GEORGIA CONVENTION,
of the
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
18 4 5.
The next Convention will meet in Athens
on the Thursday after the first Monday in May, 1846.
JOURNAL
OP THE
PROCEEDINGS
OP THE
TWENTY-THIRD ANNUAL CONVENTION,
OP the
PROTESTAIT EPISCOPAL CHURCH,
IN THE DIOCESE OF OEOBGIA^
Held in St. Stephen's Churchy Jflilledgeville,
Commencing on the 8th of May, 1S4-5.
:o:
savannah:
w. t wjll.ia.ms.
1 8 4 5.
LIST OF CLERGY.
Rt. Ret. STEPHEN ELLIOTT, Jr. D. D., Bishop of the
Diocese.
*Rev. THEODORE B. BARTOW, Chaplain in the U. S. Navy.
" SENECA G. BRAGG, Rector of Christ Church, Macon.
" EDMUND P. BROWN, Rector of Christ Church, St,
Simons.
* " RICHARD T. BROWN, Rector of St. Andrew's Church,
Darien.
* " WM. D. CAIRNS, Rector of Trinity Church, Columbus.
" WILLIAM J. ELLIS, Deacon, Missionary, Albany, Ba«
ker County.
* " JOHN FIELDING, Principal of the College, Beaufort,
S. C.
" EDWARD E. FORD, D. D., Rector of St. Paul's Church,
Augusta.
* *' JOHN J. HUNT, residing in Athens.
* " RICHARD JOHNSON, Rector of St. Luke's Church,
Montpelier.
" BENJAMIN F. MOWER, Deacon, Minister of Grace
Church, Clarksville.
" EDWARD NEUFVILLE, Rector of Christ Churchy
Savannah.
" NICHOLAS A. OKESON, Deacon.
" THOMAS F. SCOTT, Rector of St. James* Church, Ma¬
rietta.
" JOSEPH A. SHANKLIN, Deacon, Missionary at St.
Mary's.
" WILLIAM BACON STEVENS, M. D., Rector of Em¬
manuel Church, Athens; and Professor of Belles
Lettres, Oratory, &c. in Franklin College.
" OWEN P THACKARA, Deacon, Missionary.
" GEORGE WHITE, residing in Savannah.
* " RUFUS M. WHITE, Rector of St. Stephen's Church,
Milledgeville.
* Did not attend the Convention,
LAY DELEGATES APPOINTED.
DR. THEOD. BARTOW, ^
Hon. J M. BERRIEN, > Christ Church, Savannah.
RICHARD R.CUYLER, )
NICHOLAS A. OKESON, St. John's Church, Savannah.
Dr. L. D. FORD,
B. T. NICHOLS,
B. CON LEY,
FRANCIS A. JONES,
N.C. MUNROE,
JAMES REA,
THOS. M. NELSON,
WM. B. LEARY,
JOHN B. PEABODY,
CHARLES GRANT, Christ Church, St. Simons.
JOHN R. COTTING,
JOHN S. THOMAS,
MICHAEL J. KENAN,
GEORGE J. KOLLOCK,
JACOB WALDBURG,
JOS. L. M'ALLISTER,
THOS. F. BRYAN, St. David's Church, Glynn County.
Dr R. D. MOORE, )
W. P. SAGE, > Emmanuel Church, Athens.
Dr. WILLIAM FLINT, )
H. L. CURRIER, )
EDWAR D DENMEAD, > St. James'Church, Marietta.
C. F. M. GARNETT, )
JOHN F. LLO\ D, St. Peter's Church, Rome.
Col. B.GREEN, \
Dr. JAMES HOLMES, > St. Andrew's Church, Darien,
WM. B. THOMAS, )
St. Paul's Church, Augusta.
Christ Church, Macon.
Trinity Church, Columbus.
St. Stephen's Church, Milledge-
ville.
Grace Church, Clarksville.
JOURNAL.
ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH, MILLEDGEVILLE,
Mav 8, 1845.
This being the time and place appointed for the Twenty-Third
Annual Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the
Diocese of Georgia, Morning Prayer was read by the Rev. Ed¬
ward Neufville, and the Convention Sermon preached by the
Rev. William B. Stevens, from Acts 20 : 28.
After Sermon, the Convention was called to order by the Bish¬
op of the Diocese, and the following Clergymen answered to
their names :
REV. SENECA G. BRAGG,
" EDMUND P. BROWN,
" EDWARD E. FORD, D. D.
" EDWARD NEUFVILLE,
" / THOMAS F. SCOTT,
«< JOSEPH A. SHANK LIN,
" WILLIAM B. STEVENS.
The certificates of Lay Delegates having been presented and
read, the following were found to be present:
Christ Church, Savannah,—R. R, Cuyler.
St. John's Church, Savannah,—N. A. Okeson.
St. Paul's Church, Augusta,—L. D. Ford, M. D.
Trinity Church, Columbus,—Thomas M. Nelson and William
B. Leary.
St. Stephen's Church, Milledgeville,—John R. Cotting, John S.
Thomas and Michael J. Kenan.
Emmanuel Church, Athens,—William Flint, M. D.
St. James' Church, Marietta,—H. L. Currier and Charles F
JA. Garnett.
St. Peter's Church, Rome,—John F. Lloyd,
6
On motion, it was
Resolved, That the Rules of Order of the last, be adopted for
the government of this Convention.
1 he Convention proceeded to ballot for a Secretary, and. the-
Rev Thomas F. Scott was elected.
On motion, it was
Resolved, That Clergymen of other Dioceses, and Candidates
for Orders, who may be present, be invited to attend the delibera¬
tions of this Convention.
The following Committees were announced by the Chair :
On the State of the Church.—Rev. Messrs. Neuf ville, Ford and
Stevens.
On Unfinished Business.—Rev. S. G. Bragg arid Dr. L. D.
Ford.
On Finance.—Messrs. Nelson, Cuyler and Thomas.
On the Admission of New Parishes.—Rev. T. F. Scott, and.
Messrs. Lloyd and Gamett.
After Prayer by the Bishop, the Convention adjourned to meet
at 10 o'clock to morrow morning.
At night, Evening Prayer was read by Rev. W. B. Stevens,
and a Sermon delivered by Rev. E. E. Ford, D. D. from Col. 1 :
10.
FRIDAY MORNING, May 9, 1845.
Morning Prayer was read by Rev. Thomas F. Scott, and a
Sermon delivered by Rev. S. G Bragg from John 14 : 26, after
which the Convention was called to order by the Bishop, and
the minutes of yesterday we?e read and confirmed.
Messrs. Francis A. Jones of Christ Church, Macon, and George
J. Kollock of Grace Church, Clarksville, having presented their
certificates, took their seats in the Convention.
The Bishop then delivered to the Convention his
ANNUAL ADDRESS.
Brethren of the Clergy and Laity :
Assembled once more in Annual Convention, let us beseech
our Heavenly Father, from whom cometh every good and perfect
gift, to shed down upon us the influence of his Holy Spirit,
that we may deliberate with that wisdom, which is first pure,'
7
then peaceable, and act with that charity which is of the very
spirit of the blessed Jesus,—for indeed, in the times in which
we live, we need to be wise as serpents, at the same time that we
are harmless as doves.
The first act of the past Ecclesiastical year was performed in
your sight on Sunday the 5th of May, 1344, in St. Paul's, Augusta,
ar the close of our last Convention, and consisted of the confir¬
mation of fourteen persons, a most interesting class, of whom
one was coloured. Such an accession would have been valuable
to any Church, but especially so to one suffering so much from
emigration as St. Paul's. On Monday the 6th, the Convention
closed its business. I preached at night in St Paul's.
On the 9th of June I commenced my visitation of St. Simon's,
and on the 10th baptized one adult and one child, and confirmed
four whites. On the 11th I examined and admitted the Rev. Ed¬
mund P. Brown to the Priesthood. The Church at St. Simon's
appeared at that visitation to be in a flourishing condition under*
the ministrations of its Rector.
On the 15th of June I reached St Mary's, Camden county, and
on the 16th preached in the Presbyterian Church, which was
kindly tendered me, both morning and evening. During the ser¬
vices I baptized five children and confirmed three persons. The
Holy Communion was administered to all in the Church who
felt inclined to partake of it.
On the ISth I organized a Church in this place under the nam#
of the Church of the Messiah, and constituted it a Missionary
station. It was not filled until January last, when the Rev. Jos¬
eph A. Shanklin was appointed to it. I have not been able to
visit this infant Parish since its organization, although exceeding¬
ly anxious to do so.
From St. Mary's, I returned to Savannah, where I was occu¬
pied until the 17th of September in the performance of Parochial
duty. On that day I departed to meet the General Convention,
which assembled at Philadelphia on the 2d of October and contin¬
ued in joint session until the 22d of October. On that day the
House of Bishops adjourned to meet in separate session on the
23d and 24th in Philadelphia, and on the 30th and 31st of Oc¬
tober at the General Seminary in New York.
During the session of the General Convention many important
'6
Canons were passed and some important acts were consumma¬
ted. The Canon which affects us most as a Slaveholding Dio¬
cese, is the VI. Canon of 1844, entitled "Of a discretion to be
allowed in the Calling, Trial and Examination of Deacons in
certain cases," which makes it lawful, for any Bishop, upon be¬
ing requested so to do by a Resolution of the Convention of his
Diocese, to admit to the Holy Order of Deacons persons not
tried and examined as prescribed in the Canons entitled " Of
Candidates for Orders," " Of the learning of those who are to be
ordained," and " Of the preparatory exercises of a Candidate for
Deacon's Orders."
This Canon, after long consideration and earnest discussion,
has at last been submitted to the Church for trial. Although in¬
troduced first, as I believe, to the notice of our Church by the
Bishop of Vermont, it has been most warmly advocated by the
South and West as especially needed in those Dioceses, to meet
the wants of the slave population and to supply thinly peopled
districts with zealous, strong-minded Missionaries, who, lacking
the higher education of our Colleges and Seminaries, might yet
be eminently useful in the propagation of the Gospel. After
looking at the subject in every point of view, I see no mode, by
which our Church can operate, for a long time to come at least,
upon large sections of country, except by means of Deacons of
the nature contemplated in this Canon. Our supply of educated
Clergy is barely sufficient to supply the wants of the cities and
villages of the various Dioceses, and the whole rural population
is almost every where alienated from the Church. In many of
the large Dioceses of the South and West the name of the Epis¬
copal Church is scarcely known beyond the precincts of the cities
and towns, and it is not even recognised as preaching the glad
tidings of great joy to the nations. It is either unheard of, or so
confounded with the Roman Church, as in the minds of the people
to be considered idolatrous. To reach and obviate such a con*
dition of things calls for an itineracy, such as is contemplated by
this Canon, strong-minded men of the soil, zealous for Christ and
his Church, and acquainted with the manners, habits, modes of
thought and feelings of the people. Many and many a fair
prospect for the Church has been blighted by the want of adapt-
oduess of scholastic men to the positions into which they have
9
been thrown among people, whose prejudices were jarred and
whose feelings were wounded by them at every turn without any
the slightest intention on their part. For the most important
purposes of the Church and the Gospel, such Deacons as those
provided for in this Canon, will, in many a field of labour, be
altogether competent and serviceable.
That there may be Dioceses, in which, from a fortuitous con¬
currence of circumstances, such Deacons may not be required, I
have no doubt; and the Canon meets this objection by two safe¬
guards which prevent its operation where it is not sought for.
First: No Bishop can ordain such a Deacon unless previously
requested by his Convention. Secondly: Such Deacon is not
transferable from one Diocese to another, unless requested in
writing, by the Bishop to whose Diocese he is transferred, of the
Bishop to whose jurisdiction he belongs. This class of Deacons
can therefore be kept out of any Diocese where their services
may not be wanted.
Even in those Dioceses where such a class of Ministers may be
desirable, very strong safeguards have been placed around the
rash exercise of this privilege. The Convention must first ask
from its Bishop the ordination of such Deacons. The party ap¬
plying for ordination under it must be twenty-four years of age ;
must obtain the usual certificate from the Standing Committee;
must remain a candidate for one year ; must bring to the Bishop
a testimonial, from at least one Rector of a Parish, of his good
qualification for this office, and must be examined by the Bishop
and two Presbyters on his fitness for such ministrations as ap¬
pertain to the ofiice of a Deacon. After all this, lie is not per¬
mitted to take charge of a Parish, but shall be always subject to
the direction of the Rector of the Parish in which he officiates;
neither is he allowed to have a seat in the Convention or to form
the basis of any representation in the management of the concerns
of the Church ; nor yet can he ever advance to the Priesthood ex¬
cept by passing through all the preparatory exercises of a Can¬
didate for both Deacons' and Priests' orders as set forth in the
Canons of the Church.
The points conceded by the Church in this Canon, then, seem
to be these, that in certain cases and under certain restrictions,
a class of Deacons may, at the request of the Convention of any
2
10
Diocese, be ordained for such Diocese by its Bishop, who shall
not have received a classical or collegiate education, and who
may, in connexion with the Diaconate, pursue some lawful busi¬
ness or trade for their maintenance. Even with all these restric¬
tions and qualifications, it seems to me that this Canon should for
a time be very sparingly used, and it remains for you to decide,
whether it shall be used at all.
The most important act consummated at the last Convention,
was the nomination, election and consecration of Foreign Mis¬
sionary Bishops. This measure, long desired by the Church, but
wisely and cautiously deferred until it could be examined and dis¬
cussed, presents our Missions abroad, as they should be present¬
ed, as the Missions of the Episcopal Church. Whether we deem
it Apostolic or expedient, or both, that there should be Bishops
in any case, there is no point of our Church operations at which
their supervision is more needed than in our Missionary fields.
What Duff said years ago to the Missionary Society of the Scotch
Church has been too much neglected in our Missionary opera¬
tions : " That instead of sending our young inexperienced men
upon this most arduous duty, it is the Pauls and Apollos' of the
Church who should take up the Missionary staff and go forth as
the heralds of salvation." If this is impracticable for the want
of I know not what, the next best step is that which has been
adopted, to place at the head of such Missions the most experi¬
enced men that could be procured, and give them the opportu¬
nity of training for the Church such as may understand the Mis¬
sionary work, and carry it on in the power and with the success
of the Holy Ghost. The Bishop of China sailed in December
for his Missionary work. The Bishop of Texas is engaged upon
his first visitation, and the Bishop of Constantinople will soon en¬
ter upon his deeply interesting field of labour. I regret to say
that the Missionaries upon the coast of Africa, have been again
doomed to disappointment, as the Bishop elect declined the of¬
fice to which the Church had called him. I was nominated by
the Presiding Bishop to preach the Sermon at the consecration
of these Foreign Bishops, which I did in St. Peter's Church,
Philadelphia, on Saturday October 26, 1844.
On Wednesday, October 30, I united with such of the Bishops
as convened in New York, in a visitation of the General Theo-
11
logical Seminary, which occupied that day together with the 31st.
It was principally occupied in reading the replies of the Profes¬
sors to certain questions proposed by the Bishops as visitors, and
was closed by the passage of a series of Resolutions, which will
be found at pages 18S and 189 of the Journal of the General
Convention of 1844.
From this time until the beginning of January I was occupied
with the Presentment and Trial of the Bishop of New York.
Upon the close of this painful duty I returned to Savannah, and
my first official act was the ordination of Mr. Joseph Augustus
Shanklin to the Holy Order of Deacons. Mr. Shanklin has been
appointed Missionary to St. Mary's, and is doing good service
there.
On February 9th, I admitted the Rev. Rufus M. White to the
Priesthood. I regret to add that severe domestic afflictions have
called him away from his Church and his people at this interest¬
ing moment.
Just as I was about to commence my Spring visitations, the
melancholy death of the Rev. Mr. Jackson forced me to remain
and support and comfort an afflicted Church. Although Mr.
Jackson had been but a very short time in the Diocese, those
about him had formed a high estimate of his intellectual powers,
and hoped for much from the growth of his religious experience.
But their hopes were doomed to a dreadful disappointment, and
the fearful word " insanity" stands written upon his early and
lamented grave.
At the close of the first week in April, I was suddenly called to
take charge of the Montpelier Institute, and have been closely
confined ever since in administering its affairs. It was the only
step which, under the circumstances, could preserve this valuable
property to the Diocese and this excellent school to the State.
I have already notified the public that it is my intention to con¬
tinue in charge for the next term at least. This arrangement
will not interfere with my Episcopal duties more than the ser¬
vice of a Parish. The two vacations will give me nine weeks of
leisure at the best seasons of the year for visiting the various Par¬
ishes of my Diocese, and the central position of the Institute will
afford me facilities of movement which will enable me to visit
the nearer Parishes during term time, especially as it is my pur-
12
pose to unite with myself a Clergyman of the Church as Steward,
who will superintend and protect every thing during my ab¬
sences.
It was found necessary, from various causes, such as the diffi¬
culty of procuring a suitable Head-Master, its too great proximity
to the Female Institute, &c. to close the Boys' School, which had
been opened about a mile from Lamar Hall. The building has
been removed over to the immediate neighbourhood of the Girls'
School, and when finished, which will be in about six weeks,
will enable us to receive some pupils in addition to the fifty to
which we have hitherto confined ourselves. The increase of
number will make no difference in the conduct of the School, as
the family arrangement will be preserved as strictly as before.
Should a Boys' School be re-established, and one is very much
called for, it should be located in the country North-West of the
Chattahoochie, somewhere in Cass or Floyd counties. The
healthfulness, cheapness and approaching accessibility of that
region of our State, all point it out as the very position for such
an establishment. But when commenced, it must be begun upon
principles such as these, else will it never achieve the objects for
which only it would be desirable. Its foundation must be laid
upon the Prophets and the Apostles, Jesus Christ being the chief
corner stone. Its superstructure must be raised gradually, ac¬
cording as the free-will offerings of the Church shall give warrant
for its enlargement and increase. Its government must be pa¬
rental and yet lacking the partial blindness of the parent. Its
discipline must be strict, and if needs be, stern : its tone honest
in every sense of the word. Such a school might be put into
operation for a very little money, although additional sums would
be required from time to time for its improvement and advantage.
Should any member of the Church or any citizen of the State,
feel a desire to employ some of the means wherewith God has
blessed him, towards such an object, it would afford me much
pleasure to see it properly and judiciously applied to what I con¬
ceive to be at this moment, the very best work for Georgia in
which a Christian or a Patriot could engage.
While speaking of schools, it affords me much pleasure to add
that the Eev. Mr. Scott of Marietta, has opened a Female Insti¬
tute at Marietta in connexion with his Church in that place. From
13
my intimate knowledge of Mr. Scott, I feel that I can heartily
recommend it to the patronage of the Church and of the State,
May it go on and prosper, and may many such arise through the
length and breadth of the land, that the future Mothers of Geor¬
gia may be prepared for the high duties they will be called upon
to perform, in connexion with the rising destinies of their great
and growing country.
During the past year I have admitted Mr. Joseph A. Shanklin
to the Holy Order of Deacons, and the Rev. Messrs. Edmund P.
Brown and Rufus M. White to the Priesthood. We have lost
some very valuable Clergymen by removal, among whom 1 would
especially name my former beloved colleague at St. John's, the
Rev. John B. Gallagher, who has been transferred to the Diocese
of Kentucky, and my highly valued christian friend the Rev.
John A. Vaughan, to that of Pennsylvania. The Rev. Messrs.
Walker, Page, Berger and Smith, have also been transferred, the
two former to the Diocese of South Carolina, and the two latter
to that of Virginia. Mr. Jackson ha^been removed from us by
death, thus making a heavy draft upon our numbers, which will
be supplied in some measure by the band of young men now a-
waiting ordination and ready to press forward into the ranks and
service of the Church.
Our Candidates for Orders are six—Messrs. Ellis, Mower, Thac-
kara, Okeson, Williams and Flint; the four first of whom will
be ordained at this Convention, leaving us two candidates, to whom
others are about to be added. The Lord thus seems to be rais¬
ing up for us, young soldiers to take the place of those who fall,
or are forced by circumstances, to quit the Diocese. May they
have patience to labour faithfully for Christ and not to faint nor
grow weary in their work. The great mistake into which our
young Clergymen fall, is in expecting great results to follow im¬
mediately from their labours, forgetting that in all Missionary
work, the seed must be sown in tears, before they can return with
joy, bringing their sheaves with them. No man will do any thing
for the Church in Georgia who does not come imbued with the
motto of its Episcopal seal: "In utrumque paratus, agere etpati"—
and that long and patiently. Hard work, small reward and the
harvest for your successors are all that we can offer. But then
what you achieve will be your own work, for you will have no
other man's foundation to build upon.
14
From these observations I do not mean it to be understood
that I consider it more difficult to extend the Church in Georgia
than in other Dioceses. But the experience of all has been the
same, and wherever we see our Church rapidly expanding her¬
self, it is in Dioceses where long and arduous Missionary duty-
has been previously performed. The Church must be exhibited
before it can be appreciated ; must be known, before it can be
understood; must prove itself to be Scriptural and Evangelical,
before it will be embraced, and all these things require time, pie¬
ty, prudence, long-suffering on the part of the Clergy. Nothing
is to be gained by violent controversy, or angry abuse of others.
" In quietness and confidence, is our strength." Let the Church
be seen in her beauty and scriptural holiness, and she will need
no apologists and no champions. The Lord will be her Saviour
and her Redeemer, and under His guidance " a little one shall be¬
come a thousand and a small one a strong nation."
Before I conclude I would direct the attention of the Diocese
to our Missionary Funds. %Havingbut a very small invested cap¬
ital for Missionary purposes, we are dependent upon the contri¬
butions of the Churches for the means of supporting our several
Missionaries. I must therefore urge it upon the Congregations
of the Diocese to turn their efforts within more than they have
hitherto done, especially as we are left at the close of the year,
with a considerable balance against us upon our Missionary
books. For many years to come we must sustain in this way,
several of our Churches, inasmuch as the expense of Church
building and the furnishing of the houses of God will absorb all
the resources of these feeble flocks. Let every one do what he
can and the work will go on successfully.
The three years for which the contributions to the Building
Fund were pledged, having expired, I would respectfully re¬
commend their renewal, as that fund has helped us materially in
the advancement of our Church.
Trusting that all your deliberations will be conducted in the
spirit of Truth and Charity, "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 which are sanctified."
STEPHEN ELLIOTT, JR.
Bishop of the Diocese of Georgia.
15
The Parochial Reports were read, and ordered to be printed,
as follows :
ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, SAVANNAH.
Bt. Rev. Stephen Elliott, Jr. I>. 1). late Rector.
Communicants, ..... 81
Baptisms, ...... 4
Burials, (not of the Congregation, 9) 12
Marriages, - - - - - - 3
CHRIST CHURCH, SAVANNAH.
Rev. Edward Neufville, Rector.
Baptisms, ...... 25
Marriages, - ..... 16
Burials, ...... 13
Communicants, - - - - - -150
Sunday School Teachers, .... 13
Do do Pupils, .... . 100
Do do for Coloured persons, - - 250
Contributed to Domestic Committee of Missions, §195 7'5
Do " Foreign Do " do 151 85
Do " Diocesan Do " do 431 39
§778 97
Of the amount contributed to Diocesan Missions, §25 was raised by-
weekly offerings in the Infant department of the Sunday School, and
§70 32 by the Ladies' Missionary Association, which has also paid its
third annual instalment, §168, to the Church building fund.
The Female Bible, Prayer Book and Tract Society has furnished its
usual liberal supply of books for gratuitous distribution.
ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, AUGUSTA.
Rev. Edward E. Ford, I). D. Rector.
Baptisms,—White, 3 adult; 38 children,
1 Black child. Total, ... 42
Confirmed, 14
Communicants—Added, including 3 received on certifi¬
cate from other Congregations of the Church, 20.
Died, 2. Removed 8. Present number, - 94
Burials, 14
Spkdat School.—White ; number generally in attendance, 100, under
the direction of the Rector, a Librarian, 3 Male and 7 Female Teachers.
Coloured; average attendance, about 40, under the charge of the Rector,
2 Male and 7 Female Teachers. The small balance reported last year as
due for the Sunday School building, has been paid off.
16
The Parish School, for affording- gratuitous instruction in the ele¬
ments of a plain education, combined with religious teaching, in confor¬
mity with the principles and institutions of the Church, remains in suc¬
cessful operation. The sum of g>253 75 has been contributed by the
Congregation, during the past year, to this interesting object: $63 75
of which was a Christmas offering, and the remainder raised by the lau¬
dable exertions of the Ladies' Working Association.
The children of the Congregation are catechized monthly, by the Rec¬
tor.
Missionary Conthibutions have been as follows:
Public collection for the Domestic Missions of the
Church, ..... $90 75
Christmas offerings of the Sunday School, divided e-
qu^lly between Domestic and Foreign Missions, 7 30
Weekly Church offerings, devoted to our Diocesan
Missions, - - - - 92 00
§190 05
The sum of $160 has been collected from subscribers to the Diocesan
Church building fund.
CHRIST CHURCH, MACON.
Rev. Seneca G. Bragg, Rector.
Baptisms, children, ..... 7
Confirmations, (some candidates ready.)
Communicants,—Died 2 ; Removed 6 ; Withdrawn 1;
Added 7 ; Present number, - - - - 70
Marriages, ...... 5
Funerals, adults 2 ; children 4, - - - 6
While, as a Parish, we have reason to be ashamed of our ingratitude,
and of our failure in many duties which relate to the prosperity of our
Redeemer's kingdom, we do not despair of finally surmounting the trials
and embarrassments allotted us.
Within the past Conventional year, two members of our Church have
obeyed the summons to " depart and be with Christreceiving the last
consolations of pastoral visitation, and Christian sympathy, in other and
distant parishes. We would be humbled, under the chastening hand of
the Lord, and excited to renewed watchfulness, diligence, and fidelity.
The Ladies' Association have done what they could, and it is hoped
they will be able to do more, the ensuing year. They have contributed
To Diocesan Missions, . . . - $ 20
" Western Missions, - - . - 10
" African Mission, .... 25
And to Parochial objects, .... 105
$160
17
Our Church offerings have amounted only to the sum of $46 44
Our public collections, for all charitable and religious
purposes, have supplied the sum of . 245 00
Out of which was contributed to Western Missions, • 68 00
To African Mission, - . . . 62 68
To Diocesan Missions, - . . . 20 00
The old Organ having begun to fail, a new one has been procured at a
moderate expense, A Parish Library has been established under circum¬
stances of decided encouragement and usefulness. We are not satisfied
with the present condition of our Sunday School, but trust it may be im¬
proved by a more zealous co-operation on the part of all its professed
friends.
TRINITY CHURCH, COLUMBUS.
Ber. William I*. Cairns, Rector-
Baptisms,—Adult, X, Infants 58, - - 59
Confirmed,—No Episcopal visit.
Marriages, ------ 2
Burials,—Adults, 2 ; Infants, 2, 4
Communicants,—Died, 2 ; Added, 8, - 86
Collections:
For Diocesan Missions, - - - - $ 54 50
General Domestic Missions, - - - 50 00
Candidate for Orders, - - - - 50 00
Church Debt, ----- 250 00
Interest on do. .... - 120 00
Bishop's and Contingent Funds, - - 115 00
At the " Offertory," - 128 50
§768 00
Of the above, the Ladies of the Working Society have contributed,
from the avails of their industry, $220 00.
The Rector was absent from the Parish during the entire half of the
past Conventional year, in the pursuit of health, and is also prevented
from attending this Convention by recent sickness.
CHRIST CHURCH, ST. SIMONS.
Rev. Edmund P. Brown, Rector.
Baptisms,—Infants, white, 2; coloured, 17, - 19
Adults, coloured, ... 5
Confirmed,—White, 4; coloured, 1, - - 5
Communicants,—White, 19 ; coloured, 30, - - 49
Burials, "
Marriage, ------ 1
Missionary Contributions, - - - 836
3
18
As the Church of Christ exists for the sole purpose of extending the
knowledge of the truth and perpetuating it in the world, that by means
of it the souls of men may be sanctified and saved, that position is doubt¬
less the most important in which this end, to the greatest extent, can be
accomplished. In this respect, so far as our regular Congregation is con¬
cerned, the Church of St. Simons perhaps cannot compare with others.
The congregation however of whites constitutes but a small portion of
those who can be reached and influenced by the word of God, and hence
although the number of the former is not large, the addition of the blacks
to the population renders the parish a field of interest—embodying as it
does both a Missionary and Congregational work—most gratifying and
desirable.
The past year has been one which the Rector fondly believes has not
been without its blessings. Our communion has been somewhat increas¬
ed and the foundation apparently laid for a still larger in coming years.
The spirit of harmony and Christian love is prevailing, and the angel of
peace we hope will ere long abide with each one in our midst.
The addition to the Church, adverted to in the report of last year, is
completed, and as a consequence more than double the number of blacks
are in usual attendance.
An organ also has lately been procured, tasteful and neat in its architec¬
ture, and adding much to the appearance of the Church, as we anticipate
it will still more to the interest and value of its services.
EMMANUEL CHURCH, ATHENS.
Rev. Wm. JBacon Stevens, M, D. Rector.
Communicants, ----- 28
Baptisms,- - 4
Burials, - 2
The Sunday School comprises 6 Teachers and 28 Scholars. It has a
library of nearly 200 volumes.
Not having been visited by the Bishop during the year the rite of con¬
firmation has not been performed ; there are however, seven candidates
waiting for its reception.
I have held occasional services in Lexington, Oglethorpe county, where
there are six communicants.
ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH, DARIEN.
Rev. Richard T. Brown, Rector.
Communicants,—Removed from the place, 9,
Received from another Parish, 1, 30
Baptisms, Infant, ----- 1
Marriages, - . . . . -2
Funerals, 2
19
Regular services were held during the last summer at three different
points, in order to reach the people at their summer retreats.
A Sunday School was established last fall, in which the children con¬
nected with the congregation, have been instructed and catechised under
the supervision of the rector.
The Church edifice is not yet finished.
The congregation at this point has been subjected during the last year
to the trials and discouragements naturally resulting from the rapidly de¬
clining condition of the place ; but with proper faithfulness it can be ulti¬
mately established. Our help is in the name of the Lord.
ST. JAMES' CHURCH, MARIETTA.
Rev. Thomas F. Scott, Rector.
Communicants,—Added, 2, Total - - - 11
Baptisms,—Adult, 1; Infants, 2, ... 3
Marriages, ...... 2
Funeral, ...... 1
Sunday School—Teachers, 8 ; Pupils, 50
Funds Raised—For Church purposes, (Jj§49 by the
Ladies' Sewing Society,) ... $>146 00
Communion Offerings, - - . 18 17
For Parsonage, - 250 00
g414 17
In addition to this, there have been paid in towards
the Female Seminary, ... 550 00
Total raised during the year, ... $964 17
Having had no visitation by the Bishop, we have no confirmations to
report. Our candidates are awaiting the opportunity, and some of them
are then to be admitted to the communion.
Our Sunday School is well attended, and is becoming increasingly use¬
ful. Our Congregation is gradually becoming more uniform and settled.
During the year the Church has been painted, and a set of lamps and a
bell have been ordered, and will soon be on the spot.
It was at the solicitation of many of our fellow-citizens that the Vestry
undertook to establish a Female Seminary. Very liberal encouragement
has been extended, and the worlc is well advanced. The School is plac¬
ed under the supervision of the Rector of the Church, in whose family
the young Ladies from abroad are to be boarded. Two very competent
Ladies have been engaged, and the Institution is to be opened on the 19th
inst. More than twenty pupils have already been entered.
The attention which this and our enterprise in Cass county have de¬
manded, have not only made my duties very laborious, but prevented
much that was anticipated for the extension of our Church in other
20
directions. Rev. Mr. Page officiated but a few times in Cass county. I
have had service at that point three times, and administered the commu¬
nion once. The Church was completed, except painting-, as early as No¬
vember last, and is a very neat and commodious house. The Parsonage
and a School-room have also been built, and are now occupied by Mr.
Frederick Elwell, a very accomplished classical scholar, and an able
teacher. This point needs but a zealous and judicious Clergyman, who
is willing to labour in faith, and can endure hardness as a good soldier of
Jesus Christ. With God's blessing upon such a ministry, the happiest
results may be confidently anticipated. The quiet, but Scriptural and
impressive services of our Church, are gradually gaining favour as they
become known, and must exert a very salutary influence upon the intel¬
lectual and moral condition of our new and interesting country.
ST. DAVID'S CHURCH, GLYNN COUNTY.
Rev. T. B. Bartow, minister.
Communicants,—White, 13 ; Coloured, 11, - 24
Baptisms,—White infants, 3 ; Coloured, 31,
Adults, coloured, 2, - - 36
Burials,—White, 1 ; Coloured, 1, - - 2
Candidates for Confirmation, - - - 9
While spending his " leave of absence" with his friends after three yeara
of foreign service, the present Rector was invited to take charge of this
Church in January last, to continue his ministrations until he received or¬
ders from the Navy Department. Soon after the 1st. of May however,
the services of a Pastor are not required here by the White Congregation,
for it is considered no longer safe to remain near the rice fields, and but
one family continues at present to reside in the Parish. At all times the
Rector's principal duty here must be among the blacks. As the number
of the Whites is less than 50, the duty required by them from the Cler¬
gyman is little else than to preach one sermon on Sunday and to catechise
the children. The number of blacks is in the proportion of 20 to 1, and
of course demand the largest share of attention, and no people are more
gTateful for it. Their love, their interest, and their zeal, lighten the toil
and sweeten the labour. The Planters have uniformly facilitated the re¬
ligious instruction of their servants in every way that was desired, and
I have been enabled, by being three nights in the week absent from home,
to preach on four plantations once a week, besides having a service for
the blacks on Sunday afternoon at St. David's. A Sunday School offO
children has been ably conducted by two inmates of one family, in ad¬
dition to which One of the teachers with "a zealousness of good works
which glorifies her Heavenly father," taught a class of 30 adults of both
sexes. On another plantation the coloured children have been carefully
taught the catechism and parts of the Church service by two very young
21
ladies. As the promise of God is that " they who water, shall be watered
themselves, we may confidently hope for its fulfilment in such unobtru*
sive works of love. The negroes, young and old, take delight in those
portions of the Church service in which they bear a part, particularly the
confessions, the Lord's prayer, the creed, the litany, the gloria in
excelsis, and the commandments, which seem admirably adapted to in¬
terest and to instruct them. If our Baptist brethren embrace the greater
number of the negro population in their communion, it is because they
deserve it for their greater care and superior pains bestowed upon *hat
neglected people and not because their faith or worship is better suited
to the rude and ignorant. The negroes readily understand that if they
wish their infants saved by Christ, they should bring them to be baptized
in his name. They easily perceive, that as a crumb of bread and a drop
of wine may, by faith, convey the grace of the one sacrament as well as
the ancient supper, so the grace of the other sacrament, depends on faith
and not on the quantity of water. But however much it may be desired
by themselves and by their superiors that a Clergyman should remain here
during the summer, it is very doubtful whether any white man could long
endure the exposure of preaching on these plantations at night, when
alone they can be taught to advantage, and when alone they desire to be
taught, for but few of them can assemble at the distant Church on Sun¬
day. Until all the families of this Parish shall rendezvous at one place
during the summer, St. David's must unavoidably be closed for half the
year, and during that half (unless the Bishop can say of his Missionaries,
as of the first preachers of the Gospel, " if they drink any deadly thing, it
shall not hurt them,") the preaching of the Gospel at night to the negroes
on rice plantations, must be left to men of their own colour. This is the
more to be regretted, as they are so desirous of sound instruction that to
teach them is a twofold pleasure.
MISSION AT ST. MARY'S.
The undersigned entered upon his duties at this place on the first Sun.
day in February. Since that time service has been held twice on Sab¬
bath, in a room of the Academy, the use of which has been kindly con¬
tinued to us. One Sunday has been given to Jacksonville, Florida, and
occasional services have been held for the coloured people in their Church.
Our Congregations have been necessarily small, but the attention to the
services has been highly gratifying, and the heart of the Missionary has
been cheered by evidences that the Lord has been among us by his Spirit.
White and Coloured Sunday Schools have been established. The
White School thougli numbering but a few, is increasing. The Coloured
School has averaged seventy five. The Missionary may be permitted to
state that he regards this as a most important part of his charge. A spirit
of Christian love has prompted some members of other congregations to
22
volunteer their aid in the important work of instructing the ignorant and
too often neglected blacks.
Steps have been taken towards erecting a Church. A lot eligible in
situation and sufficient in size for a Church and Parsonage has been pur¬
chased. And in the course of the summer we hope to proceed to accom¬
plish the object.
Communicants, 9
Prepared for Communion when opportunity offers, 4
* Marriage, . - - - 1
Contributions,—Missionary, - - - • $ 17 84
Do Sunday School, - - - 34 00
Sunday School Library, - - - 100 Vols.
J. A. SHANKLIN.
The Standing Committee made their Report, which was ac¬
cepted :
The Standing Committee of the Diocese of Georgia respect¬
fully
REPORT:
That they have recommended to the Bishop to be received as
Candidate for Orders, Dr. William Flint.
For Deacon's Orders, Messrs. Joseph Augustus Shanklin,
William Josiah Ellis, Benjamin F. Mower, Nicholas A. Okeson
and Owen P. Thackara.
And for Priest's Orders, Rev. Messrs. Edmund P. Brown,
Alexander J. Berger, and Rufus M. White.
ED. NEUFVILLE, President.
The Missionary Committee made the following report which
was accepted :
The Committee on Missions respectfully
REPORT:
That their operations have been very much restricted during
the past year by a deficiency in the amount of contributions up¬
on which they confidently relied in order to carry on the work
entrusted to their care. While at several points they might at
once operate successfully, if means were furnished to authorize
the employment of Missionaries, it will be seen by the Treasu¬
rer's report, which is herewith submitted, that their existing en¬
gagements have involved them in debt to the amount of $900, for
23
the speedy payment of which they are responsible. It is a source
of deep mortification and regret, that in such an extensive field of
usefulness as this Diocese presents, there should be any hind¬
rance to the advancement of the Church, arising from a want of
substantial evidence of interest in its prosperity at the hands of
those who enjoy its privileges. " By whom shall Jacob arise,"
if those upon whom he has the first and strongest claim, do not
consider and show mercy for Christ's sake, when it is in the pow¬
er of their hand to do it % If those who are strong would but re¬
member the obligations which rest upon them to bear the infir¬
mities of the weak, even at some sacrifice of what pleases them¬
selves, a little one would soon become a thousand, and a small
one a strong nation. May the Lord hasten it in his time, through
the mighty power of His Holy Spirit, inclining the hearts of men
" to His precepts and not to covetousness."
ED. NEUFVILLE, Chairman pro. tem.
The Reports of the Treasurers of the Diocese and of the Mis¬
sionary Committee, were referred to the Committee on Finance.
After Prayer by the Bishop, the Convention took a recess un¬
til 4 o'clock.
4 O'Clock, P. M.
The Convention was called to order by the Bishop, and the
minutes of the morning were read.
The Committee on Unfinished Business made their Report
which was accepted:
The Committee on Unfinished Business respectfully
REPORT:
They find nothing in the Journal of 1844 which requires the ac¬
tion of this Convention, except a resolution proposing an amend¬
ment of the 4th Article of the Constitution, on page 33.
S. G. BRAGG, Chairman.
On motion, it was
Resolved, That the amendment to the Constitution of the Dio¬
cese proposed at the last Convention be adopted, and that the
fourth Article read as follows :
The Convention shall be composed of Clergymen and Laymen,
Every Clergyman of good standing, regularly settled and con-
24
tinuously exercising clerical functions in an existing Parish, or
who shall have been six months last past, performing Missionary
duties, under the direction of the Ecclesiastical authority of this
Diocese, shall be entitled to all the privileges of a member of this
Convention ; and every duly recognised Minister of the Church,
canonically resident for six months last past within the Diocese,
being engaged in the business of literary instruction, or disabled
by reason of age or infirmity from exercising Clerical functions,
shall be entitled to all the privileges of a member of the Conven-
vention, with the exception of the right to vote.
The Convention proceeded to ballot for Treasurers, Commit¬
tees and Delegates, which resulted as follows :
Treasurer of the Diocese.
William P. Hunter, of Savannah.
Treasurer of the Missionary Committee.
George J. Kollock, of Savannah.
standing committee.
Of the Clergy. Of the Laity.
Rev. Edward Neufville, Wm. B. Bulloch,
" Edward E. Ford, D. D. Dr. Theodosius Bartow,
" Seneca G. Bragg. Hon. R. M. Charlton.
missionary committee.
Rev. Edward Neufville, Hon. R. M. Charlton,
" Seneca G. Bragg. Joel Ives,
Henry H. Stotesbury.
delegates to the general convention.
Rev. Edward Neufville, Hon. J. M. Berrien,
" Seneca G. Bragg, N. C. Munroe,
" Edward E. Ford, D. D. E. F. Campbell,
" Wm. B. Stevens. C. F. M. Garnett.
The following Article was proposed as an amendment to the
Constitution, and was approved by the Convention, and ordered
to lie over :
Art. 13. In all elections by ballot, a majority of votes shall
be required for a choice.
25
The Committee on the admission of New Parishes reported
and their Report was accepted.
The Committee on the admission of New Parishes respectfully
Report, That no applications have been presented to them.
THOMAS F. SCOTT, Chairman.
On motion, it was
Resolved, That the next Convention be held in Emmanuel
Church, Athens, on the Thursday after the first Monday of May,
1846.
On motion, it was
Resolved, That the thanks of this Convention be tendered to
Joseph S. Fay, Esq. for his valuable services as Treasurer of the
Missionary Committee of the Diocese, and for his very liberal
donations in aid of the funds appropriated for Diocesan Missions.
After Prayer by the Bishop, the Convention adjourned until
to-morrow morning at 10 o'clock.
At night, Evening Prayer was read by Rev. Edmund P.
Brown, and a Sermon delivered by Rev. Thomas F. Scott, from
Acts, 3 : 19.
SATURDAY MORNING, May 10, 1S45.
Morning Prayer was read by Rev. Joseph A. Shanklin, and a
Sermon delivered by Rev. Edmund P. Brown, from Revelation,
4 : 10.
The Convention was called to order by the Bishop, and the
minutes of yesterday were read and confirmed.
The Committee on Finance made the following Reports which
were accepted :
The Committee on Finance, to whom was referred the ac¬
count of the Treasurer of the Diocese, having carefully examin¬
ed the same, beg leave to
REPORT:
That the various items in the account are sustained by proper
vouchers, and the account is kept in a clear and neat manner.
A small balance of $12 45 has been transferred to the new ac¬
count, as will be seen by the accompanying account of the Trea¬
surer This deficiency arises from the failure of one or two new
4
and weak Parishes to pay in their full assessment to the Comin
gent Fund at the last meeting of the Convention.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
T. M. NELSON, Chairman.
The Committee on Finance to whom was referred the account
of Joseph S. Fay late Treasurer of the Committee on Diocesan
Missions, present the following
REPORT:
That the debits in the account of the late Treasurer are sustained
by proper vouchers and evidence. It appears that notwithstand¬
ing the advance by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Elliott of the sum of $900
raised by his note now running in the Marine Bank, Savannah, the
late Treasurer had not funds sufficient, by the sum of $303 01,
to cover the amount paid away by him, but most generously bal¬
anced his account by crediting $303 01, as " Donations to Dio¬
cesan Missions."
It further appears to the Committee from a communication of
the Rev. Mr. Neufville, in behalf of the Rt. Rev. Bishop Elliott,
that the latter received, in the absence of the Treasurer, on ac¬
count of Diocesan Missions, the sum of $217 24, and paid away
the sum of $81 50, leaving in the hands of the Bishop the sum of
$135 74, at this day. Although the proper duty of this Commit-
mittee is only to examine the accounts of receipts and expendi¬
tures, on account of Diocesan Missions, it will be pardoned by
the Convention for bringing distinctly to its notice the liability
of the Bishop, charitably incurred, and suggesting the propriety
of raising a sum sufficient to discharge it without delay.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
T. M. NELSON, ) ~
R. R. CUYLER, ) Committee'
The Committee on the State of the Church made the following
Report which was accepted and adopted :
The Committee on the State of the Church beg leave to refer
to the annual Address of the Bishop for such particulars in rela¬
tion to the affairs of the Diocese as are usually made the subject
of their report. Several of the Parishes have, from unavoidable
■circumstances, made no report to this Convention, so that the usii-
al statistical information cannot be embodied in this report; and
your Committee therefore request that they may be discharged-.
ED. NEUFVILLE, Chairman.
On motion, it was
Resolved, That 500 copies of the Journal of this Convention
lie printed under the direction of the Secretary.
On motion, it was
Resolved, That the Rectors, Members and Friends of the
Church in this Diocese be earnestly requested to exert themselves
to raise the sum of $765, to relieve the Missionary Committee
from their responsibilities on account of the Missionary transac¬
tions of the past Conventional year, and that the Secretary fur¬
nish each Rector with a copy of this Resolution as soon as prac¬
ticable.
On motion, it was
Resolved, That the printing of the Reports of the Treasurers of
the Diocese and of the Missionary Committee, be dispensed with
in the Journal of the proceedings of this Convention ;
Resolved, That the Standing Resolution respecting the print¬
ing of such Reports, passed at the Convention of 1842, be re¬
scinded.
The following Resolution was offered and in consequence of a
Constitutional difficulty, laid over until the next Convention:
Resolved, That the Rt. Rev. the Bishop of the Diocese be, and
is hereby respectfully requested by this Convention, to admit
from time to time, as circumstances may seem to render it desi¬
rable, to the Holy Order of Deacons, such persons and under such
restrictions as are contemplated by the Sixth Canon of the Gen¬
eral Convention of 1844.
Resolved, Thatthe following amendment be made to the Fourth
Article of the Constitution and inserted as a Second Section of
the same:
Section 2. No Deacon ordained under the provisions of the
28
Sixth Canon of the General Convention of 1S44, shall in any caeo
be entitled to a seat or vote in this Convention, any thing in the
previous part of this article to the contrary notwithstanding.
The above Resolution was ordered to lie over until the next
Convention.
On motion, it was
Resolved, That the thanks of this Convention be tendered to
the Treasurer of the Diocese for his prompt, efficient and faithful
discharge of the duties he has performed to the Church during
the past year.
The Chair appointed Rev. Thomas F. Scott to preach the next
Convention Sermon, and Rev. Edmund P. Brown to preach the
Missionary Sermon.
After Prayer by the Bishop, the Convention adjourned until
S o'clock on Monday morning.
At night, Rev. Edward Neufville read the Evening Prayer,
and a Sermon was delivered by Rev. Joseph A. Shanklin, from
Ecclesiastes 12 : 1.
SUNDAY, 11th MAY.
The Bishop held a special Ordination. Rev. Edward Neuf¬
ville read Morning Prayer, and Rev. E. E. Ford, D. D. preached
the Sermon. The Candidates, Messrs. William J. Ellis, Ben¬
jamin F. Mower, Nicholas A. Okeson, and Owen P. Thackara,
were presented by Rev. S. G. Bragg, and admitted to Deacons'
Orders by the Bishop, who also administered the Holy Commu¬
nion, assisted by Rev. Edward Neufville.
In the afternoon, Evening Prayer was read by Rev. Benjamin
F. Mower, and a Sermon preached by Rev. W. J. Ellis, from
1 Peter, 4, 8.
At night, after Prayers by Rev. O. P. Thackara, Rev. Thomas
F. Scott delivered the Missionary Sermon from Isaiah, 32 : 20,
and a collection was taken up in aid of Diocesan Missions, amount¬
ing to $28 55.
529
MONDAY MORNING, MAY 12, 184o.
After Prayer by the Bishop, the Convention was called to or¬
der, and the minutes of Saturday were read and confirmed.
There being no further business, after Prayer by the Bishop
the Convention adjourned sine die.
STEPHEN ELLIOTT, JR.
Bishop of the Diocese of Georgia.
Thomas F. Scott, Secretary.
APPEHDIZ.
CONSTITUTION
OP THE
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH,
IN THE DIOCESE OF GEORGIA.
ARTICLE I.
The Church of this Diocese, as a constituent part of the Protes¬
tant Episcopal Church of the United States of America, accedes
to, recognises, and adopts the General Constitution of that Church,
and acknowledges its authority accordingly.
ARTICLE II.
A Convention of this Church shall be held at such time of each
year and place as the previous Convention may appoint : pro¬
vided, however, that no Convention shall be opened for the trans¬
action of business, unless there be present at least two Clergymen
and Delegates from two congregations. And in case no Conven¬
tion be formed, the standing officers of the last Convention shall
hold their respective offices until successors shall be appointed.
ARTICLE III.
The Bishop, or, if the Episcopate be vacant, the Standing Com¬
mittee, shall have power, when it appears requisite for the good
of the Church, to call a Special Convention, by a circular letter to
the several Churches. There shall not be less than four weeks'
notice previous to the day appointed, and such meeting shall be
holden when the authority calling it shall determine : and at such
Special Convention, no other business shall be transacted than
that stated in the notice calling the Convention.
ARTICLE IV.
The Convention shall be composed of Clergymen and Laymen.
Every Clergyman of good standing, regularly settled and con¬
tinuously exercising clerical functions in an existing Parish, or
who shall have been six months last past, performing Missionary
duties, under the direction of the Ecclesiastical authority of this
Diocese, shall be entitled to all the privileges of a member of this
31
Convention ; and every duly recognised Minister of the Church,
canonically resident for six months last past within the Diocese,
being engaged in the business of literary instruction, or disabled
by reason of age or infirmity from exercising Clerical functions,
shall be entitled to all the privileges of a member of the Conven¬
tion, with the exception of the right to vote.
Each Church or Congregation in union with this Convention
shall be entitled to a representation by one Lay Delegate or
more, not exceeding three, to be chosen from its own body by
the Wardens and Vestrymen thereof: Provided, however, that
the Minister, or, in his absence, the Delegate or Delegates pres¬
ent at any Convention, may supply any vacancy in the delegation,
if he or they should find at the place of meeting, a member or
members of the congregation which they are empowered to re¬
present.
article v.
New Parishes may be admitted into union with this Conven¬
tion, by a majority of votes : Provided that they shall have laid
before the Convention written evidence, subscribed by the War¬
dens, that they accede to the Constitution and Canons of this
Church, and are regularly organised by the election of two War¬
dens, and any number of Vestrymen at discretion, not exceeding
eight.
article vi.
Every meeting of the Convention shall be opened with Morn¬
ing Prayer, and a Sermon delivered on the first day of the Con¬
vention, by a preacher appointed at the preceding Convention :
a Sermon on Missions shall also be preached some time during
the sitting of each Convention, when a collection shall be made in
aid of Missions within this Diocese. The appointment of both
preachers shall be made by the Bishop, or, in his absence, by the
President of the Convention.
article vii.
The Convention shall deliberate and act as one body, unless
when any member shall call for a division on any question, in
■which case each Clerical member shall be entitled to one vote,
and the Lay Delegates of each congregation jointly to one vote;
and a majority of both orders shall be necessary to a decision.
32
ARTICLE Vllf.
The Bishop of the Diocese shall be, ex officio President of the
Convention. In case there be no Bishop, or in his absence, a
presiding officer shall be elected from among the clerical mem¬
bers present.
ARTICLE IX.
At each annual meeting of the Convention, a Secretary and
Treasurer shall be chosen, to hold their respective offices until
the next Annual Convention, or until successors shall be appoint¬
ed.
It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to receive, or cause to be
received, at each annual Convention, the assessments upon the
Parishes of this Diocese for defraying the incidental expenses of
the Convention and the support of the Episcopate—and also to
pay to the Bishop quarterly in advance, the amount of salary
pledged to him by this Convention; making a faithful return of
all these his ^cts in his annual report to the Convention of this
Church.
article x.
A Standing Committee shall be chosen at each annual meeting
of the Convention, to consist of three Clerical and three Lay mem¬
bers : of the time and place of whose meetings due notice in
writing shall be given to all the members thereof at least one
week before the time of such meeting. At a meeting thus noti¬
fied, any four members shall constitute a quorum. The Standing
Committee shall meet as soon as practicable after their election,
and choose a President and Secretary from among their own
number; and it shall be the duty of the President to call a meet¬
ing of the Committee whenever he shall deem it necessary, or
whenever he shall be required so to do by any three members of
the Committee.
Vacancies in this Committee, caused by death, resignation, or
otherwise, shall be supplied by the suffrages of the remaining
members.
ARTICLE XI.
The Convention shall annually elect four Clergymen and four
Laymen, as Deputies to the General Convention, and to any
Special General Convention which may be held in the recess of
33
this Convention, who shall be empowered, in the absence of one
or more of their colleagues, to appoint in the place of such Dele¬
gate or Delegates any citizen or citizens of this State : provided
that such citizen or citizens be a member or members of the Prot¬
estant Episcopal Church in this Diocese ; or if it be inconvenient
for any Delegate or Delegates to proceed to the place of meeting,
the Bishop is authorized to appoint others in their place. In case
of a vacancy in the Episcopate, the power hereby conferred on
the Bishop shall be exercised by the Standing Committee.
ARTICLE XIX.
A proposition for altering and amending this Constitution shall
be introduced in writing, and considered in Convention : and if
approved by a majority, shall lie over to the next Convention,
when upon consideration again, if it be approved by a majority
of the Convention, it shall be adopted.
CANONS.
CANON I.
Each Church duly represented in this Convention shall pay or
cause to be paid into the hands of the Treasurer of the Conven¬
tion the sum of fifteen dollars annually, for defraying the inciden¬
tal expenses of the Convention.
CANON II.
In case any Clergyman of this Diocese shall be accused of er¬
ror in doctrine, immorality of life, or neglect or transgression of
any of the Canons of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the
United States, or this Diocese, it shall be the duty of any two or
more Clergymen, or of the Wardens and Vestrymen of the Church
of which he is Rector, or to which he may belong, who shall have
knowledge or belief of such misdemeanor, to represent the same
to the Bishop, or in case there be no Bishop, to the Standing Com¬
mittee of the Diocese. In the event of such representation, it
shall be the duty of the Bishop, or if there be no Bishop, the
Standing Committee, if he or they shall deem the charge or
charges worthy of investigation, forthwith to notify the accused
of such charges, together with the time and place appointed for
his trial. The mode of trial shall be as follows : The Bishop, or
5
34
Standing Committee, as the case may be, shall appoint a number
of Presbyters not less than five, of whom the person accused may
select a majority, by whom to be tried. The result of the trial
shall be made known to the Bishop, or if there be no Bishop, to
the Standing Committee, who shall pronounce and execute or
cause to be pronounced and executed, such sentence as may be
awarded, should the same by him or them be deemed just and
proper.
Should the sentence be suspension or degradation from the
Ministry, the Bishop, or provisional Bishop, or should there be
none, some neighbouring Bishop shall be required to pronounce
the same.
Should it be impossible to obtain from this Diocese the requi*
site number of Presbyters to constitute a board of trial, the defi¬
ciency may be supplied from a neighbouring Diocese.
Should any Clergyman, accused and cited for trial according
to the provisions of this Canon, neglect or refuse to obey the cita¬
tion, such neglect or refusal shall be considered as an acknowl¬
edgment of the truth of the charges preferred against him, and
sentence shall be pronounced accordingly.
canon nr.
The Convention shall appoint annually, by ballot, a Committee
of two Clergymen and three Laymen, of which Committee the
Bishop of the Diocese, when there is one, shall be ex-ojjicio, Chair¬
man ; whose duty it shall be to take in charge the Missionary,
Bible, Common Prayer Book, Tract and Sunday School opera¬
tions of the Church in this Diocese : and it shall be further the
duty of this Committee to make a full report of all their proceed¬
ings to each succeeding annual Convention.
canon iv.
It shall be the duty of the Vestry of each Church in connexion
with this Diocese, to pay, or cause to be paid, into the hands of
the Treasurer of the Convention, at each annual meeting of the
Convention, the amount of the assessment laid upon the Churches
respectively represented by them, for the support of the Epis¬
copate in this Diocese.
canon v.
Section I. Whenever asy number of persQns shall associate
35
to form an Episcopal Congregation, they shall adopt articles ot
association for their government, in which they shall acknowledge
and accede to the Constitution, Canons, doctrines, discipline and
worship of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States,
and the Constitution and Canons of the Diocese of Georgia ; they
shall assume a suitable name by which their Church or Parish
shall be designated, and elect two Wardens and any number of
Vestrymen at discretion, not exceeding eight. A certified copy
of the articles of Association and of the proceedings at their
adoption, signed by the Wardens, shall then be laid before the
Convention, and if approved by that body, delegates from such
Congregation or Parish may take seats in the Convention, and
the Congregation shall be considered as united to the Convention
and subject to its decisions.
Section 2. The election of Wardens and Vestrymen in every
Parish thus constituted, shall take place annually, on Easter Mon¬
day, unless some other time be specified in the act of incorpora¬
tion, with the assent of the Ecclesiastical authority of the Diocese.
ST1NDIIVG RESOLUTIONS.
For providing a permanent Fund for the support of the Episcopate,
adopted 1841.
Resolved, That, as it is important that the formation of a per¬
manent fund for the support of the Episcopate in this Diocese,
be at once commenced, each Rector of a Parish is requested, an¬
nually, to call the attention of his Parishoners to the subject, and
invite contributions for the object in such mode as he may deem
most expedient. That the Standing Committee of the Diocese,
be Trustees of this fund, to whom all collections are to be paid
over by the respective Rectors, and the amount thus paid over in¬
vested by the said Trustees, in what may appear to them the most
safe and profitable manner—the interest annually received to be
added to the principal, so that for the present the fund may be
accumulating. And further, Resolved, That the Standing Com*
mittee as Trustees aforesaid, be requested to report to each an¬
nual Convention the amount received during the year, the sources
from which received, and the manner in which the same is in¬
vested.
36
Of the Organization of New Parishes, adopted 1842.
Resolved, That in the organization of new Parishes, the follow*
ing form of declaration be recommended, and the meeting in
which it is adopted be held and conducted according to the pro¬
visions of Canon 5.
" We, the subscribers, assembled for the purpose of organizing
a Church [or Parish] of the Protestant Episcopal Church in ,
county of , and State of Georgia, after due notice given, do
hereby agree to form a Church [or Parish] to be known by the
name of Church , and as such, do hereby acknowledge
and accede to the doctrine, discipline and worship, the Constitu¬
tion and Canons of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United
States of America, and the Constitution and Canons of the same
Church in the Diocese of Georgia; and we do accordingly now
appoint A. B. and C. D. to be the first Wardens, and E. F., G. H.,
I. J., to be the first Vestrymen of Church, to continue in
office until Easter Monday, A. D. , and until others be chosen
in their place. And an election of Wardens and Yestrymen shall
hereafter be held on Easter Monday of each successive year.
Witness our hands at , county of , and State of Geor¬
gia, this day of , in the year of our Lord ."
On the Use of Churches, adopted 1S42.
On motion, it was unanimously Resolved, That it be recom¬
mended to the Vestries of our Churches in this Diocese, to dis¬
courage the use of the Churches under their care, for all " unhal¬
lowed, worldly and common uses."
THE STYLE OR TITLE OF CHURCHES;
The proper style for a duly incorporated Congregation is, "The
Rector, ChurchWardens and Vestry, (or else the Church War¬
dens and Vestry) of Church in . " T^e first blank be¬
ing left for the name of the Church, the other for that of the
place.
mmmmmvm*
Right Ret. STEPHEN ELLIOTT, Jr., D. D.
Bishop of the Diocese of Georgia j
Montpelier Springs, Monroe County.
Rev. THOMAS F. SCOTT, Marietta,
Secretary of Convention.
Rev. EDWARD NEUFVILLE, Savannah,
President of Standing Committee.
Mr. WILLIAM P. HUNTER, Savannah,
Treasurer of Diocese.
Mr. GEORGE J. KOLLOCK, Savannah,
Treasurer of Missionary Committee.
FORI OF A'CERTIFICATE
Of Appointment as a Delegate to the Diocesan Convention.
This certifies that at a meeting of the Rector, Wardens and
| Yestry, (or Wardens and Vestry, if no Rector were present,) of
j , held on the day of , the following person (or per-
i sons, as the case may be,) viz : K. L., M. N., and O. P., were duly
i elected to represent this Church in the next Convention of this
i Diocese, to be held in , on the day of , 18—.
The above certificate shall be signed by the Rector, if present,
| or in his absence, by one of the Wardens or the Secretary of the
i Vestry.