee being appointed to count
the ballots, reported, that the Rev. Edward C.
M'Guire has a majority of the whole number of
ballots, and is duly elected.
Ordered, That the Convention now proceed
to elect members of the standing committee for
this diocess, and that the Rev;.. John S. Ravens
croft and the Rev. Mr. Wmgjeid' be a commit
tee to count the ballots.
The Rev. Mr. Ravenscroft, from the com
mittee appointed to count the ballots for mem
bers of the standing committee of this diocess,
made the following report : — The committee
appointed to count the ballots for the election
of the members of the standing committee, have,
according to order, performed that duty, and
find that the Rev. William H. Wilmer, the
Rev. Oliver Norris, the Rev. John Dunn, the
Hon. Bushrod Washington, Mr. Edmund J.
Lee, and Mr. George Taylor, are duly elected.
On motion of Mr. Edmund J. Lee,
Resolved, That the next meeting of the Con
vention of the Protestant Episcopal Church for
the Diocess of Virginia shall be held on the
second Tuesday in May next, at Leesburg, in
the county of Loudoun.
Mr. Campbell, from the committee to whom
was recommitted the report concerning the
Widows' Fund, made the following additional
report : — The committee further report, that, du
ring the present session of the Convention, the
bishop lias delivered to one of the committee
the note of Robert Andrews, executor of Robert

CONVENTION OF 1822.

155

Andrews, deceased, for»ight' hundred dollars;
also, a check from the Bank ,of Virginia upon the
Bank of Washington, for $268 90 ; making the
whole fund $4,783 67.
On motion of Mr. Campbell,
Ordered, That the repfirt, -with the accompa
nying documents, lie upon the table.
On motion of the Rev*. Mr: Hatch, . -
The Convention adjourned until to-morrow
morning, at 9 o'clock.
„r Saturday, May 18, 1822.
Tlie Convention met according to adjourn
ment, and morning prayers were read by the
bishop. ,
The Rev. Mr. Lemon, from the committee to
whom were referred the parochial reports, made
the followingreport, viz. :— The committee on the
subject of the parochial reports beg leave to pre
sent the following condensed statement of the re
ports that have been submitted to them-
The Monumental Church, Richmond. The
number of communicants in this church has in
creased since the last meeting of the Convention.
A Tuesday lecture has been established by the
rector, which bids fair to be productive of the
greatest advantages ; and the congregation are reg
ular in their attendance upon public worship.
The report of St. Stephen's parish, Culpepper,
for two years, states the number of baptisms 8 —
marriages 3— deaths 12 — communicants added 2.
St. Andrew's parish, Jefferson county. Bap
tisms 20, 3 of them black children— marriages 6—
deaths 14 — to the communicants no additions.
St. Martin's parish, Hanover. The congrega
tions in this parish are increasing in numbers and
piety. Communicants 46— baptisms 13— funerals
5 — marriages 5.
Hamilton parish, Fauquier. The congregations
in this parish have increased in numbers, and, it is
hoped, in serious attention to the truths of the
gospel, during the last year; The communicants
also have increased innumber, and, it is believed,
of such as are truly converted from sin to God.
Their number is about 50.
The Episcopal Church in Fredericksburg. This
church continues to' enjoy the fostering smiles of
God the Saviour. The congregation is large and
increasing, and growing in devotion to the cause
of God. Communicants upwards of 100 — baptisms
23 — funerals 16.
St. James's Church, Leesburg, Shelburne par
ish, Loudoun county. Communicants about 35 -
(the number haying been lessened by deaths and
removals) — one communicant lately added — bap
tisms 62— marriages 10 — burials 3.
St. Mark's parish, Culpepper. Communicants
about 40; some have died, some removed, and
some been added, within the last two years ; mar
riages 7 — baptisms 28, one of which was an adult
— funerals 5.
St. Paul's parish, King George, and Washington
parish, Westmoreland. Communicants 40 — bap
tisms 25 — catechumens 26 — funerals 4. The min
ister of these parishes has had charge of them
only from the first of January last. The congrega
tions are regular in their attendance upon divine
worship. Christ Church, Norfolk borough. Communi
cants 182 — catechumens 80 — baptisms 41— funer
als 26— marriages 7. The church has been com
pletely repaired since the injury received in Sep
tember last, and much improved^ and beautified.
A gradual but steady worfe' of grace has for*some
time been going on in the congregation of this

church, and its fruits have been an addition' of
about 20 members to our communion within the
last year.
The church in Frederick-county. .Communicants
77-,-baptisms 14, of whom 2 .were blacks— marria
ges*— deaths 3— Sunday Schools '3. Among the
deaths, it is a mournful duty to report, that of the
Rev. Alexander Balmain, late rector of the said
church, June, 1821, in the. 80th year of his age.
Christ Church, Alexandria, Fairfax parish. The
state of this congregation has undergone no ma
terial change since the last report.
Portsmouth parish. 1 marriage— baptisms 6 —
'communicants 10. The report from this parish is
highly favourable, both as respects the spiritual
and temporal condition of the church.
Fredericksville and St. Anne's parishes. The
rector laments that he cannot report these parish
es as in a highly prosperous religious state ; but,
amid much to deplore, there are grounds for
thankfulness and hope. There seems to be an in-
'creased attention to religion ; and occasionally
some new professor is enrolled under the heaven
ly banner. One of the edifices of worship has re
cently been repaired, by the exertions of a few re
spectable individuals. Communicants about 35,
of which number 10 have been added since the
present rector took charge of these parishes —
marriages 38 — funerals 12.
Norbome parish, Berkeley county. Communi
cants 100 — baptisms 11 — marriages 3— burials 5.
There are at present in this parish four places of
stated preaching, at all of which there are respect
able and attentive congregations. The prospects
of the church in this parish are, upon the whole,
encouraging. St. Anne and South Famham parishes, Essex.
The state of these parishes is much the same as
reported last year ; a few communicants have
been added, and religious influence has in some
degree increased among the members. Baptisms
44 — marriages 5 — deaths 7 — communicants. 80 —
Sunday Schools 7 — Sunday scholars 400.
Augusta parish. The state of tbis parish is
nearly the same as at the last report. The rector
has nothing very interesting to communicate ; but,
taking all circumstances together, thinks the pros-.
perity of the church is advancing. Marriages 10
— baptismsil — funerals 3 — communicants 25.
St. Paul's Church, Alexandria. The rector re
ports, that the affairs of the church are«n an im
proving condition. The congregation are regular
and devout in their attendance upon public wor
ship, and, it is hoped, aTe increasing in piety and
attachment to the principles of the church, as well
as in numbers. There is a Sunday School at
tached to the church, in which upwards of 100
children are instructed in the rudiments of knowl
edge, and in the Bible and liturgy. A Female
Society has been formed, for the purpose of teach
ing female children to sew, knit, &c. ; of supply
ing the most indigent among them with clothes,
and, in general, of cultivating in them the princi
ples and habits of knowledge, industry, and vir
tue. Communicants about 160— baptisms, inclu
ding 8 adults, 69— marriages 19— funerals 16.
Henrico Church, Richmond Hill. The congre
gation has much increased in numbers within the
past year, and its present prospects are highly flat
tering to all concerned. Marriages 7— baptisms
10. Several additions have been made to the
number of communicants; but, through deaths
and removals, the aggregate number has rather
diminished than increased since the last report ;
it., is at present about 35.
St. James's parish, Mecklenburg county. The
rector of this parish has the satisfaction to report

156

CONVENTION OF 1822.

more favourably on the s state of the parish" than
at the last meeting of the Convention. The atten
tion of the people' to the two additional preaching
places then reported continues, and in the fixed
congregations increasing fervour is manifested.
An addition of 4 adults, heads of families,. has
been made to the number of communicants, and,
as he trusts and believes, from the saving convic
tions of the Holy Spirit. A Sunday School, very
favourably reported of, has been established in a
remote comer of the parish, by the zeal and ear
nestness of one of the members of the upper con
gregation ; from which a neighbourhood very des
titute of religious instruction, it is hoped, will de
rive lasting benefit. - Two of the communicants
having removed, the number is now 37— marriages
5— baptisms, including 16 black children, 26 —
funerals 8.
Leeds^and Dettingen parishes, Prince William
county. Leeds is in a more flourishing condition
than when last reported. In Dettingen no mate
rial change has taken place within the last two
years ; there have been 25 marriages and 20 bap
tisms — communicants 29 : within the above period
there have been several removals and deaths.
George Lemon, Chairman.
On motion of the Rev. John S. Ravenscroft,
the following resolution was adopted, to wit : —
Whereas it appears by the reports from the
different vestries, on the proceedings had under
the resolutions of the last Convention on the
subject of the Bishops' Fund, that untoward
circumstances and the pressure of the times
alone have prevented a full compliance with
the said resolutions ; but it appears that the
parishes are disposed to give their aid to carry
them into effect, therefore, be it Resolved by
this Convention, That it be recommended to
the different vestries to proceed to carry into
effect the object of the said resolutions, in the
manner in their judgment best calculated to
«nsure success, and make report to each en
suing Convention.
On motion of Mr. Abraham Shepherd,
Resolved, That it shall be the duty of every
minister of this diocess to make a register of
each adult member^ within his cure, agreeably
to the 40th canon of the General Convention.
The Rev. Mr. Wilmer, from the committee
on the state of the church, made the following
report, viz. : —
The committee on the state of the church
beg leave to recommend to the Convention the
adoption of the following resolution : —
Resolved, That the standing committee be
requested to take into consideration the consti
tution and canons of the church, to revise the
same, with the different amendments made to
them, to examine what further amendments are
required, and to make report to the next Con
vention. The said resolution was agreed to by the
Convention. Mr. Mayo, from the committee appointed to
count the votes for the trustees of the Theologi
cal School, reported, that the following gentle
men, viz. : the Rev. Mr. Wilmer, Mr. Ravens
croft, Mr. Meade, Mr. Norris, Mr. M'Guire,
Mr. Lowe, and Messrs. Burwell Bassett, Will
iam Mayo, Hugh Mercer, John Gray, Carter

Berkeley, Philip Nelson, and John Nelson, jr.,
were duly elected.
The Convention adjourned for divine service.
Prayers were read by the Rev. Mr. Hart, and
a sermon by the bishop. \
The Convention met agreeably to adjourn'
ment. The Rev. Mr. Wilmer offered the, following
resolution, viz. : — - - .
Resolved, That the managers of the fund for
the relief of the widows and orphans of de
ceased clergymen of the Episcopal Church of
Virginia, be authorized to compound, upon the
best practicable terms, with any delinquent sub
scribers, for arrears which may remain unpaid,
and which it is alleged cannot now be collected ;
which resolution was agreed to by the Conven
tion. On motion of Mr. Waite,
Ordered, That 750 copies of the Journal of
this Convention be printed, and distributed by
the secretary among the parishes, under the
superintendence of the bishop.
The following resolution was offered by the
Rev. Mr. Meade, and agreed to by the Conven
tion, viz. : —
Resolved, That the treasurer be directed to
pay annually to the bishop and president of the
standing committee the amount of postage on
all letters and official communications ; and
also that one hundred dollars be paid to the
bishop for past expenses of postage.
The following resolution was adopted on
motion of the Rev. Mr. Ravenscroft, viz. : —
Whereas Evan Ragland, of the parish of An
trim, and county of Halifax, did, by his last will
and testament, devise to the President, Mas
ters, and Professors of the College of William
and Mary, in trust for the Protestant Episcopal
Church in Virginia, &c, certain lands and
other property : And whereas the said devise
was resisted by the heir-at-law of the said Evan
Ragland, and a suit has been instituted on the
subject, which is now depending in the Court
of Appeals, on an appeal from a decree of the
Chancery Court of Lynchburg, in favour of the
claims of the church : And whereas it is of the
greatest importance to the credit and welfare
of the church, that every ground of prejudice
should be done away ; therefore, be it Re
solved, That John Nelson, jr. and Wm. Leigh
be empowered to make a compromise with the
heirs of said Evan Ragland, so as to avoid the
evil arising from keeping alive the prejudices
which are now, it is hoped, dying away.
On motion of Mr. Hugh Nelson,
Resolved, That the five gentlemen who re
ceived the greatest number of votes as dele
gates to the General Gonvention, be appointed
members of the board of trustees to the The
ological Seminary ; whereupon the following
gentlemen were declared elected, and thereupon
nominated as trustees, viz. : the Rev. William
H. Wilmer, the Rev. John S. Ravenscroft, the
Rev. William Meade, Messrs. Hugh Mercer,
and Edmund I. Lee.
On motion of Mr. Waite,
Resolved, That the thanks of this Convention

CONVENTION OF 1822.

157

3>e. presented to the citizens of Charlottesville
and- i13 vicinity for their hospitality and polite
ness- to" the members thereof.
, -j The,.-pastoral address was then read by the
bish"op, which being heard,
On njotion of the Rev. Mr. Ravenscroft,
•-¦ Resolved, That the Right Rev. Bishop Moore
" be Requested to furnish a copy of his truly pas
toral 'address, to be inserted on the minutes of
this Convention.
The said address is as follows : —
Brethren, — The labours attendant upon the
sacred and responsible office which I hold, are
sensibly alleviated by the encouraging prospect
which our ecclesiastical concerns present to my
view. Aided by a virtuous and evangelical clergy,
the church committed to my charge is increasing
in numbers and in consequence ; regaining that
religious importance to which her scriptural prin
ciples entitle her, and inspiring with joy and grat
itude the minds of her friends.
•The order and spirituality which distinguish
her solemn services, have secured to her the at
tachment and approbation of an intelligent com
munity. That respect to our laws and to our
rulers inculcated in her liturgy, inspires the public
mind with confidence in the integrity of her prin
ciples ; that abstraction from all political concerns
which marks the conduct of her clergy, and that
devotion to duty by which they are actuated, bid
fair to secure her future advancement. In almost
every direction to which I bend my course, I per
ceive her rising from the ruin in which she has
been involved ; taking her harp from the willows,
and proclaiming the praises of her Almighty de
liverer. The liberal subscriptions to our Theological
School furnish us with an undeniable evidence
of the good-will of the community ; and the pres
ent council of the church proves to a demonstra
tion that the representation I have made is cor
rect. In 1814, the Convention of this diocess con
tained the names of only seven clergymen ; while
the assembly I am now addressing includes in its
number twenty-three ministers of the gospel.
At the close of the last Convention in Norfolk,
I crossed the bay to the eastern shore of this state,
and preached in three places in the county of
Northampton, and also in three places in the
county of Accomack. In Accomack I consecrated
to the service of Almighty God a large and ele
gant church, and administered the holy rite of
confirmation. In the month of July I went to
the city of Williamsburg in company with the
Rev. Mr. Ravenscroft, in which place we were
joined by the Rev. Mr. Low, of Norfolk, both of
which gentlemen officiated in the church ; but
my own labours were arrested by the unfavoura
ble state of the weather. In the month of August
I left Richmond on my way to the upper coun
try ; visited Alexandria, preached in both churches,
ordained four deacons, and administered the Lord's
Supper. From Alexandria I went to Leesburg, at which
place I preached to a large, attentive, and deeply
unpressed auditory. I then passed on to Charles
town, in Jefferson county, at which place I also
preached. Leaving Charlestown, I hastened to
Shepherdstown, in the same county, and there I
also officiated. From Shepherdstown I went to
a chapel at the North Mountain, where I preached
to a large congregation. From the North Moun
tain I proceeded, in company with the Rev. Mr.
Lippit, to Martinsburg, at which place I preached
twice on the Sabbath to large and attentive

congregations, and administered the rite of con
firmation. I then passed on to the church at
Mill Creek, in which place, notwithstanding the
weather was very rainy, I preached to a devout
and respectable congregation. From Mill Creek I
went to.Winchester, where I also officiated, and
was assisted in the service by the Rev. Mr., Meade.
The county of Hampshire formed the next ob
ject of my attention, in which district I preached
in three different places. In Hampshire, brethren,
but two or three years since, we had not a single
place of worship belonging to our communion :
through the laborious efforts, however, of the
Rev. Norman Nash, there are now two respecta
ble churches. From Hampshire I returned to
Winchester, at which place I preached on the
Sabbath, and was prevented the further prosecu
tion of my episcopal labours by a severe indisposi
tion, which confined me in the house of Judge
Holmes for fifteen days.
I should consider myself Wanting in gratitude,
were I to pass over in silence the kind attentiona-
I received from Judge Holmes and his family.
Though a stranger, he took me in, and benevo
lently furnished me with every comfort my situa
tion required. The best medical aid was afforded
me by Dr. Barton of Winchester, and Dr. Everett
of Albemarle, who, with that liberality which has
marked the conduct of my valuable friend and
family physician, Dr. Trent of Richmond, refused
any remuneration. My heart was comforted with
the filial attentions of the Rev. Mr. Meade and Mr,
Robertson ; and the inhabitants of Winchester
conferred upon me every evidence of their sympa
thy and regard.
After my recovery I returned to Richmond,
and on my way home passed a Sabbath at tho
hospitable mansion of my friend Col. R. Randolph,
of Fauquier, where I read the service of the
church, and delivered a discourse to his family.
I also stopped a day in Hanover, where I preached,
and administered the Lord's Supper to the ven
erable Mrs. Nelson, and many of her numerous
connexion. In the autumn I visited Petersburg,
preached, and administered the rite of confirma
tion. In January I went down into Gloucester
county, and preached a funeral discourse on the
occasion of the death of Mrs. Smith, the amiable
relict of one of the former clergy of the diocess,
and her daughter, Mrs. Tabb.
Thus, brethren, I have endeavoured to dis
charge the duty required at my hands by the Al
mighty and his church. My disposition to be
found at my post is as fervent as it has ever
been. My constant prayer to God is offered up
for the prosperity of Zion, and, while I live, my
utmost efforts shall be excited in her behalf.
To ensure our future progress, my brethren of
the clergy, we must persevere in the faithful dis
charge of our duty to God. Proclaiming the doc
trines of the cross ; preaching Jesus Christ and
him crucified ; conforming our lives to the holy
precepts we inculcate ; living in love and in peace
with each other, and with the members of our
congregations, the God of love and peace will be
with us. " The wilderness and the solitary place
will be glad, and the desert yet uncultivated by
the spiritual husbandman wdl rejoice and blossom
as the rose."
Gentlemen of the laity, — It is pleasing to ob.
serve the unanimity subsisting between the clergy
and yourselves. We acknowledge you as co
workers with us, and it will always afford me the
most heartfelt delight to meet you in our public
councils. Future generations will reap the blessed
effects of our labours ; and, when our bodies are
slumbering in the grave, our children will remern.

158

CONVENTION OF 1823.

ber with gratitude the efforts we have made in
their behalf ; be influenced -by our example to
support the same cause, and to kneel at the same
altars upon which we have offered up the incense
of our devotions. >
Brethren of the clergy and laity, I wish you a
happy interview with your families, and may the
Lord be with you all !
Prayers were read by the bishop, and,

On' motion of Mr. Lee,
The Convention adjourned, to meet on the
second Tuesday in May next, at Leesburg, in
Loudoun county. Richard Channing Moore,
Bishop of the Prot. Epis. Church of
Virginia.
Teste, Edward Colston,, Sec. pro tern.

Journal of the Proceedings of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church of. Virginia,
which assembled at Leesburg, in the County of Loudoun, on Tuesday, the 13th of May, 1823.

At a meeting of a Convention of the Protestant
Episcopal Church of the State of Virginia, held
at Leesburg, in the county of Loudoun, on Tues
day, the 13th day of May, in the year of our Lord
one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three,
A sufficient number of members to constitute
a Convention appearing, in the absence of the
Right Rev. Richard Channing Moore, D. D,,
bishop of this diocess, who was prevented from
attending by the sickness of his family, the Rev.
William H. Wilmer, D. D., was elected, by joint
ballot of the clerical and lay deputies, in con
formity with the canons of the church, president
pro tempore of this Convention, and accordingly
took his seat as such.
The following clergymen, entitled to seats in
this Convention, appeared and took their seats,
viz. : —
The Rev. Wm. H.Wilmer, St. Paul's Church,
Alexandria ; the Rev. Oliver Norris, Christ
Church, Fairfax parish, Alexandria ; the Rev.
John Dunn, Shelburne parish, Loudoun county ;
the Rev. William Meade, Chapel, Frederick
parish ; the Rev. John S. Ravenscroft, St.
James's parish, Mecklenburg county ; the Rev.
William Steel, Dettingen and Leeds parish,
Prince William county ; the Rev. John Arm
strong, Wheeling, Ohio county ; the Rev. Fred
erick W. Hatch, Fredericksville parish, Albe
marle county ; the Rev. Robert Prout, Princess
Anne county ; the Rev. Amos C. Treadway,
Lynchburg ; the Rev. John H. Wingfield, Ports
mouth parish, Norfolk county ; the Rev. Charles
H. Page, Kanawha county ; the Rev. Reuel
Keith, Bruton parish, Williamsburg ; the Rev.
John J. Robertson, Frederick parish, Winchester :
the Rev. Josias Clapham, St. Paul's parish, King
George county, and Washington parish, West
moreland ; the Rev. Stephen W. Prestman
Dumfries parish, Prince William, and Aquia
parish, Stafford.
Ordered, That the Rev. William Steel, the
Rev. John Armstrong, and Mr. Edmund J. Lee,
be appointed a committee to examine the cer
tificates of appointments of the lay deputies.
The said committee then withdrew, and, after
somo time, returning into the house, presented
the following report : —
The committee to whom was referred the
certificates of the lay delegates, have, according
to order, examined the same, and report that
the following persons have been duly elected as
lay delegates to this Convention : —

St. James's parish, Mecklenburg, JohnNelson,
jr. ; Christ Church, Alexandria, Fairfax parish,
Edmund J. Lee ;' Hamilton parish, Fauquier,
Robert Randolph and Elias Edmonds 4 St.
Martin's parish, Hanover, Carter Berkeley ; St.
Anne's parish, Essex, James M. Garnett and
Robert P. Waring ; Frederick parish, Philip
Nelson and Obed Waite ; parish of Lynnhaven,
Princess Anne county, Thiirmer Hoggard ;
Staunton congregation, Augusta, Edward Valen
tine, jr. ; Henrico parish, Charles F. Mercer ;
South Farnham parish, Essex county, Henry
Young and Thomas L. Latine ; Leeds parish,
Prince William, Carter B. Fontaine ; St. George's
parish, Fredericksburg, Robert Lewis ; Lynch
burg parish, Isaac Newton Whiting ; Shelburne
parish, Loudoun county, Ludwell Lee ; St. Paul's
Church, Alexandria, Humphrey Peake ; Zion
Church, parish of St. Andrew's, Jefferson,
Bushrod C. Washington.
The committee further report, That a certifi
cate purporting to be from the vestry of Fairfar
parish, held on the 10th day of this month, at
the Falls Church, purporting to appoint John
Moore as a lay delegate to this Convention,
having been presented, the committee are of
opinion, if there is an Episcopal congrega
tion belonging to that church, then it is un
der the government of the vestry whe have ap
pointed Edmund J. Lee to represent that parish.
The committee are therefore of opinion, that
the said John Moore is not entitled to a seat
in this Convention, as a delegate from Fairfar
parish. The said report being read, was, on the ques
tion put thereupon, approved by the Convention.
On motion made and seconded,
Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. Bryan, and the
Rev. Mr. Armstrong, ofthe diocess of Maryland,
and the Rev. Mr. Jones, of the eastern diocess,
be invited to accept of honorary seats in this
Convention. Ordered, That Mr. John Nelson, Mr. Philip
Nelson, Mr. Obed Waite, and Doctor Humphrey
Peake, be appointed a committee to examine
the treasurer's accounts.
Ordered, That the Rev. John S. Ravenscroft,
the Rev. William Meade, the Rev-. Oliver Nor
ris, Mr. James M. Garnett, Mr. Ludwell Lee,
Mr. Charles F. Mercer, and Mr. Robert Lewis,
be a committee to take into consideration the
state of the church in this diocess, and report
thereupon to this Convention.

CONVENTION OF 1823.

159

On motion, Ordered, That the Rev. William
H. Wilmer be added to that committee.
Ordered, That Mr. Edward Valentine, Mr.
Thurmer Hoggard, and Mr. Henry Young, be a
committee to examine the accounts of the treas
urer of the Prayer-Book and Tract Society of
Virginia. Ordered, That the Rev. John J. Robertson,
the Rev. Robert Prout, Dr. Carter Berkeley,
and Mr. Philip Nelson, be a committee to ex
amine the state of the fund for support of wid
ows of deceased clergymen.
Ordered, That the Rev. Frederick W. Hatch,
the Rev. Reuel Keith, the Rev. John H. Wing-
field, the Rev. Josias Clapham, and the Rev.
Stephen W. Prestman, be a committee to ex
amine the parochial reports.
Ordered, That Mr. Ludwell Lee, Mr. Robert
Randolph, and Mr. Robert Lewis, be a com
mittee to examine the account of the treasurer
of the fund for the permanent support of the
episcopate in this diocess.
A motion was made by Mr. Edmund J. Lee,
and seconded by the Rev. William Steel, that
the deliberations of this Convention be conduct
ed with closed doors : —
Whereupon, the question being put, was de
termined in the negative.
On motion of the Rev. William Steel,
Resolved, That the rules of order adopted by
the last Convention for the government of their
proceedings, be the rules of proceeding during
the present Convention.*
The session was then suspended, for the pur
pose of attending divine service by the Rev.
Mr. Wingfield, and a sermon by the Rev. John
S. Ravenscroft, after which the Convention
again assembled.
On motion, the treasurer received the follow
ing contributions from sundry parishes of this
diocess, viz. : —
St. Paul's Church, Alexandria, Mr.
Wilmer, - - - $25 00
Christ Church, Fairfax parish, Ed
mund J. Lee, - - 30 00
Frederick parish, Obed Waite, - 30 00
Shelburne parish, Loudoun, Ludwell
Lee, - - - - 30 00
St. James's parish, Mecklenburg, John
Nelson, - - 30 00
Dettingen and Leeds parish, Prince
WiUiam, Carter B. Fontaine, 5 00
Princess Anne county, Lynnhaven
parish, Mr. Hoggard, 22 00
Lynchburg parish, Mr. Whiting, 30 00
Portsmouth parish, Norfolk, Mr.
Wingfield, ... 10 75
Bruton parish, Williamsburg, Mr.
Keith, .- - - 20 00
St. Martin's parish, Hanover, Dr.
Berkeley, - . . - 20 00
Hamilton parish, Fauquier, Elias Ed
monds, - - 25 00

Amount carried forward,

$277 75

' Vide Journals of last Convention.

Amount brought forward, $277 75
St. Anne's parish, Essex-r Mr. Gar- ,
nett, - - - -. 30 00
Staunton congregation, Augusta, Mr.
Valentine, - - - - 10 00
South Farnham parish, Essex, Mr.
Young, - - - 20 00
St. George's parish, Fredericksburg,
Mr. Lewis, - - - 20 00
Zion Church, St. Andrew's parish,
Jefferson, Mr. Washington, - 15 00
Christ Church, Norfolk, Mr. Ravens
croft, - . - 30 00
Bristol parish, Prince George, do. 30 00
Dumfries parish, Prince William, Mr.
Prestman, . - 16 00

$448 75

Mr. John Nelson, jr., in pursuance of a res
olution of the last Convention, on the subject
of a compromise with the heirs of Evan Rag
land, deceased, presented a report, which was
read, as follows : —
In pursuance of a resolution of the last Con
vention, authorizing me, together with William
Leigh, Esq., of Halifax, to propose to the heire
of Evan Ragland, deceased, a compromise of
the controversy depending with them in the
Court of Appeals, I went to the county of
Halifax in the month of February, when I as
certained that no compromise could be effected
at that time, in consequence of one of the heirs
being a resident of the State of Kentucky, who,
although written to for that purpose, had given
no authority to any person to settle it in his be
half. It is proper I should inform the Conven
tion, that another bar to a compromise exists,
in the infancy of some of the heirs. I will also-
state, that those of the heirs with whom I con
ferred on the subject are not disposed to yield
any part of what they claim ; being aware of
the advantage they have in a contest with the
church, in consequence of her not being recog
nised by the courts as a legally existing body.
John Nelson, jr.
On motion, Ordered, That the said report be
laid upon the table.
Mr. Wilmer, from the committee appointed to
revise and amend the canons of the church in
this diocess, reported, That, according to order,
the said committee had considered the subject,
and proposed the following resolution for adop
tion by this Convention, viz. : —
Resolved, That the 10th canon be amended,
by striking out the words, " five members," ih
the concluding paragraph, and inserting, in lieu
thereof, " a majority of the whole number."
The said resolution being read, was, on the
question put thereupon, agreed to by the house.
The Rev. Edward C. M'Guire, of St. George's
parish, Fredericksburg, appeared and took his
seat in the Convention.
Ordered, That the Rev. Mr, M'Guire be
added to the committee on the state of the
church. On motion of the Rev. William Meade,

160

CONVENTION OF 1823.

Resolved, That a committee to revise and
superintend a republication of the constitution
and canons of the church in this diocess, as
amended by the present and former Conven
tions, be appointed ; and that the constitution
and canons so revised be published with the
Journal of the present Convention.
Ordered, That the secretary of the Conven
tion, and the Rev. William H. Hart, of the city
of Richmond, be the committee to make the said
revisal and republication.
And then, on motion, the Convention ad
journed until to-morrow morning, half past 8
o'clock. Wednesday, May 14, 1823.
The Convention met according to adjourn
ment, and was opened with prayer by the Rev.
William Meade.
The Rev. Richard H. Bames, of St. Martin's
parish, Hanover, appeared and took his seat in
the Convention.
The following gentlemen produced certificates
of appointmefit as lay deputies, which, being
read, were approved, in conformity with the
canons ; whereupon, they took their seats as
members of this Convention, viz. : —
Mr. Thomas G. Moncure, for Aquia Church,
Overwharton parish, Stafford county ; Mr. Ed
ward Colston, for Norborne parish, Berkeley
county. A petition of Mr. John Moore to this Conven
tion was presented and read, setting forth, that
he was, on the 1 0th instant, duly elected a lay
deputy to represent the interests of the congre
gation of the Falls Church, in Fairfax parish,
in the Convention ; that, on the first day of its
meeting, the Convention refused him a seat,
upon the ground that the parish of Fairfax was
properly represented by members of Christ
Church, in Alexandria, within the district of
Columbia ; the petitioner represents, that in the
parish of Fairfax there are three churches ;
Christ's, St. Paul's, and the Falls Church ;
that the glebe attached to the said parish lay
within that part of the District of Columbia ceded
by the State of Virginia to the United States,
which has since been sold, agreeably to a law
of Congress ; that he verily believes "that the
vestry from whom he received his appointment
are organized agreeably to the canons of the
church, and prays that the. case of the congre-
fation at the Falls Church, in the parish of
airfax, may be reconsidered, and such meas
ures be adopted as the Convention in their wis
dom may think proper.
Ordered, That the said petition be referred
to the committee on the state of the church, to
roport their opinion thereupon to the Con
vention. Mr. John Nelson, jr., from the committee
appointed to examine the treasurer's accounts,
presented a report, which was read, as fol
lows : —
The committee to whom was referred the
treasurer's accounts, have, according to order,
had the same under consideration ; they find
the account properly stated, and supported by

correct vouchers, leaving** .balance in favour
of the church of $338 16 jrl-the hands of the
treasurer. The account, with the accompany
ing documents, the committee ask leave respect
fully to submit. John Nelson, Jr., Chairman.
The said report was, on the question put
thereupon, approved by the Convention.
Mr. Valentine, from the committee to exam
ine the account of the treasurer of the Prayer-
Book and Tract Society, presented a report,
which was read, as follows : —
Leesburg, May 14, 1823.
The committee appointed to examine the ac
counts of the treasurer of the Prayer-Book and
Tract Society of the Diocess of Virginia, have
discharged that duty, and find the same to be
correct. Ed. Valentine, jr., Chairman.
The said report was, on the question put
thereupon, approved by the Convention.
Mr. William Mayo, a lay deputy from the
Monumental Church in the city of Richmond,
produced a certificate of his appointment, in
conformity with the canons, and was admitted to
a seat in this Convention.
Mr. Ludwell Lee, from the committee ap
pointed to examine the state of the fund for the
permanent support of the episcopate in this di
ocess, presented a report, which was read, as
follows : —
The committee to whom was referred the ac
count ofthe Bishops' Fund, report, that since the
last report, as appears by the treasurer's account
hereto annexed, there have been purchased four
shares of the stock of the Farmer's Bank of Al
exandria, at $50 a share ; that there is now in
the hands of the agent of the standing committee
the sum of one hundred and forty-three dollars and
sixteen cents, to be laid out in bank-stock. The
committee, from information received from one
of the standing committee, state the fund at this
time to consist of thirty-six shares of Farmers'
Bank stock, comprehending the four above men
tioned, six shares of Alexandria Bank stock, at
$200 a share, and one share of the Ashby's Gap
turnpike road, transferred by the Rev. William
Meade to the proper person, the nominal amount
of which is $100 — making in the whole the
sum of $3,440. — All which is respectfully submit
ted. Ludwell Lee, Chairman.
The said report was, on the question put
thereupon, approved by the Convention.
A motion was made by Mr. Edmund J. Lee,
and seconded by the Rev. Mr. Steel, that the Con
vention do agree to the following resolution : —
Whereas the efforts made for raising a fund
for the support of the bishop of this diocess,
have, from various causes, hot been successful ;
Be it therefore Resolved, That the subject be
referred to the standing committee of the dio-*
cess, with instructions to adopt such mode of
raising the necessary fund as shall appear to
them most expedient.
And the question being put thereupon, was
determined in the negative.
The Rev, John J. Robertson, from the cpn>

CONVENTION OF 1823.

161

rmttee for examining the state of the fund for
the supports', of the widows and orphans of de
ceased clergynlen, presented a report, which was
read, as follows '; —
The committee to whom was referred the ex
amination of the accounts of the treasurer of
the funds for the relief of the widows and or
phans of deceased clergymen of the Episcopal
Church of Virginia, report, That they have, ac
cording to order, had the same under consider
ation, and find that there is in the hands of the
treasurer,3 per cent, stocks, - - - $2,037 78
6 per cent, stock, ... 172 05
40 shares of Farmers' Bank of Al
exandria stock, at $50 per share,
being par price, - - - - 2,000 00
I share stock in Bank of Virginia at
par, - - - - 100 00

$4,309 83
Cash in hand, 14 02
Robert Andrews's executor's note,
bearing interest from Feb. 28th,
1822, until paid, - - 800 00
Note received in part of Albemarle
collections, bearing interest from
June 24, 1822, until paid, - 69 87

Whole amount, $5,193 72
AH which will appear more fully by the ac
count of the treasurer, herewith filed.
J. J. Robertson, Chairman.
The said report was, on the question put
thereupon, approved by the Convention.
The session was then suspended, for the pur
pose of attending divine service by the Rev. Ol
iver Norris, and a sermon by the Rev. William
H. Wilmer, after which the session was re
sumed. The Rev. John S. Ravenscroft, from the com
mittee on the state of the church, presented a
report, which was read, as follows : —
The committee to whom was referred the peti
tion of John Moore, have, according to order, had
the subject committed to "them under considera
tion, and beg leave to report thereon, that there is
no canon now in existence which provides for the
division of parishes, nor for more than one repre
sentation from a parish. Your committee, previ
ously to having-received tbis petition, had prepared
a canon for the accommodation of all cases where
the division of a parish should be absolutely ne
cessary, and which they recommend for the adop
tion of the Convention, in the following words : —
Canon for the Division of Parishes.
Whereas, from the great extent of many of the
parishes in this diocess, and from various other
causes, it may be for the interest of the church,
and for the convenience and quiet of the people,
to permit the division of some of the parishes ;
Be it therefore enacted, That whenever it shall
be made to appear to the satisfaction of the Con
vention that such division is expedient, or when the
desire of the people of the parish for such divis
ion shall be manifested, by repairing the old
churches or building new ones, electing a vestry,
conformably to the regulations of the church, and
shall produce to the Convention the original sub-
L

scriptions of the vestry of the church from which
the application for the division of a parish is made,
to the test required by the 10th canon, and also
produce a register of the names of those who
wish for a division of the parish, on application to
this Convention, such petitioners may be received
as a distinct parish.
The said resolution being twice read, was,
on the question put thereupon, agreed to by the
house. A motion was made by Mr. Edmund J. Lee,
that the Convention do agree to the following
resolution : —
Resolved, That the standing committee be,
and they are hereby authorized, to select some
competent person to call on the different mem
bers of this church to contribute to raising the
fund for the support of the bishop, payable in
one, two, three, and four years.
Ordered, That the said resolution be referred
to the committee on the state of the church, to
report their opinion to the Convention there
upon. The Convention proceeded to the election,
by ballot, of eight delegates to represent this
diocess in the next General Convention of the
Protestant Episcopal Church of the United
States ; whereupon the following gentlemen
were duly elected, viz. : the Rev. William H.
Wilmer, the Rev. William Meade, the Rev.
Edward C. M'Guire, the Rev. Oliver Norris,
Mr. William Mayo, Mr. Hugh Mercer, Mr. John
Nelson, jr., and Mr. Robert Lewis.
The Convention also proceeded, in like man
ner, to the election, by ballot, of a standing com
mittee of the church in this diocess for the en
suing year ; whereupon the following gentle
men were duly elected, viz. : the Rev. William
H. Wilmer, John Dunn, and Oliver Norris, the
Hon. Bushrod Washington, Mr. Edmund J. Lee,
and Mr. George Taylor.
On motion,
Resolved, That the treasurer be directed to
pay to each of the delegates to the General Con
vention the sum of fifty dollars, to defray their
expenses. On motion,
Resolved, That the five gentlemen who re
ceived the greatest number of votes as delegates
to the General Convention, be appointed mem
bers of the board of trustees to the General The
ological Seminary ; whereupon the following
gentlemen were declared elected, and thereupon
nominated as trustees, viz. : the Rev. Will
iam H. Wilmer, the jRev. William Meade, the
Rev. Edward C. M'Guire, Mr. William Mayo,
and Mr. Hugh Mercer.
On motion of Mr. Obed Waite, seconded by
the Rev. John Armstrong,
Resolved, That the next meeting of the Con
vention of the Protestant Episcopal Church for
the Diocess of Virginia shall be held at Staun
ton, in the county of Augusta.
And then the Convention adjourned, to meet
again to-morrow morning, at half past 8 o'clock.
Thursday, May 15, 1823.
The Convention met according to adjourn-

163

CONVENTION OF 1823.

ment, and was opened with prayer by the Rev.
John Armstrong.
Mr, Ravenscroft, from the committee on the
state of the church, to whom the resolution
yesterday proposed on the subject of the Bishops'
Fund was referred, presented a report, which,
on motion of Mr. John Nelson, jr., was order
ed to be laid upon the table.
On motion of Rev. Oliver Norris,
Resolved, That the travelling expenses of the
Rev. John Dunn, in attending the meetings of
the standing committee, be paid by the treas
urer, out of the contingent fund.
On motion of Mr. Edmund J. Lee,
Resolved, That the travelling expenses of the
secretary of the Convention be paid in like
manner. On motion of the Rev. John S. Ravenscroft,
Ordered, That 750 copies of the Journal of
this Convention, with the revised canons and
constitution annexed, be printed, and distributed
by the secretary among the parishes, under the
superintendence of the bishop.
On motion of the Rev. John S. Ravenscroft,
Resolved, That the thanks of this Convention
be presented to the citizens of Leesburg, for
their hospitality and kindness to the members
thereof. On motion of the Rev. Oliver Norris,
Resolved, unanimously, That the thanks of
this Convention be presented to the ministers
and elders of other congregations of Christians
in the town of Leesburg, for their brotherly
kindness in offering the use of their churches to
the ministers ofthe Protestant Episcopal Church,
during the session of the present Convention.
On motions severally made,
Resolved, That the treasurer be directed to
pay the sum of seven dollars to the doorkeeper
of this Convention, for his services during the
present session ; and the stfm of seven dollars
to the person who officiated as doorkeeper to
the Convention at Charlottesville, in the county
of Albemarle.
On motion, the report of the committee on
the state of the church, this day presented, was
taken up and read, as follows : —
The committee on the state of the church,
to whom was committed the consideration of the
annexed Resolution, have had the same under
examination, and beg leave to recommend to
the Convention the adoption of the same, as
a measure calculated to have a beneficial influ
ence on the proposed object.
Resolved, That the standing committee be,
and they are hereby authorized, to select some
competent person to call on the different mem
bers of this church to contribute to raising the
fund for the support of the bishop, payable in
one, two, three, and four years.
And the question being put upon agreeing to
the said resolution, was determined in the neg
ative — Ays 19, Noes 22.
On motion of Mr. Edmund J. Lee,
Ordered, That the ays and noes upon the
said question be inserted in the journal.
The names of the gentlemen who voted in the
affirmative are, the Rev. William H. Wilmer,

Oliver Norris, John S. Ravenscroft, William
Steel, John Armstrong, Robert Prout, John H.
Wingfield, Charles H. Page, and John J. Rob
ertson ; Messrs. Edmund J. Lee, James M. Gar
nett, Thurmer Hoggard, Edward Valentine, -
Charles F. Mercer, Henry Young, Carter B-.
Fontaine, Robert Lewis, Isaac N. Whiting, and
Edward Colston — 19.
And the names of the gentlemen who voted
in the negative are, the Rev. John Dunn, Will
iam Meade, Frederick W. Hatch, Amos C.
Treadway, Reuel Keith, Josias Clapham, Ste
phen W. Prestman, Richard H. Barnes, and
Edward C. M'Guire; Messrs. John Nelson,
jr., Robert Randolph, Elias Edmonds, Rob
ert P. Waring, Philip Nelson, Obed Waite,
Thomas L. Latine, Ludwell Lee, Humphrey
Peake, Bushrod C. Washington, William Mayo,
Thomas G. Moncure, and Carter Berkeley — 22.
The Rev. Frederick W. Hatch, from the com
mittee to whom the parochial reports were re
ferred, presented a report, which was read, as
follows : —
The committee on the subject of the parochial
reports, beg leave to present the following con
densed statement of the reports that have been
submitted to them.
The rector of Christ Church, Fairfax parish,
represents the congregation as having undergone
no material change since the last report ; as de
vout in their attention to the public services of the
church, and, as be hopes, improving in Christian
graces and virtues. Communicants are about
one hundred and twenty — baptisms about forty-
five. The congregation at Lynchburg has but recently
received the blessing of a stated ministry. It has
been regularly organized under the present rector,
who has also in charge two congregations in the
neighbourhood, one of which has it in contempla
tion to build a church ; and it is expected that a
church will also be erected at Lynchburg, and by
the other congregation in which he officiates.
The rector reports, that the service is well attend
ed in all these places, and he is encouraged to
hope that his labour will not be in vain in the
Lord. Baptisms two.
St. James's Church, Leesburg, Shelburne par
ish. Baptisms seventeen — marriages six — burials
two — communicants about thirty-six, and one per
son of colour. An accession of one person to the
number of communicants has taken place within
the year. This congregation are regular in attend
ance on divine service, and the rector is encour
aged to hope that they are improving in Christian
piety. .
Dettingen and Leeds parishes, Prince William,
continue in much the same state as when last re
ported. The public buildings at Haymarket have
been purchased for a church, parsonage, and
schoolhouse. A new church has been erected in
Dettingen parish. Communicants the same as be
fore, except four removed and three admitted —
baptisms eighteen — marriages thirteen.
Parish of Frederick. Communicants one hun
dred — baptisms fourteen — funerals eleven — mar
riages seven.
Portsmouth parish. The rector of this parish is
happy in having it to say, that the state of his
charge has suffered nothing since his last report.
The church has been put in neat and comfortable
repair, and the congregation has somewhat in
creased. There have been ten added to the list
of his communicants ; all of whom, he has reason

CONVENTION OF 1823.

163

to hope, are of the number of such as shall be sa
ved. Communicants eighteen — baptisms fifteen
— funerals nine — marriages five.
Norborne parish, Berkeley coimty. Communi
cants ninety-seven — baptisms thirty-one— burials
three— marriages three.
St. James's parish, Mecklenburg. The state
of this parish continues to improve. Since the
last Convention a Bible Society has been formed
and gone into operation, with hopes of considerable
extension. The parish, however, has to deplore,
in the death of Col. Samuel Goode, the loss of a
most exemplary man, steadfast churchman, and
devout Christian. Communicants forty — baptisms
thirty-four, one an adult — marriages seven.
Lynnhaven parish, Princess Anne. The ves
try of this parish have repaired their edifices for
public worship. The congregation is attentive to
the word preached. Nineteen persons have been
added to the original number of communicants,
which was but three when the present rector en
tered upon his charge ; and hopes of still brighter
days are anticipated. Communicants nineteen —
baptisms eighteen, two adults — funerals seven.
Augusta parish, Staunton. Since the last re
port, a few communicants have been added ; and
an increased attachment has been manifested to
the interests of the church. Communicants about
twenty — baptisms seven— funerals five — marria
ges six.
St. Martin's parish, Hanover. The congrega
tions in this parish are not materially changed
since the last report. Communicants forty-five —
baptisms four — funerals three — one marriage.
St. Paul's parish, King George, and Washing
ton parish, Westmoreland. There have been five
added to the list of communicants since the last
Convention : — there have been two deaths and four
removals : the number of communicants is now
about thirty-nine — baptisms thirty-two — funerals
eight — marriages 6ix. In the former parish, there
is an increased attention to the public services of
the church. In the latter, a Sunday School has
been lately established, which promises to be of
great usefulness.
Christ Church, Berkeley county. This church
being without a pastor, divine service is performed
by a lay reader. The congregations are attentive,
and zealously engaged in the great business of
working out their salvation. It is boped-that the
spirit of religion is increasing, and that, in this
part of our Zion, our God has regarded the day of
small things.
Kanawha parish. The congregation is increas
ing in number, and has about ten communicants.
Baptisms three — marriages one. At Coalmouth
the congregation is in a very flourishing state, and
many are earnestly seeking the pearl of great
price. Communicants twelve — baptisms fifteen.
In Charlestown and in Mason, it is expected
churches will be built ; and there is one now build
ing at the mouth of Coal. There are two Sun
day Schools in this parish.
Fredericksville parish, Albemarle. No material
change has taken place in this parish since the
last report. The congregation in Charlottesville
is large and attentive. At Walker's church the
congregation is, as usual, very small, the spirit of
religion languishing, and the neighbourhood gen
erally presents but a gloomy prospect . Within the
last year, the part of the rector's time formerly
given to the Green Mountain neighbourhood,
where the congregation was small, has been trans
ferred to Orange courthouse, at which place the
interests of the church require a minister, and
where the congregation is large and attentive.
St. Anne's parish, Essex. This parish is with-
L2

out a minister, but anxious to engage one. South
Farnham parish is in the same condition.
St. George's parish, Fredericksburg. The plen
tiful showers of divine grace have fallen, during
the past year, with blessed consequences,;-upon
this portion of our Lord's vineyard. It has been,
indeed, a season of refreshing from the presence
of the Lord. Several have been painfully, con
victed of sin, and anxiously inquiring what they
must do to be saved. The number of anxious in
quiries has continued to increase, and the deep
and painful convictions of some have terminated
in the enjoyment of a peace which passeth under
standing. Others yet remain, who, weary and
heavy laden, are earnestly seeking that rest which
is prepared for the penitent. The rector antici
pates, in the end of this good work, a valuable ac
cession of piety and influence to the cause of evan
gelical truth among us, and the additiqn of an ac
ceptable mite to that revenue of glory which is
accruing to the glorified Head of the church from
the progress of his cause upon earth. Though
the subjects of revivals, in otherparts ofthe Lord's
vineyard, may have been more numerous, there
are few instances in which a revival has been
characterized by more genuine or decided cases
of conversion. Baptisms in this church during
the last year amount to forty-one, three adults —
communicants one hundred and six, nine lost by
death, and removal ; one Sunday School, contain
ing one hundred and twenty-six scholars.
Dumfries and Aquia Churches. There are
pleasing indications that the word preached in
these churches is not in vain. The congregations
are attentive and devout ; and in Dumfries a more
than common interest is manifested in spiritual
concerns. The rector rejoices in the improving
prospect of his charge. A place for public wor
ship has been purchased and fitted up in Dum
fries. Communicants twenty-two — baptisms ten
—marriages six— deaths five. A Sabbath School
has been established. Aquia Church, communi
cants eleven— baptisms six— one marriage— deaths
two. Wheeling parish, Ohio county. The Rev. John
Armstrong has been engaged in this station for
about two years, and signal success appears to
have attended his ministry. In this region, which
was but lately " a howling wilderness," the seeds
of spiritual Ufe have been sown, and the dews of
divine grace have fallen with prolific virtue. Un
der the care of the present pastor, an Episcopal
church has been built in the town of Wheeling,
of brick, sixty feet by forty-five, containing seven
ty-two large and commodious pews, an organ, and
a bell. Ten miles from this place, by the zealous
influence of the same Rev. gentleman and the
blessing of God, another Episcopal church has
been built. May heaven bless the good work , and
make the hearts of his people to rejoice ! Com
municants twenty-three — baptisms, sixteen chil
dren and six adults — marriages sixteen.
In St. Paul's Church, Alexandria, thera_is no
material alteration. Its condition is improving,
and the number of communicants increasing.
AH which is respectfully submitted.
Fred'k. W. Hatch, Chairman.
The said report was, on the question put
thereupon, approved by the Convention.
The session was suspended, for the purpose
of attending, divine service by the Rev. Fred
erick W. Hatch, and a sermon by the Rev.
William Meade ; after which, the Convention
again met.
The Rev. Edward C. M'Guire, from the board

164

CONVENTION OF 1823.

of trustees of the Theological School, presented
a report; which was read, as follows : —
In obedience to the 12th article of the constitu
tion of the Theological School of Virginia, the
board of trustees submit to the Convention their
annual report of the proceedings and state of the
institution. In fulfilling the duties intrusted to them by the
last Convention, the trustees adopted the earliest
and most effectual method, which the judgment
of gentlemen learned in the law could devise, for
securing the funds of the institution. The money
collected on the first instalment, which became
due on the first of May, 1822, has been loaned out
by the treasurer of the board, on the best security,
and the amount of three thousand nine hundred
and thirty-nine dollars eighty-four cents is now
yielding ar^ interest of six per cent. The board
also adopted the best means within their power
for increasing the funds of the school, by appoint
ing a number of gentlemen throughout the state
agents of the institution for that purpose. These
agents not having made their reports, it is not
known what success has attended their exertions ;
but it is believed, from partial information, that the
success, at least in some of the counties, has been
encouraging. The board would especially ac
knowledge the zeal and success of Mr. Robert P.
Waring, the agent for Essex county, who has pro
cured subscriptions exceeding $1,000; sixhundred
of which he has generously given himself, with
the expectation of securing yet additional contribu
tions. In addition to the appointment of agents
in various counties, the board, at a recent meeting,
have appointed other special agents, who have en
gaged to make speedy and persevering efforts to ac
complish the collection of the contemplated fund.
The board also selected and appointed a profes
sor of divinity, the Rev. Mr. Keith, who has been
rendering partial services in the institution during
the past year.
The whole amount of funds now claimed by the
society, including what is subscribed and paid in,
is somewhere about fourteen thousand dollars,
together with a valuable donation of theological
books, made by a gentleman of the Northern Neck
of Virginia, in addition to those given the institu
tion by the late Rev. Mr. Andrus.
During the past year, two vacancies have occur
red in the clerical members of the board of trus
tees, by death and resignation. By the constitu
tion, it belongs to the Convention to supply these
vacancies. All which is respectfully submitted by the
Trustees.
May Ibth, 1823.
The said report was, on the question put
thereupon, approved by the Convention.
The resignation of the Rev. John S. Ravens
croft, of the office of trustee of the Theological
School, and the death of the Rev. Enoch M.
Lowe, another trustee of the said school, being
announced, the Convention proceede'd to the
election, by ballot, of two persons, as trustees,
to supply the vacancies thereby occasioned ;
whereupon the Rev. John H. Wingfield and John
Dunn were duly elected trustees of the Theolo
gical School, to supply the said vacancies.
And then the Convention adjourned, to meet
again at Staunton, in the county of Augusta, on
the third Thursday in May next.
Wm. H. Wilmer, President pro tern.
Teste, Wm. Munford, Secretary.

Constitution and Canons for the government of
the Protestant Episcopal. Church of Virginia,
revised and republished by order of the Con
tention of that church which met at Leesburg,
Loudoun county, on Tuesday, the 13lh of
May, 1823. CONSTITUTION.
Art. I. There shall be a Convention of the
Protestant Episcopal Church in this state on
the third Thursday in May every year : but the
Convention which meets in the year previous to
the meeting of the General Convention, may
have power to appoint the time and place of
meeting for the next annual session.
Art. II. The Convention shall be composed
of the officiating ministers who have been
regularly and canonically elected in parishes or
churches within this state, and within that part
of the territory of Columbia formerly part of
this state ; and of those whom age or infirmity
prevents from exercising their clerical func
tions, who shall be considered members ex-
qfficio. The Convention shall also be composed
of lay members, consisting of one delegate from
each parish (or of two lay deputies, where there
shall be no clergyman in the parish), chosen by
the vestry thereof, or, if there be no vestry, by
at least twelve persons who may with propriety
be considered as members of the Protestant
Episcopal Church, duly notified ; and the elec
tion shall be certified by at least five members
of this church ; provided, that every parish hav
ing more than one officiating minister who hath
been regularly and canonically elected, shall be
entitled to send as many lay delegates as it has
ministers. Art. III. Six members of the clerical, and
six of the lay order, shall constitute a quorum
for the transaction of business ; but a smaller
number may adjourn.
Art. IV. In all matters that shall come be
fore the Convention, the clergy and laity shall
deliberate in one body ; and the concurrence of
a majority shall give validity to any measure.
But, when three members require it, there shall
be a vote by orders.
Art. V. The election of a bishop of this
church shall be made in Convention, in the
following manner. The order of the clergy
shall nominate and appoint, by ballot, some fit
and qualified clergyman for that office ; and the
votes of two thirds of that order shall be requi
site to constitute a choice. And thereupon
such appointment shall be presented to the or
der of the lay delegates, and be considered by
them ; and if, on a ballot, it shall appear that
the person so nominated is approved of by two
thirds of the lay order, he shall be then decla
red to be duly elected.
Art. VI. In this diocess there shall be but
one bishop. He shall be president of the Con
vention ; in which character it shall be his
duty to give to the Convention, as often as he
may deem expedient, a general view of the
state of the church ; to call special Conven
tions, at whatever times and places he may
think necessary ; to preserve order during the

CONVENTION OF 1823.

165

time of session ; to put the question, collect
the votes, and declare the decision. He may
make any motion which he shall judge condu
cive to the good of the church, but shall not
enter into debate ; and he may deliver his sen
timents on any subject after it has been discus
sed, before a vote thereon. Whenever it shall
be necessary for the bishop to visit any part of
this diocess, he shall be authorized to call a
clergyman from any part of the diocess, to sup
ply his place in the duties of his parochial
charge, for not more than two Sundays.
Art. VII. In case of a vacancy in the epis
copal office, the Convention, immediately upon
their assembling, shall choose, by joint ballot, a
president from among the order of priests, who
shall remain in office until the next election of
a president. He shall perform all the duties
and possess all the privileges above specified ;
but he shall not call special meetings of the
Convention, unless applied to for that purpose
by a majority of the standing committee. And
if, while there is a bishop in this church, he
shall not be present at any meeting of the Con
vention, they shall elect, in the manner afore
said, a president pro tempore.
Aet. VIII. A secretary shall be appointed
by the Convention, who shall continue in office
during good behaviour. His duty shall be to
make minutes of their proceedings, to preserve
their journals and records, to attesf'the public
acts of the body, and faithfully to deliver into
the hands of his successor all books and papers,
relative to the concerns of the Convention,
which may be in his possession. It shall be
his duty to notify, through the channel of the
public papers, as he may think proper, the time
and place appointed for the meeting of the suc
ceeding Convention. The secretary shall an
nex to the journals of every succeeding Conven
tion a list of the clergy, with all alterations
therein produced in the preceding year by or
dinations, deaths, removals, suspensions, and
degradations. Art. IX. A treasurer shall be appointed by
the Convention, who shall continue in office du
ring good- behaviour, and who shall discharge
the duties usually appertaining to that office.
Art. X Before the adjournment of each
annual Convention, a standing committee, con
sisting of six members, three clerical and three
of the lay order, shall be chosen by a ballot of
the clergy and laity.
Art. XI. If at any time there should be no
bishop in this church, the Convention shall di
vide the state or diocess into districts, and as
sign to such clergymen as they may appoint
the superintendence of a district, which it shall
be their duty to visit at least once a year, and
to report the ecclesiastical and secular state
thereof to the Convention.
Art. XII. Every parish within this diocess
6hall be entitled to the entire benefit of this con
stitution, as soon as it shall have signified its
ratification thereof, either in writing or by send
ing a lay delegate to the Convention ; and such
parish shall thereafter be benefited and bound,
equally with the other parishes in this diocess,

by every rule and canon which shall be framed,
by any Convention acting under this constitu
tion, for the government of this church in eccle
siastical concerns.
Art. XIII. This constitution shall be unal
terable, except in the following manner : — A
proposition for any change shall be' introduced
in writing, and considered in Convention ; and,
if approved of, the same shall be transmitted to
the several vestries of the parishes which shall
have ratified this constitution ; and if again
approved of in the next ensuing Convention by
a majority, the change shall then take place,
and the constitution, so altered, shall be valid
and obligatory.

CANON I.
The minister of each parish shall make out
and continue an exact register of all the com
municants within his congregation ; which reg
ister shall be left, upon his death or removal, for
the use of his successor. CANON II.
It shall be the duty of the ministers of our
church to be careful in observing all the direc
tions of the rubric, and of the General Conven
tion, which relate to communicants ; to main
tain the most affectionate intercourse with all
their members on religious subjects ; but, espe?
cially to converse with those who offer them
selves for the first time for the communion, on
those qualifications which are proper for the
worthy receiving of the sacrament, unless they
be otherwise satisfied that they are properly
qualified. LAY DISCIPLINE.
CANON III.
Communicants to hone Family Worship.
It shall be the duty of every communicant of
this church, who is the head of a family, to live
in the habitual exercise of family worship.
CANON IV.
The members of this Church to instruct their
families in the Principles of Religion.
The members of this church shall instruct
their families, as far as they are able, in the
principles of the Christian religion ; and, as
soon as they are sufficiently informed and im
pressed with the importance and sacredness of
their baptismal vow, and have come to a proper
age to ratify the same in their own persons, they
shall present them to the bishop for confir
mation, when conveniently in their power.
canon v.
The members of this Church to be regular in
their attendance on Public Worship.
The members of this church shall attend the
public worship of God as regularly and con
stantly as, from their age, infirmities, and cir
cumstances in life, may be reasonably expected ;
and shall neglect the performance of this im
portant duty for no cause whatever,- but such as
they might plead at the bar of God in the day
of judgment.

166

CONVENTION OF 1823.

Offences for which a Layman may be presented
and tried.
Whereas the present state of the Protestant
Episcopal Church of Virginia has experienced
many and great inconveniences from the want
of such regulations and provisions as the good
and wholesome government of the said church
required, and from the nonperformance of ex
isting canons : — Now, in order that such incon
veniences may be removed, so far as lieth in
this Convention, and that the rules and canons
of the said church, and also those of the Gen
eral Convention, may be strictly observed and
enforced in all time to come ; that all the mem
bers of the said church, whether clergymen or
laymen, may be excited to the most zealous and
commendable exertions to further, by all jus
tifiable means, the future prosperity of the
church : —
Be it ordained, That any member of the
church, being a communicant thereof, conduct
ing himself in a manner unworthy of a Chris
tian, may and ought to be admonished or sus
pended by the minister of the parish or congre
gation, according to the rubric.
CLERICAL DISCIPLINE.
CANON VII.
Off ences for which a Clergyman maybe brought
to trial.
Whereas it is essential to the purity and pros
perity of all religious communities, that the
temper- and deportment of their ministers be
preserved holy and unblameable ; it is hereby
declared to be the duty of the bishop, or, if
there be none, of the standing committee, to
take cognizance of any offence against decorum
and religion, of which a priest or deacon shall
be charged upon credible testimony. Disorder
ly, scandalous, and immoral conduct, neglect of
duty, disregard of the constitution or canons of
the church, disseminating or countenancing of
opinions which are contrary to her doctrines,
gaming, or any other vicious or unseemly diver
sions, are offences for which (as well as for a
violation of the 26th canon of the General Con
vention) a minister may be brought to trial.
And the mode of proceeding shall be as fol
lows : —
Whenever satisfactory information shall be
given, in writing, by any two credible members
of the church in this diocess,. to the bishop or
standing committee, that any clergyman is
guilty of a violation of the canons, or conducts
himself in any way incompatible with the char
acter of a minister of Christ, the bishop shall
summon a meeting of the standing committee,
or, if there be no bishop, the president of the
standing committee shall assemble them, for
the purpose of inquiry and trial. Notice of the
time and place of meeting shall be given to the
accused party, and also a copy of the charge
or charges laid against such clergyman, at
least two months before the time appointed for
trial. Witnesses shall be called, and no charge
shall be deemed substantial but upon' the testi

mony of two credible witnesses upon oath,
either delivered viva voce, or by depositions
taken after reasonable notice given of the time
and place of taking the same. The party accu
sed may call in any person to assist him in his
defence, and also such witnesses as he may
think proper, and have the benefit of depositions
as above prescribed. The bishop, or, if there
be no bishop, the standing committee, may ap
point a clergyman to conduct the trial on the
part of the church ; and counsel may he em
ployed on each side. If, after hearing the evi
dence and the defence of the party accused,
two thirds of the quorum of the standing com
mittee shall be of opinion that the person is
guilty of the charge or charges brought against
him, the bishop shall proceed to reprove, sus
pend, or degrade him, as the offence may de
serve. If there be no bishop, the standing com
mittee shall take record and give notice of the
punishment due to the party offending : and, in
the latter case, an appeal may be made to the
State Convention, whose decision shall be final.
Provided, That none but a bishop shall pro
nounce sentence of deposition or degradation
from the ministry on any clergyman, whether
bishop, or presbyter, or deacon.
CANON viii.
Manner of proceeding against a Bishop.
If the bishop of this church shall voluntarily
commit any act or acts violating the constitu
tion or canons, presentment shall be made,' by
the Convention, to two or more bishops of the
Protestant Episcopal Church, in the United
States. Such bishops shall have authority to
institute a trial within the diocess of the accused
party ; and the sentence of the two bishops, or
of a majority of a greater number, being founded
on the canons of the church, shall be final ; ex
cept the sentence of degradation, in which case
he shall be allowed the privilege of an appeal to
the House of Bishops, provided hegive notice
of such appeal, within six months, to the bishop
who presided in the House of Bishops at their
session immediately preceding.
CANON IX.
It shall be the duty of every parish to send to
the Contention the sum of tliirty dollars an
nually, or such sums as the deputies can pro
cure, for the contingent expenses of the church ;
which money shall be lodged with the treasurer
of the Convention of this church, and held sub
ject to their order. canon x.
The manner of electing Vestrymen.
On every Easter-Monday, each parish shall
elect eight vestrymen ; but, where it is deemed
expedient, the number may be increased to
twelve. Two weeks notice shall be given of
the meeting by the minister, from the pulpit ;
or, if there be no minister, by the vestry ; and,
if there be no vestry, by any two members who
last possessed the power of vestrymen ; or, if
there be no surviving members of" the vestry,
by three respectable members of the church;
who shall cause advertisements of the meeting

CONVENTION OF 1823.

167

to be put up at such public places as will secure
the notice of the meeting. And every pew-
holder or contributor to the support of the
church shall be entitled to vote. Every ves
tryman shall, upon taking his seat, subscribe
the following form : —
" I do believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old
and New Testaments to be the word of God,
and to contain all things necessary to salvation .-
and I do solemnly engage to conform to the
doctrines and worship of the Protestant Episco-
cal Church in these United'States."
The vestrymen thus elected shall choose two
church-wardens dut of their own body, to dis
charge the duties appropriate to their office.
In cases where unavoidable circumstances
prevent the election on Easter-Monday, it shall
take place at any time that may be deemed ex
pedient by persons authorized to call the meet
ing, and in the manner aforesaid : and, until a
new election, the former vestry shall continue
in office. The minister shall be a member ex-
officio; and a majority of the whole number
shaU be required to constitute a quorum.

Whereas that canon of the Protestant Epis
copal Church of Virginia which directs the
manner of choosing vestrymen in the several
parishes is not applicable to the case of churches
built apd supported by voluntary associations
of individuals, without any parochial charge ;
and it is proper that those who hold, the sole
property of a particular church should provide
for its care and management : —
In the case of the Monumental Church in the
city of Richmond, and in all similar cases, the
choice of -vestrymen shall be made by the pew-
holders of the respective churches, conforming,
as to the time of appointment and manner of
qualifying the vestrymen, to the regulations
prescribed by the 10th canon established by the
present Convention ; excepting in the case of
Christ's Church, in the borough of Norfolk,
which, being under peculiar circumstances in
relation to the number of trustees, the time and
manner of electing them, and their rector, may
be permitted to conform to their own regula
tions in these particulars. CANON XII.
For the Division of Parishes.
Whereas, from the great extent of many of
the parishes in this diocess, and from various
other causes, it may be for the interest of the
church, and for the convenience and quiet of
the people, to permit the division of some of the
parishes ;
Be it therefore enacted, That whenever it
shall be made to appear to the satisfaction of the
Convention that such division is expedient, or
when the desire of the people of the parish for
such division shall be manifested, by repairing
the old churches or building new ones, elect
ing a vestry, conformably to the regulations of
the church, and shall produce to the Convention
the original subscriptions of the vestry of the
church from which the application for a division

of a parish is made, to the test required by the
10th canon, and also produce a register of the
names of those who wish for a division of the
parish, on application to this Convention, such
petitioners may be received as a distinct parish.
CANON XIII.
It shall be the duty of every minister of this
diocess to make a register of each adult mem
ber within his cure, agreeably to the 40th canon
of the General Convention. CANON xiv.
The canons and constitution heretofore adopt
ed by the former Conventions of this state, shall
be and are hereby repealed.

RESOLUTIONS
Concerning the Fund for the permanent support
of the Episcopate.
Thursday, May 21, 1818.
1st. Resolved, That the annual contributions
from Christ Church in Alexandria, of one hun
dred dollars, for raising a fund for the support
of the bishop, which have now been paid or
which may hereafter be received, together with
all other sums which may be anywhere sub
scribed and collected for the same object, be
vested in bank-stock, under the direction of the
standing committee of this diocess, in the names
of George Deneale and John Muncaster, church
wardens of Christ Church, Fairfax parish, Alex
andria, and their successors, for the purpose
aforesaid. 2d. Resolved, That, in aid of the Episcopal
Fund, the several ministers of this church do,
in their respective congregations, at some fit
season in each year, deliver an appropriate dis
course, recommending the pious object of the
fund, and thereafter make a collection, the
amount of which they shall specially mention
in their respective parochial reports.
3d. Resolved, That each minister do, at some
convenient season of every year, visit one or
more of the vacant parishes of this diocess, or
of the counties of this commonwealth wherein
there is no parish, for the purpose of delivering
a similar discourse, and of collecting, by per
sonal applications or otherwise, farther sums
for the enlargement of the Episcopal Fund, of
which visit and collections they shall respect
ively make a report at the succeeding Conven.
tion. 4th. Resolved, That no part of the Episcopal
Fund shall be withdrawn for any purpose, until
its annual interest shall suffice for the attain
ment of its object ; and that, in the interim, it
shall be the duty of the standing committee to
see that its enlargement is hastened by the
prompt conversion of its revenue into principal,
Saturday, May 19, 1821.
1st. Resolved, That the vestries or' trustees
of each congregation in the respective parishes
of this diocess, do cause each adult person, pro
fessing themselves to belong to or to be friendly
to the church, to be called on, and requested,

168

CONVENTION OF 1824.

each, to pay the sum of not less than one dollar,
to be applied to the said fund,
2d. Resolved, That the money which shall
be received by the vestries or trustees in pur
suance of the preceding resolution, be forthwith
remitted to the president of the -standing com
mittee of the church, for that committee to
invest it as heretofore directed.
3d. Resolved, That on or before the first day
of January next, and from time td time there
after, reports be made to the standing commit
tee of the proceedings under these resolutions.
4th. Resolved, That an appropriate address
from the Convention on this subject be adopted
and circulated, with the preceding resolutions,
• among the members of the church.
5th. Resolved, That, in those parts of the
diocess where there are no vestries or trustees,
the friends of the church be requested to give

their aid in effecting the object of these resolu
tions. Saturday, May 18, 1822.
Whereas it appears by the reports from the
different vestries on the proceedings had under
the resolutions of the last Convention, on the
subject of the Bishop's Fund, that untoward
circumstances, and the pressure of the times
alone, have prevented a full compliance with
the said resolutions, but, it appears that the
parishes are disposed to give their aid to carry
them into effect : —
Therefore, be it Resolved by this Convention,
That it be recommended to the different ves
tries to proceed to carry into effect the object
of the said resolutions, in the manner in their
judgment best calculated to ensure success,
and make report to each ensuing Convention.

Journal of the Proceedings of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Virginia,
which assembled at Staunton, on Thursday, the 20th of May, 1824.

The Convention met, and was opened with
divine service by the Rev. Reuel Keith, and a
sermon by the Rev. Frederick W. Hatch-
The Right Rev. Bishop Moore, D. D., took
the chair as president of the Convention.
The following clergymen, entitled to seats in
this Convention, appeared and took their seats,
viz. : —
The Rev. Wm. H. Wilmer, D. D., St. Paul's
Church, Alexandria ; the Rev. William Meade,
Chapel, Frederick county ; the Rev. Daniel Ste
phens, D. D, Augusta parish, Staunton ; the Rev.
Frederick W. Hatch, Fredericksville parish, Al
bemarle ; the Rev. John H. Wingfield, Ports
mouth parish, Norfolk county ; the Rev. Reuel
Keith, Alexandria; the Rev. William Wickes,
Christ Church, Norfolk borough ; the Rev. Syl
vester Nash, Hampshire parish ; the Rev. Ira
Parker, Christ Church, Lancaster county, and
Wicomico parish, Northumberland county ; the
Rev. Silas Freeman, Lexington parish, Arnherst
county ; the Rev. Robt. Prout, Lynnhaven par
ish, Princess Anne county ; the Rev. Chas. H.
Page, Kanawha parish, Kanawha county.
Ordered, That Dr. Carter Berkeley and John
G. Williams, Esq. be appointed a committee
to examine the certificates of appointment of
the lay deputies ; who then withdrew, and after
a short time returned, and presented the follow
ing report : —
The committee to whom were referred the
certificates of the lay delegates, have, according
to order, examined the same, and report, that the
following persons have been duly elected lay
delegates to this Convention : —
Nicholas W. Parker, Christ Church, Norfolk
borough ; John Grammer, jr., Petersburg, par
ish of Bristol ; George Sharfe, Hampshire par
ish ; Thurmer Hoggard, parish of Lynnhaven ;
Yeaman Smith, St. George's parish, Fredericks
burg ; John G. Williams, Monumental Church,
Richmond ; Isaac Canni.il, St. Paul's Church,
Alexandria ; Francis Nelson and Carter Berke
ley, St. Martin's parish ; Philip Nelson, Freder

ick parish, Frederick county; Strother Jones,
Kanawha parish ; Edward Valentine, jr., Augus
ta parish ; Franklin G. Smith, Christ Church,
Alexandria, parish of Fairfax.
On motion, Resolved, That John G. Williams
be appointed secretary to this Convention.
On motion, Resolved, That Robert Greenhow
be appointed treasurer to this Convention.
On motion of the Rev. Mr. Hatch,
Resolved, That the rules of order adopted by
the last Convention for the government of their
proceedings, be the rules of proceeding during
the present Convention ; which rules are as
follows : —
1. The business of every day shall be intro
duced with the morning service of the Ghurch.
2. When the president takes the chair, no
member shall continue standing, or shall after
ward stand up, except to address the chair.
3. No member shall absent himself from the
service of the house, unless he have leave or be
unable to attend.
4. When any member is about to speak in
debate, or deliver any matter to the house, he
shall, with due respect, address himself to the
president, confining himself strictly to the point
in debate.
5. No member shall speak more than twice in
the same debate without leave of the house.
6. A question being once determined, shall
stand as the judgment of the house, and shall
not be again drawn into debate during the same
session, unless with the consent of two thirds of
the house.
7. While the president is putting any ques
tion, the members shall continue in their seats,
and shall not hold any private discourse.
8. Every member who shall be in the house
when any question is put, shall, on a division, be
counted, unless he be personally interested in
the decision.
9. No motion shall be considered as before
the house unless it be seconded, and, when re
quired, reduced to writing.

CONVENTION OF 1824.

169

10. When any question is before the house, it
shall be determined upon before any new thing is
introduced, except the question of adjournment.
11. The question on a motion of adjourn
ment shall be taken before any other, and with
out debate. *
12. When the house is about to rise, every
member shall keep his seat until the president
shall leave his chair.
The following preamble and resolution were
offered by the Rev. William Meade, and unan
imously adopted.
Whereas Mr. William Munford, who has for
many years served this Convention as secretary
and treasurer, has signified by letter his wish
to resign these charges, it is hereby .
Resolved, That the thanks of this Conven
tion be returned to him for the obliging and
faithful manner in which he has performed the
duties of the said offices, and that the Right
Rev. Bishop Moore be requested to express the
same to him, in. the name of the Convention,
and to add their best wishes for his prosperity
and happiness.
On motion, Resolved, That Mr. William
Munford, late treasurer, be requested to pay
over to Mr. Robert Greenhow the funds in his
hands belonging to this church.
Ordered, That the Rev. Wm. Wickes, the
Rev. Wm. H. Wilmer, D. D., the Rev. Wm.
Meade, the Rev. Daniel Stephens, D. D , Dr.
Carter Berkeley, and Mr. Philip Nelson, be a
committee to take into consideration the state of
the church in this diocess, and report thereupon
to the Convention.
Ordered, That the Rev. John H. Wingfield,
the Rev. Robert Prout, Mr. John Grammer, jr.,
and Mr. Nicholas W. Parker, be a committee
to examine the accounts ofthe treasurer of the
Prayer-Book and Tract Society of Virginia.
Ordered, That the Rev. Ira Parker, the Rev.
Charles H. Page, the Rev. Sylvester Nash,
Mr. Strother Jones, Mr. Franklin G. Smith,
Mr. Isaac Cannell, and Mr. Yeaman Smith, be
a committee to examine the account of the
treasurer of the fund for the permanent support
ofthe episcopate in this diocess.
Ordered, That Mr. Francis' Nelson, the Rev.
Reuel Keith, the Rev. Frederick W. Hatch,
and Mr. Edward Valentine, jr., be appointed a
committee to examine the treasurer's accounts.
Ordered, That Mr. George Sharfe and Mr.
Thurmer Hoggard be a committee to examine
the state of the fund for support of widows of
deceased clergymen.
Ordered, That the Rev. Reuel Keith and the
Rev. Frederick W. Hatch be a committee to
examine the parochial reports.
On motion, the secretary received the fol
lowing contributions from sundry parishes in
this diocess, viz. : —
Christ Church, Norfolk borough, - $30 00
Parish of Bristol, Petersburg, - - 30 00
Hampshire parish, .... 15 00
Parish of Lynnhaven, - - - - - 20 00
St. George's parish, Fredericksburg, - 15 00

Amount carried forward,

$110 00

Amount brought forward, $110 00
Monumental Church, Richmond, 30 00
Frederick parish, - - - - 30 00
St. Martin's parish, Hanover, - 20 00
Kanawha parish, - - - - 18 00
Augusta parish, - - - - 20 00
Christ Church, Alexandria, parish of
Fairfax, - - . - - - 30 00
Wicomico parish, Northumberland, - 5 00
Christ Church, Lancaster county, 11 62
Christ Church, Norborne parish, Berke
ley county, by the Rev. Wm. Meade, 1 1 00
Farnham parish, Essex county, 20 00
Portsmouth parish, - - 26 00
St. Anne's parish, - - - 30 00

$361 62
And then, on motion, the Convention ad
journed until to-morrow morning, at 9 o'clock.
Friday, May 21, 1824.
The Convention met according to adjourn
ment, and was opened with prayer by the Right
Rev. Bishop Moore.
Mr. Edmund Penn produced a certificate of
his appointment as lay deputy for the parish of
Lexington, which, being read, was. approved —
whereupon he took his seat as a member of this
Convention. Mr. Francis Nelson, from the committee ap
pointed to examine the treasurer's accounts,
presented a report, which was read, as follows :
The committee on' the treasurer's accounts
beg leave to report, that they have had. the
same under due consideration, and find them to
be correct.. All which is respectfully submitted.
Francis Nelson, Fred'k W. Hatch,
Reuel Keith, Edwd. Valentine, Jr
The said report was, on the question put
thereupon, approved by the Convention.
The Rev. John H. Wingfield, from the com
mittee to examine the account of the treasurer
of the Prayer-Book and Tract Society, present
ed a report, which was read, as follows : —
The committee appointed to examine the ac
counts of the treasurer of the Prayer-Book and
Tract Society of the Diocess of Virginia, have
discharged that duty, and find the same to be cor
rect. John H. Wingfield, Chairman.
The said report was, on the question put
thereupon, approved by the Convention.
Mr. Thurmer Hoggard, from the committee
for examining the state of the fund for the sup
port of the widows and orphans of deceased
cleigymen, made the following report : —
The committee to whom was referred the
examination of the accounts of the treasurer of
the funds for the relief of the widows and or
phans of deceased clergymen of the Episcopal
Church of Virginia, report, that they have, ac
cording to order, had the same under considera
tion, and find that there is now in the hands of
the treasurer,
3 per cent, stock, - - $2,037 78
6 per cent, stock, - - - - 172 5

Amount carried forward,

$2,209 83

170

CONVENTION OF 1824.

Amount brought forward, $2,209 83
I share of stock in Bank of Virginia,
at par, - -' - - - - 100 00
44 shares of stock in Fanners' Bank
of Alexandria, - - - 2,200 00
Robert Andrews's executor's note,
bearing interest from 28th of Feb
ruary, 1822, until paid, - 800 00
Cash in the hands of the treasurer, 150 48

$5,460 31
All which will appear more fully by the ac
count of the treasurer herewith filed.
Thurmer Hoogard, Chairman.
The said report was, on the question put
thereupon, approved by the Convention.
The Rev. Amos C. Treadway, of Lynchburg
parish, appeared and took his seat in this Con
vention. Mr. Seth Ward produced a certificate of his
appointment as a lay deputy for Lynchburg
parish, which being read, was approved — where
upon he took his seat as a member of this Con
vention. The Rev. Charles H. Page, from the com
mittee appointed to examine the state of the
fund for the permanent support of the episco
pate in this diocess, presented a report, which
was read, as follows : —
The committoe to whom was referred the ac
count of the Bishops' Fund report, that since the
last report, as appears by the treasurer's account
hereto annexed, that there are in Alexandria 41
shares in the Farmers' Bank, at $50 each (par
value), making $2,050, dividing six per cent. ;
also, six shares in the Bank of Alexandria, the
par value $200 each, making $1,200, dividing
five percent.
The total amount in stocks, $3,250. Amount
of cash in hand, $205 66, to be vested in stock.
All which is respectfully submitted;
Charles H. Page, Chairman.
The said report was, on the question put
thereupon, approved by the Convention.
The Rev. William H. Wilmer, -D. D., from
the committee on the state of the church, re
ported a canon upon the subject of clerical dis
cipline, which being read, was, upon motion,
laid upon the table.
The proceedings of the standing committee
of this diocess, since the last Convention, were
presented and read.
The Convention proceeded to the election,
by ballot, of eight delegates to represent this
diocess in the next General Convention of the
Protestant Episcopal Church of the United
States ; whereupon the following gentlemen
were duly elected, viz. : — The Rev. William
H. Wilmer, the Rev. William Meade, the Rev.
William Wickes, the Rev. Frederick W.
Hatch, Dr. Carter Berkeley, Mr. John Nelson,
jr., Mr. William Mayo, and Mr. Philip Nelson.
The session was then suspended, for the pur
pose of attending divine service by the Rev.
John H. Wingfield, and a sermon by the Rev.
Silas Freeman, after which the session was re
sumed.

The Convention proceeded to the election,
by ballot, of a standing committee of the church
in this diocess for the ensuing year ; where
upon the following gentlemen were duly elected,
viz. : — The Rev. William H. Wilmer, the Rev.
John Dunn, the Rev. Oliver Norris, the Hon.
Bushrod Washington, Mr. Edmund J. Lee, and
Mr. George Taylor.
On motion,
Resolved, That the next meeting of the
Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church
for the diocess of Virginia shall be held in the
city of Richmond.
Mr. Seth Ward paid to the secretary $30,
the contribution from the Lynchburg parish —
St. Paul's parish. King George, paid by Bishop
Moore, $20 — and Wishington parish, West
moreland, paid by Bishop Moore, $10.
The report of the committee upon the state
of the church, which had been laid -upon the
table, was taken up, and, on motion made and
seconded, was- referred to a special committee,
consisting of the Rev. Wm. H. Wilmer, D.D.,Mr.
John G. Williams, and Mr. John Grammer, jr.
And then the Convention adjourned, to meet
again to-morrow morning, at 9 o'clock.
Saturday, May 22, 1824.
The Convention met according to adjourn
ment, and was opened with prayer by the Rev.
John H. Wingfield.
Mr. John Grammer, jr., from the special
committee to whom was referred the report of
the committee upon the state of the church, re
ported a canon, which was read, as follows : —
CANON vii.
Offences for which a Clergyman may be brought
to trial.
Whereas it is essential to the purity and
prosperity. of all religious communities, that the
temper and deportment of their ministers be
preserved holy and unblameable, it is hereby
declared to be the duty of the bishop and of
the standing committee to- take cognizance of
any offence against decorum and religion of
which a priest or deacon shall be charged, upon
credible testimony. Disorderly, scandalous, and
immoral conduct, neglect of duty, disregard of
the constitution or canons of the church, dis
seminating or countenancing of opinions which
are contrary to her doctrines, gaming, or any
other vicious or unseemly diversions, are of
fences for which (as well as for a violation of
the 26th canon of the General Convention) a
minister may be brought to trial, and the mode
of proceeding shall be as follows : —
Whenever the bishop shall have reason to
suspect a clergyman of any of the above-men
tioned errors in Ufe or doctrine, he shall inform
the standing committee of the same ; or when
ever any member of the standing committee
shall have reason for such suspicion, he shall
give due notice of it to the rest ; whereupon
the committee shall proceed to inquire into the
circumstances of the case ; and if they shall
think that there is a sufficient cause for a trial,
they shall communicate the same- to the bishop,
stating specifically the charges made. Where-

CONVENTION OF 1824.

171

Upon, by order Of the bishop, a council of pres
byters, consisting of not less than three, shall
be convened, who, under the direction of the
bishop, shall proceed in due time to try the party
accused. A copy of the accusation or accusa
tions, and notice of the time and place of trial,
shall be communicated to the accused party by
the bishop of the diocess, at least one month
previous to the time of trial. And furthermore,
it shall be the duty of the standing committee,
at such trial, to lay before the bishop and his
presbyters such evidence as they may be able
to obtain relative to the case under investiga
tion. Witnesses may be called and -examined,
and depositions taken, after reasonable notice
given of the time and place of taking the same ;
and all evidence received on such a trial shall
be given upon oath or affirmation, before a justice
of the peace. The party accused may call on
any person to assist him in his defence, and
have the benefit pf witnesses .and depositions,
as above prescribed, on his giving to the. stand
ing committee reasonable notice of the time and
place of taking such depositions. If two thirds
of the council of presbyters shall consider the
charges as substantiated, they shall report to
the bishop the facts of the case, and whalrsen-
tence, in. their judgment, ought to be pronoun
ced ; whereupon the bishop shall proceed to
acquit, or else -reprove, suspend, or degrade
him, as in his judgment the case may demand.
Furthermore, it is provided, That if there be
no bishop, the standing committee shall take
the place of the bishop, ordering all the circum
stances of trial, and pronouncing such sentence
as the case may demand ; only, that their exer
cise of discipline shall not proceed farther than
the act of suspension.
Resolved, That the seventh canon, for which
this is a substitute, be, and the same is hereby
repealed. ,
On motion' made and seconded,
Resolved, That the said canon be, and the
same is hereby adopted.
On motion, Resolved, That Mr. Nicholas H.
Cobbs be invited to take a seat in this Conven
tion. On motion, Resolved, That the treasurer be
directed to pay the sum of seven dollars to the
doorkeepers of this Convention, for their services ,
during the present session.
On motion, Resolved, That the standing com
mittee be directed to publish the canons of the
church, in the form of » letter, relative to the
candidates for holy orders, and to draw up proper
forms of recommendation for the use of such
candidates, in order to avoid the many incon
veniences which have hitherto attended their
application for orders. -
The following preamble and resolutions were
offered by the Rev. William H. Wilmer : —
Whereas there are throughout the state, in
the possession of families and individuals, many
valuable books, the remnants of ancient libraries,
that are of but little use to their owners, but
which would be of great value to the Theological
School of this diocess, .
It is hereby Resolved, Tnat the friends of the

church, who are in possession of such books as
they can conveniently spare, be, and they are
hereby respectfully requested, to send them, for
the use of the school, to the minister of the
parish, or of the adjoining parish, or to Piofes-
sor Keith, of Alexandria.
Resolved, also, That the clergy and laity of
the diocess, who have in their possession Jour
nals of the Convention of this state holden an
terior to the year 1812, be requested to forward
them to the Rev. Wm. H. Wilmer, of Alex
andria, for the purpose of enabling him to pub
lish the whole of them in regular series, and in
a compact form.
On the question put thereupon, they were
agreed to.
On motion, Resolved, That the thanks of this
Convention be tendered to the ministers and el
ders of the Presbyterian and Methodist churches
in this place, for the liberal and kind offer of
their churches for the use of the Convention.
On motion, Resolved, That the thanks of this
Convention be tendered to the citizens of this
place, for their kind and hospitable attentions
to the members of the Convention during its
session. The session was then suspended, for the pur
pose of attending divine service by the Rev.
Robert Prout, and a sermon by the Rev. Wm. H.
Wilmer, after whieh the session was resumed.
Mr. Alexander Garrett produced his creden
tial as lay delegate for the parish of Fredericks
ville, in Charlottesville, which being read, was
approved ; whereupon he took his seat as a
member of this Convention.
The Rev. Frederick W. Hatch, from the
committee to whom the parochial reports were
referred, presented a report, which was read, as
follows : —
The committee on the parochial reports have
taken them into consideration, and beg leave to
present them to the Convention in the following
condensed form : —
St. Martin's parish, Hanover, has no pastor at
present, but its prospects are not materially al
tered. In Augusta parish, the interests of the church
are represented as rather languishing, in conse
quence of removals and deaths. Marriages five
— baptisms seven — funerals five — communicants
fifteen. In Lynnhaven parish, Princess Anne county, four
have been added to the church. Communicants
twenty-three — baptisms eleven — burials thirteen.
The church in Hampshire county has suffered
much for want of regular ministrations hereto
fore ; to secure which, its present scattered and
enfeebled condition renders every effort necessary.
Those energies, however, they appear willing to
exert, and are endeavouring, to the extent of their
ability, to render the ministration of the word both
permanent and frequent.
Seven places of worship are regularly attended
—five of them once and twice a month, on Sun
days, and other places, occasionally, on week
days. Baptisms thirty-two, three adults— mar
riages three — funerals six.
The rector of Fredericksville parish mentions,
with gratitude to Him who disposes the hearts
of men to good, the liberality manifested by the
citizens of Charlottesville, and several respecta-

172

CONVENTION OF 1824.

ble gentlemen in its vicinity, in subscribing funds
for building an Episcopal church in the town, and
for the friendly interest they have taken in the
subject. Baptisms about twenty-four, ten col
oured persons — funerals eight.
In Kanawha parish no material change has
taken place during the last year. In the congre
gation at the mouth of Coal, and also that of
Charlestown, there are about twelve communi
cants. The minister has once visited Cabell
county, and several times the county of Mason,
where he found the people favourably disposed to
the church, and a very wide field for ministerial
labours. Baptisms thirty-five, twelve coloured
children — deaths sixty, thirty-five children — mar
riages twelve
The present pastor of Christ Church, Norfolk,
has had the charge of it about fourteen months,
in which time eight persons have been added to
the communion. .Twenty-two deaths have taken
place, thirty-four have been baptized, and thirteen
marriages celebrated. There are at present in the
congregation one hundred and eighty-four com
municants, and one Sunday School. In a general
view of the state of thisrcongregation, the pastor
is able to say that it is nourishing. The public
worship is well attended ; and religion, he be
lieves, is advancing. On the subject of contribu
tions to the Theological Seminary — an institution
increasing in interest in this diocess, some dif
ficulty has arisen, which the pastor, in justice to
the parish, and in the hope that it may now be
remoyed, thinks it proper to explain. When the
subscription was offered to the congregation in
Norfolk, the expectation was that- the seminary
would be located at "Williamsburg ; hence many,
from their attachment to that ancient seat of learn
ing, subscribed more than they would have done
if expecting its location anywhere else. Being,
however, as anxious as any other portion of the
diocess for the success of the seminary, the hope
may be entertained, that now a temporary loca
tion is contemplated, all difficulty in relation to
their subscriptions may be removed.
In Lynchburg parish the service is well at
tended, and the prospects of the church are, upon
the whole, encouraging. Baptisms three— mar
riages two.
In Bristol parish, Petersburg, the rector reports
considerable improvement in the attention of the
congregation to religious duties. The worship
of the church is well attended, and the number
of communicants is increased. Baptisms thirteen
— marriages sixteen — deaths thirty-seven.
Lexington parish, Amherst, had' been for some
years without a minister, until July last, at which
time not a single individual was to be found who,
it is believed, would have gone to the communion,
had it been celebrated. Present' prospects, how
ever, are somewhat encouraging ; the ministry of
the word is well attended ; numbers, it is believed,
are daily .becoming convinced "of sin, of righte
ousness, and of judgment." There are three
churches in this parish' to repair ; two of which,
and to rebuild the other, exertions are now about
to be made. Baptisms forty-three, coloured per
sons sixteen — deaths five— one marriage.
In Hungar's parish the rector believes the Re
deemer's cause to be progressing, though no ma
terial change has taken place since the last report.
Baptisms one hundred and twenty-one — mar
riages nine — funerals twenty-seven — communi
cants twenty-nine.
The congregation of Portsmouth parish in
creases slowly, and the general state of the church
here is prosperous ; an increased attention to re
ligion 1b manifested, and the attendance on the

preached word is more regular and general. The
gospel kingdom is gaining ground,, and the rector
rejoices in the hope of a " day of better things,"
not far distant. Baptisms nineteen— funerals eight
— communicants nineteen..
In Lancaster and Northumberland, the glory of
our ancient Zion is still visible. In the venerable
ruins of her dilapidated temples — the mouldering
pillar — the prostrate altar— the shattered dome —
the spacious court — once thronged with joyful mul
titudes, -and the solitary remnant who now traverse
the waste, mourning over its desolation, and seek
ing to light up in their souls the flame of devotion
at altars where the sacrifice for sin has long since
ceased to be represented, exhibit to the mind of
the beholder a most melancholy subject of con
templation. "The minister of these parishes still
trusts, from the increased attention to religion,
and the growing respect manifested for the liturgy,
that, through the instrumentality even of his divi
ded services, the congregations may be built up.
Two of the churches, it is expected, will be re
paired. Baptisms thirty-six — funerals five— mar
riages four.
Parish of Frederick, Since the last Conven
tion, the Rev. Mr. Roberstson having left the
church in "Winchester, the Rev. Mr. Meade is
now sole rector of the parish, officiating alter
nately at Winchester and the chapel. The state
of the congregations is considered as good. The
attendance on divine worship, with- a few excep
tions, is very regular. The number of communi
cants has been increased by the addition of eight
during th&last year. The number of baptisms is
twelve, one of which is an adult. Two societies
of females, formed m the two congregations for the
purpose of promoting domestic and foreign mis
sions, and the education of pious young men,
promise very effectual and permanent' support to
these important objects. In the Chapel congrega
tion very handsome collections have been made
for these purposes for some~ years past ; in the
congregation at Winchester the efforts have but
just commenced, though with very flattering pros
pects of success, as nearly fifty dollars were ob
tained in the few first weeks of its institution.
The minister of this parish, encouraged by the
success with which it has pleased Heaven to
crown his endeavours in this cause, begs leave to
state to the church the method which, by experi
ence, he has found most effectual,, in the hope of
inducing his brethren to make trial of the same.
Believing that the great duty and need of raising
up and properly educating pious young men for
the ministry, and of supplying the destitute parts
of our own land, as well as the nations of the
heathen World, with the ministrations of the gos
pel, only required to be fully and frequently placed
before the hearts of Christians, as we do the other
duties and doctrines of religion, in order to induce
them to take a lively and active interest in the
promotion of the same, he has for some years past
been pursuing the following plan. He has sup
plied himself with a number of the best religious
magazines of the day, which give a full view of
all the spiritual wants, as well as religious exer
tions and charities, of the whole Christian world ; .
from these he has always been enabled to collect
a great variety of most interesting and edifying
pieces on all those subjects which are most dear
to every Christian's heart, and which from time
to time he reads to the members of the congrega
tion. In the country congregation, he has for
some years b§en in the habit- of havings meetings
for this purpose at private houses on some day in
the week, where a number of the families most
convenient assemble together. A tew hours are

CONVENTION OF 1824.

173

spent in prayer, singing suitable hymns, and read
ing the above-mentioned selections. Sometimes
the ladies are engaged in some work which is dis
posed of for the benefit of the cause ; and the
younger members ofthe families are brought also,
and encouraged to take an interest in what is
passing. The minister can truly testify, for him
self and those of his charge, that these meetings
are unusually interesting, and have the effect of
drawing the hearts of those present towards the
important objects laid before them. As evidence
of which he states, that for some- years past he
has, by means of these meetings in the Chapel
congregation, collected about one hundred dollars
annually, which for the two last years has been
sent to the general Missionary Society of the
church. At the same time, the communicants of
this congregation have been contributing between
fifty and one hundred dollars annually to the Edu
cation Society of the District of Columbia, besides
liberal subscriptions to the Theological School of
Virginia. In the church of Winchester, a female
society for promoting the education of pious young
men, and lor missionary purposes, has been formed
within a few months, and promises to do well.
In order to give proper information to the minds
of the members, and also to impress proper feel
ings on their hearts in regard to these subjects,
the minister has occasionally substituted, on Sun
day afternoons, the above-mentioned extracts in
place ofthe sermon, and has reason to believe
that this plan is not only pleasing, bat will be im
proving and profitable. He hopes to raise the
annual sum of one hundred dollars from this con
gregation, which, for the present, it is intended to
apply entirely to the education of pious young
men, together with a separate contribution from
the communicants. The minister of this parish
has been thus particular, because he thinks the
time has arrived when it behooves every minister
to make full trial of his ministry in this respect,
and because he believes that there is not a con
gregation in the church from which something
may not be obtained from willing hearts, if the
subjects be properly and frequently presented to
them. Small contributions may thus be obtained
from pious females, and even from children, as
well as from the male members of the church,
which would not in the least degree interfere with
any other necessary collection for the support of
the church. He is firmly persuaded that no other
plan will produce half the effect, or will long con
tinue in operation ; and therefore urges his breth
ren to adopt that which his own experience for
many years has proved to be successful.
Monumental Church. It is with great pleasure
that the rector of tbe Monumental Church in the
city of Richmond informs the Convention, that the
state of his congregation is very promising. A
Bible class was instituted by him the last winter,
which has been uniformly well attended. It con
sisted of from eighty to a hundred ladies, whose
religious deportment was highly pleasing, and
who, from the readiness with which they an
swered the questions proposed to them, must
have closely studied the subjects under considera
tion. The number of communicants slowly in
creases. The congregation are uniform in their
attendance upon divine worship, and devout in
their behaviour. The rector closes his report by
recommending to the clergy the institution of
Bible classes in their respective parishes, and to
be diligent in their catechetical instructions to
the children belonging to their congregations.
Communicants one hundred and thirty.
The committee cannot close this report with
out recommending to the particular attention of

the parishes in the diocess, the subjects introdu
ced to their notice in the interesting returns from
Frederick parish by the Kev. Wm. Meade, and
from the Monumental Church by our venerable
bishop. All winch is respectfully submitted.
Fkeo. W. Hatch, Chairman.
The said report was, on the question put
thereupon, approved by the Convention.
The Rev. William Meade, from the mem
bers of the board of trustees of the Theologir
cal School, present in Staunton, presented a re
port, which was read, as follows : —
The trustees of the Theological School of Vir
ginia now present, though not in sufficient num
ber to form a quorum, feel it their duty to submit
to the Convention the following report : —
At the last meeting of the trustees, the Rev.
Reuel Keith was engaged as Professor in the in
stitution, and requested to hold himself in readi
ness to take charge of it whenever it should go
into operation. Be accordingly settled in Alex
andria in the month of October last, and has had
under his charge, since that time, from twelve to
fourteen students, thirteen of whom were candi
dates for orders. There are at present under his
care eleven young men, pursuing their studies
with fair prospect of their future respectability and
usefulness, and it is expected that not less than
twenty will wish to enter at the ensuing session.
During the present term, the students have been
instructed by the professor in Biblical Literature
and Criticism, the original languages of the Bible,
Prideaux's Connexions, Hornte on the Inspiration
of the Scriptures, Jahn's Archology, Butler's An
alogy, and Magee on the Atonement. The more
advanced class has recited to the Rev. W. H. Wil
mer, who has had charge of the department of
Systematic Theology, Pearson on the Creed, Bur
net on the Articles, and such other authors as the
time admitted, and tbe course of study prescribed
by the House of Bishops required.
The trustees take great pleasure in contempla
ting the present state and encouraging prospects
of the school ; and in bearing testimony, as far as
they know and believe, to the zeal, fidelity, and
ability with which the professors have discharged
the duties of their professorship. They feel it in
cumbent on them also to state, from satisfactory
information, that the whole course of studies has
been entirely conformed to the canons of the
church. Under the present circumstances of the school,
the trustees are of opinion .that Alexandria is the
best place for the present location, and they beg
leave to recommend to the Convention the adop
tion of a resolution to that effect.
The account of the treasurer herewith submit
ted will show the state of the funds. Various
obstacles have interposed against the collections
expected to be made for this object. In addition
to the pecuniary embarrassments which have pre
vented the acquisition of new subscriptions, and
retarded the collection of those already obtained,
a difficulty has occurred on the ground that the
terms of the subscription involved a condition of
location which has not been observed on the part
of the -church. The hope, however, is entertain
ed, that when the inconvenience and even im
practicability of establishing the school at Will-
iamsburg are considered, with the advantages of
the place now proposed for its location, the objec
tions that have accrued will be removed. Will
iamsburg is too remote and inaccessible to justify
the hope that students can be obtained for a the
ological institution at that place. The experi-

174

CONVENTION OF 1825.

ment was tried there for one year without suc
cess, and no hope of success seemed to present it
self in the time to come. No sooner was the trial
made in Alexandria, than the number of students
and the means of supporting the indigent among
them increased beyond our most sanguine expec
tations. All that is now wanting to complete suc
cess, under the blessing of God, is the liberal co
operation of the friends of the church. A pious
and well-qualified minister of our church has de
voted himself entirely to the arduous duties of an
instructer of the pious youth who wish to be qual
ified for the work of the ministry, and requires
only a moderate support for himself and family :
that support the trustees are unable as yet to af
ford from the interest of their vested fund, and
have to call upon the liberality of the friends of the
church to give them the ability, by the prompt pay
ment of the subscriptions already made, ana by
the most active exertions to obtain others.
We cannot hope for a full and permanent sup
ply of pious and well-educated ministers from any
other source than the institution we commend to
the liberal patronage of our members.
_ The number of pious young men who are de
sirous to devote their lives to this sacred cause is
continually increasing, and the disposition to aid
the more needy of them to procure a suitable edu
cation is increasing in an equal degree ; and to us
do both the pious youths and their benevolent pa
trons look for an institution which shall furnish
them that instruction bymeans of suitable profes
sors. The said report was, on the question put
thereupon, received by the Convention.
And on motion, Resolved, That the Theolo

gical School of Virginia be located for the pres
ent in the town of Alexandria.
On motion, Resolved, That 750 copies of the
Journal of this Convention be printed, and dis
tributed by the secretary among the parishes,
under the superintendence of the bishop.
On motion, Resolved, That the thanks of this
Convention be presented to the secretary for
his faithful services rendered during the present
session. The following preamble and resolution were
offered by the Rev. "William Meade, and adopted.
Whereas the bishop has signified to the Con
vention his desire and intention of employing
an assistant, which is now rendered absolutely
necessary to the discharge of his episcopal du
ties in the diocess, and that he is willing to pay
one half of the assistant's salary out of his own
purse ;
Therefore, Resolved, That as soon as the
bishop shall have obtained an assistant, he com
municate the same to the ministers and vestries,
stating what would be needful, on their part, to
the support of said assistant, and making such
a representation of all the circumstances of the
case as he may deem most effectual.
And then the Convention adjourned, to meet
again in the city of Richmond on the third
Thursday in May next.
Richard C. Moore,
Bishop of the P. E. Church of Virginia.
Teste, John G. Williams, Secretary.

Journal of the Proceedings of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Virginia,
which assembled in the City of Richmond on Thursday, May 19lh, 1825.

The Convention met, and was opened with
divine service by the Right Rev. Bishop Moore,
and a sermon by the Rev. Oliver Norris.
The Right Rev. Bishop Moore, D. D., took
the chair as president of the Convention.
The following clergymen, entitled to seats in
this Convention, appeared and took their seats,
viz. : —
The Rev. John Dunn, Shelburne parish,
Loudoun county ; the Rev. William H. Hart,
Henrico parish, Henrico county ;>.the Rev. Ed
ward C. M'Guire, St. George's parish, Freder
icksburg ; the Rev. William Meade, Frederick
parish, Frederick county ; the Rev. Oliver Nor
ris, Christ Church, Alexandria, parish of Fair
fax ; the Rev. Andrew Syme, Bristol parish,
Petersburg, Dinwiddie county ; the Rev. Will
iam H. Wilmer, D. D., St. Paul's church, Al
exandria ; the Rev. Frederick W. Hatch, Fred
ericksville parish, Albemarle county ; the Rev.
Richard H. Barnes, Hambleton and Leeds par
ish, Fauquier county ; ' the Rev. William Craw
ford, Trinity parish, Louisa county ; the Rev.
Daniel Stephens, D. D., Augusta parish, Staun
ton ; the Rev. Reuel Keith, Alexandria ; the
Rev. John H. Wingfield, Portsmouth parish,
Norfolk county ; the Rev. Charles H. Page,
Kanawha parish, Kanawha county; the Rev.

Alexander Jones, St. Andrew's parish, Jeffefson
county ; the Rev. Silas C. Freeman, Lexington
parish, Amherst county ; the Rev. Sylvester
Nash, Hampshire parish, Hampshire county ;
the Rev. Franklin G. Smith, Lynchburg parish,
Lynchburg ; the Rev. Nicholas H. Cobbs, Rus-
sel parish, Bedford county ; the Rev. Mark L.
Chevers, Lynnhaven parish, Princess Anne ; the
Rev. Robert B. Croes, assistant minister of the
Monumental Church, Richmond ; the Rev. John
Cooke, St. Martin's parish, Hanover and Lou
isa counties ; the Rev. George A. Smith, Christ
Church, Norfolk borough.
Ordered, That Dr. Carter Berkeley and Mr.
John G. Williams be a committee to examine
the certificates of appointment of the lay depu
ties ; who then withdrew, and after a short
time returned,, and presented the following re
port : —
The committee to whom were referred the
certificates of the lay delegates, have, according
to order, examined the same, and report that
the following persons have been duly elected
lay delegates to this Convention : —
John Grammer, jr., Bristol parish, Peters
burg, Dinwiddie county ; Seth Ward, Lynch
burg parish, Lynchburg ; Edward Colston, Nor
borne parish, Martinsburg ; George Hamilton,

CONVENTION OF 1825.

175

St. George's parish, Fredericksburg ; John Nel
son, St. James's parish, Mecklenburg county ;
Robert E. Steed, Christ Church, Norfolk bor
ough ; Philip Nelson, Frederick parish, Fred
erick county ; Jacqueline A. Marshall, Tweeds
and Hamilton parish, Fauquier county ; Ed
mund I. Lee, Christ Church, Alexandria, parish
of Fairfax ; John Dove, parish of Henrico, Hen
rico county ; Bushrod C. Washington, St. An
drew's parish, Jefferson county ; Edmund Penn,
Lexington parish, Amherst county ; Armistead
Mosby, Augusta parish, Staunton ; Thurmer
Hoggard, parish of Lynnhaven, Princess Anne
county ; Francis Nelson, parish of Hampshire,
Hampshire county ; Charles A. Alexander, par
ish of Shelburne, Loudoun county ; William
C. Latane and Richard Croxton, South Farn
ham parish, Essex county ; James M Garnett
and Henry Waring, St. Anne's parish, Essex
county ; John Hooff, St. Paul's Church, Alex
andria ; William Mayo and John G. Williams,
Monumental Church, city of Richmond ; James
Rudder, Portsmouth parish, Norfolk county ;
Carter Berkeley, St. Martin's parish, Hanover
county. Resolved, That Mr. John P. M'Guire be in
vited to attend the sittings of this Convention.
On motion of Mr. Edmund I. Lee,
Resolved, That the rules of order adopted
by the last Convention for the government of
their proceedings, be the rules of proceeding
during the present Convention ; which rules are
as follows : —
1. The business of every day shall be intro
duced with the morning service of the church.
2. When the president takes the chair, no
member shall continue standing, or shall after
ward stand' up, except to address the chair.
3. No member shall absent himself from the
service of the house, unless he have leave or be
unable to attend.
4. When any member is about to speak in
debate, or deliver any matter to the house, he
shall, with due respect, address himself to the
president, confining himself strictly to the point
in debate.
5. No member shall speak more than twice
in the same debate without leave of the house.
6. A question being once determined shall
stand as the judgment of the house, and shall
not be again drawn into debate during the same
session, unless with the consent of two thirds of
the house.
7. While the president is putting any ques
tion, the members shall continue in their seats,
and shall not hold any private discourse.
8. Every member who shall be in the house
when any question is put, shall, on a division, be
counted, unless he be personally interested in
the decision.
9. No motion shall be considered as before
the house unless it be seconded, and, when re
quired, reduced to writing.
10. When any question is before the house,
it shall be determined upon before any new
thing is introduced, except the question of ad
journment. 11. The question on a motion of adjourn

ment shall be taken before any other, and
without debate.
'12. When the house is about to rise, every
member shall keep his seat until the president
shall leave his chair.
Dr. F. Carr produced a certificate of his ap
pointment as a lay deputy for the parish of
Fredericksville, Albemarle county, which being
read, was approved ; whereupon he took his
seat as a member of this Convention.
Ordered, That the Rev. William H. Wilmer,
D. D., the Rev. William Meade, the Rev. Dan
iel Stephens, D. D., the Rev. Oliver Norris,
the Rev. Andrew Syme, Mr. James M. Garnett,
Mr. Edward Colston, Mr. William Mayo, Mr.
Philip Nelson, and Mr. Edmund I. Lee, be a
committee to take into consideration the state
of the church in this diocess, and report there
upon to this Convention.
Ordered, That the Rev. Edward C. M'Guire,
the Rev. Alexander Jones, the Rev. John Dunn,
Mr. Bushrod C. Washington, Dr. Jacqueline
Marshall, and Mr. Thurmer Hoggard, be a com
mittee to examine the parochial reports.
Ordered, That the Rev. Frederick W. Hatch,
the Rev. William H. Hart, Mr. Robert E. Steed,
and Mr. Seth Ward, be a committee to examine
the accounts of the treasurer of the fund for the
permanent support of the episcopate in this
diocess. Ordered, That the Rev. Reuel Keith, Dr.
Carter Berkeley, Mr. John Nelson, and Mr.
John Hooff, be a committee to examine the
treasurer's accounts.
Ordered, That the Rev. William H. Wilmer,
the Rev. John H. Wingfield, the Rev. Silas C.
Freeman, the Rev. Richard H. Barnes, and
Mr. William Latane, be a committee to examine
the state of the fund for the support of the wid
ows of deceased clergymen.
The Right Rev. Bishop Moore delivered to
the Convention the following
PASTORAL ADDRESS.
Once more, my beloved brethren, hath the Al
mighty in his providence pennitted us to assem
ble in Convention, to come up to the house of God
in company, and to take sweet counsel together.
Twelve months have elapsed since our last an
nual meeting, during which time we have been
preserved in safety, and not one has been taken
from our ranks. " Bless the Lord, Oh our souls,
and forget not all his benefits."
With the calls which have been made upon me
from various parts of the diocess the last year it
has been impossible for me to comply, owing to
the want of an assistant to fill my place in this
city. As far, however, as the duty I owe my own
congregation, and the indisposition under which
I have laboured, would admit of my absence from
home, I have yielded to the solicitations of the
people, and have visited the country parishes. .
On my way home from the Convention in
Staunton last May, I stopped in the county of
Cumberland, and preached to an attentive auditory
at the house of Mr. William Cock. That ven
erable man, and a considerable number of his
neighbours, still retain their- attachment to the
church of their fathers ; and I have no doubt that
a spirited and well qualified missionary would
soon revive its interests in that district, and repair

176

CONVENTION OF 1825.

the desolations of our Zion in that part of the
diocess. In the month of June I visited the county of
Gloucester, and officiated on the Sabbath to a
large congregation in Ware Church; and on the
day following 1 rode to Abingdon Church, but ow
ing to a heavy rain I preached to a srnall auditory.
Few are the parishes which hold out stronger in
ducements for the location of a clergyman than
Gloucester. The people, notwithstanding their
long privation of1 the services of the church, con
tinue their attachment to our communion. Within
a few years they have repaired one of their houses
of worship, and would furnish a clergyman of
piety and talents with a comfortable support. The
society is excellent, and I am confident that I do
them no more than justice to say, that a clergy
man might calculate with certainty upon a happy
settlement in the bosom of that affectionate and
hospitable people.
In the month of July I went to Williamsburg,
at which place I preached to a large congregation,
and also administered the Lord's Supper. The
first of August I visited the town of Petersburg in
company with Dr. Wilmer, at which place I ad
ministered the Lord's Supper ; admitted to the
holy order of deacons the Rev. John Cook and the
Rev. Lucius garter. I preached in the evening,
and then bade them farewell.
In September I visited the churches in Alexan
dria, and preached to both congregations. In No
vember I went to Hanover, preached in Allen's
Creek Church, and also at the fnansion of the late
Col Sims. The Rev. Mr. Cook is settled in Han
over ; he is doing much good, and is very much
beloved by the people of his charge.
The latter end of November I again went into
the lower country, preached and administered the
Lord's Supper on the morning of the Sabbath, in
the church in Williamsburg, and in the evening
lectured at the house of Judge Semple, and con
firmed his daughter.
The Monday following I rode . to Yorktown,
preached in the morning at the courthouse, and
in the afternoon at the house of Mr. Nelson, to
attentive, congregations.
Last month I visited the county of Amelia, and
preached at the house of Mr. Meade. In that
county there exist all the materials necessary for
the formation of a respectable congregation ; and
I give it as my decided opinion that a faithful, pru
dent, and intelligent clergyman would be well re
ceived by the people, and meet with abundant suc
cess in his ministry.
To remedy some difficulties, brethren, which
have presented themselves to view, I conceive it
a duty incumbent on me at this time to offer a few
observations on the subject of ah obedience to the
rubrics of the church ; and as the clergy cannot
charge me with unkindness in my intercourse
with them, I trust my remarks will be received
with the same .spirit of conciliation with which
they will be offered, and not charged to a spirit of
improper domination.
The church of which we are members has al
ways felicitated herself upon the possession of a
liturgy, combining with the soundest sense the
purest and most sublimated devotion : a liturgy
which has commanded the respect and admira
tion of some of the greatest and most enlightened
men who have lived since the reformation. To_
enable the clergy to conduct the devotions of the
people in perfect uniformity, rubrics have been at
tached to all the offices of religion ; a compliance
with which is required of every minister prior to
his ordination.
Although the services of the church have been

thus guarded, still it has sometimes happened that
a departure from the liturgy has taken place, and
the beauty of our incomparable form of worship
been, in some measure, destroyed.
When an individual,' instructed in the peculiar
ities of our services, is engaged in the duties of the
sanctuary, he can follow, with indescribable pleas
ure, the officiating clergyman in the regular exer
cise of his office ; he is always prepared to unite
in the prayers, and to worship the Lord in the
beauty of holiness, without the least distraction
of mind. But when it so happens that the clergy
man is inattentive to the rubrics, the devotional
exercises of the worshipper are obstructed : Iris
mind, instead of being -preserved calm and serene,
becomes perplexed, and his religious feelings
changed into those of disappointment, if not dis
pleasure. I indulge the hope, brethren, that in
those instances in which the aberrations alluded
to have been practised, they have arisen more from
inconsideration than design ; and that it is only
necessary to mention the evil to have it remedied.
Another subject to which I must call your at
tention, is the fund for the support of the episco
pate in the diocess of Virginia. I do this with
less reluctance than I otherwise should, in conse
quence of my age, and the impossibility of reaping
from it any personal advantages whatever.
The bishop of the diocess has duties to perform
which render it improper that he should be con
fined to the superintendence of a particular parish.
All the congregations in the state form the objects
of his pastoral charge, and are equally entitled to
his superintending care. Were the bishop at per
fect liberty, he could visit at pleasure the desti
tute parts of his diocess ; convince the people of
the interest he takes in their concerns ; keep alive
their attachment to the church, and prevent them
from a departure from the fold. When confined
to the charge of a single congregation, the en
treaties of those who are destitute of ministerial
aid cannot be complied with. His children ask
for the bread of life at his hands, and he is obliged
to withhold the aid for which they implore : they
plead their relation to him as to their spiritual
father, and they plead in vain ; they demand his
fostering care in accents which touch his heart,
but their demands, however reasonable and just,
it is beyond his power to satisfy.
Such, brethren, has been my situation since my
residence in Virginia; and such must be the situa
tion of my successor, unless some provision should
be made to meet the evil. A clergyman of suita
ble talents, who would travel through the diocess,
and who might be employed as a missionary at
the same time, could, I am well convinced, in the
space of two years, complete the plan you have
already commenced, and enable your diocesan to
perform the duties belonging to his office. What
person, who considers himself a member of the
church, would refuse a few dollars for the comple
tion of such an object ? What Virginian, who
recollects the attachment of his departed parents
to the church,' and who remembers the period
when he was led by them to worship in our courts,
would shut his ears to our petitions, or send us
empty away from his doors ? My brethren, I have
travelled too much through this diocess to con
sider such an event possible. I know the Virginia
character too well to believe that the old church,
dilapidated as she is in many places, would ask
for bread and receive a stone. No, my brethren,
it is impossible. The remains of their parents
lie interred, in many instances, within the walls
or around the walls of our ruined temples ; and
those revered relics would make such an appeal
to their hearts as they would not be willing to

CONVENTION OF 1825.

177

resist. Make then, I beseech you, one vigorous
and united effort in the case submitted to you ;
enter upon the concern with one heart and one
mind, and the Lord will in mercy bless your
efforts. At the last Convention an arrangement was
made for the procuring an assistant in this parish,
in order to enable me to attend to the duties of
the diocess. The assistant contemplated has
been called, and is now a member of this Con
vention. 1 have promised to pay him $500 annu
ally out of my salary, and the last Convention
pledged themselves for a similar sum. I mention
these circumstances in order that the parishes
may take such measures to raise their proportion
of the salary as they consider expedient in the
. case. May God in tender mercy, my beloved
brethren, preside in the council of his church, di
rect us in all our doings, and further us with his
continual help. Richard C. Moore.
On motion, Resolved, That the pastoral ad
dress of the bishop be referred to the commit
tee on the state of the church.
The standing committee of the diocess made
a report of their proceedings during the past
year, which was read.
On motion, Resolved, That Mr. Garnett, Mr.
Williams, Mr. Grammer, and Mr. John Nelson,
. be a committee-to consider a proposition which
has been made through a member of this Con
vention, as authorized by one of the heirs of
Evan Ragland, deceased, to effect an amicable
settlement of the suit that is now pending
against the heirs of said decedent.
The standing committee of tlie diocess re
ported that they had caused the "canons of the
church, relative to candidates for holy orders, to
be printed in the form of a letter, agreeably to
the resolution of the last Convention, which
they have now ready for distribution.
On motion, the secretary received the follow
ing contributions from sundry parishes of this
diocess : —
Christ Church, Norfolk borough, $30 00
Parish of Bristol, Petersburg, 30 00
Parish of Lynnhaven, - • - 20 00
St. George's parish, Fredericksburg, 20 00
Frederick parish, - - 30 00
St. Martin's parish, Hanover, - 20 00
Augusta parish, - - - - 10 00
Christ Church, Alexandria, parish of
Fairfax, - - - - 30 00
Farnham parish, Essex county, - 12 00
Portsmouth parish, - - 20 50
St. Anne's parish, - 30 00
Henrico parish, - 20 00
St. Paul's Church, Alexandria, 30 00
Shelburne parish, Loudoun, - 30 00
St. James's parish, Mecklenburg, ' 24 00
Hambleton and Leeds parish, 23 87
St. Andrew's parish, Jefferson county, 18 00
Lexington parish, Amherst county, 10 00
Lynchburg parish, Campbell county, 30 00
Russell parish, Bedford county, - 20 00
Monumental Church, city of Rich
mond,  30 00
.6488 37
M

And then, on motion, the Convention ad
journed until to-morrow morning, 10 o'clock.
Friday, May 20, 1825.
The Convention met according to adjourn
ment, and was opened with divine service by
the Rev. Franklin G. Smith, and a sermon by
the Rev. Daniel Stephens, D. D.
The Rev. Dr. Wilmer, from the committee
to whom was referred the examination of the
accounts of the treasurer of the funds of the
widows and orphans of deceased clergymen of
the Episcopal Church of Virginia, made the fol
lowing report : —
The committee to whom was referred the
treasurer's accounts of the fund for the relief of
the widows and orphans of deceased clergymen,
report, that they have examined the same, which
is herewith exhibited, and they recommend that
the same be approved by the Convention.
The said report was, on the question put
thereupon, approved by the Convention.
The Rev. Dr. Wilmer, from the committee
on the state of the church in this diocess, pre
sented the following report : —
Whereas the bishop in his pastoral address has
affectionately urged upon his clergy the observance
of tbe rubrics of the church, as directed by the
canons ; and has also impressed upon the Con
vention the necessity of making some arrange
ment for raising a part of the salary for the sup
port of his assistant in the Monumental Church,
in conformity to the resolution adopted by the last
Convention : —
Resolved, That the Convention heartily con
curs with the bishop in recommending to the min
isters a punctual observance of the same, warning
them of the danger of yielding to prejudices sup
posed to exist against the liturgy, either m the
breasts of the irreligious, or of those who may be
present at our churches, who are accustomed to
other services ; and particularly would they urge
it upon the ministers and parents to train up the
younger members in the church in the use of the
prayer-book, as the best means of ensurmg a reg
ular and edifying use of the liturgy, and would
also recommend it to the ministers occasionally to
expatiate on the excellences and advantages of our
incomparable service. At the same time the Con
vention feels bound in duty to the Church of Vir
ginia to state, that but few instances of departure
have occurred, and also that there is a growing
attachment to the services ofthe church through
out the diocess.
Resolved, That the bishop and standing com
mittee be, and they are hereby authorized, to ap
point some competent person or persons to call on
the members of the Episcopal Church in this di
ocess, in "such places as may be thought expedient,
to solicit contributions for the permanent fund for
the support of the bishop ; and out of the contri
butions it is recommended that as much be an
nually appropriated towards the payment of the
assistant of the bishop, as may be necessary to
supply any deficiency in that portion of his sup
port which the different vestries in the diocess are
required to provide.
Uesolved, Th.tt the bishop do address a circular
letter to the members and vestries of the different
parishes of the diocess, upon the subject of raising
a salary for the support of the assistant to the
bishop : the ministers are hereby required to lay
tha same before their respective' vestries, and to

178

CONVENTION OF 1825.

read the same from the pulpit to their respective
congregations. On motion made and seconded,
Resolved, That the first resolution reported
by the committee upon the state of the church
be, and the same is hereby adopted.
On motion, Resolved, That the second and
third resolutions reported by the committee on
the state of the church, be for the present laid
upon the table.
The Rev. Mr. Meade presented the following
letter, addressed to this Convention from the
Colonization Society.
OFFrCE OP THE COLONIZATION SOCIETY,
Washington, 12th May, 1825.
To the Convention of the Protestant Episcopal
Church in the State of Virginia.
The managers of the Colonization Society re
spectfully solicit the attention of the Episcopal
Convention to the great objects of their institu
tion. Their success has already exceeded their
expectations. The colony at Liberia is in- a pros
perous and improving state. The interest in its
favour is more deep and extensive than ever be
fore, and a thousand urgent motives are addressed
to every virtuous mind, especially to Christian
ministers, to prevent their neglect of this encoura
ging crisis, and to excite to renewed exertions in
tbis sacred cause of justice and religion.
It is through the clergy that the board believe
they may act most successfully on the public
mind. Much, therefore, do they desire the sanc
tion of the several ecclesiastical bodies in the
United States to their plans and proceedings.
They beg leave, therefore, to suggest to this
Convention a measure which they intend to pro
pose to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian
Churches. That a resolution be adopted, recommending to
the congregations under the care of this Conven
tion collections in behalf of the Colonization So
ciety, to be made on the 4th of July, or on the
Sabbath immediately preceding or succeeding
that day. By order of the board,
-R. R. Gurley, Resident Agent.
On motion, Resolved, That this Convention
have witnessed, with the deepest emotions of
gratitude to God, the degree of success with
which it has pleased him to bless the efforts of
the American Colonization Society : they ob
serve with pleasure an increasing interest in its
prosperity everywhere manifested throughout
this Union, and particularly in the proceedings
of the last Legislature of this state, and they
recommend continued and increasing exertions
in its favour to the charitable and patriotic in
this diocess.
Resolved, therefore, That it be earnestly rec
ommended to the different clergymen and ves
tries of the Protestant Episcopal Church within
this diocess, to have collections made in their
respective churches on the Sabbath either pre
ceding or succeeding the 4th of July, in aid of
the funds of the Colonization Society.
The Convention proceeded to the election,
by ballot, of eight delegates to represent this
diocess in the next General Convention of the
Protestant Episcopal Church of the United
States : whereupon the following gentlemen

were duly elected, viz : — The Rev'. William
H. Wilmer, D. D., the Rev. William Meade,
the Rev. Frederick W. Hatch, the Rev. Ed
ward C. M'Guire, Dr. Carter Berkeley, Mr.
William Mayo, Mr. Philip Nelson, and Mr.
James M. Garnett.
The Convention proceeded to the election,
by ballot, of a standing committee of the church
in this diocess for the ensuing year : whereupon
the following gentlemen were duly elected,
viz. : — The Rev. William H. Wilmer, the Key.
Oliver Norris, the Rev. John Dunn, the Hon.
Bushrod Washington, Mr. Edmund I. Lee, and
Mr. George Taylor.
And then the Convention adjourned, to meet
again to-morrow morning, at 10 o'clock.
Saturday, May 21, 1825.
The Convention met according to adjourn
ment, and" was opened with divine service by the
Rev. Sylvester Nash, and a sermon by the Rev'.
William Meade.
The Rev. Mr. Hatch, from the committee
appointed to examine the state of the fund for
the permanent support of the episcopate in this
diocess, presented a report, whieh was read, as
follows : —
The committee on the fund for the support ¦
of the episcopate have had the subject under
consideration, and beg leave to report, as fol
lows : —
In the year 1823, there was vested in
bank-stock of the Farmers' Bank of
Alexandria, at par value, - $2,050 00
Also,, in stock of the Bank of Alexan
dria, - 1,200 00
Also, one turnpike share, not consid
ered valuable, - 100 00
During the past year, and up to the
present period, there have accrued
to this fund, chiefly in dividends on
stock, - - 402 IS

3,752 16

This last amount, with the exception
of $9 66, has been invested in the
Farmers' Bank of Alexandria, (from
all which it appears that the sum
total of the fund for the support of
the episcopate is, as above stated, $3,752 16
Respectfully submitted, F. W. Hatch,
Robert E. Steed,
Seth Ward,
Wm. C. Latane,
Witt. H. Hart.
The said report was, on the question put
thereupon, approved by the Convention.
On motion made and seconded, _
Resolved, That the second and third resolu
tions reported by the committee upon the state
of the church be now taken up and considered.
The resolutions were accordingly taken up
and read.
And, on motion made and seconded,
ReBolved, That the second resolution report-

CONVENTION OF 1825.

179

ed yesterday by the committee upon the state
Of the. church be indefinitely postponed.
The names of those who voted in the affirm
ative are as follows : —
The Rev. John Dunn, the Rev. Edward C.
M'Guire, the Rev. William Meade, the Rev.
Andrew Syme, the Rev. William H. Wilmer,
the Rev. Frederick W. Hatch, the Rev. Will
iam Crawford, the Rev. Daniel Stephens, the
Rev. Reuel Keith, the Rev. John H. Winglield,
the Rev. Charles H. Page, the Rev. Alexander
Jones, the Rev. Silas C. Freeman, the Rev
Sylvester Nash, the Rev. Franklin G. Smith,
the Rev. Nicholas H. Cobbs, the Rev. John
Cook, the Rev. George A. Smith ; Messrs. John
Grammer, jr., Seth Ward, Edward Colston,
George Hamilton, Jphn Nelson, Robert E.
Steed, Philip Nelson, Jacqueline A. Marshall,
Bushrod C. Washington, Edmund Penn, Ar
mistead Mosby, ThurmeT Hoggard, Francis Nel
son, Charles A. Alexander, William C. Latane,
Richard Oroxton, Henry Warring, John Hooff,
William Mayo, John G.Williams, Carter Berke
ley, F. Carr— 40.
The names of those who voted in the negative
are as follows : —
The Rev. William H. Hart, the Rev. Mark
L. Chevers, the Rev. Robert B. Croes, Messrs.
Edmund I. Lee, John Dove, and James M. Gar
nett — 6.
On motion,
Resolved, unanimously, That the third reso
lution reported by the same committee on the
state of the church be adopted.
The Rev. William Meade, from the Board
of Trustees of the Theological School, present
ed a report, which was read, as follows : —
Report of the Board of Trustees of the Theological
School of Virginia, to the Convention of the Diocess
assembled in Richmond, May 19^, 1825.
With the liveliest emotions of gratitude to the
great Head of tbe church for the blessing which
has been poured out upon our first efforts, we are
enabled to report to the Convention, that during
the present session, commencing in October last,
twenty-one young men have been pursuing their
studies under the two professors appointed to this
very important charge. As every thing belonging
to this institution must be interesting to all the
true friends of religion and the church, and as the
members of the Convention, in particular, are
bound to watch over its proceedings, we herewith
present a brief statement of the different subjects
and books which have engaged the attention of the
students during the paBt and present session : The
professor of Greek and Hebrew Literature, Biblical
Criticism, and Evidences of Christianity, reports,
that by the end of the term, the junior class will
have completed the History of the Church before
the advent of our Saviour, the Jewish Antiquities,
and the Evidences of the Inspiration of the Scrip
tures. The text-books used are, the historical
books of the Old Testament, and Prideaux's Con
nexions, Paley's Evidences, and Home on the
Inspiration of the Scriptures, and on the Jewish
Antiquities. They have also spent a large portion
of their time in the critical study of the four Gos
pels and the Acts of the Apostles in the Greek,
and have read about eighteen chapters in Genesis
and- thirty Psalms in Hebrew. The senior class
have studied, in the same way, the whole of the
M 2

Epistles and about twenty chapters of Isaiah in He
brew. The professor of Systematic Divinity, Ec
clesiastical History, and -the Nature, Ministry, and
Polity of the Church, reports, that there were nine
students under his care who have gone through
the following exercises : twice in the week they
have recited in Systematic Divinity and Ecclesi-
astical History, alternately; have finished Pearson
on the Creed, Burnet on the Articles, and Mo-
sheim's Ecclesiastical History. In addition to the
recitations in these text-books, the students have
been required to produce weekly, in rotation, a
thesis on some point uf systematic divinity, not so
fully discussed in the foregoing books, having ref
erence to Magee and Stackhouse ; also, to produce
a written dissertation on each book of Scripture,
giving an account of its authenticity, contents,
scope, design, &c. In this way, the whole course
in this branch is now nearly-completed. Ecclesi
astical Polity, the Book of Common Prayer, and
Canons of the Church, remain yet to be studied.
Besides these exercises, each member ofthe class
is required, in alphabetic rotation, to read the ser
vice of tire church, and a sermon of his own com
position, once a week, m presence of the profes
sors' and the whole school. The students are
permitted, on these occasions, to offer their criti
cisms and remarks on the performances ; and, on
the following week, the professors alternately de
liver their sentiments on the same, in such exer
cises of the mind are the young candidates for the
ministry diligently engaged, daily adding some
thing to their stock of useful information, acqui-
ring an accurate knowledge of the sacred text,
equipping themselves with the whole armour of
God, using themselves to those weapons with
which they must contend against the enemies of
religion, and exercising themselves in those duties
which they will soon be called upon to perform in
behalf of the congregations which are now waiting
to enjoy their first labours of love. Besides the.
exercises just mentioned, over which the prqfes.
sors preside, the students meet on one evening of
each week for the purpose of mutual edification,
by prayer and religious conversation ; they are also
actively and usefully engaged on the Sabbath, in
the Sunday Schools belonging to the Episcopal
churches in Alexandria ; and on the evenings of
the Sabbath, as also on one other evening in each
week, they take part in the religious exercises of
private meetings in the town or in its suburbs,
among the poor and destitute.
For the purpose of obtaining an accurate knowl
edge of the spiritual condition of the world, and
especially of our own country and church, and
thereby affecting their hearts with a lively concern
for the same, and determining what part they will
take in improving that condition, the students have
followed the good example of their brethren in th§
General Seminary, by instituting a society of in.
quiry, and entering into such correspondence as
shall be most likely to afford them the needful
information, particularly by soliciting a free inter
course with the above-mentioned society hi the.
General Seminary.
The board of trustees have also to report to the
Convention the result of their deliberations at the
present meeting. From the representations made
to it , hy those professors to whom they had in
trusted the important charge during the last and
present session, it appeared highly desirable tp"
afford them aid in some of the various departments
of theological science and pastoral duty which
require the attention of the teachers in such a
school. The trustees have therefore appointed the
Rev. Mr. Norris professor of Pastoral Theology,
at the same time appointing a committee with

180

CONVENTION OF 1825.

powers to select some suitable person to be profes
sor of Systematic Divinity and Pulpit Eloquence.
To meet the additional expense of one of the
new professors, is a subject which has for some
time past engaged the attention of the friends of
our seminary, and it is confidently believed that
such arrangements can be made as will ensure a
competent support to a suitable professor.
In relation to the funds of the seminary, the
board have to state that its collections have ex
ceeded the sum of nine thousand dollars, and the
subscriptions the sum of  .
The agents appointed to obtain further subscrip
tions have been prevented, by a variety of causes,
from performing the duty assigned them; but they
hope the time is not far distant when all things
will be favourable to a successful prosecution of
this work, and they will be enabled to present our
school to all the friends of the church throughout
the diocess, soliciting that pecuniary assistance
which is so needful to its prosperity. In the mean
time, we cannot refrain from taking this opportu
nity of addressing ourselves to those especially
who, from their local situation or other circum
stances, may have never been applied to, and ear
nestly beseech them to consider the claim which
this institution has upon their pious charity ; we
beg them to consider the good example which
Christians and philanthropists in every age and
church have afforded to the world by the endow
ment of such institutions, and particularly how
those who have abounded in the wealth of this
world, or had few dependants and connexions ur
ging a strong claim upon their earthly goods, have,
in making their arrangements for departing this
life, endeavoured so to dispose of their possessions
as to make them redound most to the good of
mankind, and the glory of that God whose bles
sing maketh rich, and who will require at our hands
a strict account of all the talents committed to our
trust. It is with indescribable pleasure that the board
now makes mention of those auxiliary education
societies which have been formed in aid of the
great object of the seminary. These are, with few
if any exceptions, under the direction of the female
members of the church, who also contribute far
the greater part of the funds. To their zeal are
we indebted for an annual sum which has not only
enabled a considerable number of indigent and
pious young men to pursue their theological stud
ies at our seminary, by defraying their needful
expenses, but has enabled us to support a profes
sor before trie interest of our permanent fund is
sufficient for the purpose. We commend their
example to the imitation of all our congregations,
and more particularly to the attention of our min
isters, in whose power it is, by a zealous and per
severing prosecution of this plan, to support our
seminary, and make it yield all the benefits to the
church for which it was designed. But the board
cannot conclude on this subject without the most
particular and'emphatic mention of one duty, on
the right performance of which it is well assured
the genuine piety and usefulness of the institution
depend. That duty we can express in no words
so suitable and impressive as those of our blessed
Master: " The harvest truly is great, but the la
bourers are few ; pray ye therefore the Lord of the
harvest, that he would send forth more labourers
into the harvest." We entreat our Christian
friends, and the ministers especially, in their pri
vate and social prayers, to remember this subject,
and lay it before the Lord, entreating him to put
it into the hearts of pious youths of our church to
devote themselves to the work of the ministry, and
to dispose the hearts of parents also4o supplicate

this honour and blessedness for their children. If
such a spirit as this pervade the Christian mem
bers of our communion, we shall have God for our
friend, and therefore must prevail.
From the present prospects of the. school, the
board entertain the hope that it will be prepared
to take a respectable rank among the similar in
stitutions established by the church. The Gen
eral Seminary in New-York has been for some
time in successful progress. A diocesan school
in Ohio is about to commence its operations, also,
with encouraging prospects. Experience has
proved that there is ample room and demand for
the Theological School of Virginia. By its local
convenience, and by its accommodation to the
habits and manners of our southern country, it
attracts, without conflicting with the interests of
the General Seminary, a patronage and support
which otherwise would be lost to the cause of the
church. Many of the students now attached to it
would have attended no seminary, and probably
would have been alienated from the church.
With the Bible-chart before us, as delineated by
our venerable church, we hope that the course
pursued by the seminary will be honourable and
prosperous to itself and the church; and that the
students who may come forth from the institution
will be sound ministers of the church, combining
the love of order and unity with that experimental
acquaintance with the religion of- the heart, and
that zealous and faithful discharge of the ministe
rial functions, which alone can render them re
spectable and useful in the Lord's vineyard.
The trustees herewith present a copy of the
rules and regulations which they have adopted for
the government of the school.
chapter i.
Of the Course of Theological Learning.
The course of theological learning to be pursued
In this seminary shall embrace the following de
partments : —
1. Oriental and Greek literature — comprising
tbe knowledge which is necessary to tbe critical
study of tbe Holy Scriptures in the original lan
guages. 2. Biblical learning — comprehending whatever
relates to the criticism of tbe sacred text.
3. The interpretation of the Scriptures — exhib
iting the principles of Scriptural interpretation,
and the meaning and practical application of the
sacred writings.
4. The evidences of revealed religion — estab
lishing the genuineness, authenticity, and credibil
ity of the Scriptures, and a view of the character
and effects of Christianity, ofthe various objections
of infidel writers, with a refutation of them, and
of moral science in its relations to theology.
5. Systematic divinity — presenting a methodical
arrangement and explanation of the truths con
tained in the Scriptures, with the authorities sus
taining these truths ; a statement and refutation
of the erroneous doctrines attempted to be deduced
from the sacred writings ; and a particular view
and defence of the system of faith professed by the
Protestant Episcopal Church.
6. Ecclesiastical history — displaying the history
of the church in all ages, and particularly of the
Church of England and the Protestant Episcopal
Church in this country.
7. The nature, ministry, and polity of the church
— comprising a view of the nature of the Christian
church,' and of the duty of preserving its unity ; of
the authority and orders of the ministry, with a
statement and elucidation of the principles of ec
clesiastical polity, and an explanation and defence
of that of the Protestant Episcopal Church ; and

CONVENTION OF 1825,

181

slso an exhibition of the authority and advantages
of liturgical service, with a history, explanation,
and defence of the liturgy of the Protestant Epis
copal Church, and of its rites and ceremonies.
8. Pastoral theology and pulpit eloquence — ex
plaining and enforcing the qualifications and duties
of the clerical office ; and including the perform
ance of the service of the church, and the compo
sition and delivery of sermons.
chapter ii.
Of the Faculty.
The bishop and professors shall constitute a
faculty, and meet according to their own rules ;
the presence of a majority of the professors being
necessary to form a board. The bishop, when
present, shall preside at all meetings of the board.
chapter iii.
Of the Students.
1. EveTy person producing to the faculty satis
factory evidence of his having been admitted a
candidate for holy orders, with full qualifications
according to the canons of the Protestant Episco
pal Church in the United States, shall be received
as a student in the seminary. All others may be
admitted who shall produce satisfactory evidence
of religious and moral character, and of classical
and scientific attainments, and in general of such
dispositions and habits as may render them apt
and meet to exercise the ministry.
2. Every student shall, on his admission into
the seminary, subscribe his name to the following
declaration, in a book to be kept for the purpose :
— We, the subscribers, students of the Theologi
cal School of Virginia, do solemnly promise, with
reliance on divine grace, that we will, during our
connexion with the seminary, faithfully obey the
laws thereof, and diligently prosecute all tbe
studies, and perform all the duties, which, accord
ing to the rules of the institution, may be required
of us ; and, furthermore, that we will uniformly
cultivate religious and moral dispositions and
habits; and, by every means within our proper
sphere, endeavour to promote the reputation and
interests of the seminary.
3. On the admission of a student, his name
shall be entered in a book to be kept by the facul
ty for that purpose ; and, in appropriate columns,
opposite each name, shall be recorded the time of
admission of the students respectively, the time
of their discontinuing attendance, and the cause
of the same. And this list shall be laid before the
trustees at their stated meetings.
4. The faculty, consisting of the bishop and
professors, shall have the power of suspending or
expelling any student, for reasons which they may
deem sufficient. In the case of the expulsion of
a student who is a regularly admitted candidate
for orders in this church, or of his leaving the
seminary without approved reasons, information
of the fact shall be sent to the bishop, or, where
there is no bishop, to the standing committee of
the diocess to which such candidate belongs.
But, as occasions may occur when the prompt
exercise of discipline may be required, the profes
sors alone shall have the power to suspend a
student from the school until due notice shall be
given to the bishop of the nature of his offence,
and of the time appointed for the trial, if a trial be
deemed necessary.
5. As mere theological learning, unaccompanied
with real piety, is not a sufficient qualification for
the ministry, it is declared to be the duty of every
student, with an humble reliance on divine
grace, to be assiduous in the cultivation of evan

gelical faith, and a sound practical piety ; neither
contenting himself with mere formality, nor run
ning into fanaticism. He must be careful to
maintain, every day, stated periods of pious read
ing, meditation, and devotion; and occasional
special seasons fbr the more solemn and enlarged
observance of these duties, together with that of
such abstinence as is suited to extraordinary acts
of devotion, having due regard to the days and
seasons recommended for this purpose by the
church. In order to excite just views of the
nature, responsibilities, and obligations of the
clerical office, he should frequently and carefully
read over the services for the ordination of dea
cons and priests, with the view of making their
contents the subjects of serious reflection, and an
incitement to fervent prayer, that, if admitted to
either of those offices, he may have grace to be
faithful in the discharge of its duties. He must
be regular in his attendance on the public service
of the church, not only on Sundays, but also, as
his studies and other duties will admit, on holy-
days and prayer-days. Sundays, in particular, he
should consider as devoted, except the portions
of them occupied in the stated services of the
church, to the private use of means for his ad
vancement in Christian knowledge and piety.
And, with a view to the promotion of the same
great object, it shall be the duty of the professors
to commence their respective lectures or recita
tions with an office of devotion suited to the pur
pose, and to incorporate with their instructions,
as opportunity is afforded, such advice and direc
tions as may tend to the religious improvement of
the students, and to their proper view of the true
character and weighty obligations of the gospel
ministry. chapter iv.
Of the Course of Study.
1. The full course of study in this seminary
shall occupy three years, each year comprising
one session, commencing on the second Wednes
day in October, and terminating on the second
Wednesday in July. There shall also be a sus
pension of the exercises of the seminary on
Christmas-day, on Ash- Wednesday, on the week
immediately preceding Easter, and on all days of
thanksgiving or fasting appointed by the eccle
siastical or civil authority.
2. There shall be three classes in the seminary ;
the term of study in each of which shall be one
year. The students who enter the first year
shall compose the third class ; those advanced
into the second year the second class ; and those
into the third year the first class.
Third class. — This class shall pursue the study
of Oriental and Greek literature ; of Biblical
learning and the interpretation of Scripture ; pf
the evidences of revealed religion, and of Jewish
antiquities. Second class. — This class shall continue the
critical study of the Scriptures, and shall com
mence the study of moral science in its relation
to theology, of systematic divinity, and ecclesias
tical history.
First class. — This class shall finish the study of
systematic divinity, of ecclesiastical history, .and
shall also complete the course of instruction in
the nature, ministry, and polity of the Christian
church, and in the Book of Common Prayer, and
canons ofthe church.
3. Every student shall, besides attending to the
appointed recitations of his class, produce such
expositions of Scripture, critical dissertations,
sermons, or other compositions, as the professors

182

CONVENTION OF 1825.

shall direct. And one day in each week the
classes shall meet with the professors, for the
performance of the services of the church, the
delivery of original sermons, and such Other exer
cises as they may think proper.
4. Such arrangements shall be made by the
faculty, as that each class shall attend some one
of the professors afleast once every day.
5. The professors, in their respective depart
ments, shall use as text-books such works only
as are included in the course of study which has
been or may be recommended by the House of
Bishops, or as may be approved by the faculty.
And, immediately after the close of each session,
the professors shall give notice, in such mode as
they may think proper, of the day of the com
mencement of the next session, and of the books
which will immediately be used by the class
which next enters the seminary.
6. In order more effectually to secure the bene
fits of the above course of study, every applicant
for admission shall enter the seminary in the
third class, at the commencement of the first ses
sion ; unless, upon examination by the faculty, he
be found qualified to take his station in either of
the other classes, or in the said third class, at any
period after the commencement of its first ses
sion : in either of which cases he may be admitted
accordingly, and be entitled to the same rank and
privileges as the original members of the class
into which he enters.
7. Every student in the seminary must be a
member of one of the classes, and engage in all
the studies which appertain to his class.
8. At the close of the second session in every
year, the students shall undergo ar^examination
on their studies by the faculty, in the presence of
such members of the board of trustees as can be
convened. 9. At the conclusion of the full course of study,
each student who shall have sustained his exami
nations in a satisfactory manner shall receive a
testimonial of the same, signed by the professors,
and countersigned by as many of the trustees as
may be convenient,
On motion made and seconded,
Resolved, That the said report bo received.
The Rev. Mr. Keith, from the committee
appointed to examine the treasurer's accounts,
presented a report, which was read.
The* committee on the treasurer's accounts
beg leave to report, that they have had the same
under due consideration, and find them to be
correct. On motion, Resolved, That the said report
he receiyed and approved.
The Rev. Mr. M'Guire, from the committee
to whom the parochial repprts were referred,
presented the following report : —
The committee on the parochial reports have
had them under consideration, and beg leave to
present them to the Convention in the following
condensed form : —
St. James's church, Leesburg, Shelburne parish,
is reported by the rector as in an impr-.ving state.
A Female Missionary Society has been lately
formed— a liberal donation has been made to the
General Missionary Society. Baptisms twenty^
eight — communicants forty— marriages nine.
The state of Augusta parish, Staunton, is re
ported os nearly the same as at the last Conven
tion. Baptisms thirteen — communicants twenty
- — funerals four — marriages five.
St. Martin's parish, Hanover. This pariah is

in a flourishing condition. The members of the
church manifest a laudable zeal for its support, as
for the support of other religious institutions.
There is a Sunday School arid an auxiliary Edu
cation Society in this parish, wliich promise much
usefulness. Baptisms six — communicants forty-
seven — funerals three — marriages five.
The parish of Hampshire has undergone very
little change since the last report. Its prospects,
however, are growing brighter. Much zeal and
devotion to the interests of the church are dis
played by the few who have there rallied around
her standard. They have evinced the sincerity
of their attachment, in the zealous efforts made
by them -for the erection of a bouse of worship.
An edifice of respectable dimensions has been
commenced. Baptisms five — communicants thir
ty-four— one funeral.
Kanawha parish, There are signs of consider
able improvement in this parish. The gospel has
exerted a favourable influence on the morals of
the people.
St. Paul's parish, King George, and Washing-,
ton parish, Westmoreland. The church in these
parishes has undergone no material change since
the last report. Baptisms, for two years, thii ty.
five — communicants thirty-six — marriages five-
funerals sixteen.
Church on Richmond Hill, This congregation
has much improved within the last year, and its
present prospects are highly flattering. Baptisms
thirty-five — communicants twenty -eight — mar
riages twenty.
Lynnhaven parish. In this parish every dispo
sition is shown to advance the interests of reli
gion. It is said that a fine field exists for the
labours of a pious, active clergyman, who would
be well received, and a reasonable support given
him. St. Andrew's parish. The state of the church
in this parish is, upon the whole, encouraging.
There is a Bible class wliich is well attended ; an
auxiliary Education Society, which promises con.
siderable aid to the important object of iis forma.
tion. The number of communicants has con.
siderably increased during the past year; the
whole number about seventy-five— baptisms twen.
ty-five. Hamilton parish, Fauquier county. The con
gregations are generally large in this parish, and
give good evidence of a profitable reception of the
word of God. There is among them a flourishing
auxiliary Education Society. Baptisms fifteen-
communicants upwards of fifty — burials four —
marriages three.
The rector of St. Paul's church, Alexandria,
feels bound to acknowledge the goodness of the
Lord towards the affairs of his congregation.
The number of pew-holders and of communicants
has increased during the last year; and, although
he has to lament that lukewarmness and worldli-
ness too much prevail among them, he has, never
theless, cause of rejoicing in many instances of
piety and zeal, and in several interesting additions
to the communion from among the younger part
of the congregation.
The Sunday School attached to the church con- "
sists of one hiipdred and thirty, and is in a-pros-
perous state. There is also a class formed from
among the children of the- congregation, for in
struction in the Bible and Book of Common
Prayer. The Female Charitable Society belonging fo
the congregation is also pursuing its labours wilh
success, and increasing prospects of usefulness.
It now numbers upwards of one hundred female
children, who are instructed weekly in tfea var>

CONVENTION OF 1825.

183

ous branches of industry suited to their sex and
circumstances. Most of them have been taken
from the lowest condition of life, and are in the
way to become qualified for usefulness and re
spectability. An association of the ladies of the congregation
also form, jointly with the ladies of Christ Church,
an auxiliary Education Society.
Efforts are still making to pay off the debt due
from the church, which, it is hoped, will ere
long be successful. Baptisms thirty-seven — fu
nerals thirty-three — marriages twelve.
Bristol parish, Petersburg. Very little of im
portance has occurred in this parish since the last
Convention. The ordinary duties of public wor
ship are regularly performed. Baptisms twenty-
six — funerals twenty-seven — marriages eight.
Christ Church, Alexandria. The improving
state of this congregation is gratefully acknowl
edged by the rector in his report. The number
of communicants has gradually increased since
the last Convention. The members are devoutly
observant of the duties of divine worship, and
give convincing evidence of a growth in grace,
and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Sunday School is in a prosperous state. A
neat building has just been completed for the
accommodation of the school.
Fredericksville parish. The rector of this par
ish, with lively gratitude to the great Head of the
church, reports a reviving spirit of piety in the
congregation of Walker's Church, and the addi
tion of several hopeful communicants. His con
gregation in Orange county has sustained no
material change since the last Convention. The
church in Charlottesville is expected to be finish
ed in a short time. An auxiliary Education Socie
ty has been established in this parish — one also
in Orange, from both of which much good may be
expected. Baptisms eight — communicants thirty.
St. George's parish, Fredericksburg. The con
gregation in this place is still favoured with the
smiles of the great Head of the church. Many
signal proofs have been vouchsafed of God's mer
ciful care and gracious presence. Every evidence
prevails of a true love for the church, and of a
growing devotion to the precious truths of the
.everlasting gospel. The people are careful to
-maintain good works. They cherish with much
zeal and affection a large and flourishing Sunday
School, from which much precious fruit has been
realized. An auxiliary Education Society exists,
-and a Female Missionary Society, which promises
-essential benefit to a destitute section of the
diocess. Baptisms fourteen — communicants one
hundred and three— funerals nineteen.
Frederick parish. The two congregations form
ing this parish continue in much the same state
as when last reported. The attendance on public
worship is constant, and the services of the
church duly observed. The power of divine
grace has been manifested among the people
through the past year. Six members have been
¦ added to the church, of such as it is trusted shall
be saved. There are two Sunday Schools, which
give exercise to the zeal and diligence of a num
ber of pious young members, and promise lasting
benefits to the objects of their pious charity. The
two Female Associations mentioned in the last
report have continued their labours of love, and
contributed largely to- the objects of their care
during the past year. Following the advice and
example of the bishop, as recorded in his last
.parochial report, two Bible classes have been
•TOnried in this parish. Communicants one hun
dred. , l Trinity Church, Portsmouth parish. The rec

tor laments that he has nothing very favourable
to report concerning his charge. But he is not
discouraged, having some reason to hope that a
better state of things will succeed. Baptisms six
teen — communicants sixteen — funerals eleven —
marriages fifteen.
Russell parish, Bedford county. In this parish
the church has been organized only during the
past year. Such has been the prostration of our
Zion in these parts, that in all the county there is
not one Episcopal church ; and generally there
was either an ignorance of our services or a preju
dice against them. The present minister has
been as favourably received as could have been
expected from existing circumstances. Though
he cannot say the cause of vital religion is flour
ishing among his people, yet he finds the liturgy
gaining in esteem, and the number of responses
slowly increasing, and he has reason to believe
that these things will be the precursors of some
spiritual good. He now regularly officiates in
three attentive and highly *.respectable congrega
tions. For the want of churches, his labours have
heretofore been more scattered than he wished —
but he has the comfortable prospect of seeing two
neat brick churches erected during this year.
The number of communicants not exactly known,
but very small. Baptisms twenty-three— funerals
four — one marriage.
Christ Church, Norfolk. The Rev. George A-
Smith has been minister of this parish since the
first of March. During this period there have been
eleven baptisms — eight burials — four marriages.
The number of communicants is one hundred and
seventy-three. The state of the church is represented as pros
perous. An auxiliary Female Education Society
that formerly existed has been revived, and its
members are zealously engaged in advancing the
purposes of its formation. The monthly meetings
of the society are attended by the minister, and
interesting religious intelligence is communicated.
He reports this circumstance, that another proof
may be added to those already existing, of the
beneficial results of such meetings ; and considers
it as the easiest and best mode of making known
the spiritual wants of this and of other parts of
our country. The contributions to the Theologi
cal Seminary have also been paid, almost without
exception, and a general and deep interest is ex
cited in favour of the Seminary and the Education
Society. St. James's parish, Mecklenburg. The rector
reports, that he has lately extended his labours to
the parish of Antrim, in the county of Halifax,
where he regularly preaches one Sabbath in the
month, and where -he has reason to hope that his
labours will not be in vain in the Lord. With
the consent of the vestry of St. James's parish, he
has also devoted one Sabbath in each month to
that part of the parish lying on the south side of
the Roanoke, where he preaches to large congre
gations hungering for the bread of life, and pleased
with the servicesof the church, in addition to the
above, he preaches twice in the month at the es-
tabbshed church, and regularly, on week days, at
two other places in the parish ; -and, from the almost
numberless invitations to preach elsewhere, he has
reason to believe that prejudice is subsiding, and a
growing attachment to the church of our fathers
evinced. Communicants forty-two — deaths two —
removals four — baptisms seventy-two — marriages
six. Lynchburg parish. The minister here began his
labours in September, 1824. He has preached .one
Sunday of each month at New-London Acadejjny,
where the congregation, though small, contains a

184

CONVENTION OF 1825.

few warmly attached and exemplary members, of
the church. " The congregation in Lynchburg at
tend divine service in the Masons' Hall, the use
of which has been obligingly continued to them,
Lynchburg has had the services of Episcopal min
istry for only about two years ; yet the congrega
tion is usually as large as can be accommodated.
and several of the old members have had the pre
possessions of their youth revived, and have found
pleasure in joining in the use of the liturgy. It
is believed .that a. knowledge of the Common
Prayer is increasing, and that some are learning
to offer up their devotion with the spirit as well
as the understanding. The great inconveniences
that have been suffered from a confined place of
worship, are likely, through the goodness of God,
to be soon removed. A neat and convenient brick
church, of such size as to afford accommodation
to the congregation, has just been commenced,
and is expected to be finished by the first of May.
The subscriptions made by their brethren and fel
low-citizens generally, and, in particular, the
Christian zeal and liberality of one family, have
laid the Episcopal congregation there under great
obligations. On Christmas last the Holy Com
munion was administered for the first time ac
cording to the usages of our church, when seven
communicants attended, some of them for the
first time. Baptisms six — burials two — one mar
riage. Monumental Church. The rector reports the
congregation as in the same state as at the last
Convention. Wheeling Church. The minister of this church
reports twenty-eight communicants — baptisms,
thirteen children and two adults — marriages twen
ty. Edward C.'M'Guire, Chairman.
On motion, Resolved, That the said report be
accepted. Mr. Garnett, from the committee to whom
was referred the proposition from one of the
heirs of Evan Ragland, deceased, presented the
following report : —
The committee to whom was referred the
proposition from one of the heirs of Evan Rag
land, deceased, have considered the same, and
find that it involves several legal questions of
too complicated a nature to be duly deliberated
upon at this time, in full Convention. They
would therefore respectfully recommend to the
Convention the adoption of the following reso
lution : —
Resolved, That Mr. John Nelson, jr., of
Mecklenburg, and Mr. William Leigh, of Hali
fax, be appointed a committee in behalf of the
Protestant Episcopal Church of Virginia, with
full and unlimited powers to act in any manner
which to them may appear best for the interest
of the church in relation to the devise made to
the church by Evan Ragland, deceased, con
cerning which a suit is now pending before the
Court of Appeals ; and the Convention hereby
pledges itself to confirm any compromise or
other act which this committee may make on
this subject.
On motion, Resolved, That the said report
be accepted, and the resolution adopted.
On motion, Resolved, That the thanks of this
Convention be tendered to the ministers of the
Presbyterian and Methodist churches in this
place, for the liberal and kind offer of their
churches for the use of the Gonyeiition.

On motion, Resolved, That the thanks of this
Jpoitfvenfion be tendered to the citizens of this
place, "for their kind and hospitable attentions to
the members of this Convention during its ses
sion. On motion, Resolved, That 750 copies ofthe
Journal of this Convention be printed, and dis
tributed by the secretary among the parishes,
under the superintendence of the bishop.
On motion, "Resolved, That the thanks of this
Convention be presented to the secretary and
treasurer for their faithful services.
On motion, Resolved, That the next meeting
of the Convention of the Protestant Episcopal
Church for the Diocess of Virginia be held in
Lynchburg. On motion, Resolved, That it shall hereafter
be the duty of the trustees of the Theological
Seminary, to make their report on the first day
of each meeting of the Convention.
On motion, Resolved, That the treasurer be
directed to pay the sum of seven dollars to the
doorkeeper of this Convention, for his services
rendered during the present session.
On motion, Resolved, That the Rev. William
Meade, the Rev. William H. Wilmer, Dr. Car
ter Berkeley, Mr. William Mayo, and Mr.
Philip Nelson, be, and they are hereby nomina
ted to the General Convention, as trustees of
the General Theological Seminary.
And then the Convention adjourned, to meet
again in the town of Lynchburg, on the third
Thursday in May next.
Richard Channing Moore,
Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal
Church of Virginia.
Teste, John G. Williams, Secretary.

valedictory address.
On tbe Sunday evening after the adjournment
ofthe Convention, the clergy stood around the al
tar, when the bishop thus affectionately addressed
them : —
At the close of every session of the Convention
it has been our custom, my beloved brethren, to
hover around the altar of the Lord Jesus ; and,
while thus standing near the throne of our Al
mighty Parent, to take our leave of each other, and
to supplicate God for a continuance of his blessing
upon us, and upon the church committed to our
care. For this practice we have a precedent in
the conduct of St. Paul, who, prior to his depar
ture from Ephesus, called thee lders of the church
together, and imparted to them his pastoral admo
nition. He first enjoined them to take heed to them
selves. As stewards of the mysteries of Christ,
intrusted with the dispensation of the gospel, he
entreated them to take heed to themselves — to
take care of their own vineyards — to cultivate
their own minds, and to watch over their own
conduct. This advice the apostle knew to be ne
cessary, as it would have been unreasonable to
suppose that they would be watchful over others,
whose zeal did not influence them to take a pru
dent care of themselves.
After having thus cautioned them against the
neglect of their own hearts, he told them to take
heed to all the flock over which the Holy Ghost
had made them overseers. As shepherds watch
over their sheep, not only to prevent them frora

CONVENTION OF 1825;

185

straying away, but also to lead them into; good
pastures, so the ministers of Ephesus were charged
with the superintendence of the people. Take a
constant care— exercise an unceasing vigilance
over the spiritual concerns of the congregations
committed to your charge, lest beasts of prey
should seize and devour them— lest Satan and
their own corruptions should alienate their affec
tions from the Almighty, and sink them in eternal
ruin. " Watch ye in all things — endure afflictions
— do the work of evangelists — make full proof of
your ministry."
The concern with which you are intrusted, re
member, brethren, is the church of the living God
— a church purchased with the blood of Christ —
a purchase which exhausted the treasury of
heaven — a purchase which cost the Son of God
his life — a purchase which crimsoned Mount Cal
vary with blood — a purchase wliich angels wit
nessed with drooping wings and throbbing hearts.
The neglect of your duty would involve in it
the greatest guilt. Your neglect would amount
to a contempt of that blood with which the pur
chase of our salvation was made ; and would
stamp your characters with present disgrace, and
consign you to eternal ruin.
We are most assuredly to give an account of
our stewardship. How dreadful will be the state
X- of that clergyman who, after having undertaken
the superintendence of a congregation, withholds
his pastoral attention, and permits the people in
trusted to his care not only to wander from the
path of duty, but to plunge into destruction !
What will he his situation at that moment in
which the angel shall swear that time shall be no
more — at that moment when the earth and sea
shall give up their dead — at that moment when
every mortal, from Adam to his last born son,
shall stand naked -and defenceless before God l
What, I ask you, will be tbe condition of a sloth
ful, wicked clergyman, at that tremendous hour ?
See, advancing before the tribunal of Heaven,
some unhappy sinner, who, When the sentence of
condemnation shall be pronounced, will charge
the ruin of his soul to the man to whose pastoral
care he had been confided. Blessed Jesus — may
the condemned sinner say — I acknowledge that I
have transgressed thy righteous laws ; but O,
merciful God! my earthly pastor led me astray.
At the time in which I violated thy precepts, he
proclaimed peace in my ears, and i believed his
report. He sanctioned my aberrations by his own
practices ; and to him, in the face of an assembled
universe, I charge the destruction of my" precious
soul. If misery will be the portion of every offend
er, my brethren, how aggravated will be the
misery of a wicked clergyman ! When sinnersof
a common description will call to the rocks to fall
on them, a wicked clergyman will cry out in agony
—Mountains, cover me from the presence of
God! On the other hand, how transporting will be
the .situation of a watchful shepherd— a faithful
minister of religion. At that hour in which the
heavens will be rolled up like a scroll, and the
elements melt with fervent heat, a pious clergy
man will arise from his tomb in peace and tran
quillity. The happy spirit of some immortal being
will proclaim him, in the courts of heaven, as a
man who had been faithful in the discharge of his
duty. To him, blessed Jesus, I acknowledge myself
indebted for an acquaintance with divine things.

He instructed me in my duty — he taught me how
to pray — his holy life and conversation reflected
light upon my path, and it is through his instru
mentality that I found the ways of religion pleas
antness, and all her paths the paths of peace. To
such a steward the Redeemer will graciously say
— " Come, thou blessed of my father— enter thou
into the joy of thy Lord."
Several of you have just commenced your min
isterial career. To you the path of pastoral duty
—the labours and difficulties with which you will
have to encounter, are unknown. Put on, my
beloved sons, I beseech you, put on the whole ar
mour of God ; for you will need that armour to
defend you from the attacks of the powers of
darkness. Depend not on your own strength ; for
if you do, you will find, to your loss, that you are
trusting to a broken reed. Rely not on your own
wisdom and knowledge ; for your duties are such
as require the wisdom and knowledge of arigels
to enable you to perform them to advantage.
Ask. wisdom of God to teach you. Seek spiritual
strength from God to sustain you. " Be strong in
the Lord, and in the power of his might."
To be successful in the ministry of the gospel,
you must be in earnest. A soldier, to be useful to
his country — to arrive at eminence in his profes
sion, must be devoted to his duty. A lawyer, pro.
vided he wishes to occupy high ground, must fix
his eye upon tbe utmost point of legal eminence,
and surmount the most complicated difficulties, to
obtain distinction. A merchant who wishes to be
at the head of the department in which he moves,
must be a man of business and not of pleasure^-3
man of industry and not of indolence. A clergy
man, to be useful to his fellow-creatures, and ac
ceptable to his divine Master, must read, and
mark, and learn the word of God. He must be
always ready to perform his duty — it must be his
meat and his drink to do the will of the Almighty,
When called upon for the discharge of pastoral
duties, he must let his people see that it is bis
pleasure to comply with all their reasonable de
mands, and that he derives enjoyment from the
exercise of his office.
Acting upon such principles, a clergyman will
rise in the esteem of God and man. A good un
derstanding, combined with prudence, will lead
him from small things to great : and, like water,
his merit will find its own level. Press forward,
then, towards the mark, for the prize of your high
calling of God in Christ Jesus. Take a bold stand
upon the mount of virtue, and keep it. Be con
tented with nothing less than ministerial fidelity.
A drone, remember, is a useless animal — an indo
lent clergyman is worse than useless — he is the
destroyer of souls.
Finally, my sons, strive to advance the eternal
interests of those committed to your care — spread
their wants before the throne of Almighty God —
and plead with heaven in their behalf. Visit, as
much as is compatible with your duty, the waste
places of Zion ; and endeavour to raise from their
ruins our dilapidated churches. The time is very
short— death is at the door — we have not one mo
ment to lose. Live, I beseech you, live near to
God. Live as you would wish you had lived
when you come to die. Be faithful unto death —
and, should we never meet again in this world, I
trust we shall meet in heaven. May the Almighty
take you into his holy keeping — guide you by his
counsel, and at last receive you into glory,

186

CONVENTION OF 1826.

Journal of the Proceedings of a Convention, of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the Diocess of
Virginia, which assembled in the town of Lynchburg, on Thursday, the 18th day of May, 1826.

The Convention met, and the church in this
place was consecrated by the Right Rev. Bishop
Moore, D. D. Divine service was performed
by the Rev. Dr. Wilmer, and a sermon delivered
by the bishop.
Jhe Right Rev. Bishop Moore, D. D-, took
the chair as president of the Convention.
The following clergymen, entitled to seats in
this Convention, appeared and took their seats,
viz. : —
The Rev. William Meade, Frederick parish,
Frederick county ; the Rev. Daniel Stephens,
D. D., Augusta parish, Staunton ; the Rev. Wm.
H. Wilmer, D. D., Saint Paul's Church, Alex
andria ; the Rev. Reuel Keith, Christ Church,
Alexandria, parish of Fairfax ; the Rev. Edward
C. M'Guire, Si George's parish, Fredericks
burg ; ' the Rev. Frederick W. Hatch, Fred
ericksville parish, Albemarle county ; the Rev.
Charles H. Page, Kanawha parish, Kanawha
county i the Rev. Robert B. Croes, assistant
minister of the Monumental Church, Richmond ;
the Rev. Mark L. Chevers, Suffolk parish, Nanse-
mond county ; the Rev. John Cooke, St. Mar
tin's parish. Hanover and Louisa counties ; the
Rev. Franklin G. Smith, St. Paul's Church,
Lynchburg parish, Lynchburg ; the Rov. Nich
olas H. Cobbs, Russell parish, Bedford county ;
the Rev. Stephen S. Gunter, Hungar's parish,
Northampton ; the Rev. William F. Lee, St.
James's parish, Northam, Goochland county, and
Raleigh parish, Amelia county ; the Rev. John
P. M'Guire, St. Anne's and South Farnham par
ishes^ Essex ; the Rev. Henry W. Ducachet,
M. DL, Christ Church, Norfolk ; the Rev .Will
iam Steele, St. James's parish, Mecklenburg ;
the Rev. Johannes E. Jackson, Frederick parish,
Frederick ; the Rev. John T. Brooke, Norborne
parish, Berkeley ; the Rev. Edward R. Lippit,
Professor in the Theological School, Alexandria ;
the Rev. George A. Smith, Fredericksburg.
Ordered, -That Dr. Carter Berkeley and John
G. Williams, Esq. be a committee to examine
the certificates of appointments of the lay depu
ties ; who then withdrew, and after a short time
returned, and presented the following report : —
The committee to whom were referred the
certificates of the lay delegates, have, according
to order, examined the same, and report that the
following persons have been duly elected lay
delegates to this Convention : —
Edward Valentine, jr., Augusta parish, Au
gusta county ; Fordyce F. Bowen, Henrico par
ish, Henrico county; Yeamans' Smith, Saint
George's parish, Fredericksburg ; John G. Will
iams, Monumental Church) Richmond; Thomas
L. Latane, South Farnham parish, Essex ; Hugh
Montgomery, Bristol parish, Petersburg ; Balda
M'Daniel, Russell parish, Bedford county j Seth
Ward, St. Paul's Church, Lynchburg; Philip
Nelson and Obed Waite, Frederick parish, Fred
erick ; Carter Berkeley, St. Martin's parish,
Hanover and Louisa counties ; Edmund Penn
And Richard S. Ellis, Lexington parish, Am

herst ; Edmund Berkeley, Kanawha parish, Kan
awha county ; Hugh Nelson, Fredericksville par
ish, Albemarle county ; Thomas L. Robertson,
Christ Church, Norfolk.
On motion of Mr. Hugh Nelson,
Resolved, That the rules of order adopted
by the last Convention for the government of
their proceedings, be the rules of proceeding
during the present Convention ; which rules are
as follow : —
1. The business of every day shall be intro
duced with the morning service of the church.
2. When the president takes the chair, no
member shall continue standing, or shall after
ward stand up, except to address the chair.
3. No member shall absent himself from the
service of the house, unless he have leave or
be unable to attend.
4. When any member is about to speak in de
bate, or deliver any matter to the house, he
shall, with due respect, address himself to the
president, confining himself strictly to the point
in debate.
5. No member shall speak more than twice
in the same debate without leave of the house.
6. A question being once determined shall
stand as the judgment of the house, and shall
not be again drawn into debate during the same
session, unless with the consent of two thirds
of the house.
7. While the president is putting any ques
tion, the members shall continue in their seats,
and shall not hold any private discourse.
8. Every member who shall be in the house
when any question is put, shall, on a division, be
counted, unless he be personally interested in
the decision.
9. No motion shall be considered as before the
house unless it be seconded, and, when required,
reduced to writing.
10. When any question is before the house, it
shall be determined upon before any new thing is
introduced, except the question of adjournment.
11. The question on a motion of adjourn
ment shall be taken before any other, and with
out debate.
12. When the house is about to rise, every
member shall keep his seat until the president
shall leave his chair.
On motion, Resolved, That the Convention
will, during its present session, adjourn each day
at half past 2 o'clock.
The Convention proceeded to the appointment
of a trustee of the Theological School, in the
place of the Rev. Mr. Norris, deceased, where
upon the Rev. Mr. Keith was elected.
Ordered, That the Rev. William H. Wilmer,
D. D., the Rev. William Meade, the Rev. Danr
iel Stephens, D. D., the Rev. Franklin G. Smith,
the Rev. Nicholas H. Cobbs, Mr. Philip Nel
son, Mr. Hugh Nelson, Mr. Seth Ward, and Dr.
Carter Berkeley, be a committee to take into
consideration the state of the church in this dio»
cess, and report thereupon to this Convention.

CONVENTION OF 1826.

167

Ordered, That the Rev. Reuel Keith, the Rev.
Frederick W. Hatch,, the Rev. Henry W. Du-
cachet, the Rev. Robert B. Croes, Mr. Robin
son, Mr. Valentine, and Mr. Penn, be a commit
tee to examine the parochial reports.
Ordered, That the Rev. Mr. Jackson, the
Rev. Mr. Lippit, the Rev. Mr. Page, the Rev.
E. C. M'Guire, the Rev. John P. M'Guire, the
Rev. Mr. Cook, Mr. Waite, and Mr. Latane, be
a committee to examine the accounts of the
treasurer of the fund for the permanent support
of the episcopate in this diocess.
Ordered, That the Rev. E. C. M'Guire, Dr.
Berkeley, and Mr. Philip Nelson, be a commit
tee to examine the treasurer's accounts.
Ordered, That the Rev. Dr. Wilmer, the
Rev. Mr. Keith, the Rev. Mr. Lee, the Rev.
Mr. Gunter, the Rev. Mr. Chevers, Mr. Bowen,
and Mr. Yeamans Smith, be a committee to ex
amine the state of the fund for the support of
the widows and orphans of deceased clergy
men. The Convention proceeded to the election, by
ballot, of a standing committee of the church in
this diocess for the ensuing year : — whereupon
the following gentlemen were duly elected, viz. :
the Rev. William H. Wilmer, the Rev. Daniel
Stephens, the Rev. E. C. M'Guire, Dr. Carter
Berkeley, Mr. Hugh Nelson, and Mr. Philip
Nelson. The bishop having retired, Mr. Hugh Nelson
was called to the chair.
Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. Silas C. Free
man be invited to attend the sittings of this
Convention. Resolved, That the Convention will meet each
day during its session at the hour of 9 o'clock
A. M.
And then, on motion, the Convention adjourn
ed until to-morrow morning, 9 o'clock.
Friday, May 19, 1826.
The Convention met according to adjourn
ment, and was opened with prayer by the Right
Rev. Bishop Moore.
The Rev John H. Wingfield, of Portsmouth
parish, Norfolk county, appeared and took his
seat. The parochial reports were handed in and
read, and referred to the committee upon paro
chial reports.
The standing committee .of the diocess for the
last year made a report of their proceedings
during the year, which was read.
The session was then suspended, for the pur
pose of attending divine service by the Rev.
Mr. Lippit, and a sermon by the Rev. Dr.
Stephens. A letter was received and read, from Will
iam Leigh, Esq., upon the subject of the de
vise to the church by Evan Ragland, deceased ;
and, on motion, the same was referred to the
committee upon the state of the church.
The Rev. Dr. Wilmer, from the committee
on the state of the church, presented a report,
which, on motion, was laid upon the table.
The Rev. Mr. E. C. M'Guire, from the com
mittee appointed to examine the treasurer's ac

counts, presented a report, which was read ahd
accepted. On motion, Resolved, That the treasurer be
directed to send to the General Convention, by
the bishop, the sum of twenty-six dollars, as the
quota required by a resolution of the last Gen
eral Convention, for the purpose of defraying
the contingent expenses of the same.
The Rev. Dr. Wilmer, from the committee
to whom was referred the examination of the
accounts of the treasurer of the funds of the
widows and orphans of deceased clergymen
of the Episcopal Church of Virginia, made the
following report : —
The committee on " the fund for the Telief
of distressed widows and orphans of clergy
men," have, according to order, had the subject
committed to them under consideration, and beg
leave to report, that the account of -the treasurer,
rendered to the Convention, has been examined
by them, and found to be correct.
The committee would beg leave ,to call the
attention of the Convention to the importance
of this fund, and the duty of cherishing it'.
Some years ago, it was resolved by the -Con
vention that the subscribers should be released
from their past arrearages, by paying up the en
suing current annuities. Very few subscrip
tions, however, have sine* Men received, and a
general indifference, it would seem, prevails
upon the subject. The committee would there
fore recommend, that some one person should
be appointed, whose business it shall be, at each
Convention, to make a personal call on the sub
scribers for their dues, and to obtain further
subscriptions to the fund.
It appears also to your committee, that the
constitution of the society requires some modi
fication, adapted to the present state of its con
cerns. They would therefore recommend to
the Convention the adoption of the following
resolutions : —
Resolved, That the Rev. Edward C. M'Guire
be appointed to aid the standing committee, as
agent for obtaining and collecting subscriptions
to " the fund for the relief of distressed widows
and orphans of clergymen."
Resolved, That the standing committee to
whom the management of this fund is commit
ted, be requested to revise the constitution of
the society, and to report to the next Convention
whether any, and if any, -what amendments, are
necessary for the better effectuation of the ob
jects of the society.
On motion, The above report was accepted,
and the resolutions were adopted.
The secretary received the following con
tributions from sundry parishes of this diocess
for the " Contingent Fund :" — '•
Abingdon and Ware parishes, $15 00
Town and parish of Suffolk, - 20 00
Henrico parish, - 15 00
Christ Church, Fairfax parish, - 30 00
Lynnhaven parish, Princess Anne, - 10 00
Christ Church, Norfolk, 30 00
Russell parish, Bedford, - 30 00

Amount carried forward, $150 00

188

CONVENTION OF 1826.

Amount brought forward, $150 00
Kanawha and Cabell parishes, 1 3 00
Hungar's parish, Northampton, - 15 00
St. James's parish, Mecklenburg, - 24 00
Lexington parish, Amherst county, 15 00
Trinity Church, Portsmouth parish, 23 50
Frederick parish, Frederick county, 30 00
St, Anne's parish, Essex, - - 30 00
South Farnham, Essex, - 12 75
St. George's parish, Fredericksburg, 25 00
St. Paul's Church, Alexandria, - 20 00
Bristol parish, Petersburg, - - 30 00
Norborne parish, Berkeley, 15 00
St. Martin's parish, Hanover and Louisa, 20 00
Augusta parish, Augusta county, - 10 00
Monumental Church, Richmond, 30 00
Donation by a gentleman, ." 30 00

$493 25
Resolved, That the old subscribers to the
Widows' Fund be discharged from all past
claims, and be entitled to the benefits of the
fund, by paying their ensuing annual dues.
And then the Convention adjourned until to
morrow morning, 9 o'clock.
Saturday, May' 20, 1826.
The Convention met according to adjourn
ment, and was opened with prayers by the
Right Rev. Bishop Moore.
The Rev. Mr. Keith, from the committee to
whom were referred the parochial reports, pre
sented the following report : —
The committee on the parochial reports have
had the same under consideration, have ex
amined and condensed them, and are now pre
pared to hand them over to the secretary for
publication, or to dispose of them otherwise, as
the Convention may be pleased to direct.
R. Keith, Chairman.
Whereupon, it was Resolved, That these re
ports be published as condensed by the com
mittee. parochial reports.
St. James's parish, Northam, Goochland coun
ty, and Raleigh parish, Amelia county. Efforts
are now making to revive the church in these
parishes. For twenty or thirty years they have
been destitute of the services of the Episcopal
Church. The success which has attended the ex
ertions but very recently made, authorizes hopes
that our interests will rapidly gain strength, and
our liturgy again clothe the devotions of many dis
ciples. In the parish of St. James there are two
buildings which had been suffered to decay ; one
has been put in tolerable repair, and the other
will shortly be rebuilt. In these churches divine
service is regularly celebrated.
One of the buildings in Raleigh parish is also
about to be repaired, and the services of the
church will be performed twice a month. The
people express great delight at the prospect, and
manifest zeal for the prosperity of the church ;
the spiritual condition of these parishes may be
inferred from the foregoing statement.
Monumental Church, Richmond. Communi
cants about 140. The Sunday School connected
with this parish is in a flourishing condition, con
sisting of more than one hundred children, and,
through the laudable exertions of several young

ladies and gentlemen, the former of whom have
devoted much time lo the prosecution of their un
dertaking, .bids fair to become a fruitful nursery
of pure and undefiled religion. The Education
Society has contributed liberally during the past
year to the funds of the parent institution, and has
now at its disposal one hundred and fifty dollars.
A Bible class of young men has been formed, the
members of which, though few in number, pursue
their studies with zeal and diligence, and in the
course of tbe ensuing season it is contemplated
to revive the female class, the exercises of which,
from various causes, have of late been suspended.
Church on Richmond Hill. This congregation
is gradually improving, and its present prospects
are favourable. The minister has contested tbe
claims of the overseers of the poor to the glebe-
lands in this parish, and succeeded in obtaining a
decree of the chancellor in favour of the church.
The Sunday School attached to this church is in
a highly flourishing condition. Communicants
about thirty — baptisms twenty-seven — marriages
seventeen. Trinity Church, Portsmouth. There has been
very little change in the state of this parish since
the last Convention. The congregation has some
what increased, and seems to be generally a little
more serious and attentive. Meetings have been
established in the week at private houses for
prayer and exhortation, which appear to be viewed
with interest. There is a catechetical class of
about twenty-five children, who manifest con
siderable interest in the instructions the rector
imparts to them on the catechism, collects, and
articles of the church. Marriages six — baptisms
nine — communicants fifteen — funerals seven.
Since last October, the rector has had under
his charge the destitute parish of Lynnhaven, in
the county of Princess Anne, in which he has
preached regularly once a month. The congre
gations of late have been for the most part very
small and irregular. Baptisms four — one funeral
— communicants not known.
St. Martin's parish, Hanover, has experienced
but little change since the last Convention. It
has lost some communicants by removals and
deaths, but the number added keeps up about the
same amount. In addition to the societies before
existing, there is one auxiliary to the Bible So
ciety of Virginia. Communicants forty-seven —
baptisms six — marriages five — funerals-seven.
Staunton, Augusta parish. The state of this
parish is not materially different from what it was
at the last report. Communicants about sixteen —
marriages nine — baptisms four — funerals two.
St. James's parish, Mecklenburg, continues
much in the same state as when last reported.
The past year has been one of deep affliction : sev
eral have been removed by death, and a few have
been added to our communion. Baptisms thirty-
six — marriages three — communicants forty-three
— deaths three.
In Halifax the prospects appear to brighten.
The number of communicants, though small, are
sincerely attached to the doctrines and worship
of our church. By the liberality of the ladies of
his parish, the rector has been constituted a life
member of the Education Society. Communi
cants eight— one death.
The rector of Hungar's parish reports, that
since his induction, the congregations have been
very attentive ; that there appears to be a grow
ing attachment to the services of the church, and
that there is reason to believe that the church, by
the blessing of God, will revive. Baptisms six
teen — funerals twenty-five — communicants about
twenty— died and removed since last report, seven.

CONVENTION OF 1826.

189

Christ Chureh, Fairfax parish. During the past
year, this church has been deeply afflicted by the
death of its excellent and highly-respected pastor.
The present rector entered upon his duties in
November last, since which time there have been
three additions to the sacrament — five baptisms
— two marriages — four funerals. The Sunday
School and Bible class of children belonging to
the congregation, and the Female Education So
ciety of the two churches in town, continue to
flourish, and the Bible class of ladies lately estab
lished promises to do well.
Russell parish, Bedford county. The rector of
this parish reports, that the interests of the church
are slowly, but, he trusts, steadily advancing. Du
ring the past year two houses of public wor
ship have been erected. The congregations are
highly respectable and very attentive. Though
his labours have not been signally blessed, yet,
in the confidence of the gospel promises, he
feels encouraged to perseverance. Baptisms thir
ty-six. Norbome parish, Berkeley county. Number
of communicants eighty — baptisms, since 12th of
March last, seven. This parish has been without
a minister for the last three years, during which
time it was visited by a neighbouring clergyman,
who administered the communion, when several
new communicants were added, and a Female
Auxiliary Education Society was originated. The
present incumbent feels encouraged by the atten
tion of his people to the ministration ofthe word,
and sees nothing to check the hope that his labour
may be blessed to the production of spiritual
fruits. Report of Kanawha and Cabell parishes. The
minister reports that he has been regularly preach
ing at the mouth of Cole and at Charlestown, in
the county of Kanawha, and at Barboursville and
Guyandotte, in the county of Cabell, at which
places the congregation have varied from 100 to
150. Serious and anxious attention has been paid
to the services of the sanctuary, and some few
have opened their hearts to receive the truth as
it is in Jesus. The number of baptisms twenty-
four— deaths thirteen — marriages two. At the
mouth of Cole an edifice has been erected for
divine worship, chiefly through the liberality of
one family ; it is called Bangor Church.
The minister of Lexington parish, Amherst
county, reports, that the congregation of St.
Luke's Chapel, though small, is an interesting
one. The Lord hath been pleased to bless the
preaching of his word to such a degree, that at the
last communion season a number came forward,
and, as is trusted, became worthy partakers of that
holy ordinance. At the beginning of the year
there was not one communicant in this congrega
tion : seven have united with the church since, and
there are four or five more who have expressed
their wish, and will probably become members on
the first opportunity. There is a great anxiety in
this people to have the preaching of the gospel
continued unto them, and their prayers and exer
tions will be made to obtain a successor to their
present minister, who is about to resign his charge
over them. The state of religion in the congrega
tion of St. Matthew's Church is low, nor are the
prospects very flattering. There are, however, a
few individuals who, seem anxious to continue a
minister among them, and to make exertions to
effect that object. In this congregation there are
as yet no communicants.
The congregation at New-Glasgow does not
much differ from that last mentioned, except that
here there are three or four communicants. Fu
nerals in the parish nine, of which two were in

fants — baptisms, seven white children, besides
four or five coloured ones.
The rector of Christ Church, Norfolk, reports,
that he entered upon the duties of his office im
mediately on his removal to the diocess in Decem
ber last. Since that time, a period of five months,
there have been twenty-nine baptisms (in three
cases of adults) — three marriages— eight funer
als — eight admissions to the communion, makjng
the present number of communicants about 18Q. .
The Sunday School is still large and flourish
ing. Besides this, 150 children, male and female,
attend the catechetical examinations and lectures
of the minister after divine service on -Sunday
afternoons. The state of this church, as to temporal matters,
is very encouraging. The congregation is thought
to be larger than it has ever heretofore been, and
the attendance unusually regular. A liberal leg
acy, recently bequeathed, has nearly disencum
bered the church of debt ; and there is good reason
to hope that all claims against it will, before
another year, be entirely settled. As to spiritual
concerns, there is cause for thankfulness. The
blessing of God has in some measure attended the
ministration of the word — a few souls have been
born to God of the Holy Ghost — and many, it is
hoped, are seriously concerned for their souls, and
anxiously desiring the influences of the Spirit of
all grace.
Contribution to the Education Society, - $158
Subscriptions to the Theological Seminary, 65
Subscriptions to the Contingent Fund, - 30
$253
Fredericksville parish. In the course of his
ministry during the year past, the rector acknowl
edges, with lively gratitude to the great Head of
the church, an increase d state of prosperity in the
condition of his charge ; and, in dependance u pon
the same source from which past blessings have
flowed, cherishes a lively hope of future mercies
to the church.
There have been added to the number of com
municants since the last Convention about twenty
new members, of whom the best hopes are enter
tained. Tbe church edifice has been neatly fin
ished, and every arrangement whereby the public-
services of the sanctuary may be conducted with
proper " decency and order," has been made by
the liberality of those who Attend upon this minis
try. A liberal donation, specially appropriated by
F. W. Gilmer, Esq., the late lamented Law Pro
fessor of the university, for the purchase of com
munion plate " for the church of his fathers," has
been received, and applied agreeably to his wishes.
Catechetical instructions are regularly imparted.
A reviving spirit of piety and zeal has clearly man
ifested itself among tbe congregation at Walker's
Church, and several persons have recently been
added to that communion.
The Female Auxiliary Education Society is
flourishing beyond our most sanguine expecta
tions, and much is the church indebted to the ex
cellent ones who have in charge that most inter-
esting institution.
The attendance of many of the students of the
university upon public worship is uniformly reg
ular, orderly, and respectful, and among them are
to be discerned those of whom, under God, it may
be expected, that they will hereafter "shine as
lights in the Christian world." The rector ac
knowledges, with gratitude to Him from whom all
good thoughts " do proceed," the active benevo
lence on the part of those ladies of his parish by
wbom he has been constituted ajife member of
the Education Society, and most earnestly does

190

CONVENTION OF 1826.

he pray that God may reward this expression of
their regard in the augmented glory of their future
state. Baptisms about ten, three adults — mar
riages eight — funerals six — communicants about
fifty. St. Paul's Church, Lynchburg. The minister,
on reviewing the course and results of his labours
during the past year, finds but little that can give
satisfaction. There may be some among his little
flock who have become more sensible of the need
and the preciousness of a Saviour ; some few, he
humbly trusts, who are more confirmed and
strengthened in the Christian faith. The neat
and appropriate edifice which was opened for the
first time to receive this Convention, and which
was consecrated on the first day of its session, is
an evidence that the people of this parish are not
deficient either in public spirit or in zeal for our
beloved Zion. In things outward and visible, we
are, though in our infancy, a flourishing congrega
tion : in other respects, if we may cherish any
hope, it must be with trembling.
During the past year this church has been
called to mourn the death (a death, however, too
full of the Christian hopes and consolations to be
mourned) of one whose amiableness and purity of
manners, whose elevated rank in society, whose
ardent attachment to the church and splendid
liberality in its advancement, made her the orna
ment and support of our suffering cause — the late
Mrs. Sarah Cabell. Marriages three — burials
seven. Suffolk parish, Nansemond county. The min
ister reports, that the prospects of the church are
encouraging. One of the churches in the lower
parish has been, repaired at a considerable expense.
The church in the town of Suffolk has, within the
last twelve months, been put in very neat repair.
A considerable sura has been subscribed, with the
view of rebuilding the church on the south side
of the Nansemond river ; which, together with
some additional funds, which of righLbelong to the
church, and it is expected will be paid, will en
able the vestry to accomplish the laudable design
of putting the said church in good order. The con
gregation generally are supplied with prayer-books,
and take part in the service. The minister takes
great pleasure in stating, that be has received
very important aid in the discharge of his duties
by the assistance of the Rev. Mr. Keeling ; in
consequence of which, he is enabled to have the
services of the church regularly performed, both
in town and country, every Sunday.
There has been recently established in the town
of Suffolk a Sunday School, which is well at
tended, and bids fair to do well. It is impossible
at this time to report the number of communi
cants, as the Lord's Supper has been administered
in our churches but twice within the last twenty
years. Marriages five — baptisms twenty-two, in
cluding one adult — funerals twenty-four.
The rector of St. Anne's and South Famham
parishes reports, that his labours commenced in
August last. When he first located himself here,
there was much to discourage the friends of reli
gion and the church ; but he has reason to bless
God that theprospeet is brightening. The church
in St. Anne's is now' repairing to a considerable
extent, and its congregation is very interesting.
A work of grace seems to be going on among the
people, and some blessed fruit has already been
produced. A few souls have been bom from on
nigh, and not only rejoice greatly in God their
Saviour, but adorn his doctrine in their life and
conversation, while others manifest a deep sensi
bility on the subject of divine and eternal things.
In South Farnham, the church (which is not ex

clusively Episcopal) has been standing for a few
years in an unfinished state, but is now .about to
be completed. Though the prospect of spiritual
improvement is not so flattering in this parish as
in St. Anne's, yet it is not without promise. Some
cases of religious concern, and other circumstan
ces, induce the rector to anticipate better days.
As the sacrament of the Lord's Supper has not
been administered in either of his parishes, the
number of communicants is not known. Mar
riages, in both, two — baptisms five — burials eight.
St. Paul's Church, Alexandria. The rector re
ports that no material alteration has taken place
m the affairs of the congregation rsince the last
Convention. The Sunday School attached to the church
numbers 172 children, and continues to flourish
under the zealous" and praiseworthy exertions of
its teachers. The class which has been formed of
the children of the congregation, for the study of
the Bible, is still continued, and prospers. A
school has been opened, also, one evening in the
week, for teaching adults, upwards of  of
whom regularly attend. The Female Society for
the improvement of the female poor of the town,
before reported, has upwards of a hundred on its
list of beneficiaries, and continues to exert a suc
cessful and salutary influence upon these interest
ing objects of its bounty The teachers, as well
as the children in this society, consist of the va
rious denominations of Christians. By means of
their benevolent exertions, many of these children
have apparently already been rescued from idle
ness, poverty, and misery, and placed in a way to
become respectable and useful members of socie
ty. The rector has also instituted a weekly lec
ture to the female part of the congregation, the
design of which is to give a consecutive histori
cal and practical exposition of the Bible. It is
well attended, and the hope is indulged that it will
be useful. -
The Episcopal Church of Fredericksburg.
This church is in a prosperous and flourishing
state. The numerical increase of the congrega
tion has been considerable during the past year.
The services of the sanctuary have been more
fully attended, especially in the afternoon, than at
any previous period of the rector's ministry among
this people. Of the increase of real religion, the
rector cannot speak so confidently — some, indeed,
have been added to the "church during the past
year, whom he has good reason to believe will be
eternally saved — but there is much Teason to re
gret that so few out of so large a congregation
have given themselves up to the Lord.
Much zeal is shown by the people of God in-
promoting the interests of virtue and piety. The
several charitable institutions connected with the
church enjoy a large measure of their care and
attention. The Sunday Schools are especially
cherished by them with warm and affectionate con
cern. Baptisms twenty-five — marriages twelve —
funerals thirteen — communicants upwards of 100.
Frederick parish. The rector of this parish re
ports, that during the past year the congregation
at Winchester has succeeded in obtaining the ser
vices of the Rev. Mr. Jackson, late of Baltimore,
who is now assistant minister of the parish. The
prospects of usefulness in the congregation at
Winchester are flattering. The attendance on di
vine worship is very good, and attachment to their
minister strong. One Sunday in each month, the
Rev. Mr. Jackson officiates to a very attentive
country congregation at Mill Creek, on the bor
ders of Berkeley county. >
The labours of the Rev. Mr. Meade are now mora
confined to the Chapel congregation, and the plan

CONVENTION OF 1826.

191

tations in the neighbourhood thereof. The attend
ance at the chapel, with but few exceptions, is
very punctual, and the worship devoutly con
ducted. The number of communicants in' the whole
parish is about one hundred and ten ; the bap
tisms during the last year have been eight, the fu
nerals nine, and the marriages five. The Sunday
School in Winchester is still in operation. That
belonging to the "Chapel congregation has ceased,
notwithstanding the most persevering efforts of
the teachers, from not being able to procure the
attendance of the children. Two Female Auxil
iary Education Societies exist in the parish, and
contribute very largely to the support of that in
stitution. During the past year, the ladies in Win
chester have made the rector of the parish a life
member of the Education Society, by the payment
of thirty dollars, and those of the Chapel congre
gation have made him a hie member of the Amer
ican Bible Society, by the payment of the same
sum, for which evidences ot their regard he feels
most truly grateful to them, and to that Being
who, he trusts, inspired such affection in their bo
soms. The missionary meetings mentioned in a for
mer report are still continued, and excite the same
interest as at first.
In the congregation of Winchester, a weekly
lecture is held on one evening of 'each week, at
some private house, and a Bible class of young la
dies is in operation, both of which promise to be
useful. The Rev. Mr- Jackson, from the committee
appointed to examine the state of the fund for
the permanent support of the episcopate in this
diocess, presented a report, which was read and
approved. The committee to whom was referred the ac
count of the treasurer of the fund for the support
of the episcopate in this diocess, beg leave to re
port, That during the last year there has been re
ceived into the treasury the sum of one hundred
and ninety dollars and sixteen cents, including a
balance of the former year of nine dollars and
sixty-six cents — and that there has been invested
in profitable bank-stock the sum of one hundred
and sixty-rive dollars, leaving a balance in the
hands of the treasurer of twenty-five dollars and
sixteen cents.
The whole amount invested for this fund ap
pears to be the sum of $3,900, consisting of
54 shares of stock in Farmers' Bank of
Alexandria, at par, - - - $2,700 00
6 do. do. Bank of Alexandria, at par, 1,200 00

$3,900 00
All which is respectfully submitted.
J. E. Jackson, Chairman.
Lynchburg, May 19, 1826.
The following report of the committee on the
state of the church, which had been laid upon
the table, was called up and approved : —
The committee on the state of the church beg
leave to report, That the first subject which has
come under their consideration is the fund which
was recommended by the last Convention to be
raised for the support of the bishop's assistant.
The committee regret to be obliged to report, that
from various causes, a very small sum has been
raised for this object ; but when they recollect the
different measures and resolutions which have
been adopted, and the pledges which have been
given on this subject for the last three or four

years, they consider this Convention bound in
good faith to make another effort to raise the sum
of five hundred dollars, which is due to the rea
sonable expectations of the bishop and the as
sistant for the past year. It is therefore recom
mended, that the following estimate of the sev
eral sums which the committee have considered
to be a reasonable assessment on the different par
ishes be spread upon the journals, and that the
ministers and vestries, or, if there be no minister,
the vestry alone, be requested forthwith to endeav
our to collect the same, and transmit the different
sums to the bishop.
Leeds parish, - . . si 5
Town and parish of Suffolk,
Russell parish, Bedford,
St. Martin's parish, Hanover,
Shelburne parish, 
Hungar's parish,
Henrico parish, 
Fredericksville parish,
St. Andrew's parish, -
Frederick parish, -
St. George's parish, - -
South Farnham parish, Essex,
Christ Church, Fairfax parish,
Lynchburg parish,
St, James's parish, Mecklenburg, -
Augusta parish, Staunton,
Bristol parish,
St. Paul's Church, Alexandria,
Portsmouth parish, - - -
Hamilton parish, Fauquier,
Gloucester county,
Norborne parish, Berkeley,
Christ Church, Norfolk,
Accomack county, - - -
Amherst county,
Kanawha county, -
Culpepper, ...
Orange, - . -
Romney,Goochland,Amelia, - - -
Louisa county,
Wheeling, - -
St. Anne's parish, Essex,

20 15
20 15 10
20 20 15
30
20 15
302020 10
30
20 1010
15 15
30 1515101010 5
1010101015

The committee further report, That, from all
the information they have been able to acquire in
relation to the sentiments of the members gener
ally on this subject, ' they are constrained to de
clare, that it would be improper to encourage the
hope that such a sum can be raised in future for
the purpose above mentioned ; at the same tune,
the committee are well aware of the duty, and in
deed necessity, of raising something which shall
aid the bishop in the employment of an assistant.
The congregation of which the bishop is rector
cannot consent to relinquish his services to the di
ocess without a suitable supply, nor is it reason
able that the bishop should be at the entire ex-
pense of that, supply, while he is performing la
borious duties throughout the diocess ; it is there
fore recommended that the sum of three hundred
dollars be appropriated to the bishop for his epis
copal services, and that the several vestries be re
quested to raise the following sums from their sev
eral parishes,, in addition to their quota to the con
tingent fund, which is raised for the general ex
penses of the church.

Leeds parish, -
Town and parish of Suffolk,
Russel pansh, Bedford, -
St. Martin's parish, Hanover,

-$10 15
¦ 10
10

192

CONVENTION OF 1826.

Shelburne parish,  $10
Hungar's parish, - - - - - 10
Henrico parish, - ... 15
Fredericksville parish, - -10
St. Andrew's parish, - - 10
Frederick parish,  15
St. George's parish, - - - 15
South Farnham parish, Essex, - - 10
Christ Church, t airfax parish, - 20
Lynchburg parish, ... 10
St. James's parish, Mecklenburg, - 10
Augusta parish, Staunton, - - 10
Bristol parish, .... 20
St. Paul's Church, Alexandria, - 10
Portsmouth parish, - - 10
Hamilton parish, Fauquier, - - 10
Gloucester county, " - . - 10
Norborne parish, Berkeley, 10
Christ Church, Norfolk, - 20
Accomack county, - - - 10
Amherst county, .... 10
Kanawha county, - - - 10
Culpepper 10
Orange, 10
Romney, - 5
Goochland, - 10
Amelia, - - 10
Louisa, - - 10
Wheeling, - 10
St. Anne's parish, Essex, - - 10
All which is respectfully submitted.
W. H. Wilmer, Chairman.
Resolved, That the secretary of the Conven
tion, as soon as practicable, extract from the re
port of the committee that part which relates
to the fund for the bishop's assistant, and pub
lish the same in a circular, to be addressed to
those ministers and vestries whose parishes have
not contributed to the above-mentioned fund,
calling upon them to pay a speedy attention to
the same.
"'The following* sums were paid towards the
support of the bishop's assistant : —
Frederick parish, Frederick county, - $30
Town and parish of Suffolk, - 20
Trinity Church, Portsmouth parish, 1 0
St. Martin's parish, Hanover and Louisa
counties, - - - 20
Augusta parish, Augusta county, - 10
Donation by Miss Peachy Gilmer, - 5
Donation by a gentleman of Albemarle, - 30
Fredericksville parish, - 20
$145
The Rev. William H. Wilmer, from the com
mittee on the state of the church, to whom was
referred the letter of Mr. William Leigh, re
ported the following resolution, which was adopt
ed by the Convention : —
Resolved, That John Nelson and William
Leigh, Esqrs., who were appointed by the last
Convention trustees in behalf of the Protestant
Episcopal Convention, to settle and adjust the
claim accruing to the church under the. will of
Evan Ragland deceased, be, and they are here
by authorized, to receive and to recover all such
property as may be assigned to them as trustees
aforesaid. And they are further authorized to
¦ell at public sale or otherwise, as in their dis
cretion may seem best, whatever property, real

or personal, may be recovered and received by
them ; and they are authorized to retain in their
hands all bonds or money which may arise
from any sale made as aforesaid, as trustees,
subject to the directions of the Convention of
the Protestant Episcopal Church, which shall
be made in conformity to the will of the said
testator, and for the purpose of fulfilling the
same. And the aforesaid trustees are autho
rized to make and execute all deeds and convey
ances which may be necessary to carry into ef
fect any sale of real property made in pursuance
of the authority vested in them.
The Rev. Mr. William Meade, from the board
of trustees of the Theological School, presented
the following report, which was approved : —
Report of the Board of Trustees of the Theological
School of Virginia, to the Convention of the Dio
cess assembled in Lynchburg, May 18;/!, 1826.
In performing this annual duty, the trustees have
first to record a dispensation of Providence which
has created a vacancy in the board by the death of
a beloved brother, who departed this life in Au
gust last. In the decease of the Rev. Mr. Nor
ris, the diocess of Virginia has lost one of the
earliest and best of those ministers whom Provi
dence raised up to bear the heat and burden of
reviving our fast expiring church, and our sem
inary is called to part with an old and constant
friend. Just as be was preparing to perform some fur
ther duty assigned him by the board at its last
meeting, it pleased tbe great Head of the church
to call him to a higher service and greater honour
in the church above. Instead, however, of com
plaining against the ways of Him who does all
things well, we have great cause for thankfulness
that his place has been supplied in such a manner
as to give perfect satisfaction to the bereaved con
gregation, and to gratify all the friends of our
school, — who rejoice' in the circumstance, that the
Rev. Mr. Keith has succeeded to tbe pastoral
charge of our beloved brother, without relinquish
ing those special attentions to our young candi
dates for the ministry which we have cause to
prize so highly. The board has also to report the
successful execution of a duty assigned it at the
last Convention, viz. : — the appointment of another
professor, to aid in those various and important la
bours required of such as undertake the prepara
tion of pious youths for the gospel ministry-. They
are rejoiced to assure the Convention, that in se
lecting the Rev. Mr. Lippit, who was known to
them by a former residence of some years in this
diocess, and recommended by others well qualified
to judge of his fitness, they have secured to the
school the entire services of one who is alike ac
ceptable to the students under his care, and to the
professors with whom he is associated in this im
portant work. The board cannot refrain from an
expression of their high delight in the assurance
that a gracious Providence has guided and directed
them in every arrangement which has been made,
so as to deepen the conviction that the underta
king is acceptable to the great Head of the church,
and that as good a prospect of usefulness is held
ou t to the diocess from this its favourite institution,
as its most sanguine friends could reasonably- hope.
But they forbear all further congratulations of this
kind, until they have presented a brief history of
its internal operations since their last report. Re
ferring to that report for all past proceedings, and
taking up the subject from the beginning of the
present session, they now report, that the class

CONVENTION OF 1826.

193

attending the Professor of Ecclesiastical History
has during this session gone through Mosheim's
Ecclesiastical History, with reference to the col
lateral authors, has commenced Potter on Church
Government, and expects to complete that work,
together with Hooker's Ecclesiastical Polity, du
ring the present session. This class, in addition to
recitations in the above-mentioned text-books, has
also been exercised in writing original disserta
tions on the prominent points of their course of
study ; and the members in rotation, one day in
each week, have read the service and an original
sermon, when their performance has been subject
ed to the criticism of all the students, and on the
following week the professors by turns have ana
lyzed and criticised the discourses. The second
class has, during this period, been engaged under
the Professor of Sacred Literature in the critical
study of the Epistles, and to the Professor of Sys
tematic Divinity has recited twice in each week,
on such subjects as have been previously appoint
ed, references being made to the authors who have
written'with most ability on the several subjects,
the preference being given to those recommended
by the House of Bishops. This class, also, has
been engaged in writing dissertations on theologi
cal subjects. The third class has been engaged
in the critical study of the Old and New Testa
ments in the original languages, and of the Jewish
Antiquities. The members of this class have read
sixteen chapters of Genesis and ten Psalms in He
brew, and the four gospels in Greek. They have
also gone through the first volume of Home's In
troduction to the Sacred Scriptures, have read the
principal part of Pndeaux's Connexions, and will
complete Butler's' Analogy and Paley's Evidences
by the close of the session. They have also been
engaged in writing essays on the most important
arguments for revealed religion. Let it not how
ever be imagined, that the students of this semina
ry are only exercised in furnishing their minds
with the knowledge which shall qualify them to
explain and defend the sacred writings. Besides
those devotional exercises which, on the part of the
professors, daily precede the theological recita
tions, the students are required each morning, at
the rising of the sun, to assemble together, and by
turns, in the presence of one of the professors, in
voke the blessing of Almighty God. They have
also divided the town and suburbs into districts,
and in humble imitation of those first disciples
who preached the gospel to the poor, and of Him
" who went about doing good," have resolved to
visit the needy and afflicted at their own homes,
to inquire into their spiritual condition, to establish
prayer-meetings at the most suitable places, to ex
hort all to attendance on public worship, and espe
cially to beseech parents to send their children to
the Sunday Schools which are established in the
town. The students themselves are diligent and
faithful in applying a part of each Sabbath to the
useful and sacred labours of the Sunday School
By such exercises have they, during the past year,
been preparing themselves for those more perfect
and extensive duties in which they hope soon to
be engaged. A goodly number have already en
tered upon their labours, and we feel a pleasing
assurance that those who have witnessed their
first public essays in the ministry, and especially
those congregations who have eagerly embraced
the offered opportunity of securing their perma
nent services, will require no further evidences of
the value of an institution which has now for
three years only had its existence in our diocess.
Within this period twelve young men, who received
either in whole or in part their education at this
school, have entered upon the ministry of the word,
N

eight of whom are now within the bounds of our
diocess, the remaining four having chosen other
portions of our land as the scene of their first la
bours of love. Of the twenty students who, during
the present session, have been engaged in these
preparatory exercises, seven will probably offer
themselves for ordination in the course of the pres
ent year. Others, however, are- ready to supply
their places, giving exercise to the charity and
encouragement to the hopes of the church. An
increasing demand on the part of the church will
produce an increasing supply of ministers from
the great Head thereof. He who has put it into
the hearts of those already mentioned to enter
upon this work, will put it into the hearts of more,
and thrust them forth into the service, so that
there be no famine of the word. The Holy Ghost,
whose office it is, will never be weary with moving
and calling to the ministry of the word, and ma
king that word effectual to the conversion of sin
ners ; nor need we ever fear that the Lord of the
harvest will fail to send forth more labourers into
it, if we fail not to supplicate his grace by impor
tunate .prayers. Our beginning, it is true, is small,
when compared with tbe great need of our church
and country ; but let us not forget Him who makes
the latter end of good designs greatly, to increase,
and has promised to those who weary not in their
well-doing that in due season they shall reap. We
expect not a rapid extension of our church, nor an
immediate victory over those many obstacles which
rise up against us. We shall be satisfied to make
a gradual and sure advance in the esteem of the
wise and pious, by means of the good sense, good
conduct, and undoubted zeal and piety of those
who serve at the altar. We must labour by in
creasing the literary qualifications of our young
ministers, to keep pace with the Uterary progress
of our country, and thus recommend religion and
the church of our fathers to the understandings as
well as to the hearts of men. Such a slow but
sure advance in the affection and confidence of the
pious, in the esteem of the wise and sober-minded,
and in the respect of the educated portion of the
community, we feel happily assured our church is
already making, and partly by means of the insti
tution over which this board is appointed to pre
side. It is therefore that we rejoice over it, and
call upon the friends of religion and our ehurch to
render thanks to God for that degree of prosperity
which it has pleased him to grant to it. We should
never contemplate this school without the liveliest
emotions of gratitude to the great Head of the
church, who hath raised it up in our time of need.
To what quarter -can we look for a supply of
preachers to repair out desolations but to this?
Whither can our vacant parishes turn their eyes
with the assured hope of a certain and suitable
supply but to this ? Here it is that our pious youths
may equip themselves with the whole armour of
God, and, being thoroughly furnished unto every
good work , become workmen who need not be asha
med. Here it is that by mutual prayer, and holy in
tercourse, and sacred studies, they may grow up in
Christian love, and form a bond of union never to be
broken. To this institution will the hearts of our
people be drawn ; over it will the prayers of the pi
ous be offered ; to it will the alms of the generous
be given, as to that which, under God, seems hkely
to prove such a blessing to his church.
But while we thus rejoice in the pleasing prospect
which appears before us, it becomes our duty to
mention one circumstance which must be a source
of serious apprehension, and should excite to the
most diligent exertion on the part of its friends, lest
that apprehension be realized. The amount of
our funds is still small when compared with the

194

CONVENTION OF 1826.

demands of such an institution. By the report of
our treasurer which is annexed, it will be per
ceived that our funded capital is yet; something
less than ten thousand dollars, the annual interest
of which is insufficient for the support of one pro
fessor, while we need and actually possess the ser
vices of three. The generosity of individuals, and
the untiring zeal of our Female AuxUiary Educa
tion Societies, have thus far enabled us to supply
this deficiency in some small degree ; but it must
be evident that the institution can never be consid
ered as standing on a sure and permanent founda
tion, until we-have a much larger capital on which
to rely. Although it has pleased Providence to
direct so many pious youths to our school, and en
able us thus far not to disappoint their hopes of
suitable instruction, yet are we far behind other
institutions'of the kind in our own and other de
nominations, as to those pecuniary resources which
are necessary to command the permanent services
of duly qualified professors. The General Sem
inary located in New-York, which has' thus far
scarcely exceeded our own in the number of its
pupils, has received more than one hundred thou
sand dollars. The diocess of Ohio is enabled to
commence the operations of its seminary with the
sum of thirty thousand dollars, almost entirely
bestowed by pious individuals in England. And
can it be expected, without further donations from
those to whom our seminary naturally looks for
aid, that we shall always be able to ensure those
services and those advantages which it now pos
sesses ? Would it not be a most sinful tempting
of God, and a most ungrateful return for those
signal favours granted to our first efforts, not to
put forth all our strength for the completion of a
work thus happily begun, and not to call upon the
pious and wealthy of our communion to help on
so interesting a cause by those means which Provi
dence has so richly supplied to them 1 Surely we
may now confidently call upon all to witness the
truth of those arguments with which we first ad
dressed them, and to behold the fruits and profits
of their first contributions. We feel a pleasing
assurance that there is an increasing interest in
this cause arising from the good already done, and
we record with much satisfaction the generosity
of two individuals during the last year, who, on
coming to pay their promised contributions, begged
to be permitted to double the sum, in consideration
of the importance of the object and the benefit
already arising from it. And are there none among
our original subscribers who are able and willing
to renew their first works, seeing such fruit from
.them already ? Are there none others among the
many friends of our church scattered through the
state, who have never yet ventured any thing in
this enterprise of piety, but who are wilbng and
able to assist so good a work ? We feel well as
sured that there are many such, who only require
to be properly informed of our- need, to afford a
generous contribution to objects we recommend.
We call therefore upon all the ministers of our
church to do their duty, and present this subject
in all the magnitude of its importance to every
member of their charge.
While our sisters and mothers are so zealously
and effectually subserving the cause, by raising
funds for the education of poor and pious youths
in our seminary ; while they have never yet suffer
ed a worthy object to go unaided ; while they have
thus far actually contributed to the support of the
teachers also ; surely it is within the power of the
wealthy gentlemen of our church to raise a per
manent fund which shall place our school on a
sure foundation, and enable us always to com
mand the services of the ablest ministers in the

church, and remunerate them with a^suitable sup
port. All which is respectfully submitted "by the
board. «,
The session was then suspended, for the pur
pose of attending divine service by the Rev.
Henry W. Ducachet, and a sermon by the Rev.
William Meade.
The standing committee appointed on Thurs
day last tendered their resignation to the Con
vention, which was received.
The Convention then proceeded to a new elec
tion, by ballot, of a standing committee of the
church in this diocess for the ensuing year : —
whereupon the following gentlemen were duly
elected, viz. : the Rev. Wm. H. Wilmer, D. D.,
the Rev. John Dunn, the Rev. Reuel Keith, the
Hon. Bushrod Washington, Edmund J. Lee,
Esq., and Mr. John Hooff.
The Convention proceeded to the election, by
ballot, of eight delegates, to represent this dio
cess in the next General Convention of the Prot
estant Episcopal Church of the United States ;
whereupon the following gentlemen were duly
elected, viz. : — Rev. William H. Wilmer, D. D.,
Rev. William Meade, Rev. Edward C. M'Guire,
Rev. Frederick W. Hatch, Dr. Carter Berkeley,
Mr. Philip Nelson, Mr. James M. Garnett, and
Mr. William Mayo.
Resolved, That the next Convention of the
Protestant Episcopal Church of the Diocess of
Virginia be held in the town of Fredericksburg,
on the third Thursday in May next.
Resolved, That if it be ratified by the next
Convention, the second article of the consti
tution be amended by striking out after the word
"the," in the first line, all that follows to the
word " within," ip the third line ; and substi
tuting the words, " the regularly officiating min
isters and the clerical professors of the Theo
logical School of Virginia, residents."
On motion, Resolved, That the Convention
do now adjourn until 5 o'clock this evening.
Saturday Afternoon, May 20. — The Con
vention met according to adjournment.
On motion, Resolved, That the treasurer pay
to such of the delegates appointed by this Con
vention as shall attend the General Convention
the sum of fifty dollars each, te defray their ex
penses in attending the same.
On motion, Resolved, That the treasurer pay
to the secretary his expenses incurred in attend
ing this Convention.
On motion, Resolved, That the treasurer pay
to the doorkeeper of this Convention the sum
of three dollars, for his services rendered du
ring the present session.
On motion, Resolved, unanimously, That the
thanks of this Convention be tendered to the
citizens of this place, for their kind and hospita
ble attention to the members of the Convention
during its session.
On motion, Resolved, unanimously, That the
thanks of this Convention be tendered to the
ministers of the Presbyterian, Methodist, and
Baptist churches in this place, for the liberal and
kind offer of their churches for the use of the
Convention.

CONVENTION OF 1827.

195

On motion, Resolved, That the thanks of the
Convention be presented to the secretary and
treasurer for their faithful services.
On motion, Resolved, That 750 copies of the
Journal of this Convention be printed, and dis
tributed by. the secretary among the parishes,
under the superintendence of the bishop.
On motion, Resolved, That the Rev. Wm.
H. Wilmer, D. D., the Rev. William Meade,
the Rev. Edward C. M'Guire, Dr. Carter Berke
ley, and Mr. Philip Nelson, be, and they are here
by nominated to the General Convention, as
trustees ofthe General Theological Seminary.
On motion, Resolved, That the secretary ofthe

board of trustees of the Theological School of
Virginia be requested to furnish to the secre
tary of this Convention, so far as he can, the
names of the subscribers-to the school, with
their several amounts of subscriptions, in order
to their being inserted on the journals.
And then the Convention adjourned, to meet
again in the town of Fredericksburg, on the
third Thursday in May next.
Richard Channing Moore,
Bishop of the Prot. Epis. Church of
Virginia.
Teste, John G. Williams, Secretary.

Journal of the Proceedings of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the Diocess of
Virginia, which assembled in the town of Fredericksburg, on Thursday, the 17th of May, 1827.

This being the day and place appointed for
the annual meeting of the Convention of the
Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocess of
Virginia, the Right Rev. Bishop Moore, D. D.,
with several clergymen and lay deputies, attend
ed divine service in St. George's Church.
Morning prayer was read by the Rev. Will
iam Jackson, and a sermon preached by the
Rev. Henry W. Ducachet, M. D.
After divine service, the Right Rev. Bishop
Moore took the chair as president of the Con
vention. The following clergymen, entitled to seats in
this Convention, appeared, viz. : —
The Rev. William H. Wilmer, D. D., and
President of William and Mary College, Bruton
parish, Williamsburg ; the Rev. Edward C.
M'Guire, St. George's parish, Fredericksburg;
the Rev. Frederick W. Hatch, Fredericksville
parish, Albemarle county; the Rev. Reuel Keith,
Christ Church, Alexandria, parish of Fairfax;
the Rev. Charles H. Page, Lexington parish,
Amherst county; the Rev. Robert B. Croes,
assistant minister of the Monumental Church,
Richmond ; the Rev. Henry W. Ducachet, M.
D., Christ Church, Norfolk ;' the Rev. Franklin
G. Smith, St. Paul's Church, Lynchburg parish,
Lynchburg; the Rev. Nicholas H. Cobbs, Rus
sell parish, Bedford county ; the Rev. William
F. Lee, St. James's parish, Northam, Goochland
county, and Raleigh parish, Amelia county ; the
Rev. John P. M'Guire, St. Anne's and South
Farnham parishes, Essex ; the Rev. Johannes E.
Jackson, Frederick parish, Frederick county ;
the Rev. John T. Brooke, Norborne parish,
Berkeley ; the Rev. Edward R. Lippit, Profes
sor in the Theological School, Alexandria ; the
Rev. George A. Smith, St. Stephen's Church,
Culpepper county ; the Rev. John Grammer,
Bath parish, Dinwiddie ; the Rev. William D.
Cairns, Ware and Abingdon parishes, Glouces
ter county ; the Rev. William H. Hart, Henrico
parish, Henrico county ; the Rev.. Alexander
Jones, St. Andrew's parish, Jefferson county ;
the Rev. William G. H. Jones, parish of New
port, Isle of Wight ; the Rev. John H. Wing
field, Portsmouth parish, Norfolk county ; the
N2

Rev. Leonard H. Johns, St. Margaret's parish,
Caroline county ; the Rev. John Armstrong,
Wheeling, Ohio county, and St. John's Church,
Brooke county ; the Rev. Hugh C. Boggs ; the
Rev. William Jackson, St. Paul's Church, Alex
andria ; the Rev. Josias Clapham, Washington
parish, Westmoreland ; the Rev. John Cooke,
St. Martin's parish, Hanover and Louisa coun
ties. Ordered, That the Hon. Hugh Nelson and
John G. Williams, Esq. be a committee to ex
amine the certificates of appointments of the lay
delegates ; who then withdrew, and after a short
time returned and presented the following re
port : —
The committee to whom were referred the
certificates of the lay delegates, have, according
to order, examined the same, and report that
the following persons have been duly elected lay
delegates to this Convention : —
Dr. Carter Berkeley, St. Martin's parish,
Hanover and Louisa counties ; Edward Valen
tine, jr., Augusta parish, Augusta county ; Need
ham L. Washington and Richard Stuart, St.
Paul's parish, King George county ; Samuel
Slaughter, St. Stephen's Church, Culpepper
county ; the Hon. Hugh Nelson, Fredericksville
parish, Albemarle county ; Lewis Berkeley and
Thomas B. Beatty, Shelburne parish, Loudoun
county ; Augustine L. Dabney.Ware and Abing
don parishes, Gloucester county ; John G. Will
iams, Monumental Church, Richmond ; Mallo-
ry M. Todd, parish of Newport, Isle of Wight;
Robert E. Steed, Christ Church, Norfolk ; Mus-
coe Garnett, St. Anne's parish, Essex county ;.
John Hooff, St. Paul's Church, Alexandria ;
Hugh C. M'Nernara, Henrico parish, Henrico
county ; Strother Jones, Obed Waite, and Philip
Nelson, Frederick parish, Frederick county ;
Robert B. Butt, Trinity Church, Portsmouth
parish ; Thurmer Hoggard, Lynnhaven parish.
Princess Anne county; John Nelson, St. James's
parish, Mecklenburg county ; Francis Nelson,
Raleigh parish, Amelia county ; Thomas With-
ersjr., Bath parish, Dinwiddie county ; Thomas
B. Lippit, parish of Bristol, Petersburg ; Nahura
Osgood, St. Paul's Church, Lynchburg; Ger.

196

CONVENTION OF 1827.

rard Alexander, Russell parish, Bedford county ;
William Boiling, St. James's parish, Northam,
Goochland county ; William M. Blackford, Nor
borne parish, Berkeley; Edmund Penn, Lex
ington parish, Amherst county ; the Hon. Will
iam Browne, Bruton parish, James City county ;
Richard Croxton, parish of South Farnham, Es
sex county; John Gray, St. George's parish,
Fredericksburg. On motion of Mr. Hugh Nelson,
Resolved, That the rules of order adopted by
the last Convention for the government of their
proceedings, be the rules of proceeding during
the present Convention, which are as follows : —
1. The business of every day shall be intro
duced with the morning service of the church.
2. When the president takes the chair, no
member shall continue standing, or shall after
ward stand up, except to address the chair.
3. No member shall absent himself from the
Bervice of the house unless he have leave, or be
unable to attend.
4. When any member is about to speak in
debate, or deliver any matter to the house, he
shall, with due respect, address himself to the
president, confining himself strictly to the point
in debate.
5. No member shall speak more than twice
in the same debate without leave of the house.
6. A question being once determined shall
stand as the judgment of the house, and shall
not be again drawn into debate during the same
session, unless with the consent of two thirds
of the house.
7. While the president is putting any ques
tion the members shall continue in their seats,
and shall not hold any private discourse.
8. Every member who shall be in the house
when any question is put, shall, on a division,
be counted, unless he be personally interested
in the decision.
9. No motion shall be considered as before
the house unless it be seconded, and, when re
quired, reduced to writing.
10. When any question is before the house,
it shall be determined upon before any new thing
is introduced, except the question of adjourn
ment. 11. The question on a motion of adjourn
ment shall be taken before any other, and with
out debate.
12. When the house is about to rise, every
member shall keep his seat until the president
shall leave his chair.
Ordered, That the Rev. Robert B. does,
the Rev. Nicholas H. Cobbs, the Rev. John H.
Wingfield, Mr. Obed Waite, Mr. Gerrard Alex
ander, the Hon. William Browne, and Mr. Thur
mer Hoggard, be a committee to examine the
parochial reports.
Ordered, That the Rev. William H. Wilmer,
D. D., the Rev. William Meade, the Rev. Will
iam H. Hart, the Rev. Henry W. Ducachet,
Mr. Philip Nelson, Mr. John G. Williams, Mr.
Muscoe Garnett, and Mr. John Hooff, be a com
mittee to take into consideration the state of the
church in this diocess, and report thereupon to
this Convention.

Ordered, That the Rev. Mr. Lippit, the Re*.
Edward C. M'Guire, Mr. Nahum Osgood, Mr,'
Hugh C. M'Nemara, ^Tr. Robert E. Steed, and
Mj. Francis Nelson, be a committee to exam
ine the accounts of the treasurer of the fund for
the permanent support of the episcopate in this
diocess. Ordered, That the Hon. Hugh Nelson, Dr.
Carter Berkeley, Mr. John Gray, and Mr. Thom
as Withers, be a committee to examine the treas
urer's accounts.
Ordered, That the Rev. Reuel Keith, the
Rev. William Jackson, Mr. Samuel Slaughter,
and Mr. Augustine L. Dabney, be a committee
to examine the state of the fund for the support
of the widows and orphans of deceased clergy
men. The Convention proceeded to the considera
tion of the following resolution, adopted at the
last Convention, amendatory of the constitution.
Resolved, That if it be ratified by the next
Convention, the second article of the constitu
tion be amended by striking out after the word
" the," in the first line, all that follows to the
word " within," in the third line, and substituting
the words, " the regularly officiating ministers
and the clerical professors of the Theological
School of Virginia, residents."
On motion,
Resolved, That the said resolution be appro
ved and adopted.
Resolved, That the ministers of the church
belonging to other diocesses, the students of the
Theological School, the candidates for orders,
and the members of former Conventions now
present, be admitted to the sittings of this Con
vention. The bishop then delivered the following
PASTORAL ADDRESS.
Brethren, — The indisposition under which 1
laboured the last year, prevented me from enga
ging as extensively as 1 should have done in the
discharge of those duties peculiar to my office,
and confined my episcopal labours within a smaller
space than they would otherwise have occupied.
Indisposed, however, as I was, I did not remain
altogether unemployed, but devoted my attention
to those parts of the diocess which, from their sit
uation, required the least fatigue.
At the meeting of the last Convention, I conse
crated to the service of Almighty God the church
erected in the town of Lynchburg, under the min
istry of the Rev. Franklin G. Smith, and preached
on that occasion; embracing in my discourse some
of the peculiarities of our polity ; representing the
excellences of our liturgy, and its fitness for the
public worship of God : and admitted to the priest
hood the Rev. Mr. Croes, the Rev. Mr. Gunter,
the Rev. Mr. Chevers, the Rev. Mr. Brooke, and
the Rev. Mr. John M'Guire.
After the adjournment of the Convention I
passed into the county of Bedford, and consecrated
two new churches — churches owing their exist
ence to the pious and-disinterested labours of the
Rev. Mr. Cobbs. Since the ordination of Mr. Cobbs
several offers have been made to him, by the ac
ceptance of either of which his situation would
certainly have been much improved ; but, with a
magnanimity of mind which rendered him superior
to pecuniary considerations, and with that regard
to the infant state of the church which reflects the

CONVENTION OF 1827.

197

greatest credit on his piety, he declined them all,
and determined to remain in his present situation.
I mention this circumstance not only because it
is honourable to the character of Mr. Cobbs, but
from a hope that his parishioners will consider it
their duty to use every means in their power to
contribute to the comfort of himself and his fam
ily. From Bedford I passed into Amherst county,
and preached in one of the old churches ; and the
next day I rode to another place of worship, lately
erected at New-Glasgow, at which place the Rev.
Mr. Page preached, after which I concluded with
an application to his discourse.
From Amherst I proceeded, in company with the
Rev. Mr. Croes and the Rev Mr. Lee, to Char
lottesville ; and in that place I consecrated a new
church, preached, administered confirmation and
the Lord's Supper. In the afternoon of the same
day the Rev. Mr. Croes preached, and in the even
ing the Rev. Mr. Lee officiated. The congrega
tions upon those occasions were large and atten
tive. From Charlottesville I rode to Mr. Hugh Nel
son's, officiated in Walker's Church, and returned
home. In the beginning of July I visited the church
in the town of Norfolk, where I officiated on the
morning of the Sabbath to a large and respectable
auditory; and in the afternoon passed over to
Portsmouth, and preached in that church to an
attentive audience. The next day I rode to the
town of' Suffolk, in company with the Rev. Mr.
Ducachet and the Rev. "Mr. Chevers, at which
place both Mr. Ducachet and myself officiated to
large and attentive congregations.
' Upon my return to Norfolk I took passage in a
packet, and crossed the Chesapeake Bay into the
counties of Northampton and Accomack. Upon
my arrival in Northampton I preached in the
courthouse, and the next day proceeded, in com
pany with the Rev. Mr. Gunter, to tbe county of
Accomack, and preached in the village of Opan-
cock, in the Methodist church. On the Sabbath
subsequent I officiated in one of the churches,
and administered the Lord's Supper to a number
of pious communicants. The congregations in
Accomack are at this time destitute of a- minister,
.and are very anxious to obtain the services of a
clergyman. The parish is large, and tbe people
highly respectable. I should conceive few places
in the diocess more entitled to attention, and few
congregations better able or more disposed to ren
der a faithful minister happy.
From Accomack I returned to Northampton,
and preached in Hungar's church to a large and
respectable assembly, and then rode to the court
house, where I again officiated to an attentive con
gregation. In the middle of July I visited Petersburg, in
company with the Rev. Mr. Ducachet and the
Rev. Mr. Lee ; at which time I admitted to dea
cons' orders Mr. John Grammer, Mr. Benjamin
O. Peers, Mr. Henry Aisquith, and Mr. Leonard
H. Johns ; and administered the Lord's Supper.
The Rev. Mr. Ducachet preached in the morning,
and the Rev. Mr. Lee in the evening ; upon both
occasions the congregations were numerous and
attentive. In the month of September I went to the county
of Hanover. In that section ofthe district I passed
several days in company with the Rev. Edward
M'Guire and the Rev. Mr. Croes. The Rev. Mr.
Croes preached the first day; on the second the
Rev. Mr. M'Guire preached an ordination sermon,
after which I admitted to the priesthood the Rev.
Mr. Cooke, and administered the Lord's Supper.

On the third day Mr. Croes preached at the house
of the venerable Mrs. Nelson, at which time I
administered the Lord's Supper to herself and up
wards of thirty members of her numerous connex
ion. On the last of September I went to the north,
with an intention to attend the General Conven
tion ; but, in consequence of the most severe illness
with which I was ever visited, I was not only pre
vented from carrying. into effect that design, but
also from returning to this diocess until the month
of March. I should deem myself deficient in grat
itude to the inhabitants of Hartford, in Connecti
cut, and wanting in respect to Virginia, whose
adopted son those people considered me, were I
not thus publicly to acknowledge the weight of
obligation under which their kindness has placed
me. The attentions of Mr. Samuel Tudor and
lady, of that city, were the attentions of children
to a parent. Language is too feeble to express
the affectionate treatment I received at their hands;
and while memory retains its seat in my mind, 1
can never forget them. May the Almighty God
remember them for good, and prove their friend in
every time of need.
In the month of March I held an ordination in
the Monumental Church in the city of Richmond ;
on which occasion the Rev. Mr. Croes delivered
a discourse, proving satisfactorily and conclusively
the ministerial office of deacons, and enforcing
their duties ; after which I admitted to the holy
order of deacons Mr. George Kirke.
The secretary, brethren, will produce to the
Convention a letter from the secretary of the Gen
eral Convention, on the subject of certain proposed
alterations in the liturgy of the church. It is my
duty to mention, not only to. the members of this
Convention, but also to the members of the church
throughout the diocess of Virginia, the fears with
which my mind is impressed on this important
subject. The church has hitherto prospered in the
use of the liturgy as it has been handed down to
us- by our fathers.. That uniformity of worship
which has distinguished us as a society, should
the proposed alterations be carried into effect, will
be destroyed. Instead of uniting in the same de
votional exercises as we hitherto have done, every
clergyman will have it in his power to select his
own lessons, and to read such portions of the
Psalms of David as he pleases, by which means
the public worship of God in these particulars will
be as various as the constitutions of our minds.
The old members of the church, who have been
taught to view the liturgy through a medium the
most sacred, will be grieved. The guards to uni
formity being once removed, one innovation will
succeed another, until the people will lose that
reverence for our incomparable services by which
they have been actuated, and the church receive
tHe most vital injury.
When we reflect upon the general esteem in
which the liturgy is viewed by the reflecting and
considerate of other denominations, our opinion
of its excellence should be strengthened and in
creased. The celebrated Dr. Clarke, of the Meth
odist society, has declared, that the liturgy of the
church is second to no volume except the sacred
writings; and the Rev. Robert Hall, of the Baptist
society, has expressed himself in similar language.
To touch a matter of so much consequence with
out the deepest reflection — to alter a service of
such acknowledged worth without years of pray
erful consideration, should not be ventured on.
When we enter the threshold of this inquiry we
"should take the shoes from off our feet, as the
ground whereon we tread is holy ground. The
church in Virginia will never be induced, I trust

198

CONVENTION OF 1827.

and pray, to depart from her prescribed forms ; but
will defend the liturgy in all its integrity, and prove
to the Christian world that we reverence the opin
ions of our fathers, and are satisfied with that sys
tem of doctrine wliich they venerated, and which
they so highly valued.
Such, brethren, are the outlines of the views I
entertain of the contemplated measure : I should
have considered myself deficient in duty to the
church committed to my care by you and by
heaven, did I not raise my warning voice in behalf
of the liturgy, and thus express the fears which
have disturbed my quiet.
Since our last meeting we have been deprived
of the labours of our affectionate brother, the Rev.
Mr. Dunn. The humility for which he was dis
tinguished, the fidelity with which he laboured,
and the evangelical views he entertained on the
subject of religion, endeared him to us all. His
death was marked with the strongest features of
resignation to the will of the Almighty, and his
views of that rest which remaineth for the people
of God comforted him in his last moments, and
rendered the termination of his life truly triumph
ant. He has entered, I trust, into the joy of his
Lord, and now rests in peace on the bosom of his
God. In'the beginning of the present month I visited
the county of Goochland, in company with the
Rev. Messrs. Meade, Cooke, Croes, and Johns.
Although the present incumbent has been set
tled in that parish but one year, still the church,
the concerns of which had been dormant for thirty
years, now discovers a state of energy of no in
considerable character. The people, animated
by the laborious efforts of the Rev. Mr. Lee, have
repaired one of the old churches, and put it in com
plete order. Agreeably to their request, I conse
crated it to the service of God, and confirmed
twelve persons. We all preached in succession
to large and attentive auditories. The Holy Com
munion was administered the day after I left the
parish by the Rev. Mr. Meade, and the church
was joined by several new members.
On the last Sunday I visited the church on
Richmond Hill, which is under the superintend
ence of the Rev. Mr. Hart, upon which occasion
I preached to a very large congregation, and ad
ministered the rite of confirmation to nineteen
persons. It is with great pleasure I mention the
present prosperous state of that church. The
church has been put in complete repair, through
the efforts of a few spirited gentlemen, and is
second in its internal appearance to very few of
the churches in this diocess.
With my prayers to Heaven that our Conven
tional proceedings at this time may be as distin
guished by that peace and harmony which have
characterized our former deliberations, I now con
clude this address. Richard Channing Moore.
The secretary then presented to the Conven
tion the following letter, received by him from the
secretaries of the House of Bishops and House
of Clerical and Lay Deputies.
To the Secretary of the Convention of the Diocess of
Virginia.
New- York, December 20, 1820.
Sir, — We have the honour of transmitting to
you, to be communicated to your Convention, the
following extracts from the Journal of the pro
ceedings of the late General Convention of our
church. Extract from the Journal ofthe House of Bishops.
" On motion ofthe Right Rev. Bishop Hobart,

" Resolved, That the House of Bishops propose
the following preambles and resolutions to the
House of Clerical and Lay Deputies : —
" The House of Bishops, deeply solicitous to
preserve unimpaired the liturgy of the church,
and yet desirous to remove the reasons alleged,
from the supposed length of the service, for the
omission of some of its parts, and particularly for
the omission of that part of the communion office
which is commonly called the ante-cOmmunion,
do unanimously propose to the House of Clerical
and Lay Deputies the following resolutions, to be
submitted to the several State Conventions, in
order to be acted upon at the next General Con
vention, agreeably to the eighth article of the con
stitution. " 1. Resolved, That in ' The order how the
Psalter is appointed to be read,' the following be
added to the fourth paragraph — ' or any other
Psalm or Psalms, except on those days on which
proper Psalms are appointed :' so that the whole
paragraph will read as follows : — ' The minister,
instead of reading from the Psalter as divided for
daily morning and evening prayer, may read one
of the selections set out by this church, or any
other Psalm or Psalms, except on' those days on
which ' proper Psalms' are appointed.
"2. Resolved, That in 'The order how the rest
of the Holy Scripture is appointed to be read,'
the following be inserted after the fifth paragraph :
— ' The minister may, at his discretion, instead of
the entire lessons, read suitable portions thereof,
not less than fifteen verses. And on other days
than Sundays and holydays, in those places where
morning and evening prayer is not daily used, he
may read other portions of the Old and New
Testaments instead of the prescribed lessons ; it
being recommended, that unless circumstances
render it inexpedient, on the stated prayer days
of Wednesdays and Fridays, the lessons for those
days, or for one of the intervening days, be read.'
" The bishops, in the use of the office of con
firmation, finding that the preface is frequently
not well suited to the age and character of those
who are presented for this holy ordinance, unani
mously propose the following resolution : —
" 3. Resolved, That after the present preface in
tbe office of confirmation, the following be in
serted, to be used instead of the former, at the
discretion of the bishop : — ' It appears from Holy
Scripture, that the apostles laid their hands on
those who were baptized ; and this ordinance,
styled by the Apostle Paul the " laying on of
hands," and ranked by him among the principles
of the doctrine of Christ, has been retained in the
church, under the name of confirmation ; and is
very convenient and proper to be observed, to the
end that persons being sufficiently instructed in
what they promised, or what was promised for
them in their baptism, and being in other respects
duly qualified, may themselves, with their own
mouth and consent, openly, before the church,
ratify and confirm the same; and also promise,
that by the grace of God they will evermore en
deavour themselves faithfully to observe such
things as they, by their own confession, have as
sented unto.'
" And to correct the injurious misapprehension
as to the meaning of certain terms in the firs*
collect in the office of confirmation, the bishops
unanimously propose the following resolution •—
" 4. Resolved, That after the first collect in the
office of confirmation, the following be inserted
to be used at the discretion of the bishop, instead
of the first collect :— ' Almighty and everliving
God, who hast vouchsafed in baptism to regener
ate these thy servants by water and the Holy

CONVENTION OF 1827.

199

Ghost, thus giving them a title to all the blessings
of thy covenant of grace and mercy in thy Son
Jesus Christ, and now dost graciously confirm
unto them, ratifying the promises then made, ail
their holy privileges ; grant unto them, we be
seech thee, O Lord, the renewing of the Holy
Ghost ; strengthen them with the power of this
divine Comforter ; and daily increase in them thy
manifold gifts of grace, the spirit of wisdom and
understanding, the spirit of counsel and ghostly
strength, the spirit of knowledge and true godli
ness ; and fill them, O Lord, with the spirit of thy
holy fear, now and for ever. Amen.'
" And whereas, in the opinion of the bishops,
there is no doubt as to the obligation of ministers
to say, on all Sundays and other holydays, that
part of the communion office which is commonly
called the ante-communion, yet, as the practice
of some of the clergy is not conformable to this
construction of the rubric on this point, the House
of Bishops propose the following resolution : —
"5. Resolved, That the following be adopted
as a substitute for the first sentence in the rubric,
immediately after the communion office ; —
" ' On all Sundays and other holydays shall be
said all that is appointed at the communion unto
the end of the gospel, concluding divine service,
in all cases when there is a sermon or commu
nion, and when there is not, with the blessing.' "
Extract from the Journal of the House of Clerical and
Lay Deputies.
"The resolutions received from the House of
Bishops on the subject of the Psalter, &c, being
under consideration, it was Resolved, That this
house concur in the resolutions of the House of
Bishops."Extract from the Journal of the House of Clerical and
Lay Deputies.
"Resolved, by the House of Clerical and Lay
Deputies, the House of Bishops concurring, That
it be made known to the several State Conven
tions of this church; that it is proposed to con
sider of and determine on, at the next General
Convention, the propriety of altering the second
clause of the eighth article of the constitution of
this church, by adding the words, ' or the articles
of religion,' after the words, ' other offices of the
church.' "
Extract from the Journal ofthe House of Bishops.
" A resolution was received from the House of
Clerical and Lay Deputies, proposing to" make
known to the several State Conventions a prop
osition to consider of and determine on the ex
pediency of altering tbe second clause of the
eighth article of the constitution of tbis church ;
which was concurred in by this house."
We certify the above to be true extracts from
the Journal of the House of Bishops, and the Jour
nal of the House of Clerical and Lay Deputies,
respectively, in the General Convention of 1826.
William H De Lajscey, Secretary of the
House of Bishops.
Benjamin T. Onderdonk, Secretary of the
House of Clerical and Lay Deputies.
On motion, Resolved, That the said letter be
referred to a select committee.
The president then appointed the Rev. Henry
W. Ducachet, M. D., the Rev. Wm H. Hart,
the Rev. Reuel Keith, Mr. Hugh Nelson, Mr.
John Gray, Mr. Robert E. Steed, and Mr. Ger-
rard Alexander, on said committee.
On motion, Resolved, That Mr. Lewis Berke

ley have leave of absence for the remainder of
the session of the Convention.
On motion, Resolved, That the Convention
meet each day at 9 o'clock, A. M. during its
session. And then, on motion, the Convention ad
journed until to-morrow morning, 9 o'clock.
Friday, May 18, 1827.
The Convention met according to adjourn
ment, and was opened with prayer by the Rev.
Dr. Wilmer.
The bishop being absent, the Rev. Dr. Wil
mer, on motion, was called to the chair.
The Rev. William Meade, of Frederick par
ish, Frederick county, and the Rev. William
Marshall, of Leed's parish, Fauquier county,
appeared and took their seats.
Mr. George Fayette Washington, a lay dele
gate of the parish of Norborne, Berkeley county,
and Mr. Robert Slaughter, a lay delegate of
the parish of St. Mark's, Culpepper county, ap
peared and took their seats.
The parochial reports were handed in and
read, and referred to the committee upon paro
chial reports.
The session was then suspended, for the
purpose of attending divine service by the Rev.
Mr. Hart, and a sermon by the Rev. Mr. Keith,
after which the Convention again met.
The bishop appeared and took his seat as
president of the Convention.
Mr. Obed Waite presented a petition, signed
by the members of the congregation of the
Episcopal church at Winchester, praying that
the church at Winchester may be hereafter
known by the name of Christ Church, Win
chester, and formed into a separate parish, to
be called the parish of Frederick, Winchester,
and received as such into the Convention.
On motion, Resolved, That the prayer of the
petitioners is reasonable, and that the same be
granted. A motion was made and seconded, that the
Convention come to the following resolution ;
Resolved, That the committee on parochial
reports be discharged, and that the reports be
spread on the Journal, as read to the Conven
tion ; and, on the question being put thereupon,
it was rejected.
On motion,' Resolved, That Mr. John Gray
have leave of absence from the Convention for
the remainder of this day.
The secretary received the following contri
butions from sundry parishes of this diocess for
the Contingent Fund : —
Fredericksvilleparish, Albemarle county, $1 5 00
Christ Church, Alexandria, parish of
Fairfax,  30 00
Lexington parish, Amherst county, - 20 00
Christ Church, Norfolk, - - 30 00
Russell parish, Bedford county, 30 00
St. James's parish, Northam, Gooch
land, - 10 00
St. Anne's parish, Essex, - 30 00
Amount carried forward, $165 00

200

CONVENTION OF 1827.

Amount brought forward, $165 00
South Farnham parish, Essex, 10 00
Frederick parish, Frederick county, 30 00
Christ Church, Norborne parish, Berke-
r . ley county, - - 5 25
St. Stephen's Church, Culpepper county, 20 00
St. Mark's parish, Culpepper county,
Bath parish, Dinwiddie,
Ware and Abingdon parishes,
Henrico parish, Henrico county,
St. Andrew's parish, Jefferson county,
Portsmouth parish, Norfolk county,
St. Margaret's parish, Caroline county,
St. Paul's Church, Alexandria,
Washington parislyWestmoreland,
St. Paul's parish, King George county,
Donation by Mr. Richard Stuart of King
George, - - - -
St. Martin's parish, Hanover and Louisa
Augusta parish, Augusta county,
Shelburne parish, Loudoun county,
Monumental Church, Richmond,
St. James's parish, Mecklenburg county.
Bristol parish, Petersburg,
Bruton parish, James city,
St. George's parish, Fredericksburg, - $601 58
The following sums have been received since
the last Convention towards the support of the
bishop's assistant for the year ending in Mav.
1826:— }
Bristol parish, Petersburg, - - $30 00
St. George's parish, Fredericksburg, 20 00
St. James's parish, Mecklenburg, 20 00
Russell parish, Bedford, - - - 15 00
Louisa county, by Rev. Mr. Crawford, 10 00
St. Paul's Church, Alexandria, - 20 00
St. Anne's parish, Essex, 15 00
$130 00
The following sums were paid towards the
support of the bishop's assistant for the year
ending May, 1827 :¦

15

00

30

00

15

00

15

00

15

00

20

00

27

27

22

00

8

00

, 15

06

5

00

i, 20

00

10

00

20

00

30

00

', 24

00

30

00

30

on

20

00

Frederick parish, Frederick county,
Louisa county, by the Rev. Mr. Craw
ford,
Russell parish, Bedford county,
Bristol parish, Petersburg,
St. Paul's Church, Alexandria,
St. James's, Mecklenburg,
Fredericksville parish, Albemarle,
Lexington parish, Amherst county, -
Christ Church, Norfolk, -
St. James's parish, Northam, Gooch
land,
St. Anne's parish, Essex,
South Farnham parish, Essex,
Norborne parish, Berkeley,
Norborne parish, Christ Church, Berke
ley, - - ...
Ware and Abingdon parishes, Glou
cester, -
Portsmouth parish, Norfolk county,

$20 00

Amount carried forward,

10

00

10

00

20

00

10

00

10

00

10

00

10

00

20

00

10

00

10

00

10

00

12

00

5

00

10

00

10

00

$187 00

Amount brought forward, $187 00
St. Martin's parish, Hanover and Louisa
counties, - - - 10 00
Lynnhaven parish, Princess Anne county, 10 00
Shelburne parish,. Loudoun county, - 10 00
St. Paul's Church, Lynchburg, - 10 00
St. Mark's parish, Culpepper county, 9 00
$236 00
On motion, Resolved, That the Convention
do now adjourn until to-morrow morning,"" 9
o'clock. Saturday, May 19, 1827.
The Convention met according to adjourn
ment, and was opened with prayer by the Rev.
Mr. Meade.
The bishop being absent, the Rev. Dr. Wil
mer was called to the chair.
Mr. P. Hansbrough produced a certificate
of his appointment as a lay delegate" for the
parish of St. Mark's, Culpepper county (Mr
Robert Slaughter having retired), and Mr.
Festus Dickinson produced a certificate of his
appointment as a lay delegate for the parish of
St. Margaret's, Caroline county ; which certifi
cates being read, were approved in conformity
with the canons, whereupon they took their
seats as members of this Convention. »
The Rev. Mr. Croes, from the committee to
whom were referred the parochial reports, pre
sented the following report : —
The committee on the parochial reports have
had the same under consideration, and have con
densed them as far as in their opinion they
could do it with propriety. They much regret
that, after the numerous expressions of disappro
bation on the part of this house, of statements
long, minute, and tedious, and not tending, ac
cording to the language of the canon, " to throw
light on the state of the parishes," they should
have been compelled, in any instance, to curtail
or amend.
They humbly trust that the members of the
Convention will bear in mind the delicacy and
difficulty of the charge with which the commit
tee have been intrusted, and duly appreciate the
motives which have actuated them in the alter
ations they have made. They therefore re
spectfully submit the reports, as amended, to
be disposed of, as the Convention may think
proper. Robt. B. Croes, Chairman.
Whereupon it was Resolved, That these re
ports, as condensed by the committee, be insert
ed on the Journal.
St. Martin's parish, Hanover. During the last
year it has pleased A mighty God to add to his
little flock in St. Martin's parish eighteen com
municants, which makes the present number
sixty-four. We have had six baptisms, eight
funerals, and one marriage. Our Bible Society,
which consists of seventy-five members, raises an
nually about $100. The Education Society, which
has sixty members, about $70. Our Sunday
School, though not large, promises much useful-
ne5?- . . _,, , John Cooke.
Christ Church, Fairfax parish, Alexandria.
Baptisms twenty— funerals four— marriages eight
—additions to tbe communion three.
Reuel Keith, Rector.

CONVENTION OF 1827.

201

The lay members from St. Paul's parish, in the
county of King George, state, that their parish is
without a minister, and that with the exception
of the ladies, among whom there are many bright
Christians, and all of them much concerned for
their souls, religion has greatly declined.
Richard Stuart,
N. L. Washington.
St. Paul's Church, Alexandria. The present
rector has had charge of his congregation only
three months — no material change has taken place
within that time. He found the congregation and
the various schools and societies connected with
it, as reported to preceding Conventions, in a very
prosperous state. The Sunday Schools contain
about two hundred and thirty scholars. A large
number of children are formed into Bible classes,
which promise much usefulness, besides which a
Bible class for adult females, under the care of the
rector, has been recently established. The female
Charitable School for the instruction of the poor
children in domestic employment, continues to ex
ert a very beneficial influence ; it contains about
one hundred pupils, and meets every Saturday.
Upon the whole, we have reason to bless God for
the promising appearance in this part of his vine
yard ; and humbly trust, from the very serious at
tention that is manifested by many, that there
will ere long be a great ingathering of souls to
God. During the past year this congregation has li
quidated a debt of upwards of $3,000, leaving it
now almost entirely free from encumbrances.
Since the late rector resigned his charge, there
have been six added to the communion, four bap
tized, one of whom was an adult, and three fu
nerals. Wm. Jackson, Rector.
Leed's parish, Fauquier county. This parish
formerly stood connected with that of Hamilton
in the same county. It has within the last year
effected the maintenance of a distinct rector.
There are three places of worship, but as yet no
church is exclusively appropriated to the Episcopal
services. The congregations are small, the people
being very much divided in their predilection for
the Episcopal, Presbyterian, Methodist, and Bap
tist denominations. The rector has, however,
flattered himself with the discovery of some en
largement in the number attending his preaching.
Owing to the rector's not having it in his power
to administer the communion, the number of com
municants is not precisely known. Baptisms
eight. Wm. L. Marshall.
Newport parish, Isle of Wight. The minister
reports, that tbe church under his care, which for
more than twenty years has been in a state of di
lapidation and destitute of gospel ordinances, be
gins to rear her head, her courts again receive the
worshipping multitude, and her prospects are dai
ly brightening with increasing numbers — devout
attention to ordinances, and a more earnest solici
tude upon the subject of religion. He also reports,
with deep regret, that one of his churches has been
consumed, no doubt by the hands of an incendi
ary. Baptisms three — marriages three— funerals
four. Since last February he has had under his care
the church in Suffolk, Nansemond county, where
he has also been encouraged by an enlarged and
attentive congregation. Wm. G. H. Jones. -
Bath parish, Dinwiddie county. The rector of
this parish was ordained a deacon in July last, and
immediately commenced his labours ;. preaching
on two Sundays in each month in Sapony Church,
in the county of Dinwiddie, one Sunday in Red
Oak Church, in the county of Brunswick, and
the remaining Sundayin the courthouse at Hicks'

ford, in Greensville county. Sapony Church was
in a good state of repair, and, by the exertions of a
minister of the Presbyterian communion (who
preaches monthly in Red Oak Church)', funds had
been provided for repairing that house, which have
been so applied as to render its condition now
comfortable. The situation, however, ofthe people
among whom he officiated, was most discouraging.
The rector of Bath parish has been enabled, how
ever, by God's grace, to persevere in his efforts to
make known the unsearchable riches of the love
of "God in Christ Jesus to his perishing fellow-
mortals, artd to build the church of the Redeemer
in this spiritual wilderness, notwithstanding the
difficulties which obstruct his progress. He suc
ceeded, by the divine blessing, in inducing a few
who profess a partiality to the Episcopal Church,
to organize a congregation at Sapony Church in
March last, by electing a vestry, and he was at
the same time chosen their rector. Since that
event he has been enabled to use the services of
the church with regularity : the members of the
congregations have been supplied with prayer-
books, and they unite generally and audibly with
the minister in the use of the liturgy.
No opportunity having yet occurred for the ad
ministration of the sacrament of the Lord's Sup
per in his congregation, the rector is unable to
state with certainty the number of those who
would partake of that holy ordinance. From the
best information he has procured, he supposes the
number would be seven. Baptisms, four children,
one white and three coloured — funerals four-
marriages four — catechumens seven.
John Grammer.
The rector of Trinity Church, Protestant par
ish, presents his report to the Convention this
year with the liveliest feeling of gratitude to the
great Head of the church for the fruit that has
been granted to his humble labours within the
course of the last twelve months. He has been
blessed with the pleasing satisfaction of beholding
an increasing interest on the subject of religion
among his charge, manifested by an accession of
several families to his congregation, by a more reg
ular attendance on the public ministrations of the
word, by a greater number of persons taking an
active part in the services of the sanctuary, and
by more devotion in the manner in which those
services are conducted. But that which proves
to him most satisfactorily the increase of religious
reeling among his people, is the conversion, the
true conversion, he trusts, of three individuals of
his small charge within the last six weeks, and
the inquiring state in which about half a dozen or
more are at this time. These have all given pos
itive evidence of the strivings of the spirit of grace
upon their hearts, and the prevailing effect which
it has had upon them, by their inquiring the way
to Zion, and resolving not to give over their search
after God until they have found him to the peace
and salvation of their souls.
Within a few months a Bible class has been
formed, composed at present of twenty-seven
members, and increasing daily. The exercises
are well attended, -and, it is hoped, not without a
considerable beneficial influence. Very recently
a Sabbath School has been organized also in this
parish, which promises to be productive of much
good. There are twelve teachers and eighty
scholars. The rector of this church further re
ports, that at the close of the last year he ceased
his regular monthly ministrations in the parish of
Lynnhaven ; so that that people are now without
a minister to break to them the bread of life. Mar
riages six — baptisms sixteen — communicants fif
teen — funerals eight.

202

CONVENTION OF 1827.

In closing his report, the rector of Trinity
Church begs the membersof this Convention, in
their prayers for the spread'of the gospel and in
crease of true religion generally, to remember
that portion of God's vineyard, in particular, of
which he is placed in charge. All which, is re
spectfully submitted. John H. Wingfield.
St. George's Church, Fredericksburg. The
minister of this church -has pleasure in reporting
it as being in a prosperous condition. The con
gregation during the past year has always be'en
large, regular, and attentive ; and is still increasing
:.n numbers. The influence of the gospel has been
realized to a very encouraging extent during that
period. For the greater part of the year, but few
indications of a beneficial ministration of the word
and doctrine gladdened our hearts; but He who
has said, " In the moming sow thy seed, and in the
evening withhold not thine hand/ at length in his
faithfulness remembered us, and granted us some
reviving proofs of his grace and love. Several of
our number being thus graciously visited, have
been called out ol darkness into marvellous light,
while others are anxiously inquiring what they
must do to be saved.
There are two flourishing Bible classes under
our care. From this method of religious instruc
tion we have found much important advantage to
arise, and think that no smalt share of the recent
spiritual improvement of the congregation may be
ascribed to it.
The Sunday Schools belonging to the church
are still in a most flourishing state. The number
of scholars, male and female, amounts to two hun
dred and fifty.
The Fredericksburg Common Prayer-Book and
Tract Society is still in active and successful
operation. The Female Education Society, auxiliary to
the Education Society of Virginia and Maryland,
is still 3ealous for the object of its formation, and
contributes its proportion to the funds of the pa
rent institution.
A Female Domestic Missionary Society has ex
isted among us for several years. Several mis
sionaries have in that time been employed, and
the gratifying assurance enjoyed of rnuch impor
tant good done by -them m some of our adjoining
parishes. The society is now anxious to employ
a missionary. The Charity Schools connected with the church
are of a highly interesting character ; they are two
in number, one Of males,- the other of females.
About forty-five children are educated in them,
some of whom are clothed and boarded. These ex
cellent institutions share largely of the spiritual
care and pecuniary assistance of the congregation,
while, as objects of general favour and of general
good, they derive from other sources a part of their
support. Baptisms during the past year sixteen
(one adult) — communicants one hundred — mar
riages twelve — funerals nine. Edward C. M'Guire.
Washington parish, Westmoreland. The parish
is not in as good ¦& state as when last reported.
There is an apparent indifference towards the in
terests of the church, except by a few who are
still attached to her doctrines and worship, and
who, it is trusted, are growing in grace and in the
knowledge of their Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Baptisms twenty-two — funerals twelve — commu
nicants eight — marriages eleven. Josias Clapham.
St. Mark's parish, Culpepper county. Commu
nicants about forty-five, two having removed and
two being added since the last Convention : — mar

riages three — baptisms ten, one of which was an
adult — funerals three. Geokge A. Smith.
Chapel congregation in the parish of Frederick.
The attendance -upon divine worship is. punctual,
and the conduct ofthe members correct. It is a
matter of lamentation, that during the past year
only one communicant has been added. The
number of baptisms has been sixty, forty-eight of
which were coloured children, twelve whites.
The missionary meetings are still well attended,
and a considerable fund arises therefrom.
William Mkade.
Christ Church, Fredericksville parish. Though
nothing peculiarly striking, in a religious point of
view, ha's occurred in this charge since the last
Convention, it is manifest that the interests of re
ligion and of the church are gradually improving
under the blessing of the Most High.
Several members have been, added to our com
munion during the last year ; indeed, scarcely one
sacramental occasion is remembered when some
new converts from sin and the world have not
been gathered into the fold of Jesus Christ.
Upon the whole, it is with' fervent and devout
gratitude to our Divine Head, that the rector per
ceives a gradual state of improvement in his par
ish, the continuance of which he has noTeason to
doubt. His congregations are orderly, devout,
and attentive to the word preached ; in that of
Charlottesville there are constantly to be seen
from fifty to sixty interesting youths, members of
the University of Virginia, whose attention and
good conduct on all religious occasions, and the
private expressions of whose personal kind re
gard for the rector, ought to be acknowledged, as
is here done, with gratitude. Many difficulties
and discouragements have attended our progress
hitherto, but they are gradually vanishing, or be
coming less formidable. The cause is God's, and
the work is his. It must prosper; be the glory
bis. Communicants about fifty — baptisms twelve
— funerals ten. F. W. Hatch.
Lexington parish, Amherst county. The min
ister was received into this parish immediately
after the last Convention. Since then he has
regularly officiated in three different churches in
the county, and often in private houses during
the week. The attendance upon the Sabbath
day has been generally very good; upon some
occasions the churches have been filled to over
flowing. St. Matthew's, which was in a ruinous
state, has been repaired, and is now very comfort
able for public worship. It is believed that St.
Luke's will in the course of the present year be
repaired, or else a new one built. The church at
New-Glasgow remains- in the same condition in
which it was found. The Episcopal communi
cants are twenty-seven, eleven of whom have been
added during the past year : including those of
other denominations who commune, and are ap
parently friendly, the whole number would not be
less than sixty.
In two of the congregations there is a Bible
class, consisting of from ten to fifteen members.
The children have been occasionally catechised.
Baptisms thirteen — marriages two.
By the repeated deatns of parishioners, the
minister has been admonished to work the work
of the Lord while it is day, and to exhort all to
flee from the wrath to come.
The ladies of the parish have contributed $30
to make the minister a life member of the Educa
tion Society.
May it please God, by the influences ofthe Holy
Ghost, to put into the hearts of many to devote
themselves unreservedly to him, which is their

CONVENTION OF 1827/

203

reasonable service. If the ministrations can be
regularly continued, it is believed that religion
will flourish, and the interests of the church be
revived in Lexington parish. »
Charles H. Page.
The churches under the care of the rector of St.
Andrew's parish, Jefferson county, are much in the
same condition as when last reported. If there is
any circumstance which indicates an improve
ment and affords any encouragement, it is the in
crease of the congregations ; they now are large,
and generally as full as can be conveniently accom
modated ; they are also attentive to the preach
ing of the word of God; and occasionally one or
two persons have been added to the church of such
as we may hope will be saved. Three of those
who have taken up the cross of Christ, and pro
fessed to the world that they are his disciples by
obeying his word and uniting themselves to his
church, are young men of sincere piety and much
promise, who are anxious to preach the gospel,
and who are now preparing with zeal and diligence
to enter the seminary of Alexandria : one will
probably be entered at the commencement of the
next session, and the other two a year from that
period. It is, however, a subject of lamentation
and sorrow with the pastor and the pious under
his charge, that there is a great and general indif
ference prevalent in this parish to the truths of
the gospel, and that but few are turned from the
error of their ways. An Auxiliary Education So
ciety is still existing. Baptisms twenty— mar
riages seven — additions to the communion eight-
whole number of communicants in all the congre
gations, about one hundred and ten. Alex. Jones.
St. Margaret's -parish, Caroline. This parish
has been in a destitute state for the last thirty
years, till within six months past. Like many of
the old churches in the diocess, this was fast sink
ing to ruin, when, about a year ago, subscriptions
were obtained sufficient to repair the fallen wall,
and secure the exterior of the building. Much is
yet necessary to be done to make it comfortable,
and we hope ere long it will be made so. We
are encouraged to hope the work of grace has been
commenced and carried on in the hearts of some
of our congregation. The number of those who
are decided in their attachment to the doctrines
and worship of our church is yet small, but, we
hope, will increase. Service has been held at the
.church and at the Bowling Green regularly since
last November, and, with the assistance of some
of the brethren from other counties, the commu
nion has been administered twice ; at the first
celebration twelve persons united themselves to
the communion, and we trust also to the Saviour ;
at the second season, on the 6th of the present
month, ten joined us, and we no w number twenty-
two. Baptisms four — marriages three. L. H. Johns.
The rector of Bruton parish, Williamsburg, re
ports, that the condition of the church under his
charge is somewhat improving. The building has
been repaired — the congregation attend regularly
upon public worship. An increasing attention to
the order and services of the church is manifest
ed, and the hope is entertained that the pure
religion of Jesus Christ is gaining ground. A
kind feeling towards the church prevails among
the various denominations of Christians, and the
rector deems it matter of advantage to the church,
as well as of duty and inclination, to cherish and
reciprocate this catholic spirit. There is a flour
ishing Sunday School attached to the congrega
tion, consisting of one hundred and fifteen schol

ars, which does honour to the Zealand piety of its
teachers. The number of communicants belonging to the
church is about thirty, ten of whom have been
added lately. Baptisms twelve — marriages ten —
funerals three. William H. Wilmer.
The rector of Christ Church, Norfolk, reports
to the Convention, that, since their last session,
there have been baptized by him and in his parish
fifty-seven persons, of whom three were adults.
There have been eight marriages, and thirty fu
nerals. The number of communicants is at pres
ent one hundred and etghty-seven, of whom
twelve have been received during the past year.
At the bishop's visit in July last, twenty-two per
sons were confirmed by him. The Sunday School,
just separated from a union with the Methodist
school, numbers twenty-two teachers and one
hundred and fifteen scholars, and is at this time
in a peculiarly promising condition. The cate
chetical examinations and lectures of the rector,
after divine service on Sunday afternoons, are at
tended by a very large number of children, male
and female. And the weekly evening lectures,
from house to house, also continue to command
interest. A Bible class was instituted in January last,
which numbers about one hundred members.
About thirty of these, principally ladies of the
congregation, of all ages, from fifteen upwards,
take an active part in the exercises, and appear
to be deeply interested in the study of the sacred
Scriptures. The rector regrets to state, that, in the exten
sive fire which broke out in Norfolk on the
morning of the 9th of March last, the stately and
commodious church belonging to the congrega
tion was destroyed. Providentially, there had
been effected upon the building an insurance for
$12,000, and another upon the organ for $2,000.
There will be no difficulty in rebuilding the
church, as the sum recovered upon the policies,
added to the liberal contributions ofthe members
of the parish, will, it is believed, be amply suffi
cient to erect a spacious and even handsome edi
fice. Arrangements have been made for the
building of a new church ; and its erection wiJL
by divine permission, be immediately commencecT
Amid all the distresses and inconveniences,
however, under which we labour, we have reason
to thank God and take courage. There never has
been, during the ministry of the incumbent,'so
much interest in religion in this parish as exists
at this time. A deep solemnity pervades the
minds of many ; and we have had the delightful
satisfaction of seeing some few converted from
their impenitence, and turned to the love and ser
vice of God.
During the past year there have been
contributed by the parish to the Edu
cation- Society,  $192 27
Thirty dollars of which -were paid to
constitute the rector a life member of
the society.
The bishop's assistant's salary, 20 00
The contingent fund of the diocess, - 30 00
The Theological Seminary (balance of
a subscription), - - - 10 00
$252 27
Henry W. Ducachet.
I have been settled over the united parishes of
Abingdon and Ware for a period little exceeding
a year. Every thing evinces that the effort to
revive the church in this section of Virginia will
assuredly succeed. Our temporal prospects are
as favourable as could possibly be expected or de-

204

CONVENTION OF 1827.

sired. In spiritual things, however, we have not
yet found that which should at all authorize us to
rejoice. For the want of proper assistance, we
have been enabled to celebfate the sacrament of
the Lord's Supper but once. We then numbered
forty communicants, only fifteen of whom may be
certainly considered as members of the Episcopal
church. This fact, however, evinces the favoura
ble disposition of other denominations, which we
are glad to witness, and which we will affection
ately encourage. Our Sunday Schools, of wliich
we have several, are flourishing. Our auxiliary
Education Society (recently formed) made a very
liberal remittance to the parent institution; and
our general prospects, we feel constrained to hope,
are favourable.
Since my settlement in this county I have per
formed divine service in Yorktown every fort
night, as the weather permitted my crossing the
river. The population in that place is thm, in
consequence of which -my congregations there
have been small. The generality of the people,
however, appear to be pleased with the services
of the church, and I would fain believe my labours
among them have not been in vain.
Since the time of my settlement in Gloucester
the number of marriages has been eight — bap
tisms eight — burials five. Wm. D. Cairns.
St. Anne's and South Farnham parishes, Es
sex county. In reviewing the labours of the past
year, and reflecting upon his present prospects,
the rector, though he sees cause to mourn as well
as rejoice, has much to encourage him, and kindle
the purest gratitude to that blessed Lord and
Master who hath called him to tbe work of the
ministry. Much is there around him which re
tards the progress of the church, and the spread
of pure godliness among the people. But still he
is warranted in stating, and to the glory of God's
grace be it recorded, that the pleasure of the
Lord has, in some degree, prospered in his hands.
The church of the living God is arising in her
glory: she is laying her foundations broad and
deep. The increase in the number of those who
frequent the sanctuary, and other things to which
we cannot give any tangible form, show that
there is a gradual and permanent advancement in
this heavenly cause. The word preached has, in
some few cases, been made the power of God
unto salvation. About ten souls, it is believed,
have been renewed by the Holy Ghost : the image
of their Saviour is upon them, and he who has
been made the minister of God's grace unto them
looks forward to the day of our Lord with a
triumphant hope that they will then appear as his
crown of rejoicing. At this time there are others
who appear to be under the influence of saving
grace, and, it is hoped, will soon join themselves
unto the Lord.
The repairs mentioned in the last report have
progressed nearly as far as was anticipated, and
we are not without hope that they will soon be
entirely finished. Should this be the case, the
¦church in St. Anne's will have undergone a
thorough repair, and be in every respect a neat
and commodious building.
Present number of communicants in both par
ishes thirty-three (one servant) — marriages three
¦ — baptisms seventeen (one adult) — burials ten.
John P. M'Guire.
Henrico parish. It is with gratitude to the
great Author of every blessing that the rector is
enabled to represent the state of this church as
flourishing, and its prospects highly flattering.
An increasing zeal for vital religion has been
manifest during the past year, and numbers have

been added to the church of such as, we hum
bly trust, shall be saved. The Sunday School
of this church is in constant and successful opera
tion. Itnumbers one hundred and ninety scholars,
and twenty-two teachers. The happy influence
of this school is apparent in every department
of the church. Many of the teachers have been
hopefully converted unto God, and, together with
many of their scholars, seem to be deeply impres
sed with concern for the welfare of their immortal
souls. Nothing but fhe experience of the past
year could have convinced the rector of the vast
extent of benefit to be derived from a well-con
ducted Sunday School. Through the exertions
of the teachers, aided by the congregation, the
interior of the church has lately been painted,
and otherwise much improved. The rector has
held regular lectures during the week, and attend
ed a large Bible class, both of which, he has rea
son to believe, have been productive of much
good. Communicants thirty-three, ten of whom
have joined within the year past.
There are many communicants residing within
the neighbourhood of Richmond, who have been
heretofore reported, but are not included in the
above list. And it is worthy of remark, that of
the ten who have lately joined, five are teachers
of the Sunday School ; and that of the nineteen
who have lately received confirmation, eleven are
attached to the same school. Marriages fifteen-
baptisms, six adults, seventeen infants. Wm. H. Hart.
Raleigh parish, Amelia county. Since the last
Convention the affairs of this parish have assu
med a more encouraging aspect. Although the
minister cannot say that many have openly taken
the side of the Lord, yet tbe increased serious
ness exhibits a pleasing contrast with the care
lessness which prevailed.
The church has been comfortably repaired, and
the congregations are respectable and attentive—
and, upon the whole, there is good ground for
hope that the church will again become strong in
this parish. The communion has not been ad
ministered here for a number of years. The bap
tisms are two — one funeral.
St. James's, Northam, Goochland county. Prov
idence has in some degree blessed the minis
terial labours in this parish. Since the last year
ten have been added fo the church ; and there
are others whose hard hearts the Lord hath bro
ken, and who are anxious to confess him before
men. One of the churches has been repaired,
and in this the congregation is respectable in
numbers. Animating hopes are entertained of
success in the efforts which are now making to
beat down the prejudices, which in this parish
are very strong, against our liturgy, and generally
against our polity. Baptisms sixteen — marriages
three — deaths two — communicants nineteen.
William F. Lee.
Christ Church, Winchester. During the past
year the town of Winchester has been seriously
afflicted by sickness, and removal by death of
several valued members of our church. It is
hoped that these afflictions have been in some
degree sanctified by that kind Hand which. sent
them, and have produced a deeper- seriousness,
and an increasing attention to the means of grace,
among those who are attached to the church.
A Bible class is continued in successful opera
tion, and promises much usefulness.
¦ The Sunday School contains about fifty schol
ars, but may be considered as in a languishing
state, owing, perhaps, in a great degree, to the
congregation not being duly impressed with the
importance of the school. The weekly lecture,

CONVENTION OF 1827.

205

which is held from house to house; is well attend
ed, and the benevolent institutions which have
been formed continue to receive unremitting at
tention. The ladies of the congregation have, by their
benevolent exertions during the past year, con
stituted their pastor a life member of the Educa
tion Society, and also a life member of the Amer
ican Tract Society. Communicants forty-three
— baptisms nine — marriages five — deaths sixteen.
The rector also reports, that Christ Church, in
the parish of Norborne, at which he preaches
once a month, is well attended, although his
hands have not been strengthened, nor his heart
made glad by an increase of communicants, the
precise number of which he has not been able to
ascertain. J. E. Jackson.
Bristol parish, Petersburg. No occurrences of
any great importance, with respect to the state of
the church in this parish, have taken place since
the last communication that was made to the Con
vention. I have the satisfaction- to remark, that
there is no falling off in the attendance of the in
habitants on their religious duties, but rather
some improvement in that respect : public wor
ship is generally well attended . the number of
communicants is, indeed, not numerous, only
about forty or forty -five. There was a society of
females formed two or three years ago, styled the
" Female Episcopal Society of Petersburg," aux
iliary to the society in Alexandria. Since its
formation, it has carried on the object intended
successfully ; considerable sums of money have
been remitted to the parent society. Marriages
in twelve months, nine — baptisms twenty-four —
funerals thirteen. Andrew Syme.
St. Paul's Church, Lynchburg. This congre
gation has enjoyed the privilege of an appropriate
place of worship onlv since the last meeting of
the Convention, at which time St. Paul's Church
was consecrated. The stated religious services
during the past year, besides those on Sunday
morning and evening, have consisted of lectures
on Wednesday evening in the church, and on
Friday evening in private houses ; all of which
have been generally well and devoutly attended,
and in all the church liturgy is undeviatingly
used. A Sunday School Society was formed in Sep
tember, for the support of a Sunday School in the
church, which has already been highly useful,
and gives promise of lasting good as a nursery of
piety and scriptural knowledge. The society has
lately become an auxiliary to the General Epis
copal Sunday School Union. In November an
excellent organ was opened in the church, at an
expense of twelve hundred dollars, which has
been defrayed almost exclusively by the young
gentlemen of Lynchburg. On Christmas-day a
society of young ladles was constituted, in aid of
the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society of
the Episcopal Church, which has become respon
sible for the support of a heathen child in the
Mission School at Green Bay. Its contributions,
though small, will, it is trusted, be regular and
permanent. The rector is deeply pained to report,
that out of so large and interesting a congregation
as that to which he ministers, only fourteen per
sons have yet publicly professed their faith in
Christ by partaking of the holy communion. Sun
day scholars sixty — baptisms five — marriages two
— burials nine. F. G. Smith.
Norborne parish, Berkeley county. The rec
tor reports about ten baptisms, and eight persons
added to the communion during the last year.
The Female Education Society has not diminish
ed in numbers or zeal, and the Union Sunday

School, with which the parish is connected, has
recommenced its operations.
The spiritual improvement of the congregation
during the last year is encouraging, and tbe zeal
of some members of the communion is worthy of
remark, and calls for gratitude to God.
John T. Brooke.
Monumental Church, Richmond. Communi
cants (thirteen added) about one hundred and
fifty— baptisms (of adults one, of children twenty-
four) twenty-five— Sunday scholars about one
hundred and thirty-five.
The spiritual concerns of this parish, it is be
lieved, are improving. An increased attention to
religion has within a few months manifested
itself, especially among the younger members of
the congregation ; and on the approaching cele
bration of the communion it is expected that
several persons will come forward, and for the
first time testify their love to their Saviour, by
partaking of those symbols which were designed
to be means of grace, and pledges to assure us of
God's acceptance.
The Sunday School is flourishing. This school
(in conjunction with that of Henrico parish, con
stituting the Richmond Episcopal Sunday School
Society) has lately become auxiliary to the very
important institution lately established by the
members of the General Convention, entitled,
" The General Protestant Episcopal Sunday School
Union."* To the credit of the male teachers of
the Richmond Union it ought to be mentioned
that, in the course of the past year, they have
published an edition of the Rev. Titus Strong's
very popular Letters, entitled, " A Candid Exam
ination of the Episcopal Church," which have
been extensively distributed through the diocess,
and produced the good effect of exciting a spirit
of inquiry to the claims of our communion, and of
strengthening the attachment of many to the
faith and order of the gospel, as maintained by
apostolic and primitive men.
Richaro Channing Moore.
Russell parish* Bedford county. In this parish
the interests of the church are gradually but per
manently improving. The prejudices against our
forms are rapidly subsiding ; the confidence of the
public is regained, and the affections of the young,
particularly, are secured. The congregations are
always seriously attentive, and it is believed that
the spirit of God is silently but effectually per
forming the work of grace on the hearts of many.
Though the gain to the church has been rather
in the way of moral weight than of numerical
accession, yet since the last Convention six com
municants have been added, and three or four
more will be received the next communion. By
the erection of two churches in a small and infant
parish, the congregations have not hitherto been
enabled to contribute to those objects which have
so many claims upon our charities. But for the
future better things may be expected. The ladies
of one of the churches (St. Stephen's) have, by a
contribution of $35, constituted their minister a
life member of the Education Society : in the
same church an available auxiliary will immedi
ately be organized. In each of the churches a
Bible class has been formed, with the prospect of
good. Baptisms thirty-one— marriages eight — fu
nerals eight — communicants sixteen.
Nicholas H. Cobbs.
St. Stephen's Church, Culpepper county. The
present minister of this church has officiated in it
twice in every month since December last. The

* See on another page of this Journal the re
port ofthe committee on the state ofthe church.

206

CONVENTION OF 1827.

Rev. Mr. Woodville officiates regularly once a
"month, and has administered the sacrament of
the Lord's Supper twice since December. The
congregations are generally considerable in num
ber and attentive. A Sunday School is in suc
cessful operation, and a Female Education So
ciety has for some time contributed regularly to
the funds of the parent institution. The minister
of St. Stephen's has also preached twice in each
month at Orange courthouse, where the congre
gations have been large and attentive, and pros
pects encouraging. Number of communicants
not known. G. A. Smith.
The congregation in the town of Wheeling is
gradually improving, and its present prospects are
favourable. Last winter the evening lectures of
the rector were better attended than they had
been for two years back. Communicants thirty-
seven — baptisms thirteen — marriages fifteen.
In March, 1825, the rector took charge of St.
John's Church, in Brooke county, twenty-five
miles from Wheeling. St. John's Church had
stood in an unfinished state for twenty-five years ;
the 'congregation had been very much neglected.
In the fall of the year J 825 the church was fin
ished, and it is a source of gratification to know
that the congregation is very large, and a work
of grace seems to be going on among the people.
Communicants thirty-four.
I preach part of my time in tbe town of Wells-
burg, sixteen miles from Wheeling, in Brooke
county. The congregation is large and very at
tentive. We have no church in Wellsburg, but
I hope it will not be long before we shall have one.
John Armstrong.
Mr. Hugh Nelson, from the committee ap
pointed to examine the treasurer's accounts,
made a report, which was read, and is as fol
lows : —
The committee on the treasurer's accounts
beg leave to report, that they have had the same
under consideration, and find them to be correct.
On motion, Resolved, That the said report
be received and approved.
Mr. Dabney, from the committee to whom
was referred the examination of the accounts
of the treasurer of the funds of the widows and
orphans of deceased clergymen of the Episcopal
Church of Virginia, made the following report : —
The committee to whom was referred the
examination of the " fund for the relief of dis
tressed widows and orphans of clergymen,"
have, according to older, had the same under
consideration, and beg leave to report the fol
lowing as a correct statement rendered by the
treasurer. The fund for the relief of the widows and or
phans of deceased clergymen of the Episcopal
Church of the Diocess of Virginia, in account
with John Hooff, treasurer. Dr.
1826, Aug. 14.
To cash paid Dr. Wilmer for Mrs.
Whitaker, $20 00
Nov. 15.
To cash paid for two shares of stock
of the Farmers' Bank of Alexan
dria, at $41 50 per share, 83 00
Balance in the hands of the treasu
rer, 129 73

$232 73

1826, May 4. Cr.
By old amount per balance, - $6 61
Aug. 16.
One quarter's dividend on three per
cent, stock, - - 15 28
Oct. 3. _
Dividend on sixty-five shares of Far
mers' Bank of Alexandria, at $1 25
per share, - 81 25
1827, April 3.
Do. on sixty-seven shares of ditto, 83 75
April 5.
Three quarter's dividend three per ,
cent. U. S. stock, - - 45 84

$232 73

The funds are as follows : —
United States three per cent, stock, $2,037 78
One share of stock, Bank of Vir- „
ginia (par), 100 00
Sixty-seven shares of stock, Far
mers' Bank of Alexandria, par
value, - - - 3,350 00
Robert Andrews's executorrs note,
balance bearing interest from the
 day of  , - - 405 00

Cash on hand,

$5,892 78
129 73

$6,022 51
The committee are pleased to observe that
this fund is in a state of gradual increase. The
objects of its bounty are at present but few,
and it is hoped that, should the dispensation of
Providence afflict the church by the removal of
any of God's labourers in the holy ministry,
their widows and children will not be exposed
to comfortless want, nor be forced to rely for
support on the reluctant charity of the world.
All which is respectfully submitted.
Reuel Keith, Chairman.
On motion, the above report was accepted.
The special committee to whom were refer
red the communication from the secretaries of
the House of Bishops and ofthe House of Cler
ical and Lay Delegates to the secretary of this
Convention, presented a report.
On motion, Resolved, That the said report
be laid upon the table.
The proceedings of the standing committee
since the last Convention were read.
The session was then suspended, for the pur
pose of attending divine service by the Rev.
Mr. Croes, and a sermon by the Rev. Mr.
Tyng of Maryland.
On motion, Resolved, That the treasurer of
this Convention pay to the secretary .of the
House of Clerical and Lay Delegates the assess
ment upon this diocess, for the purpose of de
fraying the contingent expenses of the last Gen
eral Convention.
Resolved, That the next Convention of the
Protestant Episcopal Church of the diocess of
Virginia he held in the town of Petersburg, on
the third Thursday in May next.

CONVENTION OF 1827.

207

The Rev. Mr. Lippit, from the committee
appointed to examine the state of the fund for
the permanent support of the episcopate in this
diocess, presented the following report : —
The committee to whom was referred the
account of the treasurer of the fund for the
support of the episcopate in this diocess,
Report, That in consequence of the treasurer
not having forwarded his accounts, they have
nothing special to present to the Convention.
E. R. Lippit, Chairman.
On motion, Resolved, That the said report
be received.
The Convention then proceeded to the elec
tion, by ballot, of eight delegates, to represent
this diocess in the next General Convention of
the Protestant Episcopal Church of the Uni
ted States : whereupon the following gentlemen
were duly elected, viz. : — Rev. William H.
Wilmer, D. D., Rev. William Meade, Rev.
Edward C. M'Guire, Rev. Reuel Keith, Dr.
Carter Berkeley, Mr. Philip Nelson, Mr. James
M. Garnett, and Mr. Hugh Nelson.
The bishop appeared and took his seat as
president of the Convention.
On motion, Resolved, That the treasurer pay
to the doorkeeper of this Convention the sum
of five dollars for his services.
On motion, Resolved, unanimously, That the
thanks of this Convention be tendered to the
citizens of this place, for their kind and hospita
ble attentions to the members of the Conven
tion during its session.
On motion, Resolved, unanimously, That the
thanks of this Convention be tendered to the
ministers of the Presbyterian, Methodist, and
Baptist churches in this place, for the liberal
and kind offer of their churches for the use of
the Convention.
The Convention proceeded to the election,
by ballot, of a standing committee of the
church in this diocess for the ensuing year : —
whereupon the following gentlemen were duly
elected, viz. : — the Rev. Reuel Keith, the Rev.
Edward R. Lippit, the Rev. William Jackson,
the Hon. Bushrod Washington, Mr. John Hooff,
and Edmund J. Lee, Esq.
On motion, Resolved, That the thanks of the
Convention be presented to the secretary and
treasurer for their faithful services, and that the
treasurer pay to the secretary his expenses in
curred in attending this Convention.
On motion, Resolved, That 800 copies of the
Journal of this Convention be printed, and dis
tributed by the secretary among the parishes,
under the superintendence of the bishop.
On motion, Resolved, that the bishop of this
diocess, the Rev. Dr. Wilmer, the Rev. Mr.
Hart, and the Rev. Mr. Grammer, be appointed
a committee to arrange and publish, in the form
of a tract, such an edition of the constitution
and canons of tbe church in this diocess, with
such remarks explanatory of the form of govern
ment and polity of the Protestant Episcopal
Church as they may deem necessary, and dis
tribute the same when published among the dif
ferent parishes in this diocess.
On motion, Resolved, That the sum of sixty-

four dollars be appropriated to the bishop for the
support of his assistant out of the contingent
fund, to make up, with the sum paid in for that
purpose during the present Convention, the sum
of $300, in pursuance of the pledge made by
the last Convention.
On motion, Resolved, That the several par
ishes of this diocess be required to pay annu
ally the same sums which were assessed upon
them for the payment of the bishop for his epis
copal services during the last year, and that
said assessment be again spread upon the
Journals of this Convention.
Leed's parish, - - $10 00
Town of Suffolk, 7 50
Parish of Suffolk, 7 50
Russell parish, Bedford, 10 00
St. Martin's parish, Hanover, 10 00
Shelburne parish, - 10 00
Hungar's parish, - 10 00
Henrico parish, - - 15 00
Fredericksville parish, - 10 00
St. Andrew's parish, - 10 00
Frederick parish, - lh 00
St. George's parish, - 15 00
South Farnham parish, Essex, 10 00
Christ Church, Fairfax parish, 20 00
Lynchburg parish, - - - 10 00
St. James's parish, Mecklenburg, 10 00
Augusta parish, Staunton, 10 00
Bristol parish, - - - - 20 00
St. Paul's Church, Alexandria, 10 00
Portsmouth parish, 10 00
Hamilton parish, Fauquier, - 10 00
Gloucester county, - 10 00
Norborne parish, Berkeley, -. 10 00
Christ Church, Norfolk, - - 20 00
Accomack county, - 10 00
Amherst county, - 10 00
Kanawha county, 10 00
Culpepper, - 10 00
Orange, - - 10 00
Romney, - - 5 00
Goochland, - - 10 00
Amelia, - - 10 00
Louisa, - - 10 00
Wheeling, - - 10 00
St. Anne's parish, Essex, 10 00
The Rev. Dr. Wilmer, from the committee
on the state of the church in this diocess, pre
sented the following report : —
The committee on the state of the church beg
leave to report to the Convention the result of
their deliberations on such subjects as have pre
sented themselves to their attention on this occa
sion. The very destitute state of many of our par
ishes has long been a subject of solicitude and re
gret with the friends of the church, and efforts
have from time to time been devised for provi-
ding a remedy for this evil. Among other meas
ures it was formerly proposed that the state should
be laid off in districts, and assigned to the several
ministers of the diocess, whose duty it should be,
at stated seasons, to visit and administer tbe offi
ces of the church in their several districts. From
whatever cause this plan has miscarried, your
committee are of opinion that there are no insu
perable obstacles in the way of its accomplish-

208

CONVENTION OF 1827.

ment, and that it is eminently calculated to pro
mote the interests of the church and of religion.
They therefore recommend to the Convention
the adoption of the following resolution : —
Resolved, That the bishop be respectfully re
quested to lay off the diocess in districts, and to
assign to each district two or more ministers,
whose duty it shall be to meet in association at
the places assigned them twice in the year, for the
purpose of preaching and administering the ordi
nances of the church to the people.
Your committee beg leave also to call the at
tention of the Convention to the General Prot
estant Episcopal Sunday School Union, estab
lished by the- members of our church at the meet
ing of the last General Convention. The object
of tbis society is to facilitate the purchase, at
cheap rates, of books suitable to our Sunday
Schools, and to establish and cherish soundness
and harmony in principle and practice among
those who are destined, when we are gone from
the world, to take our places in society and in the
church of God. Under the impression that such
ah object is highly desirable and important, your
committee beg leave to recommend to the Con
vention the adoption ofthe following resolution : —
Resolved, That the General Protestant Episco
pal Sunday School Onion be recommended to the
patronage and support of the members of our
church in this diocess.
All which is respectfully submitted.
William H. Wilmer, Chairman.
On motion, Resolved, That the said report
be received, and the resolutions- recommended
by the committee adopted.
The standing committee, in pursuance of the
resolution of the last Convention, presented
the following laws and regulations for the gov
ernment of the society for the relief of dis
tressed widows and orphans of clergymen.
Laws for the management of the funds and payment
of the annuities of the society for the relief of the
widows and children of the clergy of the Protestant
Episcopal Church in Virginia.
1. The contributors to this fund shall be ar
ranged in classes, agreeably to their annual contri
butions, and each contributor shall abide by that
class which he at first entered, except on the fol
lowing conditions. If he desire to go from a
lower to a higher class, he shall pay the differ
ence between his former and his new rate of sub
scription for all the years during which he has
paid the smaller sum, together with interest
thereon. 'If he change from a higher to a lower,
he shall be repaid the difference between his two
rates of subscription during the term of his sub
scribing, without any interest thereupon.
2. Every person entering the society shall pay
one dollar and a half for every year he has ex
ceeded the age of thirty.
3. The first contribution shall be paid in ad
vance : that is, on the person's becoming a mem
ber of the society.
4. Each contributor shall pay his annual con
tribution to the society on or before the Thursday
in Whitsun-week every year, under the penalty of
twelve and a half per cent, per annum, on his
original subscription, for each year's default ; and
whensoever the penalties shall amount to the
whole sum heretofore subscribed by him, this
sum shall be forfeited to the society, and he be no
longer considered as a contributor, except he shall
afterward comply with such terms as to the so
ciety may appear equitable and expedient.
5. Should any member choose to withdraw

from the society, he shall receive no compensation
forthe money which he has contributed ; but his
widow and children shall be entitled to ten per.
cent, upon the money contributed. And any con
tributor removing from the state, although he can
no longer be considered as a member of the so
ciety, may remain a contributor, and he, and after
his death his wife and children, shall be treated
as is directed by the laws of the society. But if
it should be inconvenient for him after his removal
to continue his subscription, he shall then be re
paid the sum which he shall have advanced, pen
alties excepted, with legal interest on. each contri
bution during the time the society shall have used
the money.
6. Every contributor who shall marry more
than once shall pay one year's contribution extra
ordinary at every such marriage.
7. There shall be four different sums ; any one
of whieh subscribers may contribute, viz. : five,
ten, fifteen, and twenty dollars, which shall be
called four classes.
8. If a clergyman die before he shall have com
pleted five annual payments, his family shall be
entitled to an annuity of three times his annual
contribution ; if he have paid five, and less than
ten, they shall receive an annuity of four times
his annual contribution ; if ten, and less than fif
teen, they shall be paid an annuity of five times
his annual contribution ; and if fifteen, or up
wards, they shall then receive an annuity of six
times his annual contribution.
9. Annuities shall be paid widows during life,
unless they marry again ; in which case their an
nuities shall cease and fall to their children en
tirely if they have any, agreeably to the laws of
the society ; and children, if males, shall enjoy
annuities until they be twenty-one years old ; if
females, so long as they remain unmarried.
10. If there be a child and no widow, such child
shall be entitled to the whole annuity during the
time that he or she continues to be an annu
itant ; but if there be more than one child and no
widow, the annuity shall be equally divided
among them till they severally marry, or exceed
the age of annuitants, which annuity shall be laid
out in their education or apprenticeship, with the
advice of such guardians or executors as the
father may have nominated ; and if none such
shall have been nominated by the father, then in
such manner for' the benefit of the child or chil
dren as the society shall direct.
11. If there be a widow and one child, the an
nuity shall be equally divided between them du
ring the time which they shall be respectively en
titled to it ; and if there be a widow and two or
more children, the widow shall have one third
during her widowhood : the remainder shall be
equally divided among the children, or apportioned
in such manner among the annuitants as the
father shall direct by his last will.
12. The donations already made and those
that may hereafter be made to the society shall
constitute a separate fund, the benefit of'which
shall be applied to the relief of such families of
the members of the society as require peculiar
assistance ; and as it cannot be ascertained what
annuity such a fund may yield, it shall remain with
the society to apply this money as the necessity
of the case shall to them appear to require.
13. The society shall have power to alter the
annuities to the rate of interest that can be ob
tained, but no alteration shall take place from a
supposition that there are too few annuitants for
the funds.
Rules for the transaction ofthe business of the society.
1. At every annual meeting there shall be chosen

CONVENTION OF 1828.

209

a. president, treasurer, and secretary, who shall
remain in office till the next annual election. The
bishop, if he be a member of die society, shall be
president. 2. Onurgent occasions, the president shall notify
the secretary to call special meetings of the so
ciety. ¦ i
3. The treasurer shall manage the funds and
pay theannuities agreeably to the direction of the
society, and DY the advice of such counsellor or
counsellors as he shall he directed to consult-. He
shall give bond in such sum as the society shall
judge necessary for the security of their funds.
4. The secretary'shall take down minutes of the
Croceedings of the society, and record them in a
ook to be kept for the purpose. He shall faith
fully preserve all papers and accounts committed
to his-care, and deliver them to his successor.
On motion, Resolved, That the said laws and
"regulations be approved and adopted.
ThTe Rev. William Meade,~ from the board of
trustees of the Theological School, presented a
report, which was read, as follows : —
Report ofthe Board' of Trustees of the Theological
• School of Virginia to the Convention, assembled in
Fredericksburg, May 11th, 1827.
The board do not consider, it necessary to detail
in this report the different studies in which the
young candidates for "the ministry have been en
gaged during the present year; as they are the
same which have been mentioned in former com
munications. ' Since our last report, five of the
students in this school have entered upon the dis
charge of those^high and -holy duties for which
they had been preparing, and are now, we trust,
giving good evidence that their time -has not been
mispent, or their studies unprofitable. Two others
are now about to receive their commission, ' and
enter upon the same duties.
During the present session ten young men have
been pursuing their studies in our .institution, and,
from applications already made, we have reason
to expect that not less than fifteen will enter it on
the ensuing session. We are annually experien
cing the beneficial effects of our.- school; in the
supply of vacant churches, and in the, collection
of congregations, in places where almost all vesti
ges of the church were gone. _ The importance of
continuing and increasing our ^efforts to render
this institution as efficient as possible, is more and
more deeply felt by those into whose hands its
management is intrusted, and indeed by 'all its
friends' and supporters.
' At the late meeting of the board a subject of no
small importance came under consideration, and

led to a decision which we deem it proper to com
municate to this Convention. From-the first open
ing of the school, very serious1 inconveniences
were found to attend the residence of the students
and professors in a town. The expenseof living
is- necessarily greater, and many interruptions to
their studies are almost" unavoidable. The want
of a building exclusively devoted to their use, and
where they may live in the most retired manner,
and in the simplest way, has been deeply felt,
and often expressed by the professors. It is be
lieved that the institution has already suffered,
and may suffer still more, from the want of such
an establishment.
Accordingly, the board have determined to pur
chase or erect, in some healthy situation near
Alexandria, but withm the State of Virginia, a
house or houses sufficiently large to accommodate
two professors and twenty^students. A commit
tee has been appointed to execute this .important
duty, and will 'repair to Alexandria in the course
of the following month for that.purpose. »,..
It has also been deemed important that the un;
divided" services of two professors, besides such
assistance as the officiating ministers in Alexan
dria can render, shall be given to the students,
and, accordingly, arrangements can and. will be
made for such supply. _
The board are happy to inform the Convention,
that although they have, during the past year,
been deprived of the valuable services of the Rev.
Dr. Wilmer, which had been so faithfully and
generously rendered from the commencement of
the school,, yet they expect to receive from his
worthy successor in St. Paul's Church, the Rev,
Mr. William Jackson, very important assistance
in the department of pastoral theology, which has
been assigned to his care.
From the report of the treasurer, which is an.
nexed, it will be perceived that our funds are
still altogether .unworthy the magnitude of the
object, for" which they were raised, and of the
ability of those from whom we may reasonably
expect support. The board would again press
the duty of more and larger contributions, and
would take further steps for the obtaining of the
same ; but as a special contribution . will be so
licited for the purchase or erection of _the above.
mentioned buildings,- and as that duty is confided
toHhe management «of a select committee, it is
thought best for the present to forbear any new
effort for the increase of. the funded capital, leav.
ing it, however, open to the. contributions of the
living, and the bequests of-the dying.
All . which is respectfully submitted by the
board. Richard Chaining Moore,President,

Journal j>f the Proceedings of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the Diocess of
Virginia, which assembled in the town of Petersburg, on Thursday, the 15lh of May, 1828.

Thursday, May 15, 1828.
This being the day and place appointed for
the annual meeting of the Convention ofthe
Protestant Episcopal Church in the diocess of
Virginia, the Right Rev. Bishop Moore, D. D.r
with several clergymen and lay delegates, at
tended divine service in the Episcopal church in
this town.
Morning prayers were read by the Right Rev.
Bishop Moore, and -a sermon preached by the
Rev. William Meade, D. D. .
After divine service the Right Rev. Bishop
O

Moore took the' chair as president of the Con
vention. .
The following clergymen, entitled-to seats in
this Convention, appeared, viz. :^-
The Rev. William Meade, D. D., Frederick
parish, Frederick county ; the Rev. Edward C.
M'Guire, St. George's .parish, Fredericksburg ;
the Rev. Reuel Keith, 'D. D., Christ Church,
Alexandria, parish of Fairfax ; the Rev. Charles
H. Page, Lexington parish, Amherst county ;
the. Rev. Robert B.. Croes, assistant minister
of the Monumental Church, Richmond-; the

210

CONVENTION OF 1828.

Rev. Henry W. Diicachet, M. D., Christ
Church, Norfolk-; the Rev. William F. Lee, St.
James's parish, Northam, ' Goochland county,
Raleigh pafish," Amelia, and Manchester parish,
Chesterfield; the Rev. John P. M'Guire, St.
Anne's and South Farnham parishes, Essex
county ; the Rev. Johannes E. Jackson, Christ
Church, Frederick parish, Frederick county ;
the Rev. John T. Brooke, Norborne parish,
Berkeley county.; the Rev. Edward R. Lippit,
Professor in the Theological School of this dio
cess near Alexandria ; the Rev. George A.
Smith, St. Stephen's Church, Culpepper county;
the Rev. John Grammer, Bath parish, Dinwid
die county ; the Rev. William H. Hart, Henri-.
co parish, Henrico county ; the Rev. William-.
G. H. Jones, parish of Newport, Isle, of Wight ;
theRev. John H. Wingfield, Portsnjouth parish,
Norfolk county ; the Rev. .Andrew Syme, Bris
tol parish, Petersburg ? the Rev. . Hugh C.
Boggs ; the Rev. William Jackson, St. Paul's
Church, Alexandria ; the Rev. John Cooke,
St. Martin's parish, JIanover and Louisa coun
ties ; the Rev. George Lemon, Hamilton and
Leeds parish,"Fauquier county ; the Rev. Mark
L. Chevers, Elizabeth City parish, Elizabeth
City county ; the Rev. Thomas Jackson, Shel
burne parish, Loudoun ^ county-; the Rev.
Frederick W. Hatch, Fredericksville parish,
Albemarle county ; the Rev. Jacob Keeling,
Suffolk, Nansemond county ; the Rev. William
D. Cairns, Ware and Abingdon parishes," Glou
cester county ; the Rev. William Sj.eele, St.
James's parish, Mecklenburg county ; the Rev.
Ira Earker, Suffolk ; the Rev. Adam Empie,
rector of Bruton parish, and President of Will
iam and Mary College, Williamsburg ; the Rev.
Leonard H. Johns, St. Margaret's parish, Caro
line county.
Ordered,, That Mr. Philip Nelson, Dr. Carter
Berkeley, and Mr. John G. Williams, be a com
mittee to examine the certificates of lay dele-
gales ; who then withdrew, and after a short
time returned,, and presented the following re
port : —
The_committee. to whom were referred the
certificates of the lay delegates, have, according
to order, examined the same, and report,- that
the following persons have been duly elected
lay delegates to this Convention : —
Dr. Robert B. Butt, Portsmouth parish ;
Thurmer Hoggard, Lynnhaven parish, Princess
Anne county ; Mallory M. Todd, Newport,
Isle of Wight ; John Grammer, parish of Bris
tol, Petersburg ; Gen. William H. Brodnax,
Bath parish ; Thomas ,L. Robertson, St. Ste-
? hen's Church, Culpepper county ; William B.
'age, Christ Church, Winchester ; Beverley
Davies, Lexington parish, Amherst county ;
Thomas L. Latane, South Farnham parish, Es
sex county ; William Mayo and John G. Will
iams, Monumental" Church, Richmond ; Hugh
C. M'Nemara, Henrico parish, Henrico county ;
Walker W. Webb, Bruton parish, Williams
burg ; Gerrard Alexander, Russell parish, Bed
ford, county ;- Col. William Boiling, St. James's
parish, Northam, Goocljland county ; William
PofiBeld, St. Paul's Church, Suffolk ;, the Hon.

Hugh Nelson, Fredericksville parish, Albemarle
county ; James B;~NichoIs, St. Paul's Church,
Alexandria ; Philip Nelson, Frederick parish,
Frederick county ; John Southgate, Christ
Church, Norfolk ; N. Osgood, St. John's Church,
Moore's parish, Campbell county ; Westwood
S. Armistead, St. John's Churoh, Elizabeth City
parish ; Robert P. Waring, St. Anne's parish,
Essex county ; Seth Ward, St. Paul's Church,
Lynchburg ; Lewis Berkeley, jr., Shelburne
parish, Leesburg, Loudoun county; John Nel
son, St- James's parish, Mecklenburg. county ;
Nelson Berkeley, St. Margaret's parish, Caro
line county ; Thomas Smith, St. Paul's parish,
King George county ; William M. Blackford,
St. George's parish, Fredericksburg; Dr. Car
ter Berkeley, St. Martin's parish, Hanover and
Louisa counties ; John Gray, Hamilton parish,
Fauqriier county ; Thomas Nelson, Norborne
parish, Martinsburg, Berkeley county ; Lewis
Berkeley, Norborne parish, "Berkeley county."
On motion, Resolved, That the following
rules of order, adopted by the last Convention
for the government of their proceedings, be the
rules of proceeding during the present Conven
tion. 1. The business- of every day shall be intro
duced with the morning service of the church.
2. When the president takes- the chair, no
member shall' continue standing, or shall after
ward stand up, except to address the chair.
3. No member shall absent himself from the
service of the house unless he have leave, or
be unable to attend.
4. When any member is about-to speak in
debate, oi-deliver any matter to. the house, he
shall," with due respect, address himself to the
president, confining himself strictly to the point
in debate.
5. No member shall speak more than twice
in the same debate without- leave of the house.
-6. A question being once "determined shall
stand as the" judgment of the house, and shall
not be again drawn into debate during the same
session, unless with the consent of two thirds
of the house.
7. While the president is putting any ques
tion, the members shall continue in their seats,
and shall not hold any private discourse.
8, Every member who shall be in the house
when any question is put, shall, on a division,
be counted, unless he be personally interested
in the decision.
9. No motion shall be considered as before
the house unless it be seconded, and, when re
quired, reduced to writing. -
10.; When any question is before the house, it
shall be determined on before any new thing is
introduced, except the question of adjournment
11. The question on a motion of adjourn-
ment'shall be taken before any> other, and with
out debate.
12. When the house is about to rise, every
member shall keep his seat until the president
shall leave his chair.
Ordered, That the Rev. John H. Wingfield,
the Rev. Robert B. Croes," the Rev. George
Smith, Mr. William B. Page, Mr. Gerrard

CONVENTION OF 1828.

211

Alexander, and Mr. Thurmer Hoggard, be a
coinmittee (o examine the parochial reports.
Ordered, That the Rev. Wm. Meade, D. D.,
the Rev. Henry'W. Ducachet, the Rev. Edward
C. M'Guire, the" Rev. Wm. H. Hart, the Rev.
Wm. Jackson, the Hon. Hugh. Nelson, Mr.
William Mayo, Mr. Robert P< Waring, Mr.
John Southgate, and" John G. Williams, be a
committee to take kito consideration the1 state
of the church in this diocess, and report there
upon to this Convention.
Ordered, That the Rev. Edward R. Lippit,
the Rev. John M'Guire, the Rev. William F.
Lee,, Mr. "Francis Nelson,- Mr. Hugh C. M'Ne
mara, and Mr. Mallory M. Todd, be a commit
tee to examine the accounts of the treasurer of
the fund for the permanent support of the epis
copate in this diocess."
Ordered, That the Rev. Andrew Syme, the
Rev. John Grammer, the Rev. Frederick yV.
Hatch, and John Grammer, sen., be a commit
tee to examine the treasurer's accounts.
Ordered, That the Rev. Reuel Kerthj the Rev.
Johannes E. Jackson, Mr. Seth Ward, and Mr.
Nelson Berkeley, be a committee to examine the
state -of the fund for the support of the widows
and orphans of deceased clergymen.
The bishop then delivered the following
pastoral address.
Another year, brethren, has revolved over us,
and we are again favoured with an "opportunity of
meeting^together in the council of the church, to
deliberate on such measures as may, with the
blessing of heaven, advance the interest of reli
gion in general, and of our own community in
particular. We have received marly mercies de
serving out utmost gratitude to the Almighty ;
and we have some bereavements to lament, which
should awaken in our minds the uncertainty of
human life, and excite us to more unwearied dili
gence in the cause of God our Saviour.
In casting our eye around us, and surveying tbe
members of which this Convention is composed,
we -look in vain for several individuals who at
this time the' last year constituted a part of our
ecclesiastical body, and who we had reason to
hope would have been spared to meet with us on
this occasion,.'and to assist us in our religious de
liberations. The venerable Mr. Armstrong, who
at an advanced age came from- Wheeling, to wit
ness the progress of the church, died a few days
after bis return home. Though the place at
which we convened was distant from his abode
several hundred miles, still the pleasure he expe
rienced' at the Convention was so great, that he
declared, prior to his departure from Fredericks
burg, that the unity of sentiment which^dfstin-
guished our proceedings, and the vital piety which
marked the discourses he heard, had more than
repaid him for all his toil and fatigue. He left us
with renewed desires to discharge his duty, and
with the conviction on his mind that God was
with us of a truth. He now rests from his labours,
and, I Crust, is reaping the reward of a life devoted
to the cause of his Redeemer.
In touching on the subject, of the bereavement
we have experienced in the death of our beloved
Wilmer, it is impossible for me to find language
sufficiently strong to express that sense ofhis loss
which fills my mind. He was one of those who
first Galled my attention to this diocess"; and of
the three clergymen who corresponded with me
0 2

on that subject, one only now remains. . -He, I
trust, will be spared to assist you with his counsel
when my head will be slumbering in the tomb.
To the usefulness of Dr. Wilmer we must all
subscribe. He was a man. of business and of
piety. He loved his God, and the interest of the
church was near his heart.- As a preacher he was
faithful, energetic, eloquent. He was the friend
of evangelical religion, and considered that the
strictest regard to the public order of the church
was perfectly compatible with the most animated
social, worship, in the houses of his parishioners
and friends. His private meetings formed, in his
opinion, the nursery of the church, and were
blessed to the edification and comfort of his-con-
gregation. He was always ready to discharge'his
duty. Like the Apostle Paul, he not only taught
his people publicly, but went from house to house,
.exhorting them to prepare to meet their God.
His fidelity in the discharge -of bis duty met -my
wannest approbation ; and if it is your wish, my
brethren ofthe clergy, to give an^ account of your
stewardship with joy, oh, let me entreat you all to
" go and do likewise."
' Upon the adjournment of the Convention~last
May I visited" the county of Culpepper, and ad
mitted to the priesthood the Rev. Mr. Smith, upon
which occasion the Rev. Mr. Jackson, of Win
chester, preached, and Mr. Woodville and Mr.
Jackson assisted at the ordination ; after which I
administered the Lord's Supper to a number of
pious communicants. So great was the sensation
produced on the minds of two young ladies on that
occasion, that, after I had left the church, I was
called back, in order to afford them an opportu
nity of commemorating the death.- and sufferings.
of the Lord Jesus Christ.
After remaining at-home a short time, I went
to Norfolk in the month of June, to assist in
laying the corner-stone of Christ Church in that
place ; which duty was performed in connexion
with the rector; Dr. Ducachet, and several of the
clergy in that neighbourhood. 1 preached on the
morning of the Sabbath in the^old church to a
very large auditory, and confirmed fourteen per
sons. In the afternoon I crossed, the river to
Portsmouth, and preached in the church belonging
to the parish of Mr. Wingfield, and confirmed ten
persons. Having discharged my duty in those, plades, I
repaired to Hampton, which parish is superintend
ed by the Rev. Mr. Chevers.- I preached there
to a large and respectable congregation, and con
firmed twenty-two persons. The church in Hamp
ton had been in a state of ruin for many years, but
the inhabitants have now. rendered it fit for ser
vice ; and when the repairs are- completed, it- will
form a place of worship inferibr-to very few in the
diocess. From Hampton I went to the county of Glou
cester; and admitted to the priesthood the Rev.
Mr. Gairns. Upon that memorable occasion the
Rev. Dr. Wilmer preached, and, in conjunction
with the Rev. Mr. Cheversvunitedln the ordina
tion of Mr. Cairns. The sacrament of the Lord's
Supper was administered, and thirteen persons
were confirmed. A day or two subsequent to_the
above ministrations, I rode to Abingdon Church in
the same county, and preached to a small but at
tentive congregation.
Having completed my duties in Gloucester, I
crossed the river to Yorktown, and preached to
a very respectable and serious congregation. I
then passed on to'Williamsburg, at which place1 1
remained a week^ attending 'during my. stay \he
examination of the students of the college, and
witnessing with great satisfaction -the resuscita-

212

CONVENTION OF 1828.

tion of that seminary, and the. acceptability of the
labours of our deceased -friend, not only as presi
dent of the college, but as rector of the parish
also^ I preached in the church on the Sabbath,
administered the Lord'.s Suppetto a large number
of communicants, and confirmed eleven persons ;
after which I returned home, where I remained a
few days-.
In July I visited Petersburg, in coihpanyi.with
the Rev. Dr. Ducachet and theRev. Mr. Groes,at
which place we all preached in succession to re
spectable congregations. Dr. Ducachet, Mr. Syme,
and myself, then passed on to Sapony Church,
where I preached on Saturday ; and on Sunday, as
sisted by the two clergymen just named, I admit
ted to the priesthood the Rev. John Grammer.
Dr. Ducachet preached the ordination sermon,
after which I administered the Lord's Supper, and
confirmed nine persons. In the afternoon of the
Sabbath the Rev. Mr. Syme preached; we then
bid the people farewell.
After the performance of my duties in Dinwid
die, I visiteathe county of Brunswick,- in compa
ny with the Rev. Mr. Grammer, and preached in
Red Oak Church to a small assembly. I then
passed on to Mecklenburg, preached to an atten
tive-congregati6n in. St. James's Church, and ad
ministered theLord's Supper to a number of pious
communicants. From Mecklenburg Iyvent into
the county of Halifax, preached on a week. day
in a church near Clark's ferry to an attentive peo
ple ; and on the following Sabbath preached in
the Masons' -Hall, near the courthouse, to a large
assembly, and administered the Lord's Supper.
On my way from Halifax I visited Mrs. Nelson,
the amiable and pious relict of the late Major John
Nelson, and administered the Lord's Supper to-
that venerable lady and her daughter-in-law ; af
ter which I again returned to Richmond, and on
my way home lectured in Dinwiddie at a private
house. In "the month of October I went down James
river to the Isle of Wight county, where I .was
joined by the Rev. Dr, Ducachet, the Rev. Mr^
wingfield, and the Rev. Mr. Grammer. , On Sun
day I admitted, to the priesthood the Rev. Mr.
Jones, administered the Lord's Supper to.a .large
number of pious communicants, and confirmed
fourteen persons. " The ordination sermon was
delivered by the Rev. Mr. Wingfield, and the at
tending clergy united with me in ' the imposition
of hands. During our stay at that place, Dr. Du
cachet and Mr. Grammer preached m a Methodist
church in Smithfield to pious and attentive audi
tories. On my return, I read prayers and preach
ed in two of our old churches in Surry county, to
small but attentive congregations. To that dis
trict, in connexion with Prince George county, it
is my intention to send a missionary ; through
whose labours I hope for a revival of the church,
and the restoration of her excellent form of -wor
ship. In the month of October I also went into the
county of Chesterfield, and consecrated one- of the
old-churches, which had been repaired through the
laudable exertions of Mrs. Thweat, the excellent
consort of Archibald Thweat, Esq. The congre
gation was large, and the behaviour of the people
devout and exemplary. , The Rev! Mr; Lee offi
ciates in that parish-a part of his time.
In November I visited the" counties of Essex
and Caroline. In Essex I preached twice on a
week day, in the town of Rappahannock ; and on
the second day of my stay in that place, I preached
and administered the Lord's Supper to 'a deeply
interesting congregation. On the following Sat
urday and Sunday I preached-at Vauters. Church,

St. Anne's parish : administered the Lord's Sup
per, and confirmed, in the two places, twenty-one
persons. Vauters Church is in handsome order,
and reflects great credit on the Rev. Mr. John
.M'Guire and the people of his charge.
In -February I again went down the river to Nor
folk, at which place I preached on' Sunday morn
ing to. a very large assembly, and confirmed- two
persons ; ..and in the afternoon I preached in Ports
mouth, and -confirmed sixjjersons. On Tuesday
I visited the town of Suffolk, in NansemOnd coun
ty, in company with the Rev. Dr. Ducachet, the
Rev. Mr. Wingfield, and the^Rev. Mr. Chevers,
upon which evening I preached to a large' and at
tentive congregation. The next day I admitted to
the priesthood the Rev. Mr. Keeling, on which
occasipn the Rev. Dr. Ducachet preached, who,
with the other attending clergymen, united with
me in "the imposition of hands. On Thursday
I visited, in company with tbe Rev. Mr. Wing
field, Rev. Mr. Chevers, and Rev. Mr. Jones, the
old parish church of St, John's, in Chuckatuck ;
at whieh place we met with a large and respecta
ble congregation. The" service was read by Mr.
Jones and Mr. Wingfield, and a discourse was de
livered by myself ; after which I confirmed" five
persons. On Saturday I crossed from Norfolk to Hamp
ton, with the Rev. Mr. Chevers, and lectured m
the evening at the .house of Mrs. Armistead to a
numeTOus and attentive auditory." On ^Sunday,
the 24th, I preached in the church, administered
the holy- communion, and confirmed two persons.
In the afternoon I visited Fortress Monroe; and
preached to alargecongregation, consisting of the
citizens of that place, and also ofthe military.
The order which pervaded the military during the
time of divine service, reflected the greatest cred
it upon the officers of the-garrison ; for whose por-
lite attention duririg my stay at the .fortress I re
turn, thus.publicly,jny sincere thanks,
-A few weeks since I held an association in Pe
tersburg, at which time the Rev. Mr. Grammer,
the Rev. Mr. Hart, and the Rev. Mr. Croes at
tended. We all officiated in the church in suc
cession, and on -the afternoon previous to our
departure I lectured at the house of Mr, John
Grammer, sen., to as large an assembly as could
De accommodate^.
Last week I visited the county of Goochland,
in company with the Rev. Dr. Meade and the Rev.
Mr. Cooke ; at wliich time I admitted to the
priesthood the Rev. Wm. F. Lee. The ordina
tion sermon was delivered by Dr. Meade, who, in
conjunction with Mr. Cooke, united in the imposi
tion of hands. I administered the Lord's Supper
to a large number of communicants, and-confirin-
ed thirteen -persons.
Since the last Convention I have held a confirm
ation in my own church, at which time I imposed
my hands on sixty persons.
Having thus furnished the Convention with a
general view of my episcopal visitations, I must
now call their attention to a subject of the first im
portance to the -ecclesiastical Concerns of this di
ocess : a subject on which the, advancement ofthe
church' in Virginia and the supply of our vacant
parishes very much, depend.
At the time in which the General Convention
determined on the location of the Theological Sem
inary in the diodess of Connecticut, ijt was per
fectly understood that the resolution then-adopted
should- not be considered so exclusive in its oper
ation as to prevent the establishment of a Theo
logical-School in any diocess disposed to counte
nance-such a measure.- By virtue of this under
standing, the church in Virginia determined on the

CONVENTION OF 1828.

213

establishment of a Diocesan School within the
limits of its own jurisdiction : in which a system of
instruction is pursued in unison with that course
prescribed by the House of Bishops. • '
To promote this object, subscriptions were open
ed, money was raised, and the school set in op
eration. The experiment, ¦ though commenced
with very limited means; has so far succeeded
that the friends of the institution have determined
to apply to this Convention for their sanction arid
support in the further prosecution of their de
sign. - The individual through whose instrumen
tality the school was first set in motion has con
sented, should the Convention countenance the
undertaking, to engage with all his energies in the
work, and to go in person through this state to
raise a fund for the permanent establishment of a
Theological School m the Diocess of Virginia.
When the attempt was first made in this dio
cess, my mind was impressed with considerable
doubt as to the utility of the measure, from an ap
prehension that it might interfere with the General
Seminary at the north; but, after the most serious
reflection, the doubts I entertained have been re
moved, and my mind is now satisfied with a full
conviction of the necessity of the undertaking.
The church in Virginia is now favoured with the
labours of several of her native sons; who have
been educated in her own school, who it improb
able would not have gone to a distant seminary
for theological instruction; and others are pre
senting themselves under similar circumstances,
who, I trust, will prove equally useful.
Strangers who come from distant parts of the
United States, while devdting themselves to the
pursuits of theology; will acquire a knowledge of
the members of our community ; and from an in
timacy formed during their studies with the peo
ple at large, will be .more generally useful and
acceptable than they otherwise would be. Five
or six individuals of this description will be ad
mitted to holy orders on Sunday next, all of whom
are disposed to labour in this part of the vine
yard; whose assistance, in all probability, would
not have been secured to us had "they been edu
cated elsewhere.
The Bible Society of Virginia, at one of their
late meetings, entered into a resolution to supply
every family in this state, destitute of a Bible,
with a copy of the'Holy Scriptures in the course
of two years. To effect this sacred purpose an
address has been published, in which the atten
tion of the different ecclesiastical bodies of all de
nominations of Christians in Virginia has been
called to the point : an address which now lies
on the table, and will be put into the hands of,
such members of the Convention.as may be dis
posed to further the design.
To enforce the propriety and necessity of the
measure, by those arguments of which the sub
ject admits, would-be unnecessary in an assembly
of Protestant Christians. We all believe the sa
cred Scriptures to be the word of "God, and to
contain all things necessary to salvation. " It is
a lamp to our feet and a light to our paths ;" and
in all things essential to the salvation of immor
tal souls is so plain, *' that the wayfaring man,
though a fool, neednot err therein."
Before I conclude, there is one more point to.
which I think it my duty to call the attention of
this Convention : and as a year must necessarily
elapse before a final determination of the question
can take place, we shall have foil time allowed us
for reflection and consideration.
Although my labours the past year have been
equal to the labours of. any preceding twelve
months, still, from my advanced age, it is impossi

ble for me to calculate upon a long continuance
of such effort and exertion. It is my wish, pro
vided the Convention should think proper, so to
alter the constitutioh of the church as to admit
of the consecration of either a suffragan or an
assistant bishop in this diocess. It was proposed
several years ago,, in consequence ofthe great ex
tent of this diocess, to divide it into two parts, in
order that the parishes might receive episcopal
visitations more frequently than is prescribed by
the canons. As this purpose can be secured by
the" appointment of a suffragan or an assistant
bishop, I would recommend it to the Convention .
so to alter the constitution as to secure the con
templated measure. It is my sincere desire that
aiiishop should be appointed during my life ; and
as such an appointment can now be made with
perfect unanimity, it is expedient that it should be
done. It will give me pleasure to unite in labour
with the man of your choice. It will render me
happy, in the hour of jny departure, to know the
individual to whom I am to resign the arduous
duties of the episcopate : to whose care this
peaceful, quiet diocess shall be committed. May
tbe Almighty direct us in all our doings with his
most gracious favour," and further us with his con
tinual help. Richard Channing Moore:
On motion of Mr. Hugh Nelson, >•
-Resolved, That the members of this Conven
tion will wear crape on the left arm during, the
session, and for thirty days thereafter, in -token
of their high respect for the late Dr. Wilmer, and
that the secretary be requested to cause to be
procured, out ofthe contingent fund, as much
crape . as may be necessary for the use of the
clergy. The president of the Convention presented a
communication from the board of managers of
the Bible Society of Virginia.
On motion of fhe Rev: Dr. Meade, .
Resolved, That the said communication be
referred to a select committee. -
The president then appointed the Rev. Dr.
Meade, the Rev. Dr. Keith, the Rev. Mr. Le
mon, and Mr. Westwood S. Armistead, on said
committee. The president having retired, Mr. Hugh Nel
son was called to the chair.
The secretary received the following -contri
butions, from sundry parishes of this diocess, for
the Contingent Fund : —
Portsmouth parish, Norfolk county, • $10 00
Lynnhaven parish, -_ -, - ' 12 00
Bristol parish, Petersburg, - ¦ 30 00
Newport parish, Isle of Wight, - ¦ 10 00
Bath parish, Dinwiddie, ¦ - 15 00
St. Stephen's Church, Culpepper county, 20 00
Christ Church, Winchester, • 15 00
Lexington parish, Amherst county, - 10 00
South Farnham parish, Essex county,. 16 00
Monumental Church, Richmond, - 30 00
Henrico parish, Henrico county, - 15 00
Bruton parish, Williamsburg, - 15 00
Russell parish, Bedford county, - - 30 00
St. James's parish, Northam, Goochland, 10 00
St. Paul's Church, Suffolk,. '" - , - 10 00
Fredericksville parish, Albemarle, 15 00
St. Paul's Church, Alexandria, - - 20 00

Amount carried forward,

$283 00

214

CONVENTION OF 1828".

Amount brought forward, $283 00
Frederick parish, Frederick county, - 20 00
Christ Church, Norfolk, - " - - 30 00
St. John's Church, Elizabeth City, - 15 00
St. Anne's parish, Essex county, - 20 00
St. Paul's Church, Lynchburg, - - 10 00
Shelburne parish, Leesburg, Loudoun
county, - - .- ,20 00
St. James's parish, Mecklenburg, 14 00
St. Margaret's parish, Caroline, - - 7 60
Christ Church, Norborne parish, Berke
ley county, - 5 00
St, Paul's parish, King George county, 30*, 00
St. George's parish, Fredericksburg, - 20 00
St. Martin's parish, Hanover and Louisa
counties, - - - - - 20 00
Hamiltonjiarish, Fauquier county, - 12 50
Ware and Abingdon parishes, Glouces
ter, ,-,_". - --.15 00
Raleigh parish, Amelia, - - - 10 00

$532 10
The following sums were paid towards the
support of the bishop's assistant for the year
ending^ May, 1828 : —
Portsmouth parish, .Norfolk county, - $10 00
Newport parish, Isle of Wight, - - 10 00
Bristol parish, Petersburg, - • - - 20 00
Christ Church, Winchester, - 7 50
Lexington parish, Amherst county,.. - 5 00
St. James's parish, Northam, Goochland
county, ... 10 00
St. Paul!s Church, Suffolk, - 10 00
Frederick parish, Frederick county, - 10 00
Christ Church, Norfolk, - - 20 00
St. John's Church, Elizabeth City, . - 5 00
St. Anne's parish, Essex county, 10 00
St. James's parish, Mecklenburg, - 10 00
Christ Church, Norborne parish, Berke
ley county, - 7 - - 2 12
St. Martin's parish, Hanover and Louisa
counties, - - ' - - 10 00
Ware and Abingdon parishes, Glouces
ter county, - - - - - 10 00
Raleigh parish, Amelia, - - 10 00
Fredericksville parish, Albemarle, 10 00
Shelburne parish, Leesburg, Loudoun
county, ... ip 00

$179 62
On motion, Resolved, That, the Convention
do now adjourn until to-morrow morning, 9
o'clock. Friday, May 16, 1828.
The Convention met according to adjourn
ment, and was opened with prayer by the Right
Rev. Bishop Moore.
The Rev. Edward W. Peet, of St. Paul's
parish, King George county, appeared and took
his seat.
Mr. Augustine L. Dabney, a lay delegate of
Abingdon and Ware parishes ; Mr. Benj. L.
Meade, a lay delegate of the parish of Raleigh,
Amelia county ; and Mr. Gordon Coleman and
Mr. Wm. Clark, lay delegates of Antrim parish,
Halifax county, appeared and took their seats,

On motion, Resolved, That the candidates
for orders now present be admitted fo the sit
tings of this Convention.
The parochial reports were handed in and
read, and referred to the committee upon paro
chial reports.
The session was then suspended, for the pur
pose of attending divine service by the Rev.
Mr. Lee, and a sermon by the Rev. Mr. Edward
C. M'Guire, after which the Convention again
met. The Rev. Dr. Meade, from the committee to
whom was referred the communication from the
board of managers of the Bible Society, &c,
made the following report : —
Whereas the Bible Society of Virginia have
resolved, in dependance on the divine blessing,
to endeavour to supply the destitute parts of the
state with copies of the sacred volume adequate
to' existing wants ; and whereas the board of
managers for said society have- addressed a cir
cular to the various ecclesiastical bodies of the
state, requesting their countenance and co-oper
ation, which circular has been presented to -this
Convention by our venerable bishop; with a
strong and zealous recommendation of its great
and important object ; therefore,
Resolved^ That this Convention do most fully
approve of the holy enterprise of said society,
and earnestly recommend it to the patronage
and aid of the various parishes and churches of
this diocess. And,
Resolved further, That the members of this
Convention will, in their individual capacity,
promote the accomplishment of the above-men
tioned truly Christian purpose, according to their
means and opportunities.
On motion, Resolved, That the report of the
committee be .received, and that the same be
unanimously approved.
On motion, Resolved, That the members of
the former Conventions now present be admit
ted to the sittings of this Convention.
On motion, Resolved, That the Rev. Mr.
Cairns have leave of absence from the Conven
tion for the remainder of this day.
The Convention proceeded to the election, by
hallot, of a standing committee of the church
in this diocess for the ensuing year ; where
upon the following gentlemen were duly "elect
ed, viz. : — the Rev. Reuel Keith, D. D., the
Rev. Edward R. Lippit, the Rev. William Jack
son, the Hon. Bushrod Washington, Mr. John
Hooff, and Mr. Gerrard Alexander.
The president having retired, Mr. William
Mayo was called to the chair.
The Convention proceeded to fhe election of
two trustees of the Theological School of Vir
ginia, to supply the vacancy occasioned by the
death of the Rev. -William H. Wilmer and
the Rev. Oliver Norris ; whereupon the Rev.
John Grammer and the Rev. John P. M'Guire
were unanimously elected.
A resolution, relative to the removal of com
municants from one parish to another in this di
ocess, was offered, and, on motion, the same was
laid upon the table.
The Rev. Mr. Syme, from the committee ap-

CONVENTION OF 1828.

215

pointed to examine the treasurer's accounts,
made a report, which was read, and is as follows :
The committee on the treasurer's accounts
beg leave to report, that they have examined the
same, and find them to be correct.
On motion, Resolved, That the said report
be received and approved.
On motion, Resolved, That the Convention
do now adjourn until to-morrow morning, half
past 8 o'clock. Saturday, May 17, 1828.
The Convention met according to adjourn
ment, and was opened with prayer by the Right
Rev. Bishop Moore.
The Rev. Henry W. Ducachet, from the
committee on the state of the church in this di
ocess, presented the following report :^~
The committee on the state of fhe church re
spectfully report to the Convention, that they have
deliberated on the matters referred to their con
sideration, and have unanimously agreed in the
following report : —
There is only one subject which they have
thought it necessary to bring to the notice of the
members of this house ; and this was suggested
by the address of our Right Rev. Diocesan at the
opening of the present session. The great extent
of the diocess renders it impossible for any one
person satisfactorily and efficiently to discharge
the duties- of the episcopate, when it is neces
sary, as at present, that the bishop should, have a
parochial charge. The destitute condition of a
great portion of the church in this state renders
it absolutely necessary that the visits of the bishop
should befrequent to every section of the diocess,
and that he should spend among the people con
siderable time at every visitation. Under present
circumstances, this is plainly impossible. Few
of the churches can be visited more than once a
year, and the remote situation of many of them,
added to the inconvenient access to them, some
times renders even this uncertain. Our venera
ble and beloved diocesan, with all the exertions
prompted by his love for the church, and his zeal
for God, finds it utterly impossible, as he himself
has often said, and has with so much earnestness
and affection informed this Convention, and again
more particularly your committee, to perform as
he desires, and as he knows to be necessary, the
weighty and numerous duties of his office. It
Is his desire f which the committee think at all
times entitled to the highest respect, and to the
deliberate attention of the members of the dio
cess) that a suitable person be appointed and con
secrated - to relieve him, in the character of a
suffragan or assistant, of some of the cumber
some duties, of the episcopate ; and to give to the
church that attention and that activity for which,
in its, present situation, and from the increasing
infirmities of age, he. finds himself inadequate.
Your committee cannot but regret that any im
pediment should exist to the immediate gratifica
tion of the reasonable wishes of ovir Right Rev.
father, and'the speedy execution of the excellent
thought which he has suggested. The sixth act
of the constitution of the church in this diocess
expressly declares, that " there shall be but one
bishop" to, superintend its concerns. This pro
vision was doubtless wise at the time the consti
tution was framed ; but as the circumstances of
the church have so greatly changed since that
period, it is obviously no longer necessary or expe
dient. The constitution forbids, however, the
hasty alteration of any of its provisions"; your

committee, therefore, respectfully propose the
adoption of the following resolution :—
Resolved, That, agreeably to the provisions of
the 13th article of the constitutioii, notice be
transmitted to the several vestries of fhe parishes
of the diocess, that it is proposed -at the next Con
vention to annul and abolish the first sentence of
tbe sixth article of fhe constitution, and so to alter
the said article that it may read thus : —
" The bishop shall be president of the Conven
tion ; in which character it shall be his duty to
give to the Convention, as often as he may deem
expedient, a general view of the state of the
church ; to call special Conventions at whatever
times and places he may think necessary ;' to pre
serve order during the time of session ; to put the
question, collect the votes, and declare the decision.
He may make any mption which he shall judge
conducive to the good of the church, but shall not
enter into debate ; and he may deliver his senti
ments on any subject after it has been discussed
before a vote thereon. Whenever it shall be ne
cessary for the bishop to visit any part of this dio
cess, ire shall be authorized t0 call a clergyman
from any part of the diocess to supply his place in
the duties of his parochial charge for not more
than two Sundays." All which is respectfully
submitted. On motion, Resolved, That the resolution
recommended by the committee be adopted.
And, on motion, Resolved, That the report
of the committee be amended by striking out
from the words " unanimously agreed" to the
word " resolution," in the last line, and insert,
in lieu thereof, " to recommend the adoption of
the following resolution."
The Rev. Mr. Lippit, from the committee
appointed to examine the state of the fund for
the permanent support of the episcopate in this
diocess, presented a report, which was read and
approved. The committee on the episcopal fund report,
that they have examhied the treasurer's account^
and find it correct; and that the fund at present
consists of
54 shares of -Farmers' Bank of Alex
andria, cost- - - ~ - - $2,700
6 shares of Bank of Alexandria, -cost 1,200
3 shares do. - do. cost 330

Nominal amount of fund, - 4,230
' Present value of do., - - $3,600
E- R. Lippit, Chairman.
The Rev. Dr. Keith, from the committee to
whom was referred the examination of the ac
counts of the treasurer of the fund for .the re
lief of the widows and orphans of deceased
clergymen of the Episcopal Church of Virginia,
made- the following report : —
The committee on the Widows' Fund beg
leave to- report, that they have examined the
treasurer's account, and find it correct.
Reuel Keith, Chairman,
The. funds are as follows : —
United States 3 per cent, stock, $2,037 78
I share Bank of Virginia stock, at par, 100 00
67 shares Farmers' Bank Alexandria -
stock, at par, - - i * ' - 3,350 00

Amount carried forward, " $5,487 78

213

CONVENTION OF 1828.

'Atttouht brought forward, $5,487 78
Robert Andrews's executor, Rich
mond, balance of note with int't, - 405 00
3 shares of Alexandria Bank stock, at >
par, - - 600 00

Balance on hand,

6,492 78
85

$6,493 63
On motion, Resolved, That the said report
be received^ and approved.
On motion, Resolved, That the secretary be
Instructed to- correspond wrth Mr. Andrews
on the subject of the balance due from the es
tate which he represents to the Widows' Fund ;
and, if deemed expedient by him, to procure
from the treasurer of the fund the evidence of
the debt, and send the same to some trustwor
thy person in Louisiana, for collection..
On motion, Resolved, That the first rule
of order for the government of the Conven
tion be amended, by striking out the .words,
" the morning service of the church,"vand insert
ing, in lieu thereof, the word " prayer."
The session was then suspended, for the pur
pose of attending divine service by the jfcev.
Mr. Ducachet, and a sermon by the Rev. Mr.
Errrpie ; after which the Convention again met.
Mr. Gerrard Alexander tendered his, resigna
tion as a member, of the standing committee,
which being accepted, the Convention proceeded,
by ballot, to supply the yacancy ; whereupon
-Mr. Edmund J. Lee was unanimously elected.
The committee to whom were referred the
parochial jeports presented the following report,
which was accepted : —
The committee to whom were referred the
parochial reports to be condensed for publica
tion -have discharged that duty; and beg leave
unanimously to recommend that the said-reports,
as now condensed, be spread upon the Journal
of the Convention. John H. Wingfield, Chairman.
Russell parish, Bedford county. The rector
reports to the Convention that the interests of the
church continue slowly to advance. Thirteen
new members have been enrolled <; but, from una
voidable circumstances, four of these have not yet
communed,- Besides his Sabbatical ministrations
in his two churches he has for some time past
officiated on Saturdays, in various and remote
parts of the county, and has been pleased to find a
general kind feeling, manifested towards him. In
this extension of his labours he preaches in Lib
erty, a decent village in the interior of the county ;
where, if he could attend on the Sabbath, he has.
reason to believe the Lord would bless his minis
trations to some permanent good. In this village
we have no bouse of worship ; but the masons,
Who are erecting a neat brick edifice for the pur
poses ef a- lodge, have very kindly determined to
furnish arid set apart the lower room exclusively
for divine worship, and to give to us the priority
of its use. This act of liberality calls for the
more thankfulness, as it was purely gratuitous —
being done without either the solicitation or the
knowledge of your minister. Baptisms, of adults
three, of infants twenty-two — burials four — mar

riages nine— communicants (two having died and
two removed) twenty-eight. Nicholas H. Cobbs.
Frederick parish. By an act of the last Con
vention, the church of Winchester being separa
ted from the parish, and formed into a new one
called Winchester parishi'the parish of Frederick
now contains only two congregations, that of the
Chapel and that of WickUffe Church. Tbe latter,
being on the border of the adjoining county, is
under -the pastoral care of the Rev. Mr. Jones ; the
Chapel congregation alone is under the pastoral
care of the minister of Frederick parish. The
communicants belonging to it are between- forty
and .fifty ; the baptisms during the last year have
been twelve; the attendance on the services of
the church, with very few exceptions, is-punctual ;
the worship of the congregation is conducted
with becoming reverence, and the conduct of its
members such as to afford a pleasing hope to their
minister that there is a goodly number who are of
those who shall finally be saved. William Meade.
Christ Church, Winchester. The general state
of affairs in the congregation is somewhat pleas-
ingxand hopeful. There has, during the past year,
been an accession of hearers' and communicants,
and it is hoped an increase of vital piety; tbe
meetings for social prayer continue to be well at
tended ; the Sunday School is .still, in .operation,
but not flourishing, owing to the want qf a suita
ble place for holding the school, to the want of
teachers in the male department, "and particularly
to the want of engagedness in the congregation in
benevolence of this description ; the catechetical
instruction of the children of tbe""congregation
and of the Sunday School has been uninterrupted^
ly continued every first Sunday in the month; and
the benevolent societies which have.J^een formed
continue to be efficient in- their exertions to aid in
the general philanthropy which characterizes the
day in which we five.
It gives the rector pleasure to state, that since
the last Convention, some important changes have
taken place in the temporal affairs of the parish.
The old church, which for some time had been
too small and inconvenient for the congregation,
has been taken down, and the lot, together with
the-small grave-yard attached to it, has been sold,
and a portion of the proceeds appropriated for the
erection of a new church, which is now com
menced^ upon a foundation of forty-seven feet by
sixty-five. There has been a disinterment" of the
remains in the old burying-ground, which have
been removed to a new one, which has been kindly
presented to the church and congregation by the
heirs of the late General Wood's estate. Com
municants forty-six — marriages three — baptisms
eight — deaths ten. -\
The rector also reports, that tbe interesting con
gregation which assembles in Christ Church, Nor
borne parish, is well attended, and as prosperous as
can .be expected from the limited means enjoyed,
being favoured but once a month with public wor
ship. , " J. E. Jackson.
Lexington parish. The minister reports, that
the principal part of his time has been devoted to
the same three churches in which he has been
labouring from the' period of his induction to the
parish. ^Through the "blessing of Almighty God, in im
parting the Holy Ghost to those who were dead
m trespasses and in sins, in St. Luke's two, in
St. Mark's four, in St. Matthew's ten-, making in
all sixteen, have presented themselves, he trusts,
a, living sacrifice, holy "and acceptable unto God.
Commencing in March, the minister has preach-

COJNVEJNT1UN OF 1828.

217

ed monthly in a church near New-Market, in Nel
son county, with the prospect of being useful. He
has made one visit to Rockfish,. in Nelson, where
he found an old Episcopal church mouldering to
decay, and, a few aged friends of our Zion, and dis
ciples of the Lord, lamenting their deprivation of
the ordinances of the .gospel. In this county
there are some two or three places^ where an Epis
copal minister "of popular talents and laborious
self-denying habits would be favourably received.
In August last he visited Campbell and Halifax
counties, in company with the Rev. Mr. Cobbs, to
preach, and to obtain subscriptions for the Theo
logical School. In Lexington parish there have
been twelve baptisms, three marriages, and six
funerals. The children of the different congrega.-
tions have been occasionally catechised ; there
have been three Sunday Schools conducted by
members of the different churches, containing each
from thirty to forty pupils. In behalf of'the Theo
logical Seminary, a subscription of three hundred
and.forty dollars has been obtained. For addi
tions to .the communion, the minister has cause
humbly- to adore the great Head of the church,
and to believe that with some there is an increas
ing solicitude for the happiness of ^he soul ; but
for the greater part, who are hastening to destruc
tion, he has still to pray, — Lord, spare thy people,
and save thy heritage, the purchase of the Re
deemer's blood. Charles H. Page.
St. James's Church, Leesburg. The rector hav
ing been resident in this parish but a few. months,
is not able to give a statemeht satisfactory to this
Convention. . Hejs sorry to say that there has
been an addition of only one to the communion of
the church ; and not having been furnished with
a record, he cannot exhibit the present number.
Two funerals*- four marriages — nine baptisms,two "
of which were coloured children.
It is with peculiar pleasure he would mention,
that the ladies of tbe congregation have consti
tuted him a life member of the American Tract
Society ; that the Sunday School is in a very pros
perous condition ; and from the good attendance
upon his ministry, he is encouraged to hope, that
in' the .raid- it will appear that his- labour is not in
vain. ' Thomas Jackson.
Hamilton and Leeds parishes, Fauquier. The
rector reports that he resumed his present charge
on the- first of .April/last, and it is with heartfelt
satisfaction and gratitude to God that he is en
abled to say, that after an absence of more than
five years, he found those of whose real conver
sion to God he had formerly • entertained good
hope, still walking, with scarcely an exception, in
the straight and narrow way of life, and giving
satisfactory -evidence of growth in grace and in
the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ. The church in Fauquier ha's been inuch
weakened, by various causes, within the last five
years, and particularly by the removal of some of
her most valuable members by the hand of death.
But from present indications it is hoped that her
losses will be more than repaired, and that she
will become a.vigorous and fruitful branch of the
diocess of which it is her happiness to be a part.
The rector has not yet had an opportunity to
ascertain the number of communicants. He has
baptized one infant. In Hamilton parish there is
a small Education Society... . George Lemon.
, Fredericksville parish, Albemarle county. The
present condition of, this parish presents nothing
very striking or peculiarly interesting to vary the
report made of its state at the last Convention of
the church. Still the rector humbly trusts that

the divine blessing has not been utterly refused
his labours. During^the year past four or five
communicants have been added, and one has been
removed by death.-
An increased attention is given to the ^service,
and attachments to our worship and doctrines are
forming and growing.
Since January last the rector has been engaged
in officiating regularly, twice a month, at the Uni
versity of Virginia, where the congregations are
large, respectful, and attentive, and the services
are maintained with decency and propriety. This
arrangement resulted from a request of the faculty
of that institution, communicated through their
chairman, T. T. Lomax, Esq.
It should be mentioned in this place that, during
the last summer, by the pious exertions and lib
eral contributions of the members of Walker's
Church, their bouse of worship has undergone a
thorough repair, and is rendered in its arrange
ments neat and commodious.
The rector has officiated, during the past year,
generally once a month, in Louisa ; where, by the
very friendly aid ofthe Rev. Mr. Crawford, he
trusts some good may;be effected and souls saved
through the mercy of God in Christ Jesus. .
There is in this parish a Sunday School, as well
as an Education .Society ; and the rector has re
newed his weekly evening lecture, which had for
some time been suspended. Communicants about
fifty^baptisms, infants ten, adults (one of which
was by immersion) two — marriages eight.
. Fred. W. Hatch.
Norborne parish, Berkeley county. Number
of communiqants about eighty— baptisms during
the last yeat seven. The rector humbly trusts
that the spiritual state of his communion has im
proved during, tbe past year, but is unable to re
port any who have come" out for the first time with
the important inquiry of " What must we do to be
saved?" The Union Sunday School, which is con
nected with one of the congregations, has increas
ed in numbers and zeal. ¦ John T. Brooke.
St. Stephen's Church, Culpepper county. The
condition of this church has improved since the
last Convention. Nine members have been added
to the communion, and tbe attendance on divine
service has been full and, regular. Little indeed
has been done, compared with the work which
remains ; but even this day of small things affords
an occasion for' thankfulness, and a pleasing hope
of subsequent improvement. Communicants thir
ty-six— baptisms three, one of whom is an adult.
G. A.Smith.
, .St. Thomas's parish, Orange county. There is
no vestry in.this 'parish, and the churches which
existed there, some years since have been destroy
ed. - Divine service is held twice a month in the
courthouse, and the congregations continue to be
full and attentive. Since the last Convention
three persons have been adriiitted to the com
munion, and a Sunday School has bedn organized,
.which is-well attended. Communicants twelve.
G. A. Smith.
Christ Church, Alexandria. In consequence of
the location of the Theological School in the coun
try, and the removal of the rector, he has been re
leased by the vestry from the discharge, of all
parochial duties except that pf preaching one
half the tittle, and the Rev. George Griswold has
beeft engaged as his assistant, and resides, in town
with the congregation. The Sunday School, Sat
urday School, and Education Society connected
with this church, are all in a very prosperous "con
dition. Communicants added, two — baptisms
twelve — marriages four — funerals five. ,
Reuel Keith.

218

CONVENTION OF 1828.

St. Paul's Church, Alexandria. The rector re
ports, with pleasure and gratitude, the continued
peace, harmony, and prosperity of his charge.
All opportunities of public and social worship are
well attended. The Sunday School and Bible
classes are very prosperous. .ElevenTiersoris have
been added to the communion since the last Con
vention ; and many are at present very seriously
inquiring after the way of salvation." There have
been two adult and twenty-seven infant baptisms,
twenty-one funerals, sixteen marriages. The Fe
male Education Society, supported by this and
Christ Church, has contributed to the funds ofthe
parent institution during the past year upwards of
$500. William Jackson.
St. George's Church, Fredericksburg. This
church is in a state of undiminished prosperity.
Through the past year many tokens of the kind
and gracious remembrance ofthe Lord have been
vouchsafed us. There has been a very general
attention among, the people to' the things of .God.
A deep impression was made on the minds of our
community, by the services and ministrations of
the last Convention, and some fruit has been
gathered into the church, of which the seed was^
no doubt sown at that season. While there have
been some valuable additions to the communion
since that period, there are also others who give
good evidence of" repentance towards. God," and
of a sincere desire to know what they " must do
to be saved."
The several Religious and benevolent institu
tions connected with the church, viz., the Com
mon Prayer-Book and Tract Society, the Female
Education Society, the Charity School and Bible
classes, are in a state of prosperity, but especially
the Female Domestic -Missionary Society, which
is still dispensing rich blessings around -us. Du
ring the few years of its existence it has engaged
in its cause five missionaries, whose labours have
been instrumental of good in many places, but
especially in the settlement of three useful minis
ters in as many destitute parishes.
The Sunday Schools are in-a flourishing con
dition — the number of scholars registered- is 250.
Baptisms twenty-nine (one adult) — marriages five
— communicants 104. Edward C. M'Goire.
St. Martin's parish, Hanover and Louisa. The
rector of St. Martin's parish regrets, that ardent
devotion and active zeal do not exist in it to the
extent of his wislies ; yet he hopes that, upon the
whole, it is in a state pf improvement. During
the past year the congregations have been larger
and more attentive than usual. We have now two
Sunday Schools in existence, which number about
sixty teachers, principally young persons,, and up
wards of 150 scholars. Ten communicants have
been added to the church,-and several others seem
to be deeply impressed with the importance. of
that subject, who are expected shortly to join us.
The communicants are now seventy-four — funer
als fourteen — marriages four — baptisms two.
John Cooke:
St. Margaret's parish, Caroline. Since the last
Convention we have reason to hope that agood
work has been continued in this parish, though,
perhaps, not so extensively as during the year of
revival of the church. Our congtegation labours
under great inconvenience with respect to com
fortable accommodations at the church, as it is
still very much out of repair ; and during the wet
weather of last winter we frequently were obliged
to abandon it entirely. Since the return of good
weather, the number has been as large as usual ;
and we believe there is an increasing concern
among many of them for a knowledge ofthe truth

as it is in Jesus. It affords us pleasure to observe
that a Bible Glass has been formed, containing
eleven" members, who manifest great anxiety to
search the Scriptures in the most profitable man
ner. A Sunday School also was commenced on
the last- Sunday in March, and they reported on
Sunday, the 4th ofthe present month, fifty schol
ars. The communion has only been administered
once since last spring. One new member has
been added. One of the former number has re
moved from the' parish, so that the present num
ber is the same as in the last report. Communi
cants twenty-two — baptisms one — marriages five,
Leonard H. Johns.
St. James'sparish, Northam, Goochland county.
The rector of this parish reports, that there has
been some improvement in the prospects of the
church during the last year. The extensive field
in which he labours prevents him- from devoting
to this congregation the attention which its neces
sities demand and its growth encourages. He
has under his charge congregations in Raleigh
parish, Amelia, and Manchester parish, Chester
field, whose prospects are flattering. During the
last year there have been seven baptisms, one
marriage, five deaths, and ten additions.- to the
communion. The whole number of communi
cants is about thirty. William F. Lee.
Monumental Church, Richmond. Since the last
^Convention, twenty-one communicants have been
added, six have been removed, and two have died;
present number is 165. Sixty persons have been
confirmed.. Of baptisms there have been forty —
three of adults, and thirty-seven of infants. The
Sunday School, which is in connexion with the
General Protestant Episcopal Sunday School
Union, and. pursues the system of instruction
recommended by that society, is m*e flourishing
than at any former period. The number of schol
ars is 177. The superintendents and teachers
are active and diligent in the discharge of their
duties, and manifest a more than ordinary interest
in the welfare of the school of which they have
tbe supervision. A s an evidence of the favourable
regard which is bestowed upon this institution, it
ought to be mentioned, that through the liberality
of a few individuals, a very respectable library has
lately been formed, and that the first superintend
ent has just contracted for the erection of a
building, to cost $800, for the use of the school, —
one half of which he advances oh his own respon
sibility. In, addition to. this mode of instruction,
religious knowledge is communicated by the as
sistant minister, through the medium of Bible and
catechetical classes, who meet once every week ;
the senior class of ladies, consisting of twenty
members ; the junior class of males and females,
between the ages of eleven and sixteen, consisting
of fifty ; and the class of catechumens,. consisting
of about twenty-fiveV A meeting is held every
week in a private house, in which ashort service
from the hturgy_is-uSed,' and -a lecture delivered.
As the rector has discovered great advantages to
attenfl such social meetings, he begs leave to rec
ommend the observance of them to all the clergy
of the diocess. Richard Channing Moork.
Henrico parish, Richmond. The condition of
this congregation continues to improve, and it is
believed that the interests of vital religion are
gaining ground. "The Sunday School continues
to be well attended, and it is evidently doing'much
important good. It is composed of 1-20 scholars
and fifteen teachers. Communicants forty-one —
marriages thirteen — baptisms twenty-eight.
William H.- Hart.

CONVENTION OF 1828.

219

St. Paul's parish, King George county. The
rector reports that he -has performed regular ser
vices in this parish since tpe commencement of
this year. It is evidently in a depressed, but no
longer ih a declining state. The congregations
were small at first, but have been gradually in
creasing-1— they are now large and attentive. He
has officiated alternately at St. Paul's and Lamb's
Creek ; in'the latter parish a Sunday School has
been commenced, which promises much useful
ness. The number of communicants inioth is
about thirty. Edward. W. Peet.
St. Anne's and South Farnham parishes, Essex
county. Tnese parishes, taken together, present
a prospect in some respects less, and in others
more encouraging, than when the' last report was
made. St. Anne's, though a few have been added
to the communion since that" time, has, it is fear
ed, -suffered some declension in its spiritual state.
Much good wil result, it is hoped, from a Female
Bible class, formed since the last Convention, and
a Sunday School in his immediate neighbourhood.
This school, though not attached to the Episcopal
Church, is at present. conducted"--solely by mem
bers of her communion. It has been in existence
now about seven or eight years ; and though the
number is much reduced, at one period had up
wards of L50 scholars, several of whom have join
ed the communion of the church, and of other de
nominations of Christians.
The spiritual state of South Famham has, it is
believed, much 'improved since the last report.
The congregation has increased in numbers and
attention to the services of the sanctuary. A few
have been added to the communion, and others
would have" been but for want of an opportunity.
Within the past year two Bible classes have been
formed, and a" small Sunday School, conducted
principally by members of the Episcopal congre
gation. In the two parishes there is a, small Ed
ucation Society.
Since August last, the pastor of St. Anne's and
South Farnham has preached twice a- month
in Lunenburg parish, Richmond county. The
church which -formerly stood in this, county has
fallen to the ground, and tbe services are now per
formed in the courthouse. Though therels no reg
ularly organized congregation in'this parish, yet
the number who attend the stated ministrations,
, the Christian zeal of some, the anxiety of many to
have the word preached frequently among them,
and the . recent formation of a large Sunday
School, affotd the most pleasing hopes.
Communicants in both parishes, deducting one
removal, thirty-nine (one coloured) — baptisms in
both parishes and in the neighbourhood, eighteen
(one adult, nine coloured) — one marriage — buri
als three. ' John P. M'Guire.
Abingdon* and Ware parishes. The rector of
the churches in Gloucester reports, that nothing
very special has occurred in either of his parisbes
since the last Convention. Two members, in the
course of the year, have been added to his com
munion, and one removed by death, making the
present number nineteen. Baptisms thirteen —
marriages five — burials five."" The venerable
church in Abingdon parish has been, during the
past winter,, thoroughly repaired, and the rector
takes this opportunity of acknowledging, with
thankfulness, the zeal which his people have
manifested in the completion of that object.
Wm, D. Cairns.
Bruton parish, Williamsburg. The rector re
ports, during 'the last five months, one funeral,
two baptisms, three marriages, and eight new
communicants. The whole number of communi
cants is thirty-eight.

In compliance with the 45th canon of the Gen
eral Convention, he would further add, that the
adult members of the church are about 140 — chil
dren 100— catechumens fifty— and'that, besides
the pupils of William and Mary, the congregation
comprises about thirty adults who are not mem
bers of our church.
The rector delivers one weekly lecture in the
church, wliich is well attended. Several of the
female members of the congregation meet togeth
er once a week, at private houses, for religious
exercises. They support- a Bible Society, and
also a Working Society, the avails of which con
stitute a fund for the poor of the town. The Sun-
day~School consists, at present, of ninetythree. A. Empie.
Elizabeth City parish. It is with gratitude to
the Author of all good, that the rector is' en
abled to report the state of his charge as. encour
aging. He ministers statedly on the Sabbath to
two congregations, viz., at Fortress Monroe and
Hampton. .
The congregation at the fortress is numerously
attended, and consists of the military andcitizens,
and their families, who have very generally con
tributed to the support of the gospel. Their uni
form attendance upon the stated services of. the
churqh affords the pleasing hope that the ordi
nances of religion have not been dispensed in vain.
Several have united themselves to ourcommunion
in the sacrament of the Lord's Supper.
A Sunday Sehdbl has been established, which
promises welL
At Hampton, where the church has been dor
mant fbr more than twenty years, we have good
hope, from what we-have witnessed, that this por
tion of our Zion will -ere long (tbe divested of
her weeds, and arrayed in the attire Of joy." But
twelve months since and tbe church was almost
in ruins ; now, however, by the blessing of God
upon the untiring exertions and liberal contribu
tions of her friends, this ancient edifice" has been
so far repaired as to. admit the congregation
within -its walls to " worship the "Lord in the
beauty of holiness." The services of the church
have met with a favourable reception, and, judg
ing from the past, we are induced to believe there
is a growing attachment to her doctrines, disci
pline, andworship.
The spiritual concerns of the church are -in
some degree flattering. Twenty-four have re
ceived the rite of confirmation from our beloved
diocesan, the most of whom have, become commu
nicants. The weekly lectures, both at this place
and tbe fortress, are interesting.
A.Sunday School, which numbers upwards of
one hundred scholars, and patronised by the dif
ferent denominations,, has been for some time
past in successful operation.
At the request of a few families in Charles
parish, York county, I have for some months
past performed divine service, and preached.irom
house to house, every fortnight, on Saturdays —
and it affords me great satisfaction to state to the
Convention, that the services have been numer
ously attended ; and as a vestry has been recently
chosen, and exertions are making, the hope is en
tertained that the love for our churchjnay yet re
vive in this parish. Communicants thirty-two —
baptisms, fifty, including three cases of adults —
marriages five — funerals nine. Mark L. Chevers.
Hungar's parish, Northampton county. The
rector thanks God that union, peace, and concord
now reign in the different churches under his
charge. Two Bible Societies "and a Missionary
Society have been formed. Coihmunicants,twen-

220

CONVENTION OF 1828.

ty-eight (added since last report eight)— baptisms
thirty-xTmarriages twenty-three— funerals sixteen.
Stephen Selby Gunter.
St. James's parish, Mecklenburg. Though a
few have been added to our communion, yet, in
consequence of removal and death, there is no in
crease pf numbers. Communicants about forty —
baptisms twenty— marriages three— funerals ten.
In Halifax the prospect is more pleasing ; the
church has Been- organized-. It is believed that
several hundred dollars have been subscribed to
the Theological Seminary. The people of this
parish are anxiously desirous to secure the ben
efits of religious instruction, by having a clergy
man settled 'among them. Communicants ten —
baptisms five (one adult) — funerals two — mar
riages three. William Steel-.
-Bath {S&fish, Dinwiddie county. The rector of
this parish has continued to preach during the
past year at the places mentioned in his report to
the last Convention. He has not succeeded, how
ever, in organizing any regular. congregation du
ring that period. The one which was previously
formed at SaponyCJmrch has improved as much
as, from the' circumstances of the people, could
have been expected. The services of the church
have at this place been engaged in with a degree
of regularity and solemnity which is not often ex
ceeded by old congregations. The prejudices
against our forms of worship are gradually giving
place to more correct feeling ; and in many cases
the beauty and advantages of our excellent liturgy
are beginning to be perceived and appreciated!
This parish was visited in July last by. our vener
able diocesan and two of -our clerical brethren,
when- tbe rector was admitted to priest's orders,
and the rite of confirmation was administered to
nine persons. The services were continued at
the church for three days; -were well attended,
and were particularly interesting ; and there is
great reason to believe that the exhibition which
was then made of the spirit and character of our
church, had a greater effect in conciliating the
favourable regard of tbe people, than could have
been produced by the efforts of.an individual min
ister in the course of several years. The sacra
ment of the Lord's Supper was on that occasion
administered, and received by fourteen members
of that congregation ; one half of whom were
then, for the first time, admitted to the commu
nion df the Episcopal Church. There is a Sab
bath School, and also a Bible class of adults, con
nected with Sapony Church ; and although both
of them are .quite small, yet their existence is an
evidence Of "an increasing attention to'the subject
of religion, which affords some encouragement to
their pastor. At the other places, at whieh he
ministers regularly, the rector of this parish has
not had the same cause-for encouragement as atr
Sapony: public worship is but thinly attended ;
and the services of our church are so much dis
regarded, that he has as yet been unable to use
the liturgy with any tolerable degree of regularity.
There is, however, generally, within the sphere of
his regular ministrations, an improvement in the
external character of those who attend public wor
ship, which, although not very great, is" yet suffi
cient to prevent him from, fainting in despair.
Some few individuals, it is hoped, are seriously
inquiring the way to Zion, and four have been
admitted to the communion. During the last
month, the rector of this parish has engaged to
spend one week in each month in the service of
the Female Missionary Society of Petersburg.
His plan is to preach during that week at two
places in the county of Sussex; at one In Surry,
at one in Prince George, and at Dinwiddie court

house.- He has spent one week on this circuit,
and is convinced, from the observation he has
made and the information obtained, that no sec
tion of our state stands more in need of- minis
terial labours ; and there is great reason to believe
that a faithful, active, prudent clergyman, who
would officiate in this section, would receive a
very comfortable support.- The number of com
municants in the Sapony congregation is fifteen —
there have been five baptisms (four of infants
and one adult) — seven funerals — and five mar
riages. J. Grammer.
Bristol parish, Petersburg. It is with great
satisfaction that the rector is enabled to state to
the Convention, that, by the blessing of God, this
parish is in. a state of considerable improvement
as regards their-religious interests. Their attend
ance on the public worship and the ordinances of
religion is more regular than in some, former
years ; there have been added lately eight or ten
communicants, who appear to be pious and well

The society of ladies, auxiliary to the Education
Society, for the assistance of young men designed
for the ministry, have been very assiduous* and
very successful m. promoting the interests of the
association ; they have been enabled to transmit
very considerable sums of money to the parent
society. The Sunday scholars belonging to our ehurch
in this town are not numerous; on which ac
count they have been united with the Methodist
Society scholars for a considerable length of time :
the united school is prosperous ; tbe teachers, se
lected from botb congregations, are very attentive
to their respective duties. Marriages since iast
Convention twelve— baptisms twenty-nine — bu
rials sixteen. Andrew Syme.
St. Luke's Church; parish of Newport. The
rector reports that he has not had any increase in
this congregation-since fhe last Convention ; but
he takes pleasure in stating, that- there, appears to
be a spirit pervading the minds and hearts of his
people which presages "better things;!' there is
a greater degree of seriousness manifested on the
part of members of the church than has hitherto
appeared, and a tenderness under the ministration
of the word which proves that the Spirit of the
Lord is secretly, but, we trust, surely at work upon
the heart. For these favourable signs the hveliest
gratitude is felt to the great. Head of the church.
There have been nine baptisms (one adult) —
eight funerals — one marriage.
The rector also reports, in reference to this
church, that about 300 dollars have been subscri
bed towards its repairs ; the materials have been
purchaserl, the workmen employed, and he ex
pects soon to see this (the oldest church in Vir
ginia now standing) put a in comfortable condition.
. William G. H. Jones.
- St. Paul's Church, Suffolk. This church is
under the care of the rector of St. Luke's Church.
Since the last Convention he has had reason here
to praise God and take courage."' Fifteen mem
bers have been added to the communion. The
attendance at church is generally respectable and
regular, and the conduct of the members during
worship highly reverent. Three adult baptisms —
communicants twenty. William G^. H. Jones.
Suffolk, May 13, 1828. I have not held a parish
for a considerable time. The churches in the
counties of Nansemond and Isle of, Wight being
(until very late) destitute of ministers, I con
sidered that I could promote the interest of.reli-
gion better by extending my labours to them' all,
than by confining thenot-o a single church. Agree
ably to the request of the bishop, an association of

CONVENTION OF 1828.

221

ministers, consisting of Mr. Parker, Mr. Jones, and
hiyself, was held in Smithfield on the 11th of
April, and at the church-in Surry on the follow
ing day, where we officiated to large and atten
tive congregations. Baptisms thirty-one (nine
adults), seven were blacks — funerals nine — mar
riages seven. , Jacob Keeling.
Trinity' Church, Portsmouth parish. There
have been added to the communion, since the last
report, eight individuals. There are several others
belonging to this charge who are deeply impressed
with the necessity and importance of religion, but
who have not yet obtained that satisfaction in their
Own minds, with respect-to the change of heart,
which they think is necessary to warrant them in
making an open profession of being on the Lord's
side. The pleasinghope is, however, confidently
indulged, that it will not be very long before some
of these individuals will be added to the list of
worthy communicants. The temporal condition
of this congregation, the rector is also happy to
state,- has much improved within the last year.
The pews have all been rented out but two, and
measures are now taking for adding side-galleries
to the church, in which to erect others.
There are attached to the congregation several
societies ; the most important of which are a
Sunday School, a Bible class, and a Female
Working Society ; all of which, it is believed, are
exerting a beneficial influence. Our weekly lec
tures are still kept up", and it is hoped, from- the
attendance on them, that they are not wholly with
out their good effects. Marriages three — baptisms
nine, two-of which were adults— present number
of communicants t wen ty-four — funerals six.
John H. Wingfield.
Christ Church, Norfolk. The rector reports to
the Convention that, during the past year, he has
administered baptism to' twenty -six persons, of
whom three were adults — there have been twelve
marriages— twenty-nine burials — and eighteen per
sons admitted to the communion, making the pres
ent number of communicants one hundred and
ninety-four. At the bishop's visit in June last, -
sixteen were -confirmed. The Bible class- is in
about the same condition as last reported. The
Sunday School numbers one hundred and fifty-
eight scholars and twenty-two teachers. The
corner-stone of the new church was laid by the
Right -Rev. the Bishop on the 20th of June last.
The edifice is nearly completed, "and will he ready
for consecration, it is hoped, in July ensuing. Its
dimensions are 96 feet by 65. It is built of brick,
with a large vestry-room in the rear, and a steeple
calculated for a clock and tjett, and 115 feet in
height. During the last year there have been con-
, tributed by the parish to the Education
Society, - $584 80
To the bishop's assistant's salary, - 20 00
The contingent fund of the diocess, 30 80

$635 60
The rector rejoices to inform the Convention
that the affairs of the congregation are in a pros
perous condition ; and especially that its spiritual
stateis, perhaps, more promising and satisfactory
than it has ever been during the ministry of the
incumbent. Henry W. Ducachet.
Suffolk,' Va.~ Last summer I left the diocess
of Maryland and came to tbis place, in which I.
have been occupied principallyin teachingschool.
But, during my residence here, I have frequently
performed divine service. Since the commence
ment Of this year I have superintended a Sunday
School, which consists of about 'thirty scholars..
Marriages three — one funeral. Ira Parker.

A resolution relative to the defraying the ex
penses of the delegates to represent this diocess
to the General Convention was offered,. fad, on
motion, the same was laid upon the table, *
A motion was made by the" Rev. Mr. Duca
chet, that the Convention do now take up and
consider the report made to the last Contention
by the special committee to whom had'been re
ferred the communication from the secretaries
of the House of Bishops and of the House of
Clerical and Lay Delegates to the^secretary-of
this Convention — which motion was rejected.
On motion, Resolved, That the next Conven
tion of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the
diocess of Virginia be, held in the town of
Charlottesville, on the Wednesday before the
third Thursday in May next.
The president having retired, Mr. H. Nelson
was called to the chair.
The Rev. Dr. Meade, from the board of
trustees of the ' Theological. School, presented
the following report, which was read. -
Report of the board of trustees of the Theological
Seminary of Virginia, to the Convention, held in
r Petersburg, May 15, 1828.
It will be remembered, that at the last Convett-
tlon,the trustees obtained leave to locate the sem
inary in the neighbourhood of Alexandria, should
it be found practicable. In order to ascertain this,
a committee was appointed, with full powers to
¦ select an eligible site, to erect the necessary build
ings, and to raise the, funds for defraying the ex
penses of the same. The committee^accordlngly
repaired to Alexandria hTthe month of June, and
after some time spent in surveying the different
situations which were offered, made a selection of
one, which, on account of the healthiness of- its
atmosphere, .the beauty of its prospect, and its
many conveniences, has given universal satisfac
tion to the professors, students, friends, and vis
iters of out seminary. The lot of land which was
purchased contained about sixty-two acres, the
half of which was cleared, well enclosed, and cov
ered with grass. The remainder is in young tim
ber, which will soon yield no inconsiderable
allowance of fuel. N The buildings upon it consist
ed of a new brick dwelling-house, with all neces
sary out-buildings for the comfort of a family. A
well-enclosed garden and promising young orchard
were also among the improvements of the place.
The cost of the establishment was. five thousand
dollars. . This we were enabled to pay at once,
by the assistance of our treasurer, Mr. John Gray,
who kindly advanced, the whole, relying for, the
return of it upon the collections to be afterward
made.- It was now necessary to erect, without
delay, a suitable edifice for the reception of the
students, and of such person or persons as should
be employed to attend to their temporal comforts.
Accordingly, a brick house of three "stories, con
taining twelve rooms, besides a basement story,
affording a dining-room, kitchen, and closets, was
immediately erected, the cost of which has ex
ceeded three thousand dollars. This we were
enabled to discharge by a loan from the Educa
tion Society of two thousand dollars, ahd a fur
ther advance from our treasurer and ever-ready
friend Mr. John Gray. - To relieve ourselves from
the obligations thus incurred a new subscription
was commenced, which, hy the united exertions
of tbe friends ofthe seminary, has already reached
the amount of the debt which was contracted,
being somewhat more than eight thousand dol
lars. As this, however, is payable in annual in-

223

CONVENTION OF 1828.

stalments of two, three, and four years, and the
interest on the money advanced is still increasing
the debt, if is plain that the present subscription-
will not suffice fo discharge the same with the in
terest accruing. Other buildings are also neces
sary to complete the establishment. Another
house ifor the residence of onq of the professors,
who is at present livjng at an inconvenient dis
tance, is very desirable, and a most convenient
situation presents itself on the seminary farm. So
soon as our means will justify the measure, it will
be-also desirable to have a building, for the pur
poses to which the basement story is now devo
ted, but for which it is by no means sufficient. In
the same building might be a lecture-room and
library, for which the private apartments of our
present edifice are now made to answer. These
additional buildings will, of course,-require a large
increase of our funds, nor shall we venture to pro
ceed until assured that the contributions of our
friends will justify the undertaking.
It becomes us also to make a further statement
of our pecuniary concerns, that the members and
friends of the church may not be mistaken as to
our condition, and relax their exertions or with
hold their charities, on the supposition that our
need is not so great as if really is. ' Towards the
endowment of two professorships, each requiring
not less than fifteen thousand .dollars, we have, as
yet, only realized the sum of ten thousand seven
hundred and thirty-four dollars and forty-two
cents. It is true that the unremitting- exertions
ofthe Female Auxiliary Education Societies have
thus far enabled, -us to have the services of two
professors, besides receiving all the poor and pious
youths who have applied for admission into the
seminary. -But still^we cannot consider any in
stitution on a sure and permanent basis, without
a fund, whose interest will suffice for the support
of those officers;who are indispensable to its good
government ; and therefore we can never be satis
fied until we "have realized the needful sum.
In order to raise this "amount as soon>as practi
cable, the trustees at their present meeting have
appointed the Rev. Dr. Cobbs, the Rev. Mr.
M'Guire, the Rev. Mr. Ducachet, and the Rev.
Dr. Meade, to solicit contributions in the State-of
Virginia, the latter of whom will enter upon this
duty immediately after the -Convention, anrh de
vote two or three months to the same.
The trustees, considering also how much other
portions of our country are likely to be benefited
- by the successful operation of our seminary, and
that it is most reasonable that those portion's
should render us their aid in its establishment,
have requested the Rev. Mr. Jackson, of Alexan
dria, the Rev. Mr. Mann, the Rev. Mr. Tyng, the
Rev. Mr. Johns; and the Rev. Mr." Henshaw, of
Maryland, the Rev. Mr. Bedell, of Pennsylvania,
and the Rev. Mr. MMlvainejOf New-York, to lend
us their aid in soliciting contributions, wherever
their judgment or convenience may lead them.
Having presented this exposition of the funds,
the location, and the buildings of our infant insti
tution, we now proceed to state the pleasing ac
complishment of those hopes which encouraged
us -to choose its present location. We have re
alized that freedom from the many interruptions
inseparable from a town, which formed a strong
inducement to its- removal. Every incentive to
close application to^the exercises of piety is fur
nished to the young candidate for the ministry.
On the Sabbath they either walk into Alexandria
and attend the public services of the churches, or
remain at the - seminary, where, -for their benefit
and the benefit of many families around, the ser
vice of the church is read, and a sermon delivered.

by one of the professors. On the evening ofthe
Sabbath, and on other evenings of the week, they
are often piously and profitably engaged in visiting
the, families in the- neighbourhood, praying with
them, reading the word of God*, and exhorting
them to holiness. It deserves also to be mention
ed, that they evince a laudable zeal in attending
to the instruction of the children in the several
Sunday Schools' which they have established in
Alexandria and at-the'seminary. , While thus en
gaged in these exercises which fit them for the
practical duties on which they are soon to enter,
we. have the assurance of the professors that they
have not been inattentive tp those literary and
theological studies which are necessary to qualify"3
them for the defence of the faith. During the
past session seventeen students have been under
the care of the professors, though only fourteen
are to be considered as properly members of .the
seminary, tbe remaining three being engaged in
preparatory studies,' .which will qualify them to
enter at some future period. It will be most en
couraging indeed to the friends of-oiir institution,
to behold six -of these youths, who, have been for
a greater or lesser period of time nurtured ih our
seminary, presented on the ensuing Sabbath to
the bishop of our diocess, and, after receiving from
him the proper authority, proceeding forth to the
glorious work of preaching the everlasting gospel.
The trustees will only add, that their hopes and
expectations as to the expenses of living have
been more than realized. From the experience
of the present year, they, are justified in saying
that the sum of seventy-five dollars is amply suf
ficient ibr the board of each student, during the
period of the nine months which constitutes the
seminary term.
In concluding their report,- the trustees have to
record the heavy loss sustained by the board in
the death of the lamented Dr. Wilmer. ,In this
as in every other department of usefulness, he had
ever displayed a judgment, zeal, and .activity sel
dom to be found umted in one individual. The
emblems of mourning which now designate the
members of this Convention, evince the high
esteem in which his services were -held by the
whole" church. ~
On motion, Resolved, That the sum of*bne
hundred and twenty dollars and thirty-seven
and a half cents be appropriated to the- bishop,
for the support of his assistant, out of the Con
tingent Fund, to make up, with the. sum paid in
for that purpose during the present Conven
tion, the sum of three" hundred" dollars, in pur
suance of the pledge made by the Convention
in the year 1826.
Resolved, That the treasurer pay to. the
secretary his expenses incurred in attending
this Convention.
On motion, Resolved, unanimously, That the
thanks of this Convention be tendered to the
ministers of the Presbyterian, Methodist, and
Baptist churches in this place, for the liberal
and kind offer of their churches for the use of
the Convention.
On motion, Resolved, That the treasurer pay
to the doorkeeper- of this Convention the Sum
of five dollars for his services.
On motion, Resolved, unanimously, That the
thanks of this Convention be tendered to the
citizens of this place, for their kind and hospi-.
table attentions- to the members of the Conven
tion during its session.

CONVENTION OF 1828.

223

On motion, Resolved, That the thanks of this
Convention be presented to the secretary and
treasurer for their faithful services.
Oh motion, Resolved, That one thousand
copies of this Journal be printed, and distributed
by the secretary among the parishes. •'
The bishop appeared and took his seat as
president of the Convention. -^
The Convention proceeded to the election,
by ballot, of eight delegates, to represent this
diocess in the next General Convention of the
Protestant Episcopal Church of, the United
States : whereupon the following' gentlemen
were duly elected, viz. : -Rev. William Meade,
D. D., Rev. Reuel Keith, D. D., Rev. Edward
C. M'Guire, Rev. Nicholas H. Cobbs, Dr. Car
ter Berkeley, Mr. Philip Nelson, Mr. Hugh
Nelson, and Mr. James M. Garnett.
And then the Convention adjourned, to meet
in the town of Charlottesville, on the Wednes
day before the third Thursday in May next.
- Richard Channing Moore,
Bishop of the P. E. Church of Virginia.
Teste, John.G. Williams, Secretary.
-On Sunday evening, May 18th, the clergy and
laity of the Convention assembled round the altar,
when the bishop addressed and took his leave of
them as follows :—
Brethren,— Agreeably to that practice which
has always marked the close of our Conventional
labours, we surround the altar of the Redeemer
to express bur thankfulness to him for that unity
which has distinguished our proceedings, and for
the spiritual blessings we have enjoyed during our
association, and;also to take an affectionate leave
of each other.
When we call to view the important concerns
in which we have been engaged, and consider the
peaceful spirit in. which those concerns have been
transacted, how heartfelt should be the expression
of our gratitude to God ! The Theological Semi
nary, tlrat school of the prophets, that nursery of
the church, from which we have received so much
benefit and advantage, and from which we have
reason to expect still greater results, has received
from the benefactions of our friends an impulse
which, we trust, will ensure its success, and render
it an object of commanding importance not* only
to this diocess, but to our religious community in
general. Seven young men, six of whom are alumni of
that institution, have this day been^ admitted to
holy orders. "Men, from whose labours parishes
Which have been destitute for many years will be
supplied, and the word of life communicated to
those who have looked to us for spiritual help.
Yes 1 the walls of some of our churches, in which
the voice of the gospel has not been heard for
twenty years, will again^resound with the glad
tidings of salvation, and wake the prayers and
praises of our people. The hungry will be fed
with 'the, bread of life ; the thirsty will be led to
the fountain of ever -living, waters that they may
drink"; the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ will be
exhibited to their view, and poor weeping peni
tents be directed to Calvary for tjie salvation of
their immortal souls. My heart "viErates with joy
at the glowing prospect presented to our view,
and my soul rejoices in the prosperity of our Zion.
When we contemplate the blessings with which
God in his mercy hath favoured us,' we have rea
son "to take courage and press forward in the dis
charge of our duty. It is by the preaching of the

gospel in its. purity that we are to expect a con
tinuance of the divine favbur.- It is the cross of
a crucified Jesus under which we have rallied ;
and while that cross continues to form the banner
under which we fight the fight of faith, the bles
sing of God will descend upon us in profusion, and
our preaching prove the savour of life to those
who hear us. Yes, my brethren, I repeat the dec
laration : If we expect to succeed in ourjmmistry,
and to see the work of the Lord prosper in our
glands, Jesus Christ, and him crucified, must con
stitute the basis-pf all our discourses — the anima
ting theme of all. our addresses. Yes! my soul
warms at the thought. It is the cross which
forms the "ladder by which the believer scales the
heavens. The cross is the throne of grace from
which Jesiis answers prayer, and pronounces par
don and forgiveness to the poor penitent. Carry
your people to Gethsemane,"and show them the
precious Redeemer under the load of their com
plicated guilt, sweating great drops of blood ^con
duct them to Calvary, exhibit tbe Saviour to their
view as the only propitiatory sacrifice . for you ;
and lest any of your charge should doubt his mer
ciful disposition, proclaim to theih the soul-enli
vening truth — proclaim to' them that the Lord
Jesus wears on his compassionate bosom the
glorious inscription, " not willing that any should
perish, but that all should come to repentance."
Go on, my beloved sons in the ministry, go on in
the glorious work in which you have engaged,
and the Lord Jesus will assist you with his grace,
and bless you with the richest evidences. of his
love. Let controversy alone ; for it will paralyze
your minds and obstruct you in your work. Preach
the truth. Be attentive to your solemn vows.of
conformity to -our worship which you have volun-
tarilymade. Be men of peace — imitate, asfaras
in you lieth, your divine Master. " Learn of him
whtfwas meek ahd lowly in heart, and you will
find rest to your souls,"
We are now, my brethren, to part. - Remember
that such is the frail tenure of our earthly exist
ence, that it is scarcely, to be expected we shall
ever meetagain in this world. The last year took
two from our number,; and before the next twelve
months shall have revolved over-our heads, others
may be taken from our ranks, called to give an
account of their stewardship. Strive, then, I be
seech you, to be prepared. Be much at a throne
of grace,' not only with the people of your charge,
but also in. your retirement. When you enter -
your closets, remember that you are, entering the
threshold of heaven, and say. to the world and all-
its delusive pleasures, " Stay ye here while I go
yonder .and worship." By such a course your
lamps will be-always trimmed, your lights burning
in your hands : then, when the voice of God shall
proclaim the approach of the bridegroom, you will
be prepared f o enter into the everlasting ioy of our
God. To the lay members of the Convention I beg
leave to return my sincere thanks for their kind
co-operation and support. With many of you I
have met in Convention ever since my residence
in Virginia, and to your labour the church is in
debted for a large portion of its success. The
clergy consider you as co-workers with them, and
lean much on you for your' counsel and .advice.
Be steadfast and immoveable, always abounding in
the work ofthe Lord, and your labour will not be
in vain in the Lord . My brethren, I bid you all an
affectionate farewell; and should we never meet
in this vale of tears, Oh may we meet in that hap
py world prepared for the righteous, and enjoy that
rest which remaineth for the people of God. Breth
ren, farewell. Rich-ard C. -Moore.,

224

CONVENTION OF 1829.

Journal of the Proceedings of the Contention of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the Diocess
of Virginia, which assembled in the town of Charlottesville, On Wednesday,' the Wth day of
1829. ," ' ,.
Berkeley, and Mr. John G. Williams; be a com
mittee to examine the certificates of lay delegate*^
who then withdrew, and, after a short time, re
turned and presented the following report : —
The committee to- whom were referred* the
certificates of the lay delegates have, according
to order, examined the same, and report, that
the following persons have been duly elected-
lay delegates to this Conyention.
• Thomas Marshall, Leeds parish, Fauquier
county; Dr: Hector Harris, Hamilton parish,
Fauquier county ; Thomas Withers, jr., Bristol
parish, Petersburg ; John H. Hill, St. Paul's
Church, Alexandria ;. William H. Thompson,
Christ Church, Norfolk ; Dr. Carter Berkeley,
St. Martin's parish, Hanover and Louisa coun
ties ; Junius A- Clay and Philip A. Boiling,
Tillotson parish, Buckingham ; Thomas Nelson,
Portsmouth parish, Norfolkeounty ; Obed Waite,
Christ Church, Winchester ; Dr. E. A. Mor
rison, Bath parish, Dinwiddie county ; Philip
Nelson, Frederick parish", Frederick county;
Edward B. Withers, Moore's parish, Campbell
county ; Westwood S. Armistead, Elizabeth
City parish, Elizabeth City county ; Thurmer
Hoggard, Lynnhaven parish, Princess -Anne
county ; Hugh Nelson^ Fredericksville . parish,
Albemarle county; John Nelson, St. James's
parish, Mecklenburg county ; William Boiling, ,¦¦
St. James's parish, Northam, Goochland county ;
Edward Rouzee, Vauter's Church, St. Anne's
parish, "Essex .county ; John Gray,. St. George's
parish, Fredericksburg ; John Gt Lawrence, St.
Margaret's parish, Caroline county ; -Wm. Mayo
and John G. Williams, Monumental Church,
Richmond ; Seth Ward, St. Paul's Church,
Lynchburg; Parkp'E. Berkeley, Antrim parish,
Halifax county ;- John Stuart, St. Paul's parish,
King George county ; Walter W. Webb, Bruton
parish, Williamshurg ; Isaac Winston, St. Ste
phen's Church, Culpepper county ; Richard S.
Ellis, Lexington parish, Amherst county ; Ed
mund I. Lee, Christ Church, Alexandria, Fair
fax parish ; Gerrard Alexander, ^tussell parish,
Bedford county-; John L- Thomas, Christ Church,
Norborne parish, Berkeley county ; Benjamin
B. Taliaferro, Henrico parish, Henrico county.
On motion,^ Resolved, That the following
rules pf order, adopted by the last Convention
for the government of their proceedings, be the
rules of proceeding during the present Con
vention : —
1. The business of every day shall tie intro
duced with prayer.
2. When the president takes the chair, no
member shall , continue standing, or shall after
ward stand up, except to address the chair.
3. No membfer shall absent himself from the
service of the house unless he have leave, or
be unable to attend.
4. When any member is about to speak in
debate, or deliver any matter to the house, he
shall, with due respect, address himself to the

.This being the day and place appointed for
the annual meeting of the Convention of the
Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocess of
Virginia, several clergymen and lay- delegates
attended divine -service in the Episcopal Church
in this town.
Morning prayers' were read by the Rev. Adam
Empie, and a sermon preached by the Rev. John
H. Wingfield.
After divine service (the Right Rev. Bishop
Moore being prevented by indisposition from
attending), the Rev: William Meade, D. D., was
elected, by joint ballot of the clerical and lay
delegates, in conformity with the canons of the
church, president pro tempore of this Conven
tion, and accordingly took his seat as su"ch.
The following clergymen, entitled to se^ats in
this Convention, appeared, viz. : —
The Rev. Ebenezep Boyden, Augusta parish,
Staunton ; the Rev. Nicholas H. Cobbs, Rus
sell parish, Bedford county ; the Rev. John Cole,
officiating in Surry and Prince George coun
ties ; the Rev. John Cooke,' St. Martin's, parish,
Hanover and Louisa counties ; "theRev. Robert
B. Croes, assistant minister of the Monumental
Church, Richmond ; the Rev." Charles Dresser,
Antrim parish, Halifax county ; the Rev. Henry
W. Ducachet, M. D.,Christ Church, Norfolk ; the
Rev. James Doughen, parish of St James, Nor
tham, Goochland county ; the Rev. Adam Empie,
rector of Bruton parish, and President of Will
iam and Mary College, Williamsburg ; the Rev.
Zachariah H. Goldsmith, St. George's parish;
Accomack .county ; the' Rev. John Grammer,
Bath parish, Dinwiddie county ; the Rev. Caleb
J. Good, St.iMargaret's parish, Caroline county ;
the Rev,. Frederick W. Hatch, Fredericksville
parish, Albemarle county ; the Rev. Johannes
Edward Jackson, Christ Church, Frederick
parish, Frederick county ; the Rev. William
Jackson, St. Paul's Church, Alexandria ; the
Rev. Thomas Jackson, Shelburne parish, Lou
doun county ; the Rev. William G. H. Jones,
parish. of Newport, Isle of Wight; the Rev..
Reuel Keith, D. D., Professor in the Theologi
cal School of this diocess near Alexandria ;
the Rev. George Lemon, Hamilton and Leeds
parishes, Fauquier county ; the Rev. William
F. Lee, Henrico parish, Henrico county ; the
Rev. William Meade, D. D., Frederiok parish,
Frederick county ; the Rev. Edward C. M'Guire,
St. George's parish, Fredericksburg ; the Rev.
John P. M'Guire, St. Anne's and South Farn
ham parishes, Essex ; the Rev. Nahum G. Os
good, Moore's parish, Campbell county ; the
Rev. Charles H. Page, Lexington parish, Am
herst county-, the Rev. Edward W. Peet, St
Paul's parish, King George county ; the Rev,
John Philips, Cumberland .parish, Lunenburg
county ; the Rev. G. A. Smith, St. Stephen's,
Church, Culpepper county ; the Rev. John H
Wingfield, Portsmouth parish, Norfolk county.
Ordered, That Mr. William Mayo, Dr. Carter

CONVENTION OF 1829.

225

president, confining himself strictly to the point
in debate.
5. No member shall speak more than twice
in the same debate without leave of the house.
6. A question being once determined shall
stand as 'the judgment of the house, and shall
not be again drawn into, debate during the same
session, unless with the consent of two thirds
ofthe house.
7. While the president is putting any question,
the members shall continue in their seats, and
shall not hold any private discourse.
8. Every member who shall be in the house
when any question is put, shall, on a division,
be counted, unless he be personally interested
in the decision.
0. No motion shall be considered as before the
house unless it be seconded, and, when required,
reduced to writing.
10. When any question is before the house,
it shall be determined upon before any new
thing is introduced, except the question of ad
journment. 11. The question on a motion of adjourn
ment shall be taken before any other, and with
out debate.
12. When the house is about to rise, every
member shall keep his seat until the president
shall leave his chair.
Ordered, That the Rev. Robert B. Croes, the
Rev. Thomas- Jackson, the Rev. George A.
Smith, the Rev. John Cooke, and the Rev.
William G. H. Jones be a committee to ex
amine the parochial reports.
Ordered, That the Rev. Frederick W. Hatch,
the Rev. Adam Empie, the Rev. George Lemon,
the Rev. Henry W. Ducachet, M. D., theRev.
Nicholas H. Cobbs, Mr. Gerrard Alexander, Mr
Hugh Nelson, and Mr. William H. Thompson,
be a committee to take into consideration tbe
state of the church in this diocess, and report
thereupon to this Convention.
Ordered, That Mr. Edmund I. Lee, the Rev.
Edward Jackson, and Mr Richard Ellis, be a
committee to examine the accounts of the treas
urer of the fund for the permanent support of the
episcopate in this diocess.
Ordered, That the Rev. William F. Lee, Mr.
Obed Waite, and Mr. Seth Ward, be a commit
tee to examine the treasurer's accounts.
Ordered, That the Rev. William Jackson, Mr.
Thomas Marshall, and theRev. John P. M'Guire,
be a committee to examine the state of the
fund for the support of the widows and orphans
of deceased clergymen.
The secretary then received the following
contributions from sundry parishes of this diocess
for the Contingent Fund : —
Leeds parish, Fauquier county, $15 00
Hamilton parish, Fauquier county, 15 00
Bristol parish, Petersburg, '--"; 30 00
Christ Church, Norfolk, - *' 30 00
St. Martin's parish, Hanover and Louisa
counties, 20 00
Augusta parish, Augusta county, 10 00
Christ Church, Winchester, - 15 00

Amount brought forward, $135 00
Bath parish, Dinwiddie county, - 15 00
Frederick parish, Frederick county, - 15 25
Moore's parish, Campbell county, 10 00
Elizabeth City parish, Elizabeth City
county, - - 15 00
Lynnhaven parish, Princess Anne, 10 00
St. James's parish, Mecklenburg county, 14 00
St. James's parish, Northam, Goochland
county, . - - 10 00
Vauter's Church, St. Anne's parish,
Essex, . - - 30 00
St. George's parish, Fredericksburg, - 30 00
St. Margaret's parish, Caroline county, 8 00
Monumental Church, Richmond, - 30 00
St. Paul's Church, Lynchburg, - - 15 00
Antrim parish, Halifax county, - - 25 00
St. Paul's parish, King George county, 15 00
Bruton parish, Williamsburg, - - 15 00
St. Stephen's parish, Culpepper county, 15 50
Lexington parish, Amherst county, - 15 35
Christ Church, Alexandria, Fairfax
parish, ... - 30 00
Russell parish, Bedford county, 30 00
Christ Church, Norborne parish, Berke
ley county, - - - - 5 00
Henrico parish, Henrico county, - 15 00
St. Mark's parish, Culpepper county, 16 00
Newport parish, Isle of Wight, - 10 00
Town of Suffolk, - - - 10 00
Shelburne parish, Loudoun county, - 20 00
South Farnham parish, Essex county, 10 4
Fredericksville parish, Albemarle, 10 00

$579 14
The following sums were paid towards the
support of the assistant to the bishop in the
Monumental Church, for the year ending May,
Hamilton parish, Fauquier county, - $5
Leeds parish, Fauquier county, - - 5
Bristol parish, Petersburg, - - - 20
Christ Church, Norfolk, - - 30
St. Martin's parish, Hanover and Louisa
counties, - - - 10
Portsmouth parish, Norfolk county, - 10
Frederick parish, Frederick county, - 10
Elizabeth City parish, Elizabeth City
county, ... 5
St. James's parish, Mecklenburg county, 10
St. George's parish, Fredericksburg, ' 15
St. Stephen's Church, Culpepper county, 5
Henrico parish, Henrico county, - - 15
St. Mark's parish, Culpepper county, - 5
Newport parish, Isle of Wight, 5
Town of Suffolk,  5
Fredericksville parish, Albemarle county, 5

Amount carried forward,

$135 00

$150
And then, on motion, the Convention ad
journed until to-morrow morning, 8 o'clock.
Thursday, May 21, 1829.
The Convention met according to adjourn
ment, and was opened with prayer by the Rev.
William Meade.
The parochial reports were handed in and

226

CONVENTION OF 1829.

read, and referred to the committee upon pa
rochial reports.
Mr. Henry Claggett, a lay delegate of the
parish of Shelburne, Loudoun county, and Mr.
George W. Rothrock, a lay delegate of St.
Paul's Church, Suffolk, appeared and took their
seats. The Rev. Frederick W. Hatch, from the
committee on the state of the church, made, a
report, which, on motion, was recommitted, and
thereupon a letter from William Leigh, Esq.,
upon the subject of the devise of Evan Ragland,
was referred to the said committee.
The Rev. William F. Lee, from the committee
appointed to examine the treasurer's accounts,
made the following report : — >
The committee to whom were referred for
examination the treasurer's accounts have per
formed that duty, and report that the annexed
account, showing a balance of $456 11 J cents
in the hands of the treasurer, is correct, and
that the different items are supported by proper
vouchers, which are filed with the account.
William F. Lee, Chairman.
On motion, Resolved, That the said report
be received and approved.
The Rev. William Jackson, from the com
mittee to whom was referred the examination
of the accounts of the treasurer of the fund for
the relief pf the widows and orphans of deceas
ed clergymen of the Episcopal Church *>f Vir
ginia, made the following report :—
The committee on the Widows' Fund beg
leave to report, that they have examined the
treasurer's account, and find it correct.
The funds are as follows : —
United States three per cent, stock, $2,037 78
74 shares of Farmers' Bank of Alex
andria stock, at par, 3,700 00
3 shares of Alexandria bank-stock,
at par, - - - 600 00
1 share of Bank of Virginia stock,
at par, - - - 100 00
Robert Andrews's estate, balance
of note, with interest from 30th
April, 1829, till paid, 399 23
Cash on hand, • - 280 97

$7,117 98
On motion, Resolved, That the said report
be received and approved.
On motion, Resolved, That a committee be
appointed to take into consideration the laws
and regulations for the government of the so
ciety for the relief of distressed widows and
orphans of clergymen, and make report there
upon to the next Convention ; and the Rev.
William Meade, the Rev. Edward C. M'Guire,
the Rev. Reuel Keith, and Mr. Edmund I. Lee,
were appointed.
The proceedings of the standing committee
during the last year were read.
The session was then suspended, for the pur
pose of attending divine service by the Rev.
Thomas Jackson, and a sermon by the Rev.
George Lemon. After which the session was

resumed, and the Convention .proceeded l^ the"
election, by ballot, of a standing com'mitfee or"
the church in this diocess foiMie ensuing fear ;
whereupon the following gentlemen were duly
elected, viz.; — the Rev. Reuel Keith, D. TD,,
the Rev. Edward R. Lippit, the Rev. William
Jackson, Mr. John Hooff, Mr. Edmund'!. Lee,
and Mr. John Gray. . • "-
The following report of. the committee to
whom was referred the communication from the
secretaries of the House of BishopS'and of the
House of Clerical and Lay Delegates, upon the
proposed alterations ofthe liturgy,, made to the
Convention held in Fredericksburg in the year
1827, was called up, read, and, on motion, refer
red to the committee of the whole.., ..
The committee to whom was referred a com
munication from tbe secretaries of the House of
Bishops and of the House of Clerical and Lay
Deputies, under date of 20th December, 1826, re
port, that they have attentively considered the
subjects referred to them, and that they have
unanimously agreed to recommend to the Con
vention the adoption of the following resolutions.
1. Resolved, That any alterations in " The or
der how the psalter is appointed to be read," or in
" The order how tbe rest of the Holy Scripture is
appointed to be read," are, in. the opinion of this
Convention, uncalled for by the state of the
church, and entirely inexpedient.
2. Resolved, That the present preface to the
confirmation office having been so long in. use
without being the subject of frequent or great
complaint, the proposed substitute for it is un
called for and inexpedient.
3. Resolved, That as the proposed collect in
the confirmation office seems to take for granted*
the truth of a doctrine about which- some differen
ces of opinion prevail in the church, and seems to
have a tendency to produce dissatisfaction in the
minds of some, and perhaps to lead to still further
controversy, it is uncalled for and inexpedient.
4. Resolved, That whereas the rubric imme
diately after the communion service appears, as
it now stands, to be sufficiently explicit, and the
proposed alteration in it seems to be intimately
connected with the foregoing proposed changes, it
is equally uncalled for and inexpedient.
5. Resolved, That, as this Convention disap
proves of the proposed alterations, the delegation
from this diocess to the General Convention be
instructed to use their exertions to prevent their
adoption. 6. Resolved, That whereas the proposed ad
dition to the 8th article of the constitution of this
church, by which the words, " or the articles of
religion," are to be inserted after the words, " or
other officers of the church," seems to be a rea
sonable and salutary provision, this Convention
do entirely approve the same, and accordingly rec
ommend it to the support of their representatives.
All which is respectfully reported.
By order of the committee,
Henry W. Ducachet, Chairman.
The house then resolved itself into a com
mittee ofthe whole, the Rev. Mr. Hatch in the
chair, and after some time spent therein the
committee rose, reported progress, and asked
leave to sit again, which, on motion, was
granted. On motion, Resolved, That the Conventions-
adjourn, to meet again at a quarter before 4
o'clock.

CONVENTION OF 1829.

227

," THtiRSDAV Afternoon, May 21, 1829.
The Convention met again according to ad
journment. Mr, Pe,ter M'Vitkar, a lay delegate of the par
ish of St. Andrew's, appeared and took his seat.
The house Jtgain, on. motion, resolved itself
into a committee- of the whole, the Rev. Mr.
Hatch in the chair ; -and, after some time spent
therein, rose and reported the following pream
ble and resolution, as a substitute for the report
• of the committee to them referred : —
The Contention of. this diocess having had
under long and serious consideration the pro
posed alterations in the rubric relative to the
order of our service, and also to the proposed
additions' to the confirmation service, is con
strained to express its dissent from the proposed
changes ; believing that they are not likely to
effect that most desirable end contemplated by
the advocates of the same. Therefore, Resolv
ed, That, zealously attached to the Book of
Common Prayer and other offices of our
church, this Convention is desirous that no al
teration should take place in the same at this
time. On motion, Resolved, That the report of the
committee of the whole be for the present laid
upon the table.
And then, on motion, the Convention ad
journed until to-morrow morning, 8 o'clock.
Friday, May 22, 1829.
The Convention met according to adjourn
ment, and was opened with prayer by the Rev.
William Meade, D. D.
The Rev. Franklin G. Smith, of St. Paul's
Church, Lynchburg, appeared and took his seat.
The. report of the committee of the whole
was taken up, and, on the question being put
upon agreeing to the same, it was carried in
the affirmative.
On motion, it was then Resolved, That this
Convention do concur with the House of Bish
ops and the House of Clerical and Lay Dele
gates in General Convention, in the propriety
of the proposed amendment to the second clause
of the eighth article of the constitution.
Resolved, That the secretary do transmit
certified copies of the resolutions adopted by
this Convention upon the proposed alterations
of the liturgy, &c, to the secretaries of the
House of Bishops and of the House of Clerical
and Lay Delegates.
Mr. Francis I. Wiatt, a lay delegate of the
parish of South Farnham, Essex county, ap
peared and took his seat.
The Rev. Frederick W. Hatch, from the
committee upon the state of the church, pre
sented the following report : —
The committee on the state of the church ask
leave of the Convention respectfully to report,
in part, that, having had under consideration
the destitute condition of many of our parishes,
and the utter inadequacy of any existing means
of relief, they would recommend to this Con
vention the establishment of a Diocesan Mis
sionary Society, to be under the control of the
P8

Convention, and the formation of auxiliary so
cieties in the different parishes.
All which is respectfully submitted.
Frederick W. Hatch, Chairman.
On motion, Resolved, That the said report
be received and approved.
Resolved, That a committee of five members
be appointed to prepare a constitution in con
formity with the foregoing report of the com
mittee upon the state of the church ; and there
upon the Rev. Mr. Ducachet, the Rev. Mr.
Cobbs, the Rev. Mr. Croes, Mr. John Gray,
and Dr. Carter Berkeley, were appointed.
On motion, Resolved, unanimously, That the
Convention having received intelligence of the
illness of the Right Rev. Bishop Moore, deeply
regret his absence, and sympathize with him in
his affliction.
Mr. Edmund I. Lee, from the committee ap
pointed to examine the state of the fund for
the permanent support of the episcopate in this
diocess, presented the following report, which
was read and approved : — >
The committee on the Episcopal Fund report,
That they have examined into the same, and find
that on the 29th of April, 1828, there were fifty-
four shares of the stock of the Farmers' Bank of
Alexandria, which cost $2,700, and nine shares of
the stock of the Bank of Alexandria, which cost
$1,530, the par value of which is $1,800, on which
par value has been paid for several years past a
dividend of four per cent. ; two of these shares
cost $100 a share ; on these two a dividend of
eight per cent, on the money paid for them has
been received ; and one other of them cost $130;
on this a dividend of four per cent, on" the par
value has been paid, so that on this share more
than seven per cent, has been the dividend.
Since the last Convention, four shares have
been purchased of the stock of the Farmers' Bank
of Alexandria, out of the dividends which have
been received. These cost $30 a share, the par
value of which is $50 ; the dividend on which has
been four per cent. ; so that on the actual cost a
dividend of more than six per cent, is paid.
The amount of the bank-stock belonging to this
fund, at par value, is $4,700, on which a dividend
of at least four per cent, will be paid, receivable
semi-annually, which is immediately reinvested
in stock, so that at the end of the year the aggre
gate amount of the dividend is increased.
There is in the hands of the treasurer of the
fund $6 16. Two dividends are yet to be re
ceived. The committee further report, that shortly be
fore the meeting of this Convention, a share of
stock of the Ashby's Gap Turnpike road, which
had been some time since given to this fund by
the Rev. William Meade, was disposed of for fifty
dollars ; upon this share dividends to the amount
of eight dollars had accrued : the fifty dollars and
the dividends are to be vested in stock.
The whole amount of the fund will be as fol
lows : —
Bank-stock, - $4,700 00
Cash,  6 16
Cash for road share and dividend, - 58 00
Two dividends, - - 72 00

$4,836 16
Ed. I. Lee, Chairman,
The Convention then adjourned until half
past 3 o'clock P. M.

228

CONVENTION OF 1829.

Friday Afternoon, May 22, 1829.
The Convention again met according to ad
journment. The Rev. William Meade, president pro tem
pore of the Convention, being absent, the Rev.
Mr. Lemon was called to the chair.
The Convention then, on motion, proceeded
to the consideration of the following resolution,
adopted at the last Convention, proposing to
annul and abolish the first sentence of the sixth
article of the constitution.
" Resolved, That, agreeably to the provisions
of the 13th article of the constitution, notice be
transmitted to the several vestries of the par
ishes of this diocess, that it is proposed at the
next Convention to annul and abolish the first
sentence of the sixth article of the constitution ;
and so alter the said article that it may read
thus : ' The bishop shall be president of the
Convention ; in which character it shall be his
duty to give to the Convention, as often as he
may deem expedient, a general view of the
state of the church ; to call special Conventions,
at whatever times and places he may think ne
cessary ; to preserve order during the tirne of
session; to put the question, collect the votes,
and declare the decision. He may make any
motion which he shall judge conducive to the
good of the church, but shall not enter into de
bate ; and he may deliver his sentiments on any
subject after it has been discussed, before a vote
thereon. Whenever it shall be necessary for the
bishop to visit any part of this diocess, he shall
be authorized to call a clergyman from any part
of the diocess to supply his place in the duties
of his parochial charge, for not more than two
Sundays.' "
And, on the question being put upon agree
ing to the proposed resolution, the same was
carried in the affirmative.
Ayes — The Rev. Ebenezer Boyden, Nicho
las H. Cobbs, John Cole, John Cooke, Charles
Dresser, Henry W. Ducachet, Zachariah H.
Goldsmith, Caleb J. Good, Frederick W.
Hatch, William Jackson, Reuel Keith, George
Lemon, William F. Lee, Edward C. M'Guire,
John P. M'Guire, Nahum G. Osgood, Charles
H. Page, Edward W. Peet, John Philips,
George A. Smith, Franklin G. Smith, John H.
Wingfield ; Messrs. Thomas Marshall, Hector
Harris, John H. Hill, Wm. H. Thompson, Car
ter Berkeley, Junius A. Clay, Philip A. Boiling,
Edward B. Withers, Westwood S. Armistead,
Thurmer Hoggard,. Hugh Nelson, John Nelson,
John Gray, William Mayo, Seth Ward, Parke
F. Berkeley, John Stuart, Isaac Winston, Rich
ard S. Ellis, Gerrard Alexander, Benj. B. Ta
liaferro, George W. Rothrock, and Francis J.
Wiatt — 45.
Noes — The Rev. Robert. B. Croes, Adam
Empie, John Grammer, Johannes Edward Jack
son, Thomas Jackson, William G. H. Jones ;
Messrs. Thomas Withers, jun., Thomas Nel
son, Obed Waite, E. A. Morrison, Philip Nel
son, William Boiling, John G. Williams, Wal
ter W. Webb, Edmund I. Lee, John L. Thom
as, and Henry Claggett — 17.

Mr. Hugh Nelson offered the following reso
lution, which, on motion, was laid upon the
table : —
Resolved, That this Convention deem it ex
pedient, considering the age-and bodily infirmi
ty of our.most venerated bishop, to proceed to
the election of an assistant bishop, mho is not
to be considered as entitled to the succession-
hut that it shall be the right and duty of the
Convention of the diocess of Virginia, on the
demise of our venerated bishop, to proceed to
the election of a principal bishop, as a successor
to the said deceased bishop.
And then, on motion, the Convention ad
journed until to-morrow morning, 8 o'clock.
Saturday, May 23, 1829.
The Convention met according to adjourn
ment, and was opened with prayer by the Rev.
Mr. Lemon.
The Rev. William Meade, president pro
tempore, being absent, the Rev. Edward C.
M'Guire was called to the chair.
The Rev. Dr. Ducachet, from the committee
appointed to prepare a constitution for the es
tablishment of a Diocesan Missionary Society,
presented a constitution, which, being amended,
was adapted, and is as follows : —
CONSTITUTION.
Art. I. This society shall be called " The-
Protestant Episcopal Missionary Society of the--
Diocess of Virginia."
Art. II. The object of this society shall be to
procure and support missionaries within the
bounds of this diocess
Art. III. The bishop of the diocess shall be
ex-qfficio the president ; and the other officers shall
be a vice-president, a secretary, a treasurer, and
an executive committee, consisting of five clerical
and five lay members, to be annually appointed by
the Convention ; and of this executive committee
the bishop shall be ex-officio the president.
Art. IV. Tbe duty of the executive committee
shall be to employ missionaries, to appoint their
stations, to give them such instructions as may
be deemed necessary, to provide for the payment
of their salaries, to take all such measures as may
promote the objects of the society, and to present
an annual statement of their proceedings to the
Convention. Art. V. The payment of any sum not less than
one dollar annually shall constitute a member;
the payment of twenty dollars shall constitute a
life member; and the payment of fifty dollars
shall constitute a patron.
Art. VI. Any missionary society of the Epis
copal Church may become an auxiliary, by trans
mitting to the secretary a list of its officers and a
copy of its constitution (provided such constitution
do not contravene the provisions of these articles).
Art. VII. It shall be the duty ofthe auxiliary
societies to place their funds at the disposal ofthe
executive committee.
Art. VIII. The executive committee may,
when they deem it expedient, employ a portion of
the funds of the society, not exceeding one tenth
part thereof, in supplying its missionaries with
prayer-books and tracts, and shall, in their report
to the Convention, specify what books and tracts
have been so distributed.
Art. IX." Tbis constitution may be altered by
a vote of a majority of the Convention present
when the alteration is proposed.

CONVENTION OF 1829.

229

The Convention then, on the recommenda
tion of the committee, adopted the following res
olutions : —
Resolved, That it be the duty of every min
ister of this diocess, to endeavour to form an
auxiliary society in the parish where he offi
ciates. Resolved, That it be respectfully recom
mended, that a collection be annually made in
ail the churches in the diocess, for the benefit
of this society, on the first Sunday in November.
Resolved, That a sermon be preached at
every Convention of the diocess in behalf of
this society, and a collection made towards its
funds — the preacher to be appointed by the ex
ecutive committee.
The Convention then proceeded to the elec
tion of the officers and executive committee of
the Missionary Society ; and thereupon the Rev .
William Meade, D. D., was elected vice-presi
dent, John G. Williams was elected secretary,
Thomas Nelson was elected treasurer, and
Rev. E. C. M'Guire, Rev. H. W. Ducachet,
Rev. N. H. Cobbs, Rev. Wm. Jackson, Rev.
George A. Smith, Col. William Boiling, Mr.
John Nelson, Dr. Carter Berkeley, Mr. Ed
mund I. Lee, and Mr. John Gray, were elected
the executive committee.
The Rev. Wm. G. H. Jones offered the fol
lowing resolution, which, on motion, was laid
upon the table : —
Resolved, That the 10th canon be altered by
striking out the word " eight," and insert, in
lieu thereof, " five," so as to cause it to read,
" On every Easter-Monday, each parish shall
elect five vestrymen ; but, when it is deemed
expedient, the number may be increased to
twelve," &c.
The Convention then proceeded, on motion,
to the consideration of the resolution offered
yesterday by Mr. Hugh Nelson, and, on the
question being taken, the same was carried in
the affirmative.
Ayes — The Rev. Ebenezer Boyden, Nicho
las H. Cobbs, John Cole, John Cooke, Henry
W. Ducachet, Zachariah H. Goldsmith, John
Grammer, Caleb J. Good, Johannes Edward
Jackson, William Jackson, Thomas Jackson,
William G. H. Jones, Reuel Keith, George
Lemon, William F. Lee, Edward C. M'Guire,
John P. M'Guire, John Philips, George A.
Smith, John H. Wingfield, and Franklin G.
Smith ; Messrs. Thomas Marshall, Hector Har
ris, John H. Hill, William H. Thompson, Car
ter Berkeley, Junius A. CIay,'Philip A. Boiling,
Thomas Nelson, Obed Waite, Philip Nelson,
Edward B. Withers, Westwood S. Armistead,
Thurmer Hoggard, Hugh Nelson, John Nelson,
William Boiling, John Gray, William Mayo,
Seth Ward, Parke F. Berkeley, John Stuart,
Isaac Winston, Richards. Ellis, Gerrard Alex
ander, John L. Thomas, Benjamin B. Taliafer
ro, Henry Claggett, George W. Rothrock, and
Francis J. Wiatt— 50.
Noes — The Rev. Robert B. Croes, Charles
Dresser, James Doughen, Adam Empie, Fred
erick W. Hatch, Nahum G. Osgood, and Charles
Ji. Page j Messrs. Thomas Withers, jr., E. A.

Morrison, John G. Williams, Walter W. Webb,
Edmund I. Lee, and Peter M'Vickar — 13.
The Convention then proceeded, agreeably
to the resolution last adopted and the 5th arti
cle of the constitution, to the election of an
assistant bishop, after secret prayer to God.
The clergy then proceeded to nominate and
appoint, by ballot, some fit and qualified clergy
man for that office ; and on counting the ballots
there were found twenty-five votes in favour of
the Rev. William Meade, D. D., and two blank
ballots ; so that the Rev. William Meade, D. D.,
was declared to be duly nominated and appoint
ed by the clergy : and then the said appoint
ment was presented to the. order of the lay
delegates ; and upon a ballot being taken among
them, there were found in favour of the Rev.
William Meade, D. D., thirty-six votes, being
the whole number of votes given in : and there
upon the Rev. William Meade, D. D., was de
clared to be duly elected..
On motion, Resolved, That a committee be
appointed to announce to the Rev. Dr. Meade
his election to the office of assistant bishop of
this diocess : and thereupon the Rev. Henry
W. Ducachet and Mr. Hugh Nelson were ap
pointed. The committee then retired, and after some
time returned and reported that the Rev. Dr.
Meade had consented to accept the office.
On motion of Mr Edmund I. Lee, the follow
ing preamble and resolution were adopted.
Whereas there exists a diversity of opinion
as to the practice of having more than one act
ing bishop in a diocess — it seems to this Con
vention to be a subject of that general charac
ter and importance, as to render it proper for
the General Convention to act upon it in such
a way as will prevent those evils which may
result from this practice. It is therefore Re
solved, That the delegates from this diocess to
the next General Convention do bring the sub
ject before that body, and use their efforts to
obtain the adoption of such a general rule on
this subject as shall have the effect of regula
ting the number of bishops each diocess may
elect, and of prescribing the circumstances under
which a suffragan, or assistant, or coadjutor,
may be chosen, and also the duties of such
bishops. The Convention proceeded to the election,
by ballot, of eight delegates, to represent this
diocess in the next General Convention of the
Protestant Episcopal Church of the United
States : whereupon the following gentlemen
were duly elected, viz. : — Rev. Reuel Keith,
D. D., Rev. Henry W. Ducachet, Rev. Nicho
las H. Cobbs, Rev. Edward C. M'Guire, Mr.
James M. Garnett, Dr. Carter Berkeley, Mr.
Hugh Nelson, and Mr. Philip Nelson.
The members of the Convention then pro
ceeded to sign the testimonials in favour of the
Rev. William Meade, D. D., bishop elect.
We, whose names are underwritten, fully
sensible how important it is that the sacred of
fice of a bishop should not be unworthily con
ferred, and firmly persuaded that it is our duty
to bear testimony on this solemn occasion with.

230

CONVENTION OF 1829.

Out partiality Or affection, do, in the presence
of Almighty God, testify that the Rev. William
Meade, D. D., is not, so far as we are informed,
justly liable to evil report, either for error in
religion or for viciousness in life ; and that we
do not know or believe there is any impediment
on account of which he ought not to be conse
crated to that holy office. We do, moreover,
jointly and severally declare, that we do in our
consciences believe him to be of such sufficien
cy in good learning, such soundness in the faith,
and of such virtuous and pure manners and
godly conversation, that he is apt and meet to
exercise the office of a bishop to the honour of
God and the edifying of his church, and to be a
wholesome example to the flock of Christ.
Signers to the testimonials in favour of William
Meade.
The Rev. Ed. C. M'Guire, George Lemon,
Thomas Jackson, William" Jackson, Henry W.
Ducachet, J. E. Jackson, William F. Lee, John
H. Wingfield, John Grammer, jr., Reuel Keith,
John P. M'Guire, John Cole, Frederick W.
Hatch, Charles Dresser, Ebenezer Boyden,
Nicholas H. Cobbs, John Cooke, William G.
H. Jones, Charles H. Page, George Archibald
Smith, James Doughen, Zachariah H. Gold
smith, John Philips, Edward W. Peet, Caleb J.
Good, Nahum G. Osgood, Franklin G. Smith,
Carter Berkeley, M. D., William Boiling, Phil
ip Nelson, Thomas Marshall, Gerrard Alex
ander, Seth Ward, Isaac Winston, Richard
Shelton Ellis, William Mayo, John Gray, Ed
mund I. Lee, John G. Williams, Parke F.
Berkeley, E. A. Morrison, M. D., George W.
Rothrock, Thomas Withers, jr., J. L. Thomas,
Hugh Nelson, John H. Hill, John Nelson, Benj.
B. Taliaferro, Francis J. Wiatt, Philip A. Boi
ling, W. W. Webb, Hector Harris, Junius A.
Clay, William H. Thompson, W. S. Armistead,
Thurmer Hoggard, Obed Waite, John Stuart,
Edward B. Withers, and Thomas Nelson.
The Rev. William Meade, D. D., president
pro tempore of the Convention, appeared and
took his seat.
On motion, Resolved, That the next Conven
tion of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the
Diocess of Virginia be held in the town of Win
chester, on the third Thursday in May next.
And then, on motion, the Convention adjourn
ed until a quarter before 4 o'clock.
Saturday Afternoon, May 33, 1829.
The Convention met according to adjourn
ment. Mr. Edmund I. Lee offered the following
resolution : —
There shall be annually in the month of  ,
in every church in this diocess, a sermon preached
by the rector thereof, op the duties and labours
of a bishop ; in which the minister shall lay before
his congregation the obligation and necessity of
supporting the bishop by voluntary contributions,
so as to relieve him from parochial labours ; which
sermon shall be followed by a collection in aid of
the episcopal fund established by a resolution of
the Convention of this diocess in the year 1816.
The amount of the collection in each church shall
be forthwith remitted by the minister thereof to
the trustees of the said fund, and he shall also re

port the amount collected and remitted as afore"
said to the subsequent Convention of the diocess,
which report shall be entered on the journals of
the same.
The management and care of the said fund shall
be vested in three trustees, two of whom shall be
the church-wardens for the time being of Christ
Church, Alexandria, Fairfax parish, and the third
shall be appointed by the Convention. All money
now in the hands of the church-wardens aforesaid,
or which may hereafter be collected in any way,
or which may be received as donations or bequests
for this object, or be received as dividends or in
terest on the stock held by the said church-war
dens as a part of the said fund, shall be loaned out
upon security of real estate, or invested in stock
of the United States, or in, the stock of any incor
porate and safe bank, at the discretion of the said
trustees ; and all securities and investments shall
be taken in the names of the said church-wardens
for the time being of Christ Church aforesaid, and
their successors, in trust as the Bishops' Fund. A
statement of the said fund and of the securities for
the same shall be exhibited at every stated meet
ing of the Convention, signed by the trustees or a
majority of them. The said trustees shall hold
their office during the pleasure pf the Conven
tion. The fund which has been raised and vested in
bank-stock, or which may be raised as aforesaid
for the support of the bishop, shall be permitted
to accumulate without diminution until its annual
amount shall become adequate, in the opinion of
the Convention, to the support of the bishop ; and
then, by the mutual consent of the bishop of the
diocess and of the Convention, he shall hold no
parochial charge, but shall devote his time and
labours to those duties which appertain to the
episcopal office, and particularly shall visit, at least
once a year, if practicable, each church and con
gregation in bis diocess. If the bishop shall omit
to perforin tbe duties aforesaid without a sufficient
reason, to be judged of by the Convention, it shall
be in the power of the Convention to withdraw
the whole or part of the said annual income from
his use. And whenever the principal sum shall
yield an annual interest adequate to the object
aforesaid, the collections herein before directed to
be made shall be discontinued.
On motion, Resolved, That the said resolu
tion be indefinitely postponed.
Ayes — Rev. John Cole, Charles Dresser,
Henry W. Ducachet, John Grammer, Frederick
W. Hatch, William Meade, Edw. C. M'Guire,
John P. M'Guire, Nahum G. Osgood, Edward
W. Peet, John Philips, George A. Smith, John
H. Wingfield ; Messrs. Hector Harris, Thomas
Withers, jr., William H. Thompson, Carter
Berkeley, M. D., Junius A. Clay, Thomas Nel
son, E. A. Morrison, M. D., Philip Nelson,
Westwood S. Armistead, Thurmer Hoggard,
Hugh Nelson, William Boiling, William Mayo,
Parke F. Berkeley, John Stuart, Gerrard Alex
ander, John L. Thomas, and George W." Roth
rock — 3 1 .
Noes — Rev. Ebenezer Boyden, Nicholas H.
Cobbs, John Cooke, Robert B. Croes, James
Doughen, Adam Empie, Caleb J. Good,~Johan-
nes Edward Jackson, William Jackson, Thomas
Jackson, Reuel Keith, George Lemon, Charles
H. Pago ; Messrs. Thomas Marshall, Philip A.
Boiling, Obed Waite, Edward B. Withers, John
Nelson, John G. Williams, Seth Ward, Walter
W. Webb, Isaac Winston, Richard S, Ellis,

CONVENTION OF 1829,

231

Edmund I. Lee, Benjamin B. Taliaferro, and
Francis J. Wiatt — 26.
The Rev. Robert B. Croes, from the commit
tee on the parochial reports, presented the fol
lowing report, which was read and received : —
The committee to whom were referred the pa
rochial reports have discharged the duty commit
ted to them, and beg leave to offer the reports, as
condensed, to be inserted on the journals of this
Convention. Russell parish, Bedford county. With unfeigned
gratitude to God, who, for the display of his glory,
sometimes works by the feeblest instruments, the
rector reports, that the state of the parish is more
interesting and encouraging than at any former
period. During the past year the spirit of the
Lord has been poured out on the congregations,
and a number have been brought to profess an ex
perimental knowledge of the truth. Thirty-two
members have been added to the communion, and
an increasing spirit of prayer and zeal seems to
prevail among the people. Besides those already
added, there are now fifteen or twenty who are
seriously concerned about the salvation of their
souls, many of whom, it is confidently believed,
will soon make a public confession of their Sa
viour. From indications in his own parish and many
of the circumjacent counties, the rector is cheered
with the hope that a day of better things is dawn
ing on our Zion. In all the southwestern coun
ties of Virginia the field is ripe for the harvest,
and we only need ministers of self-denying habits
to enter in and labour. Even four or five mission
aries would be incalculably useful, by organizing
congregations, by erecting new churches, by col
lecting contributions to the Theological School,
and by securing to our cause multitudes who in a
few more years may otherwise be incorporated
among other denominations. Baptisms, of infants
twenty-eight, of adults fourteen — burials eight —
marriages eight — communicants, one removed, one
withdrawn, total fifty-eight. N. H. Cobbs.
Frederick parish, Frederick county. During
the past year the minister has occasionally extend
ed his labours to a distant part of the county, and
feels grateful to the great Head of the church that
those labours have not been altogether in vain.
Nine new communicants have been added to his
church during the last year, making the whole
number about sixty. Fifteen children have been
baptized, four of whom were coloured. A Sunday
School has been lately reorganized in his parish
with some prospects of usefulness. The attend
ance of the congregation on public worship is
punctual, and their observance ofthe forms ofthe
church regular and devout; and, what is still more
gratifying to their minister, there is the encoura
ging hope that a goodly number belong to the in
visible church of Christ, and will be found among
the redeemed on the great day. William Meaj)e.
Christ Church, Winchester. The affairs of this
part of " Frederick parish" still preserve a pleas
ing aspect. The public worship of God, as well
as the subordinate means of grace, are well attend
ed. The Sunday School has revived with re
doubled energy, and the catechetical instruction
of the children of the congregation and of the Sun
day School has been uninterruptedly continued
on the first Sunday in every month.
The benevolent societies attached to the con
gregation have put forth more than usual efforts
the pkst year, and more than double the amount
of funds have been raised than in any preceding
,year.

The new church which was reported to the
last Convention as having been commenced, is
now in progression, and will be completed in a few
weeks. During the past year there have been six added
to the communion — four have been called, it is
trusted, to exchange the church militant for the
church triumphant, and one valued member has
removed to a distant part of the diocess, leaving
the present number forty-eight. There have been
eleven marriages, nineteen baptisms, and fifteen
deaths. The rector has also pleasure in stating, that the
church under his care in Norborne parish yields
some fruit to his ministry; there is a small acces
sion of communicants, but it is hoped a consider
able increase of devotion to God and love to the
church. This place of worship, which has been built
many years, was never finished, but exertions have
been made and a sufficient sum raised for that
purpose, which will be completed in the course of
the present summer. J. E. Jackson.
St. Paul's Church, Lynchburg. The painful
duty devolves upon the rector of reporting to the
Convention that the Sunday School of this church
is in a languishing condition. The exercises of
the Bible class are attended by a few members of
the congregation with some degree of interest,
and, it is hoped, of benefit.
Liberal contributions have been made to the
funds of the Theological Seminary. An associa
tion, under the title of " The Lynchburg Sewing
Society, auxiliary to the Education Society ofthe
Protestant Episcopal Church," has been formed
by a number of ladies, who have prosecuted their
benevolent undertaking with much industry, zeal,
and success. The rector gratefully acknowledges
their goodness in making him a life member ofthe
society to which theirs is auxiliary.
For the last year and a half a weekly prayer-
meeting has been held by female communicants
of this church, which has excited the happiest in
fluence upon the spiritual interests of the congre
gation, and doubtless has contributed largely to
that increase of the church during the year past
which has so far exceeded the accessions in any
former year. Communicants, removed two, added
sixteen, present number thirty-six — baptisms thh>
teen, of adults six, of infants seven — marriages
nine — burials five, F. G. Smith.
Lexington parish. During the past year these
has been no remarkable improvement in the spir
itual condition ofthe congregation. To the num
ber of .communicants sixteen have been added.
In the congregation in Nelson county there have
been four new communicants. The children of
the different congregations have been occasionally
catechised. There are two female Bible classes.
The ladies are about to organize an Auxiliary Ed
ucation Society. Upon reviewing his labours for
three years past, the minister acknowledges with
gratitude the goodness of God. Marriages three
— baptisms twenty — funerals eleven — communir
cants forty-eight. Chas. H. Page.
St. James's Church, Leesburg. It is with grati
tude the rector reports, that he feels much encour
aged in his labours in this parish. The attendance
upon his ministry is encouraging, and he has rea
son to hope that the word preached is not without
some blessed effect.
The Sunday School, numbering seventeen
teachers and about one hundred scholars, is in a
prosperous condition, and regularly attended both
by the teachers and scholars. An excellent libra
ry has been purchased for the use of the Sunday
School.

332

CONVENTION OF 1829.

A contribution has been made to the Coloniza-
loh .Society. .The rector has been constituted a
life member ofthe Education Society. And also,
by general contributions and the, exertions of the
ladies, a sufficient sum has been provided for en
larging our church. +> '¦¦',.
The rector officiatesjhonftily at Aldie and Mid-
dleburg. He has also three1 Bible classes well
attended, from which, by the blessing of God, he
hopes much good will result. . Marriages three —
burials seven — baptisms, two adults and seventeen
children, eleven of whom were coloured.
Four persons have been added to the commu
nion of the church. Thomas Jackson.
Hamilton and Leeds parishes. The rector hopes
that the interests pf_ religion and of the church are
strengthening in the parishes committed to his
care. The congregation of St. James's Church,
Warrenton (Hamilton parish), is, for the greater
part of the year, a large, and always an attentive
one. During the last faff' they plastered and
painted the interior of their church,' and it is now
one of the most comfortable houses of worship in
the country. A Bible class has been formed in
this congregation, and promisee to be, under God,
instrumental of much good. The number of com
municants has increased.
The Cool Spring congregation, Leeds parish,
has, during, the last year, greatly recovered from
its depressed state. The number of its communi
cants, however, is as yet but small, and this small
number has suffered a heavy bereavement in the
death of a member whose increasing piety and zeal
promised much usefulness to the cause of God
and his church.' Communicants, including both
parishes, between thirty and forty — baptisms
twelve — marriages nineteen — funerals nine.
Geo. Lemon.
Fredericksville parish, Charlottesville. The
state of this parish is believed to be constantly
improving — though slowly, yet, it is trusted, per
manently, Our services have been continued at
the university, whether with any real benefit re
mains yet to be seen.
A Sunday School, managed by able teachers,
and conducted on the most approved plan, has
been recently formed, in connexion with our Gen
eral Episcopal Union, and consists of about seven
ty scholars.
Six or eight new communicants have been ad
ded, but by deaths and removals the whole num
ber of communicants remains about the same as
reported at the last Convention. Baptisms about
twenty, of whom one was an adult. F. W. Hatch.
Tillotson parish, Buckingham county. This
parish was reorganized on the 22d of January, 1 829,
during a visit of the Rev. Mr. Hatch and the Rev.
Mr, Croes, who officiated in the church at the
Merry Oaks on the 21st, 22d, and 23d of the month .
The Rev. Mr. Cobbs and the Rev. Mr. Page have
since visited the parish, and preached both at the
Oaks and the courthouse. The vestry have suc
ceeded in raising several hundred dollars for the
support of a minister, and are extremely anxious
to be supplied with frequent religious services. A
Sunday School has been organized, to be con
ducted in the mode recommended by the General
Episcopal Sunday School Union. The number
of communicants is about twenty, and there are
several persons in additiun who are waiting for an
opportunity to commemorate the love of iheir Sa
viour over the symbols of his body and blood.
Junius A. Clay, lveitrvmi>n
Philip A. BollIng, ] vestr)men.
Augusta parish, Staunton. I have preached in
this parish about four months. A Sunday School

of sixty-five or seventy scholars has been estab*
lished, lor which a good library has been obtained.
A Bible class of about twenty-five members has
been lormed.
A subscription lately commenced for raising a
sum to build a church seven miles from Staunton,
where I have had service once in three weeks for
some time past, seems not likely to fail in its ob
ject. At this place Episcopal services have not,
till recently, ever been enjoyed.
The congregation in Staunton have subscribed
a liberal sum for the purchase of an organ for the
church. Number of baptisms twenty-five — candidates for
confirmation eight — communicants about twenty.
Ebenezer Boyden.
St. Stephen's Church, Culpepper, and St,
Thomas's parish, Orange county. Since tbe last
Convention there has been no material change in
the condition of these churches. The rector has,
since last fall, preached once a month at Stevens-
burg, and occasionally at other places. His con
gregations have been invariably attentive and re
spectful during div me service, and he hopes his
ministry will be the means of Jeadmg some to the
knowledge of the truth. Communicants in Cul
pepper thiriy-four, in Orange thirteen— marriages
three— funerals five. George Archibalb Smith.
St. Paul's Church, Alexandria. The affairs of
this congregation remain in a highly interesting
condition. Since the last Convention forty-two
persons have been confirmed, and twenty-five
added to the communion. Much serious inquiry
still prevails among us. Our various societies are
very prosperous. The Saturday and Sunday
Schools continue to exert their happy influence
on the morals and habits of the young, training
them up to industrious, useful, and Christian lives.
We have, besides, three bible classes in operation
for those of more advanced years ; one for males,
and two for females. During the past year there
have been baptisms, of adults two, children forty-
three — marriages six — funeralslwelve. The Sun
day School contains about ^two hundred and fifty
scholars. Present number *of communicants is
about one hundred and sixty. William Jackson.
St. George's Church, Fredericksburg. The '
rector of this church, in presenting his 16th annual
report to tbe Convention, is happy in being able
to say that the last, like the preceding years, has
been marked by many cheering indications of the
continued goodness and favour of God the Saviour.
There has been in that time the usual attention
of the people to the means of grace, and an unu
sual number have been added to the church of
such as, he trusts, will be saved. There has alsp
been a fruitfulness in those good works which
ever distinguish and adorn the real followers of
the Redeemer. The various associations among
us for religious and charitable purposes have been
actively engagedin furthering their several designs
of benevolence towards the souls and bodies of
men. The Prayer-Book and Tract Society, the
Female Missionary Society, the Bible Society,
the Sunday and Charity Schools, and especially
the Bible classes, have greatly flourished, and dif
fused the choicest blessings. Marriages seven —
funerals eleven — baptisms twenty-five (five adults)
— communicants one hundred and fourteen.
Edw. C. M'Guire.
St. Martin's parish, Hanover and Louisa. Since
the last Convention six communicants have been
added, some have died, and others have removed;
present number seventy — ten persons have been
confirmed — of baptisms, there have been fourteen

CONVENTION OF 1829.

233

—of funerals ten — of marriages five. In addition
to the Bible, the Education, and the two Sunday
School Societies which before existed, and are
still carrying on their useful operations, a number
of young ladies have formed a Working Society,
auxiliary to the Education Society, which contrib-
uteslargely to its funds. John Cooke.
St. John's Church, Richmond, Henrico parish.
Baptisms twenty-three — marriages five — funerals
eleven— communicants thirty-six. The present,
rector assumed this charge in September last.
He would gratefully acknowledge the blessing of
God upon his humble labours, interrupted as they
have been by bodily infirmities ; and he is encour
aged to hope that the ripening fruits will soon be
more abundantly manifested.
The weekly lectures are generally crowded,
and by those who seem deeply interested in the
¦truths of the word. The Sunday SchooLflour-
ishes, and has connected with it a library of near
two hundred volumes. The Bible class, it is trust
ed, will be the instrument of doing much good.
The Education Society promises to extend effi
cient aid to the parent society. Recently there
has been formed a Missionary Society, auxiliary
to the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society
of the. Protestant Episcopal Church in the United
States, and the members of it have engaged with
zeal and spirit m the promotion of the important
measures for which they have associated.
William F. Lee.
St. Paul's and Brunswick parishes, King George
county. The rector of St. Paul's parish, King
George county, reports, that during the last year
he has been unable to enjoy more than one com
munion season ; at that time there was an acces
sion of five communicants, which makes the whole
number now about thirty. He has administered
the holy rite of baptism to twenty-two infants,
three of whom were coloured. He has likewise
baptized one adult ; marriages two, funerals two.
He has laboured, by means of weekly lectures,
Bible classes, &c'., to lead his people to the saving
knowledge of Christ crucified. Since the last
Convention a Bible Society has been formed, by
means of which nearly three hundred Bibles have
been distributed throughout the county.
In Brunswick parish, where he labours one half
of his time, the number of communicants is about
ten. There have been six infant baptisms, two
marriages, and two funerals. The old parish
church, which was in a state of decay, has been
put in complete repair. The Sunday School in
this parish has been productive of much good.
The rector hopes that, through tbe manifold mer
cies of God, his labours will not be without per
manent blessing. Ed. W. Peet.
St. Anne's and SOuth Farnham parishes. The
pastor reports that there has been no striking
change in the condition of his charge since the last
Convention. He confidently believes, however,
that God's gracious blessing upon his ministra
tions has produced some general improvement in
the spiritual state of the people.
The Education Society, Sunday Schools, and
Bible classes, heretofore reported, are still in ex
istence. In reference to these I will merely re-
jnark, that the organization of some of them has
lately been so improved as to render them more
powerful and efficient agents ofthe gospel.
In Ldnenburg parish, Richmond county (where
the pastor of St. Anne's and South Farnham still
preaches twice a month), the prospect for good con
tinues somewhat cheering. The Sunday School
in that parish, which was suspended during the
winter, has been again commenced with the most

flattering prospects. Burials fifteen, of which two
were of communicants — marriages four— bap
tisms sixteen, of which two were of adults and
three of coloured persons — communicants forty-
three (one coloured). J. P. M'Guire.
Antrim parish, Halifax, county. This parish,
which was reorganized just before the last Con
vention, through the agency of the Rev. Mr. Stegl,
continued to enjoy his services two Sundays in a
month until Christmas ; since that time my- own
labours, which' had previously been divided be-
tween,four congregations, have been restricted to
three— two Sundays in a month being.now devo
ted to that which assembles in the courthouse.
Although the number of communicants has not
been increased during the last year, yet the pros
pects ofthe church are brightening. There are
now Sunday Schools connected with two of the
congregations, in one of which, though recently
organized, more than one hundred scholars have
been enrolled. A considerable number of prayer-
books have been distributed during the past year,
and the number of those who join in the service
is increasing. During the last four months a
weekly meeting has been held in the neighbour
hood of the courthouse, on the plan recommended
by the bishop in his last year's parochial report.
Number of communicants professedly Episcopal,
twelve. Charles Dresser.
St. John's Church, Moore parish, Campbell
county. The minister reports that, during the
year, he has preached statedly to three congre
gations. Twice a month at St. John's Church*
which has been built within the year; once a
month at the courthouse, and once a month at
Brookneal. The responses in all the congrega.-
tions are now more generally made than at any
former period. During the year between forty and
fifty prayer-books have been distributed. Bap
tisms nine (one adult) — communicants six — fu
nerals two. N. G. Osgood."
SL Margaret's parish, Caroline county. The
present minister having had the charge of the
church in this parish but a little more than four
months, is not enabled to report any special change
in the congregation. He officiates regularly at
the church, and once a month at the Round Oak
meeting-house. There appears to be an increas
ing attachment to our communion ; and the strong
prejudice which has existed for years against a
is gradually giving place to more enlightened and
liberal views. A Sunday School, numbering up
wards of sixty scholars, has been established ; and
from the zeal of the teachers and the attention of
the scholars much good is anticipated. A Bible
class also, consisting of ten or twelve ladies, has
been commenced; a majority of these appear to
be anxiously seeking an experimental acquaint
ance with the word of eternal life. Communi
cants (two added), twenty-six — baptisms, one
adult (by immersion). Caleb I. Good.
St. James's parish, Northam, Goochland county.
So recent has been the present minister's connex
ion with this parish, that he is unable to speak of
it particularly. The services of the church are
well attended, and an increasing interest in her
prosperity is manifested. James Doughen.
Cumberland parish, Lunenburg county. Com
municants eight — funerals two: John Philips.
Bath parish, Dinwiddie county, and St. An
drew's, Brunswick. Since the last report no im
portant change has occurred in Bath parish, and
the rector has been constrained to mourn over the
apparent deadness to spiritual things which pre
vails. There are, however, encouraging circum
stances winch afford him grounds for hope. The

234

CONVENTION OF 1829.

Sunday School and Bible class, though each very
small, exert, it is trusted, a beneficial influence.
Early in the last year the rector commenced
preaching at Lawrenceville, Brunswick county ;
and, perceiving a greater prospect of usefulness in
this county than in Greensville, he was constrain
ed, though with great reluctance, to discontinue
his appointments at Hicksford. An effort has
been made to erect a church at Lawrenceville,
which has proved so far successful as to encour
age the hope that it will be ready for use in July
next. On the first Saturday in April last, an ex
position was attempted ofthe constitution and pe
culiarities of our church ; ofthe advantages of its
liturgy, and of the manner and spirit in which it
should be used ; after which a vestry was elected,
the old parish of St. Andrew's revived, and a rec
tor chosen. On that day a large congregation
united for the first time in the regular service of
the church. The present prospects of this parish
are encouraging, and it is hoped that the undivided
services of a minister may in a few years be se
cured. Communicants in both parishes twenty-
seven : one. has died during the last year, and thir
teen have been added — baptisms fifteen— marria
ges six — funerals eleven. John Grammer.
Bristol parish, Petersburg. The rector reports
to the Convention that, though no occurrences of
any great importance have taken place in this par
ish since the last Convention, he has the satisfac
tion to remark that we are in a state of progres
sive improvement ; public worship is well attend
ed ; and the number of communicants, though not
so numerous as might be expected or desired,
from the extent of the parish, increases every year ;
several members have been added during the pres
ent year. The Sunday School is now unconnect
ed with that of any other denomination, and is in
a prosperous condition. The Female Education
Society is still assiduous in promoting the inter
ests of the parent society, as may be seen in the
amount of moneys sent to Alexandria every year.
The female weekly prayer-meeting is regularly
attended. The Female Missionary Society have
also been zealously engaged in endeavouring to
supply the spiritual wants of the surrounding
country. The Rev. Mr. Grammer devoted a part
of his time for four months during the last year to
the service of this society; and since that time
tbey have been enabled to engage the services of
the Rev. Mr. Cole, who has been employed by
them for three months in the county of Surry.
Marriages six — baptisms twelve — deaths nineteen.
Andrew Syme.
In Surry, where our church has scarcely been
known except to her prejudice for more than
twenty years, she is, it is hoped, again reviving,
and the prejudices in regard to her are subsiding.
Efforts have been made during the past year to
repair the churches in this county, and to raise a
salary for the present minister ; two of the
churches have been partially repaired, and, we
hope, before the expiration of the present year, will
be completed. The actual members of our com
munion in this county are but few, consequently
we have had to encounter many difficulties (some
of which still exist), in establishing the regular
services of the church. Two Sunday Schools
have just been commenced, from which, by the
blessing of God, we anticipate much lasting good.
Baptisms three. John Cole.
Newport parish, Isle of Wight. The recort of
St. Luke's Church in this parish reports, that
there have been but few additions to the commu
nion in that congregation during the past year; the
church, however, appears to be gradually rising,
end it is hoped the time is not far distant when

her prospects will brighten, and afford cheering en
couragement. The building has undergone considerable re
pairs since the, last Convention, and in a few
weeks will be placed in comfortable order. The
ladies of the congregation have contributed $30 to
make the rector a life member of the Education
Society, for which he makes bis grateful aknowl-
edgments. St. Paul's, Suffolk. This church is still under
the care of the rector of St. Luke's ; there has
been but little change since the last report. Mar
riages five — baptisms six — funerals three, in, both.
William G. H. Jones.
Trinity Church, Portsmouth parish. The rec
tor reports, that, as far as he can discover, there
has been but little or no change in the spiritual
condition of his charge since the last Convention.
Four members have been added to the list of com
municants, while several have removed from the
parish, which leaves the number about the same
as last reported. The congregation is as large as
the number of pews in the church will admit.
Liberal subscriptions, to the amount of 81,800,
have been obtained for the purpose of enlarging the
church, to which it is intended to add a steeple,
and also a vestry-room — the whole design, accord
ing to estimate, will leave us in debt about $1,700,
for the liquidation of which we depend upon tbe
future increase of our congregation, and the as
sistance of friends abroad.
There are in connexion with this congregation
a Bible class, Sunday School, and Female Work
ing Society, all of which it is believed are effect
ing some good. Marriages four — baptisms nine
—communicants twenty-six — funerals four — fami
lies forty. John H. Wingfield.
Christ Church, Norfolk (Elizabeth River par
ish). Since the last Convention there have been
baptized thirty-two persons, of whom five were
adults ; there have been four marriages and twen
ty-four funerals. Seventeen have been confirm
ed, and thirteen admitted to the communion, one
of whom, it may be interesting to state, was deaf
and dumb. The present number of communicants
is two hundred and two. The new church was
consecrated by the Right Rev. the Bishop on
Sunday, 9th of November last. The old parish
church has been appropriated and is to be fitted
up expressly for the use of the Sunday School,
now in a very encouraging condition, numbering
twenty-two teachers, one hundred and ninety
scholars, and upwards of three hundred volumes
in its library. The Auxiliary Education Society
continues to flourish; and has, during the last
year, contributed to the funds of the parent insti
tution $186 50 ; besides $60 for the outfit of a
beneficiary from this parish. The temporal pros
perity of the church is perhaps greater than it has
ever been in past years ; and, in its spiritual con
cerns, we are not without pleasing evidences of
the Lord's presence and blessing.
Henry W. Ducachet.
Monumental Church, Richmond. Communi
cants, six deceased, twelve removed, nineteen
added — present number, one hundred and seventy.
Baptisms in the last year about thirty-five, of
which one was of an adult. Sunday scholars
one hundred and seventy-five, diligently instruct
ed by ten male and nineteen female teachers,
Weekly services are held, either in the church
or the new and commodious Sunday School-room.
The assistant minister continues his exercises
with the catechetical class and the two Bible
classes, the number of members of which is
about the same as reported last year. Much
praise is due to the superintendents and teachers

CONVENTION OF 1829.

235

Ofthe Sunday School, who, by the aid ofthe ex
cellent system of instruction provided by the Gen
eral Episcopal Sunday School Union, and the
useful magazines issued by that society, have
been enabled very materially to improve the gen
eral character and discipline of the school.
To the credit of the congregation it ought to
be mentioned, that in the course of the last two
years they have contributed at least $4,650 for
purposes connected with the church, in addition
to their ordinary expenses, which are not light,
viz.: For finishing the monument, $1,200; for
the Theological Seminary and Education Socie
ty, about $2,200 ; for the Sunday School-room,
$900 , and for the Domestic and Foreign Mission
ary Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church
in the United States, $350.
Richard Channing Moore.
Bruton parish, Williamsburg. The rector re
ports during the last year, sixteen baptisms— eight
marriages, six of which were of coloured persons
— and six funerals, two of which were of infants,
and two of the remaining adults belonging not to
the parish. Of the communicants, two have
died, and nine new ones have been added, of
which one is an African. The present number is
forty-five. Through the divine blessing, the present state
of religion in the parish is, as we have reason to
believe, promising and improving. A second
weekly meeting for religious exercises has lately
been established ; and as the first is conductedby
the female, this will be under the management
of the male communicants. The Bible Society,
in order to extend its usefulness, has resolved to
distribute prayer-books and tracts as well as Bibles
in Williamsburg and the adjoining counties. A. Empie.
Elizabeth City parish. The congregation at
Hampton has undergone no material change since
tbe last report. Pews have been .erected, and
arrangements made for some additional improve
ments in the church. During the last month an
association, consisting of the Rev. Messrs. Duca
chet, Wingfield, and Empie, was held, and the
church was opened for three successive days.
The rector still continues (as per last report)
to minister to the congregation at Fortress Mon
roe, composed of the citizens and the military.
A considerable reduction of the military force at
that post has recently taken place, and conse
quently the congregation is materially diminished.
The general attendance, however, at the church,
of those who remain, together with the citizens,
is encouraging, and is considered as the precursor
of some spiritual good. The Sunday School is
still continued with good success. Baptisms
seventeen — communicants thirty — marriages six
—funerals nifle. M. L. Chevers.
St. George's parish, Accomack county. The
rector reports that he has performed regular ser
vices in this parish since July last. In conse
quence of the parish being vacant for several years
previous to his location, the church has evidently
suffered much. He trusts, however, that, under
the blessing of the Almighty, it will soon revive.
The congregations were small at first, but have
been gradually increasing. A Bible Society and
a Tract Society have been formed within the last
two months. Communicants twenty-eight — bap
tisms twenty-three — funerals three.
Zachariah H. Goldsmith.
The Rev. Frederick W. Hatch, from the
committee upon the state of the church in this
-diocess, presented the following report and ac
companying resolutions : —

The committee on the state of the church had
hoped, before making their report to the Conven
tion, to have been in possession of the informa
tion usually communicated by the bishop at our
annual meetings ; but, failing in this wish, and
being now without any expectation of the bishop's
arrival, they beg leave to state, with a reference
to the only sources of information accessible,
That they consider the general condition of the
church in this diocess, and its future pjospecls, as
flattering in a degree beyond what they have been
at any previous period since its revival.
To whatever quarter our attention is turned„we
are animated with the view of increased and still
increasing prosperity.
Our parishes, where regular ministrations are
had, exhibit, as appears to your committee, evi
dences of improvement which call for the fervent
gratitude of all our hearts, and invite us to re
newed efforts for the extension of the Redeemer's
kingdom and the salvation of souls. In the min
istry there is zeal and ardour regulated by pru
dence, and among the people a warm attachment
to the offices and doctrines of the church.
Ancient prejudices, arising chiefly from the
state and condition of our communion at the
period of the disruption of those political ties by
which we were held in connexion with England,
and which there never have been wanting efforts
to keep alive and to perpetuate, are gradually
yielding to better feelings and convictions of truth.
But, amid much that is cheering, and by which
our hearts are made glad, there is nevertheless
what impresses our minds with sorrow, and de
mands our continued prayers to the great Head of
the church.
There are " waste places" which require to be
rebuilt — there is desolation which calls for our
tears and SuppUcations. Many are destitute of
ministrations which in their infancy they were
taught to love, and to whose peculiar excellence
their riper judgment bears decisive testimony.
They call for these ministrations — they await
them with anxious and aching hearts — with hearts
deeply saddened by " hope long deferred." But
where are the labourers to enter on this ground
and gather in this harvest, who shall carry to
these famished souls the bread of Ufe ! The sup
plies from our seminary are inadequate to the de
mands upon it — foreign resources are uncertain.
To the Missionary Society just established by this
Convention, do the committee look with cheering
hopes of the needed relief in this our deep ne
cessity. The committee being deeply impressed with
the sense of the propriety of preserving the Chris
tian purity and the proper dignity of the Conven
tions of this diocess, recommend to the Conven
tion the adoption of an amendment to the second
article of the constitution, by adding to the same
the following words ; " and provided aiso, that
such delegate or delegates shall, previously to
taking his or their seat in Convention, comply
with the subscription required of vestrymen." In
conformity wherewith, the committee recommend
the following resolutions ;¦. —
Resolved, That, agreeably to the provisions of
the thirteenth article of the constitution, notice be
transmitted to the several vestries of the parishes
in tbis diocess, that it is proposed at the next
Convention to amend the second article of the
constitution, by adding to the same the following
words ; " and provided alsbj that such delegate or
delegates shall, previously to taking his or their
seat in Convention, comply with the subscription
required of vestrymen."
In relation to the devise made by Eyan Rag-

236

CONVENTION OF 1828.

land, the committee recommend the adoption of
the following resolution : —
Resolved, That William Leigh, Esq. be re
quested to hold the bonds of Edmund Irby ibr
collection, to proceed to collect the money due
upon the bonds as soon as the last bond shall be
come due, and to make a report of his proceedings
to the next Convention.
All which is respectfully submitted,
F. W. Hatch, Chairman.
On motion, Resolved, That the said report be
accepted, and the resolutions adopted.
On motion, Resolved, That leave of absence
for the remainder of the session be granted to
Mr. Philip A. Boiling.
On motion, Resolved, unanimously, That the
thanks of this Convention be tendered to the
minister of the Presbyterian church in this
place, for the liberal and kind offer of his church
for the use of the Convention.
On motion, Resolved, That the thanks of this
Convention be tendered to the citizens of this
place, for their kind and hospitable attentions to
the members of the Convention during its session.
On motion, Resolved, That the thanks of this
Convention be presented to the secretary and
treasurer for their faithful services.
On motion, Resolved, That one thousand
copies of this journal be printed, and distributed
by the secretary among the parishes, under the
superintendence of the bishop.
Resolved, That the treasurer pay to the sec
retary his expenses incurred in attending this
Convention. Resolved, That the treasurer pay to the door
keeper of this Convention six dollars for his
jservices. The Rev. William Meade, from the board of
trustees of the Theological School, presented
the following report, which was received : —
Report of the Board of Trustees of the Theological
School of the Episcopal Church of Virginia.
The trustees of this institution are enabled to
report, that the blessing of Almighty God seems
still to attend all their efforts in its behalf. Within
the last two years about nineteen thousand dol
lars have been added to our former subscription,
more than eleven thousand dollars of which have
been paid and applied to the purchase of a farm,
to the erection of buildings, and to other pur
poses of the institution. What has been sub
scribed is still, however, far from sufficient to
place our institution on a sure and respectable
foundation. The treasurer's account will show the amount
of the funded capital, and that it still falls far
short of what is needed for the comfortable sup
port of one professor. Relying upon that Provi
dence which has hitherto opened the hearts and
hands of so many friends, to enable us to com
mence this work and prosecute it to its present
state, we still cherish the pleasing hope that it
will increase more and more each year in useful
ness, and that its friends will never permit it to
suffer for want of those pecuniary aids which are
.essential to its prosperity.
During the past year twenty-seven candidates
for the ministry have been enrolled on the list of
students at the seminary, though only seventeen
of these have been pursuing the regular study of
divinity, the remainder being chiefly engaged in
»ome preparatory studies.

Of the members of the seminary during the
present session, one is from North Carolina, seven
lirom Virginia, five from Maryland, three from
Pennsylvania, five from New-York, three from
Vermont, one from Connecticut, and two from
Massachusetts. The number of the first class at present is seven.
In pursuing the course of studies marked out
by the " Regulations of the Seminary," the gentle
men composing the first class have read, on the
" Evidences of Revelation," about one halt ofthe
first volume of " Home's Introduction," together
with such other authors who have discussed with
ability the subjects tiealed of in the text-book,
as were designated by the professor. They have
read critically, and with a constant reference to
the most approved commentators, the whole of
the Greek Harmony of the historical books of the
New Testament. On the interpretation of the
New Testament, they have recited to the proles-
sor a very large part of the second volume of
Horne's Introduction, and Emesti on Interpreta
tion, &c.
About the first of January the class commenced
the study of Hebrew, and have read fifteen chap
ters in the book of Genesis, and are now pursuing
their studies by the aid which the Hebrew Chris-
tomathy of Professor Stuart affords. The class
have been required to produce to the professor
once a week original compositions on the most im
portant proofs of divme revelation, and occasion
ally a critical dissertation on some difficult pas
sages of the New Testament.
The industry and general good conduct of the
students have met with the warm commendation
of the professors.
The second class have read and undergone
satisfactory examination on nearly the whole of
Mosheim's Church History, with reference to
Milner, and such other ecclesiastical histories as
the library afforded. And, in addition to the study
of ecclesiastical history, this class has been en
gaged in the critical study of the Epistles in Greek,
and of the Prophet Isaiah in Hebrew ; they have
also, in accordance with the laws of the institu
tion, completed a comprehensive system of Scrip
tural Divinity, making the Bible in its original
languages the sole text-book preparatory to the
examination of human systems and the articles
of our church. During the present month an ex
amination of the students has taken place, in the
presence of the bishop and other trustees, which
proved creditable to instructers and pupils. At
that time three of the candidates were admitted
to holy orders by the bishop of our diocess. From
this institution we have already received a num
ber of useful labourers in the ministry of our
church, and to it must we look for those faithful
labourers yet needed to build up the many waste
places of our Zion. We therefore most ear
nestly recommend it to the continued and increas
ing prayers and charity of the friends of the
church, and, above all, to the protection and bles
sing of Heaven.
Resolved, That the names of the subscribers
to the Theological School since May, 1827, be
published with the Journals of the Convention.
Mr. Hugh Mercer having resigned his office
as a trustee of the Theological School, Mr.
Robert P. Waring was duly elected.
On motion, Resolved, That the following be
adopted as an additional canon.
That the election of lay delegates to the Con
vention shall be certified either by the church,
wardens or by the clerk of the vestry.

CUJNVEJNTKJJN uf 1830,

237

On motion, Resolved, That the sum of one
hundred and fifty dollars be appropriated to the
bishop for his episcopal services for the support
of his assistant out of the contingent fund, to
make up, with the sum paid in for that purpose
during the present Convention, the sum of three
hundred dollars, in pursuance of the pledge
made by the Convention in the year 1826.
On motion of the Rev. E. C. M'Guire, it was
Resolved, That this Convention, regarding
the intemperate use of ardent spirits as one of
the most desolating and alarming vices of our
country, as presenting one of the most formi
dable of all barriers to the spread of the gospel
of our Lord and Saviour — feels itself called upon
to express its decided approbation of the efforts
that are making in many sections of our land to
arrest the progress of this acknowledged evil,
and to pray that abundant success may crown
the labours of the Christian, the patriot, and the
philanthropist, in their laudable associations for
this important purpose.

Resolved, That the Rev Reuel Keith, the
Rev. Nicholas H. Cobbs, the Rev. Henry W.
Ducachet, M. D., the Rev. Edward C. M'Guire,
Dr. Carter Berkeley, and Mr. Philip Nelson, be,
and they are hereby nominated, trustees to the
General Theological Seminary of the Protestant
Episcopal Church of the United States.
Resolved, That the treasurer pay to the Rev.
William Meade, D. D., bishop elect, and to the
delegates to represent this diocess in the next
General Convention of the Protestant Episcopal
Church of the United States, the sum of fifty
dollars each, to defray their expenses in attend
ing the said Convention.
Resolved, That the treasurer pay the quota
due from this diocess to the General Conven
tion, to defray the expenses of the same.
And then, on motion, the Convention ad
journed, to meet in the town of Winchester, on
the third Thursday in May next.
William Meade, D. D., President.
Teste, John G. Williams, Secretary.

Journal of the Proceedings of the Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the Diocess
of Virginia, which assembled in the town of Winchester, on Thursday, the 20th of May, 1830.

This being the day and place appointed for
the annual meeting of the Convention of the
Protestant Episcopal Church of the Diocess of
Virginia, several clergymen and lay delegates
attended divine service in the Episcopal Church
in this town.
Morning prayers were read by the Rev. ^Ed
ward C. M'Guire, and a sermon preached by
the Rev. Nicholas H. Cobbs.
After divine service (the Right Rev. Bishop
Moore being absent), the Right Rev. William
Meade, D. D., assistant bishop of the diocess,
took the chair as president of the Convention.
The following clergymen, entitled to seats in
this Convention, appeared, viz. : —
The Rev. Ebenezer Boyden, Augusta parish,
Staunton ; the Rev. Nicholas H. Cobbs, Russell
parish, Bedford county ; the Rev. John Cole,
Abingdon and Ware parishes, Gloucester ; the
Rev. John Cooke, St. Martin's parish, Hanover
and Louisa counties ; the Rev. James Doughen,
parish of St. James, Northam, Goochland county ;
the Rev. Charles Dresser, Antrim parish, Halifax
county ; the Rev. Henry W. Ducachet, M. D.,
Christ Church, Norfolk ; the Rev. Adam Empie,
rector of Bruton parish, and President of Will
iam and Mary College, Williamsburg ; the
Rev. Caleb J. Good, St. Margaret's parish,
Caroline county ; the Rev. John Grammer,
Bath parish, Dinwiddie county ; the Rev. Fred
erick W. Hatch, Fredericksville parish, Albe
marle county ; the Rev. Johannes Edward Jack
son, Christ Church, Frederick parish, Frederick
county ; the Rev. William Jackson, St. Paul's
Church, Alexandria ; the Rev. Thomas Jack
son, Shelburne parish, Loudoun county ; the
Rev. Alexander Jones, St. Andrew's parish,
Jefferson county ; the Rev. Reuel Keith, D.

D., Professor in the Theological School of this
diocess, near Alexandria ; the Rev. George
Lemon, Hamilton and Leeds parishes, Fauquier
county ; the Rev. Edward R. Lippit, Professor
in the Theological School of this diocess, near-
Alexandria ; the Rev. William F. Lee, Rich
mond ; the Rev. Edward C. M'Guire, St.
George's parish, Fredericksburg ; the Rev.
John P. M'Guire, Christ Church, Fairfax parish,
Alexandria ; the Rev. Nahum G. Osgood,
Moore's parish, Campbell county, and Tillotson.
parish, Buckingham county ; the Rev. Edward'
W. Peet, Henrico parish, Henrico county ; the
Rev. Zachariah Meade, St. Anne's parish, Al
bemarle county.
Ordered, That the Rev. William Jackson and
Mr. Obed Waite be a committee to examine
the certificates of lay delegates ; who then with
drew, and, after a short time, returned and pre
sented the following report : —
The committee to whom were referred the
certificates of the lay delegates have, according
to order, examined the same, and report, that
the following persons have been duly elected
lay delegates to this Convention, and that their
certificates are in the form prescribed by the

canon, viz. :

Thomas M. Ambler, Moore parish, Campbell
county ; Thomas Nelson, Portsmouth parish,
Norfolk county ; Dr. Isaac Winston, St. Ste
phen's Church, Culpepper county ; Dr. Carter
Berkeley, St. John's Church, Elizabeth City
parish ; Junius A. Clay, Tillotson parish, Buck
ingham county ; Samuel Pryor, Bath parish,
Dinwiddie county ; John F. Clark, Antrim
parish, Halifax county ; Obed Waite, Christ"'
Church, Winchester ; Seth Ward, St, Paul's
Church, Lynchburg ; Benjamin Wiggenton,

238

CONVENTION OF 1830.

Chureh, Winchester; Seth Ward, St. Paul's
Church, Lynchburg ; Benjamin Wiggenton,
Russell parish, Bedford county ; Philip Nelson,
Frederick parish, Frekerick county ; Francis
Nelson, St. Martin's parish, Hanover and Lou-.
isa counties ; Parke F. Berkeley, St. Marga
ret's parish, Caroline county ; Edmund I. Lee,
Christ Church, Fairfax parish, Alexandria ;
John Gray, St. George's Church, Fredericks
burg ; George M. Carrington, Henrico parish,
Henrico county ; John A. W. Smith, Hamilton
parish, Fauquier county ; Thomas Griggs, St.
Andrew's parish, Jefferson county ; William B.
Richards, St. Paul's Church, Alexandria ; John
G. Williams, Monumental Church, Richmond ;
John E. Page, St. James's parish, Mecklenburg
county ; Francis Silver, Christ Church, Nor
borne parish, Berkeley county.
That the following persons appear to have
been duly elected, but the certificates of their
appointment are not in the form prescribed by
the said canon.
Robert P. Waring, St. Anne's parish, Essex
county ; Benjamin Pollard, Christ Church,
Norfolk ; William C. Latane and Thomas L.
Latane, South Farnham parish, Essex county ;
John Stuart and Francis C. Fitzhugh, St. Paul's
parish, King George county ; George Sharp,
Hampshire parish, Hampshire county ; Lewis
Berkeley, St. James's Church, Shelburne, Lou
doun county ; John Carter, St. Anne's parish,
Albemarle county ; Thomas Marshall, Leeds
parish, Fauquier county ; George F. Washing
ton, Bruton parish, Williamsburg.
On motion, Resolved, That the report of the
committee be received, and that those persons
who are reported to be duly elected, but whose
certificate's are not in the form prescribed by
the canon, be admitted to their seats in this
Convention. On motion, Resolved, That Mr. Benjamin
Ferguson be received as the lay delegate of
the parish of St. Mark's, Culpepper county, it
appearing to the Convention that he was duly
eleGted to represent said parish, but was pre
vented from obtaining the certificate of appoint
ment by high waters.
On motion of Mr. Edmund I. Lee,
Resolved, That the following rules of order,
adopted by the last Convention for the govern
ment of their proceedings, be the rule of pro
ceeding during the present Convention.
1. The business of every day shall be intro
duced with prayer.
2. When the president takes the chair, no
member shall continue standing, or shall after
ward stand up, except to address the chair.
3. No member shall absent himself from the
service of the house unless he have leave, or
be unable to attend.
4. When any member is about to speak in
debate, or deliver any matter to the house, he
shall, with due respect, address himself to the
president, confining himself strictly to the point
in debate.
5. No member shall speak more than twice
in the same debate without leave of the house.
6. A question being once determined shall

stand as the judgment of the house, and i
not be again drawn into debate during the same*
session, unless with the consent of two thirds of
the house.
« 7. While the president is putting any ques
tion, the members shall continue in their seats,
and. shall not hold any private discourse.
8. Every member who shall be in the house
when any question is put, shall, on a division,
be counted, unless he be personally interested
in the decision.
9. No motion shall be considered as before
the house unless it be seconded, and, when re
quired, reduced to writing.
10. When any question is before the house,
it shall be determined upon before any new
thing is introduced, except the question of ad
journment. 11. The question on a motion of adjourn
ment shall be taken before any other, and with
out debate.
12. When the house is about to rise, every
member shall keep his seat until the president
shall leave the chair.
On motion of the Rev. Dr. Ducachet,
Resolved, That the following rule be added
to the rules of order adopted for the govern
ment of the Convention : —
That none of the rules of order shall be sus
pended without the concurrence of two thirds
of the members present.
On motion of Mr. Edmund I. Lee,
Resolved, That the president shall, in his dis
cretion, select a pew within the limits of those
allotted for the use of the members, which pew
shall be appropriated for the accommodation of
visiting clergymen and students of the Theo
logical School, who may be invited to the same
by the president, without any special applica
tion to the Convention.
Mr. John G. Williams presented the memo
rial of the vestry of Christ Church, in the city
of Richmond, praying that they may be recog
nised by the Convention, and that the delegate
whom they have appointed may be received.
On motion, Resolved, That the said memo
rial, with the accompanying documents, be re
ferred to a select committee ; and a committee
was appointed of Mr. Thomas Marshall, Mr.
John G. Williams, the Rev. Mr. Empie, Mr.
Obed Waite, and Col. George M. Carrington.
Col. George M. Carrington presented the re
monstrance of the wardens and vestry of Hen
rico parish, against the reception of Christ
Church, in the city of Richmond, by the Con
vention; which, on his motion, was, with the
accompanying documents, referred to the same
committee to whom the memorial was referred.
On motion of the Rev. Mr. Grammer,
Resolved, That the 10th canon be altered,
by striking out the word " eight," and inserting,
in lieu thereof, " five," so as to cause it to read,
" On Easter-Monday, each parish shall elect five
vestrymen ; but, when it is deemed expedient,
the number may be increased to twelve," &c.
Ordered., That the Rev. George Lemon, the
Rev. William Jackson, the Rev. Adam Empie,
the Rev. Nicholas H. Cobbs, Mr. Thomai

CONVENTION OF 1830.

239

Marshall, Mr. Edmund I. Lee, and the Rev. Dr.
Ducachet, be a committee to take into consid
eration the state of the church in this diocess,
and report thereupon to this Convention.
Ordered, That the. Rev. Frederick W. Hatch,
the Rev. Charles Dresser, and the Rev. Ebene
zer Boyden, be a committee to examine the
parochial reports.
Ordered, That the Rev. Edward C. M'Guire,
John P. M'Guire, and Mr. William B. Richards,
be a committee to examine the state of the fund
for the support of the widows and orphans of
deceased clergymen.
Ordered, That the Rev. Thomas Jackson,
Mr. Obed Waite, and Mr. Edmund I. Lee, be a
committee ' to examine the accounts of the
treasurer of the fund for the permanent support
of the episcopate in this diocess.
Ordered, That the Rev. William F. Lee and
the Rev. Alexander Jones be a.committee to
examine the treasurer's accounts.
On motion, Resolved, That when this Con
vention adjourn to-day, it adjourn to meet to
morrow morning, at 9 o'clock.
On motion, Resolved, That Mr. Obed Waite
have leave of absence from the service of this
house to-morrow morning.
And then, on motion, the Convention ad
journed until to-morrow morning, 9 o'clock. -
Friday, May 21, 1830.
The Convention met according to adjourn
ment, and was opened with prayer by the Right
Rev. Bishop Meade.
Mr. Alexander Stephen, a lay delegate of
Norborne parish, appeared, produced a certifi
cate of his appointment, and took his seat.
Mr. Thomas Marshall, from the committee to
whom were referred the memorial of the vestry
of Christ Church, and the remonstrance of the
church of Henrico parish, presented the follow
ing report : —
The committee to whom were referred the me
morial of the vestry of Christ Church, in the city
of Richmond, praying that their church may be
admitted to a representation in the Convention,
and the remonstrance of'the wardens and vestry
men of Henrico parish, adverse thereto, beg leave
to report : —
That they have carefully examined the said me
morial and remonstrance, together with the ac
companying documents, and are of opinion that
the harmony, and quiet, and prosperity of the
church, will be more promoted by acceding to the
wishes of the petitioners than by rejecting the
same. There is good ground t believe thato many
of those who are anxious to form the new church,
in the establishment-of which their convenience
is deeply interested, could not be induced to re
turn to the old Henrico parish church. Your com
mittee have not deemed it necessary or advisable
to give a detailed statement of the considerations
which occasioned or the circumstances which at
tended the establishment of the new church, be
cause that course would be calculated to promote,
and possibly to perpetuate, the painful excitement
by which the friends of either church have been
affected. It is sufficient to say, that the course
which the petitioners have pursued seems to your
committee, upon an attentive investigation of the
whole subject, to have been strictly canonical, and

that all the constitutional requisites have been
complied with. They therefore recommend to
the Convention the adoption of the following
resolution : —
" Resolved, That the memorial of the vestry of
Christ Church, in the city of Richmond, is reason
able, and that their lay delegate be admitted to a
seat in this body."
And, on the question being put upon agree
ing with the committee in their report and reso
lution, the same was carried in the affirmative.
Ayes — Bishop Meade, the Rev. Ebenezer
Boyden, Nicholas H. Cobbs, John Cole, John
Cook, James Doughen, Charles Dresser, Henry
W. Ducachet, Adam Empie, Caleb J. Good,
John Grammer, Frederick W. Hatch, Johannes
Edward Jackson, William Jackson, Thomas
Jackson, Alexander Jones, Reuel Keith, Geo.
Lemon, Edward R. Lippit, Edward C. M'Guire,
John P. M'Guire, Nahum G. Osgood, Zacha-
riah Mead ; Messrs. Thomas M. Ambler,
Thomas Nelson, Isaac Winston, Carter.Berke-
ley, Junius A. Clay, Samuel Pryor, John F.
Clark, Obed Waite, Seth Ward, Benjamin Wig-
ginton, Philip Nelson, Francis Nelson, Parke
F. Berkeley, Edmund I. Lee, John Gray, John
A. W. Smith, Thomas Griggs, William B.
Riohards, John G. Williams, John E. Page,
Francis Silver, Robert P. Waring, Benjamin
Pollard, Thomas L. Latane, John Stuart, Fran
cis C. Fitzhugh, George Sharp, Lewis Berke
ley, John Carter, Thomas Marshall, George F.
Washington, Alexander Stephen, and Benjamin
Ferguson — 56.
Noes — George M. Carrington and William
C. Latane — 2.
Mr. Samuel C. Nichols produced a certificate
of his appointment as a lay delegate of Christ
Church, -Richmond, and took his seat.
The following pastoral address of Bishop
Moore was then read : —
To the Convention ofthe Protestant Episcopal Church
of the Diocess of Virginia.
Dear Brethren, — In conformity with the can
ons of the church, I hereby present you with an
account of my labours during the last year.
Immediately after my recovery from the illness
with which I, was confined the last spring, in the
county of Orange, I repaired to Fredericksburg,
at which place I preached, and admitted to the
order of deacons Mr. N. Osgood ; I then continued
my journey through the Northern Neck of Virginia,
in company with the Rev. Mr. Peet and Mr.
M'Guire; preaching in the churches in the coun
ty of King George, and at Mattox Bridge, in West
moreland ; at the courthouse, Richmond county ;
in White Chapel and Christ Church, Lancaster
county ; at the church and courthouse, Northum
berland county ; at Wicomico Church, in West
moreland ; and, again passing through Richmond
county, the Rev. Mr. Peet fulfilled an appointment
which had been previously made for him. We
then crossed the river to the town of Tappahan-
nock, in the county of Essex, at which, place I
preached, and administered the Lord's Supper.
From thence we passed on to Mr. James M. Gar-
nett's, and the next day Mr. Edward M'Guire
E reached in Vauter's Church in that neighbour-
ood ; after which I administered the Lord's Sup
per, and admitted to the holy order of the priestT
hood the Rev. Caleb J. Good. Leaving Mr. Gar-

240

CONVENTION OF 1830.

nett's, I visited Mr. Waring's family and lectured

at his house. On this tour of May and June f] Eflf the ministry jfrom our own and the neighbour

gation, and with, the aid of seven of my brethren

was much assisted by the labours of, the Rev. Mr.
Peet and Mr. John,M'Guire. The, congregations
were, in general, large and attentive, and in soma
instances appeared, to be deeply impressed. They
are anxious to procure the services" of clergymen'
and, I have no doubt, would endeavour" io yield
them a comfortable support.
In the month of October I yjsited the counties '
of Dinwiddie and Brunswick, in company ^with
the Rev. Mr. Lee, Mr. Jones, Mr. Steele, Mr.
Syme, and Mr- Grammer. ¦ 1 preached in Sapony
Church on a week day ; after which we repaired
to Brunswick courthouse, where we passed sever
al days, the clergy preaching in turn to very re
spectable and attentive congregations. On Sun
day we held three services; in the morning I
preached, consecrated the church, held a confirm
ation, and administered the Lord's Supper; two
of the brethren followed in the afternooij and even
ing; part of the day there were numbers who
could not obtain seats ; and the assemblies were
solemn and attentive. I then visited Petersburg,
and officiated in that place.
In November I visited and preached in Prince
•George, Surry, Suffolk, Nansemond, and Isle of
-Wight counties. In the church in Surry county
the congregation was very large, and in Suffolk
and Isle of Wight also ; the sacrament of the
Lord's Supper was administered in several ofthe
above-mentioned places ; and the Rev. Mr. Gram
mer and Mr. Empie also preached. The Rev.
Mr.' Cole and Mr. Jones were also in company
with us.
In December I preached and lectured in Hamp
ton, consecrated the church, which had been very
comfortably repaired, and administered the Lord's
Supper: the congregation was large and attentive.
In January I visited Portsmouth, preached to
a very large congregation, consecrated a hand
some church lately, erected, admitted the Rev.
Mr. Goldsmith to the holy order of the priest
hood, and administered the Lord's Supper. In
Norfolk I preached and administered the rite of
confirmation to 15 or 16 persons. In the present
month i again visited Portsmouth, and instituted
the Rev. Mr. Wingfield ; and in Norfolk I also
preached. In addition to fhe above duties, I ordained in
July Mr. Henry B. Goodwin, deacon. In No
vember I also ordained Mr. Cleaveland a deacon,
and in April I admitted to the same office Mr.
Leonidas Polk. I have also preached in Gooch
land and in Hanover counties.
Seventeen counties visited,' four deacons or
dained, two admitted to the priesthood, three
churches consecrated.
With my sincere prayers that your association
may be blessed with a sense of the divine pres
ence, I remain, dear brethren, your friend and pas
tor, Richard Channing Moore.
Norfolk, May 16, 1830.
Report of the Right Rev. W. , Meade, Assistant
Bishop of Virginia, to the Convention assembled in
Winchester, May 21, 1830.
It becomes my duty, brethren and friends, to
add to the report just* read an account of those
episcopal acts which I have performed, in compli
ance with the wishes of him to whose assistance
you have been pleased to call me. The first offi
cial act which it became my duty to discharge,
was the consecration of the«hurcn in which we
are now assembled to the worship of Almighty
God. This was done on the 30th of October,
1829, in the midst of a large and attentive congre-

ing diocess of Maryland. It is hoped that the oc
casion, and> all the hply exercises thereof, were
not without some good effect. The sight of a
building so hajjpily adapted to alUfhe purposes for
wfiicM it was erected, and constructed according
to a style of architecture so suitable to houses of
publi<yHrOrship, and the setting apart the same ac
cording 'to such solemn and impressive forms from
all worldly and common uses, to the sole purpose
of honouring God and promoting the immortal
interests of men, were well calculated to prouuce
a salutary effect on the minds of allvpresent. The
services were continued for three days, and ap
peared still to interest the numerous attendants.
On the morning of the Sabbath we united in the
Lord's Supper ; in the afternoon 1 baptized four
infants, and in the evening the services were
closed. In about five weeks afterward J made a
visit to Berkeley county, preaching three times in
Martinsburg and -twiceat Hedge's Chapel; also
once at Bunker's Hill, in the church which is un
der the care of the Rev, Mr. Jackson of Winches
ter. While in this county- 1 administered the
Lord's' Supper and tbe ordinance of baptism at
Hedge's Chapel. The Rev. Mr» James 'I'yng,
from the diocess of New-Englandfhas accepted a
call from this parish, which has now for some time
been destitute, and it is hoped, by the blessing of
God, will be an instrument of good to it.
On Monday, the 30th of November, I commen
ced a visit to some of the middle counties of the
state. On the evening of that day I preached at
Woodstock, where we have but few attached
friends to our communion. I made an effort to
reach Harrisonburg the next day, in order to
preach in the evening, but failed in consequence
of the state of the roads, which had been render
ed heavy by the rains of the preceding day.
On Wednesday evening I reached Staunton, and
preached to a full house. The three following
days were spent in performing religious services
by myself, the Rev. Mr. Jackson of Winchester,
and Mr. Charles H. Page of Amherst. During
which, besides the various services in Staunton,
we preached at a Lutheran church twelve miles
distant, and at Waynesborough. On Saturday
evening, after having preached on tbe subject in
the morning, I admmisteredthe rite of confirma
tion to ten persons. On the riext morning, after
preaching an ordination sermon, I admitted to the
order of priests the Rev. Ebenezer Boyden, and
to the order of deacons Mr. Adams, two students
from our Virginia seminary. It gives me pleas
ure to be able to state to the Convention, that the
prospects of our church in Staunton appear to be
truly encouraging. The- services of their minis
ter are highly acceptable, and, by the blessing of
Heaven, we may expect the happiest results from
them. It is contemplated during the present year
to erect two new brick churches, one in Staunton
and one in the neighbourhood. Having performed
the duties required at Staunton, I proceeded up
the valley to Botetourt, preaching once only by
the way, at Greenville, about twelve miles from
Staunton. On Wednesday I reached Finoastle,
and preached there that evening and the following
morning. I was here met by Mr. Cobbs, who re
mained to:preach in Fincasffe on Thursday even
ing, while I went to the neighbourhood of a church
about twelve miles distant, where I preached on
Friday, and administered the rite of confirmation
to two persons. The Rev. Mr. Stephens having
left Fincastle, ft is at present without an Episcopal
minister. The Rev. Mr. Cobbs has, however, ex
tended his labours to this county, and promises to.

CONVENTION OF 1830.

241

contjnue them until.a-more regular supply ean.be
obtained. We h#ve some warrjaffufenjjsfand a-rev^
interesting members in this county, whom it is.
our duty td»herish. On Friday, evening the Rev.
Mr. Cobbs and. myself V«iBre engaged in religious
exercises at thjlhouse of Mr. Watts, and the next
morning sellout for Liberty, the county town of,
Bedford, which we reached in time for..£erviee in
the evening. On the -nexfday, which was' the
Sabbath, I preached 'to a .large congregation in
that place., and administered the rite of , confirma
tion to seven persons. On Monday I jpreached to
a Jarge assenibly-at a private house some miles dis
tant, and confirmed three. On Tuesday preached
at Trinity Church, and confirmed nineteen. Oh
Wednesday preached at .St. Stephen's, confirming
thirteen ; and on Thursday preached at New-Lon
don, near the residence of Mr/ Cobbs. I cannot
leave this parish without', noticing how the rich
blessing of Heaven has b£en poured out on the
zealous exertions: and affectionate 'preaching of
Mr. Cobbs. But a few yeans since, and there
were not more ttntrf'two or. three communicants
in the county, and not a place of public worship
belonging to the church ; now .there are .more than
seventy' cominunicaTits, and three places of public
worship, where service is regularly -performed,
' besides many*"private houses, which are freely
thrown open for religious exercises. But what is
far more important is, that -good evidenGe>:.is af
forded of the prevalence<of real piety s and it is
pleasing to perceive the animation and holy zeal
with which the services of the church are con
ducted. From this parish I passed into that of
the Rev. Mr. Osgood, ih Gampbell county, preach
ing at the courthouse on Friday to a small con:
gregation, and on* Saturday and Sunday at St.
John's Church td large ones. On Saturday the
church was consecrated^ and on Sunday eight
persons were confirmed. The congrefgatiori in
Campbell has been collected,, and the church, built
during the" last two or three years, by the disin-"
terested and laborious efforts of the Rev. Mr., Os
good, who, while supporting himself by the-.care
of a school, has devoted all his spare time to the
duties of the ministry. From Campbell I passed
into Pittsylvania, in company with- Mr. Cobbs,
who preached on Monday evening at Dr. Slaugh
ter's, where we were met by the Rev. Mr. Dresser
from Halifax. On-Tuesday I preached at GredSi-
field meeting-house, in the neighbourhood of Mrs.
Coles, an aged and very attached member of our
cfrurch, who has for the last thirty years-been
deprived of the'p'rivilege of comitmirmg according
to those edifying and venerable .forms in which,
during her earlier years,' she had beert accustomed.
to commemorate the dying love of her Redeemer:
She lives surrouiided .by .her children and de
scendants, who still, are'determined to adhere, to
the good old ways of their ancestors, and-who,by'
the blessing of God, may prove'the foundation of
an Episcopal church in that couflty. In company
with the brethren already mentioned, I spent the
evening<afithe, house of Mrs. Coles in religious
servicesl first baptizing one of her grandchildren,
then confirming her youngest daughter, and after
ward administering the Lord's Supper to herself,
her daughter, and others present, taking care to
show how, according to the structure and prin- .
ciples of our churcn, these several services fol^
lowed each other, and by regular gradation con
ducted the infant member of Christ's flock -up to
the stature of the fulness of the perfect man in
Christ Jesus. The -Key Messrs. .Osgood and
Dresser have promised to watch over and cherish
our little hope in this region ; and " though our
beginning be small, our latter end may greatly in-
Q

crease.".- On the day following I preached to a
lairge congregation at Pittsylvania' courthouse, on
, my way to jialifax, which I reached on Thurs
day.- The tfirqe following -days were spent in re
ligious services at Halifax'courthouse, at General
Carringlbh's, find at the "Brick Church, On Fri-
oay, which was Christmas-daty, 1 preached at the
courthouse to a full;house, and administered con
firmation to ten persons. I was peculiarly grati
fied at beholding the order and sobriety which
prevailed in the vijlage* on a day"sphich, though
orifinally set apart for the holiest of purposes, has
too generally been perverted to; licentiousness and
. ciirrie."*This, 1 was informed, is {0 be in a great
measure ascribed to the exertions of some zealous
advocates for-the;cause of Temperance Societies,
who are labouring in that region with a devotion
worthy of the subject. On the'Tollowing Sabbath
I preached at. tfie Brick Church, and, assisted by
theRev. Messrs. Cobbs'' and Steer,. admitted Mr.
Charles Dresser to the order of priests. It will
be gratifying to all the friends of the church to
learn, that; under the faithful and diligent mifflstry
of Mr. Dresser, it is rising in the5, general esteetn
in this region. A new brick church is nearly
completed afthe-coiirthquse, and another of wood
is in progress in the»cpurtty, though the latter 'is
not entirely tfie property of our denomination.
From Halifax I passed over. into Mecklenburg,
where' I preached at St. J'ames's Church on Tues
day to a small congregation, administered' the rite
of confirmation -to seven persons, and, spending
the evening at old Mrs. Nelson's; preached and
ad ministered the holy communion. -Our assembly,
both morning and evening, was rendered smaller
than -usual by heavy falls of rain, which made the
roads and watercourses difficult of passage. I
returned through Charlojte into Campbell, calling
at Mr. John Henry's, wfiolives at the ancient seat
of his father, Mr. Pa'trick Henry, the well-known
friend of his .country, of religion, and' our church.
.His widow .and children- still retain their attach
ment to the church, and soiB.e"of them are worthy
members of the same. On the evening ofthe last
:day of the year I reached the house of Mr. Spots-
wood.Henry, in Campbell, and preached at the
same ' to. a considerable collection of .the neigh
bours. On the next morning, in company with
Mr, Osgood, I proceeded to Lynchburg, where I
preached in the evening. The two feHgwing days
were spent in preaching the wbrd'andTadminister-
ing the ordinances of religion by the Rev. Mr. Os-
goad' and myself to full and attentive congrega
tions, during which time I baptized one adult and
several' children, confirmed .twenty-two^ persons,
and adrninistered the Lord's Supper to a large ,
number. God has blessed. the* disinterested la- -
bpurs of the Rev. Mr. Smith in this place. A fgw
years since; and we had no congregation or place
of worship in Lynchburg ; now we have a com
modious and handsome edifice,' and avery-cdn^
siderable aii3'..increasing congregation, in.. which
there is a goodly number of truly pious and de
voted servants" of the Lord. •
My next visit was to the" counties of Amherst
and' Nelsonvunder fhe pastoral care of the Rev.
Mr. PageC and wherg, in the zeal, and piety, and
number of, his converts, is to be seen the evidence
of his iaithftil andlaborious ministry? Lpreached
at the four different placesTwhere be .regularly
officiates; and admitted forty-one, persons, to the
rite of confirmation: After preaching in Nelson
at'the last of the four places, alluded to, I passect-
over into Buckingham, and reached the. court-
house-that evening'"in time to follow witlTaii ex
portation a sermon of -Mr. Osgood, who had gone
before me to that place. The two following days

242

CONVENTION OF 1830.

were spent in religious exercises at the Merry
Oaks and a private house in the-'neighbourhoqd,
where, though the weather was very.linfavourabie,
our congregations were large. On the first day I
confirmed thirteen, and on the second adminis
tered the Lord's Supper to a goodly number. The,
members and friends of our church in this county
have been so happy as to secure half of tbe ser
vices of.the Rev Mr. Osgood, who, having been
released from a school, is now entirely devoted to
the ministry of the word. A church, it is ex
pected, will be built during this year in Bucking
ham. From Buckingham Ipassed into-Albemarle,
where, in the neighbourhood of the Green Moun
tain, I spent three days, enjoying the kind hos
pitality of some Christian friends, and preaching
at Warren, at Scottsville, and at Mrs. Carter's.
I. am pleased to inform the Convention, that a
church is soon to be erected in this part of Albe
marle. On Friday evening I reached Charlottes
ville and preached there, as also the next morning
and evening. On the Sabbath, after a sermon by
the Rev. Mr. Boyden, 1 administered the-rite of
confirmation" to twenty-seven persons, and the
Lord's Supper to very many more. I preached
again that evening, and thus ended the services
of the occasion. I cannot refrain from expressing
the gratification which I experienced at the con
stant attendance and correct deportment of a large
number of the young men attached to the uni
versity. May the blessing of Almighty God rest
upon fhe institution, and make it a fruitful nursery
of generous patriots, enlighfened statesmen, and
devoted servants of the Lord. On Monday morn
ing I left Charlottesville, in company with Mr.
Hatch, and preached to a small congregation at
Walker's Church about mid-day. Tarrying all
night at Mr. Nelson's, we set out the next morn
ing for Orange, and reached the courthouse in
time for service at noon. We were then joined
by the Rev. Mr. Smith, who is officiating minister
at that*place. I preached on that and the follow
ing day, and took some part in the exercises of the
evening, following with an exhortation a discourse
by Mr. Hatch. On the second day I baptized six
children before the congregation. On Thursday
I reached Culpepper courthouse, and preached
morning and evening ; in the morning admitting
eleven persons to the rite of confirmation. On
the following day I preached at the Fork Church,
where I was joined by the Rev. Mr. Woodville,
under whose care the congregation is. The day
was unpleasant, and the congregation small. On
the evening of that day I reached Fauquier court
house, where I preached the following day. On
the next, which was the Sabbath, I preached at
Cool Spring, in the upper part of the county, and
on the evening of the same day, by the good prov
idence of God, was permitted once more to reach
my home and family, after ah absence of eight
weeks ; in some measure, I trust, impressed with
gratitude for the-high honour conferred on me in
being allowed to perform such holy duties, and
for his .gracious protection of me in giving health
and strength to accomplish what if had under
taken, and especially in granting such mild and
favourable weather during a period of the' year
usually most unpropitious for religious assemblies.
After remaining' at home a few weeks I made
a visit* of a few days to Alexandria, chiefly with
a view to that institution which is so dear to us
all, because ,so essential to the prosperity of our
diocess, as well as conducive to the general in
terests of religion in our- church and country.
While there I admitted to deacon's orders. Mr.
Zachariah Mead, whom the bishop had requested
me to ordain during my journey in the winter,

but who, on account of ill health, was unable to
meet me at any point of my" journey. From this
time until Easter-Sunday I was not called on
for the. performance of any episcopal acts, when,
after having devoted all the Sabbaths in Lent ex
cept one to a series of discourses, addressed to
the young and all those who had never renewed
their baptismal engagements, I admitted at the
chapef where I officiate eight persons to the rite
of confirmation. On the following day I set out
on a visit to some of the parishes of Maryland,
bordering on the Potomac, which I had been re
quested* to attend to by Bishop Moore, who had
been invited to take them under" his episcopal
charge. In the„evening I reached Charlestown,
in Jefferson county, where I preached. On the
following day I arrived at the parish of the Rev.
Mr. Rice, on the Maryland tract, where my la
bours in Maryland commenced ; but, as my report
of these belongs more properly to the Maryland
Convention, I shall not detain you by a recital of
them. After'having concluded the duties required
of me in Maryland, I returned homeward by the
way of Romney, which 1 reached on Saturday, the
23d of April, preaching there that evening, and
twice the following* day. The Rev. Mr. Hobday
Johns, from Maryland, 'Was so good' as to accom
pany me to'that place, and assist in the perform
ance of divine service,, as also to preach once on
the Sabbath. On Tuesday I preached hi Zion
Church, about seventeen miles^rorri Romney, and,
on the same evening, Mr. Johns officiated at
Bethell"; our members in this parish are few, but
very firm arid decided, and in two of the congre
gations meet on the Sabbath, where the service
and a sermon are read by a layman, who was ap
pointed to this duty some years since. Such,
brethren, is the account I render of those services
which I have been enabled to perform since it
pleased Almighty God to allow, me .to labour in
tbe highest order of the ministry of his church. I
humbly commit them to his gracious favour,- and
pray that they may not be altogether in vain. And
I earnestly entreat all my brethren and friends
who have contributed to place me in this office,
and all who desire my usefulness in it, that they
will lend mc the aid of their counsels and their
prayers,"that I may faithfully and effectually fulfil
the ministry which has been assigned me.
Wm. Meade, Assistant Bishop of Virginia.
On motion, Resolved, That the pastoral ad
dresses of the bishop and assistant bishop of this
diocess be referred to the committee on the
state of the church.
The Rev. Mr. Grammer, from the board of
trustees of the Theological School, presented
the following report, which was read : — _
Report of the Trustees of the Theological Seminary
of the Diocess of Virginia.
The trustees are again permitted to report, that
the institution under their charge is, by the divine
blessing, still in a prosperous condition. By an
afflictive dispensation of God, they have, been de
prived for some. months of the valuable services of
one of the professors ; but the able and assiduous
efforts of his colleague have, it is' hoped, prevent
ed any serious loss to the department under 'his
care. The prescribed course of studies has been
pursued, and the usual exercises of the students
performed without interruption. The number of
yOung men engaged in+ theological studies at the
seminary during the present session has been
seventeen. Three of these have already been
ordained, and three more are in expectation of re-

CONVENTION OF 1830.

243

ceiving orders during this Convention. And as
two were ordained before the commencement of
this session, and since the last report, the whole
number which will haveJeft the' seminary and
taken orders during the year is eight.
One of the professprs reports to the board, that
the industry and general progress of-the students
has been such as to deserve his warm commenda
tion. A spirit of harmony and brotherly love' has
prevailed among them, which, when connected
with their exertions jn Sunday Shools, andother
zealous efforts for the spiritual improvement of
the destitute and ignorant in the vicinity of the
seminary, exhibits a very favourable evidence of
the sincerity and ardour of their piety.
The junior class have, during the present ses
sion, been engaged in studying Home's Introduc
tion to the Critical Study ofthe Sacred Scriptures,
and have already completed the first volume, on
the Evidences of Christianity; have read a small
part of the second, volume, on Biblical Criticism,
and the greater part of the third volume, on Bibli
cal Antiquities.- And it is expected that they will,
during the session, complete the second arid third
volumes, and also the fourth volume, on the Analy
sis of the Books of Scripture. In their Greek
studies they have nearly completed Archbishop
Newcombe's Harmony of the Gospels, referring
in their- progress to fhe most approved commenta
tors. In Hebrew they have been engaged in
studying Stuart's Hebrew Christomathy, which
they will finish by the close of the session. They
have also, once, in every fortnight, composed dis
sertations on the most important arguments in
support of the truth of revealed religion, which
have been read before the class, and undergone the
minute criticism of thejprofessor.
The senior class have attended, during- the ses
sion, to the critical study of the Epistles, of which,
with th'e'aid of the best commentaries, they have
read the two to -the Thessalohians, the one to the
Romans, and the first to the Corinthians. The
course in systematical divinity has been passed
over in a maimer somewhat more general than
usual, in consequence of. the absence of the pro
fessor on whom devolves the instruction in this
department : but the most important subjects in
theology have been thoroughly studied.
The treasurer's report, which is annexed hereto,
will exhibit a .view of the funds now in hand.
From this it will he seen that our means are as
yet very inadequate to the permanent and efficient
support of the institution. And while the board
would gratefully acknowledge the. divine goodnqss
which has prospered their efforts thus far, and
from past mercies would, learn to rely with more
confidence on future assistance, yet, remembering
that the purposes of God are accomplished through
the agency of human means, and that his crea-
tures are the, honoured instruments by which his
kingdom is to be established, they would earnest
ly callupon the friends of our Zion, and urge
them to put forth all their energies in placing on
a firmer foundation that institution from which,
under-God, we hope for labourers whose efforts
are to Change our moral wilderness into a fruitful
field. The Rev. William F. Lee, from the commit
tee appointed to examine the treasurer's ac
counts, made the following-report : —
The committee to whom was referred for ex
amination' the account of the treasurer of the
Convention, report, that they have examined the
same, and find it to be correct, and sustained by
the proper vouchers ; and that there is a balance
Q 2

of $32 53 in his hands, as appears by the an
nexed account. William F. Lee, Chairman.
On motion, Resolved, That the said report
be, received and approved.
The Rev. Thomas Jackson, from the com
mittee appointed to examine the state of the
fund for the permanent support of the episco
pate in this diocess, presented the following re
port, which was read and approved.
The committee on the episcopal fund report,
that, according to the statement of the fund made
to the last Convention, the amount in stocks
andcash then on hand was $4,836 16.
Since the last Convention, seven shares of
the Farmers' Bank of Alexandria have been
purchased, at thirty dollars ar-share, the par value
of which is fifty dollars. The shares were pur
chased from the dividends arising from the stock
of the fund. The dividends on the stock have
been four per cent, on the par value. There is
in the hands of the agent of the trustees, in
money, $17 16, besides one unpaid dividend of
$36 ; so that the amount, according to the fund,
is as follows : —
Amount according to the last state
ment, ... - - - $4,836 16
Stock purchased since last Conven
tion, which, at par value^ is - 350 00
Unpaid dividend, - 36 00
Cash in the hands of the trustees, 17 16

$5,239 32

The secretary then received the following
contributions from sundry parishes of this dio
cess for the Contingent Fund : —
Leeds parish, Fauquier county, - $15 00
St. Paul's Church; Lynchburg, - 15 00
Lexington and Nelson parish, Amherst
- and Nelson, - - - - 17 50
Moore parish, Campbell county, - - 10 00
Tillotson parish, Buckingham, 26 00
St. Paul's Church, Alexandria, - 20 00
Shelburne parish, Loudoun;" - - 20 00
St. Anne's Church, Essex, - - 30 00
South Farnham parish, Essex, - - *- 10 00
Bath parish, Dinwiddie, - - 15 00
Antrim parish, Halifax, - - - 30 00
Hamilton parish, Fauquier county, - 15 00
Fredericksville parish, Albemarle county, 10 ,00
St. Paul's parish, King George county, 16 00
Frederick parish, Frederick county, - 15 00
Russell parish, Bedford county, - 30 00
St. Marrgaret's parish, Caroline county, 9 85
St. Martin's parish, Hanover and Louisa
counties, - - - -- - - 20 00
Abingdon and Ware parishes, Gloucester
county, " - '- - 15 00
Hampshire parish, Hampshire county, 3 00
Henrico parish/ Henrico county, - 15 00
St. Mark's parish, Culpepper county, - 12 00
Zion Church, St. Andrew's parish, Jef- ¦-
ferson county, . - - - - 15 00
Christ Church, Alexandria, Fairfax par
ish,  30.00

Amount carried .forward, $-4-14 35

244

CONVENTION OF 1830.

Amount brought forward, ^ ;. $414 35
St. Stephen's Church, Culpepper county, 20 00
Monumental Church, Richmond, - 30 00
St. James's parish, Northam^Goochland
county, - - - - - 10 00
Christ Church, Norfolk borough, - 30 00
Augusta parish, Augusta county, - 10 0O
Elizabeth City parish, Elizabeth City
county, - - - - - 7 00
St. Anne's parish, Albemarle county, - 10 00
Bruton parish, Williamsburg, - - 15 00
Bristol parish, Petersburg, Dinwiddie
county, - - - - - 30 00
St. Andrew's parish, Brunswick county, 15 00
Christ Church, Winchester, ,- - 15 00
Fredericksville parish, Fredericksburg, 20 00
Christ Church, Mill Creek, Norborne
parish,  7 00
From Rev. William Crawford, Of Louisa, 10 00

$643 35
The following sums were paid towards the
support of the bishop's assistant in the Monu
mental Church.
St. Martin's parish, Hanover and Louisa
counties, - - $10 00
St. Mark's parish, Culpepper county, - 12 00
Leeds parish, Fauquier county, - 6 00
Christ Church, Norfolk, - - - 20 00
Elizabeth City parish, Elizabeth City
county, - 5 00
Bristol parish, Petersburg, Dinwiddie
county, ... - 20 00
Christ Church, Winchester, ,- 5 00
Fredericksville parish, Fredericksburg, 15 00

$93 00
The session was then suspended, forthe pur
pose of attending divine service by the Rev.
John Grammer, and a sermon by the Rev.
Adam Empie ; after which the session was re
sumed. The parochial" reports were handed in and
read, and referred to the committee on paro
chial reports.
On motion of Mr. Edmund I. Lee, the res
olution proposed at the last Convention, to
amend the 2d article of the constitution, by ad
ding to the same the following words, " and
provided also, that such delegate or delegates
shall, previously to taking his or their seat in Con
vention, comply with the subscription required
of vestrymen," was taken up, and again, upon
the motion of the Rev. Mr. Empie, laid upon
the table.
Mr. Edmund I. Lee offered the following
resolution, which, on- his motion, was laid upon
the table.
Resolved, That the first canon be amended
by adding to the same the following words :
" and all persons who shall be registered by
their own request, according to the provisions of
this canon, as members of a particular church,
shall always be considered to be attached to
that church, until they shall actually express to
the minister thereof their desire to withdraw,
and shall obtain from hirn a certificate to that

effect; and it shall be the duty of such minister
to grant such certificate whenever it may be re
quired.," The Convention proceeded to the election,
by ballot, of a standing committee of the church
in this diocess for the ensuing year : — where
upon the following gentlemen were duly elect
ed, viz. : the Rev. Reuel Keith, D. D., the Rev.
Edward R. Lippit, the Rev. William Jackson,
Mr. John Hooff, Mr. Edmund I. Lee, and Mr.
John Gray.
And then, on motion, the Convention ad
journed until to-morrow morning, 9 o'clock.
Saturday, May 22, 1830;
The Convention met ' according to adjourn
ment, and was opened with prayer by Bishop
Meade. The Rev. Mr. Edward C. M'Guire, from the
committee to whom was referred the examina
tion of .the accounts of the treasurer of the fund
for the relief of the widows and orphans of de
ceased clergymen of the Episcopal Church of
Virginia, made, the following report : —
The committee on the Widows' Fund beg
leave to report, that they have examined the
treasurer's account, and find it correctly stated.
The Funds are as follows, viz. : —
United States 3 per cents., ¦ ~ $2,037 78
79 shares of Farmers' Bank of Al- -
exandria stock, at par, ' - - 3,950 00
5 shares of Alexandria Bank stoek,
at par, - - - 1,000 00
1 share of Bank of Virginia stock,
at par, - - 100 00
R. Andrews's estate, bal. of note,
with interest from 30th, April;
1829, till paid, - - 399 23
Cash in hand, - - ¦ 123 49

$7,610 50
The Rev. Mr. Hatch, from the committee on
the parochial -reports, presented the following
report, which -was read and received.
The committee to whom were referred the
parochial reports have had the same under con
sideration, and beg leave to present them, in the
following condensed form, for insertion on the
Journal. St. Paul's, Alexandria. Since the last Conven
tion there have been eight marriages, sixteen fu
nerals, forty-three baptisms, nine added to the
communion. The past year has riot been marked
by as large an accession to our communion as the
preceding ; but we have not been altogether with
out the divine blessing. Our Sunday Schools and
Bible classes are still exerting a useful influence.
To our benevolent institutions, which continue to
prosper, we have recently added a Missionary So
ciety, auxiliary to " The Domestic and Foreign
Missionary Society of the Protestant Episcopal
Church,!' and we are happy to say -that the spirit
of missions warms' the hearts of many of our con
gregation ; and we believe that our society will
annually contribute a very respectable sum to
both departments. Wm." Jackson, Rector.
Christ Church, Frederick parish, Winchester.
With feelings of gratitude, the rector acknowl
edges the divine goodness during the past year, in
the addition of twenty-one to the communion of

CONVENTION OF 1830.

245

his church ; of whom eight removed into the par
ish who had been received into church commu
nion. The number of communicants sixty-six — :
marriages six— baptisms twenty.
The church in Norborne parish- under his care
is well attended ; but he has to lament the small-
ness of accessions to the communion. The
church has been lately thoroughly repaired by the
parish at a considerable expense, and it is now a
very comfortable place of worship. J. E. Jackson.
Bath parish, Dinwiddie county, and St. An
drew's parish, Brunswick county. The rector
of these parishes has continued, during the past
year, the same course of labour mentioned In his
last report. The size of the congregations has
been very gradually increasing ; and his weekly
social meetings have been tolerably well attend
ed ; but the spiritual improvement of his hearers
has by no means kept pace with his desires and
Erevious expectations. The Sunday School has
een kept up, and has evidently effected some im
provement. In St. Andrew's parish he continues to preach
two Sundays iri each month, and the prospects
are more encouraging. The new church at Law
renceville was completed in June last ; and al
though not a costly, is a, very commodious build
ing.' The congregation there has been generally
good ; tbe services of the^church well performed ;
and the attention to the word of life such as to
encourage the hope that it would prove the savour
of life unto life to many s'ouls. A Bible class has
been formed at -Red Oak church ; and some, few
Ofthe ladies belonging to that congregation have
lately exerted themselves- in behalf of the Educa
tion Society, with a zeal which is worthy of imi
tation, and with a degree of success which, under
their unfavourable circumstances, reflects great
credit on thejr assiduity.
Although many difficulties are yet to be over
come, the rector is encouraged to hope that, ere
long, our Zion will come forth in her beauty, even
in this moral wilderness.
The number of communicants in both parishes
is thirty-five ; one has died during the past year,
two have removed, and eleven have been added.
The baptisms have been twelve (two of adults,
six of white,' and four of coloured infants) — mar
riages twelve — funerals seven. John Grammer, Jr.
Bristol parish, Petersburg. Tbe rector has the
satisfaction to report, that his congregation grad
ually increases in number ; and he cherishes the
hope that there is sonie increase and improve
ment in spiritual knowledge among a portion of
the members. The number of communicants has
not increased during the last year; their present
number is fifty. The Sunday School continues in
animproving state ; the teachers; particularly the
female part of them, are attentive to their respec
tive duties. The Auxiliary Education Society
prosecutes the interests of the" parent institution
(Alexandria) with unabating assiduity. . Marria
ges seven— baptisms twenty-six — deaths eleven.
Andrew Syme.
Augusta parish. . The rector reports, that du
ring the past year the members of the Augusta
parish have, with great exertion and generous lib
erality, raised funds for. building two neafr brick
churches ; one in Staunton, the other seven miles
distant ; both-to be immediately erected.
Our Sunday School .and Bible class are flour
ishing, the former having been increased from
fifty to about one hundred scholars, with fifteen
teachers. The Sunday School library contains
200 volumes,' purchased by the Ladies' Sewing

Society. "A parish library has also been com
menced, and promises much usefulness among an
inquiring people. A Female Education Society
has-been formed to aid our Theological Seminary.
An increasing interest in the church is manifest,
and true piety finds some to love and cherish it.
Ten persons have been confirmed.- The number
of communicants twenty-eight — baptisms four —
marriages five — deaths two. Ebenezer Boyden.
St. Margaret's parish, Caroline county. The
rector of this parish reports, that since the last
Convention there have been seven baptisms.
Three communicants have been added to the
church, and one removed by death. The congre
gations aTe large and attentive, and also increas
ing ; and he therefore trusts that his labours have
not been altogether in vain in the Lord. The
Sunday School and Bible class are still contin
ued, and, it is believed, have been useful. Com
municants twenty-seven — marriages four.
Since the commencement of the present year,
one Sunday in each month has been spent in la
bouring at the Bowling-Green. A considerable
interest is here felt by a number upon the subject
of religion, and a Bible class has recently been
formed, consisting of upwards of a dozen ladies,
from which much good is anticipated.
I have also . preached one Sunday in each
month, since December, in the adjoining county
of Spotsylvania. The prospect of reviving the
church in the lower part of this county is very en
couraging. At the earnest solicitations of many
friends to the church, one Sunday in each month
will be devoted to labouring in this part of the
Lord's vineyard. C. J. Good. '
Abingdon and Ware parishes. The number of
communicants nineteen. Our Sunday Schools
have been revived, and promise much good. The
services of the church are well attended.
My residence in these parishes has been too
short to enable me to say any thing more definite
as to their present state. Jno. Cole.
The rector of Russell parish, Bedford county,
would acknowledge, with humble gratitude to
God, that his labours have not been altogether
without the blessing of the. Holy Spirit. Al
though as much has not been fulfilled as was an
ticipated at the last Convention, still' it may be
said that the interests of the church have been
steadily improving, and that her general prospects
are decidedly favourable. Not Only has his heart
been cheered by some additions to the commu
nion, but he has also been gratified to perceive a
very favourable change in the public mind, both
with regard to the pious character ofthe church,
and tbe peculiar nature of her services. Of those
added to the communion since the last report, one
is a very excellent and truly pious young man,
who, after much prayer and self-examination, has
determined immediately to commence his studies
with a view to the ministry. Burials four— mar
riages eleven — baptisms, of adults seven,'of infants
thirty — communicants, two died, three removed,
sixteen added, total seventy. -Nicholas H. Cobbs,
Parish of Frederick. The state of this parish is
considered promising. The attendance .upon
divine worship is punctual, and the services of
the church are devoutly attended. The rector
preachesregularly at the chapel, occasionally at
Berryville, and about four times in the year has
meetings on Saturday and Sunday at Middletown.
The number of communicants is about sixty —
baptisms during the last year have been eight —
marriages four — funerals four.

246

CONVENTION OF 1830.

There are two Sunday Schools in the parish,
one'at Berry ville, and another at Millwood.
The societies in this parish continue to flour
ish. Between three and four-hundred dollars are-
annually raised for the Colonizing Society, nearly
-two hundred for the Education Society, and one
hundred and fifty have been recently given fo the
Greek Mission.
In the course of the present year, it is hoped,
a new apd commodious brick church will be built
at Berryville. Wm,. Meabe.
Bruton parish, Williamsburg. • The rector re
ports, since the last Convention, eighteen bap
tisms ; four of the subjects were adults, and one
was baptized by immersion-^seven marriages,
three of which were of coloured persons — eigh
teen funerals, nine of children and nine' of adults.
Only ten ofthe eighteen belonged to the parish.
Of the communicants, two have died, and one has
left the church — thirteen have been added to the
communion: the present number is fifty-four, of
whom three are coloured persons.
In other respects the parish is much the same
as when last reported, except that by the estab
lishment of two other Sunday Schools, the num
ber of our scholars is reduced to about forty.
During the year, however, there has been no in
considerable increase of pious inquiry and rational
religious excitement, and a good work, through
grace, is, we hope, still in progress. May the
Lord increase abundantly the number and the
graces of hip servants. A. Empie.
St. Martin's parish, HanoVer and Louisa. The
rector of this parish reports, that during the past
year but few additions have "been made to his
communion, while, by deaths and removals, the
number has been in some measure reduced. He
is consoled, however, in being able to state, that
there are other indications of good not less cheer
ing than the acquisition of numbers, and that the
general condition of the parish is in a state of im
provement. At two of the churches where divine service is
regularly performed the congregations are small,
but respectful and attentive ; at the other, it is
large and flourishing. One of the. Sunday
Schools heretofore existing has been discontin
ued ; the other is in a more prosperous and inter
esting condition than at any former period. It
numbers at present eighteen teachers, who are
active and zealous, and sixty scholars, who are
diligent and attentive.
Since the last Convention, the Education So
ciety has contributed to the parent institution
$266 ;- $210 of that were raised by a society of
young ladies, the proceeds of their own industry ;
$200 of which were the proceeds of a fair, which,
amid difficulties and discouragements of various
kinds, they prosecuted with a zeal, perseverance,
and propriety of conduct, which redound as much
to their credit as they contributed to their suc
cess. They have contributed also $30 to make
their minister a life member of the Education So
ciety, making in all $240 raised by this society1
since the last Convention.
The receipts of the Auxiliary Bible Society
during the past year were $80, $50 of which were
paid into the treasury of the parent institution ;
the balance was laid out in the purchase of Bibles
and Testaments for the use of the parish.
A liberal subscription has been raised for the
purpose of erecting a new brick building for public
worship, which will be commenced in the course
of a few months, and probably completed in the
course of the ensuing year.
We have also formed a Missionary Society, for
the double purpose of aiding the Protestant Epis

copal Missionary Society of the diocess of Vir
ginia, and the Domestic and Foreign Missionary
Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the
United States.
The whole amount contributed in this parish
since the last Convention towards religious and
charitable purposes, besides supporting its minis
ter, is $491 ; 296 to the Education Society ; 80 to
the Bible Society ; 75 to the Theological Semi
nary ; 20 to the Contingent Fund ; 10 to the Bish
op's Assistant, and 10 to-the Greek Mission, raised
by a society of little girls.
Communicants sixty-five, added six— baptisms
eight, one adult, one coloured infant — funerals
nine — one marriage. , John Cooke.
St. James's parish, Northam, Goochland. The
minister of this parish reports, that there has been
no material change in the state of the congrega
tion during the past year. The present number
of communicants is twenty-four. There have
been formed during the year a Prayer-Book and
Tract Society, and a Sunday School. The riiin-
istrations of the .sanctuary have been generally
well attended. He has preached regularly one
Sunday in the month in Amelia county, and one
in Chesterfield.
Within the entire circuit of bis charge .there are
thirty-six communicants, four of whom have been
added during the current year. Funerals six —
baptisms four — marriages two. James Doughen,
Antrim parish, Halifax county. During the last
year there has been an accession of eight to the
number of communicants in this parish. In the
neighbourhood of the courthouse, a commodious
brick church has been erected, which is now
nearly ready for consecration. One of the con
gregations reported last year has since been given
up, and a new one formed in another part of the
county, where a convenient bouse of worship has
been erected, and every thing promises well.
Regular congregations three — communicants 20 —
baptisms, three adults and nine children — mar
riages three — funerals seven.
Charles Dresser, Rector.
It may not be improper tor state, that, during.my
residence in Halifax, I have occasionally extended
my labours to the adjoining county of Pittsylvania,
where our church has never been organized, but
where- an active and zealous minister would be
well received. There are already seven commu
nicants, some of whom have not had an opportu
nity of receiving the communion for nearly forty
years. C. D.
St. John's Church, Henrico parish, Henrico
county. My connexion with this parish has
been of but little more than one month's stand
ing ; of course I am not able to report satisfac
torily its present condition. On Easter-day twen
ty-four participated in the Holy Communion. I
have administered the sacrament of baptism to
three infants. Edward W. Peet.
Moore parish, Campbell county. During the
past year very little change has taken place in the
state of the people of this parish. Divine service
has in general been seriously attended, and the
number of communicants somewhat increased.
Baptisms nine^marriages two — one funeral —
communicants fifteen. N. G. Osgood.
Tillotson parish, Buckingham county. This
new and interesting parish has not enjoyed the
regular.services of the church till recently. ,-Since
February last, divine service has been held there
twice a month. The congregations are large,
attentive, and devout ; the members of the church
exemplary and zealous. There will soon be
erected a commodious house of worship. The

CONVENTION OF 1830.

247

Sunday School mentioned'in the last report is
still in operation. Baptisms, ten, two' adults-
marriages four — funerals four — communicants
twenty-five. N. G. Osgood.
Christ Church, Fairfax parish, Alexandria, D.
C. The rector of this parish commenced his la
bours among the- people of his charge only in No
vember last. He therefore cannot enter much into
detail in this report. With his congregation
there is united a Sunday School, a Bible class, a
Saturday School under the care of a benevolent
society, and a Missionary Association, which is yet
in its infancy. The number of communicants it
has been impracticable-to ascertain with perfect
accuracy ; three-were added at the last commu
nion, and one has since removed from the* parish,
leaving perhaps seventy-five or eighty in all.
Marriages four (one of which was that of colour
ed persons), baptisms eleven (of which six were
coloured children), burials six (one a coloured
man). John P. M'Guire.
St. Anne's parish, Albemarle. The rector of
the parish having been connected with it but a few
weeKs, is unable to make any very explicit report
respecting it. It gives him pleasure to observe,
however, that notwithstanding it has been for a
Ipng time destitute of the regular- ministrations of
the Episcopal church, there is at present existing
in the hearts of a considerable number an ardent
desire to restore them ; and, in accordance with
this desire, an-effort is now making to erect a neat
and convenient brick edifice for public worship ;
which effort, there is great reason to believe, will,
by the blessing of God, shortly succeed. There
is, on the whole, a good foundation for the hope,
that persevering labour among this people will be
ultimately crowned with success. Zachariah Mead.
St. George's Church, Fredericksburg. There
is nothing remarkable to be communicated in re
gard to the state of this parish. With some ex
perience of the appointed trials of his church,
there has also been through the past year an ex
perience of the unchanging love which the Saviour
bears towards her ;- unequivocal proofs of his
faithfulness have been given us in some important
accessions to his cause, while the gradual increase
of that cause in. moral ascendency promises the
best results in the present and final salvation of
those intrusted to our care.
The zeal of the congregation is unabated in sus
taining those parochial institutions which have
for their object the good of mankind, temporal
and spiritual, at home and abroad. Our Sunday
Schools are cherished with peculiar interest ; of
these there are three, one of which is an infant
school, and is especially interesting and useful.
We have also three Bible- classes in operation,
one for females, and two for males ; these have
been most useful in promoting religion among us.
Two pious youths from this source will soon be
added to the list of our theological students.
The Sunday Schools contain about 225 scholars,
the Bible classes about fifty. Communicants
about 112, baptisms seventeen, marriages eight;
funerals nine. Edw. C. M'Guire.
Christ Church, Richmond. This church was
organized on the 31st of December last, and has
been steadily increasing ever since. There is
connected with it a Sunday School and Educa
tion Society', • and a Bible class. The Sunday
School numbers 103 scholars and teachers. As
an appendage to thisdepartment, there is a library
of about 250 volumes, which have been selected
with care.
The rector of this, church performs a third ser
vice every Sunday night in the town of Manches

ter, which is numerously attended ; and he has
been much encouraged by the .prospects which
have unexpectedly opened in that place, of a large
ingathering to the flock of Christ. He thinks the
piety of his charge is assuming an elevated char
acter ; he trusts that a praying people" will draw
down the blessing of a prayer-an6wering "God.
There have been recently seven additions to the
communion, making the whole number of com
municants thirty — baptisms eight — marriages two
—burials six. William F. Lee, Rector.
Hamilton and Leeds parishes, Fauquier. The
congregations of these parishes are generally good
and often crowded, and are uniformly attentive to
the preaching of the word. The number of com
municants has increased,, and it is hoped that-the
increase always consists of those who constitute
the real strength and ornament of the church of
Christ. The number of communicants in both
parishes is about fifty — baptisms fifteen — mar
riages fourteen — funerals seven.
A Sunday School was established in Leeds
parish last summer, and promises to be an instru
ment of much good.
The Female Education Society in Hamilton
parish is still in operation, and lately transmitted
about $40 to the parent society. A sermon was
preached and a collection taken up for the benefit
of this society in January last. A Bible Society
was formed last summer, which has distributed a
large .number of Bibles, and contributed liberally
to the funds of the parent institution.
Geo. Lemon, Rector.
St. Paul's Church, Lynchburg. The rector re
ports, that the state of religion in this parish has
presented nothing peculiar in the course of the
year past. The hope is devoutly cherished, that
in the midst of much worldliness of mind, the sol
emn truths ofthe gospel are gaining a progressive
influence over some who have heretofore disre
garded them ; and that the doctrine, discipline, and
worship of our church are becoming better under
stood and more justly valued.
The Sunday- School has recently been organ
ized anew, and is conducted with energy, and with
the happiest effects. Communicants, died one,
removed six, added seven, present number thirty-
six — baptisms, of adults two, of infants" six — fu
nerals ten. F. G. Smith:
St. Paul's Church, King George county. The
lay delegates from this parish report," that there
has been no accession to the number of commu
nicants during the past year, but they flatter
themselves that there is an increasing interest in
the general prosperity of the church. An act of
the Legislature, changing their dilapidated church
into an academy, has been repealed, and subscrip
tions obtained for putting it in repair. The re
moval of their pastor to St. John's Church, Rich
mond, is very generally and deeply regretted.
Should they, by the blessing of God, succeed in
obtaining" a zealous and self-denying minister to
succeed him, they should not despair of success,
John Stuart,
Francis C. Fitzhugh.
St. James's Church, Leesburg. Marriages six
— baptisms nineteen— funerals three — added to the
communion of the church eight — removals from
the same four. Thomas Jackson, Rector.
St. John's church, Hampton. Marriages seven
teen—baptisms forty-six (five adults, two blacks)
—communicants twenty-two— funerals twenty.
two. With gratitude to God the rector reports, that
in the early part of the present year, the church
was consecrated by our venerable bishop. In con
sequence of removals and death, the number of

248

CONVENTION OF 1830.

communicants is lessened, although two have
been added since the last report. As heretofore,
the labours of the rector have been divided be
tween Hampton and Old Point ; and the hope is
indulged that he has been instrumental, in the
hands of Sod, of promoting in a small degree the
interests of religion, as connected with our Zion.
Mark Lindsay Chevers.
The rector of St. Andrew's parish reports, that
though the churches under his care exhibit no
striking evidences of improvement, they are still
in such a state as to call forth his gratitude, and
give some encouragement to his exertions.
The people of his charge are generally punc
tual and regular in their attendance at the house
of God. Those who have professed to be follow
ers of Christ, are for the most part consistent and
without reproach. The rector has, indeed, for a
short time past, entertained some hope, from the
increased zeal of the pious, the religious sensibil
ity of an unusual number of his people, the late
hopeful conversion of six youths, and the evident
seriousness of several others, that there was ap
proaching one of those seasons of " refreshing
from the Lord" so much to be desired, and for
which we should so earnestly pray.
There are two useful associations, one in con
nexion with the General Domestic and Foreign
Missionary Society, and the other with the Soci
ety for the Education of Poor and Pious Youth
for the Ministry. The. American Bible, Tract,
and Colonization Societies, also receive a cordial
and liberal support. The number of communi
cants about seventy-five. Alex. Jones.
The rector of Fredericksville parish remarks
no very material changes in his congregations du
ring the past year. Those who love the church,
her ministry, and services, have continued to sus
tain them with unabated zeal and attachment.
Seldom, if ever, has a communion service occur
red, when some one or more has not been added
to the nujnber, as is trusted, of true professors of
the faith of a crucified Saviour. There are, how
ever, many circumstances of difficulty, not to say
of discouragement, which the rector deems it un
necessary to detail to this Convention; as he is not
aware that they are peculiar to himself, but be
lieves them to prevail more or less generally.
The rector has recently attempted the renewal
of a congregation near Buck Mountain, which
was once in a flourishing condition, but has
been destitute of the services of the church for
the last twenty years ; the prospect at present is
encouraging. Communicants added eight, whole
number about fifty — baptisms eleven, ten infants,
one adult — funerals, six. Colonization Society,
$650— Organ, $600. F' W. Hatch.
Christ Church, Norfolk (Elizabeth River par
ish). In this parish there have been, since the last
Convention, twenty-four baptisms, fifteen mar
riages, and twenty-two funerals. The present
number of communicants is two hundred and six.
The Sunday School is still large and flourishing.
The Education Society was never so prosperous
and interesting as at present. Its memhers have
considerably increased ; and their efforts in behalf
of the society have never been more diligent or
successful. They have raised for the parent soci
ety during the year, $227 89iJ. Agreeably to the
resolution of the Convention at the last session, a
sermon has been preached by the rector in behalf
of the Missionary Society of the diocess, and a
collection made, which amounted to'$101 26, to
which the Sunday School ofthe parish has added
the sum of $9.
Two hundred aud two dollars and fifty cents

have been lately contributed to the Greek Mission,
and a missionary spirit roused, from which the
happiest results are expected.
The temporal circumstances of the congrega
tion continue in a state of undiminished prosper
ity ; and the spiritual condition of the people, it is
humbly hoped, is gradually (if slowly) improving.
There is still indifference arid worldliness enough
to occasion regret ; but something of interest, and
faithfulness, and spirituality, to rejoice the heart,
and to call forth thanks to God.
Henry W. Ducachet.
Report -of Lexington parish, Amherst county.
Upon a review it is found, that the wotk of the
Lord has not prospered to the same extent the last
year as in preceding years.
The churches have been generally well attend
ed, and to, each of them there have been small
additions, making in all seven. Marriages four —
baptisms fifteen — funerals sixteen — the whole num
ber of communicants forty-eight.
Besides tbe regular places of worship, the min
ister flatters himself with the hope of rearing up
in the county two or three other congregations.
The children of the different churches have
been occasionally catechised.
Report of Nelson parish, Nelson county. In
the county of Nelson a parish has been recently
organized, which is called Nelson parish.
The accession to the list of communicants is
eight, and others in the congregation appear to be
deeply engaged in seeking an acquaintance with
Him whom God hath sent. The whole number
of communicants nineteen. The prospects of the
church. in this county are encouraging. ¦
Could the churches be blessed with the minis
trations of the word oftener than once in four
weeks, we should hope that the Lord would draw
to himself numbers " of such as shall be saved."
Charles H. Page.
St. Stephen's Church, Culpepper county. There
has been a considerable improvement in this con
gregation since the last Convention. Six new
communicants have, within the last year, been ad
ded to the church. The interest in its services
has manifestly increased ; a Bible class, lately
formed, has been numerously attended ; and other
circumstances seem to indicate an improvement
in the spiritual condition of the people.
A society has been formed auxiliary to the Do
mestic Missionary Society of the diocess, and con
tributions to its funds to the amount of thirty-one
dollars have been promptly and cheerfully made.
There has been no "perceptible change in the
state of tbe church in Orange county.
Baptisms in both parishes ten, two of which
were of adults — burials four — communicants in
Culpepper thirty-six — in Orange thirteen.
George A. Smith.
Trinity Church, Portsmouth parish. The rec
tor reports, that since the last Convention, their
house of public worship has been almost entirely
rebuilt, and on a much larger scale. To -the ac
complishment of this object, they are particularly
indebted to the exertions of one individual, who,
besides his own personal labour and a liberal do
nation of $100, generously advanced above $1,000,
without which the work must have been greatly
retarded, if not suspended-altogether. '
With respect to the spiritual condition of the
congregation, the rector is happy to state, that it
is, on the whole, quite encouraging. An increas
ing interest in the services of the sanctuary is
clearly manifested. The Sunday school is still kept
up, but not in that flourishing condition- which is
greatly to be desired. The Bible class has been
revived, and promises to be quite useful

CONVENTION OF 1830.

249

Communicants, seven added and three remo
ved, whole number thirty-three. Families in the
congregation about fifty— marriages fifteen— bap
tisms ten — burials three. J. H. Wingfield.
St. Matthew's Church, Wheeling. Nine years
ago, that most laborious and successful clergy
man, the late Rev. John Armstrong, came to this
place. Full of the spirit of his office, he imme
diately set about the collecting of a congregation
that should worship -God agreeably to the forms
of pur church. There was scarcely any thing to
encourage the making of an effort, or to sustain it
when begun. Such a zeal as his needed no other
excitement than the fact that there were in the
town some families who, not belonging to any
other church, might, by judicious attention, be in
duced to join ours.
During. six years he persevered, with varying suc
cess, amid the greatest discouragements, such as
are known only to a zealous missionary occupying
a new station, remote from the great body of the
church, and peculiar local hinderances, which
would have disheartened and turned back a less
holy and devoted servant of God.
" The work of tbe Lord prospered in his hands."
Assisted by a few pious and other generous indi
viduals, he succeeded in procuring the erection of
a handsome and commodious church, and in es
tablishing a parish, embracing , within its limits
about forty families; among the most respecta
ble and intelligent in the place. At, the time of
his much-lamented death there were about thirty
communicants, and a large and flourishing Sab
bath School was accomplishing much good.
But the praise of our late rector is in other
churches besides this. By judiciously and indus
triously economizing his time and labour, he col
lected large congregations in several other neigh
bouring places, and built or repaired three other
churches in this state and in Ohio.
This "scarcely less than apostolic missionary's
successes an exemplification of what a holy zeal,
united with a generous.disinterestedness and good
practical sense, may accomplish, when animated
by the. high considerations to which the "called
of God" Only are accessible.
s St. Matthew's Church was without a pastor for
a year after Mr. A.'s death. I commenced my
ministry here in August, 1B28. I found the Sun
day School flourishing : it continues fo be so. Fif
teen families 'and .fourteen communicants have
been added- since, making" the present' number of
families about sixty, and of -communicants thirty.
I have baptized two adults and twelve children ;
celebrated eighteen marriages" and seven funerals.
The Bible class and catechumens preparing for
confirmation are in regular attendance upon stated
appropriate .exercises. v
Of Go.d's abounding grace through Christ, we
are at this .moment rejoicing at the cheering indi
cations of a revival ahd diffusion of experimental
practical piety. To several df those who have
been for some time -regular in their attendance
upon -the ordinances of the Lord's house, the
spirit of all gracious affections has shown their
ruined state as sinners, and has led to that faith
in Christ which justifies and sanctifies, whereby
" we have peace with God, through Jesus Christ
our Lord." Jt Thos. Wheat, Rector.
On motion of Mr. Edmund I. Lee, the reso
lution offered at the last Convention, and yes
terday laid upon the table, proposing to amend
the second article of the constitution, by adding
to the same the following words ; " and provided

also, that such delegate or delegates shall, pre
viously to taking his or their seajin Convention,
comply with the subscription required of vestry
men," was "taken up ; and, on motion, the same
was laid upon the table.
On motion of Mr. Williams, Resolved, That
the tenth canon be amended by striking out
the words, " solemnly engage to conform to,"
and insert, in lieu thereof, the following words,
"approve and prefer."
On motion of Rev.' Mr. Grammer, Resolved,
That, agreeably to the provisions, of the thir
teenth article of the constitution, notice be
transmitted to-- the several vestries of the par
ishes in this diocess, that it is proposed, at the
next Convention, to amend the second article
of the constitution, by adding to the same the
following words ; " and provided also, that such
delegate or delegates shall, previously to taking
his or their seat in Convention, comply with the
subscription required of vestrymen."
On motion of Mr. Edmund I. Lee, the reso
lution offered by him proposing to amend the
first canon was taken up ; and, on the ques
tion being put thereon, the same was carried in
the negative.
The Rev. George Lemon, from the com
mittee upon the state of the church in this dio
cess, presented the following report and accom
panying resolutions : —
The committee on the state of the church beg
leave respectfully to report, that the spiritual
state and general prospects of the diocess, so far
as they have been made known by the episcopal
and parochial reports presented to this Conven
tion, are of a .character to awaken gratitude to
God,- and inspire the most encouraging hopes.
Much, very much, remains to be done to give
prevalence to religion and virtue throughout our
land ; but what has been done already furnishes
ground of confidence that the Lord is with this
branch of his church, and that he is waiting to
bless with still greater success our faithful en
deavours to do his will and promote his glory.
Among various interesting points to which the
committee might draw the attention of this Con
vention, they will limit themselves to three. The
first point is the restriction accompanying the elec
tion of- our assistant bishop, by which it was de
clared, that his election as assistant bishop should
not df itself constitute him successor to our pres
ent diocesan The removal of this restriction is,
in the opinion of your committee, highly desira
ble. -The committee will not occupy the time of
this Convention with a lengthened argument in
support of their opinion, but will content them
selves with recommending the adoption of the fol
lowing preamble and resolution, adverting to the
uniform practice of tbe church, and to a canon of
the General Convention on the subject of assist
ant bishops, passed at its last meeting. That
practice has been, in every instance of an election
of an assistant bishop, to declare him at the same
time successor to his diocesan, in case of survi
ving him ; and the language ofthe canon referred
to is, " When the bishop of a diocess is unable,
by reason of old age, or other permanent cause of
infirmity, to discharge his episcopal duties, one as
sistant bishop may be elected by and for said -dio
cess, who shall, in all cases, succeed the bishop in
case of surviving." This canon expresses, in the
strongest manner, the sentiment, of the Geperal
Convention on the subject, while at the same time

250

CONVENTION OF 1830.

it responds to the. wishes of this diocess, as de
clared by its last Convention at Charlottesville,
that the General Convention would adopt some
definite legislative enactment with respect to as
sistant bishops; wishes which the delegates of
this diocess to the last General Convention were
instructed to present to that body. It is not ne
cessary to impress on this Convention the respect
due to the sentiment of the great council of our
church, and. especially when this sentiment has
been given in a manner accordant with our for
mally expressed desire. Your committee there
fore beg leave to recommend the following reso
lution : —
Resolved, That the Right Rev. William Meade,
who has been consecrated assistant bishop of this
diocess, be, and he is hereby declared, successor of
our present venerable diocesan, in case he should
• survive him.
The second point to which your committee
would invite the attention of this Convention is,
the duty of adopting 60me measure to provide for
meeting the expenditures, whether in travelling or
otherwise, to which our assistant bishop is subject,
as incidental to his office, and necessary to the
due performance of his episcopal duties. To de
vise a proper measure for this purpose, your com-
.jnittee recommend the appointment of a special
committee.1 The third point to be adverted to is the obli
gation resting, as your committee conceive, on
this Convention", to adopt means for rendering to
out diocesan a suitable remuneration for his epis
copal services. To devise such means, your com
mittee recommend the appointment of a special
committee. GeO. Lemon, Chairman.
On motion of the Rev. Mr. Grammer,
Resolved, That the report of the committee
be amended, by striking out from, and after the
words, " but will content themselves with,"
down to the end of the first resolution proposed
by the committee, and insert, in lieu thereof,
the following: " recommending tbe adoption of
the following preamble and resolution : Whereas
the General Convention of the Protestant Epis
copal Church in the United States have, by the
fifth canon-of 1829, provided that every assist
ant bishop who may hereafter be elected, in the
said church shall be in all cases entitled to suc
ceed the bishop of the diocess in which he may
be elected ; and whereas the Convention is
desirous of preserving, as far as possible, the
harmony and uniformity :of the church, and of
testifying its confidence in the assistant bishop
of this diocess : — Therefore, Resolved, That
the restriction annexed to the election of the as
sistant bishop of Virginia" be hereby removed."
The question was then taken upon agreeing
with the committee in so much of their report,
as amended, as relates to the removal of the
restriction annexed to the election of assistant
bishop, and the same was carried in the affirm
ative. Ayes— The Rev. Ebenezer Boyden, Nicho
las H. Cobbs, John Cole, John Cooke, James
Doughen, Charles Dresser, Hen. W. Ducachet,
Adam Empie, John Grammer, Frederick W
Hatch, Alexander Jones, Reuel Keith, George
Lemon, Edward R. Lippit, William F. Lee,
Edward C. M'Guire, Nahum G. Osgood, Ed
ward W. Peet, Zachariah Meade; Messrs.

Thomas M. Ambler, Thomas Nelson, Dr. I.
Winston, Carter Berkeley, Junius A. Clay,
Samuel Pryor, John F. Clark, Obed Waite, Seth
Ward, Benj. Wigginton, Philip Nelson, Fran
cis Nelson, Parke F. Berkeley, John Gray,
Geo. M. Carrington, John A. W. Smith, John
E> Page, Robert P. Waring, Benjamin Pollard,
William C. Latane, Thomas L. Latane, Francis
C. Fitzhugh, Geo. Sharp, John Carter, Thomas
Marshall, George F. Washington, Benj. Fer
guson, Alexander Stephens, and Samuel C.
Nichols— 49.
Noes — The Rev. Johannes Edward Jackson,
William Jackson, Thomas Jackson, John P.
M'Guire ; Messrs. Edmund L Lee, John Stu
art, and Lewis Berkeley — 7.
On motion of the Rev. Mr. Grammer,
Resolved, That the second arid third recom
mendations contained in the report of the com
mittee on the state of the church, be referred to
a select committee of three members ; and a
committee was appointed of the Rev. Mr. Gram
mer, Dr. Carter Berkeley, and Mr. Obed Waite.
On motion, Resolved, That the next Conven
tion of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the
Diocess of Virginia" be held in the borough of
Norfolk, on the third Thursday in May next.
On motion, Resolved, unanimously, That the
thanks of -this Convention be tendered to the
ministers of the churches in this place, for the
liberal and kind offer of their churches for the
use of this Convention.
On motion, Resolved, unanimously, That the
thanks of this Convention be tendered to the
citizens of this place, for their kind and hospita
ble attentions to the members of this Conven
tion during its session.
On motion, Resolved, That one thousand
copies of this Journal be printed, and distributed
by tbe secretary among the parishes.
Resolved, That the treasurer pay to the sec
retary his expenses incurred in attending this
Convention. Resolved, That the treasurer pay to the door
keeper of this Convention six dollars for hia
services. On motion, Resolved, That the sum of one
hundred and thirty-two dollars be appropriated
to the bishop for liis episcopal services for the
support of his assistant, out of the contingent
fund, to make up, with the sum paid in for that
purpose during the present Conventipn, the sum
of two hundred and twenty-five dollars.
Then, on motion, the Convention adjourned
until half past .4 o'clock P, M.
The Convention met at half past 4 o'clock
P. M.
The standing committee of this diocess for
the past year presented the journal of their pro
ceedings, -which was read.
The Rev. Mr. Grammer, from the committee
tp whom were referred the second and third
recommendations contained in the report of the
committee on the state of the church, presented
the following report : —
The committee to whom were referred the
second and third recommendations contained in
the report of the committee on the state of the

CONVENTION OF 1830.

251

church, have had the same under consideration,
and beg leave to recommend the adoption of the
following resolutions :— -
Resolved, That John G. Williams, the Rev.
Mr. Lee, and the Rev. Mr. Peet, be appointed a
committee, to meet in the city of. Richmond as
early as convenient, and make such an assess
ment among the parishes of this diocess as
will raise the sum of three hundred dollars annu
ally, to be paid to Bishop Moore, and' fhat this-
committee inform the clergymen of each par
ish of the proportion required from his parish ;
and, Resolved, That the clergy be required to raise
the quota Jso assessed, and pay it in at the next
Convention. Resolved, That the treasurer of the church
pay to the Right Rev. Bishop Meade the sum of
one hundred and fifty dollars ; and that, in addi
tion to this, he pay the expenses already incur
red, and which may from time to time be in
curred by the said bishop, in performing his epis
copal visitations.
And, on the questions being severally put
upon agreeing with the committee in their pro
posed resolutions, the same were oarried in the
affirmative. Dr. Carter Berkeley, from the executive
committee of the Missionary Society of the
Protestant Episcopal Church, presented the fol
lowing report : — ¦
The executive committee of the Missionary
Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church re
port to the Convention, that they have exam
ined the treasurer's accounts, and find he has
received the sum of $324 72, none' of whieh
has been expended, owing to the difficulty of
procuring a missionary.
That, in consequence of the distant location
of the different members of the executive com
mittee, they have not had a meeting to organize
the society ; they therefore recommend to the
Convention the propriety of altering the third
article of the constitution of the Missionary
Society, so as to make the executive committee
consist of the officers of the society, and seven
clerical and seven lay members ;-and that any
three members may form a quorum to transact
ordinary business. The president of the Con
vention will appoint the time of making the col
lection for the benefit of the society.
On motion, Resolved, That the report be re
ceived. On motion, Resolved, That the Constitution
of the Protestant Episcopal Missionary Society
of the Diocess of Virginia be amended, by stri

king out the third article of the same, and in
serting, in lieu thereof, the following : —
" The bishop of the diocess* Shall be ex-officio
the president, and the assistant bishop shall be
ex-officio the vice-president, and the other offi
cers shall be a secretary,, a treasurer, and an
executive committee, consisting of the said offi
cers and seven clerical and seven lay members,
to be annually appointed by the Convention ;
and of this executive committee the bishop
shall be president, and three members shall be
sufficient to constitute a Quorum to transact
business." The Convention then -proceeded to the elec
tion of the officers and executive committee of
the Missionary Society ; and thereupon John
G. Williams was elected secretary, Thomas
Nelson was elected treasurer, and Rev. £. C.
M'Guire, Rev. H. W. Ducachet, Rev. N. H.
Cobbs, Rev. William Jackson, Rev. George A.
Smith, Rev. William F. Lee, Rev. E, W. Peet,
Mr. John Nelson, Dr. Carter Berkeley, Mr. Ed
mund I. Lee, Mr. John Gray, Col. George M.
Carrington, and Mr. Sarhuel C Nichols, were
elected members of the executive committee. '
The Convention proceeded to the election,
by ballot, of eight delegates, to represent this
diocess in the next General Convention of the
Protestant Episcopal Church of the United
States ; whereupon the following gentlemen
were duly elected, viz. : — Rev. Reuel Keith,
D. D.,' Rev. Nicholas H. Cobbs, Rev. Henry
W. Ducachet, Rev. John Grammer, Mr. John
G. Williams, Mr. Thomas. Marshall, Mr. Philip
Nelson, and Mr. James M. Garnett.
On motion, Resolved, That the tenth canon,
directing the manner of electing vestrymen, be
amended, by adding thereto the following words ;
" Vacancies happening within the year may be
filled by the remaining members, provided a
sufficient number remains to form a quorum."
On motion, Resolved, That the will of Evan
Ragland be referred to the^ standing committee
of the diocess, with instruction to inquire into
the amount that has or will be collected in con
formity with the compromise heretofore effected
with his heirs, and what disposition should be
made of the same in conformity with the -will,
and report thereupon to the next Convention.
And then, on motion, the Convention adjourn
ed, to meet in the borough of Norfolk, on the
third Thursday in May next.
William Meade,
Assistant Bishop of the Diocess
of Virginia.
J. G. Williams, Secretary.

252

CONVENTION OF 1831.

Journal of the Proceedings of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Virginia,
which assembled in the Borough of Norfolk, on the 19th day of May, 1831.
This being the day and place appointed for
the annual, meeting of the Convention of the
Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocess of
Virginia, the Right. Rev. Bishop Moore, D. D.,
with several clergymen and lay delegates," at
tended divine service in the Episcopal church
in this borough.
Morning prayers were read by the Rev. Ben-
jarhin C. Cutler, and a sermon preached by the
Rev. John Grammer.
After divine service, the Right Rev. Bishop
Moore took the chair as president of the Con
vention. The following clergymen, entitled to seats in
this Convention, appeared, viz. : —
The Rev. Ephraim Adams, Alexandria ; Eb
enezer Boyden, Augusta parish, Staunton ;
Mark L. Chevers, St. John's Church, Elizabeth
City parish ; Nicholas H. Cobbs, Russell par
ish, Bedford county ; John Cole, Abingdon and
Ware parishes, Gloucester ; John Cooke, St.
Martin's parish, Hanover and Louisa counties ;
Benjamin C. Cutler, Shelburne parish, Loudoun
county ; James Doughen, St. James's parish,
Northam, Goochland ; Charles Dresser, Antrim
parish, Halifax county ; Henry W. Ducachet,
M. D., Christ Church, Norfolk ; Adam Empie,
rector of Bruton parish, and President of Will
iam and Mary College, Williamsburg ; Stephen
S. Gunter, Hungar's parish Northampton;
Zachariah H. Goldsmith, St. Paul's parish,
King George ; John Grammer, St. Andrew's
and Bath parishes, Dinwiddie county.; Johannes
Edward Jackson, Christ Church, Frederick par
ish, Frederick county.; William Jackson, St.
Paul's Church, Alexandria ; Jacob Keeling, Suf
folk parish, Nansemond county ; George Lemon,
Hamilton and Leeds parishes, Fauquier ; Will
iam F. Lee, Christ Church, Richmond ; Charles
Mann, Christ Church, Fairfax parish, Alexan
dria ; Zachariah Meade, St. Anne's parish,
Albemarle county ; Edward C. M'Guire, St.
George's parish, Fredericksburg ; John P.
M'Guire, St. Anne's and Sov/th Farnham parish
es, Essex ; Nahum G. Osgood, Moore's parish,
Campbell county ; Ira Parker, Lynnhaven par
ish, Princess Anne ; Edward W. Peet, Henrico
parish, Henrico county ; Leonidas Polk, assist
ant minister of the Monumental Church, Rich
mond ; William Steel, St. James's parish, Meck
lenburg ; Andrew Syme, Bristol parish, Peters
burg ; John H. Wingfield, Portsmouth parish,
Norfolk county.
Ordered, That the Rev. James Doughen, the
Rev. John Cole, and Mr. Philip Nelson, be a
committee to examine the certificates of lay
delegates, who then withdrew, and, after a short
time, returned and presented the following re
port : —
The committee to whom were referred the
certificates of the lay delegates have, according
to order, examined the same, and report, that
the following persons have been duly elected
lay delegates to this Convention, and that their

certificates are in the form prescribed by the
canon, viz. : —
Burwell Bassett; Bruton parish, Williams
burg.; Wright Southgate, Christ Church, Nor
folk ; Augustin L. Dabney, Abingdon parish,
Gloucester ; Warner T. Taliaferro, Ware par
ish; Gloucester ; Mallory M. Todd, Newport
parish, Isle of Wight ; William B. Whitten,
Russell parish, Bedford county ; . Thurmer
Hoggard, Lynnhaven parish, Princess Arme i
Arthur Emerson, Trinity Church, Portsmouth
parish ; William G. Minor and Thomas L.
Lomax, St. Margaret's parish, Caroline ; John
Nelson,"St. James's parish, Mecklenburg county;
Edward Valentine, Augusta parish, Augusta
county ; John W. Page, Hampshire parish,
Hampshire county ; John T. Clark, Antrim
parish, Halifax county ; Isaac Winston and
Philip Slaughter, jr., St. Stephen's Church,
Culpepper county ; James M. Garnett, St.
Anne's parish, Essex county ; William Boiling,
St. James's -parish, Northam, Goochland coun
ty; Roger B. Atkinson, Cumberland parish, Lu
nenburg county ; Francis Wicker, St. John's
Church, Henrico parish, Henrico ; Francis C.
Fitzhugh,' M. D., St. Paul's parish, King George
county ; Junius A. Clay, Tillotson parish, Buck
ingham county; Linneus Dupuy, St. Paul's
Church, Lynchburg ; Joseph - Prentiss, St.
Paul's Church, town of Suffolk ; Austin Fitz
hugh and Edward T. Tayloe, Brunswick par
ish, King George county ; Westwood S. Armi
stead, St. John's Church, parish of Elizabeth
City ; Edmund I. Lee, Christ Church, Fairfax
parish, Alexandria ; Hilary Baker, Christ
Church, Richmond ; William G. Smith, M;D ,
Hungar's parish, Northampton : Archibald Ma-
gill, Christ Church, Norborne parish, Berkeley ;
Francis Nelson, St. Martin's parish, Hanover
and Louisa counties ; Thomas Marshall, Leeds
parish, Fauquier county ;' Robert Boiling, Bris
tol parish, Prince George county ; Alexander
Brodnax, St. Andrew's parish, Brunswick ;
William S. Jones, Christ Church, Winchester ;
Hugh Nelson, Fredericksville parish, Albe
marle ; Walter Coles, St. Anne's Church, Albe
marle county ; Leven S. Joynes, St. George's
parish, Accomack county ; John G. Lawrence,
South Farnham parish, Essex county ; Robert
Pollard and J. G. Williams, Monumental
Church, Richmond ; Philip Nelson, Frederick
parish, Frederick county ; William M. Black
ford, Hamilton parish, Fauquier county ; Thom
as Withers, Bath parish, Dinwiddie county ;
John Gray, St. George's parish, Fredericks
burg. That the following persons appear to have
been duly elected, but the certificates are not
in the form prescribed by the canon, viz. : —
Thomas Nelson, Frederick parish, Frederick
county ; John Thom, Sfr. Mark's parish, Cul
pepper county.
On motion, Resolved, That the said report
be received.

CONVENTION OF 1831.

253

The Rev. T. G. Bedell, of Philadelphia, the
Rev. Frederick W. Hatch, of Washington, and
the Rev. William G. H. Jones, of North Caro
lina, with several candidates for orders, were
invited by the president, in pursuance of the
standing order of the Convention, to attend the
sittings of the same.
On motion of Mr. J. G. Williams,
Resolved, That the following rules of order,
adopted by the last Convention for the govern
ment of their proceedings, be. the rules of pro
ceeding during the present Convention.
1 . The business of every day shall be intro
duced with prayer.
2. When the president takes the chair, no
member shall continue standing, or shall after
ward stand up, except to address the chair.
3. No member shall absent himself from the
house unless he have leave, or be unable to at
tend. 4. When any member is about to speak in
debate, or deliver any matter to the house, he
shall, with due respect, address himself to the
president, confining himself strictly to the point
in debate.
5., No member shall speak more than twice
in the same debate without leave of the house.
6. A question being once determined shall-
stand as the judgment of the, house, and shall
not again be drawn into debate during the same
session," unless with the consent of two thirds
ofthe house.
7. While the president is putting any ques
tion, the member's shall continue in their seats,
and shall not hold any private discourse.
8. Every member who shall be in the house
when any question is put, shall, on a division,
be counted, unless he be personally interested
in the decision.
9. No motion shall be considered as before
the house unless it be seconded, and, when re
quired, reduced to writing.
10. When any question is before the house, it
shall be determined upon before any new subject
is introduced, except the question of adjourn
ment. 11. The question on a motion of adjourn
ment shall beHaken before any other, and with
out debate.
12. When the house is about to rise, every
member shall keep his seat until the president
shall leave his chair.
13. None of the rules of order shall be sus
pended without the concurrence of two thirds
of the members present.
Ordered, That the Rev. Adam Empie, the
Rev. Edward C. M'Guire, the Rev. John
Grammer, the Rev. William Jackson, Mr. Ed
mund I. Lee, Mr. ThOmas Marshall, Mr. Bur
well Bassett, and Mr. Hugh Nelson, be a com
mittee to take into consideration the state of
the church in this diocess, and report there
upon to this Convention.
Ordered, That the Rev. Nicholas H. Cobbs,
the Rev. John P. M'Guire, the Rev. Edward W.
Peet, and Mr. Francis Nelson, be a committee
to examine the parochial reports.
Ordered, That the Rev. George Lemon, the

Rev. Johannes Edward Jackson, the Rev.
Ebenezer Boyden, and Mr. John Thorn, be a
committee to examine the state of the, fund for
the support of the widows and orphans of de
ceased clergymen.
. Ordered, That the Rev. William F. Lee,
Mr. John Nelson, Mr. Robert Pollard, and Mr
Thomas Withers, be a committee to examine
the treasurer's accounts.
Ordered, That Mr. Edmund I. Lee, Mr.
James M. Garnett, Mr. Wright Southgate,'Mr.
John Gray, and Mr. Walter Coles, be a com
mittee to examine the accounts of the treasurer
of the fund for the permanent support of the
episcopate in this diocess.
On motion, Resolved, That when the Con
vention adjourn to-day, it adjourn to meet to
morrow moming, at 9' o'clock.
And then, on motion, the Convention ad
journed until to-morrow morning, 9 o'clock.
Friday, May 20, 1831.
The Convention met according to adjourn
ment, "and was opened with prayer by the Rev.
George Lemon.
The Right Rev. Bishop Moore being absent,
from indisposition, the Rev. Mr. Lemon was
called to the chair.
Mr. Fitch W. Taylor, a lay delegate of St.
Paul's Church, Alexandria, appeared, produced
a certificate of his appointment, and took his
seat. The secretary received the following contri
butions from sundry parishes of this diocess for
the contingent fund : —
Bruton parish, Williamsburg, - -$15 00
Christ Church, Norfolk, - - -.' - 30 00
Abingdon and Ware parishes, 20 50
Newport parish, Isle of Wight, 3 .00
Rpssell parish, Bedford county, 30 00
Lynnhaven parish, Princess Anne, 10 00
Trinity Church, Portsmouth parish, - 15 00
St. Margaret's parish, Caroline, > 3 00
St. James's parish, Mecklenburg, 16 00
Augusta parish;' Augusta county, 10 00
Antrim parish, Halifax county, - 25 00
St. Stephen's Church, Culpepper coun
ty, - - 13 00
St. Anne's parish, Essex, - - 22 00
St. James's parish, Northam, Goochland
county, - 10 00
Cumberland parish, Lunenburg county, 15 00
St. John's Church, Henrico parish, . 15 00
St. Paul's parish, King George county, 27 50
Tillotson parish, Buckingham county, 14 00
St. Paul's Church, Lynchburg, - - 15 00
St. Paul's Church, town of Suffolk, 7 50
Brunswick parish, King George county, 10 00
St. John's Church, parish of Elizabeth
City, ----- 6 00
Christ Church, Fairfax parish, Alexan
dria, - - - 30 00
Christ Church, Richmond, - 15 00
Hungar's parish, Northampton, - - 10 00
Christ Church, Norborne parish, Berke
ley,  5 00

Amount carried forward, $392 50

254

CONVENTION OF 1831.

Amount brought forward, $392 50
St. Martin's parish, Hanover and
Louisa counties, - - - 20 00
Leeds parish, Fauquier county, - 15 00
Bristol parish, Prince George county, 30 00
St. Andrew's parish, Brunswick county, 15 00
Christ Church, Winchester, - - 15 00
St. Anne's Church, Albemarle, - 5 00
St. George's parish, Accomack, - 10 00
South Farnham parish, Essex county", 10 00
Frederick parish, Frederick county, - 15 00
Monumental Church, Richmond, 30 00
Hamilton parish,- Fauquier county, 15 00
Bath parish, Dinwiddie county, 15 00
St. George's parish, Fredericksburg, - 20 00
St. Mark's parish, Culpepper county, 20 00
St. Paul's Church, Alexandria, 20 00
St. James's Church", Leesburg, Lou
doun county, - - - 10 00
From Mrs. Lucy Thweatt, Mrs. Mary-v
Johnson, Mrs Mary Thweatt, and I . .
Mrs. Virginia Pegram, of Ches- f 1U °°
terfield county (donation), J
Fredericksville parish, Albemarle coun
ty, - 10 00
$6.77 50
The following sums were paid by sundry
parishes towards the support of -Bishop Moore,
and as a remuneration for his episcopal servi
ces, in pursuance of the assessment made upon
them by the committee appointed at the last
Convention for that purpose : —
Bruton'parish, Williamsburg, :
Christ Church, Norfolk, ' -
Abingdon and Ware parishes, Glouces
ter,
Newport parish, Isle of Wight,
Russell parish, Bedford county,
Trinity Church; Portsmouth parish, -
St. Margaret's parish, Caroline county,
St. James's parish, Mecklenburg,
Augusta parish, Augusta county,
Antrim parish, Halifax county,
St. Stephen's Church, Culpepper coun
ty, - - - - -
St. Anne's parish, Essex county,
St. John's Church, Henrico parish,
Henrico county,
Tillotson parish, Buckingham,
St. Paul's Church, Lynchburg, -
St. Paul's Church, town of Suffolk, -
St. John's Church, parish of Elizabeth
City, --..-.
Christ Church, Fairfax parish, Alexan
dria,
Christ Church, Richmond,
Hungar's parish, Northampton, -
Christ Church, Norborne parish, Berke
ley, - - -
St. Martin's parish, Hanover and
Louisa counties, - -
Leeds parish, Fauquier county,
Bristol parish, Prince George county,
St. Andrew's and Bath parishes.

12

00

12

00

5

00

3

00

12

00

9

00

7

00

8

00

7

50

6

00

9

00

8

00

8

00

7

00

10

00

5

00

6

00

12

00

9

00

5

00

5

00

10

00

6

00

12

00

10

00

Amount carried forward,

$203 50

$203 50

- 12 0Q

5 00

- 5' 00

- 4 00

- 12 00

12 00

6 00

12 O0

-. 6 00

12 00

- . 12 00

5 00

- 10 00

ty, 12 00

.$328 50

i Amount brought forward,-
Christ Church, Winchester,
St. Anne's Church, Albemarle, -
St, George's parish, Accomack, '
South Farnham parish, Essex county,
Frederick parish, Frederick county,
Monumental Church, Richmond,
Hamilton parish, Fauquier county,
St. Georgels parish, Fredericksburg,
St. Mark's parish, Culpepper county,
St. Paul's Church, Alexandria, -
St. James's Church, Leesburg,
Moore parish, Campbell county,
From Rev. Mr. Crawford, Louisa,
Fredericksville parish, Frederick county.

Mr. Edmund I. Lee, from the committee ap
pointed to examine the state of the fund for the
permanent support of the episcopate in this dio
cess, presented the following report :—
The committee upon the subject of the Bishops'
Fund respectfully report a statement of the ac
count rendered by the wardens of Christ Church,
Fairfax parish, under whose care the same has
been, placed, which will show how much has been
added to the principal since the last Convention,
and what is the present amount of the fund : —
It appears that in the year 1822, the late Rev.
Andrew Belmairi, of Winchester, gave a share of
tbe stock of the Bank of Virginia to this fund, and
the same was transferred to the Right Rev. Bishop
Moore and the gentlemen then members of the
standing committee. That all the members of
the then committee have departed this life except
two, one of whom removed several years ago out
of. the diocess, and is -no longer a 'member of
the committee. That there is now due from
the bank, for unreceived dividends on this share,
$39 75.
The committee would recommend, that the
share in the "Bank of Virginia should be sold by -
the surviving trustees, and. the money, with the
dividends now due, be vested in such other fund
as the church-wardens aforesaid shall deem most
to the interest of the fund.
The whole fund, including the bank-stocks at
par value, and the $39 75 dividends due on the
share in the Virginia Bank, added to fhe $13 16 in
the hands of the trustees of the Bishops' Fund,
ariiounts to $5,552 91.
The committee are unanimously of opinion,
that steps ought to be taken to increase -the
Bishops' Fund as rapidly as practicable. They
cannot forbear to express the great importance
of being able to release the bishops from parochial
duties, so that they may be able to travel as much
and as often through this .extensive" diocess as
circumstances will admit. Under this impres
sion, the committee recommend the adoption of
the following resolutions : —
Resolved, That the. minister of each church in
this diocess, annually, deliver an appropriate dis
course, recommending the pious object of the
episcopal fund, and the necessity of increasing the
same. The collections to be made at such time
and in such manner as the minister and wardens
of this church shall deem most expedient. The
amount of the collection in each church shall,
when practicable, he forthwith remitted by the
minister thereof to the church-wardens of Christ
Church, Alexandria, Fairfax parish ; and'he shall
also report the amount collected and remitted as

CONVENTION OF 1831.

255

aforesaid, to the next Convention, which report
shall be entered on the journals of the same.
The church-wardens aforesaid shall forthwith pro
ceed to vest, the same ifund, which will- produce
an interest payable half yearly.
Resolved, That the share in the Virginia Bank
be sold, and the proceeds applied as recommended
in the report.
On motion, Resolved, That the said report be
for the present laid upon the table.
.The Rev. William F. Lee, from the commit
tee appointed to examine the treasurer's ac
counts, made the following report : —
The committee to whom was referred the
treasurer's account, respectfully report, that
they have examined the same, and find it to be
correct — the various items being ascertained by
the proper vouchers, which are filed with the
account. The balance remaining in the hands
of the treasurer at this time is $76. 4i.
On motion, Resolved, That the said report be
received and approved.
The session was then suspended, for the pur
pose of attending divine service by the Rev.
Mr. Dresser, and a sermon by the Rev. Mr.
Empie.. After divine service, Rev. Bishop Moore ap
peared and took his seat as president of the
Convention. The Right Rev. Bishop Moore, agreeably to
the 45th canon of the General Convention, de
livered the following ADDRESS.
In compliance with the duty enjoined on me by
the church; I now present to the Convention a
view of my episcopal labours since their last an
nual meeting.
In the month of June I visited the town of Pe
tersburg, in company with several of the clergy ;
at which time I preached in the church at that
place,, and confirmed thirteen persons. In the
month of December! repeated my visit, preached,
and confirmed nine.
On the 27th of November I visited Fredericks
burg, on the evening of which day I confirmed
twenty-four ; and on Sunday, the 28th, I preached,
admitted Mr. Cleaver to deacons' orders, the Rev.
G. W. Ridgeley to the priesthood, and administer
ed the Lord's Supper.-
On the 22d of November I attended the conse
cration of the present bishop of Maryland, at
which time I preached, and assisted in all the so
lemnities usual on such occasions.
During the last winter I visited the county of
Hanover, with the intention of laying the comer-
stone of a church now building, but was prevent
ed from discharging that duty by the weather. I
however lectured at the house of Dr. Berkeley.
In November I visited the county of Essex,
and officiated in Vauter's Church.
During the past year I have visited Norfolk and
Portsmouth several times. - In June I admitted
to the priesthood, in Christ Church, the Rev.
John H. Hill and the Rev. John Cole; and in
March, ordained Mr. W. N. Hawks deacon, and
preached on the evening of the same day.
In Portsmouth 1 have preached several times ;
consecrated a handsome new church, and institu
ted the Rev. J^ H. Wingfield pastor of that parish.
I have visited the county of Goochland several
times, upon which occasions I have always
Breached, and administered the Lord's Supper.
In July last I consecrated Christ Church, in the

city of Richmond, of which the Rev. Wm. F. Lee
is rector; on which occasion I preached, and ad
ministered the Lord's Supper. I preached also in
that church on the evening of Good Friday, and
confirmed sixteen persons ; and in February, I
ordained in the same church Mr. Jos. H. Saun
ders deacon, and administered the Lord's Supper.
In February, I instituted the Rev. E. W. Peet
rector of" St. John> Church, in the city of Rich
mond, on which occasion the Rev. W. F. Lee
preached ; and on the evening of Sunday, the 8th
instant, I admitted to the priesthood, in the same
church, the Rev. Jarvis Buxton : sermon by the
Rev. Mr. Peet.
In the present month I visited Hanover county,
preached in the morning in the church, and lec
tured in the afternoon at the house of Mr. Nelson
Berkeley, and in both places had large and atten
tive congregations.
The last week I visited the county of Essex,
preached to the largest congregation I have ever
seen in Vauter's Church, and confirmed two per
sons ; and in the afternoon of the same day, the
Rev. Mr. Peet lectured at the house of Mr. James
Garnett. The next day I preached in Port Royal to the
largest congregation I have ever met in that place.,
I then crossed the Rappahannock and visited King
George county, in-which place I consecrated St.
Paul's Church — an edilMj^which has been resto
red to the worship of Arrrflghty God ; and, by the
generous ' efforts of the congregation, has been
finished with great taste. I preached on the oc
casion to an immense crowd of respectable and
pious worshippers, confirmed twenty-two, and ad
ministered the Lord's Supper to upwards of sixty
persons. Upon that solemn occasion I was assisted by
five clergymen, whose labours were continued
three successive days ; and we have every reason
to believe, that the word which was then deliver
ed will not return unto the Lord void ; but that
many precious souls bave received an impulse
which will never cease to, shed its good effects in
their future life and conversation.
I cannot conclude without recommending to
the clergy and people the great importance of re
ligious associations,. They have a tendency to
produce in the minds of both minister and congre
gations an increase pf religious ardour ; to heigh
ten their attachment to the church, her doctrines,
and worship ; and to fit. and prepare them for the
society of angels, and the spirits of the just made
perfect in Heaven. Rich'd C; Moore.
The following Address of the Right Rev.
Bishop Meade, made in pursuance of the canon,
was read by the secretary : —
To the Members of the Convention of the Protest
ant Episcopal Church in the Diocess of Virginia,
assembled in Norfolk, May 19th, 1831.
Dear Brethren and Friends, — Beingcalled
by the providence of God to perform episcopal
duties in places far distant from that in which you
have assembled, I send you- the following brief
notice of such services as I have been enabled to
render during the past year, in aid of our much
loved father in Christ. Most of you being pres
ent, doubtless remember with holy joy the exer
cises ofthe Sabbath which succeeded our last Con
vention in the town of Winchester. The morning
was commenced by administering the rite of bap
tism to two adults, and of confirmation, to twenty-
two. Our mid-day services were truly interesting,
and we hope edifying. They were prolonged to
an unusual length by the administration of the

256

CONVENTION OF 1831.

Lord's Supperdo a multitude of devout worship
pers, and by the ordination of one priest and three
deacons. The Rev. Mr.. Smallwood, from Mary
land, was admitted to priests' orders, arid the' Rev.
Mr. Ash, Mr. Adams, and Mr. Hill, to deacons'
orders. The last ordination was rendered doubly
dear and interesting to us all, by the considera
tion that Mr. Hill and his beloved wife were soon
to leave our shores, and engage in the glorious ef
fort to extend the kingdom of the Redeemer
through the world. From the time of the Con
vention until the month of August, my labours
were confined to the limits of my own parish, with
the exception of a visit to Leesburg and another to
Charlestown, at each of which places I preached,
and administered the ordinances of religion. In
the latter, two persons were confirmed. On the
16th of August, I set out on a visit to our few scat
tered' congregations on the banks of the Kanawha
and Ohio rivers. On my way thither I stopped
at Woodstock, where I preached once, at Harri
sonburg, where I preached twice, and at Port Re
public, where Ipreached once. In and around
each of these places we have some friends warm
ly attached to our church, who, if not able to sup
port regular ministers, would rejoice in the occa
sional services of missionaries. I also tarried sev-.
eral days in Staunton, preaching repeatedly, con
firming two persons, and uniting in the adminis
tration of the Lord's BK&jper. The zeal of our
people iri that place hafrcd them to the erection
of a new-brick church, which will be consecrated
in the tour upon which I am just entering. On
leaving Staunton I proceeded without delay to
Charlestown, in Kanawha county, which I reach
ed in six days. In this place and the neighbour
hood I spent two Sabbaths and the intervening
days in the performance of ministerial and epis
copal duties. During its period I preached ten
times, consecrated one church, baptized one adult
and nineteen children, confirmed sixteen, and ad
ministered the Lord'sf Supper twice. Iwas truly
gratified by my visit to this parish. ' It has been
now destitute for some years of the ministrations
of our church; but there are a goodly number of
pious persons who are strongly attached to Our
communion, and firmly resolved to procure the
services of some faithful minister, whose temporal
wants will, 1 am confident, be well provided for.
I trust that it will please the "Great Shepherd
soon to send them a pastor after his own heart.
From Kanawha I directed my* course towards
Wheeling, which I reached in six days. It was
my intention to call at Parkersburg, but circum--
stances prevented. While in Marietta, on the op
posite side of the river and some miles above, I
learned that there were a number of persons about
Parkersburg who were desirous to obtain the ser
vices of an Episcopal minister, and that if a suit
able one could be obtained, a union would be
probably formed between Parkersburg and Mari
etta, which might offer .a sufficient field of useful
ness to a pious man, and ensure him a moderate
support. I reached Wheeling on Saturday even
ing, arid spent the three following days there,
preaching four times. On Wednesday I went to
Wellsburg, and preached to a large congregation
that night. On Thursday I preached at /ft. John's
Church, about eight miles from Wellsburg, and in
the evening at Steubenville, in Ohio. I preached
again at St. John's Friday morning, when I con
firmed nineteen, and on Saturday morning I
preached again at Wellsburg, confirming nine.
At this time a regular church was organized
in Wellsburg, and a vestry appointed. I feel
much interested for this new church, and for
the congregation at St, John's. The Rev. Mr.

Morse, of the- diocess of Ohio,, has kindjj!. nur
sed them for some years ; biit .lie, informs me
that they want more attentiontthan he can^jlpare
from his other charges. Some pious minister,
whose chief desire is to have souls for his hire,'
might labour among them very usefully; and
though Jhe might not abound, he would hot, I
think, suffer want. He would have comfort in the
society of some sincere, humble, and pious souls, "
and might be the instrument of salvation to many
sinners. After having concluded my labours in
Wellsburg and the neighbourhood, 1 returned to
Wheeling, and spent another Sabbath in- that
place, when I admitted seven persons to the rite
of confirmation. The rector of" the congregation
at Wheeling appears to be earnestly engaged in
the duties of the ministry, and will, I trust, re
ceive the blessing of his divine Master. It was
my intention to "have returned by the way of Mo'r-
gantown, Clarksburg, and Moorfields ; but, being
unable to make appointments in due time, I took
a different route, and reached home after an ab
sence of six weeks. In the nionth of October I
paid a visit to the churches in Berkeley county,
and also to that in Shepherdstown. In the coun
ty of Berkeley I preached repeatedly, admitted
twenty-six to the rite of confirmation, and admin
istered the holy communion. Most of the per
sons confirmed were quite young ; but, in the judg
ment of those most competent to form a correct
opinion, truly engaged iri seeking the salvation of
their souls, and well worthy to be -admitted to a
full participation of all the privileges of God's
house. In Shepherdstown I preached twice and
confirmed six. In the month of Deceriiber 1 spent
a few days at an association in Winchester, and on
Sunday admitted eight to confirmation and the holy
communion. During the year, I have also admit
ted to confirmation, within the bounds of my own
parish, nineteen persons. I have nothing else to
report in the way of episcopal labours, except a
short excursion in the month of April, in which I
visited the churches in Loudoun, Fauquier, Alex
andria, and the Theological .Seminary. In Lees
burg I preached twice. I am happy to state, that
the congregation in that place enjoys fhe services
of the Rev. Mr. Cutler, and hope it willlong re
tain them. In Fauquier I preached three times,
twice at Warrenton and once at Cool Spring. In
the former place I admitted eleven to the rite of
confirmation. In conclusion;! would beg leaye to
call the serious attention of my brethren to the
present condition of our Theological Institution
in the vicinity of Alexandria. At no previous time
has God, by his holy Spirit, moved the minds of
so many pious youth within our communion to
devote themselves to the gospel ministry. At no
previous time has the seminary been so full of stu
dents preparing themselves for the high and holy
duties of the priesthood. And yet, at no period
have the funds of the. Education Society been so
inadequate to meet the demands made upon it.
The treasury is now exhausted. I feel a "pleasing
assurance that the mere statement of this fact
will be sufficientto stimulate the languishing zeal
of our friends. Many of our auxiliaries have, I
doubt not, relaxed in their exertions, from a sup-
-position that our condition was so prosperous as
not to require the continuance of the zeal which
first animated them. I have not the least reason
for believing that there is in one of them the
slightest change of sentiment in regard to the in
stitution. I am very confident that there is no
just cause for such change. I would therefore
.take this opportunity of urging it upon all the
members of the Convention, and especially upon
my brethren in the ministry, to resolve, on return-

CONVENTION OF 1831.

257

ing- to their several homes, tb renew their exer
tions in this -cause, ^rid not suffer so holy and im
portant an institution for a moment to be retarded
nrits operation for the want of a prompt and gen
erous support. At the time that this communica
tion shaft be read to you, I shall be far distant from
ray brethren and friends; but my heart .will be
with them — and I pray that grace, mercy, and"
peace ' may be multiplied unto them, and that the
holy exercises ofthe Convention may be more
abundantly blessed than on any previous occasion.
And; in return, let -me-beg that thejirayers of all
the brethren and friends, may be offered up for a
weak and unworthy, brother. William Meade,
Assistant- Bishop of Virginia.
On motion of Mr. Edmund I. Lee,"
Resolved, That the addresses of the bishop
and assistant-bishop of this diocess be referred to
the committee on the state of the church.
The parochial reports were handed in and
xead, and referred to the committee on parochial
reports. On motion of Mr. Edmund I. Lee,
The report of the committee to examine into
the state of the fund for the permanent support
of the. episcopate in this diocess was taken up,
and again read, when,
On motion, the Convention adjourned until
to-morrow morning, 9 o'clock.
Saturday, May 21, 1831.
The Convention met according to adjourn
ment, and was opened with prayer by the Rev.
Mr. Doughen.
The Rev. Reuel Keith, D. D^ appeared and
took his seat.
The report of the committee upon the subject
of the Bishops' Fund was again taken up and
considered, and, upon the question being taken,
the report and resolutions were agreed to.
On motion of Mr. Edmund I. Lee,
Resolved, That the next Convention Of the
Protestant" Episcopal Church of the Diocess of
Virginia be held in the town of Alexandria, pn
the third Wednesday in May next.
The session was' then suspended, for the pur
pose of attending divine -service by the Rev."Mr.
Steel, and a sermon by the Rev Mr. Cutler^
•Resolved, That the treasurer of the Conven
tion do pay to the secretary of the House of
Clerical and Lay Delegates of the General Con
vention the sum of eleven dollars, being the
special assessment upon this .diocess for the
purpose of paying the debt now due from the
General Convention.
The Rev. Mr. Lemon, from the committee to
whom was referred the examination of the ac
counts of the treasurer of the fund for the relief
of the widows and orphans of deceased, clergy
men of the Episcopal Church of Virginia, made
the following report : —
The committee to whom was referred the
examination of the accounts of the treasurer
of the fund for the relief of the widows arid
orphans of "deceased clergymen of the Episcopal
Church of Virginia, beg leave. to report, that the
following account of the treasurer, Mr. John
Hooff,- was submitted to them : of the entire
R

correctness of which account they have no
doubt ; but no vouchers were submitted to the
committee. '
George Lemon, Chairman.
The Fund or the Relief of the Widows and Or
phans of Deceased Clergymen of the Protest
ant Episcopal Church of Virginia, in account
with John Hooff, Treasurer, Dr.
1830, May 25.— To cash paid for four
' shares of the Farmers' Bank of Alex- ..
andria stock, $30 per share, - $120 .00
Oct. 2. — To cash paid for four shares of
do., ¦ - - - 120 00
1831, Jan. 5. — To cash transmitted the
Rev. Alexander Jones, for the use of
Miss Maria Heath, - - - 30 00
Balance in treasurer's hands, 125 61

Cr,

1395 61

1830, May 12.— By old account for bal
ance, - - . . $123 49
July 3.— By dividend on three per cents:,
for one quarter, , - - - - 15 28
July "8. — By cash for dividend on five
shares Bank Alexandria' stock, 15 00
Oct. 1 . — By cash for dividend on eighty-
three shares Farmers' Bank Alex
andria, - 83 00
Oct. 4.— By cash for dividend on three
per cents,, one quarter, - 15 28
1831, Jan. 8. — By cash for dividend on
three per cents., one quarter, 15 28
Jan. 10.- — By cash for dividend on five
shares Bank Alexandria, stock, 15 00
Jan. 31, — By cash for dividend on one
share Bank of Virginia, from July,
. 1829, to January, 1831, 11 00
April 2. — By cash for dividend on three
per cents., one quarter, ¦ 15 28
April 5. — By cash for dividend one ighty-
seven shares Farmers' Bank Alexan
dria stock, - 87 00

$395 61
May 4. — By balance brought down, in
tbe treasurer's hands, - -$125 61
E. E. John Hooff, Treasurer.
The Funds of the Company are as follow: —
United States three per cents.,, - $2,037 78
87 shares of Farmers' Bank of Alex
andria stock, at par, - - - 4,350 00
5 shares of Bank of Alexandria stock,
at par, ... 1^00 00
1-shaxe of Bank of Virginia stock, at
par, ... 100 00
Robert Andrews's, estate, balance of
note," with interest, from 30th April,
1829, till paid, - 399 23
Cash in hand, 125 61
$8,012 62

On motion, Resolved, That the said report
be received.

258

CONVENTION OF 1831.

The Rev. Mr. Cobbs, from the committee on
the parochial reports, presented the following
report, which was read and received.
The coirimiitee appointed tp examine the paro
chial reports would state to the Convention that
they have performed that duty, and herewith re
turn the said reports, revised and abridged, for in
sertion on the journal. N. H. Cobbs, Chairman. -
St. George's parish, Accomack. This parish
has been without a rector for..the last eleven
months. The congregations are desirous to obtain
one as early as possible. Both churches, in the
parish are in good order. The Rev. Messrs. Che
vers arid Gnnter have each visited the parisrrtwice
since it has been vacant, and preached several
times. Communicants twenty-eight— one mar
riage—baptisms fifteen — Sunday School scholars
sixty-three. There is also an infant class of about
fifteen, from two to seven years of age, urider the
direction of two young ladies. It was formed in
April, and is becoming very interesting. There
is also a Female Tract Society, auxiliary to the
American Tract Society, in a prosperous condi
tion ; also a Bible Society, in rather a languishing
condition. Levin S. Joynes, Delegate.
Hungar's parish, Northampton county, Virginia.
Since last' report, Hungar's Church has been
repaired, and a new and handsome brick church
erected at Eastville, which is now ready for con
secration. Two Bible Societies have been formed,
and the county supplied with the word of God. A
Female Tract Society has been formed. A Tem
perance Society has been organized that numbers
seventy-five. The visible effects of this society
are great, and it promises much usefulness to the
community at large, as well as to families and in
dividuals. The temperance cause is the cause of
God, and will prevail. I- have had evening service
at the lower end, of the county and at Bell Haven
alternately, every Lord's day, and lectures at East
Hill in the week. The present number of com
municants is twenty-eight — baptisms one hundred
and one — burials forty-three — marriages thirty-
one. S. S. Gunter, Rector.
St. Matthew's Church, Wheeling. Having ob
tained help of God, we continue unto this day pro
gressing steadily, if not rapidly. The visit of our
beloved bishop was a season of" refreshing from the
presence of the Lord. The fallen were raised up,
the weak-hearted were helped and comforted — all
were strengthened.
The Lord has added a few to the church of
such, we trust, as shall be saved. They have
given additional weight arid influence to the body
of communicants, thirty-two in number, in whose
confessions of Christ, humility, love, and devotion,
the rector has abundant cause of rejoicing and
hope. The Sunday School is flourishing ; it has nine
teachers and about a hundred scholars.
The two congregations in Brooke county, so
long and faithfully served by the Rev. Mr. Morse,
of Steubenville, Ohio, still continue to prosper
under his care. The number of communicants in
both is, I believe, about fifty.
J. Thomas Wheat, Rector.
Augusta parish, Staunton. The affairs of this
parish wear, in most respects, a far brighter aspect
than at any former period of the labours of the
present minister. One new church in Staunton,
a very neat and commodious edifice, is nearly
completed. That in the neighbourhood is com
menced. In spiritual things God has poured on
us his blessing.

Members added to the communion Iasttyear
sixteen — confirmations fifteen— baptisms twelve —
marriages eight— deaths six — whole number of
communicants- forty-two. E. Boyden..,.
Christ Church, Winchester. The situation of
Christ Church, Frederick parish, continues to be
prosperous. Our increase is steady; but not rapid.
The public ministrations and social exercises are
well attended, and the benevolent societies liber
ally supported.
During the past year a Missionary Society' has
been organized, and an auxiliary to it,by a Sewing
Society, formed among the ladies of the congrega
tion, both o(,which promise much good.
There are two Sunday Schools under the pat
ronage of the church ; the one more immediately
-attached tq,the congregation is. well supplied with
pious teachers, and possesses a useful library, and
.contains about eighty scholars. School No. 2 is
located at a cotton-factory about three miles from
town, and contains about sixty scholars, many of
whom "are adults; six of them are deeply concern
ed about the salvation of their souls. ¦ The library
of the school contains about seventy volumes, fur
nished by the cpngregation of Christ Church.
Since the last Convention eighteen have been
added to the communion, of whom two members
have removed from the parish, leaving the present
number of communicants eighty-two^— baptisms
twenty-one— marriages eight. . .
The congregation at Mill Creek continues to'
increase; the attendance is full to overflowing;
the spacious building which we possess frequently
cannot contain -the -congregation. J. E. Jackson, Rector.
Lynnhaven parish, Princess Anne county. In
Judy last I took charge of this parish, and devoted
my whole time to it until the last of September,
when, being under the necessity of settling in
Portsmouth, I altered my appointments and added
two more churches to my field of labour — one in
Elizabeth river parish, and the other in St. Bride's.
in Norfolk county, in each of which I -preached
once a month. At length, believing "that it was
inexpedient to continue my services any longer in
the forrner parish, I resigned it, and commenced
prOaching at Deep Creek, in Portsmouth parish,
where I "have had considerable encouragement.
Baptized six white children and four coloured —
total ten. Ira Packer.
St. Stephen's Church, Culpepper. This church
has been for the last year without a pastor, owing
to the infirmity and subsequent removal of our late
minister^.the Rev. George A. Smith. But, not
withstanding this event, which has been deeply
deplored, it is not believed as yet there has been
any falling off among those who profess to be par
tial to the church. On the contrary, a few weeks
ago, when we were visited by Mr. Smith, one or
two new members were admitted to the commu
nion. The lay delegate has been instructed to
use his best exertions to procure the services of a
clergyman. J. Winston, Lay Delegate.
Si. Anne's parish, Albemarle. During the past
year two Sunday Schools have been formed, em
bracing more than fifty" scholars.
Two Tract Societies have also been formed,
the one auxiliary to the Episcopal Tract Society,
and the other auxiliary to the American Tract
Society. The congregations are generally respectable and
attentive, and there are some more than ordinary
indications of seriousness.
The communion has not been administered,
consequently, the number of communicants not
known. L. Mead.

CONVENTION OF 1831.

259

St. James's Church, Leesburg. For the last
six months there have been regular services in the
church and in the parish, and it is believed not
without a divine blessing. During this time there
have been, three deaths, folir baptisms, and one
marriage. The number of communicants is forty-
nine; The number of Sunday School scholars is
one hundred and forty, and the number of teachers
twenty-four. The vestry are now taking measures
td enlarge the church. ,
The church hi Leesburg is closed one Sunday
in a month, the rector officiating on that day alter
nately at Aldie and Middfeburg. Of the state of
religion in this parish, nothing more at present
can be said than that there is 'a general interest in
the means of grace, and, it is believed, a spirit of
prayer for an increase of pure and undefiled reli
gion. - -
The Education Society and missionary opera
tions are not forgotten. B. C. Cutler."
Lexington parish, Amherst county, and Nelson
parish, Nelson county. Through the providence
. of God, the minister has been enabled to perform,
in some imperfect measure, the duties of his exten
sive charge, having neglected only a few stated
appointments in consequence of the extreme rigour
of the winter.
While sorrowing that the number of new com
municants does not exceed eleven, the minister is
somewhat ctfeered by the belief that a deep feeling
of seriousness is beginning-to pervade some of his
congregations, and that there are at this time fif
teen or twenty who, being awakened from. the
sleep of death, are using the appointed means to
secure the salvation of their souls.
Sabbath Schools five, of which two are not
wholly under the care of our church. The chil
dren have been occasionally catechised at church.
Baptisms forty, of which twelve or fifteen Were of
coloured children— marriages six — funerals eigh
teen—the- whole number of communicants seven
ty-four. Chas. H. Page.
Parish of St. James, Northam, Goochland. The
minister of this parish reports, that since the last
Convention there has been one addition to, the
communion; present number of communicants
twenty-six — two have been confirmed. The Sun
day School, the Prayer-Book and Tract Society,
reported at the last Convention, still continue in
operation, and the latter has distributed gratui
tously, during the year, sixty-two- prayer-books.
Marriages two — funerals three — baptisms four.
James Doughen.
Christ Church, Norfolk, Elizabeth River parish.
Since the last report to the Convention of the state
of this parish, there have been thirty-three bap
tisms (in four cases of adults), twelve marriages,
and thirty-one funerals. There have been added
to the communion within the past year twenty-
eight persons, making the present number of com
municants about two hundred and thirtyr- The
harmony ofthe congregation continues undisturb
ed, and its temporal prosperity undiminished ; and
an humble hope is cherished that in the more -than
Unusual seriousness of some, and the increased
devotion of many of the pious among them, there
is the pleasing prospect of a good work of grace.
Henry W. Ducachet, Rector! -
Bruton parish, Williamsburg. The rector re
ports, since the last Convention, three baptisrils,
three marriages", and nine funerals, five of which
were subjects not belonging to the parish. - Of the
communicants, iwo have died and four have re
moved—nine have been added ; the present num
ber is "sixty, three of them being coloured persons
— confirmations thirteen! In compliance with the
fortieth canon of the General Convention it is fur

ther stated, .that the number of adults within his
care and attached to the church amounts to one
hundred and six ; they were, in the report of 182S,
erroneously estimated at one hundred and forty,
having then not had time, during the short period
of five months, to ascertain accurately the names
of those who might be regarded as Episcopalians. A. Emi'ie.
Antrim parish, Halifax county. The increase
of the church in this parish is slow. Since the
last Convention four only have been added to the
communion. An equal number are, however,.pre-
pared to receive it. In addition to other places, I
have preached once a month, during the past year,
at the county poorhouse, with some prospect of
usefulness. A missionary association has recently
been formed, auxiliary, to the Domestic and For
eign Missionary Society. Communicants twenty
— baptisms seven — marriages four— funerals four.
Charles Dresser.
Pittsylvania county, where there is yet no or
ganized parish, has been occasionally visited by
Mr. Osgood and myself during the past year, and
still continues an inviting field of labour. The
services "of a resident clergyman would be very
acceptable, to the people. In expectation of ob
taining, one, measures have recently been taken to
build a church, and the work is now in progress.
Communicants ten, of whom three have been
added since the last Convention — baptisms, three
adults and nine -children. Chas. Dresser.
St. Andrew's parish, Brunswick county, and
Bath parish, Dinwiddie county. No material
' change is perceptible in the condition of these par
ishes since the last Convention. The congrega
tions are gradually assuming a more decided
character, and it is hoped that the prejudices
against our1 church are silently giving way. The
addition to our communion has not equalled that
of the preceding year, and the rector has had cause
to mourn over the comparative coldness which has
existed in his flock ; while an increasing attention
to the temporal concerns ofthe Church, the active
zeal in behalf of our Education Society which has
been manifested by a few pious females in St. An
drew's parish, and some late indications of greater
spirituality in our devotional services, encourage
him to hope that a brighter day will ere long dawn
upon us. Nine members have been added to our
communion, one has departed in peace to join the
communion of saints in the church triumphant,
and one has removed ; the whole number of com
municants is forty-two. There have heen twelve
baptisms, ten of white and two of coloured chil
dren, seven funerals, and one marriage.
John Grammer, Jr.
St. Paul's Church, Suffolk. The members of
this church are attentive to all the ordinances of
religion, and evince that they have not forsaken
that God who made them, -nor " slightly regarded
the rock of. their salvation." Three communi
cants have removed during the last year : the pres
ent number is eighteen — baptisms seven — funer
als twelve — marriages five. J. Keeling.
St. Luke's Church, parish of Newport, Isle of
Wight. By the request df the vestry of this
church, I have officiated twice uuring the present
year to large and attentive congregations, arid
shall endeavour to continue my services once
every month, until they shall have procured a
minister. Their church, which is the oldest in
Virginia, has been thoroughly repaired ; and, by
the exertions of a few individuals, a sum of mo
ney has been raised to- build achurch in the town
of Smithfield, and I feel confident that this pious
undertaking will be accomplished during the pres.
entyeai-. J, Keeling,

260

CONVENTION OF 1831.

St. Paul's parish, King George county. The rec
tor reports, that his labours commenced in this par
ish since the last Convention. The church build
ing, which was then in a dilapidated condition, has
recently been repaired, and was consecrated fo the
worship of Almighty God by the Right Rev. Bishop
Moore, on the 15th of May. Confirmation was
held at that time, and twenty-two persons were
admitted to that apostolic rite ; three were added
to the communion, and several more are deeply
concerned about the salvation of their souls! The
meeting continued three days, and was numer
ously attended. On the last day a deep serious
ness pervaded the congregation, and we trust that
we shall be enabled to say that tbis was but the
day of small things. One marriage — funerals three
— baptisms ten — communicants twenty-eight.
Zachariah H. Goldsmith.
The rector reports, that although he is located
in St. Paul's parish, one. half of his time has been
devoted to Brunswick parish. " The congregation
in this part of our Zion is generally small, but at
tentive. One person during the pa«t year has
been added to the comrriunion by change of resi
dence. One funeral — baptisms sixteen— commu
nicants ten. . Z. H. Goldsmith.
Parish of Frederick. The rector of this parish
desires to be thankful to the Giver of all grace,
that there is reason to believe that the cause of
religion is gradually advancing in this part of the
Lord's vineyard. The attendance upon public
worship is, for the most part, punctual, and the
behaviour of those attending devout. The inter
est in religious and benevolent institutions of our
own church and of the whole Christian worlcj is
still considerable, and, in some instances, warm
and active. Wbile there are too many still indif
ferent to the -concerns of religion, it is matter of
encouragement to the rector, that during the past
year the hearts of some seem to have been gra
ciously drawn to the love and service of God,, by
the constraining influence of his Holy Spirit oper
ating through his word and ordinances. During
the year thirteen have been added to the com
munion, thirty-seven have been baptized, of whom
three Were adults, and eight" were coloured chil
dren. The new church at Batlletown is nearly
completed, and will be ready for consecration in
the summer. The rector is happy to state that
the Rev. "Mr. Rice has been elected as his assist
ant in the parish of Frederick, and. has entered
upon bis duties with the pleasing prospect of being
acceptable and useful. This measure became in
dispensable, in consequence of the withdrawal of
the services of the Rev. Mr. Jones from one of
the- congregations, and the frequent absence of the
rector on episcopal duty.
The number of communicants is about eighty.
William Meade.
Hamilton and Leeds parishes, Fauquier. The
rector reports that the congregations have been -
generally large and attentive, and he entertains a
cheering hope that within the last three months
an increased interest in divine and eternal things
has been felt'; this hasbeen.manifestedbya great
er zeal in labouring, for the promotion of religion,
by the addition of several new members to the
number of our communicants, and an apparently
more devout attendance on the public means of
grace. As already intimated, there has been an
increase of the number of our communicants, but
removal and death have also caused a decrease.
In Hamilton parish, communicants thirty-six- ; in
Leeds, seventeen ; baptisms seventeen — funerals
five — marriages eighteen — Sunday Schools two.
Geo. Lemon, Rector.
St. John's Church, Hampton. No material

change has occurred since the last report; The
attendance of the congregation upon tbe stated
services ofthe church Continues- to be regular and
devout. The condition of the congregation at Old
Point is more encouraging than for two years past
Public" worship is usually well attended. The
weekly lectures at the Military Schoolhouse ex
cite considerable interest, and have thus far secu
red, the attendance of a numerous auditory. A
Sunday School, numbering forty scholars and
four teachers, in connexion with the Protestant
Episcopal Sunday School Union, under the direc
tion of its indefatigable superintendent, affords the
prospect of much good.
, Marriages five — baptisms fifty (twenty colour
ed)— communicants twenty-two — burials nine.
Mark L. Chevers, Rector.
.Monumental Church. Richmond. The rector
reports, since the last Convention, he has baptized
about thirty, two of whom were adults. The
communion has heen administered as often as the
occasional absence of the rector on diocesan du
ties would allow. The rector takes pleasure in
repeating, that on most of these occasions we
have had a few additions. Whole number of com
municants one hundred and sixty. The Sunday
School numbers about one hundred andi eighty,
The Bible classes are flourishing. The Female
Missionary Society, belonging to this church have
in. their treasury about $600 ; it is riot probable
that they will be long without the- services of a
missionary. The Education Society receives
yearly from this congregation very considerable
assistance. Richard- C. Moore, Rector.
St. John's- Church, Henrico parish. The rector
has to report five baptisms, four marriages, twelve
funerals, five 'accessions to the communion, and
four removals from it by the hand of death.
Through sickness and other causes, he has been
absent from his charge twenty-one ' Sundays du
ring the past year. He is happy to state, tbe par
ish church has been completely and handsomely
repaired. -t Edward W. Feet.
Christ" Church, city of Richmond. This church
was, at the last Convention, first admitted to rep
resentation in this body. Since that time, -the
blessing of Divine Providence has rested upon it
to a degree which has much exceeded expecta
tion. We now possess a neat and convenient edi-
fice'for the public worship of God, which has been
duly consecrated by the bishop of the diocess.
Though in its infancy, this church has-been en
abled to contribute somewhat towards the spread
ofthe knowledge of Christ, and the proniotionof
theRedeemer's kingdom abroad-. The congrega
tion has perhaps more than doubled during the
past year. Until within a few months, tjie im
provement in the spiritual condition of the church
has not been such as to afford very great encour
agement, but recently there has been cause for
joy in accessions to the communion : sixteen per
sons have been confirmed since that time", a much
greater attention to serious things has prevailed
than before, and, at this moment, we have reason
to believe that the Holy Ghost is moving uponxthe
hearts of a number, who, by their diligent and anx
ious attention to the means of grace, show that
they are not " far from the kingdom of God."
There are connected with this church a Bible
class, Sunday School, an association formed for
the purpose of aiding the Education Society and
the Sunday School, and a Missionary Society.
These institutions all -promise to be useful. Mar
riages four — baptisms eleven (one adult) — funerals
twenty— additions to the communion thirteen —
Whole-number of communicants forty-three.
William F. Lee, Rector.

CONVENTION OF 1'831.

261

Christ Church, Alexandria. The rector would"
state that he took charge of this church in the
month of December last, and does not feel justi
fied in speaking confidently of the state of the con
gregation, but would say that all things seem to
encourage his hopes and animate his exertions.
Six persons have been received to the communion,
three from other churches and three from among
themselves — present number of communicants
eighty-seven — baptisms three — one funeral.
' The Sunday School is in a very flourishing
1 state— the number of scholars attending amounts
to about one hundred and thirty ; two Bible class
es have been formed among the adults, and two
among the more youthful members of the church.
A class of catechumens has also been formed?
Charles Mann, Rector.
St. Mark's parish, Culpepper county. Since
the last communication made to the Convention,
several of. the communicants having died (four
within the last eight months), some having re
moved, and a few being' added, make tbe present
number only thirty-six. Since the last Conven
tion there have been fourteen baptisms; fourteen
funerals, and two marriages. John Woodville.
St. Margaret's parish, Caroline county. The
lay delegates report, that, owing to, the sickness
and absence of their rector, they have been with
out the regular services of the church for nearly
the .whole of the past vear. They are looking
with deep solicitude and anxiety for his return,
which is expected as soon as his health permits.
Wm. G. Minor.
Thomas L. Lomax.
Cumberland parish, Lunenburg county. In con
sequence of the death-of the late venerable rector
' of this parish, the Rev. John Philips,'it is at present
vacant. The vestry are extremely anxious to have
his place supplied ; and, to that end, are-willing to"
pledge themselves- to raise an adequate sum for
his support. A neat and. comfortable church has
recently been erected in one part ofthe parish,
which isnowready for. consecration, and measures
have been taken to build another, which will
probably be completed 'the present year. The
number of communicants is only ten ; but others,
if is thought, would soon join if an opportunity
were afforded. Roger B. Atkinson, Delegate.
Abingdon and Ware parishes, Gloucester coun
ty. The state of these parishes, the rector reports,
is prosperous. God, in his infinite mercy, has in
some measure blessed our Zion; and there are
yet, we indulge the hope, evidences of his presence
among us.
During tbe past year the Education Society has
raised $130, to constitute, the rector, a life member
of the parent institution. ,
Baptisms' eighteen, including one adult — four
funerals, two of which were of coloured persons —
one marriage— communicants, eight added, two
removed — total 24. John Cole.
Trinity Church, Portsmouth parish. The rec
tor reports that the state of- his congregation, as
regards spiritual things, is about the same as
stated by him at the last Convention. The con
gregation, be thinks, is on the iricrease as to mem
bers generally, and the people are evidently more
regular in their attendance on public worship,
and manifest a more lively interest in' the services
of the sanctuary. The' Sunday School has lately
been revived, and promises to be more useful than
it has ever been.
Families about fifty — communicants, one je-
tnoved, present number .thirty-two — marriages

three — baptisms (of which one was an adult) nine
—burials thirteen. J. H. Wingfield.
St. James's -parish, Mecklenburg. The unset
tled state of the people, anxious for removal to
some other region, forbids the hope of any Increase
in the parish. The original number of communi
cants has been lessened by death. There have
been seven removals and deaths since the present
rector has been in the parish. Marriages two-
baptisms fourteen — funerals six — communicants
thirty-five. Wm. Steel, Rector.
St. Martin's parish, Hanover and Louisa. The
lector reports, that' since the last Convention
'there have been some interesting additions to the
church. He regrets to see in some too much
coldness and indifference, but he is pleased to
state, that he has reasons to believe many of those
who profess to be the children of God are growing
in grace and in the knowledge of Christ. The
new church contemplated in our last report will
soon be completed and ready for consecration.
The various benevolent institutions among us still
continue to flourish. ^ Besides the means' of grace
usually enjoyed, we Have had in successful opera
tion monthly meetings, for the special purpose of
prayer, from which, it is believed, much good has
resulfed. In .addition to the congregations here
tofore attended, I have been -labouring for some
time past in the county of Louisa, where I have
had large and attentive congregations. Communi
cants sixty-nine, two have died and six have been
added — baptisms twelve— marriages eight — funer
als fourteen. John Cooke.
Tillotson parish, Buckingham^ Very little
change has taken place in the condition of the
congregation in this parish since the last report.
There is now in progress a church edifice. Which
will be completed and ready for consecration this
fall. Funerals three — communicants twenty-six.
Moore parish, Campbell. . The two congrega
tions in this parish exhibit nearly the same aspect
as when last reported.- Funerals two — marriages
two — communicants sixteen. N. G. Osgood.
St. Paul's parish, Alexandria. As regards the
spiritual concerns of this congregation, we have
nothing material to detail, though our number of
hearers has considerably increased, and we think
that recent indications justify the hope that the
great Head of the church is about to visit us in
mercy. Our temporal affairs are in a much more
prosperous condition than they have heretofore
been. Through the laudable exertions of a female
association, our last -debt, amounting to about
$1,300, has been liquidated; by weekly or monthly
subscriptions, in less time than eighteen months.
Our schools and various societies are well and
zealously supported. Since the last Convention
there have-been twelve marriages — baptisms thirty-
four, of which number one was an adult — funerals
nineteen — six have been added to thecommunion
— present number one hundred and sixty. The
Sunday Schools contain upwards of three hundred
scholars. . Wm. Jackson, Rector.
-Russell parish, Bedford county. The rector
reports that the general aspect of things in this
parish may be considered as favourable. An in
creasing interest is manifested in the preaching of
the gospel ; the members of the communion are
beginning to exhibit more zeal and devotion, and
the spirit of grace is evidently exciting in many
minds an anxious inquiry about the salvation of
the soul. The indications of a blessing from God
are such as to inspire with hope, and stimulate to
exertion ; and at no period of his ministry has the
rector been more- encouraged to preach Jesus
Christ and' him crucified. Besides one young
man now qualified to be presented as a candidate

262

CONVENTION OF 1831.

for the ministry, there are one or two others who
it is hoped will in time be prepared lor the same
object. Baptisms, of infants sixteen, of adults five
— burials two — marriages-nine— communicants, re-
, i moved six, added ten, total seventy-four, Besides
officiating in Russell parish, Bedford county, the
rector has, since Christmas, "devoted one fourth of
his time to the adjacent county of Botetourt ; in
this county we have a few very pious and zealous
members, and some warmly attached friends.
Communicants, added four — total fourteen.
Bristol parish, Petersburg. The condition of
this parish is not materially changed since last
report. The public services of the church are
well attended, and it is hoped, by the blessing of
God, much good will finally result to the members.
Eight have been added to the communion, two
have died, and two have removed ; to,tal number
of communicants between sixty and seventy. The
Female Association for Weekly Prayer is regular
ly attended ; the Female Education Society is
still very assiduous in promoting the interests for
which it was instituted. Baptisms twenty-five —
marriages eight — funerals twenty-orie.
Andrew Syme.
St. George's parish, Fredericksburg. The rec
tor of this church is still permitted, through God's
abounding mercy, to report the favourable . state
of the congregation committed to his pastoral care.
The divine blessing has been vouchsafed us
during the past year to an encouraging extent.
We have rarely enjoyed more manifest proof of
the faithfulness of Him who has said, " My word
shall not return unto me void, but shall prosper in
the thing whereto I sent it.'1 So efficacious has
his word been, that fifteen or twenty members
have been added to the communion, bringing with
them a large accession of religious and moral in
fluence, auspicious in a high degree to the prog-,
ress of divine truth among US. There is a lauda
ble attention paid' to the important duties of family
and public worship. The increasing number of
those who, around the family altar, offer tbe sacri
fice of prayer and praise with " morning light and
' evening shade," is a source of great -satisfaction,
as it is of great advantage to the cause of truth
and godliness among us. So much has the num
ber increased of those who go up to the house of
God, that the vestry have the enlargement of the
church edifice now under consideration. There
is also the same zeal and devotion evinced in be
half of our several religious and benevolent insti
tutions. Our Sunday Schools (three in number)
contain about two hundred and fifty scholars, dili
gently instructed by more than fifty teachers ; one
of these is an infant school, containing children
between the ages of three and seven years, and
considered by us as our most interesting charge.
Our Bible classes are still continued, with every fa
vourable prospect of extensive and lasting useful
ness. The Prayer-Book and Tract Society is do
ing much good. The Female Missionary Society
is well sustained, and anxious to be more actively
engaged than their recent want of missionaries
would admit. The claims of the General Mis
sionary Society have also been duly regarded by
us, the contributions to its funds having in the
last two years exceeded the sum of $800. Bap
tisms twenty-seven (five adults) — marriages six —
funerals eighteen — communicants one hundred and
twenty-five. Edward C. M'Guire.
St. Paul's Church, Lynchburg. Amid many
causes" for humiliation, the general aspect of this
parish is encouraging. The church edifice has
just been completed in a neat and'chaste style.
The Sunday School has been furnished with a
valuable library, and is conducted with untiring

zeal. The weekly prayer-meeting maintained by
the female communicants has been iristrumenta
in diffusing spirituality of mind, and uniting theii
efforts for the religious charities of the church
An increased sense of the responsibility foT the
right use of influence as a talent has been shown
by several laymen, and their efforts, in diffusing
"right -principles in religion have been blessed.
The circulation also of the works issued, by the
New-York Protestant Episcopal press has con
tributed to advance the cause of evangelical truth
and apostolic order. Baptisms, of adults four, of
infants ten— marriages three — funerals six — com
municants, added sixteen, present number fifty-
two! F. G. Smith, Rector.
St. Anne's and South Farnham parishes, Essex
county." The pas.tor reports that he returned to
his. present charge in November last; since that
time the congregations have, been improving, and
Six have been added to Hre communion. The pres
ent number of communicants is forty-seven. One
Sunday School, which has been in existence
about twelve yeaTS, is still in successful operation.
Another has just commenced under circumstances
not veTy encouraging. Three Bible classes have
been formed, one male and two female, embracing
about forty individuals. It is proper here to re
cord, that the parishioners, though few in number,
have purchased nearly two hundred Seres of land
for a glebe, and commenced erecting thereon a
parsonage-house, which it is expected will be,fin-
ished with all convenient-speed. When the whole
is completed, it will have cost -upwards of two
thousand dollars, and afford a Very agreeable
abode for their present or future pastor.
John P. M'Guire.
The Rev. Mr. Edward C. M'Guire, from the
board of trustees of the Theological School, pre
sented the -following report, which was read : —
In discharge of the duty assigned them by the
constitution, the trusteesof the Theological School
beg leave fo submit to the Convention the following
annual report.
The board take great pleasure in announcing the
unusual prosperity which, through the past year,
has marked the progress ofthe institution intrust
ed td their care. At no former period have the
proofs of divine favour, been more largely vouch
safed, nor have the instances of a growing inter
est in her welfare, on the part .of friends, ever
<heen "more gratifying. In every view of present
circumstances and future prospects, we have
every reason to thank God and take courage.
The number of young. men who have been pur
suing their studies during the present session is
reported by the professors as amounting to twenty-
three. Of these, three have left the seminary on
account of ill health.. The number at this time is
nineteen, one of whom will sustain his examina
tion for deacons' orders during the sitting of the
present Convention. We are Sappy also to state,
that eight others are expected to apply for orders
¦at the close of the session in July.
In regard to the spirit and conduct of those who
are sharing the benefits of our school, we can say,
that their religious and moral deportment has
been such as to give assurance of sincere piety
and entire devotion to the high objects of that
holy office to which they aspire ; and that their
industry and general proficiency have been such
as to secure for them the approbation of their in
structers. f~
The branches of sacred learning systematically
pursued by the students as their regular and es
tablished course, need not be here detailed, seeing

CONVENTION OF 1831.

263

they have been so often and minutely referredto
in former reports. Suffice it to say, that the reg
ulations adopted by the board of trustees on this
subject, in harmony as they are with the course
prescribed by the House of Bishops, have been
strictly and faithfully complied with. It is with
pleasure we mention also, that in addition to the
instructions heretofore so ably and efficiently af
forded by our two resident professors, the professor
of Pastoral Theology has commenced a course of
lectures and recitations on those points of minis
terial duty and obligation belonging more espe
cially to the important department filled by him.
A reference to the treasurer's account will
show that there have been some accessions to our
funds during the period embraced by this report.
This addition has accrued from old subscriptions
collected from legacies, &c. The value of the
seminaryproperty, as well as the convenience and
comfort of one of the professors, have been en
hanced by the erection of a respectable dwelling-
house, situated at a convenient distance from the
seminary. This building has been erected by the
Education Society, aided in part by the munifi
cence, of a few private individuals.
As the importance and value of this excellent
institution become more manifest, and assume a
more commanding aspect, the board ofi trustees
feel their duties and responsibilities proportionably
increasing. They will therefore meet with every
indulgence at your hands, while in concluding
their report they bring to your view its necessities
and claims. So long and so fondly cherished by
you, and no doubt as dear to you as ever, such a
representation cannot be made in vain. The in
crease of students through' the past year had at
one time rendered it probable that the erection of
an additional building would be necessary ; nor
could they all have been received, but that, from
peculiar circumstances, some were accommodated
in the houses of the professors. If then there
hould, as is hoped and desired, be large additions
o our present number, no alternative will be left
us hut either fo erect another edifice, or turn
thdm from our doors. The assistance now ren
dered us by the_Educa"tion Society is known to
the most of you"7 and it ought to be known, that
without such friendly aid the seminary could not
be sustained for a day in effective operation ; a
state in which it is surely, not expedient for us td
continue. Besides gathering up the fragments of
old subscriptions, may we not expect a reviving in
terest on the part of our friends in regard to all
the means calculated to increase our funds ?
Having of late received some.gratifying testament
ary evidences of regard, we are encouraged to
hope that others will follow this good example.
It has cheered us to see various literary and reli
gious institutions, from time to time, richly en
dowed in our land, and we Cannot but think that the
one under our charge presents a strong claim upon
all those who, in their dying hour, wish to conse
crate a portion of their worldly gain to the service
of God and the good of man.
In regard to the security of the permanent funds
now in hand, the board can speak with entire con
fidence. The loans have been effected by men of
business, well acquainted with the circumstances
of individuals. And in doing, this, every legal re
quirement has been observed, so that the invest
ments are the best and- -safest which could be
made. All which is respectfully submitted. The Trustees.
On motion, Resolved, That the said report
be received.

The Rev. Mr. Lee, from the executive com
mittee of the Missionary Soaiety of the Protest
ant Episcopal Church,' presented the following

The constitution of the Missionary Society of
Virginia requires of the executive committee
thereof to exhibit an annual statement of their
proceedings to the Convention. This statement
the executive committee now make. They are
sorry to say that so little has been done ; a few
words will put the Convention in full possession
of all their transactions'.
The first meeting ofthe committee was held in
the month of March last, and measures were then
adopted, with the view of employing the funds of
the, society. The Rev. Mark L. Chevers was
employed to officiate part of his time in the coun
ties of York, Warwick, and Elizabeth City, which
were conceived to be important fields of labour.
He has entered^upon the duties assigned .him ;
but.so short ajime has elapsed since, that no re
port from him could be expected.
Notwithstanding diligent inquiries, and a notice
of their wants and wishes, published and exten
sively circulated in several Episcopal papers, the
committee have not been able to engage suitable
missionaries. They .are prepared, for a time, to
employ several ministers ; but .their funds, if not
replenished, would very soon be exhausted-. The
friends of, the church, who have exerted them
selves in behalf of this, important institution, will
not relax their efforts, but still sustain it ; for by
its agency only is it probable that the waste places
can be .built up. There are many interesting
points in our diocess to -which the attention ofthe
committee has been directed. We look to our
Theological Seminary" for faithful ministers, with
missionary^ spirits, who, animated by the love of
Christ, need not the stimulus of inferior rriotives
to induce them to labour in those promising fields
to which our attention has been called — who shall
be willing to endure self-deiiial, satisfied with the
supply of their necessary wants.
The number of orgamzed\Episcopal churches in
this state is about one hundred ; the clergy are
less than half that number : - of these, several,
through age or infirmity, -or other causes, are dis
qualified for very active service. The cry for help
is heard from many quarters. Applications are
incessantly made for assistance ; and had we the
means and ministers, we are confident that one
hundred clergymen might find ample fields of use
ful labour within the limits of our diocess.
At the meeting of the committee before men
tioned, the Rev. J. P. M'Guire was requested to
preach in behalf of .this society; and ha6 consented
to do so during this Convention.
At a former Convention, the ministers of the
several parishes were required, annually, to apply
to their people for aiir"to the funds ofthe Mission
ary Society. In but few instances have remittan
ces been made to the treasurer ; a fact to which
the committee would respectfully direct the atten
tion of tbe Convention.
The treasurer's account (which is herewith ex
hibited,) shows that there are now' in his hands
$618 22.
All which is respectfully submitted.
Executive Committee.
On motion, Resolved, That the said report be
received. The proceedings of the standing committee
of this diocess since the last Convention were
presented and. read.

264

CONVENTION OF 1831.

On motion of Mr. Williams, Resolved, That
the bishop and standing committee of this dio
cess be, and they are hereby, authorized to as
certain what disposition should be made under
the will of Evan Ragland, deceased, of the fund
received in conformity with the compromise
heretofore effected with his heirs ; and that they
receive the said funds from Mr. John Nelson
and Judge William Leigh, and invest the same
in such manner as to them may seem best ;
and from time to' time pay over the'interest or
dividends, as the same may be received, to the
minister of Antrim parish, until the further order
of the Convention.
The Rev. Mr. Empie, from the committee
upon the state of the church inthis diocess, pre
sented the following report.
The committee on the state of the church beg
leave respectfully to report, that in reference to
the actual condition of the diocess, they have
nothing to communicate beyond what is contained
in the episcopal and parochial reports.^' Those
reports evince at once the fidelity, zeal, and suc
cess of our bishops and clergy,- and the progress
of religion among the laity ; and at no former Con
vention since the revival of tbe church in this dio
cess have they furnished intelligence more flat
tering and encouraging. As far as external evi
dences go, they proclaim the existence of a truly
pious and evangelical spirit pervading the church
es, and they furnish- ground for the animating hope,
that both theT form and power of godliness are
rapidly winning their way among our people. In
re-echoing, however, the language of former re
ports on this subject, and felicitating ourselves
upon the growing prosperity of our Zion, God for
bid that the leaven of vanity and spiritual pride
should mingle itself with the hallowed feelings of
joy at the spread of .the Redeemer's kingdom.
Remembering that the blessing of God is com
mensurate with our zeal and our efforts, while
our hearts' are filled with animating love and grat-'
itude to the great Head of the church for the good .
that has been achieved, clergy and -laity should
take shame to themselves that more good has not
been effected, ahd we should all perseveringly en
deavour, each in our stations, to devote more of
our time, our talents, and our property, to the
cause of God and of souls.
The comrfiittee take pleasure in stating," that
they do most cordially concur withoiu- venerable
diocesan in the opinion he expresses on the sub-
i'ect of clerical associations. Experierice, with
ler thousand tongues, proclaims the efficacy of
these associations in stirring up Christians from
their state of spiritual slumber, and in bringing
the thoughtless and impenitent under the subdu
ing energies of God's word and spirit. As far,
therefore, as such associations can be effected
without interfering with other clerical duties, they
deserve to be recommended and encouraged.
And your committee believe, that being left vol
untary and depending upon previous concert is
the best mode of adapting them to the ever-vary
ing circumstances of time, place, and emergency.
In conclusion, the committee think it expedient
to recommend .to the special consideration and
observance of the clergy, as far as practicable,
the requirements of the 40th canon of the General
Convention, and the 13th canon of the church in
this diocess.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
A. Eufie, Chairman.

On motion, Resolved, That the said report be
received. On motion, Resolved, That the Convention
do now adjourn until half past 4 o'clock P. M.
The Convention met at half past four oVloelc
P. M., and, the bishop being absent, the Rev.
Mr. Lemon was called, to the chair.
The Convention then proceeded to the e ec-
tion of the officers and executive committee of
the Missionary Society ; and thereupon John
G. Williams was elected secretary, Thomas
Nelson was elected treasurer, and Rev. E. C.
M'Guire, Rev. Henry W. Ducachet, Rev.
Nicholas H. Cobbs,. Rev. William Jackson,
Rev. Leonidas Polk, Rev. WiUiam F. Lee, Rev.
Edward W. Peet, Mr. John Nelson, Dr. Carter
Berkeley, Mr. Edmund I. Lee, Mr. John Gray,
Mr. George M. Carrington, and Mr. Samuel C.
Nichols, were appointed members of the execu
tive committee.
The Convention proceeded to the election,
by ballot, of a standing committee of the church
in this diocess for the ensuing year. Where
upon the following gentlemen were duly elected,
viz. : the Rev. Reuel Keith, D. D., the Rev.
Edward R. Lippit, the Rev. William Jackson,
Mr. John Hooff, Mr. Edmund I. Lee, and Mr.
John Gray..
On motion of Mr. Thomas Marshall, Resolv
ed, unanimously, That the thanks of this Con
vention are due to the citizens- of Norfolk bor
ough, for their kindness and hospitality to every
member of this body.
Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. Lee, the Rev.
Mr. Peet, and Mr. Hilary Baker, be appointed
a committee, to meet in the city of Richmond
as early as convenient, and make such an as
sessment among the parishes of this diocess as
will raise the sum of $300 annually, to be paid
to Bishop Moore, and that this committee-mform
the clergymen of each parish of the proportion
required from his parish ;. and
Resolved, That the clergy be requested to
raise the quota so assessed, and pay it- in at the
next Convention.
The Convention proceeded to the election,
by ballot, of eight delegates, to represent this
diocess in the next General Convention of the
Protestant Episcopal Church, in the United
States ; whereupon the following gentlemen
were duly elected, viz. : — Rev. Reuel Keith,
Rev. Henry W. Ducachet, Rev. John Gram
mer, Rev. Nicholas H. Cobbs, Mr. James M.
Garnett, Mr. John G. Williams, Mr. Thomas
Marshall, and Mr. John Nelson.
On motion of Mr. A. L. Dabney, Resolved,
That, agreeably to the provisions of the 13th
article of the constitution, notice be transmitted
to the several vestries of the parishes in this
diocess, that it is proposed at the next Conven
tion to amend the first article of the constitu
tion, by striking out the word, " Thursday,'.' and
inserting, in lieu thereof, the word " Wednes
day," so that the article shall read thus : "There'
shall be a Convention of the Protestant Episco
pal Church in this state on the third Wednes
day in May in every year ; but the Convention
which meets in the year previous to the meet-

CONVENTION OF 1832.

265

ing of the General Convention- may have power
to appoint the time and place of meeting for the
next annual session."
On motion of the Rev. E. C. M'Guire, Re
solved, That twelve hundred copies of this
Journal be printed, and distributed by the secre
tary among the parishes.
Resolved, That the treasurer pay to the sec
retary his expenses incurred in attending this
Convention.

Resolved, That the treasurer pay to the door
keeper of this Convention six dollars for his ser
vices. And then, on motion, the Convention ad
journed, to meet in the town of Alexandria, on
the third Wednesday in May next.
Richard Channing Moore,
Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church
of the Diocess of Virginia.
Teste, John G. Williams, Secretary.

Journal of the Proceedings of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the Diocess of
Virginia, whieh assembledin the town of Alexandria, on the 16th day of May, 1832.

This being the day appointed for the annual
meeting of the Convention of the Protestant
Episcopal Church in the Diocess of Virginia,
the Right Rev. Richard Channing Moore, D- D-.,
bishop, and the Right Rev. "William Meade,
D. D., assistant bishop of the diocess, with
several clergymen and lay delegates,' attended
divine service in Christ Church.
Morning prayers were read by the Rev. Alex
ander Jones, of St. Andrew's parish, Jefferson
county, and a sermon preached by the Rev.
William F. Lee, rector of Christ Church,
Richmond. After divine service, the Right Rev. Will
iam Meade, assistant bishop, in the absence of
Bishop Moore, took the chair" as president of
the Convention, and Rev. William F. Lee was
appointed secretary pre- tern.
The following'clergymen, entitled to seats in
the Convention, appeared, viz. : —
Rev. Ephraim Adams, Christ Church, Lan
caster county ; Rev. Mark L. Chevers, St.
John's Church, Elizabeth City parish ; Rev.
Nicholas H- Cobbs; Russell 'parish, Bedford
county ; Rev. James Doughen, St. James's par
ish, Northam, Goochland county ; Rev. Charles
, Dresser, Antrim parish, Halifax ; Rev. Henry
W. Ducachet, M. D., Christ Church, Norfolk ;
Rev. Adam Empie, rector'pf Bruton parish, "and
President of William and Mary College ; Rev.
Stephen H. Gunter, Hungar's parish ; Rev. Z.
H. Goldsmith, St Paul's parish, King George ;
Rev. John Grammer, St! Andrew's and Bath
parishes, Dinwiddie county ; Rev. Johannes
Edward Jackson, Christ Church, Winchester ;
Rev. William Jackson, St.. Paul's Chun-h, Al
exandria ; Rev. Reuel Keith, D. D., Professor in
Theological Seminary; Rev. George LemOn,
Hamilton and Leeds-parishes, Fauquier; Rev.
William F. Lee, Christ Church, Richmond ;
Rev. Charles Mann, Christ Church, Fairfax par
ish ; Rev. Zachariah Meade, St. Anne's parish,
Albemarle; Rev.. Edward C. M'Guire, St
George's parish, Fredericksburg ; Rev. J. P.
M'Guire, St. Anne's and South Farnham par
ishes, Essex ; Rev. Ira Parker ; Rev. John H.
Wingfield, Portsmouth parish, "Norfolk ; Rev.
Alexander Jones, St. -Andrew's parish, Jeffer
son; Rev. F. G. Smith, St. Paul's Church,
Lynchburg ; Rev. Charles H. Page, Lexington
parish, Amherst ; Tlev. Charles C. Taliaferro,
Cumberland parish, Lunenburg ; Rev. Joseph
H. Nichols, assistant minister of the Monument

al Church, Richmond ; Rev. William M. Jack
son, assistant minister of Frederick parish ;
Rev. Chaplin Hedges, Smithfield, Isle of
Wight ; Rev. Frederick D. Goodwin, Kanawha
parish; Rev. W. P. C. Johnson, Norborne par
ish, Berkeley; Rev.. Annesley Stewart; Rev.
J. S. Swift, missionary in Buckinghairi, Albe
marle, &c. ; Rev. Josias Clapham, Hanover
parish, King George.
Mr.- Thomas Marshall and Rev. Adam Em
pie, D. D., were appointed a committee .to ex
amine the certificates of the lay delegates, who
reported as follows :^
The committee to whom were referred the
certificates of the lay delegates, have, according
to order, examined the same, and report that the
following persons have been duly elected lay
delegates to this Convention, and that their cer
tificates, are' authenticated in the manner pre
scribed in the canon, viz. : —
Albert Turner, Hanover parish, King George
county "; Robert P. Waring, Vauter's Church,
parish of St. Anne's, Essex ; John T. Clark,
Antrim parish, Halifax -county ; William D.
Young, Portsmouth parish; Jacob1 C. Sheldon,
Bruton parish, Williamsburg ; James Brown,
St. Andrew's parish, Jefferson county ; George
F. Thornton and Addison F. Thornton, St.
Margaret's parish, Caroline ; Archibald Magill,
Christ Church, Winchester ; John Stuart and
Edward T. Tayloe, Lamb's Creek Church,
Brunswick parish, King George county ; Will
iam G. Smith,. Hungar's parish, Northampton;
Robert E. Steed, Christ Church, Norfolk bor
ough ; Philip Nelson and Philip Burwell, Grace
Church, Frederick parish ; David M. Walk and
Thurmer Hoggard, Lynnhaven parish, Princess
Anne ; John Wilson, Christ Church, Norborne
parish ; Westwood S. Armistead, St. John's
Church, Hampton ; Rawleigh ,W- .Downman,
Christ Church, Lancaster; William Norvell
Ward, St. Paul's Church, Lynchburg ; Lud
well Digges, Hamilton parish, Fauquier county ;
Hugh Nelson, Fredericksville parish, Albemarle;
Edmund Penn, -Lexington parish, Amherst;
Francis Wicker, Henrico parish, Henrico coun
ty ; George W. Bassett, St. George's parish,
Fredericksburg; Isaac - Winston and' Philip
Slaughter, St Stephen's Church, Culpepper ;
John S. Dixon, Ware parish, Cloucester coun'
ty -, Isaac Chapline, Trinity Church, St. An
drew's parish, Jefferson county ; Gustavus B.
Alexander, St. Paul's Church, King George

266

CONVENTION OF 1832.

county ; Edmund J. Lee, Christ Church, Fairfax
parish ; Thomas Nelson, Monumental Church,
Richmond ; Wilson C. Selden and Lewis T.
Berkeley, St. James's Church, Shelburne par
ish, Loudoun ; Edward Colston, Norborne par
ish, Berkeley county ; Thomas Marshall, Leeds
parish, Fauquier county ; Win. Boiling, parish
of St. James, Northam, Goochland ; John Hooff,
St. Paul's Church, Alexandria.
And the committee further report, that the
following persons appear to have been duly
elected, but their certificates are not in the form
prescribed by the canon, viz. -: — ,
William Radford, Russell parish, Bedford
county ; Francis R. Hanson, Newport parish,
Isle of Wight'; John Nelson, St. James's parish,
Mecklenburg. On motion, Resolved, That the report of the
committee appointed to examine the certificates
of the lay delegates be received and approved ;
and that those who were duly elected, but
whose certificates were not properly authentica
ted, be admitted to seats in this. Convention.
On motion of Rev. William F. Lee,
Resolved,' That the following rules of order,
adopted by the last Convention for the govern
ment of their proceedings, be the rules of pro
ceeding during the present Convention..
1. The' business of every day shall be intro
duced with prayer.
2. When the president, takes the chair, no
member shall continue standing, or shall after
ward stand up, except to address the chair.
3. No member shall absent himself from the
service of the house unless he have leave^or
be unable to attend.
4. "When any -member is about to speak in de
bate, or deliver any. matter- to the house, he
shall, with "due respect, address-himself to the
president, confining himself strictly to the point
in debate.
5. No member shall speak more than -twice
in the same debate without leave of the house.
6. A question being once determined -shall
stand as the judgment of the house, and shall
not be again drawn into debate during the same
session, unless with the consent of two thirds
of the house.
7. While the president is putting any ques
tion, the members shall continue in their seats,
and shall not hold any private discourse.
8. Every member who shall be in the house
when any question is put, shall, on a division, be
counted, unless he be personally interested in
the decision.
9. No motion shall be considered as before the
house unless it be seconded, and, when required,
reduced to writing.
10. When any question is before the house, it
shall be determined upon before any new subject
is introduced, except the question of adjourn
ment. 11. The question on a motion of adjourn
ment sh.ill be taken before any other, and with
out debate.
12. When the house is about to rise, every
member shall keep his seat until the president
shall leave the chair.

13. None of the rules of order- shall be sus
pended without the concurrence of two third's
of the members present.
14. The president shall, in hjs discretion, se
lect a pew within the limit's of those allotted
for the use of the members, which pew shall be "
appropriated for the accommodation of visiting
clergymen and students of the Theological
School, who may be invited to the same by the
president without any special application to the
Convention. In conformity with the fourteenth rule of the
Convention, Rev. James Milrior, D. D., of the
Diocess of New-York, and the. Rev. J. P. K.
Henshaw, of the Diocess of Maryland, and
others, were invited to take seats with the mem
bers of the Convention.-
On motion by Mr. Hugh Nelson, of Freder
icksville parish, Resolved, That a committee be
appointed to .examine the condition of the funds
of the Theological School of this diocess, and
to suggest and report to this Convention the
best practicable means of enlarging the funds
of the institution, so as to promote the design
of making the school, adequate to the reception
and instruction of such pious young- men as
may.present themselves to this institution as fu
ture candidates for the ministry.
Committee on the Theological School — Rob
ert P. Waring, John T. Clark, Thomas Mar
shall, Edward Colston, Hugh Nelson, Rev.
John Grammer, and Rev. Nicholas H. Cobbs.
Ordered, That the Rev. Adam Empie, D. D.,
Rev. George Lemon, Rev. H. W. Ducachet,
M. D., Rev. Nicholas H. Cobbs, Philip Nelson,
and John Nelson, Esqrs., and Dr. Isaac Winston,
be a committee to take into consideration the
state of the church in this diocess, and report
thereon to this Convention.
Ordered, That Rev. Charles Dresser, Rev.
Charles H. Page, and Rev. Jphn P. M'Guire,
be a committee to examine the parochial reports.
Ordered, That Mr. Thomas Nelson, Rev. J.
E. Jackson, and Rev. Franklin G. Smith, be a
committee to examine the -treasurer's accounts.
Ordered, That Rev. Edward C. M'Guire,
Rev. John H. Wingfield, and Col. John Stuart,
be a committee to examine the fund for the sup-
port of widows and orphans of deceased clergy
men. Ordered, That Mr. Edmund J. Lee, Mr. Raw-
leigh W. Downman, and Mr. John Nelson, be
a committee to examine the accounts of the
treasurer of the fund for the permanent support
of the episcopate in this diocess.
And the Convention adjourned till to-morrow
morning, 9 o'clock.
Thursday, May 17, 1832.
The Convention met according to adjourn
ment, and was opened with prayer by the Right
Rev. Bishop Moore, D. D., who took the chair
as president.
Mr. Hilary Baker, a delegate from Christ
Church, Richmond, appeared and took his seat.
The Rev. William F. Lee having with
drawn, Hilary Baker was appointed secretary
pro tem.

CONVENTION OF 1S32.

267

The Rev. E. R. Lippit appeared and took his
seat. A memorial was received from, the vestry of
St. Paul's Church, Norfolk borough, which was
read, as follows : —
To the Convention of the .Protestant Episcopal
Church in the State of Virginia, assembled at Al
exandria. Norfolk, Va., 1th May, 1832.
Brethren, — The great increase of worship
pers at Christ Church, in the borough of Norfolk,
has rendered it impossible for all to be accommo
dated there who are- , attached to the doctrines
and worship of the Episcopal Church,-aud it has
been deemed advisable to organize another congre
gation without delay. In pursuance of this de
sign, subscriptions have been raised- to repair the
old church belonging to the parish, and a vestry,
after due notice, elected, composed of Wm. H.
Thompson, George Rowland, Richard B. Maury,
Alexander Gait, and Alpheus Fobes. We, the said
vestry, therefore pray to be recognised by -the
Convention of the diocess,. as representing the
new congregation, under the style and- title of
" St. Paul's Chdrch, Norfolk," and also that Rich
ard B. IVfaury, o.ur delegate to the Convention,
be admitted to a seat in that. body. Signed by or
der and in behalf of the vestry, by

Alex. Galt

Ry, (

Wardens.

R. B. Mau
On motion, Resolved, That the .prayer of the
petitioners be granted, and that their lay dele
gate, Mr. R. B. Maury, who presented a certifi
cate of his appointment, be admitted to a seat
in this body.
The report of the treasurer of the fund for
the relief of the widows and orphans of de
ceased "clergymen was -presented, and referred
to the committee appointed to examine the same.
The report of the treasurer of this Conven
tion was presented^ and referred to the, corn-
niittee appointed to examine the same.
The Rev. John Cook, of St. Martin's parish,
Hanover,, appeared and took his seat. - Mr.
George W. Nelson, a delegate from the same
parish, produced a certificate of his appoint
ment, and was admitted to a seat in "the Con
vention. " Mr. Robert Thompson^ a delegate from Nel
son parish, Nelson county, and Mr. Malcolm
M'Farland,- from Cumberland parish, Lunen
burg county, attended and took their seats.-
The report of the treasurer. of the Missiona
ry Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church
in the Diocess of Virginia was presented and
.referred to a committee to examine the same,
consisting of Dr. Wilson C. Selden and Mr.
John Stuart.
The Right Rev., Bishop Moore, D. D., in
pursuance of the 45th canon of the" General
Convention, delivered the following address : —
In compliance with the duty imposed onjne by
the church, I shall now present you with a view
of those episcopal duties in which I have been en
gaged during the past year. Inclination loudly
¦- prompted me to extend my-labours, but advanced-
years and bodily infirmities have obliged me to
move in a very small circle, and to leave some du
ties which I should gladiy and willingly have per
formed to my Right Rev. brother^ Bishop Meade.
Immediately after the close of the last Conven

tion in Norfolk, I visited the eastern shore of Vir
ginia, attended by the Rev. Mr. Goldsmith. We
commenced our labours in Kastville, in the coun
ty of Northampton, at which place, being indispo
sed myself, Mr. Goldsmith preached in the even
ing. We then proceeded to the county of Acco
mack, in company with Mr. Gunter, where I
preached in St. James's Church on Sunday, the
day of, May, to a large congregation, and ad
ministered the Lord's Supper and the rite of con
firmation. In the afternoon of the same day. Mr.
Goldsmith preached in Onancock to a respectable
and attentive auditory.
The next day, agreeably to appointment, I met
a small congregation in another district of the par
ish ; upon which occasion Mr. Gunter read pray
ers and 1 preached. As J" had made an appoint
ment in St. GeorgeJs Church the subsequent day,
we attended foi*the purpose of divine worship,
when prayers were read by the Rev. Mr. and
I preached to a numerous and deeply-impressed
"congregation. Having finished our labours in Ac
comack, we returned' to Northampton, and held
divine service in Hungar's .Church ; on which oc
casion Mr. Gunter read prayers and the Rev.
Mr. Goldsmith. preached. We then returned to
Eastville, where, on the day after our arrival, I
!|fconsecrated a handsome brick church - — prayers
were read by Mr. Gunter, and a. sermon suitable to
the occasion was delivered by'myself. The sac
rament of the Uord's Supper was administered,
and nine persons were confirmed. - The church
in Eastville, for its neatness and symmetry, re
flects great credit upon the members of our com
munion ln.that neighbourhood. It was erected by
the generous contributions of a small number of"
the wealthy part of-that community, who, with
theirdescendants, I sincerely pray, may reap- the
advantages" arising from their pious exertions.
During my stay on the eastern shore, I suffered
milch from bodily indisposition ; -- and I should
consider myself deficient in gratitude were I not
to express my thanks to the people for their atten
tion to my wants, and to Mr. Goldsmith for his
unwearied "efforts in contributing to my comfort.
Having thus discharged my duties- in those
counties, I-recrossed the bay, and returned to
Richmond. In the month of July I visited the
city of Williamsburg, lectured in the evening at
the house of Mr. Peachy ; preached, and adminis
tered the Lord's Supper the Sunday following, in
the church, assisted by the Rev. Dr. Empie, and
confirmed fifteen. I then embarked for Alexan
dria, at which place -we held an association.
Op that occasion we were joined by a number of
the clergy of this diocess and of Maryland, and
were assisted in our labours by. the Rev. Dr. Heri-
shaw and the Rev. Mr. Johns, of .Baltimore, and
Rev. Dr. Bedell, of Philadelphia. To say that
our meeting at that time .was instructive and
agreeable, would be expressing myself in lan
guage too faint for the occasion. A spirit of great
fervour and- devotion appeared to animate every
bosom; the congregations were deeply solemn
fnd attentive,and overflowing ;— many were awa-
ened to the consideration of .eternal things, and
openly avowed their love.and gratitude to the Al
mighty. It would rejoice -my heart,- brethren, to
witness a. similar evidence of divine influence
in every -parish in the diocess. As a proof ofthe
devotional feeling which prevailed, more especial
ly among the young, I with pleasure announce to
the Convention that I.confirmed, during my visit,
upwards of^ninety persons. An ordination was
also held inSt. Paul's Church, on which occasion
I admitted to deacons' orders Fred. D. Gooclwin,
Cyrus Hamilton Jacobs, William P. C. Johnson,

268

CONVENTION OF 1832.

Job Sidney Swift, J. Loring Woart, and William
M. Jackson.
In February last I admitted to deacons' orders
in Christ Church^Richmond, Mr. Parke F. Berke
ley, when the Rev. William F. Lee preached, and
assisted me in' the administration of the Lord's
Supper. In the month of April I made a pastoral visit to
Charles City county, in company with the Rev.
Mr. Peet, at which time I consecrated a. church
in that parish, which has been completely re
paired by the efforts of the people, and "hand
somely fitted for the public worship of Almighty
God. On that occasion Mr. Peet read prayers,
and I preached to a numerous and attentive audi
tory, and administered the Lord's Supper to thirty-
nine devout members. It, is with jileasure 1 in
form the Corivention that a setqnd church in the
same county will be ready fof-consecration by my'
return to Richmond. (
In Charles City county, we have had no com
fortable place in which to assemble since my res
idence in.this diocess ; but as the meinbers of our
communion in that district have thus evidenced
their attachment to the church by preparing places
for the worship of Almighty God, I have no doubt
that a clergyman of piety, industry, and compe-,
tent talents would meet with a welcome reception
and a suitable support ; and that our Zion, which
has been cloaked in sackcloth for the last thirty-
years, would put:on.her beautiful garments, and
the courts of the Lord's house' be filled with de
vout worshippers, and resound with the praises
of the ever-living God. I have thus, brethren,
given you a view of my episcopal labours since
thelast Convention, and shall reserve what I have
further to say for the valedictory address, wilh
whieh our meeting will be closed on Sunday
evening. The Right Rev. Bishop Meade, D. D., also
delivered an address, narrating the episcopal
duties performed by him during the past year,
as follows : —
To the Convention ofthe Pirotestant Episcopal Church
ofthe Diocess of Virginia, assembled in Alexandria,
May 16, 1832: " '
Dear Brethren,— The narrttjve of episcopal
duties performed by me within our bounds during
the past year will be very brief, for "those duties
were few in number. You will recollect that
during the last summer my services were called
for by the newly-organized diocesses of Kentucky
and Tennessee. A compliance with-those occu
pied nearly three months,- and of course withdrew
me during that period from the scene of my ordi
nary labours. ' The detailed account of duties per
formed in these infant diocesses was presented
to the proper authorities thereof, and having been
duly spread befoie the public, need not be now
repeated. So long an absence from my parish
and family will, I am sure, be accepted as an ex
cuse fpr the postponement of some visits which
I intended to make to parishes within our own
diocess. Nevertheless, it was my purpose to
spend the two months immediately preceding this
our meeting in visiting sortie of the middle coun
ties of fhe state, according to the wish of Bishop
Moore J but it pleased Providence to prevent the
execution of the same, by sending sickness on
some meinbers of my family, under circumstances
which required my presence at home. With
divine permission, I expecf to enter upon the pro
posed tour in a short time after the rising of this
Convention. I now proceed to make mention of
those acts performed by me in the diocess of

Virginia since your last annual meeting. I availed
myself of the opportunity presented by my visit to
the western couritry, to make some appointments
for the benefit of our congregations in Staunton
and Kanawha. At the former place I expected,
according, to previous notice, to find a new church
ready for consecration; but in this was disap
pointed, unavoidable circumstances -preventing its
completion. I leached Staunton on the third of
May, and, tarrying there a part of two days,
preached twice, and administered the rite of con
firmation to twelve: persons. By recent intelli
gence from the diligent pastor of that congrega
tion, 1 learn that the church in Staunton is com
pleted, and that another in the county bids fair
to be ready for consecration and use m.a short
time. From Staunton I proceeded to Kanawha,
reaching Charlestown on the following Saturday.
In that place and the neighbourhood I spent five
days, preaching seven -times, administering the
communion twice, and baptizing six children.
During the last fall the members and friends of
our church in that region obtained the services
of the Rev Frederick. Goodwin, who is now with
us to render's more specific account of the con
dition of that portion of our'Zion. From Kana
wha I proceeded to the duties wliich awaited me
in the west. Through God's good providence I
was enabled to perform all that was required of
me, and permitted to return in. health and safety
to-my family and people by the last of July. If
any good shall result from the labours performed,
1 shall, consider them light indeed, and riot worthy
to be mentioned. A few weeks after reaching
home, and on the 21st of August, I was called to
the pleasing -task 0I" consecrating to the service
of God anew and very excellent church in Berry-
ville, within my own parish. Myself and people
were much encouraged- by ^he presence of a num
ber of brethren from different parts, who for three
successive days and nights were engaged in offer
ing up solemn prayers to Heaven, and delivering
faithful and animated exhortations to large and
attentive" -congregations. On the last day, which
was the Lord's day, the sacrament of baptism was
administered to one adult, the rile of confirmation
to -seven persons, the office of deacon was con
ferred on Mr: Chaplin Hedges, and the Lord's
Supper was distributed among a large number of
communicants. A few days after ihe ahove-men-
tioned services I attended an association in Win
chester, where our exercises were also continued
for three days and nights, closing on the Sabbath
with the administration ofthe rite of confirmation
to eight persons, and the Lord's Supper to a goodly
number of communicants. In the month of Sep
tember I was called to visit the churches in Fau
quier, Culpepper, and Fredericksburg. My duties
commenced in Culpepper. The Rev. Mr. Wood
ville, theRev. Mr. Lemon, Mr. Zachariah Meade,
and Mr. George Smith were present. During the
two days and nights we were together, it was
felt to be good that we were there. With the
rising sun we repaired to- the house of God, where
a number of devout people met with us. In the
foteqoon, afternoon, ancLevening, we renewed our
assemblies, and waited still upon" God. It is. hoped
our intercessions, prayers, and exhortations were
not in vain. The earnest desires which already
existed in many hearts, were, we trust, increased
and confirmed into holy resolutions. On the second
day the rite of confirmation was administered to
eighteen, and was followed by the Lord's Supper.
From Culpepper I proceeded in company with tbe
Rev. Zachariah Meade to Fredericksburg, where
a spiritual feast awaited us.- For some months
before the religious state of that parish had been

CONVENTION OF 1832.

269

deeply interesting. The rector traces the com
mencement of that happy revival with which hi3
people- have been blessed to serious impressions
made upon the minds of some Qf the young mem
bers of his congregation at the Convention in Nor
folk. The impressions were soon communicated
to others, and spread from heart to heart, until, a
general and very deep concern pervaded the con
gregation. Meetings -for religious exercises be
came more frequent in the church, the lecture-
room, and private houses. The anxieties of souls
hungering and thirsting after righteousness,, loudly
called for every effort from the minister and the
pious members of his church. The result was
such as must give joy to every friend of religion.
God perfected praise out of the mouth of babes ;
young men and maidens were converted to the
Lord ; even the old .were born again ; the zeal of
Christians was stirred up ; infidelity was amazed,
vice stood abashed, scoffers became mule; all
ages, characters, and classes flocked to the house
of God as a place of deep and all-absorbing inter
est. Such was the' condition of the church in
Fredericksburg when 1 was called upon to assist
in the admission of a numher of new converts to
all the privileges of the church of God. It was
indeed a most delightful and triumphant season
to myself and the brethren assembled on the oc
casion. Often did we meet together with people
who evidently felt that it was good for them to be
there, who delighted to sing .together in hymns,
and psalms, and spiritual songs, singing and ma
king melody in their hearts to the Lord. We
felt that it was good for ourselves to be there, that
our faith and zeal might be improved. On the
Sabbath we were privileged to hear the renewal
of solemn baptismal vows in the rite of confirma
tion uttered by more than seventy persons, from
the age of fifteen, to threescore and ten. We
have good reason to believe that these vows, were
made in sincerity and truth, with enlightened
understandings and sanctified affections. - No
methods were used to produce a spurious excite
ment, and hurry to an open profession of religion
those who might be under its influence. Such a
revival as this may God grant to all our churches.
I have only to add, that on the evening of the day
when this interesting scene occurred the sacra
ment ofthe Lord's Supper was administered, and
Mr. Seneca Bragg and Mr. Stewart were admit
ted to the order of deacons. The morning service,
sermon, and rite of confirmation, occupied so large
a portion of the day, that it was thought expedient
to defer the remaining exercises until the evening.
On leaving Fredericksburg I proceeded to Fau
quier-, where I preached at Warrenton on Tues
day, at whioh time thirteen persons were con
tinued. On the twojbllowing days I preached in
the upper part of the county at the Cool Spring
meeting-house, and intended to have-held a con
firmation and administered the Lord's Supper on
the third day, but was arrested by the hand of
sickness, which for some weeks.disabled me from
all duty. Much- sooner than I deserved it pleased
Providence to raise me up from the bed of sick
ness, and enable me to engage in his service. The
first public act performed after my recovery was
the bestowing of priests' orders on the Rev. Mr.
Bragg, which was allowed- before the canonical
period, with a yiew to his entering into the services
of the Missionary -Society in a distant part of our
country. His ordination took place in the new
church at Berryville; On Sunday, November 13th,
1831. From that time till the month of April my
services were confined to my own parish. On
the 12th of April I set out to visit, according to
appointment, one- of the churches in Hampshire ;

but in consequence ofthe sickness of my horse, was
unable to reach the place of appointment. I was
obliged to retrace my steps, in order to fulfil an
engagement at Mill Creek on Saturday, the 14th.
This I was enabled to do", as well as to reach
Martinsburg, and preach there the same evening.
On the following morning, which was the -Sab
bath, I preached again at Martinsburg, baptized a
child, confirmed two persons, and administered
the communion. At night I preached to a large
congregation in the country at M ount Zion Church,
and the next day preached again, baptized one
adult and confirmed two persons, and adminis
tered the communion. 1 am happy to inform the
Convention that the Rev. Mr. Johnson has been
chosen rector of this parish, and will enter imme
diately on his duties.
On the following day I proceeded to Shepherds
town, where I preached m the evening, and also
the next morning. From thence I went to Charles
town, where I also preached twice, and oh the
second occasion confirmed nine young and inter
esting disciples of our Lord. On the following
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, being the season
set apart for the special consideration of the suf
ferings, death, and resurrection of our Lord, the
services were held at the chapel in Frederick
parish and the church at Berryville, by the Rev.
WiUiam Jackson and myself, on the last of which
days', in the church at Berryville, I baptized one
adult, confirmed seven, and administered the
Lord's Supper to the communicants of the parish.
The last services performed were at Leesburg,
on my way to this place, where I preached on
Saturday evening, Sunday morning and evening,
besides addressing the teachers, parents, and
children of the flourishing Sunday School in that
place. On Monday morning, before I left there, a
meeting of afew friends of the measure assembled,
and commenced a subscription' for a new and larger
church. One thousand dollars were subscribed,
which, with other means, already in hand, and
what may certainly be expected from others not
present, almost ensures the object of the meeting.
Such, brethren, are the only services I have been
able to render to the church in aid of our beloved
father, to whose assistance you "have called me. ,
Wm. Meade, Assist. Bishop, of Virginia.
The secretary received the following contribu
tions from sundryparishes in this diocess for Con
tingent Fund, and towards the remuneration of
Bishop Moore for his episcopal services, viz. .- —

Hanover parish, King George
county, - -
Vauter's Church, Essex county,
Antrim parish, Halifax county,
Portsmouth parish,
Bruton parish, Williamsburg,
St. Andrew^s parish, Jefferson
county, Zion Church,
Do. Trinity Church, ' -
South Farnham parish, Essex,
St. Margaret's parish, Caroline,
Christ Church, Winchester,
Lamb's Creek Church, Bruns
wick parish, King George,
Hungar's parish, Northumber
land,

Jontinfjent Fund.

For E. ser.
or Bishop
Moore.

$5 00

$00 00

20 00

- 10 00

24 00

6 00

11 00

9 00

10 00

0 00

15 00

0 00

00 00

12 00

10 00

4 00

io-oo<

5 00

15 00

0 00

10 00

- 15 00

0 00

8 50

Amount carried forward, $145 00 $54 50

270

CONVENTION OF 1832!

Amount brought forward; $145 00
Christ Church.Norfolk borough, 30 00
Grace Church, Frederick par-
ish, Frederick county, 15 00
Lynnhaven parish, Princess
Anne county, -„ - 10 00
Christ Church, Norborne par
ish, Berkeley county, - 8 00
St. John's Church, Hampton, 6 00
Christ Church, Lancaster
county, - 15 70
St. Paul's Church, Lynchburg, 15 00

Hamilton parish, Fauquier,
Lexington parish, Amherst,
St. John's Church, Henrico
parish, -
St. George's parish, Freder
icksburg,
St. Stephen's Church, Culpep
per county,
Ware and Abingdon parishes,
Gloucester,

15 00
16 25

15 00

20 00

11 00

36 10

:i

10 00

St. Paul's parish, King George, 13 00
Christ Church, Alexandria, 30 00
Monumental Church, Rich
mond City, - ' 30 00
St. James's Church, Shelburne
parish, Loudoun, - -20 00
Norborne parish, Berkeley,
Christ Church,
^.Mount ZiOn's Church,
Leeds parish, Fauquier, 15 00
St. James's parish, Northam,
Goochland, -' - 6 50
St. Paul's Church, Alexandria, 20 00
Russell parish, Bedford county, 30 00
Newport parish, Isle of Wight, 3 00
St. James's parish, Mecklen
burg, ^ - - 10 00
Christ Church, Richmond, - 10 00
St. Martin's parish, Hanover, "20 00
Bristol parish, Petersburg,, - 30 00
Bath parish, Dinwiddie, 15 00
St. Andrew's parish, Bruns-
,- wick county, '15 00
Cumberland parish, Lunenburg
county, - - - - 15 00
Suffolk parish, Suffolk, 10 00
St. Mark's parish, Culpepper, 22 00
Kanawha parish, - - 15 00
Wicomico parish, Northum
berland, - - 7 00'
Mr. Hugh Nelson, for Fred
ericksville parish, - 0 00

$54 50
12 00
12 00
5 00
0 00
6 00
0 00
10 00
6 00
5 00
10 00
12 00
9 00
5 00
0 00
12 00
15 00
10 00
5 00
6 00
0 00
12 00
7 00
5 00
8 00
10 00
, 9 00
12 00
5 00
5 00
5 00
5 00
8 00
0 00
0 00
10 00

$704 55 $295 50
The business of the Convention was sus
pended for the purpose of attending divine ser
vice. After service, Bishop Meade took the chair.
The parochial reports having been received and
read, were referred to' the committee on paro
chial reports.
The report of the board of trustees of the
Theological School of Virginia, together with
that of their treasurer, were presented and read
by the Rev. John Grammer, and received.

Report of the Trustees cf the Theological Seminary
ofthe Diocess of Virginia.
In presenting again to the Convention a report
of the condition and prospects of the Theological
Seminary, the trustees are permitted to indulge in
a higher tone of congratulation than they could on
any former- occasion assume. -The blessing of
God has been crowning our feeble efforts with a
most cheering measure of success ; and the pros
pect of seeing the spiritual desolation of our Zion
removed, and her walls supplied and built up by
faithful and'efficient labourers, is brightening upon
us with a rapidity which -gives ripeness to our
hopes, assurance to our faith, and new energy to
our exertions. The Lord is evidently calling the
attention of the pious youth of our church to the
consideration ofthe duty of dedicating themselves
exclusively to bis service in the ministry of the
gospel. The number of students in our seminary
during the last year has exceeded by nearly one
third that of any previous period. Ten have been
ordained since the last meeting of our Convention,
and seven are expected to undergo examination
for orders during our present session. Here is
therefore an increase ef seventeen to tbe number
of our clergy within one year ; an increase which
we may reasonably expect will advance with the
rapidity of a geometrical proportion, and soon si
lence the. urgency of that cry for help which falls
with such constant .and painful vibrations upon
our ears from almost, every quarter of pur land.
It is no longer visionary to hope, that before an
other generation shall have wholly passed away, .
every parish in our diocess maybe blessed with a
regular ministration of ther word of life and the
ordinances Of our church — and the prospect of
such a consummation of our hopes is calculated
to enkindle tbe liveliest emotions of gratitude to
God, who has so graciously sustained and encour
aged us amid the many .difficulties which have
threatened to-overwhelm -us. But, although our
cause for gratitude is most abundant, we are not
permitted to forget that it is through the instru
mentality of. human means that the divine pur
poses are effected. While God is by his spirit
working upon the hearts of the youth of our
church, and awakening in their bosoms the holy
desire of ministering to the spiritual wants of
their fellow-creatures ; to us is given the honour,
and on us devolves the duty, of supplying the
means for improving to the highest measure of
efficiency the talents with which they have been
intrusted. And these means must be enlarged in
proportion as the number of those to whom they
are to be applied is increased. The increase du
ring the past year in the number of students who
are preparing for the ministry in our seminary,
renders an enlargement of that institution indis
pensably necessary. The building heretofore
erected for- the general purposes of the seminary
is at present insufficient. It is capable of ac
commodating only twenty students, while the
number at this time connected with the institution
is thirty. . Of these several have been under the
necessity of submitting to the great inconvenience
and disadvantage pf obtaining lodgings in the
adjacent country. Arid it is the painful duty of
the board to state, that ohe young man has been
compelled to withdraw from the impossibility of
procuring accommodations, and that there is rea
son to fear that others have been deterred by the
same cause from connectingthemselves with this
seminary. Under these circumstances, the trus
tees have felt themselves constrained to order and
make arrangements for the erectioh of another
building, of equal dimensions with that at present
occupied. And it is from the efforts of Christian

CONVENTION OF 1832.

271

benevolence that they rnust look for the means of
meeting the expenses of this undertaking. Our
vested fund amounts to $17,075 90 — the annual
interest of which is barely sufficient for the sup
port of one professor ; and to divert it from this tp
other purposes would be to stop at once the
course of instruction, and render it wholly useless.
It is therefore upon the liberality of our friends
that we depend for the supply of our present
want's. And to this source we look with entire
confidence. After the many evidences we have
received of the divine favour, to doubt would
manifest a wSntof faith in the highest degree un
reasonable and sinful. While the Lord is putting
it into the hearts of out youth td relinquish their
prospects for earthly wealth and worldly honours,
and give- their time and their talents, their bodies
and souls, to the glorious work of proclaiming- sal
vation to a perishing world, who can dare to sup
pose that he will not exert an according influence
upon his people, and move them to contribute
freely of that substance of which they are his
stewards, to the purpose-of rendering most effect
ual this work ? The work is of the Lord ; it is a
branch of his planting, and it. w ill flourish. While
One pulse of piety throbs in a human bosom, the
vital current of Christian charity must flow on
ward. We appeal, therefore, fearlessly, to, those
who call themselves the disciples of that Saviour
whb so loved the world that he gave his life as a
ransom for sinners, and who thus proved by his
works what he has declared in his word, that the
essential characteristic of his nature is love, — we
appeal to his professed disciples for the manifest
ation of the sincerity of their' professions, by the
exhibition of a portion of his spirit. And it is an
appeal which cannot be resisted. If they be in
deed his disciples, they are animated by his
spirit; for " If any. man have, not the spirit of
Christ, he is none of his." They cannot look on-'
moved upon the waste places of Zion ; — they
cannot remain deaf to the calls for help which as
cend on all sides from the multitudes " who are
ready to perish ;" nor can they reflect without re
gret on the fact, that of those who are desirous of
labouring in the vineyard ofthe Lord, any should
be kept back for want of such means as earthly
riches can provide. They will respond to our ap
peal with a-promptness and liberality which will
manifest of what spirit, they are, and that the
spirit of Christ is a spirit of love. We would call
upon the Convention, therefore, to sustain us in
our present undertaking, by adopting such. meas
ures as may be deeined expedient for presenting
this subject most clearly to the consideration of
our friends.
And in conclusion the board would briefly state,
that from the report of the professors, the stu
dents in our seminary have, during the past year,
pursued with regularity and diligence the course
of study heretofore prescribed ; that their deport
ment has been consistent and exemplary, and has'
developed a tone of piety and devotedness to God
which gives a strong promise of their future use
fulness in his church.
The committee appointed to take into con
sideration the state of the Theological School,
made a report as follows : —
Resolved, That a meeting be invited to be
held at St. Paul's Church, on Friday afternoon,
at' half past 4 o'clock, when -addresses by the
clergy and some of the laity will be presented,
and a collection taken up to procure funds for the
immediate erection of such buildings at the sem
inary as are at this time deemed indispensable.

Resolved, That the chairman of this commit
tee be requested to invite such of the clergy
and laymen as he may think -proper to present
addresses at the said meeting.
Resolved, That for -the accommodation of
those who may be unprepared at the instant to
indulge their charitable feelings towards this
institution, subscription papers be prepared and
offered to the meeting, which shall also be dis
tributed throughout the diocess, to secure a
collection adequate to the wants of the semi
nary. An amendment was offered by Mr. Colston,
pending the discussion of which the Convention
adjourned, to meet to-morrow morning; at 9
o'clock. Friday, May 18, 1832.
The Convention met pursuant to adjourn
ment, and wa3 opened with prayer by the Rev.
Wm. F. Lee.
The Right Rev. Bishop Moore, D. D., took
the chair as president.
The Rev. Edward W. Peet, of Henrico par
ish, appeared andtook his seat.
The following communication was received
from the Virginia Society for promoting the ob
servance of the Christian Sabbath, which was
read, and, with the documents accompanying it,
referred to the committee On the state, of the
church, viz. : —
To- the Convention of the Protestant Episcopal
Church ofthe Diocess of Virginia.
The managers ofthe Virginia Society for pro
moting the observance of , the Christian Sabbath
would respectfully solicit the attention of the
Convention to the best means of promoting the
sanctification ofthe Lord's day. The accompany
ing circular, address, and report, will explain the
object, and the means employed by this society ;
and show that we desire not the aid of the civil
power,- but the moral influence of all the people of
God. Believing that the, Convention take a lively
interest in -this subjectj and that its influence*
would be extensively and powerfully felt among
us, we cherish the hope that it will take such
measures in relation to it as in its wisdom it may
deem expedient.
By order of the board of managers.
Charles Goddard, Cor. Sec,
Richmond, May 12, 1832.
The Rev. J. Loring Woart appeared and
took his seat.
The consideration of the report made on yes
terday by the committee on the Theological
School was resumed. Oil motion of the Rev.
Mr. Grammer, it was amended by the "adoption
of the following substitute : —
Whereas it appears from the report of the
board of trustees of the Theological Seminary
that funds are wanting for the erection of an
other building, and the endowment of another
professorship, the first of which objects is of
immediate and absolute importance ; therefore,
Resolved, That a meeting be held this after
noon, in St. Paul's Church, at half past 4
o'clock, for the purpose of commencing such a
course of measures as may be calculated to
effect this object ; by making known to the
friends of the seminary its wants ; appealing to

272

CONVENTION OF 1832.

them by public addresses for pecuniary aid ; re
ceiving such contributions as its friends may be
prepared to give ; and such subscriptions as
any may be disposed to make.
Resolved, That the, board of trustees of the
Theological Seminary be requested to make the
necessary arrangements, and superintend the
proceedings of the said meeting.
On motion of the Rev. Wm. F. Lee, it was
Resolved, That the next annua! Conven
tion of this diocess be held in the Monumental
Church, in the city of Richmond.
The committee on the treasurer's accounts
made the following report :—
The committee to whom was referred the treas
urer's accounts respectfully report, That they
have examined the same, and find them correct—
the various items being ascertained by the proper
vouchers, which are filed with the accounts. The
balance remaining in the hands of the treasurer
at this time, of the contingent fund, is $497 11,
and the fund for the bishop is $36 50, as appears
by the accompanying, accounts.
Thomas Nelson, Chairman.
Mr. Edmund. J. Lee, from the committee ap
pointed to examine the state of the fund for the
permanent support, of fhe episcopate in this dio
cess, presented the following report : —
The committee upon the episcopal fund re
port, That, according to the order of the-Conven-
tion, they have examined the same. ' And-that at
the last Convention the amount was $5,552 91 in
stocks. That there has been added to it since
then $216, which has been vested in bank-
stocks; making the whole amount in stocks to be
$5,750. During the present Convention, the trus
tees of the fund have received the following sums
under the resolution of the last Convention :—
From Russell parish, $12 50
St. Martin's, - - - 17 00
Christ Church, Alexandria, 12.00
Sapony Church,.Chesterfield, . - 10 00
Christ Church, Richmond, ¦" 11 "00
$5,750 O0 Stocks. 
62 50 Cash. < $62 50

$5,812 50
On motion, Resolved, That the said report
be received.
Agreeably to the provisions of the 13th arti
cle, notice having been transmitted to the sev
eral vestries of the parishes in this diocess that
it was proposed to amend the first article of the
constitution, by striking out fhe word Thursday,
and inserting, in "lieu thereof, the word Wed
nesday; on- motion of the Rev. Wm. F. Lee,
it was Resolved, That the said article be so
amended as to read thus : '* There shall be a
Convention ofthe Protestant-Episcopal Church
in this state on the third Wednesday in May
every year ; but the Convention which meets
in the year previous to the meeting of the Gen
eral Convention may have power to appoint
the time and place of meeting for the next an
nual session."
Leave of absence for to-morrow was granted
to Mr. Edmund J. Lee and Mr. Wm. Boiling.
The business of the Convention was sus
pended for the purpose of attending divine ser

vice. After service, Bishop Meade took the
chair. Mr. Jno. B. Breckenridge presented a cer
tificate of his appointment as lay delegate from
Augusta parish, in Staunton, and was admitted
to a seat in the Convention.
The Convention proceeded to the election,
by ballot, of a standing committee of the church
in this diocess for the ensuing year ; where
upon the following gentlemen were duly elect
ed, viz. : — The Rev. Reuel Keith, D. D., the
Rev. Edward R. Lippit, the Rev. Wm. Jack
son, Mr. John Hooff, Mr. Edmund J. Lee, and
Mr. John Gray.
The Convention then proceeded to the
choice of the executive committee of the Mis
sionary Society, which resulted-in the election
of Mr. John G." Williams, secretary; Mr.
Thomas Nelson, treasurer ; and Rev. E. C.
M'Guire, Rev. Henry W. Ducachet, Rev.
Nicholas H. Cobbs, Rev. Wm. Jackson, Rev.
Adam Empie, Rev. Wm. F. Lee, Rev. Edward
W. Peet, Mr. John Nelson, Mr. Geo. M. Car
rington, and Mr Samuel C. Nichols, as mem
bers of the executive committee.
The committee to whom was referred the ac
count of the treasurer of the Missionary Society
reported, That they had examined the same, and
found it correct, and authenticated by the proper
vouchers ; and that the balance in the treasurer's
hands on the 16th instant amounted to $60 72.
On motion, the Convention adjourned until
to-morrow morning, at 9 o'clock.
Saturday, May 19, 1832.
The Convention met pursuant to adjourn
ment, and was opened with prayer by the Rev.
Wm. F. Lee.
The Right. Rev. Bishop Moore, D. D., took
the chair.
The committee on parochial reports made the
following report, which was read and accepted,
with this exception, that the report ofthe rector
of the Monumental Church, Richmond, was re
stored to its original condition, viz. : —
' The committee to whom were referred the pa
rochial reports have discharged the task assigned
them, and herewith return the same, revised and
abridged, for insertion on the journal : — ..
Bruton parish, Williamsburg. The rector re
ports, since the last Convention," one adult and
ten infant baptisms, nine marriages, and six fu
nerals. Confirmations fifteen. Of the communi
cants, eight have been lost by removal and one by
death. At the time of our association! in June
last and soon after, the church received an acces
sion of fifteen new communicants. Our present
number is sixty -five, of whom three are Africans.
Our communicants form three fifths of our adult
congregation. It is proper to add, that a female Bible class has
been formed, that our Bible, Prayer-BOok, arid
Tract Society has become auxiliary to the Mis
sionary Society of this diocess, and that we have
laid the foundation of a parish library, which con
tains already about one hundred volumes, one
half of which is the gift of Mrs. Julia Avery,
daughter of Dr. Bracken, former rector of the
parish. A. Empie, Rector.
Frederick parish, Frederick county. While the
rector of this parish could wish thatits religious

CONVENTION OF 183S.

27a

state was much better, he is thankful that it is
hot worse. 'Since the last!"' Convention twelve
have been added to the communion. Within the
same period more than $700 have been contribu
ted to the Bible Society, the Education Society,
the Greek Missiori, and the Colonizing Society.
A donation of one thousand dollars in road-stock
has been made to the Theological Seminary by
one individual. A commodious church, recently
erected in Berryville, was consecrated in August
last. He hopes to report to the next Convention
the completion of another, which is about to be
erected at Millwood. The rector, while regretting
to state that the Rev. Mr. Rice has resigned his
place as assistant minister in this parish, is happy
to be able to add, that the Rev. William Jackson,
jr. has been chosen to supply the vacancy, and
has entered upon his charge With the most flatter
ing- prospects.^ Communicants ninety — baptisms
twelve — funerals twelve. Wm. Meade, Rector.
The rector of Russell parish, Bedford county,
in making his report to the Convention, hesitates
what account to give of the state of his churches.
During a great part of the last year there was
manifested a deep and general interest in religion,
and he was gratified to perceive a number of
pious and valuable members added to the com
munion. But, at present, he is constrained to say
that this interest has abated, that many are be
coming more indifferent to the claims of religion,
and he fears that notwithstanding a very consider
able accession to the communion, the general
prospect before him is rather more discouraging
than heretofore. He feels himself bound in this
place gratefully to acknowledge the liberality of
bis parishioners in having subscribed nearly two
thousand dollars for the purchase of a farm, for
the benefit of the rector and la's family. Besides
his services in Bedford county, he labours one'
fourth of his time in the adjacent county of Bote
tourt, in which there is an interesting and intelli
gent congregation,, and in which an active clergy
man would be kindly received and comfortably
supported. There is probably no portion of up
per Virginia where there are better materials for
the building up of our church. Communicants,
removed twelve, withdrawn, four, added forty ;
total number ninety-six — baptisms, of infants
twenty-five, adults twelve — marriages seven — one
burial — contributions to the episcopal fund $12
50. Nicholas H, Cobbs, Rector.
Parochial report frorn St. Mark's parish, Cul
pepper. Since my last report, there have been
but few changes in this parish. I think, however,
that the prospect is gradually improving, there
being in many persons a greater anxiety to en
courage pure and undefiled religion. The con
gregations are visibly increasing, and, I flatter
myself, are" more devout when attending divine
service. Within the course of the last twelve
months, one of our communicants has died and
five have been added. Present number of com
municants forty. There have been baptisms,
adults three, infants twenty-one — marriages three
— funerals five. John Woodville.
St. Paul's Church, Lynchburg: Nothing of
especial interest has occurred in this parish du
ring the past year. It still bears marks of a recent
origin, and requires the fostering care of the Con
vention. Of the communicants, one has died, four have
removed, eleven have been added, and the present
number is fifty-eight. Funerals twelve — mar
riages three — baptisms,, of adults dne, of infants
"seven. In connexion with the Rev. Mr. Cobbs, I have

for a paft of the last year maintained a fiiohthly
appointment at St. John's Church, Moore parish,
Campbell. The prospects of this infant church
are highly flattermg; and present an interesting
field of labour for a clergyman who will reckon
Hhe consciousness of doing good his highest re
ward. F. G. Smith.
Christ Church, Norfolk, Elizabeth River parish.
During the past year there have been thirty-nine
baptisms (in three instances of adults)— eleven
marriages — and twenty-five funerals — twenty-
eight have been confirmed: The present number
of cohrmunicants is two hundred arid fifty, of
whom forty-eight have been received since the
last Convention, that being the largest number
ever admitted in the same period of time, in this
parish. The rector rejoices to inform the Con
vention, that in consequence of the great increase
of the congregation of Christ Church, it has be
come necessary to establish another. Measures
have already been taken for that purpose ; liberal
subscriptions raised, and a vestry chosen ; and it
is confidently hoped that a very respectable and
encouraging body of worshippers will soon be
gathered in the old building formerly occupied by
the Episcopalians of Norfolk, and which is now
designed and set apart, by the name of St. Paul's
Church, for the accommodation /of the new con
gregation. In other respects the condition of
Christ Church has undergone no change.
Henry W. Ducachet, Rector.
Abingdon and Ware parishes, Gloucester. The
minister of these parishes reports, that during the
past year there have been ten baptisms and eight
funerals — two of the communicants have died, and
seven new members have been added. The pres
ent number of communicants is twenty-nine. The
Female Education Society continues to contribute
its annual aid to. the friends of the parent society.
Jno. Cole.
Report of Lexington parish, Amherst county,
and of Nelson parish, Nelson county. My time, as
heretofore, has been devoted to the three churches
in Amherst, and to the church in Nelson, with
occasional visits to Buckingham.
The work of tbe Lord has not prospered so ex
tensively during the last twelve months as in
times preceding, and yet there is not wanting evi
dence that souls have been born to God. The
whole number added in the different churches is
ten. In addition to the exercises of the Sabbath
School, the children in the different congregations
have been statedly instructed in the church cate
chism. Besides the auxiliary Education Society,
the ladies in the vicinity of New-Glasgow have
formed an association to raise funds by their own
work for the cause of mission?. The good effect
of temperance societies has been observed and
acknowledged by all.
Marriages five — funerals six — baptisms four.
The whole number of communicants eighty-one.
Charles H. Page. -
St. Paul's parish, King George county. The
rector reports, that since the last Convention the
spiritual condition of this parish has been gradual
ly improving. Within the last two months a
Missionary Society has been organized. A parish
library has been commenced, from which it is
hoped much good will result. Eight persons
have been added to the communion, and many
others are anxiously inquiring what they must do
to be saved. Four have removed from the'parish
during the last year— one died — baptisms eight—
one marriage— funerals fivg — present number, of
communicants thirty-two. Zachariah H. Goldsmith.
Brunswick parish. There have been no acces-

274

CONVENTION OF 1832.

sions to the communion in this parish during the
last year. At an association recently held,- much
seriousness pervaded the congregation. Baptisms
four— funerals six— communicants ten.
Zachariah H. Goldsmith.
Tlie Tector of the Monumental Church in the
city of Richmond reports to the Convention, that
the state of his congregation continues to be very
encouraging; that the attendants on divine wor
ship are very numerous, and that since his report
the last year a goodly number have been added
tb the communion. The baptisms within the last
twelve months amount to forty-nine. Communi
cants one hundred and seventy-two. Owing to
the indisposition of the- Rev. Leonidas Polk-, who
was engaged as an assistant minister to the rec
tor, he'was under the painful necessity of resign
ing his situation and crossing the Atlantic for the
benefit of his health. Mr. Polk evidenced, during
his ministry in Richmond, a spirit of the most
ardent piety and devotion to his duty ; and it was
with regret of no ordinary character that the rec
tor was obliged to accept bis resignation. The
situation which was filled by Mr. Polk is now oc
cupied by the Rev. Joseph H. Nichols, who has
been well received by the congregation ; and from
whose filial deportment to the rector he is justi
fied in believing that the interests of the parish
will be promoted, and the evening of the rector's
life rendered happy, peaceful, and comfortable.
Richard Channing Moore,
Rector of the Monumental Church.
, St. John's parish, Brooke county. In this par
ish there are two congregations ; one at Wells
burg, the other in the country, about eight miles
distant. The Rev. Mr. Morse, of Ohio, has for several
years rendered most acceptable and efficient ser
vices, though necessarily only occasional, to both
congregations. Since my resignation of the parish of Wheeling
this spring, T have taken charge of that at Wells
burg. Mr. M. now officiates for the" country con
gregation more frequently., There are about forty-
five communicants. A Sunday School has just
been organized.. The prospects- of the parish
generally are encouraging.
Four communicants have been added to the
number at Wheeling this year, making thirty-five
in all.
The Rev. Wm. Armstrong, of Maryland, has
been invited to the rectorship of this parish. He
has accepted it upon the condition of a short de
lay in removing, and will probably soon be here.
John Thomas Wheat.
Antrim parish, Halifax county. The church in
this parish is gradually increasing. The present
number of communicants is thirty-two, of whom
twelve have been added since the last Conven
tion. The baptisms during the same time have
been eleven, of whom six were adults, and five
children. Marriages four — funerals four — Sunday
Schools two. Charles Dresser, Rector.
Camden parish, Pittsylvania county. This par
ish, after the lapse of nearly half a century, has
lately been reorganized. Since the last Conven
tion a small church has been completed, which is
now ready for, consecration. " The services of a
resident clergyman" are still earnestly desired, and
in few .parts of the diocess, it is beheved, would
the labours of a faithful and enlightened minister
be more useful. The present number of commu
nicants is twelve. Baptisms six — one funeral.
Charles Dresser.
Newport parish, Isle of Wight, and St. John's,
Nansemond. The minister would state, that he
took charge of these parishes about two months

since, and has not yet been able to ascertain Che
exact number of communicants. One' baptism —
funerals four. ,...;.
A catechetical class has been formed, with rnore
than twenty members. It is expected a neat and
commodious church will be erected in the town of
Smithfield during the ensuing summer.
Chaplin S. Hedges.
Christ Church, Richmond. Baptisms fifteen
(two adults)— funerals twenty-three— marriages
twelye. Additions to the communion twenty-one.
Of the coriiiriunicants,- one has died, ahd. three
have removed ; present number sixty. Contri
butions to Missionary Society $30— to the Epis
copal Fund $11 . Wm. F. Lee.
St. Anne's parish, Albemarle. The rector has
the pleasure of making a very favourable report
respecting the progress of religion within the
hmits of his labour during the past year. The
church to which allusion was made in the last re
port is nearly finished, and is a very neat and
beautiful edifice. Our congregations have in
creased verymuchi and are more serious and at
tentive. The rector has also officiated Once a
month at Walker's Church, which belongs to
Fredericksville parish. Adult baptisms three, in
fant baptisms ten— marriages two— funerals.sev-
en. About thirty are ready for' Confirmation.
Zachariah Meade.
St. John's Church, Henrico parish, Richmond.
The rector of this parish reports, that the general
condition of his charge is not greatly changed
since the last Convention. Death has made seri
ous inroads on the congregation,' but others Have
arisen to-stand in the places of the departed.- The
Bible class, the lectures, and Sunday School' are
still sustained, as they always have been, although
not heretofore noticed in his reports.- The num
ber of the communicants has been increased the
last year by eight accessions; making thirty in all.
, There have been twenty-four baptisms, one adult
— seven marriages — and forty funerals. The con
gregations have been better this spring than at
any former period of his residence in the parish.
Edward W. Peet.
Chiist Church, Lancaster county, and Wicom
ico Church, Northumberland county. The min
ister of these' churches entered upon-his duties at
the commencement of the present year. He has
under his charge three congregations.
Through the spirited exertions of some of the
members of the church, one church has recently
been thoroughly repaired, and is now a conveni
ent edifice for public worship. The other two
churches are in a state of decay, and require very
considerable repairs to render them commodious
for the purposes of public worship.,
A Bible class has been formed iri Christ Church
parish, and we have in the two parishes-four Sun
day Schools, three of which have been established
during the present season. The number of families
belonging to the two congregations in Lancaster
county is sixty-three. Baptisms in the two par
ishes nineteen — one marriage. Ephraim Adams.
St." Margaret's parish, Caroline county. The
lay delegates from this parish report, that it has
been for nearly two years deprived of the services
of a regular minister, and that those whom they
represent are anxious to procure one.
They feel pleased also in reporting, that, not
withstanding this long vacancy, there is an" in
creasing interest felt in the cause of the church.
Since the last report, respectable members of
the congregation and faithfu-ffollowers of the'Lord
have departed this Ufe : several have been added',

CONVENTION OF 1832.

275

leaving the number of communicants about the
same as when last reported. '
Geo. F. Thornton.
Addison F. Thornton.
St.; George's Church, Fredericksburg. The
minister of this church has the happiness of re
porting the prosperous state of his pastoral charge.
The grace of God has been extended to us in
an unusual measure through the past year.
Subsequent to the period of the Convention in
Norfolk, there was a manifest increase of religious
sensibility among Vis. An unusual solemnity per
vaded our places of worship, while the welfare
of the soul became the absorbing theme of medi
tation and conversation with anunusual number.
The good seed -which had long been sown in re
luctant hearts began to spring up. One and an
other evinced deep- concern, giving vent to feel
ings which-had been" long, more or less, restrained.
Occasions of religious worship were now eagerly ¦
sought, every place of meeting was speedily filled,
presenting often scenes of subdued but, deep spirit
ual distress, mingled with those.-of calm but rap
turous delight and joy in the Holy Ghost.
The result of this visitation of mercy has been,
as we believe, the radical conversion of upwards
of eighty individuals. Of these, Bishop Meade
confirmed seventy-five in September last— more
than fifty of whom united for the first time in com
memorating the death of their Saviour. Since that
period about thirty more have been admitted to the
holy comrhunion-, making the whole amount of
increase since the last Convention about eighty-
five members. ¦>
A great blessing has this merciful visitation
been to us. It has added much to tbe influence
of true religion. Our congregations have in
creased, a fresh impulse has been given to the
activity of members, and tbe fruits of faith have
been realized, in holy living and in all the deeds of
practical benevolence and Christian charity.
The several parochial associations reported to
the last Convention still continue in a prosperous
state. Our Sunday Schools, Bible classes, Prayer-
Bookand Tract Society, Education Society, and
Missionary Societies, are well sustained and emi
nently useful. Baptisms forty six (thirteen adults)
— marriage's five — funerals twenty-four — commu
nicants one hund!fed and eighty-eight— twenty-two
lost by death and removal. Edwar~d C. M'Guire.
St Anne's and South Farnham parishes, Essex
county.. The rector reports a gradual iniprove-
ment of the congregations under his care. The
numbers who attend upon the services of the
sanctuary are increasing ; some appear to feel the
word, -and a few have taken upon themselves the
vows of the Lord by a public profession of his
most holy religion.
The Bible classes heretofore noticed still exist ;
as does the Sunday School, to whicff'has just
been added a Saturday School ; something is also
being done for the Missionary and Education
Societies. St. Mary's parish, Port Royal, Caroline county.
At this place the rector of St. Anne's and South
Farnham has been preaching twice a month for
some time past with much encouragement. The
congregation is growing, and measures have been
taken to erect a church. Communicants removed
into another parish two — added eighteen, of whom
twelve only were new communicants — present
number sixty-three — baptisms, three of which.
were of adults, thirty :two— marriages ten — burials
five. John P. M'Guire, Rector.
The rector of Hainilton. and Leeds parishes,
Fauquier, reports, that no very striking change
S 2

has taken place in these parishes since the last
Convention. The congregations in both are gen
erally good, and often, especially in the former,
very full. The number of communicants has re
ceived some increase. Communicants in both
parishes about sixty — baptisms twenty — funerals
eight — marriages nineteen. George Lemon.
Christ Church, Winchester. The rector re
ports the gradual improvement of the congrega
tion under his charge. All the charitable and be
nevolent objects of the day "have received increas
ed attention and support. Upwards of three hun
dred and fifty dollars have been collected for ob
jects connected with religion, exclusive of a very
liberal contribution towards buildings new church
a few miles from Winchester.^
There have been sixteen members added to the
communion, two of whom were formerly connect
ed with the church in Winchester, but for some
years had separated themselves from her commu
nion. One member has died and three have removed,
leaving the present number of communicants
ninety-five — baptisms sixteen, of whom six were
adults — funerals fourteen — marriages six.
The church at Mill Creek continues to be well
attended/and the congregation appears to be more
concerned on the subject of religion than at any
former period. The number of communicants is
thirty-nine— four added. J. E. Jackson, Rector.
St. Paul's Church, Suffolk. No remarkable
chapge has taken place in this church since my
last .report. One communicant- has removed and
one has been added to the church ; the preached
word is seriously attended to ; the responses are
more regular and more animated. Communicants
twenty-two — baptisms nine — funerals seven— mar
riages five. Jacob Keeling.
Portsmouth, Va,, May 12th, 1832. Last January
I declinedMny ministerial labours in Lynnhaven
parish : since that time it has been without a min
ister. One gentleman has expressed a willingness
to board a clergyrrian, and, he believes, two or
three hundred dollars may be obtained by sub
scription, which would secure the maintenance of
one whose demands are not great. The number
of communicants I have not been able to ascer
tain exactly. I believe there are about ten.
I have dev^ ted more time and attention to Deep
Creek this year than I did last, and, although
there is no great riianifestation of good, yet I per
ceive an increased attention to the word, and have
reason to believe that it has -had some very good
.effect. Baptized two — funerals four — one mar
riage. Ira Parker.
St. James's parish, Northam, Goochland. In
reporting the accession of four members to the
communion since the last Convention, the minis
ter of this parish has to regret that in the general
aspect of his charge there has been so little to
cheer his heart, or to animate his hopes. In ad
dition to the stated services in this church," the
minister has officiated regularly one Sunday in
the month in Sapony Church, Chesterfield county,
and one Sunday in the month in Cartersville,
Cumberland eounty, where there is a growing
attachment to the services of our church, and
a strong desire manifested to have them continued.
Two of the communicants last reported have been
removed, one by death, and the other to another
diocess. Ten dollars have been contributed in aid
of the Bishops' Fund, and ten" to the Education
Society. Baptisms six, two of whom were adults
— funerals two — marriages three. James Doughen.
Bristol, parish, Petersburg. I" have nothing in-

276

CONVENTION OF 1832.

teresting to report concerning the state of this
parish since last Convention. I cannot conscien
tiously declare that there is any improvement,
either in the ordinary attendance of the congrega
tion, or in the participation of the more solemn
oi;dinances of the church ; -and yet I would be un
willing to hint that there is a falling off in any of
these respects, although appearances are not alto
gether so favourable as might be wished. There
have been, since last Convention, eight marriages,
thirteen baptisms, and twenty deaths. Andrew Syme.
Hungar's parish, Northampton, Va. Baptisms
twenty-five — marriages four — funerals six — com
municants, three added since last report ; present
number thirty. A Temperance Society of ninety
members. S. S. GpNTER, Rector.
St. John's Church, Hampton, Elizabeth City
parish. Since the last report, four have been ad
ded to the number of communicants and two have
removed. There are but few in this parish. who
are decidedly attached to our communion. Still
the prospect is encouraging. At Old Point the
congregation has considerably increased, in con
sequence of an augmentation of the military force.
There is at this time preparing, under the imme
diate direction of the commandant of the post, a
spacious and convenient place for worship, in
which the exercises of our church are to be con
ducted. A Bible class of eighteen non-commis
sioned officers and privates assemble once in each
week, and the weekly lectures still elicit atten
tion. The Sunday School, conducted upon the
principles of the Protestant Episcopal Sunday
School Union,, numbering ten teachers, forty-four
boys, and thirty-two girls, and which is opened
twice on each Lord's day, continues to flourish.
. Marriages nine — baptisms twenty-one — communi
cants twenty-four — burials seventeen.
Mark L. Chevers,
Rector of St. John's, Hampton.
Cumberland parish, Lunenburg county. The
rector of 'this parish would state, that he took
charge of it in October last ; since which time he
has preached statedly at St. John's Church and
at the courthouse. Within a few miles of the lat
ter place, a neat and commodious brick church is
about to be erected. At St. John's a Sunday
School and Bible class were established last fall.
A few have united in the formation of a Mission
ary Society, auxiliary to the General Missionary
Society of the church. Three communicants
have been added -and two have removed, making
the present number twelve — one marriage — funer
als tfrree— infant baptisms three.
It may be well to mention that the masters of
some four or five plantations are in the habit of
giving their servants a part of one day in every
week to attend preaching. By the trifling loss
thus sustained, they prove to their servants that
the interest which they profess to feel for their
spiritual welfare is real. Much good has already
resulted from my labours among them : six or
seven give hopeful evidence of conversion.
Charles C. Taliaferro.
Trinity Church, Portsmouth parish. The rec
tor is happy in being able to report, that the con
gregation under his charge is gradually improving.
The attendance at church is more full and regu-
lar, and an increasing interest in the services is
manifest. The result has been an addition of nine
persons to the number of the communicants, three
by communing for the first time, and six by re
moving into the parish. One has been suspended,
and, in consequence of that act of discipline, has
left the congregation. The societies, as last re
ported, are still in existence, but are far from

being in that flourishing state in which it is so de
sirable to see all such institutions.
The pecuniary concerns of the parish are in a
somewhat better state than they were at the last
Convention. A few ladies of the congregation,
by small monthly contributions, have nearly paid
a debt for plastering the church of upwards of $500.
The present number of families in the congre
gation is sixty.. Marriages five — baptisms twelve
— communicants thirty seven — burials twenty-six.
J. H. Wingfield, Rector.
St. Andrew's parish, Brunswick county, and
Bath parish, Dinwiddie county. 'The dispersed
condition of the members of his flock rendersit
impracticable to the rector of these parishes to
fulfil his pastoral duties in a manner satisfactory
to himself. A lamentable coldness at present ex.
ists in his congregations ; but he would take en.
couragement, from the advancement in spiritual
life which-some few exhibit, to hope that a bright.
er day will soon dawn upon us. The few females
who have, heretofore formed' the Auxiliary Edu
cation Society, have persevered with unabated
zeal and with oncouraging success : and some
promising measures are at tbis time in progress
for tbe formation of a missionary association in
each parish.
The-present number of communicants in both
parishes is forty-five. Of these, nine have been
added within the past year, one of whom is a
coloured man ; two have removed, one has depart
ed in peace and triumph to the church above, one
has withdrawn, and two have been transferred to
an adjoining parish, in which they reside. There
have been twelve persons baptized, one of them
an adult, five white- and six,, coloured children —
funerals nine — marriages four. John Grammer, Jr.
Hanover parish, King George county. There
had been no episcopal services in this parish until
about two years ago (but for a few months), since
tbe revival of the church in this diocess. A con
gregation has been organized and a vestry elected.
At first there was an ignorance of our litiirgy,
and a prejudice against it ; but, by distributing
prayer-books, we have been enabled to make tbe
people better acquainted with it, and the prejudi
ces are now gradually subsiding. Baptisms eight
— marriages eleven — funerals four. -
J. Clapham.
The prospects of the church in St. James's par
ish, Mecklenburg, are more promising than when
last reported. There have been five additions to
our communion, making the whole number of
communicants in the parish forty-two. Baptisms
twenty — funerals seven — marriages eight.
William Steel, Rector.
St. Martin's parish, Hanover and Louisa. No
material change has occurred -in this parish since
our last report. The new church mentioned then
as nearly completed, is now ready for consecra
tion. Our several benevolent institutions are still
in operation. During the past year the rector ex
tended his labours, as often as practicable, to the
congregations in Caroline, Spotsylvania, Louisa,
and the lower part of Hanover, all of which are
anxious to obtain the regular services of a minis
ter. We have lost by deaths and removals thir
teen communicants, six have been added, total
fifty-nine — marriages six — baptisms eight-— funer
als eighteen. John Cooke.
St. Andrew's parish, Jefferson county. The
rector reports, that though he perceives many cau
ses for humiliation when considering the state of
his parish, he nevertheless is also reminded of
some for encouragement and thankfulness. A
goodly number of those who were careless and

CONVENTION OF 1832.

277

impenitent, especially among the young, have re
cently jqined the communion.
Bible classes and Sunday Schools are attached
to both the churches forming this parish ; so also
are Missionary and Education Societies. The
whole number of communicants one hundred and
fifteen, burials six. Contributions to benevolent
objects $153. Alexander Jones.
Kanawha parish, Kanawha county. This par
ish, previous to last October, had been without a
rninister for about six years. In Charlestown we
have no house of worship -, but, on my arrival,
the Methochst church was kindly offered for our
accommodation. In the country there is a small
brick edifice called Bangor Church. When I
came to this place there wer^ twenty-four com
municants. Since that time one has removed,
four have come into the parish, and three have
been added, making the present number thirty.
Marriages two — funerals three — baptisms, one
adult and six infants.
I have visited Lewisburg, Greenbrier county,
twice, and baptized one person, an adult. There
are in this ' place several warm- friends of the
church, and a few are anxious to join' the commu
nion. Frederick D. Goodwin.
St. Paul's Church, Alexandria. The rector of
this church states, with gratitude- to Almighty
God, that the anticipation of a blessing on his
congregation, expressed in his last report, has.been
in a great degree realized. As might be expected,
an increase of vital godliness has given an impulse
.to our temporal concerns. . During the past year,
upwards of eight hundred dollars^ have been ex
pended on the church edifice. A comfortable par
sonage will soon be completed. Our Sunday
Schools, containing two hundred scholars, and
our Monday or sewing school, are well supported.
One hundred and fifty dollars have- been remitted
-to the Protestant Episcopal Missionary Society,
and a box of articles, worth about forty dollars,
sent to our missionaries in Greece. Thirty dol
lars have been paidjto the Education Society, be-:
sides free contributions to other societies' of a gen
eral nature. -
The following statistics show the fruits of the
past year, and the present state of his charge,
viz. : — Marriages four — funerals twenty-one — bap
tisms, five adults and twenty-two children,'total
twenty-seven — confirmed forty-seven^added to
¦the communion thirty — ten have been removed by
death and change. of residence. The whole num
ber of communicants is one hundred and fifty, a
less number than was.heretofore. reported, though
the additions have been considerable, which can
be accounted for only by mistakes in reports of
preceding years. Wm. Jackson, Rector.
The missiopary employed by the Ladies' Mission
ary Society of Richmond would report, that, since
tie has been engaged in their service, he has ofjn da
ted once in each month at the church in Char
lottesville. And in consequence of a polite invita
tion from the chairman of the faculty, he has also
preached as often as his other engagements would
permit at the Rotunda of the University. A
prayer-meeting is regularly held and attended by
several -ofthe students, and recently, too, a Tem
perance Society has been formed, of which more.
than sixty have become members. Besides at
tending at these two places, he has, performed
missionary duties in the counties of Albemarle,
Nelson, Amherst, and Buckingham; but to what
.extent his labours have been blessed is known only
to the Lord of the harvest. J. S. Swift.
Christ Church, Alexandria, Fairfax parish. The
rector reports, that forty-three communicants have
been added to the list from which the report of the

last year was drawn out, composed of individuals
received from other churches by removals to this
city, a few members not before reported, and a
much larger number of riew communicants. He
also reports that his church has, on every Sabbath
for some time past, presented a most encouraging
appearance. It is in contemplation, immediately after the
Convention, to repair the chuich building thor
oughly. Communicants reported last year eighty-
seven, received this year forty-three, total one
hundred and thirty — baptisms, two adults, eight
children, total ten— burials eight — marriages four.
Charles Mann.
The Rev. JohnP. M'Guire offered the follow
ing resolution, which was adopted by a unan
imous vote.
Resolved, That the bishop of this diocess be
requested to recommend some early day as a
day of humiliation, fasting,' and prayer, for the
purpose of making a public confession of our
sins, and of seeking to turn away from' us the
just judgments of the Almighty.
Mr, G. W. Bassett, jr. offered the following
resolution, which was also adopted by a unan
imous vote.
Resolved, That it be. recommended to the
clergy and laity of this diocess, to make the
week previous to the annual meeting of this
Convention a special season of thanksgiving
and praise to God, for ..his mercips in times past
on such occasions, and of prayer and supplica
tion for the continuance, increase, and efficacious
outpouring of his Holy Spirit to the conversion
of sinners, edification of Christians, and building
up of his holy church.
The business of the Convention was sus
pended for the purpose of attending divine
service. After service, Bishop Moore retired, and
Bishop Meade took the chair.
The Rev.Dr. Empie, from the committee on
the state of the church, made the following re
port, which was read and received : —
The committee on the state of the church beg
leaVe to report, that it appears from the episcopal
and parochial reports presented to this Conven
tion, that the cause o^ religion in general,- and of
the church in particular, continues to gather
strength in the majority of our parishes, and thus
to fdrnish evidence that the blessing of Almighty
God is still vouchsafed to the labours of our min
istry and the ordinances of our Zion. In some
of , our parishes this blessing seems to have been
poured out- in a most unusual measure, and to
have produced, in turning many, very many sin
ners from darkness to light, nch and abundant
fruit indeed. To our God and Father in Christ
Jesus be rendered thanksgiving and praise.
The most" efficient means, under the influence
of the Holy-Ghost, in generating these most de
sirable results, has been the holding of clerical
associations, with a view to engage the people of
the parishes in which they were held in the pub
lic worship of God, and in solemn and devout
meditation on the words of eternal life, for two or
more days in succession. With the character of
these associations, as conducted in the Episcopal
Church of Virginia, the members of this Conven
tion are familiar; and to such associations our
venerable bishop gave, in his address to our last
Convention, his full approval and strong recom-

278

CONVENTION OF 1832.

mendation — an approval and recommendation
which your committee desire to recall and reim-
press on this Convention, not doubting that such
meetings, if governed, as in times past, by a sound
and enlightened zeal, will be attended and followed
by a great and abiding, blessing from God,
And here your committee cannot forbear ex
pressing their earnest, hope, with fervent prayer to
the Fountain of all, wisdom and grace, that such
a zeal may ever characterize the, religious exer
cises of our church, and preserve her members,
both clerical and lay, fromadopting means to pro
duce a spurious excitement, and yielding to. its
pernicious influence. Any excitement but that
which is produced by the word of divine truth,
properly expounded and applied to the heart by
God's Holy Spirit, rriust be false and deceptive,
and eventuate in consequences fatal to the inter
ests of vital godliness, Let then the ministers of
our church adhere to the great apostolic means
of promoting the salvation of men, ever preaching
" repentance towards God and faith towards our
Lord JesUs Christ," firmly and determinately re
solve to abstain from the adoption of all equivocal
expedients for multiplying the number of their
communicants, lest, in so doing, a momentary
exultation be followed by deep and long-abiding
shame and injury to the church; and lest. scof
fers and sinners in general be confirmed in
their blindness of mind, hardness of heart, and
" contempt of God's word and commandment."
In making these cautionary remarks, your com
mittee are happy in knowing that they are sus-.
tained in their sentiments ; by many wise and in
telligent Christians of other denominations, whose
warning voice. against the excesses and machinery
of fanaticisni has been already arid strongly heard
from almost every quarter of our country. Your
committee trust their remarks will not be misun
derstood, or considered as proceeding from any
other motive than a sincere desire to preserve un
impaired the faith once delivered to the saints,
and advance the spiritual and everlasting welfare
of their fellow-men.
The committee beg leave respectfully to remind
the clergy of the importance of a full and frequent
exposition of the distinctive features of the -Gen
eral Convention, according to the 22d canon of
our church, that our members may be able to say
why she is worthy of the reverence and love of
mankind, and repel the objections so often made
against our ecclesiastical polity and mode of wor
ship. In too many instances (there is reason to
fear), the feeling that retains our members in the
bosom of the church, is nothing more than a per
sonal attachment to some one of her ministers,
who, as the instrument of their conversion, or for
some other cause, is regarded with peculiar love
and affection. This ought not so to be. Our
members should be, bound to the church, not by
mere personal regards, but by a deep conviction
of her high scriptural character, and the happy
adaptation of her ordinances and services to pro
duce and prorhote a sound, intelligent, and fervent
spirit of piety, a conviction which can spring only
from a thorough knowledge of the grounds on
which our polity rests its claims to preference,
and the reasons which determine us to adopt a
liturgical rather than an extemporaneous mode of
worship. The committee have taken into consideration
the letter of the bishop on the subject of a mis
sionary referred to them by the Convention, but
do not find that it contains any thing which falls
within their province. They would take occasion,
however, to express their regret, that the Mission
ary Society of the diocess, though having in its

treasury a considerable sum of money, has not
been able to obtain the services of missionaries.
Were several suitable persons to present them'
selves for that purpose at once, they -would meet
with immediate employment and a tolerable sup
port. Jn reference to the circular addressed to the
Convention by " the Virginia Society for promo
ting the observance of the' Christian Sabbath,"
they would remark, that it is presumed-no differ
ence of opinion can prevail among Christians as
to the excellence of the design of- that body-, and
that it is one which receives their unanimous and
entire approbation. And they would recommend
to all the- members of the church, and all the
friends of religion and good order, to concur in
the promotion of so sacred an object, as the sane-
tincation of the day which Almighty God has ap
propriated immediately and wholly to himself.
The committee wpuld not, however, be under
stood to approve or recommend the promotion of
this object by any other means thari argument and
example. In this respect, they fully acquiesce in
the views of the society whose circular has been
referred to them. Nor do they hesitate to recom
mend to the Convention, and to Episcopalians
generally; the adoption of the pledge proposed in
the circular. It, m-4heir view, clearly and fully
expresses the duty of every Christian In this mat
ter, and reads as follows :— " Believing that all
worldly business and travelling on the Christian
Sabbath, except for purposes of piety, necessity,
and "mercy, and all worldly visiting and amuse
ments on that day, are contrary to the divine will,
and injurious to the social, civil, and religious-in
terests of men; we agree that "we will abstain
from all such violations of the Sabbath, and that
we will use our influence to persuade our families
and others to do the same."
In conclusion, the committee beg leave to call
the attention of this Convention to a resolution of
the last General Convention, adverting to the
" alarming deficiency in the number of our min
isters, and recommend to the clergy to present to
the consideration of their respective congrega
tions the important duty of exercising a prayerful
diligence, in endeavouring to increase the number
of our ministers, by forming and fostering Educa
tion Societies, for the due instruction of pious
youth, and by seeking out and encouraging young
men of suitable spiritual and mental qualifica
tions to engage in the blessed seryice of preaching
the gospel of Christ to a perishing world,"
, All which is respectfully submitted..
A. Empie, Chairman.
The Rev. E..C. M'Guire, from the commit
tee for examining the accounts of the treasurer
of the fund for the rehef of the widows and
orphans of deceased clergymen, made the fol
lowing report, which was read and received : —
The committee to whom was referred for ex
amination the account of the treasurer ofthe fund
for the relief of the widows and orphans of de
ceased clergymen of the Episcopal Church of Vir
ginia, beg leave to report, that they have performed
the duty assigned them, and find the account to
be perfectly correct, and supported by proper
vouchers. E. C. M'Guire, Chairman.
The funds are as follows, viz. : —
United States 3 per cents., -- -$2,037 78
94 shares of Farmers' Bank of Alex
andria stock, at par, 4,700 00

Amount carried forward,

$6,737 78

CONVENTION OF 1832.

279

Amount brought forward, $6,737 78
6 .shares Bank of Alexandria, at par, 1,000 00
1 do. Bank of Virginia, do. ¦ 100 00
Robert Andrews's estate, balance of
note, with interest from 30th April,
1829, till paid, - - 399 23
Gash on hand, - - - - 157 73

$8,394 74
On balloting for delegates to represent this
diocess in the -next General Convention of the
Protestant Episcopal Church in the United
States' of America, the following gentlemen
were duly "elected, viz.: Rev. Nicholas H.
Cobbs, Rev. Henry W. Ducachet, M. D., Rev.
William Jackson, Rev. John Grammer, Mr.
Thomas Marshall, Mr. Edward Colston, Mr.
John G. Williams, and Mr. John Nelson.
Resolved, That the Rev. Wm. F. Lee, Rev.
Edward W. Peet, and Mr. Hilary Baker, be a
committee to raise by assessment among the
different parishes, having reference to' the num-.
ber of communicants reported to the Conven
tion, the sum of three hundred dollars, to be paid
to Bishop Moore at the- next Convention for his
episcopal services, and that said committee inr
form the clergyinan of each parish of the pro
portion required from his parish. And, Resolv
ed, That the clergy be required to raise the
sum so assessed, and pay it in at the next Con
vention. Resolved, That the president appoint a com
mittee to prepare a report of the state of the
church in this diocess for the next, General Con
vention. Committee appointed under the fore
going resolution consists of Rev. John Gram
mer and John G. Williams, Esq.
"Hie minutes of the standing committee of
this diocess since the last Convention were read
and approved.
Resolved, unanimously, That the thanks of
this Convention are due, and" hereby tendered,
to the citizens of Alexandria, for their kindness
and hospitality to every member of this body.
Resolved, That 1,200 copies of the minutes
of this Convention he printed^ and distributed
- among the parishes of this diocess.
Resolved^ That the" treasurer pay the. ex
penses of the secretary in attending this Con
tention. Resolved, That the treasurer be directed td
pay the doorkeeper of this Convention $10.
Resolved, That the treasurer pay the ex
penses of the bishops to the General Con
vention. Resolved, That the treasurer pay to the
General Convention the quota due from this
diocess for the contingent expenses of that body.
On motion, Resolved, That the treasurer pay
te the delegates to the General Convention their
expenses, and that fifty dollars be advanced to
each on account-thereof.
Resolved, That the treasurer pay the Rev.
Wm. Jackson twenty dollars, expended by him in
securing the episcopal services of Bishop Moore
fox the church in this town in July last.
And then, on motion, the Convention ad

journed, to meet in the city of Richmond, on the
third Wednesday in May next.
Rich. Channing Moore, Bishop of
, the Diocess of Virginia.
Hilary Baker, Secretary pro tem.
On Sunday night, the members of the Cbnven-
tioii having assembled around the chancel of St.
Paul's Church, Bishop Moore delivered the fol-
lowir)g address :— . <
My Clerical Brethren, — As we have fin
ished the duties for which we convened in this
city, and as life is so uncertain ithat we cannot all
calculate upon meeting on. a similar occasion, I
should consider myself deficient in duty were I
to permit a separation to take place without bring
ing to your view some considerations of vital im
portance to yourselves, to the flocks to.whorii you
'minister in sacred things, and also offering some
remarks expressive of the gratitude we owe the
Almighty for the rich mercies conferred upon us
as servants of the altar, and to the church com
mitted to our charge.
The concourse of people who attend our Con
ventions from every part of the diocess, attest the
responsibility of our office ; prove the interest they
feel in the concerns of our Zion, and proclaim to
us, in language which cannot be Eftisunderstood,
the necessity of ministerial fidelity.
" What ambassador of the Saviou r can look around
huh at this moment, without the conviction -rest
ing on bis mind that he will have to give an ac
count of his stewardship; that the precious im
mortals who attend on his ministry merit his un
wearied efforts ; that it is his duty to deliver his
Master's message with scrupulous fidelity ; in
seasori and out of season to call sinners to reperit-
ance '; to lead them for salvation to the Lamb of
God, and to press on their consciences the neces
sity of that holiness without which no man can
see the Lord? To slumber at our posts at the
time in which our parishioners are anxiously in
quiring, " Watchman, what of the night — watch
man, what of the night?" — to, be listless and un
impressed when they are asking, in accents of the
most thrilling, anxiety, " What shall we do to be
saved?" — to -be cold and inanimate when the
eternal interests of precious immortals are com
mitted to our charge, would constitute criminality
of the most flagrant character, and call down on
our devoted heads the displeasure of heaves."
When we cast our eyes around us from the
pulpits we occupy on the Sabbath, and witness
the assemblies of God's people in the sanctuary,
we should remember that they form the objects
of the Saviour's compassion ; the beings for whom
he shed his precious blood, and for whom he died
on the cross. We should recollect that the great
Master of assemblies is certainly present in our
congregations, waiting to be gracious to the peni
tent ; that the Holy Spirit is also present to give
efficacy to our instructions, and is pleading with
sinners to awake from their slumbers, and to fol
low Jesus id the way. These considerations
should influence us to be in earnest ; to warn our
fellow-mortals of the dangers attendant oil delay;
to urge them in the deepest solemnity to prepare
to meet their God : nay, brethren, to pray them
in Christ's stead to be reconciled to their Maker ;
immediately to close in with the offers of divine
mercy, and to seek by ardent prayer the pardon
and forgiveness of their sins. We should permit
no considerations of pleasure or indulgence to
step in between us and our pastoral duty. We
should show the people, by our earnestness and
solicitude, that we consider the delay of a moment
niay be attended with fatal consequences, and that

280

CONVENTION OF 1833.

the present hour is the accepted time and tbe day
of salvation. My beloved sons in the ministry,
we have no time to fold our arms in ease and in
dolence. " Why stand ye here all the day idle '("
foprns a question which, if justly applied to us,
would excite the most awful alarms in our bosoms!
as the next declaration from the throne of heaven
would be, " Cast ye the- unprofitable servant into
outer darkness." However attentive the minister
of religion may have beep to his duty ; however
sleepless may have been his nights ; boweveT
abundant riiay haveibeen his labour ; however
favourable may be the opinion formed of his, in
dustry, his zeal, and his efforts in the gospel ; yet,
when he shall come to the close of his life, he
will feel that he has been deficient ; and that con-
yiction will force from his' expiring lips the pene
trating cry of Mercy, oh ! thou Son of David. I
speak to you, my sons, as a father to his children ;
and it is from an experience of forty-five years as
a preacher of the gospel that I call upon you to be
faithful. For Jesus Christ's sake, who died for
poor sinners, be attentive to the sacred vows
which, at the time of your ordination, you volun
tarily made. Labour with diligence in the vine
yard of your Itfaster, work while.it is, called to
day, and never be weary in well-doing. Be faith
ful unto death, and God will give you a crown of
everlasting fife. Let not the discouragements
arising from the lukewarmness of your people
paralyze your efforts. Let not any momentary
unkindness stay your hand. In proportion to the
sterility of the soil you may be called to cultivate,
let your diligence be increased.
My brethren of tbe laity, accept my sincere
thanks for the patronage you have extended to
myseif and to the clergy. The Episcopal Church

in Virginia, which was almost breathless and ex
piring a few years since, has not only revived,
Dut, through the goodness of God on our joint
efforts, now exhibits animation and strength. In
stead, offive or six efficient clergymen, the Al
mighty has increased our number to between fifty
and sixty. " Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us,
but to thy name be the praise, for thy honour and
for thy truth's sake." Since my residence in this
diocess, the laity belonging to our communion have
erected between thirty and forty new churches,
and have raised from a state of ruin and dilapida
tion at least thirty of the old places of worship. '
We have reason to be thankful for what God
hath done for us, and to take courage and press
forward. My brethren of the clergy and laity, I commend
you to the care of that Being in whose service
you are engaged. May you .long live to see our
Zion increase in stature, under the ministry of
my Right Rev. brother, Bishqp Meade. My gray
hairs point to the tomb. My frequent and violent
attacks of disease remind me of my proximity
to the grave, and proclaim to me, in language I
perfectly understand, that we must soon shake
hands, and bid each other farewell. But let that
event take place sooner or later', my heart is com
forted with the hope that I shall leave you in safe
hands ; in the care of an individual who is in the
vigour of life ; who loves you, and will labour
hard to promote your present and everlasting hap
piness. My blessing shall rest upon his bead, and
the welfare of himself, of the clergy and people
of the diocess, will form one of the objects of my
last earthly-supplications. The Lord be with you
alU Richard Channing Moore.

Journal of the Proteedings of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the Diocess of
Virginia, which assembled in the city of Richmond, on the lbth day of May, 1833.

This being the day, appointed for the annual
meeting of the Convention of the Protestant
Episcopal Church in the Diocess of Virginia,
the Right Rev. Richard Channing Moore, D. D.,
bishop, and the Right Rev. William Meade, D.
D., assistant bishop of the diocess, with sever
al clergymen and lay delegates, attended divine
service in the Monumental Church.
Morning prayers were read by the Right
Rev. Richard Channing Moore, bishop of the di
ocess, and a sermon preached by the Right
Rev. William Meade, D. D., assistant bishop of
the diocess.
After divine service, the Right Rev. Richard
Channing Moore took the chair as president of
the Convention.
The following clergymen, entitled to seats in
the Convention, appeared, viz. : —
Rev. Ephraim Adams, Christ Church, Lan
caster county ; Rev. George Adie, Shelburne
parish, Loudoun county ; Rev. Parke P. Berke
ley, missionary in the counties of King William,
Chesterfield, and Charles City ; Rev. Ebenezer
Boyden, St. Paul's Church, Norfolk ; Rev.
Mark L. Chevers, St. John's Church, Elizabeth
City parish ; Rev. Nicholas H. Cobbs, Russell
parish, Bedford county ; Rev. John Cole, Ware
and Abingdon parishes, Gloucester county ;
Rev. John Cooke, St. Martin's parish, Hanover
and Louisa counties ; Rev. James Doughen, St.

James's parish, Northam, Goochland county ;
Rev. Charles Dresser, Antrim parish, Halifax ;
Rev. Henry W. Ducachet, M. D, Christ Church,
Norfolk; Rev. Adam Empie, rector of Bruton
parish, and President of Williain and Mary Col
lege ; Rev. William Friend, St. Margaret's par
ish, Caroline county ; Rev. Frederick D. Good
win ; Rev. John Grammer, St. Andrew's and
Bath parishes, Dinwiddie county ; Rev. J. E.
Jackson, Christ Church, Winchester ; Rev. Wm.
M. Jackson, Grace Church, Berryville, Freder
ick county ; Rev. G. H. Jones, St. Thomas's
parish, Orange county ; Rev. Reuel Keith, D.
D., Professor in Theological Seminary ; Rev.
William F. Lee, Christ Church, Richmond ;
Rev. Edward R. Lippit, Professor in Theologi
cal Seminary; Rev. Charlfes Mann, Christ
Church, Alexandria, Fairfax parish ; Rev. Ed
ward C. M'Guire, St. George's parish, Freder
icksburg ; J. P. M'Guire, St. Anne's and South
Farnham parishes, Essex ; Rev. Zach. Meade,
St. Anne's and Fredericksville parishes, Albe
marle ; Rev. Charles H. . Page, Lexington par
ish, Amherst county ; Rev. Edward W. Peet,
St. John's Church, Heririco parish, Henrico ;
Rev.. Franklin G. Smith, St. Paul's Church,
Lynchburg ;' Rev. Job Sydney Smith, Tillotson
parish, Buckingham county ; Rev. Andrew
Syme, Bristol parish, Petersburg ; Rev_Charles
C. Taliaferro, Cumberland parish, Lunenburg

CONVENTION OF 1833.

281

eounty ; Rev. John H. Wingfield, Portsmouth
parish, Norfolk county.
Rev. Charles Mann and Mr. Philip Nelson
were appointed a committee to examine the
certificates of the lay delegates, who reported
as follows : —
The committee to whom were referred the
certificates of the lay delegates have1, according
to order, examined the same, and report; that
the following persons have been duly elected
lay delegates to this Convention, and that their
certificates - are authenticated in the manner
prescribed by the canon, viz'. : —
Seth Ward,v St. Paul's Church, Lynchburg ;
Francis C. Fitzhugh, St. Paul's parish, King,
George county ; Edmund I. Lee, Christ Church,
Fairfax parish ; Francis Wicker, St. John's
Church, Henrico parish w, P. A- Boiling, St. Pe
ter's Church, Tillotson parish, Buckingham ;
Westwood S. Armistead, St. John's Church,
Hampton; Alexander Brown, Callaway's Church,
Nelson county ; John G. Williams, Monumental
Church, Richmond ; Mallory M. Todd and
George Wilson; St. Luke's Church, parish of
Newport, Isle of Wight county ; William Wal
ler, Lexington parish, Amherst county ; George
W. Bassett, St George's parish, Fredericks
burg; Carter Berkeley, St, Martin's parish,
Hanover and Louisa counties ; William S. Jones,
Christ Church, Winchester ; Rawleigh W.
Downman, Christ Church, Lancaster county ;
Wilson C. Selden, Shelburne parish, Leesburg,
Loudoun county ;, Thomas Withers, Bath par
ish, Dinwiddie county; George Lynn, jun.,
Hampshire parish, Hampshire county ; James
M. Garnett, Vauter's Church, St. Anne's parish,
Essex county ; Thos. L.- Latane, South Farnham
parish, Essex county ; Hugh Nelson, Freder
icksville parish, Albemarle county ; John Stuart,
Lamb's Creek Church; King George county ;
Catesby Jones, Ware parish, Gloucester county ;
Thomas G. Coleman, Camden parish, Pittsylva
nia county ; John Nelson, St. James's parish,
Mecklenburg county ; Richard B. Maury, St.
Paul's Church, Norfolk; Mann, P. Nelson, Christ
Church, Norborne parish, Berkeley ; David
Street, Cumberland parish, Lunenburg county ;
John Grammer, sen., Bristol parish, Petersburg ;
Nathaniel Nelson, Westover parish, Charles
City county ; Edmund Berkeley apd George
Tyler, Berkeley parish, Spotsylvania ; George
F. Thornton, St. Margaret's parish, Caroline
county ; Philip Nelson, Robert Page, and Wash
ington Nelson, Frederick parish, Frederick
county ; John T. Clark, Antrim parish, Halifax
county ; William D. Young, Trinity Church,
Portsmouth ; William G. Jackson and Edward
Valentine, Augusta parish, Staunton ; Burwell
Bassett, Bruton parish, Williamsburg; David
M. Walk and Thurmer Hoggard, Lynnhaven
parish, Princess Anne county ; Hilary Baker,
Christ Church, Richmond ; Walter Coles, St.
Anne's parish, Albemarle county ; William H.
M'Farland, Christ Church, Norfolk.
And the committee further report, that the
following persons appear to have been duly
elected, but their certificates of appointment
are not in the form prescribed by the canon, viz. :

Jeremiah Morton, St. Thomas's parish.Orange
county ; William Boiling, St. James's parish,
Northam, Goochland county ; Thomas Mar
shall, Leeds parish, Fauquier county.
On motion of Mr. Hugh Nelson,
Resolved, That the said report be for the
present laid on the table.
On motion of Mr. Edmund I. Lee,,
Resolved, That the following rules of order,
adopted by the last Convention for the govern
ment of their proceedings, be the rules of pro
ceeding during the present Convention. ,' '
1. The business of every day shall be intro
duced with prayer. -
2. When the president takes the chair, no
member shall continue standing, or shall after
ward stand up, except to address the chair.
3. No member shall absent himself from the
service of the house unless he have leave, or
be unable, to attend.
4. When any member is about to speak in
debate, or deliver any matter to the house, he
shall, with due respect, address himself to the
president, confining himself strictly to the point
in debate.
5. No member shall speak more than twice
in' the same debate without leave of the house.
6. A question being once determined shall
stand as the judgment of the house, and shall
not be again drawn into debate during the same
session, unless with the consent of two thirds of
the house.
7. While the president is putting any ques,-
tion, the meinbers shall continue in their seats,
and shall not hold any private discourse.
8. Every member who shall be in the house
when any question is put^shall, on a division,
be counted, unless he be personally interested
in the decision.
9. No motion shall be considered as before
the house unless it be seconded, and, when re.-
quired, reduced to writing.
10. When any question is before the house,
it shall be determined upon before any new
subject is introduced, except the question of
adjournment. 11. The question on a motion of adjourn?
ment shall be taken before any other, and With
out debate.
12. When the house is about to rise, every
member shall keep his seat until the president
shall leave the chair.
13. None of the rules of order shall be sus
pended without the concurrence of two thirds
of the members present.
14. The president shall, in his discretion, se
lect a pew within the limits of those allotted
fpr the use of the members, which pew shall be
appropriated for the accommodation of visiting
clergymen and students of the Theological
School, who may be invited to the same by the
president without any special application to
the Convention.
Ordered, That the Rev. Henry W. Ducachet,
Rev. Adam Empie, Rev. William F. Lee, Rev.
Edward C. M'Guire, Mr. Hugh Nelson, Mr.
James M. Garnett, Mr. William Boiling, and
Mr. Thomas Marshall, be a committee to take

282

CONVENTION t)F 1833.

into consideration the state of the church in this
diocess, and report thereon to this Convention.
Ordered, That the Rev. Charles Mann, Rev.
Charles H. Page, Rev. John P. M'Guire, Rev.
E. W. Peet, Mr. Burwell Bassett, and Dr. Wil
son C. Selden, be a committee to examine^he
parochial reports.
Ordered, That the Rev. Franklin G. Smith,
Rev. J. E. Jackson, and Mr. William H. M'Far-
lapd, be a" committee to examine the treasurer's
accounts. Ordered, That Mr. John Nelson, Mr. Rawleigh
W. Downman, and Mr. Walter Cole, be a com
mittee to examine the accounts of the treasu
rer of the fund for the support of widows and
Orphans of deceased clergyipen.
Ordered; That Mr. Edmund I. Lee, Rev.
George Adie, and Mr. Hilary Baker, be a com
mittee to examine the accourits of the treas
urer of the, fund for the permanent support of
the episcopate in this diocess. ,
On motion, Resolved, That when the Con
vention adjourns to-day, it adjourn to meet again
to-morrow morning, at 9 o'clock.
On motion, Resolved, That the Gonventiori
do now adjourn. Thursday,-May 16, 1833.
The Convention met according to adjourn
ment, and was operiedwith prayer by the Right
Rev. Bishop Moore, D. D.
The Right Rev. Bishop Meade took the
chair as president of the Convention, upon the
request of the Right Rev. Bishop Moore.
The . Rev. Archibald H. Lamon, rector of
St. Stephen's Church, Culpepper county, and
Bloomfield parish, ..Madison county, appeared
and took his seat.
Mr. Horace Stringfellow, a delegate from
Bloomfield parish, Madison county ; Mr. Henry
L. Davies, a. delegate from Lexington parish,
Amherst county ; Mr. William Radford, a del
egate from St. Stephen's Church, Russell par
ish, Bedford county ; and Mr. John L. Wilkins,
St. Andrew's parish, Brunswick county, ap
peared and took their seats.
Rev. Mr. Dresser offered the following reso
lution : —
Resolved, That a committee be appointed to
prepare a revised copy of the constitution and
canons of the chureh in this diocess, with a view
to their publication.
On motion of Rev. Mr. Lee, Resolved,
That the said resolution be referred to the
committee on the state of the church.
Mr. Reuben Maury, a lay delegate from Fred
ericksville parish, Albemarle county, appeared
and offered credential of his appointment.
On motion of Mr. Hugh Nelson,
Resolved, That Mr. Maury be admitted to a
seat in this Convention.
The business of the Convention was suspend
ed, for the purpose of attending divine service
by the Rev. Mr. Dresser, and a sermon by the
Rev. Mr. Cobbs.
On motion of Mr. William G. Jackson, Re
solved, That the next annual Convention of
this diocess be held in the town of Staunton.

The parochial reports were presented and
read, and referred to the committee on paro
chial reports.
The Right Rev. William Meade, D; D., as
sistant bishop of the diocess, presented the
following report.
Report of episcopal services during the year ending
. May, 1833, by the Right Rev. William Meade,
assistant bishop of Virginia, presented, to the Con
vention held in Richmond, May 15th, 1833.
Dear Brethren and Friends, — My last re
port, presented to you at our meeting at Alexan
dria, closed with an account of some duties per
formed on my way thither. Being prepared l'for
the commencement of our session, it could not
of course embrace the very interesting exercises
of the Sabbath which terminated. our meeting.
Most of you were present on that occasion, and
will remember that, in order to prevent an inex
pedient multiplication of duties at the usual time
of divine service, we met at an early hour of the
morning, to receive by the rite of confirmation a
number of applicants for all the privileges of
church membership. That- most interesting of
fice was assigned to myself by our beloved father
in Christ, and it was my privilege to lift up my
heart in prayer over fifty-eight candidates for this
holy rite.
In a short time after the rising of the Conven
tion, I entered upon a visitation of some parts of
the diocess. On the 14th and 15th of June I was
engagedin the performance of episcopal duty in
Fredericksburg, where I preached three times
and confirmed fourteen persons. On the 16th and
17th I was in like manner employed in Caroline
county, where I-preachedtwice, administered the
communion, and confirmed eleven persons. The
I9th and 20th I spent in Hanover, where 1 conse
crated a new church, preached twice, administer
ed the communion, baptized one adult and one in
fant, and confirmed fourteen. From Hanover I
.proceeded to Richmond, where, tarrying only one
night, I preached for the Rev. Mr. Lee. On the
next morning I left Richmond for Amelia, where
I spent the 22d and 23d in company with the Rev,
Mr. Grammer, who assisted in the religious ser
vices of the occasion ; I preached twice, adminis
tered the Lord's Supper, and confirmed ten per
sons in this parish ; the parishof Amelia was then
and still is, I believe, destitute of a minister ; there
are a goodly number of pious persons attached to
our church m this parish, who, in communion with
others in an adjoining county, would rejoice to
have frequent services among them. From Ame
lia I bent my course towards Dinwiddie, and
preached on the 26th at Sapony, the old church of
the venerable Devereaux Jarratt, now under the
care of the Rev. Mr. Grammer ; here I preached
once, confirmed nine, and addressed the people
in favour of our Seminary, to which they have al
ways been liberal. - From Dinwiddie I passed into
the adjoining county of Brunswick, where I
preached twice at the courthouse, confirming five,
and once at Red Oak Church, confirrning two ; the
prospect at the courthouse appeared quite encour
aging. My next appointments were in Lunen
burg, where, on the 30th June and 1st of July, I
performed various services in the new church in
that county : on the first day I consecrated the
church and preached ; on the second confirmed
nine persons, ordained the Rev: Mr. Taliaferro
priest, and administered the holy communion. I
felt much encouraged by the zeal which seemed
to animate the minister and his people in this
place ; they have already built one new church,
and are engaged in the erection of another, in a

CONVENTION OF 1833.

283

different part of the county — what is far better
than this, their hearts appear to be earnestly en
gaged in promoting the inward and spiritual wis
dom of God within theih After the above-men
tioned services I proceeded to Mecklenburg, in
company with the Rev. Messrs. Dresser and Tal
iaferro, and, in conjunction with them, spent three
days in the performance of divine services in this
county. During this time I preached three times,
administered confirmation twice, and the commu
nion -once. The number confirmed amounted to
sixteen. The , adjoining county Of Halifax was
visited next. In ' this county I laboured three
days, preaching thiee times, consecrating a new
church at the courthouse, administering the com
munion, confirming twenty-three, baptizing one
adult and four children. On Monday, the 9th, I
proceeded to Pittsylvania, where I preached
twice, administered the communion, baptized one
child, confirmed six, and 'consecrated a riew
church. The 11th and 12th of July were spent in
Campbell, at St, John's Church, where I preached
twice, and confirmed five persons. . This church,
which is a monument of the disinterested zeal of
the Rev. Mr: Osgood, now deceased, is destitute
of a regular minister, but receives with gratitude
occasional supplies from the Rev. Mr. Cobbs and
the Rev. Mr. Smith. The following days were
devoted to the churches of St. Stephen's and
Trinity in Bedford county, which are under the
care of the Rev. Mr.. Cobbs. In each of. these
churches I preached twice, in each of them ad-
riiinistered the rite of confirmation, in one of
them baptized an adult, and, celebrated tbe Lord's
Supper. The whole number confirmed was thir
ty-three. The 16th-and 17th days of this month
were spent in Lynchburg, where I preached three
times, administered the communion, and confirm
ed twenty-nine. Crossing the river at this place
I entered into Amherst, and preached-at St. Mat
thew's Ohurch on the. 18th, where I confirmed
nine, at'New-Glasgbw on the 19th, where I conse
crated the churchy and confirmed five. On the
following day, which was the day set apart by our
church for fasting and prayer, on account of the
dreadful scourge which was then desolating our
land, I preached in Callaway's Church, Nelson
county, and confirmed eight persons. On the fol
lowing day I crossed over into Buckingham, and
on the 22d consecrated the new church in that
county, preached, and confirmed eighteen persons.
On the day after I again preached, and administer
ed the communion. On the same evening I at
tended a meeting at Buckingham courthouse,
where the Rev. Mr. Swift preached; I seconded
his discourse by an exhortation. On the follow
ing morning I engaged in some religious exercises
at a small church on the way to Albemarle, and
on that evening preached at Warren. On the fol
lowing day I preached at North Garden, baptized
one adult, and confirmed nine ; on the 26th preach
ed at Buck Mountain, and confirmed eleven ; on
¦the 27th at Oharlottesville,_confirming five, and
baptizing two adults ; I also preached at night
while at Charlottesville. On Saturday and Sun
day, the 28th and 29th, I was engaged in episcopal
duty on the Green Mountain : on the first day I
preached, consecrated anew church, baptized two
.adults and ten children ; on the second -day
preached, confirmed seventeen persons, and ad
ministered the communion. On Monday I reach
ed Walker's Church,' where I preached, and con
firmed three persons. From Albemarle I proceed
ed to Orange courthouse, where I spent two days
in ministering the word and ordinances to large
and deeply-impressed assemblies. On the second
day I administered the rite of confirmatiqn,-which

had never been witnessed before in that place, to
seventeen persons, and the holy communion to
more than twice that number. A spirit of earnest
inquiry has been awakened among the people of
that place, which will, I trust, lead to glorious re
sults to themselves and their posterity. They
have secured the services of a faithful minister,
and- are about erecting a suitable house of wor
ship. From Orange I passed into Madison,where
for the first time' episcopal services had been*very
recently introduced. At this place I preached but
once, being straitened for time. I have since been '
gratified .by the intelligence that a genuine work
of grace, has been going on in the hearts of many
in that place, and that a goodly number have at
tached themselves to the communion of our
church. I had only time to preach once at Cul
pepper . courthouse on - my way home, which I
reached on the.5th of August, after an absence of
nearly two months.
The episcopal duties which were performed
during the months of August and September,
were confined to my immediate parish or county.
In conjunction with one or two brethren, I spent
the last day of August and £he two first days of
September at Wickliffe Church, in the parish of
Frederick, when I. baptized two adults, and con
firmed six persons, fwas present also at an as
sociation in Winchester on the 21st, 22d, and 23d
of September, at which-time the rite of confirma
tion was administered to twenty^five persons.
On the 16th of December I also held aconfirm
ation at Middletown, when six persons- were
admitted into full communion with the church.
On the same day I baptized one adult, and admin
istered the Lord's Supper. I was invited to an
association at Leesburg on the 27th, -28th,_and 29th
of December, but, on going to the place, was sorry
to find myself alone with the worthy minister
of the parish. The services of course devolved
upon myself, and I was enabled to preach nine
times during the three days, to baptize one adult,
confirm twenty-three persons, and administer the
Lord's Supper-. The meetings were largeand at
tentive, and if there was only a new, more spa
cious, and comfortable house of worship to receive
those who are well disposed to enter it, we have
reason to .believe the congregation would increase
and flourish under, its zealous and very acceptable
minister. The ability, devoted attachment, and
zeal of its friends, will, we trust, ere long, accom
plish this desirable object.
: On Tuesday, the 9th of April, I again set out to
visit some of. the churches on my way to the Con
vention. On Wednesday I preached at Warren-
ton in Fauquier county ; on Friday, morning and
evening, at Fredericksburg; from thence I pro
ceeded to the Northern Neck, and preached op
Sunday to a large congregation in Lamb's Creek
Church, at which time I administered the rite of
confirmation to eight persons, and the Lord's Sup
per to more than sixty. On the two following
days I performed divine service at St. Paul's
Church, in King George county, preaching twice
the first day, and once the second, on the latter
occasion confirming four- persons. On Wednes
day, the 17th, I preached at Hanover parish, King
George, to a congregation under the care ofJLhe
Rev. Mr. Clapham, and on the following, day in
Westmoreland, at a church not far from Mattox
Bridge. On the 19th I preached in Yocomico
Church, situate in the lower end of Westmoreland
county. On the 20th and 21 st I engaged in reli
gious services at Richmond courthouse, three
times on the first day and twice on the second ; pn
the latter I administered the- rite of confirmation
to twenty-one persons, and the Lord's Supper to.

284

CONVENTION OF 1833.

more than twice the number. I was here met and
assisted in the services by the Rev. Mr. Adams
and the Rev. Mr. M'Guire ; our congregations
were large, attentive, and deeply interested, we
hope, in the exercises of the occasion. On the
22d I proceeded to Northumberland courthouse,
and preached to a large and attentive congrega
tion. On the 23d I officiated at Wicomico Church,
in Lancaster county, and on the two following
days at Christ Church, in the same county, admin
istering the rite of confirmation to seven persons.
On the 26th I preached at Lancaster courthouse,
and on the 27th and 28th preached, administered
confirmation and the Lord's Supper, at White
Chapel in the same county. The number of per
sons confirmed on this occasion was eighteen ; I
also administered the rite of baptism to one adult
and two children. On Monday, the 29th, I preach-
,ed nfi church about six miles from Richmond
courthouse ; on the 30th I laid the corner-stone of
(a new church at Richmond courthouse, making
an address on the occasion. On Wednesday and
Thursday I was engaged at Rappahannock in Es
sex county, preaching four times, confirming nine
persons, and assisting at the communion.
The 3d, 4th, and 5th of May I spent at Vau
ter's Church, in Essex county, preaching four
.times, confirming three persons, and assisting at
,1 he communion. Qh the 6th and 7th I was at
Port Royal, where I preached twice,- confirmed
seven persons, and assisted at the communion.
.On the 8th and 9th 1 was at the Bowling Green,
where I preached twice. On the following Sunday
I preached at Trinity Church, in Hanover county,
!wnich duty terminated the services of the year
avhich expires with our-present meeting.
As I am called on by the Convention to address
a special pastoral letter to the ministers and mem
bers of the church as soon as leisure will admit,
1 will postpone, untd then, some reflections which
/otherwise might have„been now more briefly pre
sented. Commending you to the care of the Great Shep
herd and Bishop of souls, now and for ever, I re
main your friend and brother in theLord,
William Meade.
On motion of Mr. Edmund I. Lee,
Resolved, That the said report be referred to
the committee on the state of the church.
On motion of Rev. John Grammer,
Resolved, That the committee on parochial
reports be instructed to accompany their report
by- a tabular statement of -the baptisms, confirm
ations, and number of communicants in the
.diocess, according to the returns from the par
ishes, and also state the names of the parishes
from which the reports are defective.
On motion, Resolved, That the Convention
do now adjourn until to-morrow morning, 9
o'clock. Friday, May 17, 1833.
The Convention met pursuant to adjourn- ]
rnent, and was opened with prayer by the Right
Rev. Bishop Moore, D. D., who took the chair
as- president.
Mr. John Nelson, from the committee for ex
amining the accounts of the treasurer of the
fund for the relief of the widows and orphans
of deceased clergymen, made the following re
port, which was read and received : —
The committee appointed to investigate the
accounts of the treasurer of the fund for the sup

port of the widows and orphans of deceased
clergymen, beg leave to report, that the annex
ed account is the only document furnished them,
and that they have no means of ascertaining its
correctness. John Nelson, Chairman.
The Fund for Relief of the Widows and Or
phans of Deceased Clergymen of the Episco
pal ^Church of Virginia, in account with John
Hooff, Treasurer. Dr.
1832, May 22. — To cash transmitted
Miss Maria Heath per Mr. James
Brown, - - - . - . $30 00
June 1. — TO cash paid for four- shares
of Farmers' Bank of Alexandria
stock, - 120 00
1833, March 4. — To cash loaned by
order of Standing Committee on a
good bond, at six per cent, interest, . 600 00
April 29. — To do." - do. do. 1,600 00
Balance to new account, - - 107 16

Cr.

$2,457 16

1832, May 16. — By old account for
balance in treasurer's hand, - $157 73
July 3. — Quarter's interest on three
per cents., - 15 28
"' 5. — Dividend Bank of Alexandria,
,5 shares, - - 15 00
Oct. 1. — Do. Farmers' Bank of Alex- '
andna, 98 shares, - - 98 00
" 2. — Quarter's interest on three per
cents., - - 15 28
' ' 5.— Cash for two thirds of $2,037 78
of three per cent, stock, redeemed
by United States, r - - 1,358 52
1833, Jan. 4. — Cash for balance of
three per cents., - 679 26
" Quarter's interest on do. - - 5 09
" Dividend Bank of Alexandria^ five
shares, - - - - 15 00
April 1. — Do. Farmers' Bank of Alex
andria, 98 shares, - - - 98 00
$2,457 16

May 9. — By balance in treasurer's
hands, - - - -$107 16
E. E. John Hooff, Treasurer.
The funds are as follows, viz. :^
98 shares of Farmers' Bank of Alex
andria stock, at par, - - $4,900 00
6 shares of Bank of Alexandria, at par, 1,000 00
1 share of Bank of Virginia, at par, 100 00
A good note and bond bearing interest '
at six per cent., - - - 2,200 00
Robert Andrews's estate, balance of
note, with interest from 30th April,
1829, till paid, - - - - 399 23
Cash in hand, - - • - 107 16

$8,706 39

Dr. Isaac Winston, a lay delegate from St.
Stephen's Church, Culpepper county, appeared
and took his seat.

CONVENTION OF 1833.

285

Orijnotion of Rev. Mr. Grammer,
Resolved, That the Rev. Edward C. M'Guire,
Rev. Charles Mann, Mr. Edmund I. Lee, and
Mr John Hooff, be requested to publish the con
stitution and regulations ;of the society for the
relief of widows and Orphans of, deceased cler
gymen of this diocess, accompanied, by the
names of the subscribers, and such a statement
of the condition of the society as they may deem
proper, and send four copies to each clergyman
in- this diocess.
The Rev. Henry W. Ducachet, M. D., from
the committee on the state of the church, made
the following report : —
The committee on the state of the church beg
leave respectfully to report to the Convention,
that, after long and serious deliberation upon a va
riety of matters connected with the interests ofthe
church, they have come to the resolution to pro
pose the following particulars to the notice of this
body : —
On the subject of the canons of the church in
this diocess, referred to them by the vote of this
Convention, they would propose that a special com
mittee of seven persons be appointed, to examine
and inquire in what respects the present consti
tution and canons may require revision and alter
ation, and what new canons may be needed ; to
draught such as may be deemed by them neces
sary ; and that this committee be, and hereby are
instructed, to report in full at the next Convention.
As it regards the important question respecting
the representation from the parishes, the commit
tee are of opinion, that the second article of the
constitution ought not to be so construed as to
give to any parish, church, or congregation, the
right of sending to this body more than one dele
gate, unless in the event of its having no clergy
man engaged and occupied^as its minister. And
by a clergyman engaged and occupied as a min
ister, your committee mean one who has. been offi
cially employed by a congregation or a vestry, to
officiate among them at stated times. As some
doubt has arisen, however, as to the meaning of
the said second article, and as it is highly impor
tant that a matter of so much consequence should
be definitely settled and clearly understood, your
corrimittee propose that, agreeably to the provis
ions of the thirteenth article .of the constitution,
which provides for the making of changes in that
instrument, notice be given-to the several vestries
within the diocess, that it is proposed, at the next
ensuing Convention, so to alter and amend tbe
said second article of the constitution, as that all
of it after the words " members ex-officio," in the
sixth Jioe of the printed edition of 1828, be stricken
out; and the following words added and inserted
in lieu thereof, viz. : " the Convention shall also
be composed of lay rnembers, consisting of one del
egate from each parish, church, or congregation,
or of two lay delegates from each parish, church,
or congregation in Which there shall be no clergy
man who has been settled, or otherwise officially
employed, by the people or the vestry to officiate
among them statedly."
Your committee have taken into consideration
the subjects embraced in- the discourse delivered
at the opening of the session by the Right Rev. the
Assistant Bishop ; and, cordially approving the sen
timents expressed in the same, viewing it as pre
senting most important^and valuable considera
tions to the notice of the church, and regarding it
as an official document, and as in the nature of a
charge to the clergy, they would respectfully pro
pose to the Convention that a committee of two

persons be appointed to wait upon the Right Rev.
the Assistant Bishop, to signify to him the wish
and request of this body that he will publish the
same, or such parts of it as he may think proper,
in such form as he may judge expedient. And they
further propose, that the treasurer be instructed
to defray the expenses of said publication out of
the funds of the Convention.
It has occurred to your committee that there is
another subject deserving of the notice and imme
diate action of this body. Our churches are erect
ed," consecrated, and solemnly set apart for the
worship and the service of Almighty God. The
use of them for any other purposes than those of
religious worship, is, then, plainly a deviation from
their true design. Your committee therefore ad
vise the adoption of the following resolution, viz. :
that it be recommended to the clergy, and vestries,
and the congregations in the diocess, to discoun
tenance, to discourage, and to use all their influ
ence to put a stop to the practice of using houses
of worship belonging to the Protestant Episcopal
Church for military processions, political meet
ings, political orations, arid such like things ; and
the using of them for any purposes whatever
merely secular.
The imperfect character of many of the paro
chial reports has been long a subject of regret and!-
complaint in the church, and leads to many great
inconveniences. By this defect in our returns
we are deprived of the only accurate sources of
information as to the true state of the diocess.
Your committee would therefore respectfully
urge upon the Convention the necessity of taking
measures to secure more minute arid definite re
turns ; and for this purpose would suggest that a?
form be drawn out by the secretary, arid printed
as an appendix to the Journal. This form will'
provide for the statistical matters at least ; and
all other matters calculated to throw light upon
the state of the churches can be added by the'
respective rectors and ministers at the bottom/
of their reports. For a view of the -matters"
that ought to be embraced in the parochial re
ports, your committee beg leave to refer to the'
first section of the fifty-first canon of the General
Convention, and also to the twenty-ninth canon.
The great importance of a well-selected library
to every clergyman, and to the people of a congre
gation, is so obvious, that your committee will not
detain you by any remarks on the subject. All, iff
is presumed, will acknowledge it to be highly de
sirable, that every church should possess such a
collection of books as are calculated to promote-
piety, to disseminate religious instruction, and to
furnish the people with sound knowledge of the
grounds upon which the church rests the peculiar^
ities by which she is distinguished. Convinced'
that to secure -to every congregation such an ac
quisition, there is nothing necessary but some
little effort on the part of the clergy, the corrimit
tee propose to the Convention the following reso
lution, viz. : That it be, and hereby-is declared to
be, the duty of every minister to use all proper ef
forts to procure a parochial library, for the use of
the people of his charge : and that it be respect-,
fully recommended to the vestries and congrega
tions of the diocess to concur with and to-aid-their
ministers in the accomplishment of so desirable
an object.
Adding merely that the general state ofthe dio
cess is1 highly encouraging, and that no further
particulars occur to them as necessary to be pre
sented for your consideration at this time, your
committee respectfully present their report.
Signed by order of the committee.
Henry W. Ducachet, Chairman.

286

CONVENTION OF 1833.

. On motion, Resolved, That the said report
be laid upon the table until after divine service
this morning.
The secretary received the following contri
butions from sundry parishes iri this diocess for
the contingent fund, and towards the remunera
tion of Bishop Moore for his episcopal services,
viz. : — Contingent Fund.
St. Paul's Church, Lynch
burg, - - - $15 00
St. Paul's parish, King George
county, - - 9 00
St. Paul's Church, Alexandria, 20 00
Christ Church, Fairfax parish,
Alexandria, -'" - "" - 30 00
St. John's Church, Henrico
.parish, -. - - 15 00
St. Peter's, Church, Tiljotson
parish, Buckingham, -, 12 20
St. John's Church, Hampton, 6 64
Calloway and Rockfish Church
es, Nelson, ¦ - _ 12 00
Monumental Church, Rich- t
mond, - - - -.30 00
St. Luke's Church, parish of
Newport, Isle of Wight, 2 20
Raleigh parish, Amelia courity, 18 60
Lexington parish, New-Glas
gow Church, Amherst, 7 00
St. George's parish, Freder
icksburg, - - 20 00
St. Martin's parish, Hanover
and Louisa, - ¦ 20 00
Christ Church, Winchester, 15 00
Christ Church, Lancaster co., 30 00
Shelburne parish, Leesburg, 20 00
Bath parish, Dinwiddie, and v
St. Andrew's parish, Bruns- £ 30 00
wick, - - - J
Vauter's Church, St. Anne's
parish, Essex county, - 30 00
South Farnham parish, Essex
county, - " - 10 00
Fredericksville parish, Albe
marle county, - 3 00
Lamb's Creek Church, King
George county, - - 6 00
Ware and Abingdon parishes,
Gloucester, - - - 28 19
Camden parish, Pittsylvania co., 15 00
St. James's parish, Mecklen
burg county, , ¦ - - 16 00
St. Paul's Church, Norfolk, JO 00
Christ Church, Norborne par
ish, Berkeley county, 5 00
Cumberland parish, Lunenburg
county, - - 8 32
Bristol parish, Petersburg, 30 00
Westover parish, Charles City
county, - - • - 0 00
Berkeley parish, Spotsylvania
county, ... 5 00
St. Margaret's parish, Caroline
county, - - - 10 00

For E, aer.
Of Ul-liOp
Moore.

$8

12

4

50

0 00

13

00

5

00

2

80

3

36

5

60

24 08

2

80

1

40

0

00

20

00

8

26

13

30

1

41

10

00

6 30

0

00

4

00

7

00

1

45

4 2

06 25

5 0

88 00

5

00

1
8

6860

1

12

0

00

5

00

02
000000 60
00 60
00

Amount brought forward, $489
Frederick parish, Frederick co., 15
Antrim parish, Halifax county, 19
Trinity Church, Portsmouth, 15
Augusta parish, Staunton, 10
Bruton parish, Williamsburg, 10
Lynnhaven parish, Princess
Anne county, - . - 3
Christ Ghurch, Richmond, - 10
St. Anne's parish, Albemarle
county, - - - - - 8
Christ Church, Norfolk, - 30
St. Thomas's parish, Orange
county, - - -
St. James's parish, Northam,
Goochland, - - 5
Leeds parish, Fauquier county, 15
Bloomfield parish, Madison co., 5
Russell parish, Bedford co., 30
St. Stephen's Church, Culpep
per county, - - - 21 24
St. Mark's parish*, Culpepper
county, - - - - 0
Norborne parish, Berkeley co., 0
Dale parish, Chesterfield co., 0
Hungar's parish, Northampton
county, • - 5 00
Rev. William Crawford, Louisa
county, - - y - - 0 00
Hamilton parish, Fauquier co., 15 00

15 $175 97
00 12 60

4 48
5 18
0 00
5 00
1 40
8 40
1 40
35 00

- 10 00 5 00

2000
00 00

0000 00

2 80
6 00
5 Of/
6 00
4 76
5 60
11 25
0 70
5 00
10 00
4 20

$716 81 $315 74

Amount carried forward, $489 15 $175 97

The business of the Convention was suspend
ed, for the purpose of attending divine service by
the Rev. Wm. G. H. Jones, and a sermon by
the Rev. John P. M'Guire
On motion of Rev. John Grammer, the follow
ing preamble and resolution were unanimously
adopted : —
- Whereas the managers of the Bible Society of
Virginia have adopted measures for raising in this
state, during the present year, a considerable sum
of money, to be appropriated to the distribution of
the Bible- in foreign countries, and have directed
their agent respectfully to request the expression
of the approbation and concurrence of the bishops
and Convention of this church in tbe proposed
object — and whereas this Convention is -deeply
sensible of the obligation which rests upon all the
disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ to use their best
efforts for supplying every creature with the word
of life, and is fully impressed with the importance
of .the proposed measures as being calculated to
put honour upon God's holy word, to confer the
richest of blessings upon the destitute and benight
ed portions of the world, and to cherish and in
crease- that spirit of zeal for God's glory and of
love for the souls of men which we have reason
to hope is in a good degree awakened in our
churches : — Therefore,
Resolved, That this Convention cordially rec-
omiriend the object of the Bible Society to the
churches in this diocess, and affectionately re
quests the members and friends of the same to
co-operate in the accomplishment of the above
objectby their prayers andtheir contributions, and
by such assistance as circumstances may enable
them to afford to Mr. William M. Atkinson, the
general agent of the society, in the prosecution
of his agency in their respective parishes.

CONVENTION OF 1833.'

287

The report of the committee on the state of
the church was taken up ; and a motion was
then made by Mr. Hugh Nelson to strike out
from the words, "As it regards," &c, down to
the words, " among them statedly," being the
third section of the report — pending the discus
sion of which the Convention adjourned, to meet
to-riiorrow morning, at -9 o'clock.
Saturday, Ma* 19, 1833.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment,
»nd was opened with prayer by the Right Rev.
Bishop Moore.
The Rev. William Crawford, of Louisa coun
ty, appeared and took his seat!
On motion, leave of absence for the remain
der of the session was granted to the Rev. Mr.
Syme. The Convention took up the report of the
committee upon the state of the church, and
upon the question being taken upon the amend
ment proposed on yesterday by Mr. Hugh Nel
son, to strike out the third section, the same was
carried in the affirmative.
On motion of Mr. M'Farland, the fifth section
of the report was amended by striking out the
words following : " and the using of them for
any purposes whatever merely secular."
The session of the Convention was then sus
pended, for the purpose of attending divine ser
vice by- the Rev. James Doughen, and a sermon'
by the Rev. Adam Empie.
After service, the Convention again took up
the report of the committee on the state' of the
church, !and on the question- being taken on re
ceiving and approving the same, it was carried
in the affirmative ; and, as amended, is as fol
lows : —
The committee on the state of the church beg
leave respectfully to report to the1 Convention,
that, after long and serious deliberation upon a
variety of matters connected with the interests of
the church, they have come to the resolution to
propose the following particulars to thenotice of
this -body : —
On the subject of the canons of the church in
this diocess, referred to them by the vote of this
Convention, they would propose that a special
committee of seven persons be appointed, to-exam-
ine and inquire in what respects the present con
stitution and canons may require revision' and.
alteration, and what new canons may be fieeded ;
to draught such as may be deemed by them neces
sary ; and that this committee be, and hereby are
instructed, to report in full at the next Conven
tion. Your committee have taken into consideration
the subjects embraced in the discourse delivered
at the opening of the session by the Right Rever
end the Assistant Bishop ; and, cordially approving
the sentiments expressed in the same, viewing it
as presenting most important and valuable consid
erations to the notice of the church, and regarding
it as an official document, and as in the nature of
a charge to the clergy, they would respectfully
propose to the Convention that a committee of two
persons be appointed to wait upon the Right Rev
erend the Assistant Bishop, to signify to him the
.wish and request of this body that he will publish
the same, or such parts of it as he may think
proper, in such form as he may judge expedient.
And they further propose, that the treasurer be

instructed to defray the expenses,of said publica
tion out of the funds of the Convention.
jIt has occurred to your committee that there is
another subject deserving of the notice and imme
diate action of this body . Our churches are erect
ed, consecrated, and solemnly set apart for.the
worship and service of Almighty God. The use
of them for any other purposes than those of reli
gious worship, is, then, plainly a deviation from
their true design. Your committee therefore ad
vise the adoption of the following resolution, viz. :
that it be recommended to the clergy, and vestries,
and the congregations in the diocess, to discoun
tenance, to discourage, and to use all their influ
ence to put a stop to the practice of using houses
of worship belonging to the Protestant Episcopal
Church for military processions, political meet
ings, political orations, and such like things.
The imperfect character of many of the paro
chial reports has been lorig a subject of regret and
. complaint in the church, and leads to many great
inconveniences. Bythis defect in our returns we
are deprived of the only accurate sources of Snfor-
riiationas to the true state of the diocess. Your
committee would therefore respectfully urge-upon
the Convention the necessity of taking measures
to secure more minute and definite returns-; and
for this purpose would suggest that a- form be
drawn out by the secretary, and printed as an ap
pendix to the journal. This form will provide for
the statistical matters at least, and all other mat
ters calculated to throw light upon the state- of the
churches can be added by the respective rectors
and ministers at the bottom of their reports. For
a view of the matters that ought to be embraced
in the parochial reports, your committee beg leave
to refer to the first section of the fifty-first canon
of the General Convention, and also to the twen-
ty-hinth canon.
*The great importance of a well-selected library
to every clergyman, and to the people of- a congre-
gation.'is so obvious, that your committee will not
detain you by any remarks on the subject. All, it
is presumed, will acknowledge it to be highly
desirable that every church should possess such
a collection of books as are calculated to promote
piety, to disseminate religious instruction, and to
furnish the people with sound knowledge of the
grounds upon which the church rests — the pecu
liarities by which she is distinguished. Convinced
that to secure to every congregation such an acqui
sition, there is nothing necessary but some little
effort on the part of the clergy, the committee pro
pose to the Convention the following resolution,
viz. : That it be, and hereby is declared to be, the
duty of every minister to use all proper efforts- to
procure a parochial library for the use of the peo
ple of his charge : and that it be respectfully rec
ommended to the vestries and congregations of
the diocess to concur with and to aid their minis-
iters in the accomplishment of so desirable an ob
ject. Adding merely that the general "state of the dio
cess is highly encouraging, and that no further
particulars occur to them as necessary to be pre
sented for your consideration at this time, your
committee respectfully present their report.
On motion of Mr. Edrriund I. Lee,
Resolved, That a committee be appointed to
examine and inquire in what respects the pres
ent constitution and canons may require revision
and alteration, and what new canons may be
needed, and to draught such as may be deemed
by them necessary, and that the committee report
the result of their investigation to the next Con-

288

CONVENTION OF 1839.

vention ; and further, that the committee do
cause two hundred copies of the , same to be
printed, and transmit one copy to each clergy
man of the diocess, to be laid before the respec
tive vestries, and the residue of said copies send
to the secretary of the Convention, and that the
expense of printing .and transmitting the report
be paid out ofthe contingent fund of the church.
The president then appointed the Right Rev.
Bishop Meade, the Rev. Henry W. Ducachet,
M. D., the Rev. Charles Mann, the Rev. Ed
ward "C. M'Guire, Mr. Edmund. I. Lee, Mr.
Thomas Marshall, and Mr. Washington Bassett,
to compose the said committee.
On motion of Rev. John Grammer,
Resolved, That the treasurer of the Conven
tion pay to the Right Rev. William Meade, as
sistant bishop of this diocess, the sum of three
hundred dollars, to defray the expense's incurred
by him in performance of his episcopal duties.
The Rev. Charles Mann, from the committee
on parochial reports, made the following report,
which was read and accepted : —
The committee on the parochial reports beg
leave to state, that they have performed the duty
assigned them so far as they felt themselves au
thorized to go in abridging the reports handed in
by the rectors of the several parishes, and have
also prepared a tabular view of the number of com
municants, &c, as required by a resolution of this
house ; they would, however, beg- leave to state,
that, from the absence of all information in regard
to the. Sunday Schools, Bible classes, Education
and other .benevolent societies, in many of the
reports handed in, and the want of reports from
many important parishes not clerically represent
ed in the present Convention, their table presents
but an imperfect view of the present state and
condition of the Episcopal Ohurch in this diocess.
They recommend the subject to the fclefgy, and
would- suggest the propriety of forwarding by
Mail, at the session of all future Conventions, re
ports from such parishes or churches as cannot be
represented by either a clerical or lay deputy.
The committee would further suggest, that a
most interesting report might be formed, if, at the
next session of this body, each clergyman would
state in his report the period when the parish in
which he officiates was reorganized, the number
of communicants at that time, and the periods in
which the advantages of religious instruction have
been enjoyed.
By order, Charles Mann, Chairman.
PAROCHIAL REPORTS.
The rector of the Monumental Church reports
to the Convention, that the communicants belong
ing to the parish amount to one hundred and sev
enty or one hundred and eighty, and that he has
baptized, since our last annual meeting, twenty-
three children. The rector also reports, that,
though far advanced in years, he opens his church
twice on the Sabbath ; that his congregations in
the morning are large and attentive; that he is
blessed with a very considerable number of mem
bers who are vitally acquainted with the truths of
the gospel, and who are ornaments to the Chris
tian profession.
There is a very respectable Sunday School be
longing to the church, supplied with competent
teachers; and which, from measures lately adopt
ed, he has no doubt will increase in numbers.
Several hundred dollars have been raised within

a few months to assist in the completion of tvid
churches in this diocess, and one in Kentucky, and
the yearly stipend, for the benefit of the theological
students in Alexandria is now ready to be paid in.
Richard Channing Moore.
Parochial report of the parish of Frederick, 1 833.
The condition of the "parish is considered on the
whole as encouraging. There are four churches,
in each of which divine service is performed every
other Sabbath. The attendance is generally good,
and the deportment of the congregation indicative
of seriousness. Besides the regular service? at
the four churches, there are five other places where
occasional religious exercises are performed. Du
ring the last year seventeen have been admitted to
the communion, thirty-two have been baptized, of
whom five were adults.
There have been thirteen funerals and two mar
riages. Number of communicants one hundred and
twenty. A new and commodious church has been built
at Millwood, which vrts consecrated to the service
of God on Christmas-day. There are three Sun
day Schools in the parish, two Auxiliary Educa
tion Societies, and as many Missionary Societies,
which are endeavouring to contribute their aid
towards the promotion of the interesting objects
for which they were formed. The Colonization
Society still continues to draw liberal donations
from many warm friends in this parish. . The at
tention of the ministers of this parish is in some
good degree directed towards the religious instruc
tion Of the servants. On every Sabbath afternoon
the different churches are opened for their recep
tion, and those who undertake their instruction
are often encouraged by the attendance of consid
erable numbers who appear thankful for the notice
shown them. May He who made of one blood all
nations upon earth, grant his blessing to every
effort, in behalf of the^poor and ignorant, that they
may become rich in faith and wise unto salvation,
for Jesus Christ's sake. William Meade.
St. Paul's parish, King George county. The
rector reports, that a deep interest is manifested
by many under his pastoral care upon the momen
tous subject of religion, and that the pc-wer of the
Holy Spirit has been displayed in the conversion
of souls to God. Since making the last report,
death has removed some of our number to that
rest which remaineth for the people of God. Du
ring that period three have died, two have removed
from the parish, thirteen have been confirmed, ten
have been baptized, two marriages have been sol
emnized, and six funerals attended. Through the
liberality of the female members of St.- Paul's and
Brunswick parishes, $32 50 have been raised to
constitute their minister a life member ofthe Ed
ucation Society. A Sunday School has recently
been organized, and promises much usefulness.
Eight members have been added to the commu
nion since last Convention, leaving the present
number thirty-five. Zachariah H. Goldsmith.
Brunswick parish; King George county. The
spiritual condition- of this parish has much im
proved. Since making our last report, one mar
riage has been solemnized, four have been admitted
to the apostolic rite of confirmation, two funerals
have been attended, and' four persons have been
added to the communion, making the present
number fourteen. Zachariah H. Goldsmith. •
The rector of Hamilton and Leeds parishes,
Fauquier, reports, that there has been some addi
tion to the number of communicants in both par-

CONVENTION OF 1833.

289

ishes; but deaths and removals have kept their
actual number about the same as reported: to the
last Convention. Communicants in both parishes
about sixty — baptisms nine"— marriages eight —
funerals nine— Sunday Schools two, one in each
parish, and both promising much usefulness.
Among the tokens for good for which the rector
has to be thankful, is an increasing spirit of liber
ality towards religious and charitable institutions,
especially in Leeds parish. "" Geo. Lemon.
The rector of St. Thomas's Church, Orange
courthouse, reports, that he took charge of this
congregation in August last, when he met Bishop
Meade, who preached, held a confirmation, and
admitted several to the Lord's Supper. Since
that time a vestry has been formed, and materials
are in a considerable state of forwardness for the
erection of a commodious, church. The rector
has regularly performed service here every alter
nate Lord's day, and lectured once a week ; he
also preaches once a month for the special-benefit'
ofthe coloured people, and hopes to be able to do
still more for this neglected race of his fellow-
creatures. ' There is a Sabbath School, but as yet
not well organized. r
The number of communicants added by the
bishop five, by the rector twelve, total number
twenty-six. Baptisms.thirty-five,.two of which were cases
of adults, and four were cases of coloured children
—marriages five,
The rector of St. Thomas's also reports; that
he has under' his care Walker's Church in Albe
marle, where he preaches once a month, and that
he also preaches- at a place in Louisa county, call
ed Free Union, sufficiently near for the people of
Walker's congregation to attend, and thus avail
themselves of two»services in the month.
f William G. H. Jones.
Bristol parish, Petersburg. It gives me much
satisfaction to state, that the* attendance on public
worship in this parish is better oWt'han probably
it has ever been,, and great hopes are entertained
that the good effects thence resulting will, in due '
time, be made manifest. In 'other respects, no
great change has taken place since last Conven
tion. A very few only have been added to the
number of communicants. Andrew Syme.
Parish of St. James, Northam, Goochland.
There has beenbut little change in the condition
or prospects of this parish since it was last report
ed to the Convention. Two members have been
added to the communion— baptisms five, one adult
and four children— one marriage. J. Doughen.
Not being prepared to take the whole charge of
a parish, with the approbation of our bishop I
have been residing in Richmond, as the mpst cen
tral position with regard tp three neighbouring
counties, Chesterfield, Charles City, and King
William ;. in which, once a month in each", I have
been preaching since the first of January. It gives
me pleasure to mention the exertions of a few
friends of the Episcopal Church, through the in
strumentality of whom it has. been sustained for
some time, under many difficulties, in the two first
named counties. Within a few years past an old
church in each of these has been repaired. Resi
dent ministers among these people would do
much for the cause-of Christ. Our congregations
increase. They hear the gospel apparently With
much attention. ' Parke F. Berkeley.
Christ Church, Richmond. The rector of this
chdrch states,"that the number of communicants
reported, by him to the last Convention was sixty ;
since that time there have been eleven added, six
have removed or withdrawn, and two have died,
T

fnaMng the present number sixty-three— mar
riages nine — baptisms eight, two adults— funerals
fourteen— confirmed twelve. The number of his
hearers has increased, and while in many points
the prospects of his church are pleasing, he re
grets that he cannot advert to any very manifest
spiritual advancement. William F. Lee, Rector.
Christ Church, Norfolk, Elizabeth River par
ish. Since the last report to the Convention,
there have beeri eighty-four baptismSj in five
cases of adults ; there have been confirmed thir
ty-three persons; there have been fifteen mar
riages ; there have been forty-four funerals, in
twenty cases of children under fourteen years
of age' ; and twenty-six persons have been added
to the communion, making -the present number
two hundred and thirty-eight ; of communicants,
eight have died, six have removed, and ten have
withdrawn. These are all the changes, except
the reorganization and great increase of the
'Sunday School. The congregation continues to
flourish; and, through God's blessing, to enjoy
great temporal, "and sorrie spiritual prosperity.
i ' ' -Henry W. Ducachet, Rector.
Report of. Lexington parish, Amherst county,
and of Nelson parish. Inquiring for the materials
of a report, they are not found of such an interest
ing character as the minister would delight to
bring before the Convention. While the: house
of God has been generally well attended, there
has not been observed that deep and serious con
sideration of the- truth as- coming from God to
man, which is so ardently to be desired, by those
who'believe in the worth and duration of the soul.
In New-Glasgow there is- discovered no im
provement in spiritual tilings. ¦« Attendance upon
church is sometimes* good', but it has to be
lamented that there are many more hearers than
doers of the word.
,, The congregation which worships at Calaway'a
is believed to be. improving in knowledge and at
tachment to the church.- There is here mani
fested a willingness to give to all objects which
are intended to promote the glory of God upon -,
earth. Besides some "contributions to the Theo
logical Seminary, it is expected to raise a scholar
ship upon Bedell's, plan. Two have beeri added
to the communion. Instruction in the catechism
has not been withheld from children. The colour
ed people attend numerously, and it is hoped with
benefit to their souls. The church edifice has
been rendered comfortable, as well in winter as
summer. N°t a few who belong to this church
could respond to the interrogation, Lovest thou
me ? Lord, thou knowest that I love thee.
An effort' has been made to reorganize the
church located upon Rockfish , river. A vestry
has been elected, and the old Episcopal church
is either to be repaired, or else removed to a more
convenient site. The number of communicants'
is twelve, four added, and two, who had been
warmly attached to the church- during her most
forlorn state, have died.
A church which will cost about twelve hundred
dollars is to be built this summer in the neigh
bourhood of Lovingston, the county seat of Nelson,
upon land given by Mr. Robert Rives, sen., to be
under the control of the Episcopal-denomination.
From the ladies of New-Glasgow there has
been paid something to the cause of missions, and
frpm those of Callaway's Church to aid in studies
preparatory for the ministry. The -other two
churches in Amherst, which, until the past year,
have been under my care, are now destitute of
the1 regular ministration of the word,- to the seri
ous regret of many.

290

CONVENTION OF 1833.

To a young man of proper qualifications, a
moderate support, but a kind reception, would be
extended. The whole number of communicants
thirty -nine, six- added — funerals twelve — baptisms
eight — marriages eight. Charles H. Page.
Christ Church, Alexandria, D. C. Rev, Charles
Mann, rector. Since the last Convention, the
church building occupied by this congregation has
been entirely'repaired, and ,the interior fitted up
in, a very neat and handsome manner, at an ex
pense of several hundred' dollars. A missionary
association has been formed, auxiliary to the Do
mestic and Foreign Missionary "Society of the
Protestant ^Episcopal" Church, "which comprises
every member of the communion, and is intended
to embrace, if possible,' every«-member ofthe con
gregation : its prospects of a liberal support are
very flattering indeed. There is also connected
with this church an Auxibary Education Society,
which nas contributed about sixty dollars to the
funds of the parent society during the, past year.
A Benevolent Society, sustained by the untiring
efforts of several valuable ladies in the congregar
tion, disburses annually about one hundred dollars
in clothing the poorer children of the Sunday
School, and in administering to the wants of the
indigent generally. There are two Bible classes,
one under the care of the rector, and the other, of
a member of the Theological Seminary. The
Sunday School is in a very flourishing and inter
esting state, the number of -scholars being only
limited by the accommodations afforded in the lec
ture-room. To the persevering and judicious ef
forts of many gentlemen connected with the Theo
logical Seminary, our Sunday Schools and other
benevolent institutions are indebte.d for much of
the success which attends Jipon their exertions ;
and justice to that institution requires us to say,
that the zeal of its members to promote the best
interests of the community for many miles around
the spot on which it is located, renders it a rich
blessing indeed.
There have been nineteen additions to the com
munion in Christ Church during the past year,
six males and thirteen females — five have with
drawn: The number reported last year was one
hundred and thirty, added nineteen, -total one
hundred and forty-nine ; withdrawn five ; one hun
dred and thirty-one whites, - thirteen coloured,
total one hundred and forty-four. Baptisms, two
white adults and twenty-nine infants, and five col
oured, total thirty-six — confirmed (belonging to
congregation) twelve — marriages five — funerals
nine. Charles Mann, Rector.
Antrim parish,' Halifax county. The present
aspect of this parish is in jsome respects less
cheering than formerly. In riiany instauces anxi
ety has given place to indifference, and power to
lukewarmness. Only seven communicants have
been added, and of these one- has removed, ma
king the present number thirty-eight— confirma
tions twenty-eight — baptisms, adults four, infants
nine— marriages two. — funerals five.
Since the last Convention a glebe has been
purchased, and a parsonage fitted up for the use
of the rector. Liberal contributions have been
made byindividuals to the Missionary Society of
our church, and to. the Theological School of the
diocess. Charles Dresser.
St. Andrew's Church, Camden parish, Pittsyl
vania county. Since January, I have devoted
one Sunday a month to this infant parish. When
the weather would permit, the congregation has
been large and attentive. There is a flourishing .
Sunday School taught in the church, and could
the services of a resident clergyman be enjoyed,
few parishes, it is believed, would be more flout

ishing. One communicant has been added the
last year, one has removed, and one died, leaving
the present number eleven — confirmations six-
infant baptisms two — marriages two — one funeral.
Charles Dresser.
St. Margaret's Church, Caroline county. The
rector reports that, during the past year, fifteen
have been added to the communion, present num
ber of communicants forty-five — baptisms eleven
(one adult)— funerals nine— orie marriage— con
firmed eleven. He also reports that the prospects
in this parish are encouraging — subscriptions are
now raising for the erection of-two commodious
brick churches, and for repairing the old building
— it is expected they will be completed the pr.es--
ent year.
He would .further report, that he has preached
occasionally in Berkeley parish, Spotsylvania,
where a vestry has lately been elected, and sub
scriptions commenced for the erectionof a church.
The labours of a pious and active missionary are
much needed in this parish and the adjoining.
county Louisa. W. Friend.
St. George's Church, Fredericksburg, The
minister of this church has nothing of especial in
terest to report concerning its present state. If
he should say that the religious sensibility ofthe
congregation is" not so great as at some former
periods, irt is what all would be prepared to hear
who know any thing of the history of religion in
this unfriendly world. There is, however, noth
ing of which we can seriously complain, but, on
the contrary, much to inspire confidence and
awaken gratitude to God. However unfaithful
we may have been, there is still continued cause1
for recording the loving kindness and tender mer
cies of the Lord.
Religious institutions command a general re
spect among us. The numbers filling the sanc
tuary proclaim the influence and ascendency of
divine truth. " We do what we can to prevent the
people from mistaking the "form" for the power
of religion. _
There has been no abatement of active zeal in
the cause of Christian benevolence. Much has
been done in-this way through the past year. The
people do riot only love in word, but in deed, and
in truth.
The congregation has erected since the last
Convention a commodious vestry-room. One
scholarship in the Theological Seminary of Vir
ginia has been endowed for five years, and a
second is in a fair way of being soon conipleted.
A promising youth, taken from the Sunday School,
has been sent to college by the liberality of a
few, in order to bis ultimate preparation for the
ministry. Our Sunday Schools (male, female, and infant)
contain about two hundred and fifty children, in
structed by upwards of fifty teachers. Our Bible
classes contain from sixty to seventy persons.
The rest of our societies continue to receive their
share of patronage, and to exercise a salutary in
fluence on the interests "of the church.
It may here be proper to mention the favour
which has been recently shown our Female
Charity School— a legacy amounting to $10,000
having been left it by the late Miss Sophia Carter,
of Prince William county.
Baptisms eighteen,, one adult— confirmed four
teen—communicants one hundred and eighty-five
^-marriages nine— funerals seventeen— families
about one hundred. Edward C. M'Guire.
St. Paul's Church, Lynchburg. The number
of comtnunicants reported last year was fifty
eight, deceased and removed since that time four,

CONVENTION OF 1833.

291

added eight, present number sixty-two— baptisms,
of infants two— one marriage— funerals five.
A small society of female communicants have
testified their interest in the prosperity of our be-
lbved Zion, by raising the sum of seventy-five dol
lars for the use of our Education Society.
. F. G. Smith,
Christ Church, Winchester. In taking a review
of the past year, the rector has abundant cause of
thankfulness. There is in the congregation more
apparent religious feeling, and more devout at
tachment to the church, than at any former
period ; but the Almighty has laid his hand heavi-
ly upon the congregation, having removed by
death six of our oldest and most highly esteemed
members. The public ministrations and social
exercises continue to be well attended. The
Sunday "School has never been in a more prosper
ous state. There is in the congregation a Mis
sionary -Society, a Female Education Spciety,
a Society of Industry, a Mite -Society, and three
Bible classes ; all of wbicrTreceive efficient atten
tion. Since the last Convention six ' respectable
families, from a conviction of the excellence of
our apostolic church, have been united to our
congregation; nineteen have been added.. to the
communion; six members have died ; one re-
niains suspended ; and two have removed — leav
ing the present number of communicatits one
hundred and five — baptisms twenty-two — marria
ges four — deaths ten— confirmed twenty-one.
The congregation at Mill Creek continues very
flourishing ; the rector deeply regrets his visits to
the parish can only be monthly. There are forty-
one' communicants, after deducting four deceased
and two removed — -marriages two— -baptisms nine.
J. E. Jackson, Rector.
St. Stephen's Church, St. Mark's parish, Cul
pepper. The rector would report, that" since he
took charge of this church in June last, eight
persons have been added to the communion, three
have died, four removed — present number of com
municants forty-five — baptisms eight, of children
-^¦marriages four.
There" are some cases of seriousness, hut abun
dant cause for deep humiliation.
Nearly one half of his time has been devoted to
the interests of the church in Bloomfield parish,
Madison county. There he found but six indi
viduals who were attached to our communion.
Since he has -been labouring among them, the
Lord has .aided twenty-four "to their number,
fourteen of whom are gentlemen — present number
of communicants thirty — baptisms fifteen, adults
seven, children eight,
A contract has been made for the erection of a
church, which will cost $1,800 or $2,000 : $1,400
have been subscribed, "The Lord has done
great things for us, whereof we are glad." ,
Archibald H. Lamon.
Christ Church,- Lancaster county.- ' The rector
reports, that during the past year he has devoted
his time almost exclusively to the two congrega
tions in this parish, except during a necessary ab
sence of more than three months. We have great
reason to be thankful to the great Head of the
church, for the blessings he has been pleased to
bestow upon this portion of our Zion.
When the^rector entered upon his duties, about
sixteen months ago, the. Episcopal Church in this
section pf the -state was nearly extinct: But
thirteen communicants could be found in the two
counties of Lancaster and Northumberland; A
Bible class has been in operation during a part of"
the year past, consisting in all of twenty -four
members, six of whom have united with the
church. Communicants thirteen, died two, ad-
T2

ded twenty-five, present number thirty-six— bap
tisms, adults five, children forty-nine, total fifty-
fouf-^funerals five — number of persons confirmed
twenty-seven. Ephraim Adams, Rector.
St. James's Church, Shelburne parish, Lees
burg. The present minister took charge of this
parish the first of June ; since which tirne, he has
reason to hope that the great Head of the church
has not beeii unmindful of us.
. The good seed which has been sown by his
pious and faithful predecessors, he has reason to
hope, is springing up, and that his own labours
have not been altogether .in vain. Eighteen have
been added td the communion — twenty-three con
firmed — eleven baptized — deaths eight — one mar
riage—whole number of communicants sixty-five.
Efforts have been made either to enlarge the pres
ent church building, or to erect a new and more
commodious one ; which we are encouraged to
hope will be done at no distant period. The pres
ent state of the congregation is encouraging ; the
Sabbath School flourishing ; the Bible class
hitherto well attended. There is also a Mi'ssiori-
ary Society, and. Sewing 'Society, the. proceeds
of. which are appropriated to benevolent purposes.
We have, however, deeply to lament that there is
so little of that interest manifested on the^part of
the congregation geheralfy, that the infinitely im
portant concerns of eternity demand.
The church is closed one' Sabbath in the
niontli, the minister officiating on that day at Al-
die and Middleburg.in which two places there are
nine communicants. Geo. Adie.
St. Anne's and Fredericksville parishes; Albe
marle. In making a- report of his labours for the
past year, the rector cannot avoid expressing his
gratitude to the great Head of the church, that he
has been iriade the instrument, he trusts, of some
little good, to the people among whom he has been
called to preach the gospel. Some of the encour
aging circumstances to which he feels bound to
allude are these : the completion and consecration
of one new church at an expense of not less than
$1,800-- tbe commencement of another, which will
be completed some time during the present year,
and which, with the others, will make four com
fortable churches in this county— the commence
ment alsp of five scholarships on the plan of a
gentleman' of Virginia — the favourable disposi
tion manifested towards our church by those who
are not of her communion, in admitting the puri
ty of .her doctrines, the excellence of her forms,
and the piety of her members — and last, but not
least, the great liberality and punctuality of some
of his people in contributing to the temporal sup.
port of their minister;
He has, however, to lalrierit with great sorrow,
that he has met with not a few embarrassments
to his usefulness. Among which may be reckon
ed the great extent of his charge — a want of
spirituality and zeal among his people— the exlst-
erice of too much worldly-mindedness — a back
wardness in confessing Christ before men — an ap
parent indifference by them in the support of their
Sunday Schools, their Education and Tract Sq.
cieties, &c.
In St! Anne's parish there have been during the
past year twenty-four' persons confirmed — two
adult baptisms, twelve infant baptisms — two mar
riages—three funerals — number of communicants
thirty-one. In Fredericksville parish there have been twen
ty-five confirmed — three adult baptisms, five in
fant baptisms — two funerals — three marriages —
number of communicants fifty-one.
Whole number in both parishes, forty-nine con
firmed—five adult baptisms, seventeen infant, bap.

292

CONVENTION OF 1833.

tisms — five marriages — five . funerals — eighty-six
communicants. Zachariah Mead.
The rector, of Cumberland parish, in giving to
the Convention an account of his stewardship,
presents the following as the state of the church
¦under his care , — Communicants in all seventeen,
additions five, lost by death one — funerals ten,
three are whites, seven are blacks — marriages
three — one baptism. The church spoken of in
his last. report was finished, all to lathing and
plastering, before the close of the last year, and is
now about to be completed. Since the last Con
vention his labours have been considerably inter
rupted by ill health, particularly during the last
three or four months. The prejudices against our
churclfseem to be fleeing before the light pf truth,
and the people begin to prize her excellence.
Though the attendance on our services has gen
erally heen very good, it is humiliating to ac
knowledge, that the state of vital religion is quite
low. We have much need to pray that the Lord
would raise us higher in the scale of true godli
ness, and make us more abundant in the -fruits
thereof. A moderate degree of interest, however,
is felt in all the benevolent operations of the day.
Charles C. Taliaferro.
St. Anne's and South Fambam parishes, Essex
county. The pastor has nothing of much interest
to report. He does not think that the state of
religion has very visibly improved since the last
Convention. The attendance upon the services
of the sanctuary is not greater ; the condition of
the Bible classes and Sunday Schools more, dis
couraging. But there are still some gracious
evidences of the continued presence and blessing
of the exalted Head of the church. Among these,
one of the most important is the increase of a mis
sionary spirit, giving, as it ever does, sure indica
tions of growth in that divine.cKarity which leads
to every good work.
St. Mary's parish, Port Royal, Caroline county.
The pastor of St. Anne's and South Farnham
still continues his labours at this place, and has
gathered in some fruit to the glory of God's grace..
It was reported to tbe last Convention that meas
ures had been taken to erect a church. -Though
circumstances not necessary to be mentioned
have delayed this work, preparations for it have
gradually progressed, and it is confidently be
lieved that another Convention will not meet be
fore its completion. The congregation is an in
teresting one ; a good work seems to be going on
among its members.
Lunenburg parish, Warsaw, Richmond county.
Since June last, the pastor of St. Anne's and South
Farnham has preached at this place twice a month,
and found much cause to thank the Lord for en
abling him to do so. Here, as in the surrounding
region, considerable religious excitement has ex
isted during the past year, and our labours have
been mercifully blessed to save precious souls.
A brick church; forty-eight feet by thirty-five, hav
ing a vestibule and one end gallery, has been
recently commenced. Its corner-stone was laid
by Bishop Meade during his late episcopal visit
to the Northern Neck, and the walls are now
going up with a promising prospect of the house
being speedily finished.
Immediately connected with Lunenburg is
Farnham parish, containing an old and venerable
church, which was within a few years in a toler
able state of preservation, but is now so ruined
that scarcely any thing remains save the walls,
which are still sound. At this time there is an
effort making to repair it thoroughly. The most
costly part of the work is already under contract,
and it is hoped that another for the remainder will

soon be made. Of the communicants belonging
to this parish several are connected with the con
gregation in Lunenburg, but would, of Gourse, if
there, was any shepherd to gather them, belong to
one established within their own limits. And
then these two, with perhaps another neighbour
ing church, will form a large and important field
for the labours of any suitable minister of God's
word, willing to spend and be spent in his Master's
service. During a part of the last and present month,
Bishop Meade visited these parishes. In the four
first mentioned forty persons were confirmed, and
a most salutary impression made upon tbe_com-
munity. It is very evident, both from their words
and deeds, and we think it important to record it
as a fact connected with the present condition of
the people under our pastoral care, that, becoming
gradually better acquainted with the primitive and
scriptural character of the church, their attach
ment to it grows, and their gratitude to God for
bringing and keeping them within its pale abounds
more and more.
St. Anne's parish. Communicants thirty-one —
one death, coloured — baptisms fifteen, thirteen
coloured — burials two— marriages five, two col
oured. South Farnham. Communicants twenty-two
— one removed — baptisms two — one burial
St. Mary's. Communicants thirteen — baptisms
six — buried one.
Lunenburg. Communicants twenty-seven — one
death— baptized eight, one adult, four coloured —
burials three — married three.
Jno. P. M'Guire, Rector.
The late minister of St. Peter's, Tillotson, re
ports, that during the past year he has preached
alternately at this church and Caira, Qumberland.
Circumstances have compelled -him to leave this
highly interestingand most ehgible field, but he
hopes that it is only to .make room for a more.
faithful labourer. Such a one would receive a
cordial welcome, and, it is believed, a support
fully adequate to bis individual wants. Confirmed
eighteen— communicants thirty-six— -added five —
baptisms eight, four adults ahd four infants — mar
riages two — one death. J. S. Swift.
Trinity Church, Augusta parish, Staunton.
Comiriunicants added twelve, total number fifty
— baptisms (ten adults) thirty— deaths nine — mar
riages twelve. W. G. Jackson..
Edward Valentine.
Abingdon and Ware parishes, Gloucester. In
these parishes there have been six baptisms and
three funerals — ten members have been added to
our communion, total thirty-eight — two marriages
have been solemnized in an adjoining parish.
Jno. Cole.
St. John's Church, Henrico parish. Nine mar
riages — nine baptisms — fourteen funerals — thirty
communicants. Edward W. Peet.
St. John's Church, Hampton. During the past
year two communicants have been removed by
death — three heretofore reported are now residing
in other parts of the diocess, and three have been
added to our communion— present number twelve.
Old Point Comfort. Three communicants have
removed, arid six have been added— present num
ber thirteen. In the Sunday School we have seven
teachers — thirty-eight scholars — marriages four —
baptisms eighteen — burials twenty-one.
Mark L. Chevers.
The rector of Russell parish, Bedford county,
reports to the Convention, that but little has been
done in bjjyjapsh during the past year towards the
extension of*he church. Throughout all the
region in whicffhe labours, there has been a gen-

CONVENTION OF 1833.

293

eral mdifference towards religion. The houses of
public worship are thinly and irregularly attended ;
the zeal of multitudes has abated ; and many who
gave fair promise of being faithful servants ofthe
cross, have returned to the world. The rector is
pained to say, that his congregations have been
affected by the prevailing spirit of lukewarmness ;
and he has had the mortification to see some of
the communicants apostatize from the faith, and
bring upon themselves the riecessity of being sep
arated from the communion of the saints. Yet,
amid these discouragements, there are causes for
gratitude to GOd. 'Some-valuable additions have
been made tp the communion ; the members gen
erally are becoming more decidedly attached to
the distinctive principles and doctrines of the
church. In obedience to a resolution of the last
Convention, the rector has endeavoured, -by the
circulation of Episcopal books and tracts, to in
struct the .people in the true principles of the
church : a duty the importance and necessity of
wliich he has been taught by painful experience.
There is also another cause for encouragement in
the proofs of an increasing confidence in the sound
ness of our doctrines and the piety of our mem
bers. Plainly many are beginning to see in these
perilous times, when dangerous heresies are. boldly
propagated, and when contention and strife, with
many other fruits of the flesh, are encouraged by
- the divisions of new sects continually multiplying,
that our ancierit church presents to the humble'and
honest inquirer after truth a place of quiet and
an ark of safety. Baptisms, of adults five, of in
fants twenty-six — burials two — marriages ten —
communicants, removed four, died two, added
fourteen ; present number one hundred.
Nicholas H. Cobbs.
St. Paul's, Norfolk. The venerable parish
church of Norfolk borough, built near a century
-ago, has, during the last year, been entirely- and
very neatly renewed in its interior, arid consecra
ted under the name of St. Paul's.
Two or three months since I entered on the
duties of its rectorship. The pews were soon-dis
posed of by sale and rent, and in want of more
room we proceeded to erect galleries, which are
now very nearly finished. An organ has been
lately ordered. -A flourishing Sunday School is
in operation, for which a good library has beeri
obtained. Four or five new communicants were ,
lately added — total number about twenty-five.
The prospects of the congregation, on the whole,
seem greatly encouraging.- Ebenezer Boyden.
Norborne parish, Berkeley county. - When the
present rector took charge of this parish in June
last, it was under discouraging circufnstances.
For some time previous it had been destitute of
regular services, and consequently the usual zeal
and interest of Episcopalians in the prosperity of
the church had in a measure abated. But, with
gratitude to Almighty God, he is now happy to
report a more favourable state of things. Since
his assumption of the pastoral charge of this
parish, the Lord has been graciously pleased to
visit it in mercy. At an association held in Sep
tember last, thirty-three persons were added to
the communion ; many more are still in an inqui
ring state of mind ; but, owing to the difficulty of
procuring regular communion, have been pre
vented from making a public profession of religion.
We have a flourishing. Sunday School, and two
Bible classes. The Education and Missionary
Societies are in a way of receiving liberal encour
agement. Of the communicants,' four have been
lost, three by removal and one by death — pres
ent number of communicants one hundred and

eighteen — marriages ten — baptisms ten, two adults
and eight infants. W. P. C. Johnson. I
Trinity Church, Portsmouth parish. The rector
reports, with gratitude to the great Head of the
church, that there have been added to the com
municants in his parish during the past year eight
persons. But must with sorrow add, that he has
been compelled to expel from the communion one
of his members ; and has performed the burial-
services for thirty persons, more than half of whom
died of the cholera.
The societies in connexion with this congrega
tion he- believes to.be about in the same sta'te as
when last reported. One or two families have
joined the congregation, and as many have left.
The general attendance upon the services of the
sanctuary, he thinks, has somewhat improved ; and,
upon the whole, he is encouraged to nope that his
labours have not been altogether in vain. Mar
riages eleven— baptisms, nineteen children and one
adult, twenty— communicants, eight added, five
removed, one expelled ; present number thirty-
nine — burials thirty. J. H. Wingfield.
St. Andrew's parish, Brunswick county, and
Bath parish, Dinwiddie county. The condition
of these parishes-is apparently the same as when
last reported ; and it is a subject of deep regret
and humiliation to the rector, that he has no cheer
ing account to render, either of the enlargement
of our Zion, or of the increase of spiritual life
among its members, in the region of country com
mitted to his charge. There have been baptized
in the two parishes thirteen, three adults and ten
children — confirmed sixteen — four have been ad
mitted to the communion — two communicants
have removed, and the present number is forty-
seven— marriages eight— funerals five, all of chil
dren. The difference of religious views and practices
which prevails throughout the country, renders it
impracticable to comply strictly with that part of
the 29th canon of the General Convention which
requires that a register should be kept by the
clergyman of the families within his cure. Many
families contain members of several different
denominations ; those of which the rector of
these parishes is exclusively the pastor amount to
twenty-four. John Grammer, Jr.
St. Martin's parish, Hanover and Louisa. But
little requiring special notice has occurred in this
parish during the past year. Since our last report,
the- new church then mentioned as being com
pleted has been consecrated to the service of
God. Thirteen persons have been confirmed.
Seven children and one adult have been received
in baptism. A few have been added to the com
munion, and some have removed, leaving the
present number sixty -four. About $500 have been
contributed to the various benevolent institutions
connected with the church, and probably as much
more subscribed to the Theological Seminary.
In speaking of these contributions, I should do
injustice to the individuals concerned were I not
to take special notice of $270 contributed to the
Education Society, by the indefatigable zeal ahc]
industry of a Working Society, consisting of a
few young ladies. Owing to the' continued in
disposition of the reetor, he has been unable during
the past year to extend his labour as usual much.
beyond the limits of^his own parish. He has,
however, occasionally visited those of St. Paul's
and Trinity, in both of which they are anxious
to obtain the services of an Episcopal minister.
In the latter they are now building a place for

294

CONVENTION OF 1833,

public! worship, with the hope of getting their
wants speedily supplied, and are, 1 believe, ready
to commence one in the former, so soon as they
see a probability of .having a minister to preach
in it. John Cooke.
Berkeley parish, Spotsylvania. This parish has
for some years been without a regular ministry.
Within the last three years it has occasionally
been visited by the Rev. John Cooke, the Rev.
Qaleb J. Good, and the Rev. William Friend,
There exists an increasing interes,t in the cause
of the church. A vestry has lately been,organize,d,
and a subscription for an Episcopal church com
menced. W,e believe that the sum of $200 dollars
could be raised for the support of a minister,^n-
dependent of his board.
Within the period above mentioned, there have
been several baptisms, marriages, and funerals ;
but the precise number not known— communi
cants about eight. E.Berkeley. Geo. Tyler.
Bruton parish, Williamsburg. Baptisms, one
White and three cploured children, in all four —
marriages, three of white and five of coloured
persons, in all eight — funerals, two parishioners
and six not of the. parish, in all eight — communi
cants, two-have died, three removed, and three
been added ; total at present sixty-three, of whom
two are coloured persons.
The number of families belonging to the con
gregation at present is forty-one — the number of
adults is one hundred and three, and pf children
eighty-two. The number reported four years ago
was one hundred -and . twelve adults, and one
hundred children ; but, besides those who have
died, we have lost in the meantime by removal
.eighteen adults and twenty-two children.
Our Sunday School, however, has not dimin
ished. It still numbers about forty scholars, while
our parish library has advanced from a hundred
to a hundred and forty-seven volumes. In other
respects, the congregation is statistically the same
as when last reported ; but whether true religion
has been advancing in the hearts and characters
pf "our people, must be left- to their own con
sciences, and to the Searcher of hearts.
An arrangement has been made this spring for
me to preach once a month in James City, and I
have twice officiated at Hickory Neck Churph to
full and attentive congregations. A. Empie, Rector.
The report of the board of trustees of the
Theological School of Virginia, together with
that of their treasurer, were presented and read
by the Rev. Edward C. M'Guire, and received.
Report of the Board of Trustees of the Theological
School of Virginia.
In presenting the twelfth annual report of their
proceedings to the Convention, the trustees would
not be unmindful, but gratefully acknowledge that
good Providence which has hitherto worked with
them, and graciously prospered their humble, en
deavours in behalf of the important institution
with the promotion of whose interests they have
been charged.
By the last annual report, you were informed,
that in consequence of increasing applications for
admission into the seminary, the speedy erection
of an additional building had become indispensa
bly necessary. The existing edifice could accom
modate but twenty students, while thirty were
.actually connected with the institution. Of these,
several had been under the necessity of seeking
abodes in the neighbourhood, and one was com

pelled to withdraw altogether, from the impossjU
bility of procuring accommodations. . Under theso
circumstances, the board felf . constrained io obey
the'manifest intimations of Providence, and pro
ceed at once, in reliance on the tried, liberality -of
the friends- of the church, to make arrangements
for the erection of another building.
That there might be no delay in ascertaining
the support which would be given to such a meas
ure, a meeting was held during the Convention,
as many of you remember, with express reference
to the above object. With the gratifying and un
expected success which crowned that effort, the
most of you are acquainted. More than $7,000 in
subscriptions were added on that occasion to the
funds of the institution. Thus encouraged, the
trustees proceeded forthwith to provide for the
erection of a house corresponding in style and
dimensions with the one already in use. The
superintendence and execution of the undertaking
were confided to competent individuals, and the
house was completed in time for the reception of
students at the commencement of the session ber
ginning in
The necessities of the institution, arising from,
the inadequacy of its general fund, demanded the
adoption of still additional means of augmenting
its resources. For this end an agent was ap
pointed (Mr. George W. Nelson, a student in the
seminary) with authority to make applications for
funds throughout the diocess. Th?s duty was
faithfully discharged by Mr. Nplson during the
last sunimer.- Though straitened in regard to
time by his connexion with the seminary, and of
course unable fo extend his efforts beyond a lim-.
iied portion of the state, he yet procured subscrip.-
tions to the amount of $3,500, Of which sum $1,257
were received in hand, and duly remitted by him
to the treasurer of the seminary.
It is with pleasure we announce the internal.
prosperity which has marked the progress of the
institution through the past year. Trie number df
students has exceeded that of any previous pe
riod. Thirty-three young men have shared its
signal advantages. Nor have any of them, failed
to make the very hest improvement of their privi
leges. The professors bear unqualified testimony
to their punctuality and industry, as well as to
their satisfactory and creditable progress in the
acquisition of useful knowledge. The course of
study has been the same as heretofore pursued,
being that prescribed by the statutes, and so often
staled to this body as to render repetition unne
cessary. Since the last report, and on the Sunday succeed
ing the Convention, seven of the student's were adr
mitted to the ministry, and five more are expected
to undergo examination for orders during the pres
ent session. Our diocess has shared the zealous
and edifying services of a portion of those advanced
to the holy office at the time above specified, and
many Waste places bear witness to the efficacy of
their pious and active labours. ..Solitary places
have been made glad, and the desert to blossom as
the rose. The beneficence which endowed and
sustained in vigorous action this important estab
lishment, has thus, in the economy of Providence,
been, as it were, exhaled and diffused over our
land, and, descending in refreshing showers on
many a dry arid barren spot, is already yielding a
rich and precious harvest of spiritual good to man
and glory to God. Duly estimating the impor
tance of these objects, wjiat surprising value must
be attached to this sacf ed charity. Whp that feels
at all the glow of religious affection, does not finji
his heart burn within him at the contemplation
of such fruits of Christian ' love and liberality. A|p

CONVENTION OF 1833.

295

they not worth all the sacrifices which may have
been made for f hem.
At the hazard of a seeming importunity, we
must, in closing, refer to the continued necessities
of the institution, and beg your prayers and other
benefactions in its behalf. It is the offspring of
your past liberality, and has been, the cherished
object of your nursing care. You will not then
desert it now, and give it up to. premature decay
and final dissolution, There is yet need of another
edifice, which, connecting the two existing struc
tures, sh.all.give increased beauty to the whole, and
more ample accommodations to the increasing
number of students. The endowment of another
professorship is also a desideratum. The board,
at a large meeting, adopted some measures for its'
accomplishment, not doubting of the hearty con
currence of Christian friend's, and of the prosper
ing, smile of God. , Agents havri: been appointed
principally -with a view to the assistance expected
from other diocesses, yet trusting to the continued
zeal and munificence of our own.
The treasurer's account, appended hereto, will
show the state of our foods, how they are invested,
.and how well secured. , The Trustees. ,
The Rev. Mr. Lee, from the executive com
mittee of the Missionary Society,, presented the
following report, accompanied with the treasu
rer's account, whichwere read and approved : —
The executive, committee of the Missionary
^Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church in
Virginia, in making the annual report required of
them, regret that it is not in their power to present
a more encouraging account of their operations
during the past year.
They still have to deplore the paucity of miri-
-istersjn our church, which has compelled them
to disregard the frequently-repeated calls for help
¦which are made to them. They have not been
enabled to procure the services of a single mis
sionary for any length of time during the last
year. The .president was authorized to engage,
-during the summer months, the services of one of
'the parochial clergy, whose health required a tem
porary absence from his charge, to officiate at an
important parish in the county of Greenbrier, but
they are not now able to -state to what extent he
was enabled to perform the services to which he
was appointed.
The Rev. Annerley Stewart was furnished with
a horse at the expense of $100, to enable him to
-do missionary duty in the counties' of Louisa and
Spotsylvania ; but having afterward declined that
¦sphere of labour, the horse is now in the posses-
sidri'of the treasurer of the society.
The treasurer's account, herewith exhibited,
shows that he has received. the sum of $155 72
during the" past , year, and expended $102 50.
And the funds of the society at this time amount
¦to $933 22.
Although the Missionary Society of Virginia
¦has been enabled as yet to do but little towards
«u"pplyingthe vast destitution ofthe ministrations,
of our church irt this diocess, they still feel dis
posed to exhort the members of the ch urch to aid in
the accumulation of a fund which may be employed
in some future day, when, through the-blessing.of
God upon our Educatioh Societies and Theological
Seminaries, there shall arise up those who, .filled
with the zeal of Christian ministers, and burning
with love for Christ "and his- church, shall pre
sent themselves as labourers in the ripening har
vest. With the prayer . that that day may soon
arrive, your committee respectfully submit this re-

Kind and amount of funds, viz. ': —
5 shares of Virginia Bank stack, sup
posed to be worth $110 per share, = $550 00
3 shares of Farmers' Bank stock of
Virginia, worth $110 -per share, - 330 00
Cash in bank to the credit of the treas
urer, - ¦ -- - - - 53 22

Total amount,
E. E. Thomas Nelson, Treasurer.
Dr. Jacqueline A. Marshall, a lay delegate of
Hamilton parish, Fauquier county, appeared and
took his seat. "
Mr. Edmund I. Lee, from the committee ap
pointed to examine the state -of the fund for the
permanent support of the episcopate in this
diocess, presented the following report : —
The qomriiittee upon the episcopal fund report,
there are eighty-one shares of the stock of the
Farmers' Bank of Alexandria, and nine shares
df -the stock of the Bank of Alexandria, and $125
in the hands of the trustees to be invested; of
which $10 were .contributed since the last Conven
tion by the Rev. Mr. Crawford. That during the
present Convention, the Rev. Mr. Cobbs has paid
$10 from Russell parish, Bedford county.
Stocks, - l- - - - - $6,100 00
Cash, - - - -135 00

$6,235 00
On motion of Rev. Wm. G. H. Jones,
Resolved, That the committee appointed to
revise the constitution and canons of the church,
be instructed to take into special consideration
whether it comports with the interests of the
church that any one should be elected as a dele
gate who is not a regular communicant of the
church. -
On motion, Resolved, That the Convention
do now adjourn until 5 o'clock this afternoon.
Saturday Afternoon.
The proceedings of the standing committee
during the last year were presented and read.
The Rev. Mr. Franklin G. Smith, from the
committee on the treasurer's account, made the
following report :—
The committee on the treasurer's accounts re
spectfully report, that they have examined the
same, arid find them correct— the various items be
ing ascertained by proper vouchers. The balance
of the contingent fund at this time remaining in
the hands of the treasurer is 55655 75, and the
balance for the support of the bishop is $32, as
appears by the accompanying accounts.
F.-G. Smith, Chairman.
On motion of Mr. George W. Nelson,
Resolved, That the Convention do recon
sider the vote- adopting the resolution instruct-
¦ing-the committee appointed to revise "the con
stitution' and canons of the church to take irito
special consideration whether it comports with
the interests of the church that any one should
be elected as a delegate who is not a regular
communicant of the church.
- On motion of Mr. Burwell Bassett,
Resolved, That the said- resolution be laid
upon the table.'
The Convention then proceeded to the elec
tion, by ballot, of a standing committee of the.

296

CONVENTION OF 1833. '

church in this diocess for the ensuing year ;
whereupon the following gentlemen were duly
elected, viz. : the Rev. Reuel Keith, D. D., the*
Rev. Edward R. Lippit, the Rev. Charles
Mann, Mr. Edmund I. Lee, Mr. John Hooff, and
Mr. John Gray. —
On motion of Mr. Hugh Nelson,
Resolved, That the clergy of this diocess be
requested to take up a collection at their re
spective churches on the Sunday preceding the
4th of July, in behalf of the Colonization So
ciety, and, by a short address at the time, to call.
the attention of their respective congregations to
this important subject.
The Convention then proceeded to the elec
tion, by ballot, of eight delegates, to represent
this diocess in the next General Convention of
the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United
States of America ; -whereupon the following
gentlemen were duly elected, viz : Rev. Henry
W. Ducachet, M. D., Rev. N. H, Cobbs, Rev.
John Grammer, Rev. Edward C. M'Guire, Mr.
Thomas Marshall, Mr. James M. Garnett, Mr.
John G. Williams, and Mr. John .Nelson.
Resolved, That the thanks of this Conven
tion are due, and hereby tendered, to the citizens
of Richmond, for their kindness and hospitality
to the members of this Convention.
Resolved, That the treasurer be directed to pay
to the doorkeeper of the Convention ten dollars.
Resolved, . That the treasurer pay the expen
ses of the bishops and the delegatesto the Gen
eral Convention, in case of a meeting of the
same before the next Convention of this diocess.
The bishops having retired, Mr. Burwell Bas
sett was called to the chair.
Resolved, That the Rev. Wm. F. Lee, Rev.
E. W. Peet, and Mr. Hilary Baker, be a com
mittee to raise- by assessment among the different
parishes, having reference to the number of com
municants reported to the Convention, the sum
of three hundred dollars, to be paid to Bishop
Moore at the next Convention for his episcopal
services, and that said committee inform the
clergyman of each parish of the -proportion re
quired from his parish. And, Resolved, That
the clergy be required to raise the^sum so as
sessed, and pay it in at the next Convention.
The Convention then proceeded to the choice
of the executive committee of the Missionary
Society, which resulted in the election of Mr.
John G. Williams, secretary, and Mr. Thos. Nel
son, treasurer, and Rev. Edward C. M'Guire,
Rev. Henry W. Diicachet, Rev. Nicholas H.
Cobbs, Rev John Grammer, Rev. Adam Empie,
Rev. Wm. F. Lee, Rev. E. W. Peet, Mr. John
Nelson, Mr. George M. Carrington, and Mr.
Samuel C. Nichols, as members of the execu
tive committee.
Resolved, That 1,200 copies of the minutes
of this Convention be printed, and distributed
among the parishes of this diocess.
On motion, Resolved,. That the Convention
do now adjourn, to meet in the town of Staun
ton, on the third Wednesday in May next.
Richard Channing Moore,
Bishop of the Diocess of Virginia.
Teste, John G. Williams, Secretary,

On Sunday night,/the members of the Conven
tion hiving assembled around the altar, in the Mon
umental Church, Bishop Moore delivered the fol
lowing address : —
Brethren of the Clergy and Laity, — It
has been my constant practice to "convene yon
around the altar, at the close of our Conventional
labours, in order to bid you an affectionate farewell
prior to your departure to your respective parishes,
and to assure you of the deep interest I feel in
your welfare and personal happiness.
To the neighbourhoods and distant congregations
I once visited with great delight, I have bidden,
through the effects of local infirmities, a final
adieu : and it is only upon the return of our Con
ventional meetings that I am blessed with the
sight of my old friends, and am permitted to shake
by the hand a family of clergymen, who have been
set apart to tbe ministry of the gospel by myself.
In examining the record of the clergy of the
diocess this afternoon, I discovered that ina list of
fifty-six individuals, forty-four of the number have
received the imposition of my own hands, and have
been clothed with ministerial authority by myself.
The satisfaction I derive from such a consideration
is increased by tbe knowledge I have of their useful
ness, and the hope-I entertain of their continuance
in well-doing. The success which has hitherto
attended your labours should excite in your minds
the greatest gratitude to God, and stimulate you
to the most unwearied efforts in the cause of the
gospel. Be determined, I beseech. you, to make
full proof of your ministry. Preach Jesus Christ
and him crucified. Confine your attention to the
sacred duties of your office. Avoid all interfe
rence in political matters, and that Being who has
so signally crowned your labours with success, will
never leave you nor forsake you.
We, my clerical brethren, may never meet again
on a similar occasion. Two years, from the lo
cation of the next Convention, must necessarily
pass away before we shall see each other again.
Death, in the meantime, may step in and thin our
ranks, and our Divine Master may summon some
of you or myself into eternity. Living in the
faithful discharge of our sacerdotal obligations,
Death, remember, will be deprived of his ter
rors, and a crown of rejoicing be given to us by
that Jesus who is appointed judge of both the
quick and the dead. The salutation of "Well
done, good and faithful servants," will greet our
ears, as the portals of heaven »xpand for our re
ception, and that rest provided for the people of
God be our final reward. In all your trials, my
beloved sons, may the Almighty be your refuge,
and underneath you may he place the everlasting
arms of his love.
My brethren of the laity, accept, I entreat you,
my best wishes for your present and eternal hap
piness. Some of you whom I have seen around
me during our present session, were members of
the first Convention I ever attended in this diocess.
The clergy were then a small band ; but small as
that number was, you gave us your support, and
united your efforts with us in the resuscitation of
the church of our fathers. The Almighty has
blessed our labours with such success as, the most
sanguine mind could not have anticipated. : Our
congregations, which then, amounted to little more
than twenty, have increased to upwards of one
hundred ; and our clergy, which then consisted of
six or eight effective men, now number about
sixty. You, my brethren, have been co-workers
with us. You merit our thanks, and deservedly
enjoy our united confidence and regard. We

CONVENTION OF 1834.

297

have but one interest, and that interest is the
glory of God and the salvation of soiils.
My labours the last year have been confined to
a'small circle. Few, however, as have been the
duties I have discharged,.! now mention them for
your satisfaction. After the. last Convention had
adjourned, I admitted, in Alexandria, eight-candi
dates to deacons' orders, and three deacons to
the order of priesthood. .In July I visited Smith-
field, in coihpany with the Rev. Wm. F. Lee, and
preached and administered the Lord's Supper in
the old church, to a very large and .deeply-im
pressed congregation. On Good Friday, which
occurred the 5th of April, I administered the rite
of confirmation in Christ Church, in this city, to
thirteen persons. After which I was called to

Norfolk, in which place I preached, and conse
crated St. Paul's Church, and also instituted the
Rev. Mr. Boyden rector of the same. In Christ
Church, which is under the care of tbe Rev. Dr.
Ducachet, I preached, and confirmed thirty-three
persons ; and on the Monday following I visited
Mr. Wingfield's parish in Portsmouth, preached to
a large congregation, and confirmed three individ-
ualsr Six candidates were admitted by myself
this morning in the Monumental Church to dea
cons' orders, and two deacons were at the same
time advanced to the priesthood, by my worthy
friend the assistant bishop of this diocess.
Brethren, I now bid you farewell, and may the
Lord be with you all — Amen.
Richard Channing Moore.

Journal of the Proceedings of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the Diocess of
Virginia, which assembled in the town of Staunton, on the 21st of May, 1834.

This being the day appointed for the annual
meeting. of the Convention of the Protestant
Episcopal Church in the Diocess of Virginia,
the Right Rev. William Meade, D. D., assist
ant D-ishop of the diocess, with several clergy
men and lay delegates, attended divine service^
in Trinity Church.
After the consecration of the church to the
worship of Almighty God, mprning prayers
were read by the Rev. Dr. Empie, and & sermon
preached by the Rev. J. E. Jackson.
The Right Rev. William Meade took the
chair as president of the Convention, and Hilary
Baker, of Richmond, was appointed secretary
of the meeting. •
The following clergymen, entitled to seats in
the Convention, appeared, viz. :—
The Rev. Ephraim Adams, Christ Church,
Lancaster county ; the Rev. George Adie, Shel
burne parish, Loudoun county ; the Rev. C. W.
Andrews, Frederick parish, Frederick county ;
the Rev. Nicholas H. Cobbs, Russell parish,
Bedford county ; the Rev. John Cole, Ware and
Abingdon parishes, Gloucester county ; the Rev.
Charles Dresser, Antrim parish, Halifax county ;
the Revf Henry W. Ducachet, M. D., Christ
Church, Norfolk borough ; the Rev. Adam Em
pie, D. D,, rector of Bruton parish, and Presi
dent of William and Mary College; the Rev.
John Grammer, St. Andrew's and Bath parishes,
Dinwiddie county ; the Rev. Thomas Jackson,
assistant minister of Monumental Church, Rich
mond ; the Rev. J. E. Jackson, Christ Church,
Winchester ; the Rev. William M. Jackson,
Grace Church, Berryville, Frederick county,; the
Rev. Wm. G: Jackson, Trinity Church, Staun
ton ; the Rev. Wm.- P. C. Johnson, Norborne
parish, Berkeley county ; the Rev. WiUiam G.
H. Jones, St Thomas Church, Orange court
house ; the Rev. Reuel Keith, D. D., Professor
in Theological Seminary ; the Rev. Archibald
H. Lamon, St. Stephen's Church, St. Mark's
parish, Culpepper county ; the Rev. George
Lemon, Hamilton and Leeds parishes, Fauquier
county ; the Rev. Charles Marin, Professor in
Theological Seminary ; the Rev. Edward C.
M'Guire, St! George's Church, Fredericksburg ;
the Rev. J. P-. M'Guire, St. Anne's and South

Farnham parishes, Essex county ; the Rev. Geo.
W. Nelson ; the Rev. Chas. H. Page, Lexington
parish, Amherst county ; the Rev. Franklin G.
Smith, St. Paul's. Church, Lynchburg ; the Rev.
Job Sydney Swift ; the Rev. John H. Wing
field, Portsmouth parish, Norfolk county; the
Rev. George Woodbridge, Christ Church, Rich
mond. The Rev. John Grammer and Mr. John T.
Clarke were appointed a committee to examine
the certificates of the lay delegates.
On motion, Resolved, That the Convention
do now adjourn until this afternoon, at 4 o'clock.
Wednesday Afternoon.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
The committee to whom were referred. the
certificates of the lay delegates, reported as
follows : —
The committee appointed to examine the cer
tificates of lay delegates report, that the certifi
cates of the following persons are conformable
to the canon, to wit : —
Charles C. Pinckney, churches at Wickliffe
and Berryville ; Edmund Berkeley and Lewis
K- Boggs, Berkeley parish, Spotsylvania coun
ty ; Thomas L. Robertson, Christ Church, Nor
folk borough ; J. C. Sheldon, Bruton parish,
Williamsburg ; A, Forbes, St. Paul's Church,
Norfolk borough ; Bartholomew C. Chinn, Farn
ham parish, Richmond county ; Mr. Dangerfield,
Frederick parish, Frederick county ; Junius A.
Clay, Tillotson parish, Buckingham county ;
Benjamin F. Taliaferro; "St. Mary's parish,
Caroline county ; Mann A. Page, St. Thomas
parish, Orange county ; Rawleigh W. Downman,
Christ Church parish, Lancaster county ; Seth
Ward, St. Paul's Church, Lynchburg ; William
B. Whitten, Russell parish, Bedford county ;
James L. Woodville and Thomas N. Burwell,
Botetourt parish, Botetourt county ; John F.
Conway, Broomfield parish, Madison county ;
John B. Branham, Lunenburg parish, Richmond
county ; John Gray, St. George's parish, Fred
ericksburg; William M., Waller, Lexington par
ish, Amherst county ; William F. Alexander,
Christ Church, Fairfax parish, Alexandria ; R.
G. Montgomery, Shelburne parish, St. James's

298

CONVENTION OF 1834.

Church, Leeshurg ; John H. Peyton,. Augusta
parish, Augusta county ; Joseph F. Montgomery,
Nelson parish, Nelson county ; Hilary Baker,
Christ Church, Richmond ; Robert Rose, Kan
awha parish, Kanawha county ; Joseph Mur-
den, Portsmouth parish, Norfolk county ; John
T. Clarke, Antrim parish, Halifax county.
And that a certificate of the appointment of
Carter H. Harrison as the delegate from the
Monumental Church, Richmond, was presented,
which not being according to the canon, is here
with submitted to the Convention — which report
and document were, on motion of the Rev. Dr.
Empie, laid upon the table.
On motion of Rev. John Grammer, seconded
by the Rev. Heriry W. Ducachet, M. D., Hilary
Baker, of Richmond, was elected secretary of
the Convention.
On motion, Resolved, That the following
rules of order, adopted by the last Convention
for the government of their proceedipgs, be the
rules of proceeding during the present Conven
tion. 1. The business of every day shall be intro
duced with prayer.
2. When the president takes the chair, no
member shall- continue standing, or shall after
ward stand up, except to address the chair. -
3A No member shall absent himself from the
service of the house unless he have leave, or be
unable to attend.
4. When any member is about to speak in
debate, or deliver any matter to the house, he
shall, with due respect, address himself to the
president, confining himself strictly to the point
in debate.
5. No member shall speak more than twice
in the same debate without leave of the house.
6. A question being once determined shall
stand "as the judgment ofthe house, and shall
not be again drawn into debate during the same
session, unless with the consent of two thirds
of the house.
7. While the president is putting any ques
tion, the members shall continue in their seats,
and shall not hold -any private discourse.
8. Every member who shall be in the house
when any question is put, shall, on a division,
be counted, unless he be personally interested
in the decision.
9. No motion shall be considered as before
the house unless it be seconded, and, when re
quired, reduced to writing.
10. When any question is before the house, it
shall be determined upon before any new subject
is introduced, except the question of adjourn
ment. 11. The question on a. motion of adjourn
ment shall be taken before any other, and with
out debate.
12. When the house is about to rise, every
member shall keep his seat until the president
shall leave the chair.
13. None of the rules of order shall be sus
pended without the concurrence of two thirds
«f the members present.
14. The president shall, in his discretion, se
lect a pew within the limits of those allotted for

the use of- the members, which pe'w shall be ap
propriated for the accommodation of visiting cler-
gymen^and students of the Theological School,
who may be invited to the same by the. president
without any special application to the Conven
tion. Ordered, That the Rev. Dr. Empie, Rev.
George Lemon, Rev. E. C. M'Guire, Rev. H. W.
Ducachet, Rev, John Grammer, Rev. Nicholas
H. Cobbs, Mr. John Gray, Mr. Mann -Page, Mr,
Thomas L. Robertson, and Mr,. Seth Ward, be
a committee to take into consideration the state
of the church in this diocess, and report thereon
to this Convention.
Ordered, That the Rev. Charles Dresser,
Rev. Franklin G: Smith, and Mr. John T.
Clarke, be a committee to examine the parochial
reports. Ordered, That the Rev. Thomas Jackson and
Mr. Carter H. Harrison be a committee to ex
amine the treasurer's accounts.
Ordered, That the Rev. Charles Mann, Rev.
Dr. Keith, and Mr. John Gray, be a committee
fo examine the fund for the support of widows
and orphans of deceased clergymen.
.. Ordered, That Mr. Edmund I. Lee, Rev.
Geo, Adie, and Rev. John P^M'Guire, be a com
mittee to examine the accounts of the treasurer
of the fund for tbe permanent support of the
episcopate" in this diocess.
Ordered, That the Rev. C. W. Andrews,
Rev. G, W. Nejson, and Mr. Thomas N. Bur
well, be a committee on the treasurer's accounts
-of the Missionary Society.
The secretary received the. following contri
butions from sundry parishes in this diocess for
the contingent fund, and towards the remunera
tion of Bishop Moore for his episcopal services,

Raleigh parish, Amelia coun
ty, - - -$10 00
Lexington parish, Amherst
county, - - 5 00
Russellparish, Bedford county, 30 00
Martinsburg and Zion church
es, Berkeley county,
Botetourt parish, Botetourt
courity, - - "-
Bath parish, Dinwiddie county,
St. Andrew's parish, Bruns
wick county, -
Sapony Church, Chesterfield
county, -
St. Luke's Church, parish of
Newport, Isle of Wight,
St. Peter's Church, Tillotson
parish, Buckingham county, 17 00
St Paul's Church, Lynchburg, 15 00
St.. Margaret's parish, Caroline
county, - - 9 50
St, Mary's parish, Caroline
county, - 8 00
Bropmfield parish, Madison
county, . - - - - 5 00

For E. set,
of Bishop
Moore.

$0 00
5 00
0 00

14 00 0 00

12 00
9 50
15 00
15 00
5 00

0 00
3 50
3 50
0 00
0 00
,3 00
8 12J
0 00
3 00
5 00

Amount carried forward, $170 00 $31124

CONVENTION OF 1834.

299

Amount brought forward, y$ 170 00 $31 12J
Christ Church, Winchester, 15 00 13 30
Frederick parish, Frederick
county, ----- 10 00 7 35
Ware and Abingdon parishes, „
Gloucester, - --20 30J 5 32
Antrim parish, Halifax county, 20 00 6 00
Brutofi parish, Williamsburg, 15 00 5 00
Christ Church, Lancaster
county,, - - - - 30 00 6 064
St. James's Church, Lees-
. burg, - - - - 26 50 10 00
Christ Church, Norfolk bor- ¦
ough; - - - 30 DO 35 00
St. Paul's- Church, Norfolk
borc-Ugh,--- - - - 10 00 00 00
Trinity Church, Portsmouth, ,15 00 5 18|
St. Thomas's parish, Orange
county, - - - - 10 00, 5 00
Camden parish,- Pittsylvania
county, - - - - 1 00 00 00
Bristol parish, Petersburg, 30 00 10 00
St. George's parish, Freder-'
icksburg, - ' - 20 00 20 00
Berkeley parish, Spotsylvania -
county, - -' - 3 87i 1 124
Christ Church, Mill Creek,
Berkeley county, t - 5 00 5 00
Nelson parish, Nelson county, 5 00 5 00
North Farnham parish, Rich
mond county, - - - 5 00 00 00
St- Paul's Church, Alexan
dria, - - - 25 00 00 00
Monumental Church, Rich
mond, - - - - 30 00 24 08
Christ Church, Richmond, 15 00 10 92
St. -John's Church, Hampton,.
- Elizabeth City parish, ' - 5 00 2 00
Church at Old Point Comfort, 00 00 5 00
St. Martin's parish, Hanover
and Louisa counties, - 20 00 8 00
Westover parish, Charles City
county, - - t - 7 48 2 52
Christ Church, Alexandria, - 30 00 10 50
Trinity Church, Staunton, - 5 20 9 80
Hamilton ' parish, Fauquier
county. - - - 15 00 5 00
Leeds parish, Fauquier county, 15 00 5 00
St. Anne's parish, Essex
county, - r 15 00 10 00
South Farnham parish, Essex
county, - - - - 8 00 2 00
St. Mark's parish, Culpepper
county, - ' - .- 12 86 7 J4
St. John!s Church, Henrico
parish, Henrico county, 15 00 5 00
St. Stephen's parish, Culpep
per county, - - " 12 86 7 14
Cumberland parish, Lunen
burg county, - - - 6 36 3 64

1679 44 1287 21
Gain in change, 5

, $287 26
On motion, Resolved, That the Convention
jlo now adjourn until to-morrow morning, 9
O'clock.

Thursday, May 22, 1834.
The Convention met pursuant to adjourn
ment, and was opened with prayer by the Right
Rev. Bishop Meade, who took the chair as
president. The Rev. John Cooke, rector of St. Martin's
parish, Hanover and Louisa counties ; Rev.
Charles C. Taliaferro, rector of Cumberland
parish, Lunenburg county ; and Rev. Alexander
Norris, rector of Westover parish, Charles City
county ; and Mr. George M. Carrington, a dele
gate from St. John's Church, Henrico parish ;
Mr. Jacob Fackler, a delegate from Christ
Church, Winchester; Mr." Joseph Arthur, a
delegate from Christ Church, Norborne parish,
Berkeley county ; and Mr. Edward Valentine,
a delegate from St. John's Church, Hampton,
appeared and took their seats. .
The president read the following report of
episcopal services during the year eliding May,
1834, by the Right Rev. Richard Channirig
Moore, D. D., Bishop of Virginia.
Richmond, May 17, 1834.
' Dear Brethren, — Enfeebled by age and local
infirmities, I am obliged to confine my episcopal
services within a narrow compass ; and am "pre
vented from travelling, except by water, or in
those parts of the diocess which furnish me with
smooth and easy roads. Had I the ability of
moving at large that I formerly possessed, I should
have iriade an effort to attend the present Conven
tion, and to assist in the council of the church.
My heart, brethren, is with you; and you have
my fervent prayers for the blessing of God upon
your labours.
In the, month of October last I visited Alexan
dria, and attended a meeting of the trustees of the
Theological Seminary; at which time the con
cerns of that institution were particularly consid-
ered^and ineasures were adopted to secure it a
certain and permanent support. For that purpose,
the Rev. Charles Mann was appointed to raise
funds to carry into effect the benevolent design of
its patrons ; and as it will be impossibletoproceed
successfully without further pecuniary aid, I most
earnestly hope that the application of the agent of
the seminary mpy meet with "a cordial reception
from our friends, and the assistance for'which he
may apply be freely and cheerfully contributed.
During my visit in Alexandria I preached in both
churches, to full and attentive congregations ; and
it is with great pleasure I inform the Convention,
that the vestry of St. Paul's Church, in that city,
have filled the vacancy occasioned by the resigna
tion and removal- of the Rev. Willianv Jackson,
with the appointment of the ReV. Mr. Johnston
as their rector. On my return ,froih Alexandria,
I officiated both in Norfolk and Portsmouth.
In December 1 admitted, in Christ Church, city
of Richmond, -the Rev. Mr. Woodbridge to the
priesthood. He was presented by the Rev. Thomas
Jackson ; the sermon was delivered by the Rev.
Robert B. Croes, and the Lord's Supper adminis
tered by myself and the clergy who were present.
In the -month of March I rode to the county of
Hanover, . at which time I ordained Mr. George
W. Nelson a deacon, who was' presented by the
Revv John Cooke ; the sermon was delivered by
myself, and the Lord's Supper also administered.
On Good Friday, March 28, 1 held a confirma
tion in Christ Church in this city ; upon which
occasion I preached, and confirmed twelve pejr
sons.

300

CONVENTION OF 1834.

In the month of April I visited the county of
Essex, attended by the Rev. Mr. Croes, • who
preaehed on the 23d of the month in Vauter's
Church ; and on the 24th I preached in the same
place, and administered the Lord's Supper.
On the 25th of the same month I proceeded to
Port Royal, in the county of Caroline, at which
place I preached to a large and attentive congre
gation ; and in the evening of the same day, an
excellent discourse was delivered in a private
house by the Rev. J. P. M'Guire. It is with pleas
ure I inform the Convention, that in Port Royal a
church is to be immediately erected.
My next visit was to Fredericksburg, being
Sunday, the 27th, in which town I preached in the
morning and at candle-light, to large and attentive
congregations. From Fredericksburg I proceeded, in company
with the Rev. E. C. M'Guire, to the county of
Caroline; consecrated a handsome new church ;
confirmed a number of adults ; preached to alarge
and attentive congregation, and administered the
Lord's Supper.
From Grace Church I rode, in company with
the Rev. Mr. Friend, to Mr. Dickenson's, "who re
sides near the courthouse in Caroline county;
and on Tuesday, the 29th, 1 preached to a very
respectable and attentive congregation. It is with
great pleasure I inform, the Convention, that a new
church will be erected in that place the present
year. On the 6th of May I fulfilled an appointment in
Charles City county, in company with the Rev.
Thomas Jackson .and Mr. Croes ; and, assisted by
the above-named clergymen, I admitted the Rev.
Mr. Norris to the priesthood. Prayers were read
by the Rev. Mr. Croes, and an appropriate dis
course delivered by the Rev. Thomas Jackson. I
expect to consecrate a new church iri that county
this autumn.
On the 11th instant I confirmed in St. John's
Church, in this city, twelve persons ; -upon which
occasion the discourse was delivered by the Rev.
Mr. Croes, who officiates in that church.
I remain, dear brethren, your sincere friend and
pastor, Richard Channing Moore.
The Right Rev. William Meade, D. D., As
sistant Bishop of Virginia, presented the follow
ing report : —
Dear Brethren, — Through the merciful prov
idence of God we are permitted to meet together
once more, for the purpose of rendering an ac
count of our labours and success in the ministry
during the past year, and of deliberating on the
best measures for promoting the spiritual interests
of our Zion. My account must commence with
the concluding services of our last Convention,
when I united with the beloved father (whose age
and infirmity prevent his being with us at this
time) in the ordination of eight persons,— six of
whom were admitted to the order of deacons,
and two to that of priests. After the duties of the
Convention were over, I returned home by the
way of Fredericksburg, where I preached on Wed
nesday evening, and administered the rite of con
firmation to five persons. During the month of
June I spent two days in Winchester, preaching
several tunes in that place. In the month of July
I visited Alexandria, with the view of attending
the annual examination of the students of our
seminary. This took place on the 10th. I was
much gratified by the exercises on that occasion,
and more deeply impressed than ever with the im
portance of the institution, and theduty of apunc-
tual attention to its public examinations. To my

brethren of the clergy especially, and to the trus
tees, I would present this as an interesting and
important occasion worthy of their attention. It
will be rendered particularly interesting on the
approaching anniversary, by the ordination of a
large number of young candidates for the minis
try. On the Sunday following the examination I
preached twice in Alexandria, and confirmed thir
teen persons. On leaving Alexandria I visited
Haymarket, Aldie, and Middleburg, preaching at
each of those places. On the two last days of
July and the first of August, I was engaged, in
company with my brethren, Mr. Lemon, Mr.
A die, and Mr. Andrews, in religious services at
Upperville, a flourishing village in Fauquier, on
the border of Loudoun county. We spent an
agreeable, and, we hope, useful time, in frequent
services, beginning with the rising sun, and hav
ing also mid-day, afternoon, and evening exercises.
On Sunday, for the first time, we administered the
communion in this place to a little- band of believ
ers. I confirmed also seven persons at the same
time. I am happy to state, that the zeal of our
friends in and about this place has led them to
Undertake the erection of a neat church, which
will be finished in the course of the coming year.
After the services at Upperville I was enabled to
have an association in my own parish, by the help
of the Rev. Mr. Mann, Mr. Brooke, and Mr. Adie,
who, during three days, preached to highly grati
fied, and, I hope, edified congregations. At the
close of our services we were equally surprised
and delighted by the arrival of my brother, the
Bishop of North Carolina, who concluded the
meeting by a very appropriate and impressive dis
course. On tbis occasion two were confirmed.
On the 7th of August I set out on a tour through
the counties of Berkeley and Jefferson, preaching
the first day at Bunker's. Hill. On the 8th -and
9th I officiated, in conjunction with the Rev. Mr.
Jones of Jefferson, at Hedge's Chapek; where I
confirmed twenty-six, baptized two infants, and
administered the communion. Here, as usual,
the congregations were large and attentive, as
sembling at the hour of eleven o'clock, engaging
in holy exercises during the customary period,
leaving the house of God for a short time, then
re-assembling for the afternoon service, and again
tilling the house at night. A large" portion of the
evening congregations, I am told, consisted of
those who remained at home during the two first
services. This example is worthy of imitation.
On the 10th we repaired to Martinsburg, about
seven miles distant; where we met with the Rev.
Mr. Drane, from Hagerstown, who preached on
the occasion of the ordination of Mr. Johnson,
who was then clothed with the authority of a
priest. I preached twice in Martinsburg, baptized
two infants, confirmed seven, and administered
the communion. From Martinsburg Lwent to
Smithfield, where I officiated on the 12th and
13th, in conjunction with Mr. Jones, W. M. Jack
son, and Mr. Johnson. On the evening of the
13th and the morning of the 14th I was in Charles
town, and on the latter da* confirmed nine per
sons. The 15th, 16th, and 17th were spent at
Harper's Ferry, where I was aided in ministerial
duties by Wm. M. Jackson. On fhe morning of
the ] 8th I proceeded to Shepherdstown, and found
the inhabitants of the place in the utmost conster
nation by reason of the cholera, which had made
its appearance a few days before, and hurried
some of its citizens into^temity. Not wishing to
be or seem to be either rash, or cowardly in duty,
I submitted it to the. proper guardians of the
health of the place, whether I should proceed
with the previously-appointed services. By their

CONVENTION OF 1834.

301

advice I omitted all night services, and only con
vened those who were disposed to attend on the
morning and afternoon on one day, and on the
morning of the following. One of these services
was held, by particular request, in the Lutheran
Church, whose minister was absent. Mr. Jones
and myself endeavoured, by suitable discourses, to
improve the, afflictive seasoji.
After remaining at home a short time, J com:
menced a tour of preaching through some of the
counties lying under the Blue Ridge. 1 left home
on the 2d ot- September; on the 4th, preached at
the Fork's Church to a large congregation, bap
tized, one child, and confirmed eight persons.
The congregation was then and had long been
under the pastoral care of the Rev. Mr. Woodville..
At this place had he most conscientiously and
punctually met with his people for many years ;
here had I ofteri met him in, my travels through
that region of country during the last twenty-two
years, and here it was that I saw hirii- for the last
time, on the occasion just, mentioned: Provi
dence, has removed him from a scene' of sincere
obedience on earth, to one of glorious enjoyment
in heaven* He has left an affectionate family to
mourn the loss of a kind . husband and tender fa
ther, and many friends to cherish, with sincere re
spect, the memory of a conscientious Christian
minister. On the 5th and 6th of September I was en
gaged in. duty at Culpepper courthouse, where I
preached three.times, confirmed twelve jiersons,
and administered the communion. The 7th, 8th,
and 9th were spent in like mariner at Orange
courthouse, where I preached to a large and at
tentive congregation three times, confirmed six
teen peisons, and administered the communion.
In this place, where we never had at any time
very regular services, and of late years scarce any,
God bas been very gracious to. us, in sending a
pastorwho found favour in the eyes of the people,
and who has-.been the instrument of awakening a
food number to a lively sense of eternal things.
found the members of our church in that place
engaged in the erection of an excellent house for
public worship, which I presume is now comple
ted. May it be well filled with devout worshippers.
On the 10th I proceeded, in company with Mr.
Jones and "Wm. M. Jackson, to Stanardsville,
where, during the morning and afternoon, we sev
erally addressed, in- a private house, a large, atten
tive, and deeply-impressed congregation. We all
felt as if God indeed was among us. On the 11th
and 12th we were engaged in like manner at Trin
ity Church, -between Stanardsville and Madison"
courthouse. Here I preached twice, confirmed
three, and administered the communion. One of
the persons confirmed was an old soldier of the
revolution, who had lived to his 83d year before
he became a soldier of the cross. I was aware,
before he rose up and approached the plaee where
he was -to make his vows,-that be was a comrade
of my. father's under Washington. He, however,
was not aware that I was the son of his old fellow-
soldier, nor had I opportunity to inforiri him until
I was engaged in administering the holy rite ; and
then when I announced the fact, that here was an
old soldier who had served under Washington with
my father, now come to enlist under the banner
of one greater than Washington, he was entirely
overcome — burst into tears, and melted the whole
assembly. I- trust there were, pn that occasion,'
other tears than those otmere human sympathy.
We thought that it was plainly to be seen that
some hearts were touched from .above with a feel
ing above all earthly feelings. May the event
prove that we were not mistaken. Our next ser

vices were at Madison courthouse, on the 13th,
14th, and 15th. They were renewed four times
each day, when we closed them.
It was indeed a joyful season for religion and
the church at Madison. Fifteen months before,
and I scarcely knew a place in our state which
promised less to the labours of a minister of our
church ; and at this tirne I confirmed twenty-three .
warm-hearted disciples of Christ, and zealous
friends of our church, and saw a neat and durable
brick edifice rising out ofthe ground to be a place
for the worship of God. God had visited this
place with the abundance of his grace. He had
most signally blessed the faithful preaching of his
word by ministers of different denominations. He
had_ sent to those who were inclined to our com
munion an humble and faithful man, who, la
bouring in season and out of season, and going
from house to house, was the instrument of gath
ering .together an interesting little band, with
whom I spent some of the happiest days ofmy
ministry. While 1 was there, besides the above-
mentioned exercises, in which I was greatly as
sisted by the Rev. Mr. Jones and Mi. Wm. G.,
Jackson from S'taunton^J also admitted the Rev,
Mr. Lamon, their minister, to priests' orders..
After parting with our dear friends, at Madison, I
turned my steps towards the new county of Rap
pahannock. On the 16th I reached the residence
of Dr. Thornton, and in the afternoon, according
to appointment, preached. a funeral sermon on the
occasion of the death of the amiable and esteemed
Dr.. Hawes. This gentleman was for "many years
a member of congress, and was highly esteemed
by all who knew him. His benevolence was of
no ordinary character, and his testimony to the
truth and excellence of Christianity w.as very de
cided. In bis will he has made generous provis
ion for more "than a hundred slaves, .whom he
has directed to be colonized in Africa. On the
following day I went for the first time to visit an-
old and verierable mother vin Israel, who for a long:
time .had been deprived of the services of the
church-which she loved, except when, on spe
cial occasion, the Rev. Mr. Woodville, who lived
at a great distance from her, brought them to her
house. Mrs. Thornton had turned her house into
a church pn this occasion, and invited her neigh
bours and relations to unite in the solemn services.
She wished- once more to partake of the Holy
Supper. It had been a long trine since she had
enjoyed this privilege, arid it might be the last op
portunity, for she was far advanced in the vale of
tears, though then as well as usual. But she de
sired to perform another duty also. In her infan
cy, Christian parents had made a promise in her
behalf which she had never had an opportunity of
fulfilling. She had never ratified her baptismal
engagement in the riteof confirmation, and now,
even in her old age, begged leave with all humility
tofulfit this act of righteousness. It was according
ly performed, and it -is hoped that those present
did not regard-it as an idle and unnecessary cere
mony even in her.
After this, together with-some pious neighbours
and relations, she partook of the Lord's Supper.
Her whole character was calculated to impress'
upon the -minds of all who knew her the truth of
the Saviour's words, that we rnust enter the king
dom of heaven as little childrep. On the follow
ing day I left this neighbourhood, but let it "be re
membered, as evidence of the uncertainty of life,
and to show how mysterious are the ways of
Providence, that in five days after I left tbe man
sion of this venerable lady, .God was pleased sud
denly and unexpectedly to call her to himself.
She seemed to have obtained that which she had

302

CONVENTION OF 1834.

long been seeking for, and then had leave to de
part in peace. On the day after my leaving Rap
pahannock I preached at Port Royal, and the
next day reached home. In the course of three
weeks 1 again set out, with a view to visit certain^
places in the lower part of the state, on the eastern
shore. I determined, however, to take this oppor
tunity of visiting some other places which lay in
the route. On Friday, the 11th of October, I left
home and preached that day at Upperville. Sat
urday and Sunday I spent at Haymarket. The
weather was so inclement and the house so open,
that the- congregation on the first day was small.
On the day following the Lord's day the weather
was good, and the congregation was large andat-
tentive. The house in which I- preached was an
old deserted courthouse, which, nevertheless, was
capable of -being converted into a comfortable
church, at a 'very moderate expense. At the con
clusion of the services I addressed them on the
condition of the neighbourhood and the house in
which we were assembled,' and promised that if
they would convert the house, into a becoming
place of worship,-I would visit them again in the
month of July, and dedicate it to God, andperform
all the holy ordinances of the church in it. As I
came down from the pulpit, two gentlemen assured.
me it should bedone; andl am happy to learn that
their promise has already beeri sacredly fulfilled.
If God spare my life I will endeavour to fulfil my
part, and hope that some of my brethren will be
there to aid in the good work. "
On the afternoon of the Sabbath just mentioned
I rode to Brentsvillej where I preached in the
courthouse to a full assembly of attentive hearers.
I am happy to inform the Convention, that these
two places are now enjoying the" regular though
too unfrequent services of the church. The Rev.
Mr. Berkeley, though engaged in completing his
studies at the seminary, finds time to visit each
of them -once in four weeks. We hope the time
is not far distant when more frequent services will
be rendered. I next visited Dumfries, Where I
preached on Monday, and was followed by an ex
hortation from Mr. Adie. I then proceeded to
Alexandria, in order to meet the managers of the
Education Society, and the trustees of our semi
nary. Talso preached on Friday night in-Alexan-
dria. On Saturday I reached Fredericksburg,
and preached there on Sunday, administering the
rite of confirmation. On Monday 1 proceeded to
Richmond, and preached on Tuesday night in- the
Monumental Church. On Wednesday morning
I left Richmond in the steamboat, and reached
Shirley, the seat of Mr. Hill Carter, in time to
meeta congregation at the old Westover . Church
by 12 o'clock. This excellent building has been
neatly fitted up, and is now a decent and comfort
able house of worship. A.goddly number of fami
lies, attached to our communion, assemble in the
church of their ancestors every other Sabbath,
under ' the ministry of one of the Alumni of our
seminary. On the following day I preached at the
Lower Church, which is a new building, erected
within the last two years. The friends of our
church in Charles City are able, .and I believe
willing, henceforth to support a minister, and I
therefore regard this pansn as one permanently
established. . On Friday morning I again got into'
the steamboat, and went as far as James City,
landing where Mr. Bassett's carriage was ready to
convey me to Williamsburg. I tarried four days
in Williamsburg, and preached or lectured eight
times, assisting also in the communion. My next
field of labour was Gloucester county, where I
preached five days in succession, twice at Abing
don Church, and three times at Ware Church, ad

ministering the communion and confirmation' at
the latter place. On one of these occasions I was
"called upon to perform the funeral rites over the
remains of- one of the most pure and pious of the
saints Of" God on earth, Mrs. Dr. Nelson of that
parish, who, from early youth, had been a lively
specimen of the beauty of holiness. On the even
ing of Saturday I preached to the servants at Dr.
Taliaferro's, and on the next evening lectured^at
Mr. Roy's, in Matthews county. On Monday
morning, through the great-kindness and generos
ity of Mr. Tompkins of that county, a packet was
ready to carry myself and Mr. C°le to the eastern
shore, which we reached in the course of the af
ternoon, arid were enabled to have a service at the
house of Mrs. Parker, in Eastville, the same night.
On the next day we had divine service, morn
ing and evening, in the new church at Eastville.
On Wednesday morning I preached at Hungar's
Church, an old and venerable edifice. In the af
ternoon at Bellhaven, and at night, in-conjunctioh
with Mr. Cole, at Mr. Wyatt's. On Thursday we
passed into Accomack county, when I preached
at Pongoteague church, another- venerable build
ing, more than 130 years old, but still firm and in
good repair. Here I baptized four children, two
whites and two coloured. In tbe aftemoon-I dis
coursed on confirmation, after a sermon from Mr.
Coley and at night I preached at Onancock, some
miles distant. On the following day I preached
igain at Pongoteague, baptized one«dult,confirm-
ed five,^nd administered the.communion. At night
I preached again to a full house at Mr. Bayne's. I
preached" again on Saturday morning at the same
church, organized an Education Society, and irr
the afternoon proceeded to Judge Upshur's, in the
neighbourhood of Hungar's Church,- where I again-
preached on the following day, being the Sabbath,
and administered the communion. On the even
ing of the same day I exhorted after Mr. Cole, at
Eastville, preached there the next day, and con
firmed six persons. I was much encouraged by
the zeal of a goodly number of our remaining
friends in Northampton and Accomack, who de
termined, by uniting their contributions, to secure
to themselves the services of a missionary,, in ad
dition to those which they already enjoy. I have
been pleased to hear that they have obtained the
object of their wishes. Having concluded my du
ties on the eastern shore, I crossed theTiay, and
reached Norfolk on Wednesday" evening. On
Thursday I went to Suffolk, and preached there
that night, exhorted also the-following night after
Mr. Boyden, who accompanied me to that place.
On Saturday I returned to Norfolk, and lectured at
the house of Mr. Pollard in the evening. In the
morning, which was the Sabbath, I preached for
Dr. Ducachet ; in the afternoon, for Mr. Wingfield,
at Portsmouth ; and at night, returning to Norfolk,
at St. Paul's, for Mr. Boyden. On Monday night
I again preached for Mr. Boyden, and leaving Nor
folk the following day, spent the night at Old
Point, and preached to the officers and • soldiers
stationed at that place. After! this I returned
without delay, and reached home by the following
Sabbath. Since then I have taken no long journey,
nor performed much episcopal duty. I visited the
District during the Winter; chiefly with the view
of attending the annual meeting of the American
Colonization Society. I spent one Sabbath in
Washington and Georgetown, jirid one in Alex
andria: I have also visited Winchester twice, and
confirmed six persons ; Wickliffe once, confirming
two persons ; and Cool Spring, in Fauquier coun
ty, once, confirming five. On each of these occa
sions (with one exception), I spent two days in
preaching and administering the Lord's Supper,

CONVENTION OF 1834.

303

t have only tp annex- to this rapid narrative of my
episcopal labours, thefew particulars occurring on
my journey to this place. I reached Ldray, in
company with Mr. Wm. M. Jackson, on Tuesday,
the 13th, and preached there on the afternoon of
the day ; on the sairie evening J baptized a child
at the house of Mr. Blackford, and united in reli
gious services with Mr. Jackson, at a schoolhouse,
where worship is often held, for the benefit pf the
workmen who are employed about the iron works
of Mr. Blackford.
On the following morning, before leaving that
place, I administered the rite of confirmation to
Mrs. Blackford, whose age and infirmity .prevented
her attendance onTany public place^ where that
office was performed." On the evening of the same
day we reached Col. Lewis's, in the neighbourhood
of -Port Republic, and on the following morning
preached at that place.
On Saturday, the- 17th, we reached the place in
which we are now assembled. On the following
day I accompanied the pastor of this congregation
to a new church about seven miles distant, when
I consecrated to the service of God a neat -brick
edifice, "which iwas not large enough to hold the
numbers^which desired admission. I preached
twice on that day to large-assemblies of attentive
hearers. On the evening of the same, 1 preached
to the servants at the house of Mr. Churchman.
On. Monday^morning, according to "notice, I again
attended at the same interesting spot, when, after
a sermonjirom Mr.-Wiiliam Jackson, of Frederick
parish, I addressed them at some length on the
subject of confirmation ; and- then, after an inter
val of an hour, the house was -again- filled, when I
first preached, and then administered the rite of
confirmation, to seventeen persons. This congre
gation -has been the child of many prayers- and
much anxiety to its present and former pastor, and
may it realize all -their fondest hopes. and expecta
tions. '- ' ,
Having thus rendered an account of my j ourney-
ings and public minisfrations, it may not be im
proper 'to mention two humble efforts made during
the interval of the above-mentioned visitation, to
promote the cause of religion in our church and-
our land. -' In compliance with your request at our
last-Convention, 1 have written and circulated a
pastoral letter on the very important duty of giving
religious instruction to our servants. I know the
difficulties of the "task, but 1 know that both min
isters and people are far too ready to magnify these
difficulties, and satisfy themselves with very insuf
ficient excuses fbr its neglect. If the love of im
mortal souls, which is the true spirit of Christ, did
but reign in our hearts as it ought to do, we should
be more apt to teach these our poor Ignorant fel
low-Creatures, and less apt at finding out excuses
for our neglectof them. I corrimrt the feeble .effort
in their behalf to God and your consciences, ho
ping that it may not be altogether in vain.
I have also just completed the publication of a
small book of family prayers, wliich I trust may
be an acceptable offering to God and to the Chris
tian families under our charge." If the work shall
only induce one family to worship God which has
hitherto neglected it, or shall assist to the better
performance of this duty one which may "already
have'lived in, the performance of this godly prac
tice, ,1 shall be abundantly rewarded for any labour
expended on the collection. If my brethren, after
examination, shaU approve the collection, they
will of course recommend its use to their congre
gations. ' -
And now, commending these my feeble endeav
ours to the favour of Him Without whom nothing
is holy, nothing is strong, I Submit this record of

the same to my brethren and friends, and assure
them of my continued and increasing affection for
them all. W. Meade,
Assistant Bishop of Virginia.
On motion of- Mr. Carter H. Harrison,
¦ Resolved, That the secretary enter upori the
journal of this Convention the death of its late
secretary, John G. Williams.
Resolved, That while we bow with humility
to this afflictive .dispensation of God, we cannot
but- deplore it as one that,has deprived the Con
vention of the ' services of a faithful officer, the
church of a useful and devoted friend, arid so
ciety at large of a valuable member.
Resolved, lastly, That,, in token of the sym
pathy of this Convention in the bereavement
which the family of the deceased has sustained,'
a Copy of these resolutions be forwarded to them
by the secretary.
On motion of the Rev.Wm. G. H. Jones, Mr.
Alexander Garret was admitted to a seat in this
Convention as delegate from Fredericksville par
ish, Albemarle county.
The business of the Convention was suspend
ed, for the purpose of attending, divine service
by the Rev. Mr^ .Smith, and a sermon-by the
Rev. Mr. Cohbs.
After divine service Bishop .Meade took the
chair. -The parochial reports were received,
Tead, and referred to' the committee on parochial
reports: '
A petition was presented by the Rev. Will
iam M.~ Jackson, from certain members and
friends of the Episcopal Church residing in
Berryville and its vicinity, to divide the parish
of Frederick so as to form another distinct orie
therein, to be called ',' Wickliffe parish, Freder
ick county."
On motion, X
Resolved, That the prayer of the petitioners
be granted.
On motion of the Rey. William G. H. Jones,
-. Resolved, That this Convention- continues to
feel a lively interest in the temperance reforma
tion. -,
Resolved, That each clergyman of this church
be, and is hereby requested, to insert in his re
port to the next Convention such facts in refer--
erice to the. temperance cause as he shall think
promotive of such cause. .
The Rev. Franklin G. Smith presented a
memorial from the vestry of St. Paul's Church,
which was read, and referred to the committee
on tl)e state of the" church. '"
- And the. Convention adjourned till to-morrow
morning, at 9 o'clock.
Friday, May 23, 1834.
The Convention met pursuant- to adjourn
ment, and was opened "with prayer by Bishop
Meade, who took the chair as. president.
Mr. Philip Slaughter, a delegate- from St.,
Stephen's Church, Culpepper; Mr. Walter Coles,
from Abingdon parish, Gloucester county ; and
Mr. J. B. Breckenridge, from Ware parish,
Gloucester, county, appeared and took their
seats. The president read a letter from" one of the

304

CONVENTION OF 1834.

professors of the University of Virginia : where
upon the Rev. William G. H. Jones offered, the
following preamble and resolution, which were
adopted, viz. : —
Whereas a letter, addressed to a member of
this Convention by one of the professors of the
university, has been read to the same, in- which
an earnest desire is expressed that a minister
of our communion may be obtained for the
purpose of performing religious services for the
benefit of the professors and students during
the ensuing session : — therefore,
Resolved, That this Convention does. highly
approve the determination of the professors and
students to supply' the university with ministe
rial services by their own liberal contributions,
and wishes them the most abundant success.
Resolved, also, That this Convention would
take pleasure in seeing any of our. ministers who
may be called tff this station, taking part in so
praiseworthy an undertaking.-
The president of the Convention called the
Rev. George Lemon to the chair, and retired.
On motion of the Rev! H. W. Ducachet, the
revised constitution and canons was made the
order of the day fof the session immediately after
divine service.
The Rev. Charles Mann, from the committee
for examining the accounts of the treasurer of
the fund for the relief of the widows and or
phans of deceased clergymen., made the follow
ing report, which was read and accepted :—
The committee to- whom wis "referred the ac
counts of the treasurer of the society for the sup
port of the widows and orphans of deceased- cler
gymen of the Protestant Episcopal Church, beg
leave to report, that they have examineclt-he same,
and find them correct.
At the last session of this. body, a committee was
formed with directions to publish and distribute
the constitution of this society, in connexion with
any information they might be able to obtain as to
its present state and'future prospects. The chair
man of this was also chairman of that committee^
and states, that the duty assigned them has been
performed, and the constitution of the society is
here -for distribution among the clergy. The so
ciety, it will be seen, is an association of individu
als for their own benefit or that of their families,
and in no other wa'y connected with the Conven
tion than through the interest this body feels in
the welfare of the clergy and their families. The
committee would recommend to the clergy to be
come subscribers at once to this institution, and
to sustain it with a systematic exertion such as its
importance demands. Deducting the amount of
stock in the Bank of Alexandria, the whole Of
which the committee fear will be lost, there will
be the very important sum of $7,761 46. If this
sum of $7,000 was yearly added to by a subscrip
tion of only five dollars' "by each clergyman, it
might be shown, from the operations of societies
of this kind elsewhere, that a perfect seeurity
would be afforded to each member that his, family,
in the event of his death, would have some small
provision made for their wants : a subscription of
fifteen or twenty dollars might and would secure
at least the necessaries of life for those who would
be otherwise destitute. The experience of other
diocesses should furnish an important lesson to
the clergy of this. In many of them, a subscriber
for a few years to an institution like this, may rest

assured that, a provision, much more ample than
he could mate lri any other way, has been secured
to his family. ' In Maryland many cases have oc
curred where an annuity of $160 per annum has
been secured, -with art equal sum from the dispo
sable funds of the society. In Pennsylvania and
New-.York still more important provisions have
been made for the families of clergymen; and by
their own .exertions ; and all these societies were
once as feeble as this. The committee trust the
clergy will no longer neglect this, but determine
hereafter to give it the attention it deserves.
C. Mann, Chairman.
The funds' are as follows: —
106 shares of Farmers' Bank of Alex
andria stock, at par, - - 85,300 00
Five shares of Alexandria Bank stock,
at par, ... 1,000 00
One share of Bank of Virginia stock,. 100 00
Note and bond bearing interest of six.
percent, - - - -" 2,200 00
Cash on hand, - - - 161 46

$8,761 46

A claim against the estate of Robert
Andrews, not in the hands of the
treasurer, with interest from 30th
April, 1829, - - - - $399 23
Whereupon" it was
Resolved, That the clergy- be requested to
meet in' the lecture-room of this church to-mor
row morning, at 8 o'clock, to reorganize the
society, and to take such measures as they deem
expedient, to promote its interests.
On motion of the Rev. Mr. Cobbs, the follow
ing preamble and resolution were adopted : —
Whereas the' assistant bishop of this diocess,
in consequence of his frequent and long'journeys
in discharge of the duties of the episcopate, is
under the necessity of employing an assistant in
his parish, to whom the half of his salary as
rector is appropriated : — therefore,.
Resolved, That the treasurer be directed to
pay annually to the assistant bishop, out of the
contingent fund, the sum of three hundred dol
lars, besides paying the necessary expenses in
curred in the discharge of his episcopal duties.
The Rev. Thomas Jackson, from the commit
tee for examining the treasurer's account, pre
sented the following report, which was read and
accepted : —
The committee appointed to examine the treas
urer's account beg leave respectfully to report, that
they have performed that duty, and, upon a com
parison of the several items with the accompany
ing vouchers, firid all correct. Among the exhibits
they find two $5 notes returned as counterfeit,
whieh are submitted trrthe Convention to be dis
posed of. The balance on hand, as per account,
is $689 74J, of which sum $15 74 is the balance
remaining in the hands of the treasurer of the fund
for the support of the bishop, leaving $674 for the
contingent fund. Thomas JackJson.
The Rev. C. W. Andrews, from the com
mittee to whom was referred the account of the
treasurer of the Protestant Episcopal Mission
ary Society of Virginia, reported the same cor
rect.

CONVENTION OF 1834.

305

Resolved, That the Convention do now pro
ceed to consider and determine where the next
Convention of the church in this diocess shall
be held.
A discussion of this subject ensued, which
continued till the business of the Convention
was suspended, for the purpose of attending di
vine service by the Rev. Dr. Keith, and a ser
mon by the Right Rev. Bishop Meade.
After divine service the president took the
chair ; when, on motion, the Convention adjourn
ed until 4 o'clock this afternoon.
Friday afternoon. — The Convention met
pursuant to adjournment. Mr. Edward C. Mar
shall, a delegate from Leeds parish, Fauquier
county, appeared and took his seat.
On motion of the Rev. Franklin G. Smith,
the order of the day was suspended, for the pur
pose of taking up and disposing of the unfinished
business. The discussion having continued for
some time, it was, on motion,
Resolved, That the next annual Convention
of this diocess be held in the town of Lynch
burg, on the third Wednesday in May, 1835.
Mr. James K. Marshall, a delegate from St.
James's Church, Warrenton, Fauquier county,
appeared and took his seat.
The Convention then proceeded to the order
of the day. The Right Rev. Bishop Meade,
from the committee appointed at the last Con
vention to revise and alter the constitution and
canons of the church of this diocess, laid their
report before the Convention.
Upon motion made and seconded, the reading
of the report, article by"article, was commenced ;
when, upon motion of Rev. Dr. Empie, the or
der of the day was again suspended, for the pur
pose of receiving a memorial upon the subject
of the order of the day from Bruton parish.
The said memorial having been read and laid
upon the table, the consideration of the order
of the day was resumed, and, after a short debate,
the Convention adjourned until to-morrow morn
ing, at 9 o'clock. Saturday, May 24, 1834.
The Convention met pursuant to adjourn
ment, and was opened with prayer by the Right
Rev. Bishop Meade, who took the chair as pres
ident. The committee on parochial reports made the
following report, which was read and accepted : —
The committee to whom were referred the pa
rochial reports, herewith return the same, abridged
and condensed, to be entered on the journal. They
have also prepared an abstract, exhibiting at one
view the state of the church, so far as the defect
ive character of many reports will permit. From
many parishes enjoying the stated services of the
church, no reports have been received; and of
those referred to them, many appear to have been
drawn up without any reference to the prescribed
form. They would therefore respectfully recom
mend that a similar form be again published, and
that in future the names of those clergymen who
neglect to fulfil the requisitions of the first section
of the fifty-first canon of the General Convention,
be spread upon the journals.
By order of the committee,
CharlesTjresser, Chairman. U

Christ Church, Lancaster county. Ephraim
Adams, rector. Communicants, added two, died
three, suspended one, present number thitty-three
— baptisms, infants (principally coloured), thirty-
five — funerals six. Amount collected for the dif
ferent institutions connected with the church,
$206 61.
Shelburne parish, Leesburg, Loudoun county.
George Adie, rector. Communicants, added six,
removed four, died two, total seventy-one — bap
tisms, white infants twelve, coloured infants four,
total sixteen — marriages five — funerals'six — fami
lies about forty.
Connected with this church there is a flourish
ing Sunday School, numbering about one hundred
and twenty white scholars, and about thirty col
oured ; the coloured scholars being taught orally.
Also a Bible class, the members of which are all
Sunday School teachers. Also a Missionary So
ciety, Mite Society, and Sewing Society, which
are doing much for the cause of religion and be
nevolence. The present rector officiates every
Sunday in St. James's, except the second in the
month. He preaches also once a fortnight to a
large and attentive coloured congregation, who-
occupy the church in the afternoon ; and has
reason to hope his labours have been blessed
among them.
Upperville. Communicants, added five, total
fourteen — confirmations ten — families fourteen.
The congregation here are engaged in building
a handsome little church, in the Gothic order.
Prospects seem to be encouraging. The present
minister has been officiating here on the morning
of the second Sunday in the month. There is a
Sunday School here also.
Middleburg and Aldie. Communicants, added
two, total twelve— baptisms, white infants four,
coloured twelve, total sixteen — one marriage —
families ten. There is a Sunday School at each
of these places.
The present rector officiates in the afternoon of
the second Sunday in the month in the former
place, and in the evening at the latter.
Frederick parish, Frederick county. There are
four churches in this parish, and two ministers,
besides the assistant bishop.
Communicants one hundred and twenty-five,
seven added during the last year.
Baptisms seventeen — burials three — marriages
four — Sunday Schools three — scholars one hun
dred and twenty. One parish library, one hundred
and twenty volumes. Regular places of preach
ing five. Contributions to the Virginia Bible So
ciety last year about $550 ; contributions to the
Education Society about $250 ; to the Coloni
zation Society, $350 ; to the Greek Mission,
$100. There are also in the parish two flourish
ing Temperance Societies.
To the above statement it may be added, that
each of the ministers preaches regularly to the
coloured persons, sometimes in the churches, and
at other tunes in private houses. The attendance
of our congregations is generally good, and the
state of religion, if not so warm and zealous as
could be desired, yet such as to give encourage
ment to the ministers to hope that their labour is
not in vain in the Lord.
In addition to the statement above, it may be
proper to state, that one of the Education Socie
ties has established a scholarship in the Theologi
cal Seminary, called the Wicklifte scholarship.
Russell parish, Bedford county. N.H. Cobbs,
rector. Communicants, added seven, removed
seven, died four, total ninety-six — baptisms, of
adults three, of white children thirteen, of colour
ed children seven, total twenty-three— marriages

306

CONVENTION OF 1834.

ten— burials ten. The number of Episcopal fami
lies about sixty.
Although the parish has sustained a severe loss
by .-deaths and removals, and although during the
past year the additions to the communion have
been few in number, yet the rector cherishes the
belief that the general interests of the church are
not discouraging. The preaching of the gospel
is uniformly listened to with devout attention, and
the distinctive principles of the church are becom
ing mofe generally known and more cordially
adopted. - The rector is also encouraged by the
prospect of being useful in his preaching to the
coloured people, for whose benefit he holds a
second service on each Sunday. When he com
menced his labours, a few years ago, among this
too much neglected people, he doubted whether
they could ever be brought to be interested in the
liturgy ; but he now finds from experience, that,
ignorant and uneducated as they are, they may be
taught to unite in a considerable portion of the
worship of the church, particularly in the general
confession, the Lord's prayer, the creed, and the
ante-communion service. And he is now fully
convinced' that one of the most direct and efficient
means of building them up in the pure faith ofthe
gospel, will be to instruct them in the forms and
services of the church. Indeed, the rector can
truly say, that be never duly appreciated the value
and importance of forms of prayer till he began
his feeble labours among the coloured people.
Abingdon and Ware parishes. Gloucester coun
ty. John, Cole, rector. Communicants, added
two, removed one, died three, total thirty-six —
baptisms, infants ten, viz., white eight, coloured
two — confirmations ten — marriages six, one col
oured — funerals nine — number of families thirty-
seven. Antrim parish, Halifax county. Charles Dres
ser, rector. Communicants, added five, total forty-
three — baptisms, of adults four, of children ten,
total fourteen — marriages four — funerals seven,
of these four were of coloured persons — Sunday
Schools two, containing together upwards of one
hundred scholars — famihes attached to tbe church
thirty-five, containing about one hundred and fifty
persons, though not all baptized. During the
greater part of the year a second service has been
held on Sunday, chiefly for the benefit of the col
oured population. A growing interest in the reli
gious improvement of this part of the community
is manifest. One gentleman designs building a
chapel exclusively for the benefit of his servants.
Camden parish, Pittsylvania county. Commu
nicants, added one, died one, total eleven — bap
tisms, of adults one, of children six, total seven —
one funeral.
The number of families attached to the church
in this county is small. By the labours of a zeal
ous and active missionary, it is believed they would
soon be increased. Few parts of the state can
more properly be considered missionary ground.
Christ Church, Norfolk, Elizabeth River parish.
Henry W. Ducachet, rector. Communicants,
added fifteen, removed four, died seven, with
drawn one, present total two hundred and thirty-
five — baptisms, adults five, viz., white four, col
oured one ; infants forty-nine, viz., white forty-six,
coloured three, total fifty-four — marriages thirteen
— funerals, adults thirteen, children eleven, total
twenty-four. The number of families in so large
a congregation cannot be accurately ascertained,
but they are estimated at about three hundred.
The amount of money collected for various reli
gious and charitable objects is about $1,500. A
parish library has been begun, agreeably to the
recommendation of the last Convention.

Bruton parish, Williamsburg. A. Empie, rec
tor. Communicants, removed one, died two, ad
ded three ; whites sixty-one, coloured two ; total
sixty-three — baptisms, white infants seven, col
oured four, total eleven— marriages, white four,
coloured two, total six — funerals, parishioners
eight, strangers five, total thirteen — families forty-
eight, adults 'one hundred and three, children
eighty-two, total one hundred and eighty-five —
catechumens twenty — scholars in Sunday School
forty, teachers in the same six — members in
the Female Bible class thirty-one— contributions,
Contingent Fund, $15 ; episcopal services, $5 ;
Church Missionary Society of this, state, $20 ;
Virginia Bible Society, $217 91. Benevolent so
cieties, Bible, Tract, and Missionary Society, La
dies' Working Society.
By means of fairs and subscriptions, about $700
have been raised towards procuring an organ.
The parish library has increased from one hun
dred and forty-seven to one hundred and seventy-
one volumes, and there are about two hundred
volumes in the Sunday School library. There
are only two coloured persons belonging to the
congregation, and these two are communicants.
When Dr. Wilmer took charge of the congrega
tion in 1826, he found but twenty communicants.
His successor in 1827 found thirty, and for two
years past the number has been sixty-three. The
rector officiated regularly once a month at Hick
ory Neck Church, in James City, until last Sep
tember, since which time, owing to the condition
of his health and eyes, that service has been dis
continued. God willing, it shall soon be resumed.
St. Andrew's, Brunswick county, and Bath,
Dinwiddie county. John Grammer, jr., rector.
Communicants added, two white and one colour
ed, three, died one, total forty -nine — baptisms, in
fants, eight white, three coloured,-total eleven —
marriages eight — funerals, white six, coloured
twelve, total eighteen — number of families about
twenty-four. Collected for different institutions connected
with the church, viz. : — Missionary Society, $70 ;
Theological Seminary, $76 ; Education Society,
$40 ; assessment for bishop, $7 ; Convention Fund,
$23 50 ; donation for indigent students, $50 ; total,
$266 50.
The spiritual condition of these parishes pre
sents nothing particularly worthy of report. But
while the rector mourns over the slow progress
which Scripture piety, enlightened zeal, and
Christian love are making among tbe members of
his flock, he is constiained with shame to fear
that the cause may be found in the languor of his
own zeal, and the inadequacy of his own exer
tions. For the convenience of many members of
each congregation, an effort is making for provi
ding a place of worship nearly central to the pres
ent churches ; and it is hoped, that when greater
facilities are afforded for attendance upon the ordi
nances ofthe gospel, their administration will be
accompanied by effects more sanctifying and per
ceptible. St. Stephen's Church, Culpepper county. A.
H. Lamon, rector. Communicants, added eight,
removed two, present number fifty-one — baptisms,
adults one, children five — confirmations ten — one
marriage — funerals five.
No material change has taken place in the
spiritual condition of this congregation since the
last Convention. There is connected with the
church a Sunday School of about thirty scholars.
A scholarship has been established in the Sem
inary of Virginia, and the first payment made. The
vestry are making arrangements for the purchase
of a parsonage, and the permanent location of a

CONVENTION OF 1834.

307

minister among them. There is preaching once
a month to a large and attentive congregation of
coloured persons.
Broomfteld parish, Madison county. Commu
nicants, added eleven, removed two, present num
ber thirty-nine, one of whom is a coloured person
— baptisms, ten children — marriages two — con
firmed twenty-two.
In this parish the prospects for extending the
church are becoming better. The prejudices ex
isting against us where the church was known
only through evil report, have been in a great de
gree removed, and now our ministrations are at
tended with greater interest.
We have a Sunday School of about twenty
scholars, in connexion with the church. Contri
butions have been made to the Education and
Missionary Societies. Preaching once a month
for the special benefit of the coloured population
Christ Church, Winchester. J. E. Jackson,
rector. But few changes have occurred in this
congregation during the past year. The benevo
lent societies have received more attention and
better support than for many previous years. The
Ladies' Society of Industry have made their pas
tor a patron of the Domestic and Foreign Mis
sionary Society, and of the Education Society.
There have been also liberal contributions from
the other societies of the congregation to the
General Missionary Society of our church, Infant
Schools in Greece, the Education Society, Sun
day Schools, and for erecting an Episcopal church
in Monrovia.
During the past year there have been eleven
added to the communion ; one member has died,
seven have removed, and one remains suspended,
leaving the present number of communicants one
hundred and eight — baptisms five, coloured two,
total seven — marriages six — deaths five — confirm
ed six. The congregation at Mill Creek contin
ues very interesting ; there are forty-two communi
cants — one marriage — baptisms five — deaths two.
Trinity Church and Trinity Chapel, Augusta
parish.- W. G. Jackson, rector. Communicants,
added twenty-five, removed three, total seventy —
baptisms^ adults two, children twenty-eight,
white, total thirty — confirmations seventeen —
marriages, seven white and three coloured, total
ten— funerals three — number of families sixty,
adults one hundred and eighty, infants two hun
dred and forty. The rector would state that,
owing to the peculiar state of this infant church,
his people have done but little for those various
benevolent institutions which call for the prayers
and pecuniary assistance of all. During the past
year the chapel has been neatly finished by the
commendable zeal of its members and friends, at
an expense of upwards of $700. The ladies of
Trinity Church, by their untiring perseverance
and industry, have raised during the past year
$500 towards liquidating the debt of this church.
Norborne parish, Berkeley county. W. P. C.
Johnson, rector. Communicants, died one, re
moved five, added one, total one hundred and
nineteen — baptisms, four adults and thirty-three
children, total thirty-seven — confirmed thirty-two
— marriages eleven — funerals five — contributions
to benevolent objects during the past year, $103
75. St. Thomas's Church, Orange courthouse.
Wm. G. H. Jones, rector. The rector takes
pleasure in informing this Convention that his
congregation have erected a new and very neat
church, which, it is hoped and believed, will be
ready for consecration about the last of July or
the first of August. The expense of the house
will be about $3,000. The Sunday School is in a
U2

better condition than when last reported, and
numbers thirty scholars. The coloured popu
lation still continue to receive regular atten
tion from the rector. The ladies have nearly
completed a subscription for one scholarship at
the Theological Seminary of Virginia. There is
no doubt of its speedy completion. There is a
Temperance Society in this parish, numbering
about three hundred members. Confirmed fif
teen. This congregation may be considered as
having been reorganized last year, when the rec
tor found nine communicants. Reported tp the
last Convention twenty-six, present number
thirty-four, one dead, one removed — baptisms, in
fant, seven — marriages six — funerals eleven-
Episcopal families thirty-two.
Walker's Church, Albemarle and Free Union,
Louisa. (Combined.) These churches receive
services once a month. They are sufficiently
near for mutual attendance. Present number of
communicants in both nineteen, two dead — bap
tisms, infant, six — families twelve.
The rector of Hamilton and Leeds parishes,
Fauquier, reports the addition of five to the num
ber of communicants ; the whole number of com
municants is between sixty and seventy — con
firmations five — baptisms about ten — marriages
fourteen— funerals eight. There is a Female
Education Society and a Female Colonization
Society in Hamilton parish, which continue to
contribute something to their respective objects.
From Leeds parish about $200 are contributed
annually to religious and charitable objects. It
is hoped that a new church will be begun, if not
finished, during the present year, in this parish.
There is a Temperance Society in each parish.
Geo. Lemon.
The late rector of Christ Church, Alexandria,
Fairfax parish, having been induced to resign it,
under a conviction that he could better promote
the interests of religion by endeavouring to sus
tain the " Society for Educating pious Young Men
for the Ministry of the Episcopal Church," and to
complete the plans of the church in reference to
the Theological Seminary of the diocess, would
now report to the Convention that the past year
has not been so productive of those fruits which a
Christian minister and a Christian people would
desire, as the former years of his labours among
them. In July past the assistant bishop held a
confirmation in Alexandria, at which time seven
persons of this congregation were confirmed, five
of whom were subsequently admitted to the com
munion, two having- been previously admitted to
that ordinance ; two of the communicants have
died, two have removed to another congregation
— one adult has been baptized, and thirty-five in
fants, of whom twenty-three were white, and
twelve coloured — there have been four marriages,
and twelve funerals. The Sunday School con
tains about the same number of scholars as was
reported last year, and some hundred volumes of
valuable books have been added to its library.
Two Bible classes, one male and one female, are
still maintained, through the kindness of gentle
men belonging to the Theological Seminary, and
the benevolent societies have been supported as
usual. And a Bishop Moore's scholarship is about
being established, a part of the fund having been
already received. Soon after the last Convention,
the rector established a meeting for coloured per
sons on one evening of each week, -which was
tolerably well attended, until his engagements
with the Education Society and Theological Semi
nary, added to the duties of the parish, made it
impossible for him to carry it on. The. state of
religion in the Episcopal and all other churches in

308

CONVENTION OF 1834.

the town seems much less cheering than for
years past furnishing a subject of deep regret to
the pious part of tbe community.
St. George's Church, Fredericksburg. Edward
C. M'Guire, rector. From-various causes, the
number of communicants has diminished, though
it is not believed that the piety or zeal of the peo
ple has declined. Our religious and benevolent
societies received their usual share of attention.
Through our Sunday Schools and Bible classes,
we endeavour faithfully to sow the good seed of the
divine word, while our Auxiliary Missionary and
Education Societies are labouring to advance the
mportant interests contemplated in their forma
tion. The Prayer and Tract Society is yet highly
useful in its operations. Our Female Missionary
Society is alone inefficient, and that altogether from
the extreme difficulty of procuring missionaries.
Something has been done of late for the spiritual
improvement of our coloured population. The
time seems to have arrived with us for successful
efforts in their behalf. Recent endeavours to in
struct them by preaching have been attended by
the most encouraging indications of usefulness.
The word preached has been most gladly re
ceived, and much gratitude expressed for the sym
pathy of the church, and her care for them in their
destitute and neglected condition.
Baptisms twenty-five — communicants one hun
dred and sixty — marriages eight — funerals twelve.
St. Anne's and South Farnham parishes, Essex
county. John P. M'Guire, rector. St. Anne's,
communicants, one coloured, total thirty-four —
baptism's, white infants nine, coloured one, total
ten — marriages three — funerals six.
South Farnham. Communicants twenty — bap
tisms, white infants three, coloured fifteen, total
eighteen — marriages three — funerals two.
St. Mary's parish, Caroline county. Communi
cants fifteen.
Lunenburg parish, Richmond county. Com
municants twenty-nine — baptisms, white adults
one, white infants four, coloured one, total six —
funerals four.
The number of families cannot, for several
causes, be now stated with any degree of accuracy.
Amount collected for the different institutions
connected with the church, part of which was re
ceived immediately previous to the last Conven
tion, but not before reported, $319 20.
Amount collected and subscribed in St. Anne's
parish for the Virginia Bible Society, after a ser
mon by the Rev. Win. M. Atkinson, its general
agent, $144 97.
Since the last Convention, " Associations for
the promotion of Christianity" through the insti
tutions of the church have been formed in all the
above parishes ; those in the two first are perfectly
organized. There is also in St. Anne's a " Fe
male Association," designed to co-operate with
the more general one. The services heretofore
performed in St. Mary's parish, Caroline county,
are still, by God's help, continued. The church
at Port Royal is now under contract, and to be
finished during the current year. Lunenburg
parish, with two others in its immediate neighbour
hood, have secured the services of the Rev. G. W.
Nelson. The new church now being erected, and
the old one in Farnham parish which is repairing,
will probably be finished this year.
Lunenburg and Farnham parishes, Richmond
county. The rector has so recently taken charge
of these parishes, that he can only report that they
present an interesting and encouraging field of
labour ; and that he humbly trusts, should he be
spared to another Convention, to be able, through
the blessing eif Providence, to present a more par

ticular and interesting report. In addition to these'
twp parishes, he has under his chargethe Yccmico-
Church, in the ccunty of Westmoreland. G. W. Nelson.
Cumberland parish, Lunenburg county. C. C.
Taliaferro, rector. Communicants twenty-six,
added ten, died one — baptisms, infant, four — mar
riages two — funerals four. Notwithstanding my
labours have been somewhat interrupted by sick
ness, dec, the state of the church gives just cause
of gratitude to its friends. I have Bible class
and Sunday School instructions going on in both
ends of my parish, by wliich there is a promise of
much good. The spirit of missions and of general
benevolence is on the increase. The ladies are
doing what they can for the support of missionary
operations, by their Working Society, &c. We
have formed a scholarship at $75 for three years,
for the education of some young men for the min
istry. The Colonization Society has some well-
wishers and supporters among us. I have nearly
completed a subscription, on Gerrit Smith's plan,
of raising $100 for ten years, by twenty persons
paying five each year. St. John's Church has
made me life member of the A. T. Society, by pay-
ing,$20. The cause of temperance also finds sup
porters from our communion. For the last six
months I have paid renewed attention to the col
oured people of my neighbourhood, preaching on
the afternoon of every other Wednesday and Sun
day, with the most pleasing prospect of success.
The masters of the servants feel the duty of provi
ding for their spiritual welfare so great, that they
contemplate building a church expressly for them.
Westover parish, Charles City county. Alex.
Norris, rector. The reorganization of this parish
commences with the present year. Communi
cants eighteen— baptisms, infants, three white and
five coloured, total eight— confirmations four — mar
riages two— ^funerals six — families about nineteen.
Collected for the Colonization Society $36 — for
the Missionary Society $10 — Bible Society $5—
Education Society $5, total $56.
Since May last, with the exception of about six
weeks' absence on a visit to North Carolina, I have
regularly officiated in two churches in tbis parish,
preaching alternately at each on Sundays in the
morning, and preaching to the servants, sometimes
in the morning before going to church, and in the
afternoon, either at church or on their estates. I
have also preached to a free coloured congregation
every other Saturday. What good has been done,
time and eternity will show.
While present appearances are such as to call
for much humility and prayer, it is just to say, that
we have been occasionally relieved from feelings
of despair, and have been incited to hope that good
has been and may be done in this parish.
St. Paul's Church, Norfolk parish. Ebenezer
Boyden, rector. Communicants, added twenty-
eight — removed three— died five, total forty-five
baptisms, adults three, infants thirteen, total six
teen — marriages four — funerals ten — contributions
to missions and other benevolent objects, $200.
The rector has met the servants of the congre
gation weekly on the Sabbath, to instruct them in
religion, and has felt encouraged by their attend
ance and seriousness. A good organ has been ob
tained for the church, and the prospects of the
congregation are generally encouraging.
St. Paul's Church, Lynchburg. F. G. Smith,
rector. A parish association has been organized
during the past year to raise and appropriate
funds for Domestic Missions, Foreign Missions,
the Sunday School, and parochial library. This
association promises to be highly useful.
Communicants, removed nine — deceased three,

CONVENTION OF 1834.

309

«dded fourteen, present number sixty-four— mar
riages three— baptisms, of adults three, of infants
thirteen — funerals seven.
Trinity Church, Portsmouth parish, Norfolk
county. Jno. H. Wingfield, rector. Marriages nine
— baptisms, of infants sixteen — communicants, ad
ded two, removed one, died four, total thirty-seven
— funerals' sixteen — families sixty — adults one
hundred and seventy — children one hundred and
ten — Sunday School teachers eight — scholars
forty. A parish library has been commenced, which
contains at present more than one hundred vol
umes ; and a class formed for the study of Jack
son's Lessons on the Morning Services of the
Church. There is a Temperance Society in this parish
numbering about two hundred members, and con
tinually increasing.
Christ Church, Richmond. Geo. Woodbridge,
rector. Communicants, added twenty-five, remo
ved seven, died three, total seventy-eight — bap
tisms, of adults eight, of infants ten.
There have been twelve confirmations, four
marriages, and seven funerals.
There have been transmitted during the past
year $100 to the Domestic and Foreign Mission
ary Society of our church, and $50 to the Amer
ican Tract Society, to be appropriated to the Epis
copal Mission in Greece.
There have been collected $159 for the support
of the Sunday Schools connected with Christ
Church, and a small sum for the purpose of forming
a parish library.
The Sunday Schools connected with the chureh
are in a flourishing condition. Besides the school
at the church, which has been divided into a male
and female department, there has been one estab
lished in connexion with the church at a distance
from it, which promises to be a useful auxiliary.
During the last year I preached to the coloured
people a few times, but circumstances occurred to ,
prevent regular services. Arrangements have,
however, now been made by the Episcopal Church
of Richmond, to preach regularly to them in the
lecture-room of the Monumental Church.
Lexington parish, Amherst county, and Nelson
parish, Nelson county. C. H. Page, rector.
Communicants, added six, died one, total number
sixty-eight — baptisms about twenty, viz. : eight
whites, twelve coloured — marriages six— funerals
,«leven. Sunday Schools are established in the
neighbourhood of all the churches except one.
A society for the promotion of temperance and
a Female Bible Society have been organized in
New-Glasgow. Contributions have been made to
the Colonization Society, to the Foreign and Do
mestic Missionary Society, and to the Education
Society. Preaching at long intervals to the different con
gregations of my charge, and leading the life of a
missionary rather than of a pastor, I am often de
prived of the opportunity of nurturing good im
pressions, which, with the aid of private counsel
and exhortation, might become fixed and perma
nent. A commodious brick church has been built in
the neighbourhood of Lovingston, in which it is
hoped and prayed that many -souls may be bom to
glory and to God. There are some in the congre
gations serious, but they are not fully satisfied
that they ought to confess Christ publicly. For
the benefit of the coloured population, regular ser
vices are held in the churches upon the Lord's
.day, and occasional services in private houses.
St. Martin's parish, Hanover and Louisa coun
ties. John Cook, rector. Communicants, re

moved four, died one, total fifty-eight— baptisms,
of white infants three, coloured three, total six —
marriages two— funerals sevens-families forty —
adults one hundred and twenty-fivej infants one
hundred — collected for benevolent objects, $300.
This parish was reorganized about the year 1812,
but never enjoyed the advantage's- of a settled
niinistry until about 1816, since which time
it has had almost uninterrupted services to the
present. The present rector has no means of as
certaining the number of communicants at that
time, but presumes they were very few. When
he took charge of it, in 1825, there were forty-one,
since which time fifty have been added. The sev
eral benevolent societies heretofore reported are
still in operation, but, I regret to add, some of them
are not so active as formerly.
St. Paul's Church, Alexandria. J. T. Johnson,
rector. Communicants, added six, removed four,
died four, total one hundred and forty — baptisms,
one white adult and thirty-three infants, total thir
ty-four — marriages three— funerals eight — amount
collected for the different institutions of the church,
exclusive of $560 in part payment of a new organ,
$172 50. For generalfund, now transmitted, $25,
.The rector has been in charge of this church
since the 20th of October last. He has every
reason, however, to rejoice in its present state
and prospects. Thus far the congregation has
been increasing. The institutions connected with
the church are flourishing, particularly the Sun
day School, which numbers on its list two hun
dred and four scholars, eleven male and seventeen
female teachers, and two male superintendents.
The average attendance is about one hundred
and fifty.
Although but few" communicants have been
added, yet the rector has assurance that the work
of grace is going on. Many who have not yet
made an open profession, have been led by the
Spirit to a serious communing with their own
hearts, which, he tmst6 and prays, will ultimately
result in the conviction, that " Christ is the power
of God to salvation."
St. John's Church, Hampton. Mark L. Che
vers, rector. Communicants, removed one, died
one, total ten — marriages six — baptisms, six in
fants — funerals seven — collected for the contin
gent fund, $5 — bishop's episcopal services, $?.
The church at Old Point Comfort. Communi
cants, added five, removed two, died one, total
fifteen — marriages nine — baptisms, eight infants —
funerals fourteen — Sunday School teachers five —
scholars about forty — collected for the bishop's
episcopal services, $5.
A regular weekly service is held at this place,
for the particular benefit of coloured persons,
which is not only numerously attended, but ap
pears to be highly appreciated. Some who a
short time since seemed to be careless and indif
ferent spectators, now take a lively interest in re
ligious exercises. And of some few we believe it
maybe said, with gratitude to God, "they have
found peace" in believing in Jesus Christ.
St. Paul's parish, King George county. Zacha
riah H. Goldsmith, rector. Baptisms seven —
marriages four— funerals five — communicants thir
ty-four. Brunswick parish. Baptisms eleven — marria
ges three — funerals two — one communicant with
drawn, one removed, total eleven.
St. Margaret's parish, and Grace Church, St.
Mary's parish. William Friend, rector. Commu
nicants, added six, removed two, died one, total
forty-eight — baptisms two — confirmations five —
marriages two — funerals, white six, coloured
twelve.

310

CONVENTION OF 1834.

The rector finds it difficult to report precisely
the number of families under his pastoral charge,
for many contain meinbers of different denomina
tions. Those of which he is exclusively the pas
tor amount to about thirty. There are two Sun
day Schools, one Bible class, one Temperance
Society, containing about seventy members, one
Bible Society, auxiliary to the " Bible Society of
Virginia." The rector reports that a brick church has been
built during the past year, in St. Mary's parish,
which was consecrated in April last by the Right
Rev. Bishop Moore. A vestry has been chosen,
and the church is now organized in this parish.
In St. Margaret's parish the old church has been
thoroughly repaired during the past year. At the
Bowling Green the materials are provided and
contracts are made for the erection of a brick
church the present year. Systematic efforts are
now being made forthe religious instruction of the
slaves. Bristol parish, Petersburg. Andrew Syme, rec
tor. The number of communicants of this parish
is seventy, ten of whom have been added since
last Convention, seven have removed, four have
died ; there have been seven baptisms, all white ;
there have been no confirmations for more than
three years ; there have been six marriages, four
teen funerals. The number of families is about
eighty; the number of children not ascertained.
The female association, denominated the "Wil
mer Education Society," have transmitted to
Alexandria the sum of $140, the produce of their
labour since last Convention ; nineteen dollars
have been collected for the Colonization Society.
The Sunday School is in a prosperous condition,
there being some excellent teachers engaged in
promoting its success. The prospects of the
church are encouraging; the attendance on the
ordinary ministrations on the Lord's day is gener
ally very good. The incumbent being far ad
vanced in life, the congregation, with great liberal
ity, have adopted measures to support an assistant.
A young clergyman from New-York has been en
gaged for that purpose. He is very acceptable to
the people, and it is hoped, by the blessing of God,
much good will redound to all concerned,
Berkeley parish, Louisa county. There have
been no additions to the number of communicants
the last year. The few families attached to our
communion are anxious to obtain the services of a
minister. A small church, we hope, will be ready
for consecration in a few weeks. Collected for
bishop's assistant fund, $1 12 ; contingent fund,
$3 88. Ed. Berkeley, Delegate.
Botetourt parish, Botetourt county. Communi
cants, added three, removed two, died three, total
thirteen ; the number of Episcopal families can
hardly be positively stated.
The delegate reports to the Convention that
this parish is at present without a clergyman. He
is, however, gratified to say, that one is confident
ly expected in a few months to reside in the par
ish as a regular pastor, for whose comfortable sup
port an adequate provision has already been made.
The delegate thinks that in no part of the diocess
ere there better materials for the building up of
the church than in Botetourt county ; evidently
within a few years a kind feeling towards the
church has been steadily increasing and strength
ening among a large pprtion of the community.
Thomas N, Burwell, Delegate.
The committee appointed to examine the
state of the fund for the permanent support of
the episcopate of this diocess, presented the fol
lowing report, which was read and accepted, viz. :

Since the last Convention, there has been
added to the shares of the stock of the Farmers'
Bank seven shares, so that there is in stocks of
the Farmers' and Alexandria Banks, at the par
value of the shares, - - - $6,200 00
Cash in hand, waiting for an oppor
tunity to invest it in stocks of
either the Farmers' or Potomac
Bank,  112 00

$6,312 00
(Signed,) Edmund J. Lee.
The Convention proceeded to the election,
by ballot, of a standing committee of the church
in this diocess for the ensuing year ; where
upon the following gentlemen were duly elect
ed, viz. : the Rev. Reuel Keith, D. D., Rev.
Charles Mann, Rev. Henry W. Ducachet, M. D.,
Mr. John Gray, Mr. R. W. Downman, and Mr.
Alexander Garrett.
And to an election, by ballot, of eight delegates
to represent this diocess in the next General
Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church
in the United States of America: whereupon
the following gentlemen wereduly elected, viz. ;
Rev. Henry W. Ducachet, M. P., Rev. N. H,
Cobbs, Rev. Reuel Keith, D. P., Rev. Adam
Empie, D. D., Mr. Thomas Marshall, Mr. Wm.
H. M'Farland, Mr. Edward Colston, and Mr.
John Nelson.
On motion of Mr. John H. Peyton,
Resolved, That the thanks of this Conven
tion be presented to the Right Rev. Assistant
Bishop, for his very impressive and appropriate
sermon upon the subject of temperance, deliv
ered on yesterday, and that he be respectfully
requested to furnish a copy thereof for publica
tion. The report of the board of trustees of the Theo
logical School of Virginia, together with that of
their treasurer, were read and accepted, viz. : —
In submitting their annual report to the Con
vention, the board of trustees of the Theological
School of Virginia would gratefully acknowledge
that the institution still continues to enjoy the fa
vour and blessing of Almighty God, and to realize,
and more than realize, the hopes entertained by
its patrons and friends, of its usefulness in furnish
ing the church with a regular supply of pious, en
lightened, and efficient ministers.
From the reports of the professors, it appears
that tbe number of students during the present
session has been as high as thirty-nine, viz. :—
thirteen in the junior, fourteen in the middle, and
twelve in the senior class. They have been uni
formly correct in their deportment and conduct,
and diligent in preparing for the great work to
which they expect to be devoted; are actuated,
as the professors hope and believe, by the best and
purest motives, and promise to become, by the
help of Him " without whom nothing is strong,
nothing is holy," able and successful ministers of
the New Testament. The course of study in
which they have been engaged is that prescribed
in the rules for the government of the seminary,
and their progress has been as great as could be
reasonably expected. The number sent forth
from the seminary the present sessional, is ex
pected, will be fourteen, a larger proportion of
whom than usual will remain in the diocess of
Virginia.

CONVENTION OF 1834.

311

The treasurer's report, herewith presented, will
show the state of the funds.
At a meeting of the trustees in Alexandria, in
October last, the Rev. Charles Mann was appoint
ed Professor of Pastoral Theology, and general
agent for the seminary and the Education Socie
ty, one half of his salary to be paid by the latter.
He has recently resigned his parish, and entered
upon the duties of his appointment. The board
regard the connexion of this gentleman with the
institution as an important measure, and expect
much benefit to result from it. At their meeting
in October, finding the present buildings already
filled, and unwilling that any of those who might
be desirous of entering our institution should be
excluded by the impossibility of getting accommo
dated there, they resolved to make arrangements
for the speedy erection of the centre building, to
connect the two wings, according to the original
plan. They regret, however, to find, that the
funds of the seminary have shared in the general
pecuniary embarrassment to such an extent as to
render it impracticable to accomplish this impor
tant measure during the present year. The
growth of the institution, therefore, which has
hitherto been regularly increasing since it com
menced, a few years since, without funds, and
with but one professor and one pupil, must now,
for the first time, receive a check. We have no
accommodations for more than forty students.
And here the interesting inquiry arises, whether
our seminary has reached the full .dimensions
which it was destined by the providence of God
to attain ? When we reflect on the many signal
proofs of the divine approbation it has experienced,
and the great amount of good it has already ac
complished — when we call to mind the great and
glorious object of that ministry which it provides,
how important it is to the world, how beneficial
to society, how essential to the prosperity of our
own beloved churcb — when we thank of the waste
places of Zion, the loud and numerous calls for
ministers within our own borders, the deplora
ble condition in heathen lands of so many of that
race of intelligent and immortal beings, to every
individual of whom the great Redeemer has com
manded us to preach his" gospel — in a word, when
we reflect that the Saviour's declaration, " truly
the harvest is great, but the labourers are few," is
almost as applicable to our times as his own, and
the command to pray the Lord of the harvest that
he would send forth more labourers into his har
vest, quite as binding upon us as upon those who
heard it from his own lips, it becomes a question
of the deepest interest and solemnity, whether the
friends of God and of man within the diocess of
Virginia will compel us to deny the privileges of
our institution to any of those young servants of
Christ who feel constrained by his love to deyote
themselves to the arduous and self-denying la
bours and duties of the gospel ministry? Shall
the number of our students, which may be almost
indefinitely enlarged, henceforth be fixed at forty ?
Shall an institution which might, by the blessing
of God, in, a few years, send forth annually, at a
moderate computation, fifty well-educated and
well-qualified labourers, be contented with send
ing forth only a dozen? with supplying only a fee
ble rill instead of an abundant stream to refresh
and gladden a thirsty and dying world with the
Waters of life ? Shall such be the destiny of the
Theological School of Virginia? We trust not
We believe it to be the work of God. We hope
he will put it into the hearts of those whom his
bountiful providence has supplied with the means,
to contribute whatever funds may be required to
furnish accommodations for all who may seek ad

mission within its walls ; will raise up to enjoy its
advantages as many pious and intelligent candi
dates for the ministry as can profitably pursue
their studies at our institution ; will provide them
with a sufficient number of professors, -who shall
be men in all respects qualified for their station ;
with an ample library ; in short, with every oppor
tunity and every means of becoming burning and
shining lights in the church.
All which is respectfully submitted by the trus
tees. Resolved, That the Rev. George Wood-
bridge, Mr. Hilary Baker, and Mr. George M.
Carrington, be a committee to raise by assess
ment among the different parishes, having refer
ence to the number of communicants reported
to the Convention, the sum of three hundred
dollars, to be paid to Bishop Moore, at the next
Convention, for his episcopal services ; and
that said committee inform the clergyman of
each parish of the proportion required from his
parish : and,
Resolved, That the clergy be required to
raise the sum so assessed, and pay it at the
next Convention.
The Rev. Dr. Empie, from the committee on
the state of the church, made the following re
port, viz. : —
The committee on the state of the church beg
leave respectfully to present the following report ;
a report in every item and clause of which they
have unanimously concurred : —
In reference, first of all, to the memorial referred
to them from the wardens, vestrymen, and laymen
of St. Paul's Church, Lynchburg, they would
commence by observing, that the spirit which
prompted and breathes through that memorial is
worthy of all commendation. It evinces peculiar
ly and emphatically the spirit of our church and
the spirit of the gospel, inasmuch as it manifests
an anxiety to unite, in one holy system, tbe piety
of the heart with all the vital truths of our blessed
religion, and as it proposes to extend the hallowed
influence of each of these, through the medium
ofthe divinely-appointed institutions of the church.
And with all the plenitude of this spirit, may the
great Head of the church endue every member of
our Zion.
But your committee are not prepared to adopt
or to recommend the plait suggested by your me
morialists. Fixed and stated quarterly associations
throughout the diocess could not accommodate
themselves to tbe circumstances of our clergy and
churches ; and by the adoption of a fixed and un
bending system, wb should render them often im
practicable, and thus defeat the very purposes
they are designed to subserve. The rule adopted
and recommended by the Convention of 1831, ap
pears, upon the whole, by far the best, since ex
perience has not raised a single objection against
it. That rule leaves associations voluntary, and
dependant upon previous concert as to time and
place, and the clergy who shall be members of
them ; because this appears the best mode of
adapting them to the ever-varying circumstances
of the church and the clergy.
Before passing from this topic, your committee
think it important to add two remarks,, which
have upon it an immediate bearing. Although it
be eminently advisable and important that we
should endeavour to explain and inculcate all the
distinctive principles of our church, and to remove
every popular objection and prejudice against our
communion, yet we hold this to be the peculiar

312

CONVENTION OF 1834.

duty of the clergy individually, in their respective
parishes, and not the appropriate business of asso
ciations, as the memorialists suppose. Associa
tions should be designed not so much for instruc
tion, as for the purpose of exciting the lukewarm
and the formalist, and of carrying the most stirring
appeal to the hearts of the impenitent.
There is to this rule but one exception, and that
suggests an important distinction which we deem
it necessary to state.
Associations are the most important, the most
desirable, and the most likely to be useful, when
they are held in new and in destitute parishes, or
in those which enjoy only occasionally orirregular-
ly the services of our church. Here they are the
most wanted and the most loudly called for —
here they will be sure to do the most good. To
these the clergy are most earnestly advised to
give their leisure time. And here familiar instruc
tions, as well as warm and earnest exhortations,
may be peculiarly appropriate.
Next to these, it is certainly most desirable that
associations should be holden in parishes where
religion is in a state of deep declension, and where
the zeal, and energy, and persevering efforts of the
associated clergy may probably be instrumental,
through divine grace, in effecting a revival. And
though we would not be understood to discourage
the holding of associations in parishes where re
ligion is more flourishing, yet we think that par
ishes which are new, destitute, or only occasion
ally served, and parishes which are suffering un
der the palsy of a spiritual slumber, call upon us
most loudly for this kind of help, have the first
claim to our attention, and furnish occasions
where associations are most likely to be useful,
and the very occasions for which Providence originally
appointed and intended them.
Your committee, however, cannot take leave of
this subject without repeating, with all the energy
they possess, the solemn caution that is spread
out on the Journal of 1832, The errors and extrav
agances of a false zeal and a bewildering fanati
cism are multiplying all around us, in spite even
of the loudest censures and opposition of the most
prudent and pious of all the different denomina
tions. And the deepest anxiety is felt lest any mem
ber of our beloved communion should be drawn
into the approbation or adoption of any one of
what are termed " the new-light measures," all of
which we would be understood most explicitly to
disclaim and to condemn, as tending to produce
only a spurious and pernicious excitement, and as
constituting, not simply an equivocal system of
expedients, but the merest machinery and excess
es of fanaticism.
Among the subjects that call upon us, not only
for congratulations, but also for ardent gratitude
to the great Head of the church", your committee
would mention the. steady progress of religion
throughout the diocess, and the decided improve
ment that seems to have taken place in attach
ment to the distinctive principles of our church.
In bringing these principles before their congrega
tions, many of the clergy seem to have taken the
most laudable pains. And it is earnestly hoped
that this praiseworthy example will be universally
followed, and as earnestly recommended ; that, as
far as circumstances permit, an increased atten
tion may be paid to. our rubrics and our canons.
Your committee feel impelled, by the impor
tance of this topic, to .urge it with peculiar ear
nestness, inasmuch as, from their own experience
and observation, they feel the most unbounded as
surance, that the most efficacious, and, under the
divine blessing, the only infallible security against
the fanatical " inventions of men in the warship

of God," and against, the deplorable and soul'
wasting disorders andfheresies which follow in
their train, has ever been and ever will be found
to be a strict and conscientious adherence to the
rubrics and canons, to the ordinances and institu
tions of the church. God himself has joined the
leading truths and duties, the rich promises and
blessings, with the ordinary institutions and ordi
nances of religion ; and what God has joined to
gether let not man put asunder.
In conclusion, your committee would most ear
nestly UTge upon the clergy the religious instruc
tion of young and old among that portion of " the
degraded race of man" with which an inscrutable
Providence has been pleased to afflict our coun
try. For their moral and spiritual wants we are
as imperatively bound to provide as for their tem-
£oral ; and if the myriads under bondage which
ave "perished for lack of knowledge" shall one
day be required at our hands, it may well curdle
the warm blood at the fountain to look forward to
the tremendous account that must hereafter be
rendered in by ministers and by masters.
God, in his mercy, dispose every one to lay this
solemn subject to heart, and to act, habitually
and daily, under the persuasion, that, by the ap
pointment of high Heaven, the souls of his ser
vants as well as of his children are intrusted to
his care.
All this is now most respectfully submitted.
A. Empie, Chairman.
The Rev. George W. Nelson offered the fol
lowing resolution, which was unanimously
adopted : —
Resolved, That the thanks of this Convention
be and are hereby presented to Mr. John Gray,
treasurer of the Theological Seminary of Vir
ginia, for the disinterested zeal with which he
has gratuitously devoted his time and labour to
the discharge of the duties of that office ; and
that the skill he has displayed in the manage
ment of its funds merits their highest confi
dence. The Convention proceeded to the choice of
the executive committee of the Missionary So
ciety, which resulted in the election of Mr.
Hilary Baker as secretary, Mr. Thomas Nelson
as treasurer, and the Rev. E. C. M'Guire, Rev.
H. W. Ducachet, M. D., Rev. Nicholas H.
Cobbs, Rev. John Grammer, Rev. Adam Em
pie, D. D., Rev. George Woodbridge, Rev.
Thomas Jackson, Mr. John Nelson, Mr. George
M. Carrington, and Mr. Orrin Williams, as
members of the executive committee.
On motion of the Rev. H. W. Ducachet,
Resolved, That a committee of two persons
be appointed to examine the journals of this
Convention, from the first. organization of the
church in this diocess, to ascertain and report
what resolutions have at various times been
passed by this body, and still remain in force ;
and which of such resolutions, if any, ought to
be rescinded and abolished, and which ought to
stand as the judgment and declarations of this
body ; and that they report to the next Conven
tion. And the president appointed the Rev. H.
W. Ducachet, M. D., and the Rev. John H.
Wingfield, said committee. ,
Resolved, That the /assistant bishop of this
diocess, with the aid of any of the clergy or laity
whom he may call to his assistance, be and are

CONVENTION OF 183S.

313

hereby requested to prepare," from time to time,
such tracts or sermons as they may deem suita
ble for the religious instruction of servants.
The Rev. H. W. Ducachet, Mr. R. W.
Downman, and Mr. Alexander Garrett, having
resigned as members of the standing committee,
the Convention proceeded to an election, by bal
lot, to fill the vacancies, which resulted in the
choice of the Rev. Edward R. Lippit, Mr. Ed
mund J. Lee, and Mr. John Hooff.
Resolved, That the further consideration of
the constitution and canons of the church be
postponed till the next annual meeting of the
Convention. Resolved, That the thanks of this body are
due, and are hereby tendered, to the inhabitants
of Staunton, for their kindness and hospitality
to the members of this Convention.
Resolved, That the treasurer be directed to
ay the doorkeeper of the Convention ten dol-
ars. Resolved, That the secretary be requested to
transmit a copy of the Journal of this Conven
tion to the secretaries of the several Conven
tions of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and
of the General Convention, with a request that
copies of their journals, constitutions, and canons
shall be transmitted to him for the use of the
members of the Convention in Virginia.
Resolved, That the treasurer be directed to |

la

pay the expenses of the secretary in attending
this Convention.
On motion of the Rev. Thomas Jackson,
Resolved, That the 7th canon be amended by
adding to the words, "as the offence may de
serve," "provided it be not a heavier penalty
than that which the council of presbyters shall
recommend," so that the said clause of the canon
may read thus :— The bishop shall proceed to
reprove, suspend, or degrade him, as the offence
may deserve : provided it be not a heavier pen
alty than that which the council of presbyters
shall recommend.
Resolved, unanimously, That the thanks of
this Convention be tendered, through the rector
of this church, to the minister and congregation
of the Presbyterian church in this place, for
their liberal and kind offer of their church for
the use of the Convention.
The proceedings of the standing committee
during the last year were presented and read.
Resolved, That 1,500 copies of the minutes
of this Convention be printed, and distributed
among the parishes of this diocess.
Resolved, That the Convention now adjourn,
after the singing.of the 133d Psalm, and prayer,
with the benediction of the bishop.
William Meade,
Assistant Bishop of Virginia.
Hilary Baker, Secretary.

Journal of the Proceedings of a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the Diocess of
Virginia, which assembled in the town of Lynchburg, on the 20th day of May, 1835.
This being the day appointed for the annual
meeting of the Convention of the Protestant
Episcopal Church in the Diocess of Virgina, the

Right Rev. William Meade, D. D., assistant
bishop of the diocess, with a number of the
clergy and laity, assembled at eleven o'clock
A. M., in St. Paul's Church.
Morning prayers were read by the Right Rev.
Bishop Meade, and a sermon was preached by
the Rev. William G. H. Jones, rector of St.
Thomas's Church, Orange county.
The Right Rev. William Meade took the
chair as president of the Convention
A list of the clergy entitled to seats was called
over by the secretary, and the following an
swered to their names and took their seats : —
Rev. Ephraim Adams, Christ Church, Lan
caster ; Rev. George Adie, Shelburne parish,
Loudoun ; Rev. Parke F. Berkeley, Raleigh
parish, Amelia; Rev. William V. Bowers, St.
Martin's" parish, Hanover and Louisa ; Rev.
Hobart M. Bartlett, assistant minister of Bristol
parish, Petersburg; Rev. Nicholas H. Cobbs,
University of Virginia ; Rev. Charles Dresser,
Antrim parish, Halifax ; Rev. William Friend,
St. Margaret's parish, Caroline ; Rev. John
Grammer, Bath parish, Dinwiddie, and St. An
drew's, Brunswick ; Rev. Thomas Jackson, as
sistant minister of Monumental Church, Rich
mond ; Rev. William G. Jackson, Augusta par
ish, Augusta ; Rev. William G. H. Jones, St.
Thomas's Church, Orange ; Rev. Archibald H.
Lamon, St. Stephen's Church, Culpepper and

Bloomfield parish, Madison ; Rev. William F.
Lee, Richmond ; Rev. George Lemon, Hamilton
and Leeds parishes, Fauquier ; Rev. Charles
Mann, Professor in the Theological Seminary
of Va. ; Rev. Edward C. M'Guire, St. George's
parish, Fredericksburg ; Rev. John P. M'Guire,
St. Anne's and South Farnham parishes, Essex j
Rev. William H. Mitchell, St. George's parish,
Accomack, and Christ Church, Eastville ; Rev,
Alexander Norris, Westover parish, Charles
City ;-,Rev. George W. Nelson, Lunenburg and
Farnham parishes, Richmond county ; Rev. C.
H. Page, Amherst and Lexington parishes, Am
herst, and Calloway Church, Nelson ; Rev.
Franklin G. Smith, St. Paul's Church, Lynch
burg ; Rev.W. Steele, St. James's parish, Meck
lenburg ; Rev. Philip Slaughter, Dettingen and
Leeds parishes, Prince William ; Rev. Charles
C. Taliaferro, Cumberland parish, Lunenburg ;
Rev. Joseph B. Wilmer, St. Anne's parish, Al
bemarle ; Rev. John H. Wingfield, Trinity
Church, Portsmouth ; Rev. William N- Ward,
Clarksburg, Harrison county ; Rev. John W.
Woodville, St. Mark's parish, Culpepper ; Rev. .
D. M. Wharton, officiating in Russell parish,
Bedford, and Fincastle, Botetourt.
The Rev. Thomas Jackson and the Hon.
Hugh Nelson, who were appointed a committee
to examine the certificates of the lay delegates,
reported the following individuals entitled to
seats in the Convention, and the Convention
concurred in their report, viz. : —
Upton BealU Grace Church, Caroline ; Thur-

314

CONVENTION OF 1835.

mer Hoggard, Trinity Church, Portsmouth ;
Henry B. Streshley, St. Anne's parish, Essex ;
Samuel H. Lewis, Augusta parish, Staunton ;
Daniel Garland, Lunenburg parish, Richmond
county ; John Gray, St. George's parish, Fred
ericksburg; Nelson Sale, Russell parish, Bed
ford ; Abrarn B. Hooe, St. Paul's and Bruns
wick parishes, King George ; Richard Walke,
St. Paul's Church, Norfolk ; David M. Walke,
Christ Church, Norfolk ; Thomas Atkinson,
Cumberland parish, Lunenburg ; B. Harrison
Randolph, Monumental Church, Richmond ;
Seth Ward, St. Paul's Church, Lynchburg;
Col. Alexander Brown, Calloway's Church,
Nelson parish, Nelson ; Charles R. Gibbs,
Bloomfield parish, Madison ; Junius A. Clay,
Tillotson parish, Buckingham ; Thomas N. Bur
well and Thomas Shanks, Fincastle and Union
Churches, Botetourt parish ; Thomas G. Cole
man, St. Mark's Church, Antrim parish, Halifax
John Nelson, St. James's parish, Mecklenburg
Thomas L, Latane, South Farnham, Essex
William M. Waller, Lexington parish, Amherst
Hugh Nelson, Fredericksville parish, Albe
marle ; Philip Nelson, Frederick parish, Fred
erick ; Hilary Baker, Christ Chureh, Richmond.
On ^notion of the Rev. William F. Lee,
Resolved, That the following rules of order,
adopted by the last Convention for the govern
ment of their proceedings, be the rules of pro
ceeding during the present Convention.
1. The business of every day shall be intro
duced with prayer.
2. When the president takes the chair, no
member shall continue standing, or shall after
ward stand up, except to address the chair.
3. No member shall absent himself from the
service of the house unless he have leave, or be
unable to attend.
4. When any member is about to speak in
debate, or deliver any matter to the house, he
shall, with due respect, address himself to the
president, confining himself strictly to the point
in debate.
5. No member shall speak more than twice
in the same debate without leave of the house.
6. A question being once determined shall
stand as the judgment of the house, and shall
not be again drawn into debate during the same
session, unless with the consent of two thirds
of the house.
7. While the president is putting any ques
tion, the members shall continue in their seats,
and shall not hold any private discourse.
8. Every member who shall be in the house
when any question is put, shall, on a division,
be counted, unless he be personally interested
in the decision.
9. No motion shall be considered as before
the house unless it be seconded, and, when re
quired, reduced to writing.
10. When any question is before the house, it
shall be determined upon before any new subject
js introduced, except the question of adjournment.
11. The question on a motion of adjourn
ment shall be taken before any other, and with
out debate.
1?. When the house is about to rise, eyery

member shall keep his seat until the president
shall leave the chair.
13. None of the rules of. order shall be sus
pended without the concurrence of two thirds
of the members present.
14. The president shall, in his discretion,
select a pew within the limits of those allotted
for the use of the members, which pew shall be
appropriated for the accommodation of visiting
clergymen and students of the Theological
School, who may be invited to the same by the
president without any special application to the
Convention. Ordered, That the Rev. Edward C. M'Guire,
Rev. John Grammer, Rev. Nicholas H. Cobbs,
Rev. George Lemon, Rev. Thomas Jackson,
Messrs. Thomas N. Burwell, Hugh Nelson, and
Walter Coles, be a committee to take into con
sideration the state of the church in this diocess,
and report thereon to this Convention.
Ordered, That the Rev. John H. Wingfield,
Rev. Charles Dresser, and the Rev. George W.
Nelson, be a committee to examine the parochial
reports. Ordered, That the Rev. P. F. Berkeley,
Messrs. Sale, Atkinson, and Hoggard, be a com
mittee to examine the treasurer's accounts.
Ordered, That the Rev. Charles Mann, Rev.
John P. M'Guire, and Mr. John Gray, be a com
mittee to examine the fund for the support of
widows and orphans of deceased clergymen.
Ordered, That the Rev. Charles H. Page,
Rev. George Adie, and Mr. Philip Nelson, be
a committee to examine the accounts of the
treasurer of the fund for the permanent support
of the episcopate in this diocess.
Ordered, That the Rev. William V. Bowers,
Rev. William G. Jackson, Rev. William F. Lee,
and the Rev. Hobart M. Bartlett, be a commit
tee on the treasurer's accounts of the Mission
ary Society.
On motion, Resolved, That this Convention
will meet daily at 9 o'clock A. M.
Resolved, That the consideration of the pro
posed revision of the constitution and canons
of the church be made the order of the day for
each day ofthe Convention, at 10 o'clock A. M.,
until the subject be fully disposed of.
And the Convention adjourned.
Thursday, May 21, 1835.
The Convention met pursuant to adjourn
ment. The minutes of the preceding meeting were
read and approved.
The following members of the Convention,
not present before, appeared and took their
seats, viz. : —
Rev. Reuel Keith, D. D., Professor in Theo
logical Seminary of Virginia ; Rev. George
Woodbridge, recter pf Christ Church, Rich-
mend ; Rev. Charles B. Dana, recter cf Christ
Church, Fairfax parish ; Mr. James M. Bell, jr.,
lay delegate frcm St. Stephen's Church, Cul
pepper ; Mr. Walter Cules, lay delegate from
Christ Church, St. Anne's parish, Albemarle ;
Mr. Edmund Fontaine, lay delegate from St.
Martin's, Hanover and Louisa ; Mr. Thomas T.

CONVENTION OF 1835,

315

Bouldin, lay delegate from St. Thomas's Church,
Orange. On motion, Resolved, That the order of the
day be postponed until to-morrow.
The secretary received the following contri
butions for the Contingent Fund, and towards
the remuneration of Bishop Moore for his epis
copal services, viz. : —

Contingent Fund.

lip. Fund.

Christ Church, Lancaster, -

$20 00

$ 5 00

Shelburne parish, Loudoun, -

20 00

14 25

Raleigh parish, Amelia, and

Dale parish, Chesterfield, -

30 00

3 58

St. Martin's parish, Hanover

and Louisa,
20 00
10 00
Fredericksville parish, Albe
marle, - -
20 00
10 00
Antrim parish, Halifax,
20 00
7 00
Camden parish, Pittsylvania,
00 00
1 50
St. Margaret's parish, Caro
line, and Grace Church,
Spotsylvania,
10 00
5 00
St. Andrew's parish, Bruns
wick,
14 57
6 86
Bath parish, Dinwiddie,
6 32
20
00
20
00
8
00
2
52
8 04
Monumental Church, Richmond, 30 00
Augusta parish, Augusta, - 20 00
St. Thomas's parish, Orange, 10 00
Bloomfield parish, Madison, 5 50
St. Stephen's Church, Cul
pepper, - - 8 00
Hamilton and Leeds parishes,
Fauquier, - - 30 00
St. George's parish, Fred
ericksburg,
St. Anne's parish, Essex,
South Farnham parish, Essex,
St. George's parish, Acco
mack, and Christ Church,
Eastville,
Westover parish, Charles City,
Lunenburg parish, Richmond
county, - - 00 00
Amherst parish and Lexington
parish, - - 10 00
St. Paul's Church, Lynchburg, 15 00
Calloway Church, Nelson, - 12 00
St. James's parish, Mecklen
burg, - 10 00
Cumberland parish, Lunen
burg, , - - 10 00
St. Anne's parish, Albemarle, 10 00
Trinity Church, Portsmouth, 15 00
St. Mark's parish, Culpepper, 10 00
Russell parish, Bedford, ¦ 30 00
Botetourt parish, Botetourt, 16 00
Christ Church, Fairfax parish, 30 00
St. Paul's Church, King George, 10 00
Tillotson parish, Buckingham, 7 00
Brunswick parish, King George, 1 25
St. Paul's Church, Norfolk, 10 00
Christ Church, Norfolk, - 35 00
Newport parish, Isle of Wight, 5 00
Frederick parish, Frederick, 15 00
Norborne parish, Berkeley, - 8 00
00 00
12 00
5 00
4 50
8 00
10 00
20 00
10 00
2 25
10 08
2 50
6 50
5 00
9 00
3 00
8 00
15 00
3 00
5 00
2 00
00 00
8 00
15 00
2 75
3 00
00 00
5 00
30 00
00 00
5 00
17 00
Contingent Fund. Bp. Fund.
Amount brought forward, $582 20 $289 77
St. John's Church, Henrico, 15 00 5 00
St. Paul's Church, Alexandria, 25 00
Bruton parish, Williamsburg, 15 00
Christ Church, Richmond, - 25 00
Contributed by some ladies
from Albemarle, - - 00 00
00 00
5 00
00 00
2 00
Amount carried forward, $582 20 $289 77
$662 20 $301 77
The president read the following address and
report of episcopal services during the year
ending May, 1835, by the Right Rev. Richard
Channing Moore, D. D., Bishop of Virginia.
To the Clergy and Laity of the Protestant Episcopal
Church of the Diocess of Virginia, assembled in
Convention in the town of Lynchburg, May 20th,
1835. Dear Brethren, — It would have afforded me
great satisfaction to have formed one of your num
ber in the council of the church now assembled in
Convention ; but the recollection of the sufferings
to which a long journey, over rough roads^always
subjects me, has deprived me of the gratification,
and obliged me to submit to the painful necessity
of remaining at home.
Among those circumstances connected with the
promotion of the church of which we are mem
bers, the duty of making some standing provision
for the aid of our newly-formed congregations,
and the support of the clergy who minister in
sacred things, has deeply impressed my mind, and
influenced me to address you on this subject.
The inadequate support received by the clergy
thus situated gives them a just claim to our at
tention, and calls upon us for a vigorous and united
effort to sustain them and their congregations in
their religious exertions. The removal of the
clergy from Virginia, and sometimes from one
parish to another in the diocess — removals fre
quently attended with results injurious to the
former, and always to the congregations left in a
destitute state — arises, I am confident, more gen
erally from necessity than from the love of change.
The want of support cannot fail of producing un
easiness in the mind of a clergyman, and of para
lyzing his exertions ; and, as a natural conse
quence, gives rise to dissatisfaction in the breasts
of the people of his charge. To remove these dif
ficulties, and to produce a state of things more
stable and permanent, forms a subject of most in
tense interest ; and as the measure I am now to
propose has been successfully adopted by the
authority of the church in several of our sister
diocesses, I indulge the hope that my suggestion
will meet with your approbation, and thus lead to
the most happy results.
The plan, my beloved brethren, to which I al
lude, and would now recommend to your atten
tion, -is in accordance with the system recom
mended to the Corinthian Christians by the Apos
tle Paul, when pleading in behalf of the afflicted
and empoverished churches of Judea. " Now,
concerning the collection for the saints, as I have
given orders to the churches of Galatia, even so
do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every
one of you lay by him in store, as God hath pros
pered him."
The course thus proposed by St. Paul, embraces
in its view a perfect knowledge of human nature.
He knew that it was more convenient to lay by
in store a small weekly sum, than to subscribe at
once a large amount ; and that, however small the
316

CONVENTION OF 1835.

gift thus regularly bestowed may be, that at the
end of the year it would amount to something
considerable ; and that when collectively gathered
into the treasury of the Lord, it would furnish
a supply adequate to relieve the necessities of the
church, and to remove the sufferings contemplated
in his benevolent design. Let each individual,
then, attached to the church in Virginia, pursue
the same course. Let him, on every Lord's day,
lay by in store some small sum for the relief of our
newly-formed parishes, and the partial support of
the clergy officiating in them. Let that sum thus
deposited be considered sacred to the purposes
for which it was laid by ; and, at the end of the
year, the church will find itself in possession of a
fund equal to our wants — a fund which will enable
us not only to contribute to the ease and comfort
of the clergy now engaged in ministerial duty in
the parishes alluded to, but which will inspire
those neighbourhoods which are at present desti
tute of public worship to form themselves into
congregations, and to enjoy those privileges to
which they were accustomed in early life, which
were so dear to their departed parents and friends.
The Convention must be sensible, that in the
plea which I now offer in behalf of the clergy, I
am not pleading for a support unreasonable and
extravagant. I ask only for a sufficiency to enable
them to live in comfort. I ask not for any of the
luxuries of life ; I am only soliciting for a pro
vision which will render them above want, and
which will enable their children to appear in the
society in which they move decently habited, and
properly instructed.
Should the minds of any of the people of our
charge be impressed with the idea that this is al
ready the situation of the clergy embraced in the
proposal, a journey through some of our parishes
would convince them of their mistake.- On a late
tour through an extensive district of this diocess,
I met with an instance of extreme penury in the
case of a truly pious, well-educated, and excellent
clergyman belonging to our communion. Patient
under his sufferings, humble as a little child, he
poured no complaint whatever in my ears ; but
.being told by a wealthy and humane -neighbour
of his wants, I was sui prised at the fortitude he
manifested and the silence he had observed ; and
when, returning to my home, I mentioned his sit
uation to some ladies of my congregation, they,
moved by those feelings of compassion peculiar to
their sex, promptly sent him some temporary as
sistance. As a proof of the benefits which may be reason
ably expected from the adoption and prosecution
of the measure submitted to your consideration, I
think it my duty to present to your view the for
mer low condition and the present prosperous
.state of the church in my native diocess.
At my admission to deacons' orders, forty-eight
years ago, I constituted the sixth or seventh cler
gyman in that diocess — a diocess which now num
bers two hundred labourers in the vineyard of the
Lord. The means to which that astonishing in
crease may be chiefly attributed, is the unremitting
attention they have paid to the sustenance of the
clergy in their new parishes, by relief from their
missionary fund.
By pursuing, my brethren, the same course, we
may expect similar results ; and should my valued
assistant in the episcopate live to my present age,
he may look for a similar increase in the clergy
of this diocess, and behold, in congregations now
in a state of infancy, assemblies both strong and
numerous; and in others which I trust will be
planted by his hand, he will, with joy of heart,
behold them growing into manhood, worshipping

the God of their fathers with the same form of
sound words with which they worshipped him,
and training up their children in the use of that
Uturgy which distinguishes our Zion — a hturgy
which will defend her from heresy and schism,
and secure obedience to the faith once delivered
to the saints.
Yes, brethren, the church within whose pale
we were received in baptism, forms a plant which
God's right hand hath planted. Let us, then, re
member her in all our prayers, and assist her with
all our energies, and we shall soon see the wil
derness and the sohtary places made glad, and
behold the desert rejoicing and blossoming as the
rose. Another topic which requires my attention, is
the Common Prayer-Book and Tract Society in
this city — a concern which the members of that
association have pressed upon my recollection as
one of the most leading importance to the interest
of the church. It is their wish that I should sug
gest and recommend to the congregations of our
communion in this diocess the formation of socie
ties similar to their own, for the more general dif
fusion of our excellent and much-loved liturgy.
As an encouragement to comply-with their desire,
they have requested me to present to the view of
the Convention a resolution adopted by them at
a late meeting of their board of managers— a reso
lution which will furnish every auxiliary society
with the prayer-book at the reduced price of half
the former cost. The following is the resolution
referred to: —
" On motion of the Rev. Thomas Jackson, it
was " Resolved, That the prayer-books which have
been heretofore sold at twenty-five cents, shall, in
future, be supplied to all congregations and mem
bers thereof who take up an annual collection in
aid ofthe funds ofthe society, or who are individ
ually members of it, at the price of twelve and a
half cents, and that the large plain-bound copies
of the same be furnished at fifty cents each."
The above resolution, brethren, appears so lib
eral, and is so well calculated to render the circu
lation of our prayer-book so general throughout
the church, that I most cordially recommend it to
the notice of the Convention, and most earnestly
request the adoption of the measure.
I must also beg leave to call the attention ofthe
Convention to the Southern Churchman, edit
ed by the Rev. William F. Lee, in this city. The
Southern Churchman has been hitherto conducted
with so much moderation and respect for the opin
ions of other Christian societies, that I can cheer
fully recommend it to the members of the church
throughout the diocess. It is true that the Rev.
editor will feel himself bound to inculcate and
faithfully to guard the distinctive principles ofthe
Protestant Episcopal Church. Although such will
be the case, I am sure that his own good sense
will always influence him to avoid controversy,
when controversy can possibly be avoided, and
never wantonly to attack the opinions held dear
by other churches.
Having thus touched on those topics considered
of leading importance, I shall now proceed to fur
nish you with a concise view of my episcopal
labours since the last Convention.
In the month of July, 1834, I visited Alexan
dria, preached in both churches, and admitted the
following persons to deacons' orders : — J. Dela-
plane, George E. Winslow, William C. Russell,
D. M. Wharton, William F. Bowers, John Martin,
Chester Newell, Edward Christian, Joseph P.
Wilmer, I. Woart, and William N. Ward. In the
month of October I again left Richmond in com.-

CONVENTION OF. 1835.

317

pany with the Rev. Mr. Mann and the Rev. John
Cooke, and commenced my labours in Fredericks
burg. On Sunday, October 18fh, I preached, ad
mitted to deacons' orders Mr. Richard Johnson
and Mr. William Johnson, and to the priesthood
Rev. Charles B. Dana, rector of Christ Church,
Alexandria. On Monday 1 preached in Lamb's
Creek Church, baptized one child, and confirmed
its mother. On Tuesday I preached in St. Paul's
Church, King George county. On Wednesday I
preached at Mattox Bridge; on Thursday at Rich
mond courthouse, where I held a confirmation.
On Friday I preached in Farnham Church. On
Saturday, at White Chapel, Lancaster county, Mr.
Mann preached, and I administered the Lord's
Supper and confirmed eight persons; and on Sun
day, in Christ Church, 1 preached and administer
ed the Lord's Supper. The Monday following we
rode to Ycomico Church, Northumberland coun
ty, at which place the Rev. Mr. Cooke preached,
and the Rev. Mr. Mann and myself followed with
addresses. On Tuesday I preached in the Meth
odist Church at the courthouse, and confirmed one.
lady. , On Wednesday I preached at Wicomico
Church, Westmoreland county, administered the
Lord's Supper, and confirmed one person. On
Thursday we crossed the river to the town of Rap
pahannock, where the Rev. G. W. Nelson preach
ed in the morning, Mr. Adams in the afternoon,
and Mr. Mann in the evening. On Friday morn
ing I preached, administered the Lord's Supper,
and then rode to Mr. Waring's, in Essex county.
On Saturday the services were conducted by the
clergy who were in company with me, and on
Sunday I preached and administered the Lord's
Supper. On Monday Mr. Cooke and myself bade
the clergy farewell, and returned to our respective
homes. In November I visited Charles City coun
ty, preached, consecrated a new church, and ad
ministered the Lord's Supper. On the 17th of
April I held a confirmation m Christ Church, Rich
mond. On the 21st of April I admitted Mr. John
W. Woodville to deacons' orders, on which occa
sion the Rev. Mr. Croes preached. On the 4th of
May I admitted to the priesthood the Rev. Charles
Andrews, of Frederick county, when the Rev.
William F. Lee preached. On the 22d of April I
visited Norfolk, preached in Portsmouth on Sun
day, the 26th, and in the afternoon in Norfolk. I
admitted to deacons' orders in Portsmouth Mr.
Cameron F. M'Rae, when Bishop Meade preach
ed, and on the 30th went to Smithfield and conse
crated a new church, and on the 1st of May or
dained Mr. Harvy Stanly a deacon, and adminis
tered the Lord's Supper, on both which occasions
Bishop Meade preached. The two last mentioned
deacons belong to the diocess of North Carolina,
and were ordained at the request of Bishop Ives,
who has sailed for Europe.
Richard Channino Moore..
The Right Rev. William Meade, D. D., assist
ant bishop of Virginia, delivered the following
address : —
To the Clergy and Laity of the Episcopal Church
of Virginia, assembled at Lynchburg, May 20c^,
1835.Dear brethren and friends, — Allow me to
add to the report of our much respected and be
loved father in Christ, an account of such acts as
I have been able to perform during the past year.
Most of you were present when, after the adjourn
ment of our last Convention in the town of Staun
ton, and at an early hour of the Sabbath, I admin
istered the rite of confirmation to forty persons,
and at a subsequent hour admitted to the order of

priesthood the Rev. W. G. Jackson, and to that
of deacon Messrs, Philip Slaughter and John F.
Clark. On the following morning I left Staunton
on my way to the west, and reached Lewisburg
on the third day. There I remained nearly three
days, preached four times, and confirmed three
persons. Our friends in this place are few.but
zealous, and appeared very anxious to have the
regular services of the church there. It would be
very desirable to have a missionary in that region
of country. On leaving Lewisburg I proceeded
to Kanawha, and reached Charlestown on Tuesday
morning. I remained here two days, and perform
ed service four times, confirmed one, baptized
seven, and administered the communion. On
Tuesday morning I left Charlestown for Coals-
mouth, about twelve miles distant, where we have
a smali church and congregation. There I preach
ed twice, confirmed one person, administered the
communion, and baptized seven children., The.
prospects of the church in Kanawha are brighten
ing, A zealous and acceptable minister is now
labouring there. A church will soon be erected
in Charlestown, and a larger one built at Coals-
mouth. It is hoped that ere long the services of
two , ministers may be required. On the evening
of the second day which 1 spent at Coalsmouth, I
descended the Kanawha in a steamboat, and as
cending the Ohio, reached Parkersburg on the 29th,
and spent three days in that place, preached five
times, baptized one child, confirmed four persons,
and administered the communion. We had no
place of public worship in Parkersburg, but 1 re
ceived assurances that this deficiency should not
long continue. The Rev. Mr. Wheat, of Marietta,
has charge of our little flock in this place, and of
ficiates every other Sabbath. I tarried one day
with him at Marietta, and preached once in that
place. On Monday night I proceeded to Wheel
ing, reached there the following day, and spent
the 4th and 5th days of June in religious services.
On the 6th I proceeded to Steubenville, in Ohio,
where I spent a day with the Rev. I. Morse, and
preached once for him. Mr. Morse has for many
years rendered very effectual services to two of
our congregations in Brooke county — the one at
Wellsburg and the other at St. John's. He ac
companied me to Wellsburg, where we spent the
Sabbath, and each of us preached. We spent
Monday and Tuesday at St. Johns, about seven
miles distant, where I preached twice, confirmed
seven, and administered the communion. On the
following day I preached again at Wellsburg, and
confirmed seven. I then returned, in company
with Mr. Morse, to Wheeling, where we spent
several days in frequent services. During my stay
at Wheeling I preached or lectured twelve times,
administered the communion, and confirmed thir
ty-six persons. I now turned my steps home
ward, and, passing through a part of Pennsylvania,
reached Uniontown on the 23d, and from thence
went to Morgantown, where I preached on the
evening of the 24th, and also the next morning.
On Thursday I reached Clarksburg, which is in
the heart of western Virginia. There I spent three
days, preached five times, baptized one adult and
twelve children, confirmed five persons, and ad
ministered the communion.
The people of Clarksburg and Morgantown ex
pressed a strong desire to have a minister sent to
them, and I was truly happy to be able to grat
ify their request in a manner well calculated to
promote the interests of religion and the church
in that region. The Rev. Mr. Ward, who was
ordained in Alexandria in July last, went to
Clarksburg in the fall, and has since been faith
fully and acceptably labouring in those two places.

318

CONVENTION OF 1835.

On Monday following, after the services at Clarks
burg, I preached a funeral sermon at Mrs. Wat
son's, about thirty miles from Clarksburg, in which
neighbourhood Mr. Ward has since established
regular services. On Tuesday night I reached
Uniontown, Pa., again, and preached in that place.
On Wednesday morning I set out in the stage, and
came to Alexandria by the way of Hagerstown,
Fredericktown, and Baltimore. In Alexandria,
with Bishop Moore, I attended the examination
of the students of our seminary for three succes
sive days, at the conclusion of which eleven young
men were ordained deacons. I then returned
home, and, after spending a few weeks there, set
out in a short visitation to Prince' William county.
I was much gratified in being able to set apart to
the exclusive worship of Almighty God a most
excellent building at Haymarket, which was origi
nally a courthouse, and had been, without altera
tion, used for many years for religious meetings.
It has been recently secured by the friends of the
church, and very neatly and comfortably fitted up
for public worship. In this place I was engaged,
together with the Rev. Mr. Adie, in the perform
ance of religious services during the 8th, 9th, and
10th. of August. Our meetings were long and in
teresting, and calculated to encourage our hopes
that good was done. The sacrament was admin
istered, and thirteen persons confirmed. In the
afternoon of the Sabbath, as on another occasion
at a private house, I preached to the coloured per
sons, who appeared attentive and thankful. On
the two following days we were engaged in simi
lar services at Brentsville, where four persons
were confirmed. These two places afford a fine
field of labour to a minister of the gospel ; the Rev.
Mr. Slaughter is now employed in it. On the 23d
of September I was called upon to perform epis
copal duty in the church at Berryville, where I
admitted four persons to the rite of confirmation ;
and on the 3d of October I was called on to per
form the same duty in Port Royal, where I con
firmed two persons. On the 23d of October I again
left home, in order to attend a general meeting of
the friends of the temperance reformation in Vir
ginia, to be held at Charlottesville on the 30th.
On the first evening I reached Fauquier court
house, and preached that night. On the following
evening I preached at Culpepper courthouse, and
proceeded the next day to Madison courthouse.
Here, in company with the Rev. Mr. Slaughter,
Mr. Lemon, and Mr. Jones, I spent two days, and
consecrated the new church at that place. On
Monday I proceeded to Orange courthouse, where
I consecrated a new, handsome, and most conve
nient church, and preached and administered the
communion. Thence I proceeded to Walker's
Church, where I preached on the 29th, and on the
next day reached Charlottesville in time to attend
the very large and respectable assemblage of dele
gates from all parts ofthe state, who came together
in order to consult how they might best promote
an object which I know to be dear to your hearts.
I was happy to meet with a goodly number of the
clergy and laity of all denominations on this inter
esting occasion, and also with gentlemen of emi
nence from distant parts of our land, who came to
encourage us to more zeal in this good cause. I
feel confident that our aeliberations and resolu
tions resulted in much good, and that the temper
ance reformation in Virginia received no slight
impulse from that convention. On the following
Sunday I preached at Charlottesville to a very full
assembly ; on the next day at Walker's Church,
where seven were confirmed. On Tuesday night
I preached again at Orange courthouse, and on
Thursday night at Warrenton. After this I re

mained at home in the discharge of parochial
duties until the middle of January, when, in obe
dience to what appeared to my mind a call from
Providence, I felt it to be my duty to accept the
invitation ofthe large and interesting congregation
of Christ Church, Norfolk, to become its pastor.
In so doing 1 distinctly stated to the same, that I
could not for a moment think of neglecting any
previous and higher obligation to the diocess, and
that time and trial .only could decide whether it
be practicable to perform my duties to the diocess
and to that congregation so as to satisfy the rea
sonable expectation of both. As to my prospects
of usefulness in this new charge, I must refer you
to my parochial report. As one evidence, how
ever, that I am not a little encouraged to believe
that the gracious smiles of our Emmanuel are
vouchsafed to the people of this charge, let me
mention that on Easter-Sunday twenty-four per
sons were added to the communion, and on the
second Monday in this month ten others were
confirmed, with a view to the communion when it
shall next be administered. Since I have been in
Norfolk I have preached three times in Ports
mouth, and also visited the churches in Princess
Anne, in each of which I preached once. I have
also visited Smithfield in company with Bishop
Moore and Mr, Wingfield, where I preached twice,
once at the consecration of the new church in that
place, and again at the ordination of Mr. Stanly,
from the diocess of North Carolina. In the month
of March I accompanied the Rev. Mt. Mann, the
agent of our Theological Seminary, and our breth
ren, the Rev. Messrs. Henshaw and Johns, from
Maryland to Petersburg and Richmond, chiefly
with the view of recommending the cause of our
beloved seminary to the churches in those places.
While in Petersburg I preached three times. On
the latter occasion, by particular request, I pre
sented to a respectable congregation in the Epis
copal Church, the very interesting subject of the
temperance reformation. While in Richmond I
preached three times, once in each ofthe churches,
and confirmed three persons in St. John's Church.
I also took a very humble part in the interesting
meetings which were .held in the Monumental
Church for the benefit of our seminary, and in the
celebration of the anniversary of the Virginia Bible
Society. I cannot omit here to express my grate
ful recollection of the very signal service rendered
to the cause of piety in general, and especially to
the Theological Seminary of our diocess and the
Bible Society of Virginia, by the zeal and ability
of the two brethren already mentioned, from the
diocess of Maryland. Their labours in Norfolk,
Petersburg, and Richmond, will long be remem
bered, and their beneficial effects, I trust, be per
manently felt. On my way to the Convention I
passed through Charles City, where I preached in
both of the churches, administering the Lord's
Supper each time, and baptizing one child. On
the last Sabbath I preached twice in Richmond.
I have only to add, that I have not been unmindful
of the requests made by the last Convention in
relation to the tracts for the benefit of servants,
and the discourse on the subject of temperance.
As tbe Rev. Mr. Lee was about to commence a
weekly religious paper in Richmond, I thought it
best to present the tracts to the public, in the first
place, through the medium of that paper, and af
terward to republish such as might be deemed
most suitable in another form. I have already
published a considerable number of pieces for this
purpose, and hope they have been used by the
subscribers to that paper in the manner recom
mended. But let me here remind my brethren of
the clergy and laity, that, with such a pressure of

CONVENTION OF 1835.

319

duty resting upon me, and such long absence from
the place of my residence, it is impossible that I
can execute so important a trust as this without
much assistance from them. It is a common
concern, and will, I hope, interest many hearts
and engage many hands. I have published, ac
cording to request, the sermon on temperance,
the one half of the edition for the benefit of the
Convention of the diocess, and the other half for
the use of others who have called for its publica
tion. In these and all other labours of love, it is most
gratifying to me to know that I have the hearty
co-operation of so many beloved brethren and es
teemed laymen of our church.
May the Master whom we serve accept and
bless our poor efforts, and make them instrumen
tal to his glory, is the prayer of your friend and
brother, W. Meade,
Assistant Bishop of Virginia.
The session was then suspended, for the pur
pose of attending divine service by the Rev. Mr,
Wilmer, and a sermon by the Rev. Mr. Bart-
lett, after which the session was resumed.
The parochial reports having been received
and read, were referred to the committee on pa
rochial reports.
A petition from certain members of Kanawha
parish, praying for a division of the same and the
organization of a new parish, to be called St.
Mark's parish, Kanawha, was received and re
ferred to a. committee consisting of the Rev.
Mr. Mann, Rev. Mr. Lemon, and Mr. Philip
Nelson. The committee to whom was referred the
above petition reported, that the prayer of the
petitioners is reasonable, and that they have
complied with the requisitions of the canon in
such cases made and provided. Whereupon,
Resolved, That the prayer of the petitioners
be granted. -
And then the Convention adjourned.
Friday, May 22, 1835.
The Convention met pursuant to adjourn
ment. The minutes of the preceding day were read
and approved.
The following members of the Convention,
not present before, appeared and took their
seats, viz. :—
The Rev. Adam Empie, D. D., rector of
Bruton parish, Williamsburg.
Doctor J. F. Montgomery, lay delegate from
Bruton parish, Williamsburg.
Thomas Smith, Esq., lay delegate from Christ
Church, Fairfax parish.
On motion of the Rev. Mr. Cobbs, the Con
vention went into the election of a standing
committee, and the Rev. Reuel Keith, D. D.,
Rev. Charles Mann, Rev. Charles H. Page, John
Gray, Hugh Nelson, and Thomas N. Burwell,
Esqrs., were duly elected.
On motion of the Rev. William G. Jackson,
Resolved, That in future the Convention will
discourage the informal method of electing a
standing committee pro tem.
The Rev. John P. M'Guire, from the board
of managers of the Theological School, made
the following report, which was accepted.

Report of the Board of Trustees of the Theological
School of Virginia.
In presenting their report to the Convention, the
trustees have again to begin with grateful ac
knowledgments to the God of all mercy, for the
kind providence and fostering care still so gra
ciously extended to the institution whose interests
have been committed to their trust. This is the
fourteenth anniversary on which it has been their
duty to report their proceedings, with the condi
tion and prospects of this invaluable institution ;
and from year to year, both justice and gratitude
have urged them to confess that our God is good,
and his mercy endureth for ever. Nothing but his
special favour could have brought your seminary
to its present condition of increasing prosperity
and usefulness. From the beginning it was a
work of faith, as well as a labour of love. With
out funds or other worldly resources bearing any
comparison to its wants, the commencement of its
career was indeed a day of small things, and we
may truly say it lived by faith. If its friends had
acted upon human principles, or been governed by
human probabilities, long since would the whole
scheme have been given up. But by God's grace
their faith failed not, and now, though there re
mains much to be done, yet it has certainly real
ized the fondest anticipations of its most devoted
advocates. Already has it been the means of im
parting the necessary theological education to
about eighty-seven young men, who have been
clothed with the ministerial office, and through
whose labours we have good reason to believe
that there will be gathered into the kingdom of
God many precious souls — souls more precious,
far more valuable, than the whole material uni
verse. On the seminary hill there is an establish
ment sufficient to accommodate two professors
and their families, with rooms for sixty students,
and a library. There is likewise an invested
fund amounting to upwards of twenty thousand
dollars ; and of subscriptions yet to be collected,
part in two and three years, and the balance in
four and five, from twelve to fourteen thousand
dollars. All which we desire to record to the glory
of God's grace.
Much as we had been before favoured, the pert;
od embraced by the present report has been not
less distinguished by the divine blessing. On the
Sunday after the last Convention, one of the stu
dents was ordained in Trinity Church, Staunton,
by the Right Reverend the Assistant Bishop. In
the month of July last, the public examination of
the students of the seminary took place. The
duties of that occasion commenced on Monday,
the 7th, and continued through three days, one
being allowed for the examination of each class,
and the whole terminating much to the satisfac
tion of the examiners. On Thursday, the 10th,
eleven of those examined having finished the ap
pointed course, were admitted to the order of dea
cons by the Right Rev. Bishop Moore, D. D., in
Christ Church, Alexandria. At a subsequent pe
riod three others were admitted to the ministry,
making, since the last report, fifteen ordinations.
A goodly proportion of these are now labouring in
this diocess, and the rest have either returned to
the diocesses from which they cairie, or settled in
such other places as the interests of religion and
the church seemed to require.
In the past year our funds have considerably
increased, and are now in a more prosperous con
dition than they have ever been. As greatly con
tributing to this important result, we must refer
to the very useful labours 'pf our general agent,
the Rev. Charles Mann, who has exerted himself
to raise a fund for the establishment of a new

320

CONVENTION OF 1835.

professorship, and also obtained the efficient aid
of other gentlemen friendly to the institution. To
these, one and all, but particularly the Rev.
Drs. Henshaw and Johns, of the diocess of Ma
ryland, this board presents its cordial thanks, be
lieving, at the same time, that it expresses the
feejings of the Convention. The amount of sub
scriptions obtained by the general agent, witb>the
aid just named, exceeds twelve thousand dollars,
and a part of it has been already collected. -.,, ¦*
Since the 'ast report the centre building nas
been erected, at a cost of about $5,000, and is of
great convenience and value. Besides giving a
finish to the whole edifice, wliich adds greatly to
its beauty, it furnishes a large dining-room, very
much needed, and twelve rooms for students.
During the present session thirty-two young
men have been connected with the seminary. Of
this number six have left it, three to be ordained,
and three at their own request Two of these last
will probably return again, and the third pursue
his studies in private. Of their conduct and prog
ress generally, the professors speak in the most
favourable terms. The usual course of study has
been attended to, and also the various plans for
spiritual improvement heretofore mentioned. It
is worthy of notice, that a Bible Society has been
formed in the institution, and a Chanty School
for the benefit of the neighbouring poor. And it
is worthy of special notice, as well as of gratitude
to God, that an admirable and growing missionary
spirit now exists among the young men. The
claims of a dying world seem to be in a measure
appreciated, and we trust that the great Head of
the church is breathing into their hearts some
thing of that love which brought him on his mis
sion of mercy to our ruined race. One has al
ready offered himself to the General Missionary
Society for foreign service, and others have deter
mined to follow his example at an early day.
Upon the whole, your Theological Seminary
presents an aspect well calculated to fill the heart
with joy for the present, and cheer it with bright
hopes for the future. Past experience with re
gard to it clearly teaches us what the church of
God has learned in every age ; that the work of
faith is never in vain in the Lord. At the same
time' it urges us to attempt much more. We do
not desire great things for ourselves, and shall not
attempt great things upon the principles of this
world. There is certainly ground for other simi
lar establishments to occupy a limit beyond which
ours may not extend. But equally certain is it
that we have not reached that point : nay, it is
still far out of sight, and a vast labour remains for
us to perform. We are not yet prepared to sup
port a third professor at all comfortably : indeed,
we could not support even two, without the pow
erful aid of that faithful friend, " The Society for
Educating Young' Men for the ministry of the
Protestant Episcopal Church." Our library is yet
very imperfect : we require more buildings, and
many other things are needed to meet all our
wants. Other institutions, founded for thesame
all-important and blessed purposes with our own,
have been richly endowed at one single effort of
some noble, generous, and Christian spirit ; hun
dreds of thousands of dollars have from time to
time been given to them ; buildings, finished and
furnished complete, have been provided for their
use ; very frequently some individual, largely pos
sessed of this world's goods, remembers them in
the final disposition of his property ; so invest
ing for their benefit a large amount; that through
them it may for many generations be a blessing
to man ; and not, as too many do; leaving thou
sands to be spent by the hand of folly and vice, a

curse to those who spend them, and a blighting
mildew to whole families and neighbourhoods.'
And shall we, strongly pressedby many wants as
we still are, be charge^ with extravagant; de- -
mands, if we say there are yet many thousands
needed for this school of the prophets? It can
not be : we are not disposed to reflect so deeply
upon the sound sense and charity- of the Christian
community, as to think this possible.: With great
confidence, therefore, we again appeal to our tried
friends, and all who love the Lord! Jesus Christin
sincerity, for their continued prayers in ourbehalf,
and such pecuniary aid as, by God's blessing, they
may be enabled to afford. We do not fear for the
future, having so largely experienced the favour
of our covenant God, and verily believing that
whatever the church is bound to do she is able to
do. But each of her members should recollect
that in her responsibilities and duties he is neces
sarily concerned, and must discharge his own in
dividual obligations, or answer for it in the" great
and dreadful day." Let those, then, who have
much, give accordingly ; and those who have lit
tle, remember the poor widow's two mites, and
follow her example. In all let there be a willing
mind, and the day may soon arrive when their
overflowing liberality must be arrested, as" that of
the Jews was : " The people bring much more than
enough for the service of the work which the
Lord commanded." Do not permit the success
of the past year to make upon any the impression
that the work is finished, and their aid no longer
required. "•' A few more vigorous exertions, and the
work will be finished. May our God hasten this
blessed consummation.
All which is respectfully submitted by the trus
tees. The house proceeded to the order of the day,
which was the consideration of the proposed
amendments to the constitution and canons of
the church.
On motion of the Rev. Mr. Mann, the follow
ing amendment to the first article of the con
stitution, which was proposed and adopted at the
last Convention, and laid over for the ratifica
tion or rejection of this Convention, was taken
up, viz. : the addition to the end of the article of
the following words : " And in the event of the
existence of an epidemic disease, or any other
good cause rendering it necessary or expedient
to alter the place fixed on for any meeting of
the Convention, the bishop may change the
place or the time, or both, at his discretion."
On motion of the Rev. Mr. Dresser, Resolv
ed, That the further consideration of this article
be postponed until after the consideration of the
remaining articles of the amended constitution.
A recess of the Convention thenOccurredj to
attend divine service by the Rev. Mr. Bartlett,
and a sermon by the Rev. Adam Empie, D D.
After service, on motion of the Rev. Dr.
Keith, the following additional rule of order was
adopted. " All questions of order shall be de
cided in the first instance by the chair without
debate ; an appeal, however, may be made from
his decision to the Convention, by any member
ofthe same."
The Convention then resumed the considera
tion of the amendments to the constitution and
canons. On motion of the Rev. Mr. Mann, the second
article of the Constitution, as reported by the

CONVENTION OF 1835.-

321

dpamittee to whom the subject of the revision
of the constitution- ai}d canons had been refer-
red by a previous Convention, was amended by
•striking out the words, " or if there be .no ves
try, by at least tvyelve persons who may with
propriety be considered as members of the;Prot-
estant Episcopal Church duly, notified : .and the
election shall be certified by at least five mem
bers of this church."
On motion of the Rev. William F. Lee, the
same article was farther amended, by adding
after the-words " ex-officio," — " no person un
der* ecclesiastical censure or process shall he en
titled to a seat in the Convention."
It was moved by fhe Hon. Hugh Nelson, that
the second, article of the constitution terrninate
with the word " ministers," in the "third line
from Ihe end of the same, -which was decided in
the negative.
It was then moved by the same, and second
ed by the Rev. Dr. Empie, to strike put the
last proviso' of <the second article of the" consti
tution — in. these words, " provided also, that in
every case, the delegate' or delegates shall be
communicants in the church."
Mr. Thomas Smith proposed to amend( the
amendment by inserting the word !' practicable"
be'fore the. word " case" in the last line but one.
But, before these* propositions were acted
upon, theConvention adjourned until 4 o'clock
P. M. - Friday Afternoon.
The consideration of the amendment prppose'd
by Mr. Smith te the second article of the revi
sed constitution was resumed, and continued.
The question being taken-en concurring in
said amendment, it was decided in the negative.
On mbtion of the Rev. Mr. Grammer, the
further consideration of the other amendment
was postponed until to-morrow morning, at. 9
o'clock ; to which hour the Convention, on mo
tion, then adjourned. Saturday, May 23, 1835.
The Convention met pursuant 'to adjourn
ment, and was opened with prayer; by the Rt.
Rev. Bishop Meade.
The minutes of the preceding day were read
and approved.
The Convention resumed the consideration
of the amendment to the' second article of the
revised constitution, which' proposed to strike
out the last proviso in the same.
On motion of the Rev. John- Grammer, Re
solved, That the question be taken by orders,
and that the aYes and noes be recorded.
The Rev. William G. H. Jones moved a call
of the house, which was ordered.
Col. Samuel H. Lewis and Mr. Daniel Gar
land were excused from voting on this -ques
tion ; and Dr. J. F. Montgomery explained
the vote which he should give as in accordance
with the views of the parish which heTepresent-
ed, but not with his own.
The question was then taken upon the prop-'
osition to strike out as above, and decided in
the negative by the following vote : — -
Ayes — Rev. Hobart M. Bartlett, Adam Empie,

D. D., -Thomas Jackson, William G. Jackson,*'
William H. Mitchell, Alexander,Norris, George
W. 'Nelson, .Charles H. Page, F. G. Smith, J.
P. B, Wilmer, and John H. Wingfield— 11.
Noes— Rt. Rev. William Meade, D. D., Rev.
Ephraim Adams, George Adie, P. F. Berkeley,
William V. Bowers, Nicholas H. Cobbs, Charles
B. Dana, Charles Dresser, William Friend, John
Grammer, William G. H. Jones-, Reuel Keith,
D. D., Archibald H Lamon, William F. Lee,
George Lemon, .Charles,, . Mann, Edward C.
M'Guire, John P. M'Guire, William Steele,
Philip Slaughter, Charles C. Taliaferro, Will
iam N. Ward, D. M. Wharton, George Wood-
bridge, and John W. Woodville — 25.
Ayes — Messrs. Walter Coles, Edmund Fon
taine, John Gray, J. F. Montgomery, Hugh
Nelson, B. H. Randolph, andThomas Smith — 7.
Noes. — Messrs. Thomas Atkinson, Hilary Ba
ker, Upton Beall, James M. Bell, jun., Thomas
T. Bouldin, Alexander Brown, Thomas N. Bur
well, Junius A. Clay, Tjiomas G. Coleman,
Charles R. Gibbs, Thurmer Hoggard, Abram B.
Hooe, Thomas L. Latane, Philip Nelson, John
Nelson, Nelson Sale, Henry B. Streshly, Rich
ard Walke, David- M. Walke, William M. Wal
ler, and Seth Ward— 21.
The second article, as amended, was then
adopted. . \
The third article was, on motiori of the.Rey.
Mr. Grammer, amended, by changing the word
"six" into the word " twelve" in botn'instances
in which'it occurs, and then adopted.
The fourth and fifth . articles were adopted
without amendment. .
On motion of the Rev. Mr.' Lee, the sixth
article was amended by inserting after the word
"necessary," in the- fifth line, f' or when requi
red by the standing committee."- The same
article was, on motion of the Rev. Dr. Empie,
further amended, by striking out the words;, "-as
often as he-may think expedient," and inserting
in lieu of them the word " annually."
And, on motion of the Rev. Mr- Dresser, the
same article was further amended; by striking
out the last sentence, as follows : "Whenever it
shall be necessary, for the bishop to 'visit any
part of this diocess, he shall be authorized to
call a clergyman from any part of the diocess to
supply his place in the duties of his parochial
charge, for not more than two Sundays," and,
as thus amended, was adopted.
The seventh article was, on motion of the
Rev, Mr. Lee, amended,' by inserting after the
word " next," in the fourth line, the words, " an
nual Convention or until the-next," so as to read,
" who shall continue in office until the next an
nual Convention, or until the next election of a
president," and, as thus amended, was adopted.
The eighth and ninth articles were adopted
without amendment.
On motion of the Rev. Mr. Lee, the tenth:
article was amended by inserting in the third
line the words, " who shall be communicants
of the church in the diocess," after the words
•'lay order," and, as thus amended, w<| adopted.
The eleventh article Was adopted" without
amendment.

322

CONVENTION OF 1835.

¦The twelfth article reported by the commit
tee in the following' words — " This constitution
shall be unalterable, except in the following
manner: a proposition for any change shall be
introduced in Writing, and considered in Con
vention, and, if approved of by a majority of two
thirds of the next ensuing Convention, the
change shall then take place ; and the consti
tution, so altered, shall be valid and obligatory"
— was amended", by > substituting in lieu of the
same the thirteenth article of the present con
stitution. The first article, as approved of by the last
Convention, yvEas adopted."
On motion, it was Resolved, That the consti-
tuliop, as above amended, be transmitted to the
several vestries for their action thereon.
On motion of the Rev. Mr. Mann, the con
sideration of the revised canons was postponed
until" the riext Convention.
The Rev. Mr. Page, from the committee on
the episcopal fund, made the following report : —
The chairman of the committee upon the state
of the episcopal fund reports, from the only doc
ument to which they have had access, that since
the last report there have been added to the bank-
— stock in the Farmers' Bank two shares pf that
bank, and one share of the Bank of Potomac.
The number of shares held in the Farmers' Bank
is ninety. He also further reports, that the trus
tees have to their credit in the Farmers' Bank
one hundred and fourteen dollars, which they ex
pect to invest in the stock of this bank.
Charles H. Page.
On motion of the Rev. Mr. Cobbs, the fol
lowing prearnble and resolutions were adopt-
Whereas this Convention have heard with
great pleasure of the exertions now making by
the Virginia Bible Society to rouse the whole
Christian world to an effort (in dependance on
Divine assistance) to place the Bible in eveiy
accessible reading family on earth within a
definite period ; and have witnessed with equal
satisfaction the general acceptance with which
this enterprise has been received, and the cor
diality with which it has been thus far sustain
ed by the churches under their care :
Resolved, That they do most heartily renew
the recommendation given by them in 1833, of
the objects of the society, to all the churches
under their care; recommending to them to
sustain those objects by the prayer of faith, by
generous contribution, and by every proper ex
ertion of their influence.
Resolved, That they recommend the Rev.
Wm. M. Atkinson, the general agent of the
society, to the support of the churches of this
diocess, in the execution of the important duties
with which he is charged.
Resolved, That this Convention do most cor
dially recommend the objects of the Virginia
Bible Society, referred to in the preamble, to
the support of all Protestant Episcopalians in
the United States, and throughout the world.
The Rev. Mr. Mann, from the committee on
the accounts of the treasurer of the society for
the relief of widows and orphans of clergymen

in the Protestant Episcopal Church, made the
following report, which was accepted.^
The committee on the accounts of the treas
urer of the society for the relief of the widows-and
orphans of clergymen in the Protestant Episco
pal Church, beg leave to report, that they have
examined (he same, and find it in all respects
correct, and renew the thanks wliich have here
tofore been given to the amiable and benevolent
gentleman who has so long gratuitously fulfilled
the office of treasurer and secretary. By his re
port it appears, that $1,100 of the capital of the
society has been lost by the failure of the Bank of
Alexandria ; and that there remains the very im
portant sum of $8,104 96, yielding an annual in
come of about $400. There are but two annui
tants, whose claims together do not amount to
more than $48 per annum, leaving a balance in
favour of the society's annual income of upwards
of $350. Could the annual contributions of even
a majority of the clergy be received, in addition
to this surplus increase, there would soon be ac
cumulated a fund amply sufficient to secure the
ends of this benevolent association, and to assist
materially in the support of the indigent families
of deceased ministers. But, in the present state
of the society, few of the clergy can be induced
to connect themselves with it, from a conviction
that no funds can be sufficiently secure which
are left in the hands of an individual, however
trustworthy, who is responsible to no body capa
ble in law of enforcing" a claim against him. The
fact of this unwillingness led the chairman of this
committee, at the last meeting ofthe Convention,
to recommend a correspondence with the society
incorporated in Maryland for similar objects, with
a view of ascertaining whether, through their
agency, greater security could be given to the
funds, and greater confidence in their permanen
cy. This correspondence has been entered into,
and there is reason to. believe all the object it had
in view may be secured. The committee would,
however, recommend an application to the legisla
ture of Virginia for an act of incorporation, and, in
the event of its failure, then an application to the
society in Maryland. The views of the commit
tee are expressed in tbe following resolution.
Charles Mann, Chairman.
Resolved, That the standing committee of
this diocess be requested to inquire into the ex
pediency of obtaining an act of incorporation
from the legislature of Virginia, and, in the
event of failing in that object, of connecting the
society of this diocess for the relief of widows
and orphans of deceased clergymen of the Prot
estant Episcopal ChuTch, with the society, in
corporated for the same purpose, in the diocess
of Maryland. , And if the terms offered by that
society be such as said committee approve, that
they be authorized to transfer the funds of this
society to the treasurer of that institution, to
be held in trust for the purposes set forth in the
constitution of the society of this diocess for the
relief of widows and orphans of deceased clergy
men of the Protestant Episcopal Church.
The funds are as follows : —
113 shares of Farmers' Bank, Alex
andria, stock, at par, - $5,650 00
5 shares of Alexandria Bank stock,

Carried forward,

$5,650 00

CONVENTION OF 1835.

323

Brought forward, $5,650 00
1 share Bank of Virginia stock, at
par, - - 100 00
Note and bond, bearing interest of 6
percent., - - 2,200 00
Cash on hand, - - - 154 96
, $8,104 96
* -
The Rev. Edward C. M'Guire, from the com-
jnittee on the state of the church, made the fol
lowing report: —
The committee on the state of the church beg
leave to (present the following report : —
Having availed themselves of all the sources of
information within their reach, the committee
feeljthemselves authorized in congratulating their
brethren on "the favourable aspect presented by
the church in this diocess. The zealous devo
tion to their duties evinced by the clergy, and
hearty co-operation of the laity in every good work,
furnish pleasing topics of grateful contemplation,
and the sure pledges of increasing strength and
abounding prosperity to our Zion. The religion
of the Saviour is one of means; and in their
faithful employment the most excellent results
may. be expected as the heaven-ordained fruit.
As he who sows his fields may fairly calculate
that his labour will not be in vain, so the efforts
expended on the vineyard of the Lord will surely
be crowned in the end with the richest success.
In this allusion to encouraging appearances in
the state of. the diocess, the progress of the in
visible church is not specially contemplated, for,
we must say, there is not before- us the evidence
of any very sigiial increase in this respect. We
refer more particularly to the general growth of
the church — the extension of her borders — the
erection of church* edifices — the appearances of
energy among her members — all indicating a
healthy action throughout the whole system. In
these things we see the ordained means of pre
serving the faith in its purity, and of securing to
the church that divinely-promised blessing which
shall keep alive. upon her altars the vestal fires of
true religion, and perpetuate her, as its consecra
ted nursery, to the remotest periods of time.
The general attention which is given to the
religious tuition of youth by Sunday Schools
and Bible classes, connecting information on the
distinctive principles of the church with the
higher illuminations of scriptural knowledge, sup
plies a. ground of pleasing reflection in anticipation
of those substantial fruits which have, in every
age of the church, attended well directed and
sustained catechetical instruction.
There is much to gratify the Christian bosom
in the increased regard which has been recently
extended by the church to the spiritual necessities
of our coloured population. Of late years, they
have shared more largely the pastoral attentions
of the clergy than at any former period. In more
frequent ministerial labours among them, the best
influences have been exerted ih their behalf-
such as have already been marked by decidedly
salutary results. It is hoped that ministers and
masters will foster a growing sense of their re
sponsibilities on this point, and duly consider the
words of Christ, in all their comprehensiveness
and divine authority, when he said, " Feed my
sheep." Your committee concur iri the recommendation
emanating from the venerable senior bishop, re
specting the system, of " weekly offerings" in aid
of a fund for the -relief of our infant and weaker
X2

parishes. Regarding this measure as one of tried
excellence, we commend it as evidently calcula
ted to produce important practical results to the
church, without proving a sensible inconvenience
to her friends. A small weekly sum given by
many individuals, will in the aggregate form an
imposing revenue, not felt by the contributors,
while immense, good is effected by its ultimate
judicious appropriation.
The Convention recollect the recommendation
of the Virginia Prayer-Book and Tract Society,
by the same respected authority. Your commit
tee would add their efforts to bring this matter
distinctly before the church. The importance of
circulating the prayer-book and suitable reli
gious tracts through the diocess is well under
stood, and we know of no plan better calculated
to effect this desirable end than the one just re
ferred to. This society invites the formation of
auxiliaries, and offers important advantages to
them. A resolution of the society proposing to
furnish the prayer-book at half price to all those
congregations in which collections" might be
taken up in aid of its funds, is imbodied in the
bishop's, address, arid certainly presents 'induce
ments which are entitled to the consideration pf
the church.
The ccmmittee have concurred in recommend
ing a measure to the Convention,- whose adoption
they deem of considerable importance. The refer
ence is to a principle regulating the annual Con
ventions, in regard to, the place of meeting. Much
inconvenience has been experienced under pres
ent circumstances in unnecessary consumption
of time, by protracted and sometimes unedifying
debate, growing out of various and conflicting
views and wishes on this point. By fixing per
manently the places of meeting, with a due regard
to the reasonable claims of all sections of the dio,-
cess, and to a proper alternation between the up
per and lower districts of the state, it is believed
that much would be done towards satisfying the
minds of individuals, and removing temptations to
undue anxiety and unseemly exertions in diverting
the Convention from its proper routine of impar
tial annual migration. In conformity with these
views, the following towns are named as suitable
places for the future meetings of the Convention-,
and in the order of their enumeration, viz. : —
Fredericksburg, Petersburg, Winchester, Rich-j
mond, Charlottesville, Alexandria, Staunton, Nor
folk, and Lynchburg.
All which'is respectfully submitted.
Edward C. M'Guire, Chairman.
On motion of the Rev. Mr. Dresser, the.
names of Richmond and Norfolk, in the last
paragraph; were transposed, and the report was
accepted. The Rev. Mr. Wingfield, from the committee
on parochial reports, made the following report,
which was accepted : — '
The committee to whom were referred the
parochial reports, having discharged the duty as
signed them, herewith return the same, to be en
tered on the journal. They have also prepared
an abstract, showing at one view the state of trie
church in those parishes from which reports have
been received. It is, however, very imperfect, in
consequence of the neglect of clergymen to draw •
up their reports according to the prescribed form.
In compliance with a resolution of thejast Con
vention, they herewith furnish a list of those
clergymen, having care of souls, from whom "Tio
reports have been received, viz. :— Rev. C. W.
Andrews, William Armstrong, Ebenezer Boyden,

324

CONVENTION OF 1835.

Mark L. Chevers, Josias Clapham, John Cole,
William M. Jackson, A. Jones, and Jacob Keel
ing. Signed by order of the committee.
J. H. Wingfield, Chairman.
Monumental Church, Richmond. R. C. Moore,
rector — communicants one hundred and eighty —
baptisms, three adults, forty-four children, total
forty-seven. Sunday School is in a very promis
ing condition, and every pew on the ground floor
is rented.
Ata general meeting in the Monumental Church,
upwards of $4,000 were subscribed, chiefly by that
congregation, for the Theological Seminary. Two
scholarships have been formed by sundry individ
uals for educating young men for the holy minis
try ; and $100 contributed by the auxiliary society
for the same.
A collection has been taken up to aid the funds
of the Prayer-Book and Tract Society ; and an
other in favour of the Virginia Bible Society.
Collections also have been made to promote the
interests ofthe Sunday School, and the Saturday
Sewing School, the last of which has recently
been established for the benefit of poor children.
There has been this year ah increase in the con
tribution to the Missionary Society. Three classes
have been formed for Biblical instruction, which
together number about one hundred.
Christ Church, Norfolk, Elizabeth River parish.
The rector entered upon his charge the middle of
January last, and was soon encouraged to hope
that an unusual seriousness was taking possession
of the minds of a considerable number of his hear
ers. This was greatly increased, and in many in
stances brought to a happy conclusion, by some
deeply-interesting services, which were performed
during five or six successive days in the latter
part of March. At that time the Rev. Mr. Mann,
accompanied by two esteemed brethren from
Baltimore, the Rev. Messrs. Henshaw and Johns,
paid a visit to Norfolk, with the view of making
collections for our Theological Seminary at Alex
andria. The rector availed himself of this oppor
tunity to have frequent religious services, with a
view to the spiritual interests of his congregation.
In this he was cordially supported by the Rev. Mr.
Boyden, minister of St. Paul's Church, and the
Rev. Mr. Wingfield, of Portsmouth, whose congre
gations shared in the services.
Bishop Moore also came down from Richmond,
and lent us much affectionate aid. Our services
were continued for six successive days, and divi
ded between the three congregations. At an early
hour ofthe morning a goodly number met togeth
er with the ministers in one of the churches, and,
by suitable exercises, were prepared for tbe large
assemblies at the hour of eleven, and at night. At
these meetings, besides the prayers and hymns,
several short addresses were delivered, well cal
culated to make them interesting and profitable.
The sermons, also, in the after part of the day,
were usually followed by short and touching ex
hortations. An interest proportioned to the zeal
and sound judgment which were put forth on the
occasion was soon awakened, and continued to
increase to the conclusion of the services. All
who were present at those exercises expressed
themselves well pleased, and hoped for the fre
quent return of them. The fruits thereof have
been such as to gratify the hearts of all the friends
of the church. Concerning thirty persons, who
have since made a public profession of religion.
the minister, after much intercourse with tnost of
them, entertains the pleasing hope that they have
passed from death unto life. They appear deter
mined to answer the description of God's people,
that is, to ba a peculiar people, zealous of good

works. ^The most happy effect seems also to have
been produced upon the old professors of religion.
They have been stirred up to more zeal, and been
made to remember the time of their first love, and
to do their first works.
One evidence of an awakened interest in behalf
of the kingdom of Christ was furnished before the
close of our services, in the liberal subscriptions
of four thousand dollars to our seminary.
The rector has seen otner evidences, in the
readiness manifested by the congregation to en
gage in every good work recommended by him.
The Sunday School has increased considerably,
numbering thirty teachers, and one hundred and
eighty scholars. The instructions in the cate
chism, delivered every Saturday afternoon in Lent,
were well attended by parents and children.
The little children have formed themselves into
a Missionary Society on the plan of weekly offer
ings, of one, two, or three cents each — and in a
short time have raised nearly twenty-five dollars.
Shortly before the rector left Norfolk for the
Convention, he presented the wants of the Mis
sionary Society to the congregation, and express
ed a hope that the adults would adopt the plan al
ready so happily pursued by the young catechu
mens. Between forty and fifty names were im
mediately sent in, and an assurance given that a
regular Missionary Society would be formed
among the gentlemen, and the good work prose
cuted during bis absence. He is happy, also, to
state to the Convention, that the cause of the Tem
perance Society finds increasing favour among the
members of our church in Norfolk. During the
association above mentioned, a meeting was ap
pointed in Christ Church for addresses on this sub
ject ; but in consequence of rain, which prevented
a full assembly, it was postponed. Subsequent
meetings have been held in the town since that
time, at which he was gratified to see a consider
able number of those belonging to our commu
nion to enrol their names.
Upon the whole, the rector, in considering the
state of the congregation, has reason to thank God
and take courage. According to the requisition
of the canon he states, that on tbe list furnished
by his predecessor there were two hundred and
sixteen communicants when he took charge of
the congregation — to these twenty-four have been
added, and six are ready to unite on the first op
portunity. There have been nineteen baptisms,
one of which was an adult. Thirty have been .
confirmed. There have been seven funerals and
five marriages.
All which is respectfully submitted by the rector,
William Meade,
Assistant Bishop of Virginia.
Christ Church, Lancaster county. Ephraim Ad
ams, rector. Communicants, added eleven (two
of whom are from another parish), removed three,
excommunicated two (one of whom is a coloured
person), present number forty — baptisms, adults
two, infants thirty-five, viz , white seventeen, col
oured eighteen, total thirty-seven — confirmed
eight — one marriage — funerals eleven, viz., white
six, coloured five. The amount of money collect
ed for the different institutions connected with the
church is $443 25.
Two societies were formed in the course of the
last year, which have contributed much towards
strengthening the bonds of union among the mem
bers of the church, and, we trust, towards the ad
vancement of the cause of religion generally — a
" Protestant Episcopal Female Society for the
spread of the gospel," and a " Protestant Episco
pal Prayer-Book and Tract Society," formed by
the gentlemen of the parish.

CONVENTION OF 1835.

325

The Bible class is in the same state of prosper
ity as at the period of the last Convention. 'I'he
cause of temperance is prosperous— many mem
bers have been added to the society during the
last year.
Shelburn parish, Leesburg, Loudoun county,
George Adie, rector. Communicants, added five,
removed four, died two, whole number seventy.
The circumstances of the congregation nearly as
last reported. Baptisms twenty-two — marriages
ten — funerals seven.
Upperville. No material change since the last
report. The completion of the church lias been
delayed, in consequence of the unfaithfulness of
some of the contractors ; but we hope measures
will be adopted by the friends of our Zion in that
neighbourhood to secure its speedy completion.
Middleburg and Aldie. Nearly as last reported.
The rector continues to preach frequently to a
large and attentive coloured congregation in Lees
burg, and hopes, from the increased attention and
good order uniformly observed, that his labours in
that department have not been altogether in vain.
Raleigh and Dale parishes, Amelia and Ches
terfield counties. P. F. Berkeley, rector. Com
municants, removed twb, died one, present number
twenty-seven — baptisms, infants three — marriages
four — funerals, white one, coloured five, total six
— families twenty-six, adults seventy-seven, chil
dren forty-six. Collected for the different institu
tions connected with the church, $233 25.
The rector took charge of these parishes the
first of February. To them his whole time is
given, with the exception of one Sunday in the
month, on which he preaches at Genito, in Pow
hatan. In two of these counties the services of
the afternoon of Sunday are in behalf of the ser
vants. The Education and Missionary Societies
are in active operation. There is also a voluntary
association of eight or ten little girls, members
of a private school, in behalf of the support of their
minister ; to whose comfort, as well as gratifica
tion, the results have added much. Considerable
interest is manifested by a few in the exercises of
a Bible class, and of a monthly prayer-meeting for
missions. St. Martin's parish, Hanover and Louisa coun
ties. William V. Bowers, Rector. Communi
cants, added eight, removed four, died three, total
fifty-seven — baptisms, adults two, infants eight,
total ten — marriages two — funerals twelve — num
ber of families forty. Amount collected for benev
olent purposes upwards of $250.
The present rector has had charge of this par
ish little more than nine months, since 1st of last
August. How far the truth, through his instru
mentality, has been felt upon the hearts of his
hearers, he is unable to say, but he sincerely hopes
that in some degree it has been with sanctifyingand
saving power. There ate two Sunday Schools,
one of which has been formed this spring. No.
1 contains ten teachers and fifty ,two scholars;
No. 2 fifteen teachers and forty scholars ; attend
ance in both about ninety pupils. Meetings have
been held on Sunday afternoons for the coloured
population : from fifty to one hundred have attend
ed in good weather. There are several benevolent
societies, and the missionary concert of prayer is
¦held every month.
St. John's Church, Henrico parish. Robert B.
' Croes, officiating minister. Communicants, added
fourteen, removed six, present -number thirty-
seven — baptisms, two of adults, and sixteen of
children, total eighteen — fourteen marriages, and
twenty-eight burials. Fifteen persons have been
confirmed. The Sunday School at the present time cannot

be considered as flourishing. There are twelve
teachers, nine of whom are generally diligent and
punctual. The number of scholars registered is
about one hundred and ten. A brick building has
been erected in the churchyard, which is used
both for the Sunday School and a week-day
school; dimensions, 37 feet by 25 ; cost, $750. in
the spring of 1833 more than $900 were raised by
the members ofthe female association of this par
ish, by means of a fair. Of this sum $800 will be
appropriated towards the erection of a tower, and
$100 towards,the purchase of a bell. $64 have
been contributed by the pew-holders of the church
for the General Episcopal Sunday School Union.
As to " spiritual things," the officiating minister
has thus far met with very little to encourage his
heart. Hanover, May 15, 1835. Owing to the situation
of my health, and the destitute condition of many
congregations around me which have been long
soliciting my services, I determined, shortly after
the last Convention, to resign my charge of St.
Martin's parish, which I had held for. ten years,
and to devote my time, as far as I should be able,
to their service. Having procured during the last
summer tbe services of the Rev. Mr. Bowers to
supply my place, I have since been endeavouring
to supply the wants of the destitute in some of the
surrounding counties, But, owing to the extreme
severity of the winter, and other causes not under
my control, I have as yet been able to accomplish
nothing worth reporting, but to discover an ex
tensive field of labour, and the earnest solicitude
of many to have the regular services of our church.
John Cooke.
Christ Church, Alexandria, Fairfax parish.
Charles B. Dana, rector. Communicants, added
eight, died one, total one hundred- and twenty, of
whom twelve are coloured — baptisms, children,
white eighteen, coloured four, total twenty-two —
confirmations three — marriages three — funerals
thirteen— number of families seventy. Amount
contributed for different institutions connected
with the church about $270. With this church
are connected a very flourishing Sunday School,
which is furnished with a library of nearly five
hundred volumes ; two Bible classes, and several
benevolent societies.
The rector took the charge of this church the
first of July, 1834 ; and, although nothing of very
special interest has marked its religious character
since that time, still there have some things oc
curred which call for gratitude on the part of the
minister, and for the prayers of those whose
hearts are interested in the advancement of the
Redeemer's cause. The congregation has been
gradually increasing;, lectures during the week
have generally been well attended, and the appa
rent interest with which divine truth has been
heard, inspires the hope that the gospel is not
preached in vain.
Mount Laurel Church, Antrim parish, Halifax
county. John T. Clark, minister. Communi
cants, added one, total eleven— baptisms, adult
one, children three — families attached to the
church nine — a small Sunday School is kept up,
chiefly by the zeal , and diligence of one female.
During a greater part of the year, a second ser
vice has been held in the chureh for the benefitof _
the coloured population, and a third service at
private houses in the neighbourhood. A few
friends of the church have procured a deserted
meeting-house, at a place called Rock Spring,
which they are repairing for an Episcopal church.
St. John's Church, Moore parish, Campbell
county. This church has been without any regu
lar services since the departure from this diocess

326

CONVENTION OF 1835.

of the Rev. Mr. Osgood. The congregation,
which had become entirely dispersed, has not yet
been all collected again. It is, however, increas
ing, and there is promise of some additions to the
communion. Communicants, known, seven — one
funeral — catechumens fourteen.
St. Mark's Church, Antrim parish, Halifax
county. Charles Dresser, minister. Communi
cants, added three, died one, removed one, total
thirty-three— baptisms, adult one, children five,
total six — marriages seven — funerals six, two of
coloured persons. Connected with this congre
gation are a small Sunday School and Bible class.
Measures have been taken for the erection of a
church in the village of Meadsville, about nine
miles from the courthouse. The Education and
Missionary Societies in* this parish having been
found less efficient than was desirable, the plan
of " weekly offerings" to these charities has been
adopted, and the result promises to be a much
larger income than formerly.
St. Andrew's Church, Camden parish, Pittsyl
vania. Communicants, added two, total thirteen
— baptisms, adult one, children four, total five —
marriages four — funerals four. At the courthouse
in this county, where I have preached several
times during the spring, a favourable disposition
has been manifested towards the church. Could
they have more preaching, much good would no
doubt result.
St. Margaret's and Grace Churches, Caroline
county. William Friend, rector. Communicants
fifty — baptisms, two white, six coloured, total
eight — one marriage — funerals, two white, eight
coloured, total ten.
The rector has but little of interest to report
respecting the churches under his care. The
congregations are usually large and attentive, and
there is exhibited much apparent interest in the
concerns of religion.
The Temperance Society has received several
accessions during the past year ; but there is
reason to fear that this cause, so conducive to the
interests of religion and the welfare of society, is
rapidly declining among us.
St. Andrew's parish, Brunswick county, and
Bath parish, Dinwiddie county. John Grammer,
rector. Communicants, added three, removed
two, died one, total three, present number forty-
nine — baptisms, white adults three, infants nine,
coloured infants six, total eighteen — marriages,
white five, coloured one, total six — funerals,
white twelve, coloured eight, total twenty — the
number of families is about twenty. Of the indi
viduals who could be properly reported as belong
ing to the congregations, the number cannot be
ascertained. The collections for different institu
tions connected with the church have amounted
to $328 89.
The Sunday School at Bath parish still con
tinues its operations ; and although the number of
scholars is and always has been small, and the
school sustained almost entirely by the efforts of
one family, yet the moral and spiritual benefit
that has evidently resulted from it furnishes a
strong motive to increased zeal and diligence.
The condition of these parishes is much the,
same that it was at the time of the last report ;
presenting but little to encourage, but much to be
deplored. Hungar's Church, Hungar's parish, Northamp
ton county. S. S. Gunter, rector. Communi
cants, added six, removed one, died one, total
thirty-three — baptisms thirty-five— confirmations
six— marriages twenty-four — funerals twenty-five.
Within the fast year, that part of the rector's time
formerly given to the new church, Eastville, has

been transferred to the Union Chapel, where
there are large and attentive congregations.
Trinity Church and Trinity Chapel, , Augusta
parish. William G. Jackson, rector. Communi
cants, added sixteen, removed three, died one,
total eighty-two — funerals four — marriages, white
seven, coloured three, total ten — baptisms, white
children twenty-seven, coloured three, white
adults two, total thirty-two. Families about sixty-
five. There are three Bible classes under the care of
the rector. The Sunday School is well sustain
ed. It numbers about eighty-five scholars, who
are instructed by thirteen teachers.
It may be well to state, that one of my most
valued and beloved parishioners expects to em
bark for Greece early in the ensuing fall. While
the parish will deeply feel the loss which it will
sustain in the removal of Miss Baldwin, yet it
cannot but rejoice in being privileged to add so
important a re-enforcement to that missionary sta
tion. A scholarship has been established in the Theo
logical Seminary of Virginia, and the first pay
ment ($75) made, and $185 contributed to the
funds ofthe same institution.
The Bible, the Temperance, and other Socie
ties, have not been forgotten in our prayers and
alms, and a fund is now raising, by monthly con
tributions, for Domestic and Foreign Missions.
A plan has been matured for a weekly collec
tion of the charities of the church.
Norborne parish, Berkeley county. W. P. C.
Johnson, rector. Communicants, removed six,
present number one hundred and fifteen — bap
tisms, infants, nine — marriages fifteen — funerals
four. There have been no material changes in this
parish since my last report. The various benevo
lent institutions connected with the church still
continue to receive encouragement. There is "a
large and interesting congregation of coloured
persons, to whom I officiate once a month.
St. Paul's Church, Alexandria. J. T. John
son, rector. Communicants, added eight, remo
ved six, died four, total one hundred and thirty-
seven — baptisms, white adults three, white in
fants twenty-one, coloured infants six, total thirty
— confirmed twelve — marriages three — funerals
twenty-two. Number of families not exactly
known. Amount collected for different institutions con
nected with the church, $185 65, exclusive of
$500, balance due on a new organ. For the gen
eral fund, enclosed, $25.
The institutions connected with the church
are all in a flourishing condition, viz. : — Sunday
School, Missionary, and Tract Societies. The
number of scholars actually belonging to the
Sunday School amount to two hundred and four,
sixty-seven in the male department, one hundred
and thirty-seven in the female — under the charge
of riine male and sixteen female teachers, and
two superintendents. Of those added to the
communion during the past year, five were teach
ers in the school at the time of their connexion
with the church.
The congregation has been and is steadily in
creasing : the services of the sanctuary are re
markably well attended, and harmony prevails.
God grant that all may " hold the faith in unity
of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteous- .
ness of life."
St. Thomas's Church, Orange county. W. G.
H. Jones, rector. Communicants, added one, re
moved three, total thirty-two — baptisms, adult
one, children eleven, total twelve — confirmations

CONVENTION OF 1835.

327

three— marriages eight— funerals five. Families
thirty-two. Walker's Church, Albemarle. Communicants,
added three, died one, total fifteen— one funeral —
confirmations seven. Families ten.
The new church- at Orange courthouse has
been completed, and is neat and commodious.
Expense about $3,500, about $1,000 of which is
still unpaid ; arrangements, however, are making
for the removal of the debt, and the rector relies
much upon the zeal and self-denial of the ladies
of his charge to effect this object. The Orange
Female scholarship at the Theological Seminary
of Virginia has been completed. There is a Sun
day School-of twenty-five or thirty scholars, and a
small Bible class of young ladies. The temper
ance cause continues to progress — the number of
members in the county not exactly known. The
coloured population both in Orange and at Walk
er's Church receive stated services, and the pros
pects in both congregations, upon the whole,' are
encouraging. St. Stephen's Church, Culpepper and Bloom
field parish, Madison county. A. H. Lamon, rec
tor. Communicants, added three, removed four
teen, died two, total seventy-seven — baptisms,
adult one, children, twenty-one white, two col
oured, total twenty-four — marriages nine — funer
als eight. Amount collected for different institu
tions connected with the church about $120.
Hamilton and Leeds parishes, Fauquier county.
Communicants, added seven, two of wliich are
accessions from other parishes, whole number
about seventy — baptisms six — marriages nineteen
— funerals three. The number of families up
wards of forty.
The congregation in Hamilton parish is gener
ally good, and frequently very large ; that in Leeds,
comparatively small. There is a Temperance
Society within the limits of each parish.
Kanawha parish. John Martin, rector. Com
municants, Charlestown fourteen ; Coal fourteen ;
Saline's three ; total thirty-one — one funeral — one
marriage — baptisms seven, adults two. $42 have
been collected for the missionary objects of the
church, and $1,500 subscribed towards the erec
tion of a church, and the hope is indulged that the
building will be commenced during this summer.
St. George's Church, Fredericksburg. E. C.
M'Guire, rector. Communicants, added nine, re
moved six, died three, total one hundred and sixty
— baptisms, adults two, infants fourteen, total
sixteen — marriages twelve — funerals seventeen.
Number of families one hundred. Adults and in
fants five hundred. Sunday School teachers
thirty-five, scholars two hundred. Members of
Bible class fifty.-
Amount contributed to various institutions,
charitable and religious, $1,000, besides $1,040
subscribed in April to the Theological Seminary
of Virginia.
In the state of the congregation there is nothing
worthy of special notice. Our condition is very
much what it was at the period of our last report.
There is an encouraging amount of zeal and
activity with us in behalf of our religious and be
nevolent institutions.
The Prayer-Book and Tract Society is opera
ting advantageously to the church in our section
of the country. The Female Missionary Society
have had a useful missionary in their employ for
the last five months.
The temperance reformation has many friends
with us. Monthly meetings are held by its mem
bers for the public discussion of subjects connect
ed with this important cause, and a growing inter
est in its behalf seems to prevail. The claims of

the coloured population have been regarded by us
to some extent.
St. Anne's and South Farnharii parishes, Essex
county. John P. M'Guire; rector.
St. Anne's. Communicants, added two, total
thirty-six, one coloured— baptisms, infants three —
confirmations six — marriages two— funerals two.
South Farnham. Communicants, added eight,
formerly omitted three, total thirty-one — baptisms,
infants eight — one marriage — funerals four.
St. Mary's parish, Caroline county. Congrega
tion at Port Royal. Communicants, added -one,
total sixteen — baptisms, infants two. ¦
In these parishes, our efforts in behalf of the
Missionary Society, and other associations con
nected with the church, are continued. The pros
pects of the temperance reformation are impro
ving. • The church in Port Royal will soon, be
ready for consecration.
The spiritual condition of our congregations has
not much improved, except in South Farnham.
There more religious feeling has been manifested
than at any previous period.
St. George|s and St. James's Churches, Acco
mack county. William H. Mitchel, minister.
St. George's Church. Communicants, added
four, total twenty— families twenty-eight — bap
tisms three — marriages two— funerals two.
A Bible class has been formed in this con
gregation, which meets once a fortnight in the
summer and spring, the number of meinbers vary
ing from ten to twenty.
St. James's Church. Communicants twenty-
two — families forty-five — baptisms, five children,
one adu'it, total six— one funeral.
A Bible class has been in operation at Drum-
mondtown, and another at Onancock, during the
past summer and spring. The minister is encour
aged to believe and hope that a greater serious
ness pervades the congregations of which he has
the charge, and a greater interest is manifested in
the solemn services ofthe liturgy. An Education
Society, established by the ladies of this parish,
contributed since the present minister has been
officiating there $20.
Christ Church, Eastville, Northampton county,
Eastern shore, Virginia. William H. Mitchell,
minister. Communicants, added two, total thirty
— families twenty-five — baptisms four — marriages
two — funerals three.
A Bible class has been formed in this congre
gation, numbering twenty, which meets once a
fortnight during the spring and summer, when a
chapter out of the New Testament is explained,
and remarks made by tbe minister.
During the summer and spring, a large number
of the black population attend a lecture in this
church on every other Sunday afternoon. They
are taught to unite in the responses of our liturgy,
and appear to feel its evangelical power, by the
earnestness and solemnity with which they utter
devout aspirations. The Female Education So
ciety of this church contributed the last spring
$30, and the present spring $35.
- Westover parish, Charles City county. Alex
ander Norris, rector. Communicants, added four,
removed one, died three, total eighteen — bap
tisms, adult one, white infants three, coloured
four, total eight — one marriage — funerals sixteen
— families about twenty, adults about forty, chil
dren about fifty.
Amount collected for the different institutions
connected with the church, $290 56.
Though the general'aspect of this parish is as
good as, under existing circumstances, could rea
sonably be expected, yet it is far from being alto
gether such as we desire. The vacant seats on

328

CONVENTION OF 1835.

church days, the feeble response in our public wor
ship, Ihe number of children unbaptized, the want
of interest in the rhurch and hpYinstii,utibns, are
intimations, too plain' to be inisimdei stood, that
there is much room for improvement.
Lunenburg and Farnham parishes, Richmond
county, and Ycomico Church, We»tmoreland.
G. VV. Nelson, rector. Confirmations seven —
communicants, added eight, total thirty-eight —
baptisms ten, one adult— one lufieral— one mar
riage. A Sunday School has been recently established
at Lunenburg, and one also' at Ycomico. There
is a flourishing Temperance Society in each
county,; and the cause of temperance is mani
festly gaining ground. Services in the afternoon
of the Sabbath have been held in each of the
churches for the coloured people, which have gen
erally been well attended. ¦ A, Female Society, for
general religious purposes, has recently been or
ganized in Lunenburg and Ycomico.
Lexington parish, Amherst county, and Nelson
parish, Nelson county. Communicants, added
twelve, died one, total seventy-nine— baptisms,
one coloured adult, infants nine — marriages nine
— funerals eleven.
The benevolent institutions of the church and
country have not been overlooked. The Bible
Society," the Education Society, the Domestic
and Foreign Missionary Society, the Colonization
Society, and the Society for the promotion of
Temperance, have received from the friends and
members of the church a support, not large, but,
like the willow's mite, blessed of heaven.
The coloured people have shared a portion of the
minister's care; in return for which they seem
thankfu I, and it is hoped may be buil t u p in the faith.
In the death ofthe tiev. Mr. Black, the churches
in Amherst were deprived of a minister, who was
zealously employed in the service of his parishion
ers. " But death to him has been gain." "Bles
sed are the dead who die in the Lord "
St. Paul's Church, Lynchburg. F. G. Smith,
rector. Communicants, added five, removed two,
deceased two, totalsixty-five— baptisms, of white
infants five — marriages four — funerals four.
In behalf of the charities ofthe church, nothing
has been done at all commensurate with their just
demands. The attendance on the public services
of the church has increased.
St.. James's parish, Mecklenburg county. Will
iam Steel, rector. There is a greater prospect of
good resulting from our ministration at present,
than at any former time since our removal tp this
parish. The congregations are greatly increased.
Several interesting cases havecome to our knowl
edge, of persons who will join the church when
opportunity is offered. Communicants, deaths
five, removed four, additions four, total thirty-
eight— baptisms fifteen — funerals ten. A new
church has been built at Abbyville, and St.
James's Church has been removed during the last
winter, for the convenience of members, four miles
lower down the country.
Charlotte county. I have attended in tbis
county the two last years, one Sabbath in the
month, except in the winter ; and in October last,
had the assistance of the Rev. Messrs. Dresser
and Clark, at an association. A church is now
building, thirty-two by forty-four feet, which will
be ready, it is expected, by July. Much interest
is felt for the prosperity of our Zion, and the im
pression made on the public mind, so far as we
nave hoard, is of the most, favourable kind.
I have regularly preached to the coloured peo
ple at Abbyville on my stated days, in the after
noon, for three years past, and am often called to

officiate at their funerals. The congregations
have uniformly been large and attentive.
Hamilton and Dettingen parishes, Prince Will
iam county. P. Slaughter, jr., rector. Commu
nicants twenty-two — families thirty-five.
There has been an obvious increase of prayer,
and faith, and exertion among the communicants
of these parishes ; and some souls have, I trust,
passed from darkness to light, who will attach
themselves to the communion on the first, favour
able opportunity.
Bristol parish, Dinwiddie county. Andrew
Syme, rector. Communicants, added five, died
two, total seventy-five — baptisms, adults one, in
fants sixteen, total seventeen — marriages six-
deaths nineteen. Amount of collection made for
the Education Society, $70.
Cumberland parish, Lunenbiirg county. C.
C. Taliaferro, rector. Communicants, added
thirteen, died one, total thirty-nine— funerals
two — baptisms, children twelve — three Sunday
Schools, and two Bible classes. We have one
male and two female Education Societies. Col
lected for objects connectetr-with the church,
about $220.
A mite Missionary Society was formed in Jan
uary, which promises to do much good.
The African chapel, referred to in my last re
port, has not been built, but arrangements are now
making to have it erected early in the summer.
I still continue my attention to the poor sons of
Africa around me, and believe my preaching to
them is not in vain. Of the beneficial influence
of Bible classes and prayer-meetings, I have had
abundant evidence the past year. Of twelve or fif
teen persons who were members, or who con
stantly attended our Bible class meetings, every
one has professed to be converted, and become
united to some church in credible profession.
Thus the word of God, though sown in much
weakness, was blessed of Him who alone can
make it efficacious. But for providential circum
stances, others would have been added to the
communion and reported now.
Harrison and Monongalia counties. William
Norvell Ward, missionary. Communicants sev
en — baptisms, one adult, infants four— one mar
riage — funerals two— a Sunday School at Clarks
burg promising much good, number of scholars
sixty. Christ Church and North Garden Church, Al
bemarle county, and Rockfish Church, Nelson
county. Communicants, added seven, total fifty-
two — baptisms, white infants five — one marriage
— funerals two.
The officiating minister reports that he first un
dertook this charge in October last. Provision
has since been made for the erection of two
churches, and for the completion of a third, all of
which are now in progress. Sunday Schools and
services for the blacks have recently been estab
lished. The system of weekly charily is com
manding some attention, and the hope is fondly
cherished that these churches will acquit them
selves of their obligations to the various institu
tions of benevolence. J. P. B. Wilmer.
Trinity Church, Portsmputh parish, Nprfolk
county. John H. Wingfield, rector. Marriages
eleven — baptisms, one adult, infants twenty-two,
total twenty-three — confirmed four — communi
cants, removed five, died one, total thirty-four —
funerals fifteen — families (containing 150 adults
and 100 children) fifty-seven — Sunday School,
teachers eight, scholars thirty-five— Bible class
twelve. Amount collected for religious purposes
about $75.
Since the last Convention, by the exertions of

CONVENTION OF 1835.

329

the ladies of the congregation, the debt due for
the rebuilding of the church has been fully dis
charged ; and the state of the parish now, in out
ward things, is more prosperous than it has ever
been since 1 took charge of it in 1822. .1 regret
that I cannot say as much respecting its spiritual
condition. Though religious services are as
abundant and more so than ever, yet there is a
general indifference on the subject of personal
piety, which prevails to a lamentable extent.
" All seek too much their own, not the things
which are Jesus Christ's."
Dining the last summer and fall, I preached reg
ularly once a fortnight, on a week day, in Princess
Anne county, to a lew members of the church in
that parish ; but the prospect of doing good there
by such labours is not at all encouraging.
Christ Church, Richmond. George Wood-
bridge, rector. Communicants, added seven, re
moved five, died two, total seventy-eight — bap
tisms, one adult, infants three. Theie have been
five confirmations, two marriages, and six funer
als. Amount collected for institutions connected
with the church, about $360. The ladies have,
during the present year, raised about $800 by
means of a fair, for the erection of a lecture and
Sunday School room, which is now nearly com
pleted. The Sunday School numbers seventy-
rive scholars and twenty teachers.
St. Martin's parish, Culpepper county. John
W. Woodville, minister. The congregations in
this parish are large and attentive, and there is
an increasing interest on the all-important subject
of religion. Episcopal families twenty — commu
nicants twenty-six.
Russell parish, Bedford county. D. M. Whar
ton, minister. Number of Episcopal families
about sixty. Regular places of preaching four.
Contributed to benevolent objects, near $300.
I have been in the temporary charge of the
churches in Russell parish since September last.
Three fourths of my time have been devoted to
this parish, and one fourth to Botetourt parish, Bo
tetourt county. While the general state of reli
gion throughout the scene of his labours is a
cause of humiliation rather than rejoicing on
the part of the rector, yet he humbly indulges the
hope that his imperfect ministrations have not
been wholly unprofitable.
Botetourt parish, Botetourt county. Commu
nicants, added three, removed one, total sixteen—
baptisms, children two.
The rector has no material change to report in
the state of this parish. He has been able to
preach once a month regularly at two places.
The desire manifested on the part of the few
friends of the church here to have the services of
a minister, encourages the belief that the, church
must increase when they shall be blessed with the
faithful, Constant labours of a servant of Christ.
• Bruton parish, Williamsburg. A. Empie, rec
tor. Communicants, added three, removed three,
died three, present total sixty-one, including Jwo
coloured persons— baptisms, white infants seven,
coloured three, total ten — marriages three, all
white — funerals eleven, of whom four only belong
ed to the parish, viz., three adults and one child ;
of the rest, two were coloured and two children —
number of families about fifty-two; of adults one
hundred and twenty-six ; of children eighty ; cate
chumens twenty ; scholars in the Sunday School
forty ; teachers do. six ; members cf the female Bi
ble class twenty — amount of collections for the dif
ferent religious institutions ofthe church, $40.
Through the spirited and persevering exertions
of one lady in the congregation, aided by the ef
forts and contributions of many other parishioners,

the church has been furnished with a very neat
and suitable organ.
, Christ Chuich, Winchester. J,; E. Jackson.
rector. Communicants, added eight, removed
nine, died one, suspended -one, total one hundred
and six— baptisms, one while adult, infants thir
teen — marriages four — funerals six.
The congregation at Mill Creek continue large
and attentive ; there are forty-two communicants
— one inarriage-^baptisms two.
St. Paul's parish, King George county. Com
municants, removed three, died two, total twenty-
five — baptisms three — marriages two — funerals
five. No visible improvement in the temporalor spir
itual condition of this parish since the last report,
Zachariah If. Goldsmith, Rector. ,
Brunswick parish Communicants, removed
three, added one, total nine — baptisms two — one
confirmation — one funeral. An evident decline
in the temporal and spiritual condition of this
parish. Zachariah H. -Goldsmith, Rector.
University of Virginia. The undersigned re
ports, that in compliance with the wishes of the
Convention, as expressed at its last session in
Staunton," he removed, in the month of Septem
ber, to the University of Virginia, at which place
he has been officiating during the present session.
While he cannot say that his labours have been
greatly blessed, he is yet persuaded that they have
not been altogether in vain. He is confident that
a religious influence is decidedly 'gaining ground,
and he looks forward, with pleasing anticipations,
to the time when that institution will send forth
many champions in the cause of the gospel!
There is manifested a great regard for religion
and its ordinances ; and the undersigned can truly
say, that he never preached to a more orderly and
attentive congregation than at the University of
Virginia. He has been uniformly treated with
respect and kindness by the faculty and the stu
dents ; indeed, he should feel himself ungrateful
if he did not bear this public testimony to the
kindness and liberality manifested towards him, as
well by the students as by the different families
connected with the institution. Among the stu
dents are some ten or twelve who are members of.
different churches ; these young men have Jieen a
great comfort and support to the officiating minis
ter, and though of different churches, have been
literally a band of brothers. For several sessions
they have kept up among themselves a weekly
prayer-meeting, in which the cause of religion at
that institution is a special subject of supplication.
If ever the undersigned has heard earnest and fer
vent prayers, it has been while listening to those
pious young men praying for a spiritual blessing
on the University of Virginia.
There is now in operation, and has been for
several sessions, a Sunday School, under the su
pervision of the young men ; this school, though
necessarily small, is admirably conducted, and is
in a most flourishing state. A Bible Society has
also been formed, of which about ninety of the
students are' members. N. H. Cobbs.
On motion of the Rev. Edward C. M Guire,
Resolved, That when this Convention shall
adjourn, it do so to meet in Fredericksburg, on
the third Wednesday in May next.
And then the house adjourned to 4 o'clock
this afternoon. Saturday Afternoon.
The Rev. Charles H. Page, Hugh Nelson,
and Thomas N. Burwell, Esqrs., resigned as
members of the standing committee.

330

CONVENTION OF 1835.'

On motion of the Rev. Dr. Empie,
Resolved, That this Convention, in accord
ance with the suggestion contained in the re
port of the Right Rev\ Bishop Moore, do warm
ly recommend the Southern Churchman, edited
by the Rev. William F. Lee, to the support and
patronage of this diocess, and that the clergy
and laity be requested to use all their influence
to extend its circulation.
The Rev. Mr. Berkeley, from the committee
on the treasurer's account, made the following
report, which was accepted"':—
The committee to whom was referred the treas
urer's account for examination, ask leave respect
fully to report, that they have performed the duty
assigned them, and, comparing the several items
with the accompanying vouchers, find all correct.
The balance in the harids of the treasurer, as per
account, is $508' 84.
The Rev. William V. Bowers made the fol
lowing report, which, was accepted.
The committee to whom was referred the
treasurer's account, &c, of the Protestant
Episcopal Missionary Society of Virginia, beg
leave to present the following as the treasurer's
report, which appears to be correct.
The Protestant Episcopal Missionary Society
of the Diocess of Virginia, in account with
G. M. Carrington, treasurer, Dr.
1834, May 17.— To cash paid Rev. P.
F. Berkeley, - - - $50 00
1835, May 15. — To balance in hand this
¦day, - - 36 97

1834. - Cr.
May 15. — By balance on hand per state
ment of the former treasurer, -
May 30. — Amount received from the
Prayer-Book and Tract Society of
Williamsburg, per Dr. Empie,
Amount received from Miss M. W
Harrison, per the Rev. Mr. Norris,

$86 97

$61 97

20 00

5 00

$86 97
In addition to the above balance of thirty-six
dollars and ninety-seven cents, there is in the
hands of the treasurer the scrip for four shares
of the stock ,-of the Bank of Virginia, and for
three share's of the stock of the Farmers' Bank
of Virginia, on which there is an undrawn divi
dend due for the last twelve months, amounting
to about $40. The Virginia Bank stock is
worth at this time about $110, and that of the
Farmers' Bank about $108 per share.
Respectfully submitted.
G. M. Carrington, Treasurer.
The Rev. Edward R. Lippit, Edmund I.
Lee, and John Hooff, Esqrs., were elected mem
bers of the standing committee, in the place of
the Rev. Charles H. Page, Hugh Nelson, and
Thomas N. Burwell, Esqrs., resigned.
Resolved, unanimously, That the thanks of
this Convention be tendered, through the rector
of this church, to the ministers and congrega
tions of the several churches in this town,, for
the liberal and kind offer of their churches for

public worship during the sitting of this Con«
vention. Resolved, That the thanks of this body are
due, and are hereby tendered, to the inhabitants
of Lynchburg, Tot their kindness and hospitality
to the members of this Convention.
Resolved, That the treasurer be directed to
pay the expenses of the secretary in attending
this Convention.
Resolved, That .the treasurer be directed to
pay the doorkeeper of the Convention ten dol
lars. Resolved, That the secretary be requested to
transmit annually a copy of the Journal of this
Convention to the secretary of the 'several Con
ventions of the Protestant. Episcopal Church,
and of the General Convention, with a request
for an exchange-
Resolved, That fifteen hundred copies of the
minutes of this Convention be printed, and dis
tributed among the parishes of this diocess.
Resolved, That the treasurer pay to the sec
retary of the General Convention $60, as the
quota of this diocess, to defray the expenses of
the last General Convention.
Resplved, That the funds collected by week
ly contributions on the plan suggested by Bishop
Moore, be paid into the hands of the treasurer
of the Missionary Society, to be appropriated by
that society as they shall deem expedient.
The following additional canon was adopted :
The election of deputies to the General Con
vention shall be held triennially, at the meeting
of the Convention next preceding the General
Convention, and the delegates elected shall
hold their office until a new election take place.
Resolved, That the Rev. George Woodbridge,
Mr. Hilary Baker, and Mr. George M. Carring
ton, be a committee . to raise by assessment
among the different parishes, having reference
to the number of communicants reported to the
Convention, the sum of $300, to be paid to
Bishop Moore, at the next Convention, for his
episcopal services ; and that said committee
inform the clergyman of each parish of the pro
portion required from his parish ; and,
Resolved, That the clergy be required to raise
the sum so assessed, and pay it at the next Con
vention. The Convention proceeded to the choice of
the executive committee of the Missionary So
ciety, which resulted in the election of Mr.
Hilary Baker as secretary, Mr. George M. Car
rington as treasurer, and the Rev. Edward C.
M'Guire, William F. Lee, Nicholas H. Cobbs,
John Grammer, Adam Empie, D. D., George
Woodbridge, Thomas Jackson, and Messrs. John
Nelson, Joseph Gill, and Orrin Williams, as
members of the executive committee.
The following eight delegates were duly elect
ed to represent this diocess in the next General'
Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church
in the United States of America, viz. : — the Rev.
Nicholas H. Cobbs, Thomas Jackson, William
F. Lee, E. C. M'Guire, and John Nelson, Ed
ward C. Colston, Wm. H. M'Farland, and Hugh
Nelson, Esqrs.
Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. Wingfield and

CONVENTION OF 1835,

331

the Rev. Mr. Lee be a committee to examine
the Journals of this Convention from the first
organization of the church in this diocess, to
ascertain and report what resolutions have at
various times been passed by this body, and
still remain in force ; and which of such resolu
tions, if any, ought to-be rescinded and abolish
ed, and which ought to stand- as the judgment
and declarations of this body-; and that they
report to the next Convention. -
The Right Rev. Bishop Moore, the Rev. Mr-
Thomas Jackson, and the Rev. Mr. Lee, were
appointed a committee to prepare a report of the-
state of the church in this diocess for the next
General Convention.
Resolved, That the treasurer pay to the del
egates, to the General Convention their ex
penses in attending the same.
Resolved, That the Convention do now ad
journ, after the singing of the 133d Psalm and
prayer, with the benediction by the bishop.
William Meade,
Assistant Bishop of the Diocess of Virginia.
Hilary Barer, Secretary.

Revised Constitution,
As adopted at the Convention in Lynchburg, in
1835.

Art. I. There shall be a Convention of the
Protestant Episcopal Church in this state on the
third Wednesday in. May every year: but the
Convention which meets in the year previous to
the meeting of the General Convention, may
have power to appoint the time and place of
meeting for the next annual session; and in the
event of the existence of an epidemic disease,
or any other good cause, rendering it necessary
or expedient to alter the place fixed on for any
meeting of the Convention, the, bishop may
' change the place or the time, or both, at his
discretion. Art. II. The Convention shall be composed
of the officiating ministers who have been reg
ularly and canonically elected in parishes and
churches within this state, and within that part
of the territory of Columbia formerly part of this
state ; professors of the Theological Seminary
of Virginia ; missionaries acting under the au
thority of the bishop and within the diocess ; and
of those whom age or infirmity prevents from
exercising their clerical functions, who shall be
considered members ex-officio. No person un
der ecclesiastical censure or process shall be
entitled to a seat in the Convention. The Con
vention shall also be composed of lay members,
consisting of one delegate from each parish,
chosen by the vestry thereof. Every parish,
having more than one officiating minister who
¦ hath been regularly and canonically elected,
shall be entitled to send as many lay delegates
as it has ministers, and in every case the dele
gate or delegates shall be communicants in the
church. Art. III. Twelve members of the clerical,
and twelve of the lay order, shall constitute a
quorum for the transaction of business ; but a
smaller number may adjourn.

Art. IV. In all matters that shall come be
fore the. Convention, the clergy and laity shall
deliberate in one body, and the concurrence of
a majority shall give validity to any measure ;
but, when three members require it, there shall
he a vote. by orders.
Art. V. The election of a bishop of this
church shall be made in Convention, in the fol
lowing manner : — The order of the clergy shall
nominate and appoint, by ballot, some fit and
qualified clergyman for that office, and the votes
of a majority of that order shall be requisite to
constitute a -choice ; and* thereupon such ap
pointment shall be presented to the order of the
laydelegates, and be considered by them ; and
if, on a ballot, it shall appear that the person so
nominated is approved of by a majority of the
lay order, he shall be then declared to be duly
•elected. Art.- VI. The bishop shall be president of
the Convention ; in which character it shall be
his duty to give to the Convention, annually, a
general view of the state of the church ; to call
special Conventions at whatever time arid place
he shall think necessary,. or when required by
the standing committee ; to preserve order du
ring the time of session ; to put the question,
collect the votes, and declare the decision'; and
he may deliver his sentiments on any subject
after it has been discussed, before a vote thereon.
Art. VII. In case of a vacancy in the epis
copal office, the Convention, immediately upon
their assembling, shall choose, by "joint ballot, a
president from among the order of priests, who
shall remain in office until the next annual Con
vention, or until the next election of a president.
He shall perform all duties and possess all the
privileges above specified ; but he shall not call
special meetings of the Convention, unless ap
plied to for that purpose by a majority of the
standing committee ; and if, while there ¦ is a
bishop in this church, he shall not be present at
any meeting of the Convention, they shall elect,
in the manner aforesaid, a president pro tem
pore. Art. VIII. A secretary shall be appointed by
the Convention, who shall continue in office
during good behaviour. His duty shall be to
make minutes of their proceedings, to preserve
their journals and records, to attest the public
acts of the body, and faithfully to deliver into
the hands of his successor all books and papers, .
relative to the concerns of the Convention,
which may be in his possession. It shall be his
duty to notify, through the channel of the public
papers, as he may think proper, the time and
place for the meeting of the succeeding Con
vention. The secretary shall annex to the jour
nals of every succeeding Convention a list of the
clergy, with all alterations therein produced in
the preceding year by ordinations, deaths, re
movals, suspensions, and degradations.
Art. IX. A treasurer shall be appointed by
the Convention, who shall continue in office
during good behaviour, and who shall discharge
the duties usually appertaining to that office.."
Art. X. Before the adjournment of each an
nual Convention, a standing committee, consist-

332

CONVENTION Of' 1835.

ing of »ix_ members, three clerical'and three of
the Iky order, who shall be communicants of the
Church insthe diocess, shall be chosen by a-baj-
lot of the. clergy and laity.
Art. XI. Every parish within this diocess
shall ^J>e entitled to the entire benefit of this
constitution, as soon as it shall have signified
its ratification thereof, either in writing or by
sending a lay delegate to the Convention ; and
such parish shall thereafter be benefited and
bound, equally with -the other parishes in this
diocess, by" every rule and canon. which shall be
framed, by any Convention acting under this

constitution, for the government o£ this church
in ecclesiastical concerns.
Art. XII. This constitution shall.be unalter
able, except in the following manner : — A prop
osition for any change shall be introduced in
writing, and considered in Convention ; and, if
approved of, the same shall be transmitted to
the several vestries of the parishes which shall
have ratified this constitution ;„ and, if again
approved pf in the next ensuing Convention by
a majority, the change shall then take place,
and the constitution, sc altered, shall be valid
and obligatory.