PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CJIU
On the 4th and 5th SUjg
"
IN THE DIOCESF. OF GEORGIA,
Held in the Parish of Grace Church,
CLUIKSVILLK. HABERSHAM CuUNTY,
JOURNAL
01' TUB
3P 3S © <0 m IB D 1 H © 3
OF THE
MUGtETEJBJTTM AJrJYU.ZX, C «J *VVMUT'JTJTO.V
OF THE
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH
IN TKE'DIOCESE OF GEORGIA,
Held in tlie Parish of Grace Church,
GLARKSVILLE, HABERSHAM COUNTY,
On the 4th and 5th May,
1840.
9 #•
COLUMBUS:
KNaUIRER PRINTING OFFICE.
1840.
3
hundred dollars, to which should be added special donations
from the hands of strangers, about eighty dollars, making a
total of two hundred and eighty doUuis.
The brand) of the Parish Association, (for all objects of
christian benevolence,) which' is managed by ladies of the
church, continues to give promise of increasing activity and
usefulness. Through the industry, charity and zeal of their
small association, they have contributed to the comfort of
our missionary and his family at Ciarksville, and to the relief
of indigent widows and orphans. They huvre " done what
they could." The Sunday School is in a more prosperous
state than at any former period. It is conducted by a Su-
perintendant and six teachers. The number of scholars is
forty. The Library of the School contains more than Jour
hundred volumes.
TRINITY CHDKGH fOLOIBUS.
SZet. If*«i. It. Cairns, Rector,
Baptisms.—1 adult, 15 infants 16
Marriages 2
Buiials - - - --9
Communicants.—Died 1, removed 2, added 10 ;
present number - - - 3-3
Sunday School.—Teachers 7, Scholars 50 - 50
Collections, about four hundred dollars*
This Parish still labours under the depressing influence
of a heavy debt, for the payment of which it is much feared,
we shall be ultimately driven to seek assistance from abroad.
It is the determination of the Vestry, however, to make this
a last resort, and the hope is still entertained that their efforts
may b ; so crowned with success as to save them the occur¬
rence of a necessity which will be much deplored.
The Rector has twice visited the City of Apalachicola in
Florida and administered the holy communion on both occa¬
sions to nearly thirty persons. He has also baptised four
infants and officiated at one funeral. A Sunday School was
organized at his last visit, consisting of forty children.
9
CHRIST CHURCH St. SIMON'S' ISLAND.
I£ev. V, Si. liar loir, Etecior.
Marriage - - - - - 1
Baptisms—infants 2,, adult 1 ' - - 3
Burial - 1
Communicants,, (added 1) - r - 15
During the summer I officiated in Christ Church, Sa¬
vannah, the Rector being absent on account of ill health.
Meanwhile I visited St. Simon's monthly, preaching there
on a week-day, which service was more numerously attended
than the usual service on Sunday. The Vestry of this Pa¬
rish in contributing to the Bishop's fund, finding that there
were too few resident Episcopalians to supply a permanent
amount, have appropriated the revenue of the glebe to this
object, in the persuasion that the value of the Episcopal
office, evten to the Parish, will more than repay the sacrifice.
GRACE CHURCII CLARKSV1IXE.
Ret. E. MS* I£ellogg> Hector and Jlliasioitary.
Baptisms—infants 2 in Clarksville and 2 in
Gainesville, - - - 4
Communicants, (added f,) - - 6
Funerals, adults 3, infants 2 - - 5
In reporting my labors for the past year, I am unable to
speak of any very gratifying i esulta Nevertheless the good
seed has been sown, as opportunity presented or could be
made, and I cannot but look with strong hope to a future
harvest, when an obstacle which has hitherto stood in my
way and rendered my efforts almost unavailing, shall be re¬
moved. I allude to the want of a house of worship, in which
1 we can meet when we please and accommodate those who
are disposed to assemble with us. The importance of such an
accpmmodajion to the success of,a Missionary, I have never
been made to feel so sensibly as during the past year. This
will be seen from some facts which I cannot avoid stating
in that full account of my services which it is expected I
will render.
10
On the l:2(h of last May, I comnienced officiating in Gaines¬
ville Once in two weeks. I was invited to occupy the Meth¬
odist meeting house. My congregations were large and at-
(rntive, and among them 1 distributed 12 prayer books and
about 200 tracts. There being no Sunday School in the
place, I organized on:*, consisting of 30 scholars und]2 teach¬
ers and mot with thorn at 3 o'clock in the evening. After
preaching in that house (j Sundays, I was informed that it
was no longer at our* service, as the brethren wished to hold
class-meetings there when not occupied by their own preach¬
ers. From this time my Sunday School began to decline,
and towards the clpse of my services in Gainesville, consisted
only of the children of the few-church families residing and
remaining in the place- -.After this, we commenced services -
in tiie Presbyterian meeting house, which was at that time
unoccupied. Here Ave continued to worship, until the first r
Sunday in November, -when, as most of the phurch families
had left the .place, I deemed it advisable to confine my ser¬
vices to Clarksvilie. Could an Episcopal Missionary be
fouikl, who would reside in Gainesville and support himself
principally by* teaching, the church would 'probably succeed
there and a Iiousq of worship soon be built. ^ Without this
prospect, it is believed that a fevr occasional services will
produce but little permanent.good, and unions circumstances
should seem to demand a renewal of my visits, I had thought
of confining m\r labors for the year to come, entirely to
Clarksvilie. _
For two Sundays' after E left Gainesville, I continued to
officiate here once a fortnight as usual, when an appointment
was made by a local preacher residing near, to occupy this
house every third Sunday. This, with the appointments of
the circuit preachers, le4t me but one Sunday in the month.
L bus restricted in my labours, (should I confine them to
this house) I judged it to be my duty to obtain, if possible,
some other central place convenient for the winter, where I
could exercise, my ministry more frequently. „ After seeking
in vain to procure such a room, we were compelled at last to
occupy the Academy, situated on the outskirts of the village.
li
Owing to this or some other cause, there has been aw evi¬
dent reluctauceon the part of the people to attend services at
that place, in so much, that after an, experiment of two or
three months, I found it necessary, if I would preach the
gospel to any advantage, to make new arrangements. Per¬
ceiving that the Methodist meeting house hera was seldom
occupied in the evening, and learning that the terms of the
subscription upon which it was built gave to all denomina¬
tions the right of using it when not occupied by those whose
'name it bears, I changed the meeting of my Sunday School
from evening to-morning, and appointed a service every Sun¬
day in this house at 3 o'clock. I have moreover continued
my appointment in the Academy for the morning, and
preached when the people have assembled. My congrega¬
tion in the evening though small, isjeomposed of devout and
intelligent persons.. ;
My Sunday School has suffered a very considerable dim¬
inution since my last report, though it is now7 beginning to
increase- Therle are hut twenty-six occasional'attendants
on my list, of whom 16 were present at our last meeting.
I have continued my instructions to the colored people up
to the present time. The devout attention which many of
them give is truly gratifying* and I cannot but hope, that a
few of them at least, will eventually become wise unto sal¬
vation. ■
Our new church which I had fondly hoped ere this to see
finished and prepared for the accommodation of this con-,
vention, remains still but. little blse than a skeleton. The
principal reasons I have hejird assigned for tins, are the
drought of last summer, the want1 of. fidelity in the work¬
men and the lack of means to proceed.' One thing is cer¬
tain—to finish our house, more funds are needed. From
six to eight hundred dollars it is believed, are required for
this purpose—and until our house is both finished and paid
for, it will receive little encouragement, I fear, from tin?
surrounding population. I feel that I slioidd do wrong to
conceal this probable result from my brethren, lest by my
silence, T might perchance sttTifi'-.e the future and vital pro.-;-
perity of this parish. I have to acknowledge myself indebted
to various Parishes in the Diocese for liberal donations.—
Since my report of last year, I have received from the Sun¬
day School Society of Savannah and some members of that
congregation, $118. From St. Paul's, Augusta, $100 and
several valuable buhdles. From the Ladies of Christ Church,
Macon, a valuable box of sundries and $15. I cannot for¬
bear to add, that aside froin the value of these gifts, the in¬
terest which has thus been manifested in my solitary labors,
has not failed to cheer arid comfort me. It has conveyed the
welcolne assurance, that amidst all the indifference to the
good of this our Zion, there are hearts, and many too, who
sincerely desire and doubtless pray for her prosperity. May
the Lord give them to seethe fulfilment of their desire.
REPORT OF KJEV. JOHN J.' fSUNT"..MISS30IVARV. '
At the request of the.> Committee on Missions for this
Diocese, I have visited and officiated in the town of Lexing¬
ton since June last—-the service designed to'be once a month,
having been ^n three instances unavoidably prevented. There ,
are resident there six communicants' of our church, (one
colored.) The Holy Communion has been administered
three'times, on which occasions several of other denomina-1
tions united with our own members ir* its reception. Pro¬
vision has been made by the Committee on Missions, to de-~
fray the. necessary expenses of horse hire,, &c» attending
these visits. Information of the condition and prospects of
the station is ip possession of the Chairman of the Committee >
on Missions, who has also visited the place, to whose sug¬
gestions I refer the Convention. My own views in regard
to Missionary operations, founded on some little experience
and observation, have been often expressed to most of the
members of the Convention. During the year I have ad-,
ministered baptism to four infants, (one colored,} and one
adulty (colored,) and attended three funerals . In every place
I visit, I find some of our household of faith " scattered, like
sheep upon the mountains,", with no man to gather them or
13
care for their souls, who still retain for the church of their
choice a warm attachment, and long for an opportunity of
again uniting in her sweet communion, but to whom, when
hope has been deferred till the heart has become faint, the
conclusion presents itself, "we have no shepherd," and'
they unite with other denominations from what they deem
necessity, and not choice. Religious privileges they must
have, and finding in these connections that which vt ill be
better than the eritire want of anyy their attachments be¬
come so strong that it is difficult to sever them, and thus they
are lost to the church. Instances of this are not rare, where,
v had they been favored with the services of their own church,
such a result could not have been even suspected.
Episcopalians, though few and scattered, must be taken care
of by their own brethren if the church is to increase and
prosper in its spiritual strength, which requires the proper
nourishment as well as the bodily. If their own brethren
care not for them, others will be found who wilL
ST. MICHAEL'S CIIIJBCM SPEINCULIELD.
jfSev. George White, Rector,
Reports to the Convention that he has been engaged for
the twelve months past in preaching to the seamen of Savan¬
nah. It gives him pleasure to state that the congregations
generally, have been attentive. Circumstances have, Until
very, recently, prevented, the use of our services. The
church service is now regularly performed evejry Sunday.—
He also states that lie was appointed on the 16th day of
April last, Rector of St. Michael's Church at Springfield,
Effingham county. The building is not yet commenced, but
it is hoped that arrangements will be made to commence it
in the course of the summer.
The following Report of the Standing Committee was read
and ordered to be printed.
The Standing Committee beg lealve respectfully to re¬
port to the Convention the following as their official acts,
during the past year:
14
January 19. They received from the Right Rev. H. U,
^Onderclonk, Provisional Bishop of the Diocese of Delaware,
canonical notice of his having pronounced sentence of degra¬
dation from the ministry, upon Archibald T. McCallnm, late
a Deacon of that Diocese.
March 9. They signed the Document required by Ca¬
non 5, of 1832, of the General Convention, signifying their
assent to the consecration of the Rev.Christopher-Edwards'
Gadsden, D. D. Bishop elect for the Diocese of S. Carolina.
At the same time, under Sec. 1, Canon 3, of 1833, of
the General Convention, at the request of the Vestry of,
Christ Church, Savannah, they invited, the Right Rev.
Bishop Ives, of North Carolina, to perform certain Episco¬
pal acts within the Diocese m compliance with which invi¬
tation, the edifice lately erected by that congregation, has '
been consecrated, and the rite'of confirmation administered
to 20 persons.
April 7. Under the. provisions of the Canon last refer¬
red to, t;hey extended an invitation to the Right Reverend
Bishop Chase, ofi> Illinois, then within this Diocese, to hold
an ordination, in the case of Mr. Arthur Wigfall, a candi¬
date for orders in South Carolina, who had made application
for this purpose, in the existing, vacancy in the Episcopate
of that Diocese: whereupon Mr. Wigfall was ordained Dea¬
con, , by Bishop Chase, on the 8th of April, in St. Paul's
church, Augusta.
They have, received from the Rev. Henry Anthon, D. D.
Secretary of the House of Clerical and Lay Deputies in Gen¬
eral Convention, the following notice, t lequired' by canon
50, of General Convention, of the following matters having
been submitted by the General Convention of 1838, for the
consideration of the Diocesan Conventions, viz :
1. Resolved, That it be made known to the several Di¬
ocesan Conventions, that it is proposed to alter, at the next
General Convention the 1st , article of the Constitution of
this church, so,that instead of the words, "at such time in
every year," it shall read " on the first Wednesday in Oc¬
tober, in every third year, from the year of our Lord one
i5
thousand eight hundred and forty one." ( See Journal of
General Convention of 18-33, p. p. 104, 105.)
2. Resolved, That it be made known to the several Dio¬
cesan Conventions, that it is proposed, at the next General
Convention, to consider the follo wing alteration of the Con¬
stitution, viz: Art. 6, to read as follows :—" The mode of
trying Bishops shall be provided by the General Convention.
The court appointed for that purpose shall be composed of
Bishops only. In every Diocese, the mode oif trying Pres¬
byters and Deacons may be instituted by the Convention of
the Diocese. None but a Bishop shall pronounce sentence
of admonition, suspension, or degradation from the ministry
or any clergyman, whether Bishop, Presbyter or Deacon."
( See Journal of Gen. Con. of 1838, pp, 11G and 121.)
EDWARD E. FORD, Pres.
The Committee appointed at the last Convention "to take
into consideration the establishment of a fund for the sup¬
port of the Episcopate in the Diocese of Georgia," made
the following Report :
" Impressed with a sense of the higli importance to which
tiiis subject is entitled, as involving, the vital prosperity, and
indeed it might lie added t!ie almost further perpetuity of
Episcopacy among us—'-the Committee have thought it expe¬
dient to open a correspondence in. regard to a Bishop's
Fund, with the Rectors of the several Parishes of the Dio¬
cese, with the exception of that of Clarksville, which last has
been numbered among us only within a very short period. The
result of this inquiry has been beyond measure felicitous—
manifesting on the part of each and all of the Parishes a desire
not only at Once to avail of the Canonical privilege, which for
the first time is now enjoyed by this Diocese in electing a Bish¬
op for themselves—but evincing the sincerity of their zeal by a
corresponding liberality, in providing to the fullest extent the
financial requirement for his support. The sum of sixteen
hundred dollars has already been pledged by the three Pa¬
rishes of Savannah, Macon and 'St. Simon's, as an annual
contribution; while the Parish at Augusta, by a Resolution
of her Vestry, stands bound to respond in any amount
J£>
that shall be awarded by the Convention, as the quota devol¬
ving upon her to provide ; at the same time that the1 assu¬
rance on the part of the Rector of Trinity Church, Co¬
lumbus, is a no less guaranty of "their willingness cordially
to unite in any effort which might be made tor the support of
a Bishop, to the extent of their ability." In graduating the
amounts equitably to be awarded as the quota hereafter to
be raised by the several Parishes, in reference to their pe¬
cuniary ability, the Committee would suggest the expedi¬
ency of associating a parochial charge with the Bishop to
be elected, as a means of providing in part for his support,
thereby rendering less onerous1 the provision to be made by
those parishes not equally blessed with their more affluent
neighbors. .This suggestion is made with less hesitancy, as
comporting it is believed with the views and wishes of the
Parish of Christ Church, Savannah, whose characteristic
liberality it is most earnestly desired may ever b^ supplied
with an abundance for its gratification. A ray of sunshine
seems now bursting from the cloud which has shrouded us in
darkness from our earliest history as a Diocese. But with
an unwavering resolution .that each Parish will be true to
her own interests—inviting on the part of the constituent por¬
tions of their clerical and lay member?, an unsuspecting
confidence of holy zeal in the discharge of the duties that re¬
spectively belong to each—it, will then only be necessary,
- with the prayer of faith, to invoke the blessing of "an All Mer¬
ciful and overruling Providence, to enable the Diocese of
Georgia, at once to be ranked among the most flourishing
of the Episcopal families in the United States. That such
fond anticipations may speedily be realized, is the earnest
prayer of the committee. E. F. CAMPBELL, Char.
Augusta, April 28, 1840.
This Report, on motion, was referred to a special com-
-mittee, consisting of Messrs. Jones, Conley, Munroe, Alsop
and Stanford, with instructions to determine the sum which
the Parishes shall respectively contribute as their just quota,
to the support of a Bishop, in the event that one shall be
consecrated for the Church in this Diocese.
17
The Committee on Missions made the following Report,
which was ordered to be printed:
The Committee on Missions, respectfully report, That
they have endeavored to watch carefully over the important
interests entrusted to their superintendence. Beside sus¬
taining as far as our limited resources would permit, our
Missionary establishment at Clarksville, in Habersham coun¬
ty, (connected during a portion of the year, with Gainesville,
in Hall county,) we have appropriated a small sum in aid of
Missionary efforts, at Lexington, in the county of Oglethorpe.
Amidst the unparalleled pecuniary embarrassments of the
Diocese, the Committee have refrained from encouraging
laborers to enter any new portion of the Missionary field.—
There are points where we desire to see the banner of the
Church erected, as soon as may be consistent with other ar¬
rangements of practical and permanent utility. For the
results of the self-denying and faithful exertions of our two
Missionaries—the Rev. Mr. Kellogg at Clarksville and
Gainesville, and the Rev. Mr. Hunt at Lexington, we refer
to their annual reports.
The meetings of the Committee on Missions have been
held at fixed periods once in each quarter of the year.—
Resolutions have been adopted, making provision to collect
and preserve in our Diocesan Depository, journals, sermons,
and other publications and manuscripts, which ma3r afford
light respecting the history of the Church in this Diocese
and advance its future prosperity. Contributions for that
object have been solicited by the committee, and it is hoped
that we may obtain possession of many interesting facts, il¬
lustrating the early history of our Diocese, and worthy of
preservation. To Messrs. Swords, Stanford & Co. of the
City of New-York, we are already indebted for a valuable
contribution of Journals of Conventions and Pastoral Let¬
ters.
The Depository is still well supplied with Prayer Books
of a small size, through the acknowledged liberality of the
"Bishop White Prayer Book Society." Sunday School
Books have been added, of the value of twenty dollars :
18
but we have need of a much larger supply both of Sunday
School Books and of Tracts, for future use. The present
condition of our Treasury, (as represented in the accom¬
panying Report of the Treasurer of the Committee,) will en¬
able us, with the concurrence of the several Parishes, to
place our Depository on a broad and firm foundation.
SENECA G. BRAGG, Chair.
On motion of the Rev. Mr. Cairns, that "whereas, in the
good providence of God, the Church in this Diocese is now
entitled to proceed in the election of a Bishop, and whereas,
there is good reason to believe, that by the liberality of our
congregations generally, the requisite provision will be made
for his support—it was therefore,
Unanimously Resolved, That we gratefully acknowledge
the mercy of God in this event, so propitious to the best in¬
terests of the church ; and with the Divine blessing, will
proceed at this Convention of the Diocese to the election of
a Bishop to preside over us in the name of Him, the great
Bishop and Shepherd of our souls."
The Convention adjourned until to-morrow morning at
10 o'clock.
CLARKSVILLE, Tuesday, May 5, 1840.
Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
Morning Prayer was read by the Rev. Mr. White and a
Sermon preached by the Rev. Mr. Ford.
The minutes of yesterday were read and approved.
The Report of the Special Committee, to whom was re-
fered the report of the oommittee appointed at the last
Convention on the subject of an Episcopal F und, having been
presented—on motion, it was
Resolved, That the Report be recommitted, with instruc¬
tions to arrange such a rate of assessment, accepting the
generous pledge of Christ Church, Savannah, for one thou¬
sand dollars, which shall make up the sum of two thousand
dollars, for the independent support of a Bishop—leaving
the Bishop elect, free notwithstanding, to form any subse¬
quent arrangement with a new parish in Savannah, or with
19
any other parish in this Diocese, which shall not conflict
with his higher duties to the Church at large.
The Committee on Finance reported a balance in the
Missionary Funds of the Diocese of $304 97 cents an
amount nearly equal to the obligations incurred by the Mis¬
sionary Committee for the present year. Also a balance of
$4 50 cents due the Convention from the Treasurer of the
Diocese. N. C. MUNROE, Chair.
The Convention then proceeded to the election of a Treas¬
urer; of its Missionary and Standing Committees and Dele¬
gates to the General Convention, whereupon Mr. Robert G.
Guerard was chosen as Treasurer.
Missionary Committee.—Rev. Seneca G. Bragg, Rev.
Ezra B. Kellogg, Messrs Nathan C. Munroe, Nathaniel Bar¬
ker and Horace Fitch.
Standing Committee.—Rev. Messrs. Edw'd Neufville, Edward
E. Ford, Seneca G. Bragg, Mr. William B. Bulloch, Dr.
Theodosius Bartow, Hon. J. Macpherson Berrien.
Delegates to the General Convention—Rev. Messrs Edward
Neufville, Edward E. Ford, Seneca G. Bragg, William D.
Cairns, Maj. Thos. M. Nelson, Hon. J. M. Berrien, Mr.
Geo. Jones, Mr. Charles Day.
The Delegates to the General Convention were appointed
to represent the Diocese in any special General Convention
which might be assembled during the year.
The Convention adjourned until 3 o'clock, P. M.
AFTERNOON SESSION, 3 o'clock.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
On motion, it was resolved, That the next Annual Con¬
vention of this Diocese be held at Christ Church in the City
of Macon on the first Monday in May, 1841.
Five hundred copies of the Journal were ordered to be
printed.
The Rev. Edward Neufville was appointed to preach the
Convention Sermon and the Rev. Wm. D. Cairns the Mis-
cinnnrv Sermon, at the next Convention of this Diocese.
20
The following proposed amendment to the 1st clause of
the 11th article of the Constitution was ordered to be prin¬
ted for the acceptance of the next Convention, to-wit: after
the words "General Convention" to add, "and to any special
General Convention which may be held in the recess of this
Convention."
The amended Report of the Committee to whom was re-
fered the consideration of the support of the Episcopate,
was accepted and ordered to be printed, as follows :
The Committee to whom was refered the Report " of the ;
Committee appointed at the last Convention to take into
consideration the establishment of a fund for the support of
the Episcopate in the Diocese of Georgia," with instruc¬
tions to ascertain the sum to be contributed by the several
Parishes as their quota towards the support of the said Epis¬
copate—beg leave to submit the following Report:
Your Committee have confered with the delegates fronv
the different Parishes, and have ascertained that those of
Clarksville and Springfield are not in a situation to contri¬
bute to the aforesaid fund. But they are enabled to state
that the Parish of Christ's Church, Savannah, will contri¬
bute the annu?)l sum of $1000, that of St. Paul's, Augusta,
$500, that of Christ church, Macon, $300, Tririity church,
Columbus, $100, and Christ church, St. Simons, $100,
making a sum total of $2000.
During their deliberations your Committee received a
communication from the delegate of Christ Church, Sa¬
vannah, containing fird the following preamble and resolu¬
tions of the vestry of said church :
" Whereas it is expedient that arrangements should be
made by which a new Parish may hereafter be promptly
formed in this place, more particularly with reference to the
contemplated appointment of a Bishop at the approaching
Convention of the Diocese—as thereby the Bishop elect
might be settled in this city, and a larger fund for his
support thus obtained—while it is at the same time desira¬
ble that there should be no division in this congregation,
but that the parish thus formed should be connected with
21
this churcb, thereby extending but not dividing the churc
therefore
Resolved, That if a Bishop be elected by the Conve
tion, it is in the opinion of this Vestry, expedient and prop
that a new Parish under the name of" St. John's Church
should be formed, and the Rectorship thereof be tender*
to the Bishop elect, with the express understanding thi
the Rector of that church, and the Rector of Christ churcl
should alternate in the respective churches, ;and thus the ii
terests of both be united. And further
Resolved, That the delegates to the Convention be ii
structed to state that a new Parish will be formed, and ths
it is already under way, and that they are authorized to offc
the Rectorship thereof to the Bishop elect ( at a salary whic
together with the contributions of other churches, shall mak
up the sum of $3000) to alternate with the Rector <
Christ Church, &c. as shown in the proceedings of th
Vestry.
Secondly—A resolution from a "Committee appointed b
Christ Church to carry out the means of forming a nev
Parish."
" The proceedings of the Vestry of Christ Church unde
date of the 22d April, inst. having been submitted, resolved
" That the plan proposed meets our cordial approbation
and that the Representatives from Christ Church at th
Convention be authorized and requested to offer on the par
of the new contemplated Parish of St. John's Church, Sa
vannah, the Rectorship of said Parish to the Bishop elected
with a salary not to exceed a sum, which together with th<
contributions of other Parishes shall make up the sum o
$3000. The charge of said Parish to be taken at as earh
a day as may be convenient ; the Rectors of Christ Churcl
and St. John's church to alternate in their services, and th<
Bishop to be at liberty, at all times, to spend such time as
may be necessary, away from his Parish, to attend to his
Episcopal visitations. And immediately thereafter, War
dens and Vestrymen for St. John's Church will be appoin¬
ted."
22
Your Committee are of the opinion that the sum of $2000
contributed by the five Parishes of St. Simon's, Savannah,
Augusta, Columbus and Macon, is entirely inadequate to
the support of a Bishop. The extended journeys attendant
upon his Episcopal visitations, will involve an expense of at
least $700 annually, and thus leave about $1300 for the sup¬
port of himself and family. Your^Committee are aware
that many instances may be adduced of godly men having
accepted the Episcopate with smaller salaries; they are nev¬
ertheless of the opinion, that a more liberal allowance would,,
so far from diminishing, have tended greatly to increase
their sphere of usefulness.
Your Committee would, therefore, earnestly recommend
the acceptance of the proposition from the Vestry of Christ
Church and the Committee of the contemplated Parish of
St. John's:
First—Because thereby an additional wealthy and zeal¬
ous Parish will be added to the Diocese.
Secondly—Because the proposition comes in the form of
an application from Christ Church to be assisted by this Con¬
vention in the formation of said Parish, which application
can scarcely be denied to a church whose untiring zeal has
hitherto contributed greatly towards the establishment and
extension of the church in this Diocese.
Thirdly—Because your Committee believe that in the pre¬
sent feeble state of the church, the proposed connexion of a
Bishop with a Parish, will enable him the more efficiently
to form new Parishes in other parts of the Diocese: and
Lastly—Your Committee would state that in recommen¬
ding the aforesaid measure, they have contemplated the
same to be but temporary; and whensoever the various Par¬
ishes shall find themselves in a situation to suppoit a Bishop
independently of parochial charge, and shall intimate a desire
so to do, they feel confident that the Parishes of Christ
Church and St. John's will cheerfully acquiesce in their
wishes. GEO. JONES, Char.
The Report being accepted, on motion of the Rev. Mr.
Bartow, it was unanimously resolved, that " whereas, al-
though in the judgment of this Convention, the separation of
the Episcopal office from a parochial charge is desirable, yet
the Convention does not, under present circumstances, feel
authorized to insist upon the separation—and therefore, also,
that the Bishop of this Diocese be left at liberty to accept
such temporary parochial charge as the interest of the
Church in this Diocese, may for the present require."
After having united in singing the last 2 verses of the 76th
hymn and a recess of five minutes for silent prayer, the Con¬
vention proceeded by ballot to the election of a Bishop.
A division being called for, the nomination of the clergy
was made, whereupon the Rev. Stephen Ellioit,jr. " Profes¬
sor of the Evidences of Christianity and of Sacred Litera¬
ture in the College of South Carolina," was unanimously pre¬
sented to the Laity for their acceptance. On ballot by the
Laity, it was announced that there was a unanimous concur¬
rence of both orders of the Convention, in the choice of the
Rev. Mr. Elliott as Bishop of the Diocese of Georgia.
The Convention then proceeded to sign the testimonials
of the Bishop elect, agreeably to the provisions of Canon 1st,
section 2d of 1838, when on motion, the said testimonials
were committed to the Clerical Members of the Standing
Committee, with directions to communicate the same to the
Rev. Mr. Elliott, and await his decision.
The Committee on the State of the Church, made the fol¬
lowing Report, which was ordered to be printed, and the ac¬
companying resolution was unanimously adopted.
The Committee on the State of the Church, respectfully report—
That in surveying the affairs of the Diocese since the last Conven¬
tion, they feel penetrated with profound gratitude to Him from whom
cometh every good and perfect gift, for the manifest and cheering to¬
kens of his blessing upon our household of faith.
From the several Parochial Reports which have been laid before
the present Convention, the following exhibit has been extracted, viz :
Baptisms 63, Marriages 26, Burials 87, Communicants 323, Con¬
firmed in Christ Church, Savannah 20 ; Sunday Schools—Teachers
40, Scholars 375, Collections [for Missions and benevolent objects
generally, $2,182.
24
Your Committee would congratulate the Convention on the cheer¬
ing fact, that the present is by far the fullest Convention which has
ever met since the organization of the Diocese. The presence of
seven of the Clergy and eight Lay delegates, and those collected at
an extremely remote point in the State, has presented a spectacle at
once novel to the eyes of the friends of our Zion, and calculated to
cheer their spirits as an indication of increased interest in the welfare
of the Diocese.
The completion within the past year, of a spacious, tasteful and
beautiful edifice for public worship, by the congregation of Christ
Church, Savannah, the commencement of another suitable Church
edifice in the infant Parish of Grace Church, Clarksville, and the
due organization of a new congregation in Springfield, Effingham
county, by the name of St. Michael's Church and its recognition by
the present Convention, are among the evidences of increasing pros¬
perity, for which your committee feel that devout acknowledgerhents
are due to the Great Head of the Church, Your committee would also
record, as among events which, in the good Providence of God, have
exerted a most auspicious influence in certain portions of the Diocese,
the very unusual occurrence of the recent visit among us, of two of
the beloved Bishops of the Church, viz : Bishop Ives, in kind com¬
pliance with an invitation from our Standing Committee, to perform
certain Episcopal services ; and Bishop Chase, in the prosecution of
his zealous labors in soliciting aid for the important institution of Ju¬
bilee College in his Diocese. The exhibition of certain Episcopal of¬
fices by these beloved Fathers in the Church, viz : those of the Con.
secralion of a Church and of Confirmation by Bishop Ives in Christ
Church, Savannah, and that of an Ordination to the Ministry by
Bishop Chase, in St. Paul's Church, Augusta, has presented our
Church to those communities in an aspect which has served to elevate
her in the estimation of those of other denominations wbo had not
before witnessed these peculiarly solemn, beautiful and impressive
services.
The most important event in the history of this Diocese remains vet
to be noticed. The Election, by an unanimous vote of the present
Convention of the Rev. Stephen Elliott, jr. Professor of Sacred
Literature in the College of South Carolina to the Episcopate, gives
to us a full and symmetrical organization as a Diocese, and the confi¬
dence of your Committee in his zeal, devotedness and eminent quali¬
fications to promote the best interests of the Church, prompts the ear-
25
nest wish t*iat the Bishop elect may be inclined to accept the high and
sacred office thus unanimously tendered to him by this Convention,
Since our last annual meeting, the Church in this Diocese has been
called to sympathize with the Church at large, and with her sister Dio¬
cese of South Carolina iu particular, under the dispensation ol Div.ne
Providence, by which the beloved Chief i'astor oi the Church iu that
State has been removed from his earthly labors. While fully parti¬
cipating in the sorrow which uas overspread the whole household of
faith, under this heavy bereavement, it iias awukeued in our bosoms
still deeper em nions, troni the peculiarly near relation which had sub¬
sisted between ourselves and that venerated servant of Christ, and
the increased opportunity thereby afforded us for observing and duly
appreciating the many virtues which adorned his character, both pii-
vate and public, your Committee thtrefoie recommend the foliowiug
resolution.
Resolved, That this Convention, while they desire to bow with
Christian submission to the Divine will, sincerely deplore the bereave¬
ment which the Church at large, and especially the Diocese ol Soudi
Carolina has sustained, in the removal by death from his eai tiny la¬
bors, of the Right Reverend Nathaniel Bow en, D. //, that they re¬
tain a grateful recollection of the valuable services kindly rendered by
liirn to tills Diocese as its Provisional Bishop, and that they cherish
a sincere and affectionate ..dmiration ol his c :aracter as the accom¬
plished Christian gentleman the learned and pious Divine, the faithful
Parish minister, and the Bishop at once dignified, yet simple in his
department; linn and independent, yet kind, paterualaud considerate
in the exercise of the high and s icred authority of his office; and con¬
scientious, devoted and exemplary iu the discharge of its varied, ar¬
duous and responsible duties.
EDW. E. FORD, Chair.
The thanks of the Convention were cordially returned to
the citizens of Clarksville for their hospitality and kindness,
and to the Methodist Society for the use of their Luilding
during its session.
The minutes of to-day were read and approved.
After singing the last four verses of the i)4th Psalm, and
prayer by the President, the Convention adjourned.
Attest. EDWARD NEUFVILLE, President.
Wm. D. Cairxs, Secretary.
O2* Hie next Annunl Con vent ion of tin
*
Dio jese of (jeorgia, will be held in Chris!
(*!i tr !i in the city of Al teon, on the firs!
Monday in May, 1841.