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JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
Cljirtietlj lumttil Ciuinriitinu
OF THE
IN THE
$eID io St. Clinch, ®iipsfci,c
COMMENCING MAY 6TH, 1852.
MACON, GA:
Jlriitfed bij Senjqtyif) L ftiriffio,
NO. 10, COTTON AVENUE.
1 85 2.
JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS
of the
Cljirtiftl) Itunutl Cintnenfioit
of the
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH
In the
DIOCESE OF GEORGIA.
iffeJc) §f. ftngtogfy,
COMMENCING MAY 6, 1852.
MACOlf, d-A:
PRINTED BY BENJAMIN F. GRIFFIN,
MO. 10, COTTON AVENUE.
1 8 5 2.
LIST OF THE CLERGY
Of the Diocese of Georgia.
St. Rev. STEPHEN ELLIOTT, D. D., Bishop of the Diocese, Res¬
idence, Montpelier, Post Office Macon,
Rev. THEODORE B. BARTOW,* Chaplain U. S. Navy.
„ SENECA. G. BRAGG, Assistant Rector of St. Luke's Church.
Montpelier—Post Office, Macon.
,, EDMUND P. BROWN, Rector of Christ Church, St. Simon's
and St. Andrews, Darien.
ABRAM B. CARTER,* Rector of Christ Church, Savannah.
„ GEORGE H. CLARKE*
„ JOHN FIELDING,* Beaufort, S. C„
„, EDWARD E. FORD. D. D., Rector ©f St. Paul's Church,
Augusta.
WESLEY P. GAHAGAN,* Greenville, Tenn.
„ JAMES H. GEORGE,* Missionary in Baker Co., and Minister
of St. Paul's Ch-urch, Albany.
„ JAMES D. GIBSON, Rector of St. Peter's Church, Rome, and
Missionary in Floyd Co.
„ B. E. HABERSHAM, Rector of the Church of the Advent,
Madison, and Missionary.
„ J. STUART HANCKEL, Rector of St. James1 Church, Marietta.
„ W. H. HARRISON, Rector of the Church of the Atonement,
Augusta.
„ JOHN J. HUNT,* Marietta.
„ RICHARD JOHNSON, Rector of Zion Church, Talbotton, and
Missionary.
,, SHEROD W. KENNERLY,* Missionary to the negroes on the
Savannah river, Savannah.
„ GEORGE MACAULEY,* Rector of St. Stephen's Church,
Milledgeville.
,, BENJAMIN F.MOWER, Rector of Gr&ee Church, Clarkesville,
and Missionary.
„ JOHN NEELY, Teaching in Augusta.
„ WILLIAM J. PERDUE, Rector of the Church of the Assen-
sion, and Missionary—Cartersville.
„ THOMAS F. SCOTT, Rector of Trinity Church, Columbus.
„ JOSEPH A. SHANKLIN, Rector of Christ Church, Macon.
„ THOMPSON L. SMITH.
„ GEORGE WHITE,* Marietta.
„ RUFUS M WHITE, Rector of St. John's Church, Savannah.
„ WILLIAM C. WILLIAMS,Missionary to negroes on Ogeechee
River, Savannah.
„ WILLIAM J. ZIMMER, Rector of St. Phillip's Church, At¬
lanta, and Missionary.
* Not present at Convention.
LIST OF LAY DELEGATES
To the Thirtieth Annual Convention of the Diocese of Georgia.
From, Christ Church, Savannah:—
robert habersham,
william hunter,
george a. gordon.
From St. Paul's Church, Augusta:—
edward f. campbell,
g. Mclaughlin,
benjamin conley.
From Trinity C hurch, Columbus:—
thomas m. nelson,
edward t. taylor,
daniel griffin*
From St. John's C hurch, Savannah :—
w. w. lincoln.
From Emmanuel C hurch, Athens :—
j. dilworth,
d. n. judson,
james camak.
From the Church of the Atonement, Augusta :—
r. h. gardiner,
david hodge,
w. k. kitchen.
From St. Peter's Church, Rome:—
thomas m. berrien,
daniel s. printup,
charles h. smith.
From Grace C hurch, C larkesville:—
jacob waldburg,
geo. j. kollock,
m. hanckel.
From Christ Church, Macon :—
n. c. munroe,
w. s. williford,
l. n. whittle.
From Zion C hurch, Talbot ton :—
allen f. owen,
geo. w. jones.
From St. Jamei Church, Marietta:—
samuel lawrence,
thomas stewardson,
„ , -. ~ edward denmead,
From the Church of the Messiah, St. Mary's :—
miller hallowes,
james m. smith,
w. h. clarke.
JOURNAL.
St. Paul's, Augusta,
May 6 th, 1852.
This being the time and place appointed for holding the
Thirtieth Annual Convention of the Protestant Epis¬
copal Church in the Diocese of Georgia:
The Order for Morning Prayer was read, as far as the
Creed, by the Rev. Edward E. Ford, D. D., and the re¬
mainder by the Bishop.
The Convention Sermon was preached by the Reverend
Thompson L. Smith, from Isaiah xxi. 11.
After Sermon, the Convention was called to order by
the Bishop; and the roll of the Clergy being called, the
following answered to their names:
Rt. Rev. Stephen Elliott, D. D., Bishop.
Edmund P. Brown, Rev. John Neely,
Edward E. Ford, D. D. „ Thomas F. Scott,
James D. Gibson, „ J. A. Shanklin,
B. E. Habersham,' „ T. L. Smith,
J. S. Hanckel, „ Rufus M. White,
W. H. Harrison, „ W. C. Williams,
Richard Johnson, „ W. J. Zimmer.
B. F. Mower.
6 journal, 1852.
Certificates of the election of Lay Delegates were pre
sented and read, and referred to the Rev. Dr. Ford, Rev.
Mr. Shanklin, and Mr. Robert Habersham.
The committee, after examination, reported that the fol¬
lowing persons have been duly elected
From Christ Church, Savannah, •— Robert Habersham,
William Hunter, George A. Gordon.
From St. PauVs Church, Augusta,—Edward F. Campbell,
G. McLaughlin, Benjamin Conley.
From Trinity Church, Columbus,•—Thomas M. Nelson,
Edward T. Taylor, Daniel Griffin.
From St. John's Church, Savannah,—W. W. Lincoln.
From Emmanuel Church, Athens,—J. Dilworth, D. N.
Judson, James Camak.
From the Church of the Atonement, Augusta,•—R. H. Gar¬
diner, David Hodge, W. K. Kitchen.
From St. Peter's Church, Rome.,—Thomas M. Berrien, D.
S. Printup, Charles H. Smith.
From Grace Church, Clarltesville,—J&cdb Waldburg, Geo.
J. Kollock, M. Hanckel.
And the names being called, the following Delegates an¬
swered.
Messrs. Habersham, Hunter, Gordon, Campbell, Mc¬
Laughlin, Conley, Lincoln, Camak, Hodge, Kitchen, Ber¬
rien, and Printup.
There being a quorum of both orders present, the Presi¬
dent declared the Convention duly organized.
The Bev. Thomas F. Scott was re-elected Secretary, and
by consent of the Convention, appointed Rev. J. A. Shank-
lin his assistant.
journal, 1852. 7
The Rules of Order of the last Convention were adopt¬
ed for the government of this body.
Resolved, That Clergymen of other dioceses who may be present,
be invited to attend the sittings of this Convention.
Eev. Dr. Ford, and Messrs. Shanklin and White were
appointed to carry the above resolution into effect.
The Eev. EL Finch, of the diocese of New Jersey, and
the Eev. Edward Eeed, of the diocese of South Carolina,
were introduced to the Convention and invited to its sit¬
tings.
The following Committees were appointed by the Chair.
On the State of the Church—Eev. Edward E. Ford, D. D.,
and Eev. Messrs. "White and Shanklin.
On Unfinished Business—Eev. Eichard Johnson, and
Messrs. Camak and Kitchen.
On the Admission of New Parishes—Eev. E. P. Brown
and Messrs. Campbell and Gordon.
After Prayers by tlie Bishop, Convention adjourned to
the hour of public worship to-morrow morning.
At night, Evening Prayer was read by Eev. Thomas F,
Scott, and a Sermon preached by Eev. Ed. P. Brown.
Friday Morning, May 7 th.
Morning Prayer was read by the Eev. J. S. Hanckel,
and a Sermon preached by the Eev. Eufus M. White.
After public worship, the Convention was called to or-
8 bishop's address, 1852.
der, and the roll called. Present as on yesterday, together
with the Rev. S. G-. Bragg, and Mr. D. N. Judson.
The Minutes of yesterday's proceedings were read, cor¬
rected and confirmed.
Certificates of the election of Lay Delegates were present¬
ed from Christ Church, Macon, Zion Church, Talbotton, St.
James' Church, Marietta, and the Church of the Messiah, St.
Mary's, which were read and referred to the Committee on
Elections.
After examination, the committee reported that the fol¬
lowing persons have been duly elected.
From Christ Church, Macon—N. C. Munroe, W. S. Wil-
liford, L. N. Whittle.
From Zion Church, Talbotton—Allen F. Owen, Geo. W.
Jones.
From St. James' Church, Marietta — Samuel Lawrence,
Thomas Stewardson, Edward Denmead.
From the Church of the Messiah, St. Mary's—Miller Hal-
lowes, James M. Smith, "W. H. Clarke.
The Bishop then read his Annual Address.
BISHOP'S ADDRESS.
Brethren of the Clergy and Laity:
Another year of christian conflict, of ministerial
toil, and of divine mercy, has rolled away, and we are per¬
mitted to -meet in this assembly of the Church, to thank
God for his numberless blessings, to tell each other what he
has done for us and for the flocks over which he has made
bishop's address.
9
ys overseers, and to take counsel together for the advance¬
ment of the kingdom of Christ upon earth. May the di¬
vine work which is committed to our charge fill our hearts
to the exclusion of our own petty interests ; and may the
Holy Ghost preside over our consultations, enlightening us,
guiding us, comforting us, and making us meet to be count¬
ed worthy of building the walls of that church which is
laid upon the foundation of apostles and prophets, Jesus
Christ himself being the chief corner stone.
The year which has now closed, looking at it in relation
to the interests of the whole American church, has been
one of decided activity and of good fruits for the kingdom
of Christ. Our Episcopate has been enlarged by the conse¬
cration of four pious and well learned and zealous men to
the office of Bishop in the church of Christ. Our christian
communion with our mother church of England has been
increased through the arrangements of the Venerable So¬
ciety for the Propagation of the Gospel, and our Foreign
Missionary work has been enlarged to a very great extent
by the appointment of new missionaries and by the conse¬
cration of a Bishop for Africa. And in this general ad¬
vancement our own Diocese has been no small partaker,
having gained, within that period, several very valuable
clergymen ; having consecrated two elegant churches, and
and laid the corner stone of a third ; and having received
into the church, through confirmation, many very interest¬
ing individuals who have groped their way into the fold of
the Redeemer. To the Head of the Church be all the glo¬
ry and all the praise.
On Saturday night, May 10, 1851, during the sitting of
the last convention, I confirmed in Trinity Church, Colum¬
bus, five persons; and on Sunday morning, May 11, ad¬
mitted the Rev. B. Elliott Habersham to the holy order of
Priests. In the same parish, on Thursday morning, May
15, I baptized five infants, the Rector having been request¬
ed to act as sponsor. On Sunday the 25th May, I confirm¬
ed, in St. Paul's Church, Augusta, fifteen persons; and ifl
2
10
bishop's addbess, 1852.
the afternoon of the same day, officiated in the unfinished
Church of the Atonement.
On Thursday May 29th, I visited Emmanuel Church,
Athens, and in the afternoon baptized one infant, and at
night confirmed one person, and preached.
From Athens I proceeded to Madison, and spent Sunday
June 1, with Mr. Habersham, at that place. I found him
officiating in a temporary place of worship, which was well
filled, upon the occasion of our services, by an attentive
and refined congregation. I officiated, both morning and
afternoon, and confirmed two persons. This is an exceed¬
ingly interesting town, and I am happy to learn that the
friends of the church are preparing to build, daring the
ensuing summer, having already collected the necessary
funds for that purpose. No where, in the unocoupied parts
of the diocese, could money be more beneficially expend^
ed for the extension of the Church.
Sunday June 22 I officiated in Savannah, upon the occa¬
sion of the celebration of the Jubilee of the Yenerable So¬
ciety for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts.
The day was solemnly kept throughout the diocese, and
the collection taken up upon the oocasion was paid over to
the treasurer of the Diooesan Missionary Society.
On Sunday July 6, I spent the day with the Rev. Mr.
Zimmer, at Atlanta, and officiated, morning and afternoon,
in St. Philip's Church. There were no confirmations up*
on that occasion.
This parish, since my last Report, has very much im¬
proved. It is now, through the persevering efforts of its
Rector, quite complete, having a neat church large enough
for its present wauts | a comfortable parsonage, with suita¬
ble out-buildings; a sm&ll but neat school house, all en¬
closed with a substantial outer fence, making a very com¬
pact arrangement of the necessary parts of a Church Es¬
tablishment. Mr. Zimmer has also been cheered, by the
addition, through emigration, of several Episcopal fami-
lies, who will, we trust, combine zeal with knowledge, ajid
uphold the efforts of their Rector,
Bishop's address, 1852.
11
During the remainder of the week I attended the meet1-
ings of the convention assembled in Marietta for the pur¬
pose of considering the best means for diffusing through
the State the blessings of education. Although this is not
strictly within the scope of my ecclesiastical duties, I Can¬
not permit the occasion to pass without commending this
subject to the exertions and labors, especially of the clergy
within the diocese. The convention, although it ended in
no practical results, was beneficial in many respects, and
if properly pursued, will produce very great blessings to
the State. And to no portion of the population of the
State is it of more interest than to that concerned in thead^
Vancement of the Episcopal Church. Our greatest hin^
drance is ignorance; and as our service is liturgical, a want
of letters is almost a bar, except to humble spirits, to any
connection with the church. Every clergyman and lay¬
man should therefore strive to remove that ignorance, the
fruitful parent of prejudice and suspicion, and to enable
every individual in the State to feel that the prayer book
does not stand as a dark mystery between him and the
Church of Christ. One of your number has already dis¬
tinguished himself by zeal in this cause, and I would ear¬
nestly commend it to the zeal of every one of you, so far
as it can be pursued without any interference with the high¬
er and holier duties committed to your care.
Sunday August 3rd was spent in Athens, Where I officia¬
ted in the afternoon and at night, and confirmed two per¬
sons. This church has suffered very severely from emi¬
gration, but has also received some very valuable families
as the fruit of the labor of its excellent Rector.
From Athens I proceeded to Clarkesville, where 1 officia¬
ted in the morning and afternoon of Sunday August 10.
In the morning I confirmed one person. This parish re¬
mains, so far as the church in the village is concerned,
very much as heretofore, a mere summer church; but ar¬
rangements have been made, through the liberality of an
individual, of which I cannot say more at present, that will,
|2 bishop's address, 1852.
I trust, bring the services of the church to the doors of the
rural population, and make it acceptable to them through
its instructions and its charities. Mr. Mower still occupies
this field.
In September I made a visitation of two of the churches
of East Tennessee, which required the presence of a Bish¬
op, their own excellent Diocesan having sailed for Europe
on account of his health, and his return being very uncer¬
tain. I took one of my own parishes iD the way, and on
Sunday September 21st visited the Church of the Ascen¬
sion, Cass county, where I officiated in the morning, and
confirmed four persons. This was a very interesting con-
fimation, because it consisted of persons belonging to the
country population, who have been supposed to be not
very accessible by our services and ceremonies. Mr. Per¬
due, upon consultation with me, has changed Ms loca¬
tion from the valley of the Etowah to the town of Cal¬
houn, in Gordon county, which will henceforth be the
head quarters of the Mission. His plan is, to officiate in
Calhoun twice a month, at Ascension Church once or twice,
and at some other point, not yet designated, upon the in¬
termediate occasions.
From September 28th to October 5th I was engaged in
East Tennessee, visiting, during that interval, the towns of
Knoxville and Greenville, the episcopal acts of which pe¬
riod have been reported to the Bishop of Tennessee. I
take this opportunity of returning my grateful acknowl¬
edgements to the Church people of those towns for their
Christian courtesy and hospitality.
On Sunday 12th October, I administered the rite of con¬
firmation in the chapel of the Montpelier Institute, when
six of the pupils were confirmed. In the afternoon of the
same day I baptized one adult and one child. <
On Wednesday October 15th I assisted at St. Paul's
Church, Augusta, in the consecration of the Bev. F. H.
Eutledge, to the Episcopate of Florida. The Bishops of
Swrtb Carolina and Alabama were the other consecrators.
bishop's address, 1852.
18
It was a day of great interest to the church people of Au¬
gusta, and the beginning of a brighter career,' I trust, for
the suffering church of Florida.
On Sunday November 9th I admitted Mr. Sherod W;
Kennerley, late a preacher among the Methodist of South
Carolina, into the Holy Order of Deacons. This ordina¬
tion took place in St. Luke's Chapel, Montpelier. Mr. Ken¬
nerley has determined to devote himself entirely to the ne¬
groes upon the plantations on either side of the Savannah
river, adjoining the city of Savannah. The planters have
freely opened their plantations to his instructions, and have
made arrangements for his proper support. It is very agree¬
able to witness the interest which the planters are begin¬
ning to manifest in this matter. Would that we could see
this feeling reciprocated by the ministers of that gospel, one
of whose characteristics was that it was preached to the
poor. The difficulty in this matter lies not, as I have said
before, with the owners of slaves, but with the unwilli-B-g-
ness of our ministers to give up all for the privilege of
preaching Christ to these ignorant and perishing souls, A
competent support can be furnished to any minister wha
will come in the true spirit of self sacrifice and offer him¬
self for this labor of love. As I have not yet had any re¬
port from Mr. Kennerley, I cannot say what has been his
success. I can only bear witness to his zeal and devoted--
ness.
Sunday November 30th I visited St. Stephens, Milledge--
ville, and in the morning admitted the Rev. W. P. Geha-
gan to the Holy Order of Priests. In the afternoon I con¬
firmed two persons in the same church.
I found St. Stephens suffering very much from the em¬
igration of the church families to other parts of the Di¬
ocese. It was very disheartening to the Rector; but he-
was comforted by some tokens for good which manifested
themselves under these discouraging circumstances. Mr.
Macauley still labors at this point, with perseverance and
trust in God.
14
bishop's address, 1852.
Immediately after his ordination Mr. Gehagan proceeded
to Tennessee, to take charge of the church in Greenville,
it beino- understood that he was to be absent only a year
from the Diocese. That church required immediate sup¬
ply, and no one else could so readily and entirely meet their
immediate wants as Mr. Gehagan. He will return into the
Diocese in the autumn and resume his labors among us.
On Wednesday December 17th I attended, in Savannah^
the Annual Meeting of the Board of Trustees of theMonfr
pelier Institute, when a satisfactory account of its concerns
for the year 1851 was submitted to the Board. It gives me
pleasure to add, that its patronage has been steadily in¬
creasing, and that its benefits are beginning to be very gen¬
erally diffused over the whole diocese.
On Sunday December 21st I officiated in Macon in the
morning and afternoon, and during the week proceeded to
Columbus, where I met the Bishop of Cape Palmas, in Af¬
rica, and extended to him the freedom and hospitalities of
the diocese.
On the 27th I buried a valued member of the congrega*
tion of Trinity Church, and on Sunday the 28th—after ser-
mon by Bishop Payne, I addressed the congregation upon
the subject of missions. Bishop Payne's reception in Co*
lumbus, as well as at other points in my Diocese, was high¬
ly gratifying to me, as it manifested the true spirit of the
gospel, and proved that the cause of Christ was dear to the
people for its own divine sake. The true way to receive a
blessing from the Holy Spirit, is to show forth an interest
in the command of Christ, "Preach ye the gospel to every
creature:" and that interest is likewise a sure test of the
spirituality of an individual or a church.
From Columbus I proceeded, in company with Bishop
Payne, to Marietta, where, after sermon by the Bishop, I
addressed the congregation. Although the attendance up¬
on service was small, the contribution was a very liberal
one.
From Marietta I accompanied Bishop Payne to Atlanta,
bishop's address, 1852.
15
where I embraced the opportunity, during morning service,
of confirming two persons. Bishop Payne preached upon
this occasion.
The period having arrived for the opening of the school
at Montpelier, I separated from Bishop Payne at Atlanta,
he passing down to visit the congregations in Augusta.
Upon his return from Augusta he visited Macon and Mont¬
pelier, and I accompanied him to Savannah, where I again
embraced the opportunity of confirming six persons in
Christ Church. I also confirmed in private one sick per¬
son.
On the 29th of January, I visited Augusta and consecra¬
ted to the service of Almighty God, the beautiful Church
of the Atonement. After some delay it had been at last
completed and was presented to the Diocese,—the Bishop
and his successors in office being the trustees,—for the use
of the Protestant Episcopal Church. A desire was expressed
in the instrument of donation that it should remain a free
church; but the Wardens and Yestry were not tied down
to this arrangement, should a change in it be deemed, at
any future time, necessary or expedient. As this Church
has been already fully described, I need only add that it is
complete in all its parts: every thing that could be desired,
from the porch to the altar, having been presented along
with it. The Rev. Wm. H. Hairison is officiating as its
Rector.
I cannot pass over this most interesting incident in the
events of the year without expressing my surprise that the
exquisite pleasure of such noble deeds is not more often
sought after by the pious, who possess the pecuniary ability
for their performance. What ought to afford more real de¬
light to a christian heart than such an use of money, than
such a permanent monument of interest in the cause of
Christ and the souls for which he died ? How many gen¬
erations will not that gift enlighten, and bless, and purify!
How many souls will not the gospel, which shall be preach¬
ed from that sanctuary, convert and sanctify! How many
16
bishop's address, 1852.
outcasts may it not save ! How many broken hearts may
it not bind up ! Oh the value of such a gift! Who can
calculate it ? How can it be estimated even for time, far less
for eternity ? When you give to Christ, my beloved breth-
ren,you give what will never perish—you bestow upon earth¬
ly things an immortality, because its effects can never be
blotted out. They pass with souls into the inheritance of
the saints in light.
On the 17th Feb. accompanied by the Rev. Mr. Shanklin
I proceeded to a visitation of the plantations in Baker Co.,
and subsequently of the town of Albany. The first point
which we reached in this tour, was the plantation of Mr.
Nightingale, where services were arranged for the 20th Feb¬
ruary. On that day I baptized five adults and confirmed
twenty two persons, all negroes upon the plantation of Mr.
Nightingale. On Saturday the 21st, I proceeded to Albany
and baptized one white adult at the house of the rector.
On Sunday the 22nd, in the morning, I admitted the Rev.
J. H. George to the sacred order of Priesthood, the Rev.
Messrs. Scott and Shanklin assisting in the laying on of
hands. In the afternoon of the same day I confirmed, in
the temporary place of worship in Albany, twelve persons,
two white adults and ten negroes from the plantation of Mr.
Hill of North Carolina. On Monday the 23rd I confirmed
at the plantation of Maj. Nelson, eight negroes, after a brief
explanation to them of the nature of confirmation ; and in
the afternoon of the same day I confirmed two persons at
the plantation of Maj. Fishburn, making in all forty four
confirmations in this Parish.
This confirmation at Maj. Fishburn's terminated one of
the most interesting series of services in which I have ever
been engaged. It was made peculiarly so from the fact,
that it was a deliberate withdrawal from the miserable sys¬
tem under which they had been living, and a voluntary
transfer of their religious allegiance to the church; and this
done too not hastily nor unadvisedly, but after several years
of faithful instruction and earnest teaching. It is a very
bishop's address, 1852.
17
idle supposition to imagine that out services are not suited
to this class of people. They seize upon them with avidity
so soon as any body will take the pains to win their confi¬
dence and enlighten their ignorance; but it would be Worse
than useless to waste one's time in dealing with them, except
upon the determination of devoting one's self to their in¬
struction. ZSTo man ought to go into this work except in the
spirit of complete self-sacrifice; for if he has ulterior views,
he will never be able to preach profitably to the negroes
the unsearchable riches of Christ.
The Rev. Mr. George has divided his services between
Albany and the plantations, but his work is stretching far
beyond his ability to manage it. He needs help, and who is
ready to go to his help? The Wardens and Vestry of St.
Paul's, Albany, have contracted for a church edifice at a
cost of $4,000; and so soon as that is finished, a clergyman
will be required to give his services to the town exclusively,
while another shall take the plantations under his charge.
Several additional estates have been offered to be placed
under Mr. George's charge which he has been obliged to
decline.
My next visits were to Savannah and the churches upon
the sea coast. I officiated in Savannah during the latter
days of Passion Week, and on Sunday corffirmed in the morn¬
ing in Christ Church ten persons, and at night confirmed in
St. John's six persons. Both of these Parishes are in a very
flourishing condition; and St. John's Parish has laid the
corner stone, and is rapidly raising the superstructure of a
new and very handsome church edifice, which will be an
ornament, not only to the church, but to the city of Sa¬
vannah. Christ Church is overflowing, and this second
large churoh is absolutely needed to meet the rapid growth
of the city.
Year after year, as I grow older in my episcopate, am I
called upon to record the death of some one or another of
the oldest friends of the church. During the last year,
Christ Church, Savannah, has lost from among its officers,
3
is bishop's address. 1852.
one of the wisest and best friends the Episcopal Chuicb
has ever had in Georgia. I allude to the much lamented
Wm. B. Bulloch. Although for many years engaged in
public life, and full of private business, he yet found time
to remember the interests of the church, ;ind to labor for
her welfare. A staunch and devoted adherent of the church,
through all her days of feebleness, he lived to see her arise
and put on her beautiful garments. And great joy did it
occasion his aged heart. To the very latest moment of his
life was he interested in its concerns: and when he could
no longer leave his house the vestry meetings were held io
his parlor. He died at last, trusting in the Savior whom he
had learned to love in the church, and leaving behind him
the fragrant memory of a true christian.
On Tuesday, April 13, I left Savannah for the South,
and spent two days, the 15th and 16th, in St. David's Par¬
ish, Glynn county. I was gratified to find that the Rev.
Mr. Finch, of New Jersey, who had come south for his
health, had been enabled to officiate most of the winter for
this parish, and to officiate very acceptably.
On Sunday the 18th April I officiated in St. Andrews,
Darien, preaching both morning and afternoon. There were
no candidates for confirmation in either of these parishes.
I am gratified in being enabled to state that St. Andrews
has made a recent effort to raise paoney for the purpose of
finishing the church, and making it convenient for service.
From Darien I proceeded to the mission upon the Ogee-
chee, where I remained two days with the Rev. W. C. Wil¬
liams. Upon these days I confirmed seven negroes at Mr.
Habersham's plantation. Twenty more were ready for con¬
firmation, upon a neighboring plantation, but circumstances
prevented their being offered at this time.
This mission is in a very wholesome condition. Through
perseverance and patience, sanctified by praver, the mis¬
sionary has gained the confidence of both "masters and
slaves, and wprks now with a moral and religious influ¬
ence which nothing but time can give. Que after ^notber
have the planters yielded their prejudices, and invited the
BISHOP^S ADDRESS, 1852.
19
missionary to take charge of their plantations; and fifteen
hundred souls are now subject to Mr. Williams' teaching.
"What a glorious missionary work! Would that I could
stir some of you up to go to the help of the Lord in this
mighty and fierce battle with superstition and immorality
and false teaching!
On Sunday, 25th April I held a second confirmation in
the chapel at Montpelier, when three other persons were
confirmed. I also baptized upon this and previous Sun¬
days four adults.
On Sunday, the 2nd May, I consecrated the church edi
fice in Macon, which replaces the original building, and
stands upon the same site. This is a very chaste. and ca¬
pacious church, having nearly double the sittings of the
former church. It reflects great credit upon the congrega¬
tion of Christ Church, who have built it entirely out of
their own resources. In the afternoon of the same day I
confirmed seven persons for this congregation.
Since the last Convention I have received into the dio¬
cese the Rev. J. Stewart Hanckel, from the diocese of South
Carolina; the Rev. A. 13. Carter, from the diocese of New
York; the Rev. John Neely, from the diocese of Maryland;
and I have ordained the Rev. S. W. Kennerley. Mr. Hanc¬
kel has charge of St. James' Church, Marietta; Mr. Cartel*
of Christ Church, Savannah; Mr. Neely is engaged in
teaching in the city of Augusta, and Mr. Kennerley is act¬
ing as missionary among the negroes upon the Savannah
river. No clergyman has left the diocese during the eccle¬
siastical year.
I have received Mr. Nevins, as a candidate for Orders,
by transfer from the diocese of Michigan, and he is now
our only candidate, Mr. Adams having withdrawn his name
from the list of candidates. This is a very discouraging
feature in the condition of our Diocese, and one that I
must invoke your prayers and efforts, brethren of the cler¬
gy, in endeavoring to remedy. It will be impossible for
the Diocese to increase in the number of its clergy, unless
a strpply of ministers can be raised up from anlong our own
20 bishop's address, 1852.
young men. While the learned professions are crowded to
excess, while young men are emigrating in large numbers
for lack of employment at home, the ministry passes with¬
out consideration and without regard. Whue X deprecate
very much any thing like educating men to the ministry;
while I object very seriously to the undue persuasion of
the young to take upon them this sacred office as a means
of livelihood, and as a respectable profession; while I con¬
sider no one thing as so fraught with evil to the church as
laying hands upon those who have not a call from the Ho¬
ly Ghost to minister in its holy ordinances—there are cases
in which a clergyman may invite the pious young men of
his parish to take this matter into prayerful consideration,
and may instruct them in the marks and tokens of a call
to this sacred work. There may be as great an error in
expecting too much to be supernatural in the call to the
ministry as in expecting too little; and a judicious adviser
may very often suggest considerations that may enable
the anxious spirit to decide aright in so very solemn a mat¬
ter. I would suggest, also, to the clergy, the preaching, at
least once or twice a year, upon this topic; not merely in
the way of exhortation and appeal, but in the way of in¬
struction : and no reading will furnish your minds with
proper suggestions in this connection, like the biographies
of those pious men who have been called late in life to the
work of the ministry. Their experience, properly digest¬
ed, will furnish points that will probably meet every case
of difficulty that may arise.
I have given my consent, during the ecclesiastical year,
to the consecration of the Rev. Dr. Williams to the diocese
of Connecticut; of the Revr Dr. Whitehouse to tjie diocese
of Illinois; of the Rev. F. H. Rutledge to the diocese of
Florida, and of the Rev. Dr. Creighton to the diocese of N.
York. After the consent of the dioceses and bishops "had
been obtained Dr.Creighton declined, upon personal grounds,
the office of the episcopate.
And now, my brethren, again invoking the blessing of
God upon our counsels and labors, I commend you to God,
journal, 1852. 21
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.
After the address, it was
Resolved, That so much of the address of the Bishop as relates to
the death of Wm. B. Bulloch be referred to a Committee, to report
resolutions of respect and affection for his memory; the Committee
to be appointed by the Chair.
The Rev. Dr. Ford, and Messrs. Campbell and Ber¬
rien, were appointed.
The Parochial Reports were then read, and ordered to be
printed in the Appendix to the Journal.
Leave of absence after to-day was granted to Rev. Mr.
Shanklin and Mr. Gordon.
In the absence of the Treasurer of the Diocese, the
Chair, on motion, appointed Mr. Gr. McLaughlin as tempo¬
rary Treasurer.
After prayers by the Bishop, Convention adjourned to the
hour of public worship to-morrow morning.
At night, evening prayer was read by the Rev. J. A.
Shanklin, and a sermon preached by the Rev. Edward
Reed, of South Carolina.
22
journal, 1852.
Saturday Morning, 8th May.
Morning prayer was read by the Eev. James D. Gibson,
and a sermon preached by Rev. Richard Johnson.
After public worship, Convention was called to order,
and the roll called.
Present, as on yesterday, together with the Rev. W. J.
Perdue, Messrs. Dilworth and Lawrence.
The minutes of yesterday's proceedings were read and
confirmed.
Parochial Reports from Rev. Messrs. Perdue and Ken-
nerley were received and read, and ordered to be printed.
Leave of absence was granted to Mr. Berrien.
The Standing Committee presented the following Report,
which was received :
The standing committee beg leave to report that they have, since
the last convention of the Diocese signed the following testimonials,
viz :—of assent to the consecration of the Rev. Dr. Williams, assistant
Bishop elect for the Diocese of Connecticut—Of the Rev. Dr. White -
house, assistant Bishop elect for the Diocese of Illinois—and of the
Rev. Dr. Creighton, Provisional Bishop elect for the Diocese of New
York. They have also signed testimonials, recommending for Priest's
orders, the Rev. Wesley P. Gahagan, and the Rev. James H. George,
Deacons.
EDWARD E. FORD,
President.
The Committee appointed to draft resolutions of respect
and affection for the memory of the late W. B. Bulloch,
presented the following report, which was unanimously
adopted:
The Committee to whom was referred so much of the Bishop's
address as relates to the decease of William B. Bullock, beg leavd,
JOURNAL, 1852.
23
by way of report, to recommend the adoption of the accompanying
Resolutions.
Respectfully submitted.
EDWARD E. FORD,
Chairman.
Resolved, That this convention cordially reciprocate with the Bish¬
op the sentiments expressed by him in connection with his announce¬
ment of the death of William B. Bulloch, late of the parish of
Christ Church, Savannah. Mr. Bulloch's long, close, and honora¬
ble identification with the history of the Church in Georgia, links
his name with memories the most pleasing and the most sa¬
cred, to not a few members of this body—some, once connected with
him in the interesting relation of fellow-worshipers in the parish to
which he belonged, and some, as having, in years past, shared with
him the deliberations of our Annual Conventions. We revere the
memory of our deceased friend and brother; and we feel, while bow¬
ing submissively to the hand of God, that the Church sustains a
heavy loss in the removal of one whose life afforded an attractive il¬
lustration of that high stamp of Christian Character which her pure
and scriptural teachings and ordinances, devoutly, trustfully and af¬
fectionately followed, are fitted to impress.
jResolved, That a copy of the foregoing resolution be respectfully
communicated, by the Secretary of this Convention, to the family of
the deceased.
The Committee on the state of the Church made the
following report, which was received and adopted:
The Committee on the state of the Church beg leave to report:—
That the Parochial Reports and the address of the Bishop indicate,
on the whole, a decidedly prosperous condition of the Diocese, and a
realization of the promised blessing of the great and gracious Head
of the Church.
The following are the results of the Parochial Reports for the past
year, as compared with those of the year immediately preceding,
in a few of those particulars which may, perhaps, be regarded as the
safest criteria of spiritual prosperity, viz:
Baptisms for 1851 211
„ „ 1852 359
Increase, 148
Confirmations for. ..1851 3.8
1852 114
Increase, 16
24
JOURNAL, 1852.
Communicants for.. 1851 950
„ ..1852 1068
Increase, 118
Sunday School ) 1851 1054
Children, J 1852 1292
Increase, 238
In the particular of Contributions, the Parochial Reports are so
drawn up as scarcely to admit a comparative view like the above;
but the Committee are gratified to be able to state, generally, that
the contributions, during the past year, to missions, and to various
Parochial and Diocesan objects, indicate an encouraging spirit of lib¬
erality.
The Committee would recognize, as among the special to¬
kens of prosperity, the present flourishing condition of the Montpe-
lier Institute; its high position in the public confidence, under the
wise and efficient supervision of the Bishop; its full and even over¬
flowing patronage; and its cheering prospect, after a period of pain¬
ful and discouraging embarrassments, of continued success and pros¬
perity. Neither would they forget, as a like indication, the unwont¬
ed increase, at different points in the Diocese, of houses of worship \
in which, in point of elegance of structure, and purity and correct¬
ness of taste, a due, yet as they conceive, sober regard has been had
to the reverential feeling of the giving of our best unto the Most
High, and a corresponding readiness manifested to " devise liberal
things." In these " good deeds which have been done for the House
of God and for the ofBces thereof," the Committee see, as they
think, the fruits of the blessed Spirit, and a heart-cheering pledge of
rich spiritual blessings yet in store for us from the gracious Giver of
all good.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD E. FORD
Chairman.
Resolved, That a Committee be appointed to report the form of a
Parochial Report.
The Kev. Dr. Ford, and Messrs. Hanckel and Mower
were appointed.
The Treasurer of the Committee on Missions presented
his Annual Report, which was received, and referred to
Messrs. McLaughlin, Lincoln and Camak, as a Committee
on Finance.
journal, 1852.
25
Convention proceeded to the Annual Elections, which re¬
sulted as follows:
Treasurer of the Committee on Missions:
Mr. J. S. Hutton, of Macon.
Treasurer of the Diocese:
Dr. James Camak, of Athens.
The Standing Committee.
Of the Clergy. Of the Laity.
Rev. Edward E. Ford, D. D. G. McLaughlin,
Rev. Seneca G. Bragg, Edward F. Campbell,
Rev. Thomas F. Scott, William K Kitchen.
Committee on Missions.
Of the Clergy. Of the Laity.
Rev. S. G-. Bragg, N. C. Munroe,
Rev. J. A. Shanklin, L. N. Whittle,
w. S. wllliford.
Deputies to General Convention.
Rev. Edward E. Ford, D. D. James Potter,
Rev. S. G. Bragg, R. H. Gardiner,
Rev. Thomas F. Scott, P. M. Nightingale,
Rev. J. A. Shanklin, Thomas M. Nelson.
The Committee on the admission of new Parishes made
the following report:
The Committee on the admission of new Parishes respectfully re¬
port, that no business has come before them, and beg to be dis¬
charged. E. P. BROWN,
Chairman.
The report was accepted, and the Committee discharged.
The Committee on Finance made the following report,
which was received and adopted:
4
JOURNAL, 1852.
26
The Committee on Finance, to wliom were referred the accounts of
the Treasurer of the Missionary Committee, respectfully report, that
they have examined the same, and find the statements clear, and
each item of disbursement supported by a proper voucher.
g. Mclaughlin,
W. W. LINCOLN,
JAMES CAMAK.
Resolved, That the Treasurer pro tern, be directed to pay over to
the Treasurer of the Diocese all moneys received by him during this
Convention.
Resolved, That the Secretary be authorized to draw upon the
Treasurer for the expenses attending the binding of the Journals as
directed last year.
The Committee on unfinished business made the follow¬
ing report, which was accepted:
The Committee to whom was referred the unfinished business of
the last Convention, respectfully report, that they find that the Com¬
mittee appointed in 1850, to report on the powers of the Standing
Committee in reference to the testimonials of candidates for orders,
recorded on 12th page of the Journal for that year, was continued,
with the substitution of the Rev. Mr. Bragg in the place of Rev. Dr.
Neufville, deceased. . RICHARD JOHNSON,
Chairman.
Resolved, That the next Convention of the Church iu this Dio¬
cese be held in Christ Church, Savannah, commencing on Thursday
after the first Monday in May, 1853.
Resolved, That the thanks of this Convention be returned to the
citizens of Augusta for their kindness and hospitality towards this
body, and that the Rector of St. Paul's Church, be requested to
communicate this resolution to them.
Resolved, That the Treasurer be authorized to pay Mr. Parrott, the
late Treasurer, whatever balance may be due him.
Resolved, That the Secretary be authorized to enter upon his min¬
utes the proceedings of Sunday, and that when we do adjourn, we
adjourn sine die.
Resolved, That the thanks of this Convention are eminently due,
and are hereby tendered to Geo. Parrott, Esq., late Treasurer of the
Diocese, for the efficient services rendered to the Diocese whilst hold-
ng said office.
journal, 1852. 27
Resolved, That the Secretary be authorized to have published
twelve hundred copies of the Journal of this Convention for distri¬
bution.
Resolved, That the thanks of this Convention be tendered to Mr.
W. S. Williford for his faithful and valuable services as late Treas¬
urer of the Missionary Committee.
The Bishop appointed the Rev. B. F. Mower to preach
the next Convention Sermon, and the Bev. J. D. Gibson as
his substitute ; the Bey. George Macauley to preach the
next Missionary Sermon, and the Bev. W. J. Zimmer as his
substitute.
After prayer and benediction by the Bishop, Conven¬
tion adjourned sine die.
STEPHEN ELLIOTT, Jr.
Bishop of the Diocese of Georgia.
Thomas F. Scott, Secretary.
joseph A. Shanklin, Assistant Secretary.
APPENDIX.
PAROCHIAL REPORTS.
CHRIST CHURCH—Savannah.
KEY. ABRAHAM BEACH CARTER, RECTOR.
Baptisms—Infants 19—Adult 1, 20
Confirmed, 17
Communicants—added 26—died 5—present No 181
Marriages, 12
Burials, 25
Sunday School Scholars, 114
Teachers, 16
CONTRIBUTIONS.
Diocesan Missions, $843,67
Domestic ,, 170,75
Foreign „ 620,00
Education of candidates for Orders, 131,78
Communion Alms, 403,98
Special Collections; including $130 to St. John's
Asylum; $287 to Church at Madison, and
general Church building fund; $165 to
Church at London, Tenn.; and sundry char¬
itable purposes, 1135,00
Assessment for Bishop's Salary, 1000,00
Total,
4305,13
30
PAROCHIAL REPORTS.
Besides the amount above named, there have been, sever¬
al collections made in the Parish, which have not as yet been
reported to the Rector. The ladies of Christ Church, con¬
nected with the "Chinese Society," contributed of the
amount remitted for Foreign Missions, $212,25 ; and the la¬
dies of the African Society, $100; each respectively ap¬
propriated to the two named stations. " The ladies Mis¬
sionary Association" has contributed $310 to Diocesan Mis¬
sions, and "the Female Missionary Society" $74, to be
divided equally between the Domestic and Foreign Boards.
Savannah, May 4, 1852.
ST. PAUL'S CHURCH—Augusta.
EDWARD E. FORD, RECTOR.
Baptized'—white adults, 4—white children, 28—
1 colored child—total, 33
Confirmed, 15
Communicants,—added (including 1 restored iafter
discipline) 26. Died, 4—removed, 8—lap¬
sed in schism, 3—present number, 138
Marriages—white, 8—colored, 1—total, 9
Burials, (including 15 not of the congregation) 30
Sunday School—White, about 100 children, under
the Rector, a Librarian, 2 male and 8 female
teachers. Colored, about 25 children, under
the care of 1 male and 1 female teacher.
The children are catechised in the Church monthly, by the
Rector.
The following have been the collections for Missions.
Domestic—Diocesan—through the monthly offer¬
ings, $241,94.
Advent offerings, for Domestic committee of
General Board, 80,00
Foreign—Epiphany offerings, for Foreign Committee
of General Board, 23,00
PAROCHIAL REPORTS. 31
For African Mission, at the time of Bishop
Paine's visit to the congregation 50,00
Other collections have been as follows:
Communion alms, 295,17
For Church building fund, under the Bishop's Pas¬
toral letter, 35,00
Donation to Zion Church, Talbotton, 155,00
In part payment for a house, for a Church Widows'
and Orphans' Asylum, 500,00
A handsome addition, at a cost of $27,61 has been made
to the Sunday School Library, consisting, exclusively, of
the publications of the Protestant Episcopal Sunday School
Union.
A beginning has been made towards the establishment of
a "Church Widows' and Orphans' Asylum;'1'1 the ladies of
the working association having devoted the proceeds of
their industry, hereafter, to this object. A suitable house
has been purchased for $900; $500 of which, as above
stated, has already been paid. As soon as the balance is
provided for, a considerable portion of which is now in
hand, and this charity will go into operation : thus bringing
our acfc, into some good measure of consistency with oar so
frequent jprayer to the "good Lord" "that it may please
(Him) to defend and provide for, the fatherless children and
widows."
The very encouraging measure of attendance upon the
extra services of our recent Lenten season, and the devout
interest therein manifested, suggested to the Rector at its
conclusion, the observance, as a permanency, hereafter, of
Divine service on the mornings of the two ancient prayer
days of the Church, Wednesday and Friday; the hour be¬
ing fixed sufficiently early to admit, in most cases, of at¬
tendance before the secular business for the day sets in.'—
This measure is, accordingly, now in operation, with a
pleasing promise of good fruit. Should the experiment
continue to find as much favor with the congregation as it
has thus far, and the Rector's strength be found to bear,
32
PAROCHIAL REPORTS.
without serious detriment, this additional labor, it may re¬
sult, in due time, in a realization, in half its extent, at least,
of our church's wise and pious "Order for daily morning
and evening prayer."
CHRIST CHURCH.—Macon.
REV. J. A. SHANKLIN, RECTOR.
Baptisms.—Adult, 1—Infants, 3—Total, 4
Confirmed, 7
Communicants added, 13—removed, 3—died 3—pres¬
ent number, 84
Marriages, 2
Burials, 8
Sunday School Scholars, ■ 60
Average attendance, 50
Teachers, 10
Contributions.
Diocesan Missions, 38 00
Foreign Missions, 103 50
Oregon ,, 10 00
Prayer Books, 58 31
American Sunday School Union, 30 78
Parochial purposes, 123 51
Association for Relief of Poor, 45 00
The Rector regrets that he cannot report larger contribu¬
tions to the missionary operations of the church; but the
heavy burden resting upon the parish will explain the de¬
ficiency.
He has the satisfaction to report the completion and con¬
secration of a new church building. It has cost about
$15,000. Of this sum the ladies of the parish have con¬
tributed of the fruit of their own industry, $2,315; and
this, too, without resorting to any other than the ordinary
method of disposing of their articles of needle work.
38
On the day of consecration $281,62 were taken up to
aid in furnishing the church.
The Rector has received important aid from the young
men of the parish, one of whom collected among his com¬
panions, $100 towards furnishing the church. Others pre¬
sented a sweet-toned melodeon, which has enabled us to
keep up the musical portions of our service in all our wan¬
derings from room to room. And still another young man
has presented the Sunday School with a valuable library
of 100 volumes.
The children of the congregation have been catechised
monthly, and have made their usual contribution to edu¬
cation in the mission school in Africa.
TRINITY CHURCH,—Columbus,
KEY. THOMAS F. SCOTT, RECTOR.
Baptisms.—Infants 27—adults 4—total, 31
Marriages, 3
Burials, 8
Confirmed, 5
Commmunicants.—Added 12,—Removed 6—Died 1—
Present number, whites, 106; colored 4 ; total. .110
Contributions.
Diocesan Missions, 206 70
Domestic Missions, 96 00
Foreign Missions, 297 00
American Sunday School Union, 50 50
For church at Apalachicola, Fla 50 00
For church at Auburn, Ala, 75 00
For church at Rome, .. 90 00
$665 20
5
34
Amount brought up, 655 20
For other purposes, mostly parochial, 815 60
Total, $1480 80
Of these amounts the Ladies Sewing Society contributed
$227 30; Juvenile Missionary Society, $31 / and Sunday
School Children, $7,70. A portion of the funds raised is
still on hand for the erection of a suitable building for the
use of the Sunday and Parish Schools.
The Sunday School consists of—
Teachers,—Male, 10 ; Female, 28; Total, 38
Scholars,—Male, 86 ; Female, 124; Total, 210
Total, 248
In the general condition of this parish there are many
cheering indications for good.
The Rector has performed occasional services at La
Grange and West Point, in this diocese, and at Girard,
Crawford and LaFayette, Alabama.
GRACE CHURCH,—■ Glarkesville.
B. F. MOWER, HECTOR AND MISSIONARY,
Baptisms,—infants, 6
Confirmed, 1
Candidates for Confirmation, 2
Communicants.—Died, 1; removed, 2 ; added, 3 ;
Present number, 12
Burials, 6
Sunday School.—Teachers, 8; white Scholars, 40;
black,, 15 • total, , 63
:35
Contributions.
Diocesan Missions,
Foreign Missions, e
Domestic Missions,
Communion Alms,
For Bell,
.50 72
.A 00
..3 00
.65 00
170 00
$298 72
Tlie Sunday School Scholars reported above belong to
three different schools connected with this church, and
taught mostly by its communicants. One of these is in
the village : the other two are held at a school-house in the
country. At this point divine service has been held in the
afternoon of each Sunday daring the past winter.
At the same place, the Parish School is now taught.—•
The average number of pupils is about twenty. To this
school the ladies of the congregation contribute yearly
$100.
Since this school-house was built, through the zeal and
liberality of one of our communicants, the minister has
been more than formerly encouraged in his work. A field
of usefulness appears now to be opened, far more promis¬
ing than where the church is. There areseveral families
around this point, some of whom are connected with the
church, who have large families of children and servants,
who can walk to this house to attend divine service, but
who would be debarred the privileges of our sanctuary,
were the minister to confine his labors to the village. In
the sunday school which has been for several years past
kept up in Grace Church, almost the entire duty of instruc¬
tion has devolved upon the Rector. But in the school in
the country, he is surrounded by a zealous band of com¬
petent coadjutors.
For this state of things, which has arisen within the past
year, the Eector devoutly thanks God, and takes courage.
36
ST. JOHN'S CHURCH.—Savannah.
REV. RUFTJS M. WHITE, RECTOR.
Communicants,—Removed, 6; died 3; added 13;
present number, 104
Baptisms.—Infants, 21
Marriages, 12
Confirmations, 5
Burials,—4 not of the congregation ,18
Contributions.
Received from the Weekly Offerings, .......... ,$782 46
Appropriated as follows:
To the Relief of the Poor, ......... 263 87
Quota for Bishop's Salary, 250 00
Foreign Missions, 90 00
Diocesan Missions, 80 00
Remaining unappropriated, 99 09
Collected for African Mission, and for the assist¬
ance of several churches, .225,00
Total ..1,007,46
The state of the parish is believed to be in many re¬
spects, gratifying. The established parochial arrangements
and charities have been fully sustained.
On the 17th of March was laid the corner stone of our
new Church edifice, which is contracted to be finished be¬
fore the coming Christmas.
ST. JAMES CHURCH.—Marietta
REV. J. S. HANCKEL, RECTOR.
The Rector entered on his duties May 18th, 1851. Ser-
yice twice every Lord's day, with one exception. Week>
37
ly lecture at night from July to November; twice every
week during Lent, and in Passion Week every day.
Baptisms.—Infants, . 5
Funerals, white adult, 1
Communicants,—Removed, 5 ; added, 4; present num¬
ber, white, 46; colored, 3; total, 49
Sunday School Teachers, 7
,, ,, Scholars, from 50 to 60
Contributions.
Oregon Missions, 20 00
African Missions, 56 00
Diocesan Missions, 50 00
June Jubilee Collection, 14 00
November Jubilee Collection, 16 00
Total for Missions, $156 00
Communion Alms, 80 00
Total, $236 00
CHURCH OF THE ATONEMENT.—Augusta.
REV. WILLIAM H. HARRISON, RECTOR.
Baptisms.—Adults, 2; infants, 36; total, 38
Communicants, 18
Marriages, 2
Burials, 9
Sunday Schools.—Teachers, 7
Scholars, 65
Collections.
Diocesan Missions, 5 76
Communion Alms, 190 65
•^reekly Offerings, 209 73
$406 14
38
In making tlie above statement the Rector ends the first
year of his connection with the parish. The church was
opened for divine service on Sunday Maj^ 4th 1851, though
not entirely completed until the following winter. It was
consecrated January 29th, 1852, by the Bishop of the Dio¬
cese. The attendance upon the services has been gradual¬
ly but constantly increasing, and affords the hope that, with
the divine blessing, this church will be the means of min¬
istering to the spiritual necessities of the destitute popula¬
tion residing in the upper part of the city.
EMMANUEL CHURCH.—Athens.
REV. THOMPSON L. SMITH, RECTOR.
Baptisms.—Infants, 8; adults, 1; total, 4
Marriages.—White, 1; colored, 2; total, 3
Confirmations 3
Communicants.—Died, 1; removed, 5; present num¬
ber, 30
Candidates for Confirmation, .5
Contributions.
Communion Alms, 22 83
Diocesan Missions, 19 22
Foreign Missions, 5 00
Church purposes, 247,84
Bishop's Salary, 10 00
$257 84
ST. PETER'S CHURCH.—Rome.
REV. JAMES D. GIBSON, RECTOR.
Number of families connected with the parish, 17
Baptisms.—Adults, 3; infants, 26; total, 29
39
Marriages, 1
Burials 3, and 2 not of the congregation, .5
Sunday Schools, 2
Teachers, 7; Scholars, white, 45 ; col¬
ored, 5 ; total, 50
Communicants.—Removed, 5 ; died, 1; added, 9 ;
present number, 25
Contributions.
Jubilee collection at St. Peter's, 7 40
Jubilee Collection at Cave Spring, 3 75
Communion Alms, 41 80
For Domestic Missions, by the children of the Sun¬
day School connected with St. Peter's, 7 60
$60 55
The amount of communion alms, mentioned above, has
been devoted, principally, to missionary objects connected
with the diocese and domestic board of missions. The
whole amount is small indeed, but it must be remembered
that the majority of the congregation are very poor. With¬
in the past year we have had four families from North and
South Carolina to settle amongst us, and connect them¬
selves with the congregation; and it is hoped, they will
prove valuable accessions to the church.
The children of the Sunday School (at their own re¬
quest) were in October last formed into a juvenile mission¬
ary society ; and on the first Sunday of every month since,
they have regularly brought their little offerings when they
attend the monthly lecture.
With regard to the state of the parish generally, I think
I may say that it is somewhat more cheering than at the
time of last report. The friends at Cave Spring have now
sufficient means to warrant them to commence building a
church at that place. They hope to have it finished this
year.
40
My thanks are due to the members of Trinity Church,
Columbus, and also to many members of our last Conven¬
tion, lay and clerical, for contributions to the amount of
$162,30. I am happy in being able to say, that with this
sum, we have obtained a fine, deep toned Bell. We are now
making an effort to procure money for the purchase of an
organ. The amount already raised is $150.
ST. PHILIP'S CHURCH .—Atlanta.
"VV. J. ZIMMER, RECTOR.
Families, 14
Baptisms—Infants, 1
Marriages, (colored) 2, (white) 2, 4
Burials, 1
Communicants—Removed, 2; added 7 ; present num¬
ber,—six of these are non-residents, i 15
Confirmed, 2
Sunday School Scholars, about 50
Teachers, 7
Collections, ' • - • about $50 00
The prospects are much brighter than at May last. The
attendance, though not larger, is more encouraging, as more
interest is manifested. Services have been regular, except
when I have been sick or absent. God's Holy Spirit is
striving effectually with some among us.
Since the last report the parsonage has been finished, and
the church repainted, without incurring debt. By the next
Convention I trust to be able to render a more full report
of good works. In a place like Atlanta, the sowing of %e
seed is about all that can be done for the present.
41
ADVENT CHURCH.—Madison.
KEY. B. E. HABERSHAM, RECTOR.
Baptisms.—Adult, 1—Infants, 4—Total, 5
Confirmed,., .2
Communicants.—Added, 5; removed, 3 ; present num¬
ber, 10
Sunday School Scholars, .9
Teachers, 2
Marriages, 1
This congregation has had its share of the discourage¬
ment usually found to attend the introduction of the church
among those to whom our services are novel. We have
much, however, to sustain us in the hope of being able in
due season to gather where we now sow.
We are about erecting a church, having, through the lib¬
erality of the friends of the church in Savannah and Augus¬
ta, the young ladies of Montpelier, and very liberal contri¬
butions from our own citizens generally, secured a sufficient
amount for this purpose. We avail ourselves of the op¬
portunity to acknowledge our obligation, and trust that we
•shall in time be able to return to others in like need that
which we have ourselves received.
That our progress should be retarded so long as we were
without a proper place of worship, could only be expected.
We are thankful to believe that much has nevertheless
been effected towards the permanency of the church at this
point; though it is yet, and must for some time continue,
4'the day of small things" with us.
CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH.—St. Mary's.
The Rev. Lucius M. Purdy, (of New York,) reports to
the Bishop of this Diocese, that by his request he came
here in November last, and has officiated as often as his
6
42
health, would permit. The statistics of the parish are, viz:
Organized June 1844.
Families,
Communicants.—Added, 3 ; removed, 3 ; present num¬
ber, - - - -25
Baptisms.'—Adults, 2 ; infants, 3 : total, 5
Marriages, 2
Burials, *. . 2
Sunday School; Teachers 4, Scholars, 15
Offerings of the Ohurch.
Diocesan Missions, 14,75
General do, (Dom. 6,50, For. 5,75,) 12,25
Mission College, Nashotah, .30,00
$57,00
The donation to Bishop Kemper's Mission College was
received at church from a good lady of the congregation.
There are several candidates for confirmation here, and the
prospects of this feeble parish afford some encouragement.
While vacant, lay services were regularly maintained by
one of the Wardens. The church has been recently im¬
proved in its appearance by re-painting. Services for the
colored people are frequently held at the plantation of CoL
M. Hallowes, six miles from town.
CHRIST CHURCH—St. Simons.
E. P. BROWN RECTOR.
The parish of Christ Church, St. Simons, now numbers
but a fraction of those who formerly resided in it. With
the diminishing of the population, it has been found con¬
venient to unite with the parish of St. Andrews, in Darien,
43
fafteen miles distant, where services are now held alter¬
nately on every other Sabbath. The negroes are still in¬
structed upon the plantations during the week. Their at¬
tendance at Church on the Sabbath for some time past has
been exceedingly encouraging. A better prospect of good
is now presented than has existed for some years past.—
Several of the negroes are awaiting confirmation.
Communicants, with those formerly resident but now ab¬
sent, although not included in other re¬
ports, 23
Colored, 35
Baptisms—Infants, 3; colored, 12 15
Contributions.
Missionary Contributions, $25,00
Bishop's salary, 25,00
For Porch to the Church, 22,00
ST. ANDRE WS—Darien,
E. P. BROWN RECTOR.
During the month of December last, I was invited to
take charge of the parish of St. Andrews, Darien, and en¬
tered upon the charge with the first of this present year.—
There is nothing wanting for the external prosperity of this
Church, but the liquidation of a debt which exists upon
the church building. This it is hoped may be gradually
reduced and finally extinguished. Since my connection with
the parish, an effort has been made, and an amount realized
which it is expected will suffice, to plaster and finish the
church. A love for Christ, or a proper sense of the value
of his salvation, from an experience of its healing and
blessed influence—this will do for us all, and more than
all which we need—and upon this, therefore, our ultimate
expectation is based.
44
Marriage,
Baptisms.—Infants,
Communicants,
Contributions.
Bishop's Salary,...... 25,00
CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION-— Cass Co.
W. J. PERDUE, RECTOR.
families, - - &
Baptisms—Adult, 1Infants, 12; "White, 2 ; Col¬
ored, total, 15'
Persons confirmed, . .4
Marriage, 1
Burial, 1
At Calhoun, there are two church families and one Com¬
municant ; at Cartersville, four families and two Communi¬
cants; at Cassville, one family and one Communicant; and
at Euharleeville, on,e family of two Communicants..
ST. PAUL'S CHURCH—Albany,
REV. J. H. GEORGE, MINISTER.
Communicants.—Whites, 22; blacks, 96; total, 118
Baptisms.—Adults, whites, ..1; blacks, 18; total, 1&
Infants, „ 2; „ 50; total, 52
Deaths.—Infants, black, 11; black, adults, 4; total, 15
Marriages, colored, 3
Confirmed, whites, 2 ; colored, 44; total, 46
Sunday School.'—Teachers, 4; pupils, 20; total, 24
.1
.3
.2ft
45
Contributions.
For Bishop's Salary,
Sunday School Library,
A Surplice for the Minister,
Foreign Missions, by the servants,
A horse for the Minister, .......
.11 00
,28 00
..1 40
125 00
. A 81
50 00
Communion Alms.
$219 71
Although this parish has been regularly constituted and
duly organized, with wardens and vestry-men, with a regu¬
lar act of incorporation from the State, yet it may be strict¬
ly said to be in a forming state. The communicants are
scattered over a considerable tract of country, and having
no church, they have only temporary places of worship.
The congregations, except at the plantations, are very fluc¬
tuating—sometimes with a crowded house, and then again
with hardly enough to claim the promise of our Lord. I
have alluded to the fact of having no house of worship,
, not for the purpose of casting blame or censure upon the
building committee; far from it. On the contrary, your
Missionary is of the opinion that all has been done which,,
under the circumstances, could have been reasonably ex¬
pected ; yet incident after incident has occurred, over which
the committee had no control, all tending to procrastinate
the work. But God seeth not as man seeth ; and although
the church is greatly needed, yet it is not to be regretted,,
when we remember that time being given, the Committee
will be able to see more clearly the wants of the commu¬
nity, and build such a house as will be more in accordance
therewith. The building committee have secured a lot
and plan for the church, and they hope a contract has been
made with a master workman to go forward with the work;
and we are encouraged to believe that at no distant day
Albany will be graced with a church according to the
beautiful plan sent us by the Bishop of the Diocese.
46
It is hardly necessary for your missionary to say to yon,
that our people are taking a very deep interest in the reli¬
gious instruction of their servants. This you have wit¬
nessed for yourself; you have seen not only the masters
consecrating themselves to God, but all their house. You
have seen the master, like Abraham of old, not only con¬
secrating his beloved Isaac, but also his servants, to the
worship of Almighty God. There can be no doubt but
you have been deeply impressed with the importance of
the usage of the Church in the admission of sponsors in
their baptism, when you have seen the master and mistress
stand up before God, with the parents, and solemnly prom¬
ise that these children should believe all the articles of
the Christian religion. And time has shown that it is not
a mere form, an unmeaning ceremony. They felt their ob¬
ligations, and have applied themselves to the work. Hav¬
ing the catechism and the church service ready at hand,
they have found them well adapted to their wants. Ay,
it almost seems as if the Liturgy were devised and formed
with express reference to these people.
Your Missionary would do violence to his feelings, were
he to close his report without expressing his heartfelt grat¬
itude to the great Head of the Church and this people for
the many acts of kindness which have been shown him
since his sojourn here. I have known people to make
many good promises, and not fulfill them; but this people
promise well, and do better. They seem to be all the time
anticipating my wants, and are ready beforehand to sup¬
ply them. May the Lord reward them an hundred fold
in their basket and in their store; and give them the peace
of God which passeth all understanding.
ZION CHURCH.—Talhotton.
REV. R. JOHNSON, RECTOR.
Baptisms,—infants,
2
47
Communicants, .5
Sunday School.—White Scholars, 23 ; colored, 20 ;
total, 48
Candidates for Confirmation, 4
The Rector was able to officiate in Lis parish from the
first of May last to the 1st of August, when his physician
insisted on his leaving home for the benefit of his health.
He was abroad until the middle of November, at which
time he resumed his duties. During his absence, lay
reading was regularly performed in the church by Mr.
Reuben Kevins, to whom he feels much indebted,. not only
for this service, but also for his faithful labors in the Sun¬
day Schools. This parish has sustained a great loss by the
removal of Mr. Kevins to Columbus. One other individ¬
ual, who removed from the parish more than two years
ago, is reported to have forsaken the Church of Christ.
The field of labor is becoming more and more encourag¬
ing in Talbotton, and the church will be ready for conse¬
cration in a few weeks.
ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH.—Milledgeville.
REV. GEO. MACAULEY, RECTOR.
Baptisms.—Infants, 7; adults, 2; total, 9
Confirmed, 2
Communicants.—Died, 1; removed, 4 ; added, 6 ;
Present number, 12
Burials, 5
Contributions.
Sunday School Books, . 23 20
Bishop's Fund, 10 00
Objects within the parish, 8 00
$41 20
48
This parish has been exceedingly weakened by removals
during the past year. The prospect of a still greater emi¬
gration has had a depressing effect upon those of other com¬
munions who have for some time been favorably inclined
towards the church ; whilst the few members who are to re¬
main, conscious of their inability to support a pastor, are
impressed with the humbling thought that the church of
their first love is soon to be closed. But though not self-
supporting, this parish presents a field for the missionary
of no small importance. The night of prejudice no longer
presses upon this people ; the church is no longer a detest¬
ed thing; but the faithful and patient minister may here
■" preach the word," not doubting but that in the Lord's
own good time a rich harvest will be gathered.
OGEECHEE MISSION.
REV. W. C, WILLIAMS, MISSIONARY.
Baptisms—Adults, (colored) 26; Infants, (colored) 16 ;
total, 42
Marriages, (colored) 20
Burials, white, 2 ; colored, 12 ; total, 14
"Confirmed, (colored) ,7
Awaiting Confirmation, 20
Communicants.—Added, 28 ; died, 1; present number, 44
Pupils connected with Mission School, 250
(Contributions.
Communion Alms,
African School Building,
China School Building,.
Foreign Missions,
21 87
.5 00
.5 00
. 6 00
$37 31
Tih© Missionary devotes his efforts to the negroes of sev-
49
en plantations. These plantations lie contiguous, and cov¬
er an area of six miles long by three wide. Within this
space there are between a thousand and fifteen hundred
souls. ^ The bounds of the Mission might be enlarged, as
the Missionary has received an earnest application to in¬
crease the sphere of his labors, but was under the painful
necessity oi declining to give more than an occasional af¬
ternoon, duiing the summer months, to a people ready and
anxious to hear the word of life. As long as the Mission¬
ary could continue to officiate, two planters gave their peo¬
ple an afternoon in every week to hear the gospel pro¬
claimed.
The above statistics and facts present an encouraging
prospect, and in some degree realize the hopes expressed
by the Missionary in his last report.
It will be seen that he has baptized more adults during
the past year than during the whole preceding five years;
and that his communicants have much more than doubled.
Will not the Church unite in praising God for these mani¬
festations of his mercy, and in praying that he will con¬
tinue to pour out the dew of his blessing on these children
of Africa, until "the desert shall blossom as the rose," and
"bond and free shall become one fold under the one true
shepherd, Jesus Christ."
SAVANNAH RIVER MISSION.
KEY. S. W. KENNEELY, MISSIONARY.
This Mission was begun on or about the 1st of January,
1852. It is in its infancy. Several of the plantations which
it now embraces were not taken into the Mission until
some time in February. It now embraces seven planta¬
tions including some eleven or twelve hundred negroes.
Four of these plantations are on the South Carolina side of
the river, within the limits of the Diocese of South Caro¬
lina.
7
50
The Missionary is happy to state, that the Mission is
prosperous beyond his most sanguine expectations. The
negroes manifest an increasing interest in the services of
the church. On the South Carolina side, there are about
one hundred and fifty, (including children) in a course of
preparation for holy baptism. He has baptized 5 ; mar¬
ried 6; buried 4. On the Georgia side, 5 marriages, 7
burials.
The Missionary is also happy to state, that the planters
are looking with interest and favor to the success of the
Mission, and being convinced that the teaching of the
Church is better adapted than any other to the solid moral
and religious improvement of the negro.
The Missionary asks the prayers of the Church in be¬
half of the Mission.
To the Itt. Rev. Stephen Elliott, Jr.D.D.,
Bishop of the Diocese of Georgia :
At the close of September 1851, I was transferred
from the Diocese of Maryland to that of Georgia. Since
my arrival in Augusta, on the 28th of September last, I
have been engaged in my duties as Eector of the Acade¬
my of Richmond County, and have no pastoral charge. In
the absence of the Rector of the Church of the Atonement,
I supplied his place in the Sunday services, from the time
of my arrival till the 11th of November. Since that time
I have rendered occasional assistance, both to the Rector
of St. Paul's Church, and to the Rector of the Church of
the Atonement, by officiating, or preaching, or both, when¬
ever called on; and I have, on several occasions, assisted
the Rector of St. Paul's in the administration of the holy
communion.
JOHN NEELY,
RECTOR. R. C. A.
51
Augusta, May 7,1852.
Ml. Rev. & Dear Sir:
About the first of last January, I visited tlie parish,
of St. David's, Grlynn County, as an invalid, for the bene¬
fit of the climate, and by a special invitation of the War¬
dens and Vestry, performed such ministerial services as my
health would permit, until the first of April. The five or
six families which form this parish, are desirous of having
the permanent ministrations of the Gospel in the church,
and of extending them to the negroes on their plantations,
which amount to more than a thousand. Their pious and
laudable desires have not, thus far, been answered; having
been able to secure only the services of clergymen in search
of health, who of course were unable to give that full mea¬
sure of ministerial services the parish needs. They have a
■comfortable parsonage, and are willing to contribute a sup¬
port for a resident clergyman. The extensive field of use¬
fulness, and the state of society, make it a -desirable situa¬
tion for the exercise of the ministerial office.
The number of communicants is about seven. As there
iiave been no services in the parish for the last year, ex¬
cept for the short time I have been in it, there have been,
no baptisms, funerals, or confirmations.
I am, Et. Rev. and dear Sir, very respectfully,
Your Obedient Servant in Christ,
HARRY FINCH.
Mt. Hev. Stephen Elliott, Jr., D-. D.
Si". i¥ffe$ior$Nj ftotylniffee, i)ioce,se of Gteofgiq, ii) qc'f biff) dli. S. ^iilliifoird, Ju%$. Glr.
Cash paid printing Bishop's Circular, No. —
„ „ Rev. R. Johnson, 1,
„ „ „ J.D.Gibson, „ 2,
„ „ „ T. S.Smith, „ 3,
„ „ „ B. E. Habersham, „ 4,
„ „ „ E. P. Brown, „ 5,
» « » W. J. Zimmer, „ 6,
„ „ „ B. F. Mower, „ 7,
» » » W. J. Perdue, „ 8,
» „ >, Geo, Macauley, 9,
$6 75 ? Cash Rec'd from Christ Church Sav'h,—Offerings 69 00
204 23 ? Wardens and Vestry, 144 80
...104 72 \ Ladies Miss'y Society, 270 00—...577 55
...190 00 / Cash Rec'd Trinity Church Columbus,—Offerings, ...1 00
87 50 < ' Jubilee, 57 00
126 65 ) Convention, 98 70—...156 70
...119 22 \ Cash Rec'd St. James', Marietta,—Offerings, 25 00
75 00 \ Jubilee, 14 00—....39 00
....75 00 ( Cash Rec'd St. John's, Savannah, Jubilee, 80 00
> „ „ Christ Church, Macon, .... „ 34 45
$1289 07 v „ j, St. Luke's Church, Montpelier,. „ 47 60
) „ „ Grace Church, Clarkesville, „ 56 72
( „ ,, Emanuel Church, Athens, „ 17 22
) „ „ St. Peter's Church, Rome, 4 23
( „ „ Church of the Advent, Madison, „ 7 00
> „ ,, Christ Church, Sf. Simons, „ 20 00
( „ „ St. Philip's Church, Atlanta, ... „ . .1 65
> „ „ Mission in Baker Co., from Mr. Turner,
( Savannah, 2 35
S Balance on hand last Report, 234 97
? Balance due Treasurer, 9 63
$1289 07
M & Macon, May Qih, 1852,
"W. S, WILLIFORD, Treasurer,
CONSTITUTION
OF THE
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHUKCH
IN THE DIOCESE OF GEORGIA.
Article I—Tlie Church of this Diocese, as a constituent part of the
Protestant Episcopal Church of the United States of America, accedes
to, recognizes and adopts the general Constitution of that Church,
and acknowledges its authority accordingly.
Art. 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 transac¬
tion of business unless there be present at least two clergymen, and
delegates from two congregations. And in case no Convention be
formed, the standing officers of the last Convention shall hold their
respective offices until successors shall be appointed.
Art. III.—The Bishop, or, if the Episcopate be vacant, the Stand¬
ing- Committee, 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 no¬
tice 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.
Art. IV.—The Convention shall be composed of Clergymen and
Laymen. Every Clergyman in good standing, regularly settled and
continuously exercising clerical functions in any existing Parish, or
who shall have been six months last past performing missionary du¬
ties 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 recognized Minister of this Church canonically resi¬
dent 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
54
privileges of fi member of the Convention, with the except!on of a
rifi-ht to vote. Each church or congregation in union with this Con¬
vention 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 Min¬
ister, or, in his absence, the Delegate or Delegates present 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 represent.
Article V.—New Parishes may be admitted into union with this
Convention 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 his church,
and are regularly organized by the election of two Wardens, and any
number of Vestrymen at discretion, not exceeding eight.
Article VI.—Every meeting of the Convention shall be opened
with Morning Prayer, and a Sermon, delivered on the first day of the
Convention, 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 the Diocese. The appointment of both Preachers,
with substitutes, 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.
Article VIII.—The Bishop of the Diocese shall be ex-officio Presi¬
dent of the Convention. In case there be no Bishop, or, in his absence,
a presiding officer shall be elected from among the clerical members
present.
Article IX.—At each annual meeting of the Convention, a Secre¬
tary 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 the Bishop quar¬
terly, in advance, the amount of salary pledged to him by this Con¬
vention ; making a faithful return of all these his acts in his annual
report to the Convention of this church.
Article X.—A Standing Committee shall be chosen at each annual
meeting of this Convention, to consist of three clerical and three lay
members; of the time and place of whose meetings due notice in
writing shall be given to all the members thereof, at least one week
55
before the time of such meeting. At a meeting thus notified, 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 duly of the President to call a meeting of the committee
whenever he shall be required to do so by any three members of the
committee. Vacancies in this committee, caused by death, resigna¬
tion, 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 this
Convention, who shall be empowered, in the absence of one or more
of their colleagues, to appoint,in the place of such delegate or delegates,
any citizen or citizens of this State; provided, that such citizen or citizens
be a member or members of the Protestant Episcopal Church in this
Diocese; or, if it be inconvenient for any delegate or delegates to
proceed to the place of meeting, the liishop 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 XII.—A' proposition for altering and amending this Con¬
stitution 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.
Article XIII.—In all elections by ballot, a majority of votes shall
be required for a choice.
CANONS.
Canon I. Each Church duly represented in this Convention shall
pay or caused to be paid into the hands of the Tieasuier of the Con¬
vention the sum of ten dollars annually, for defraying the incidental
expenses of the Convention.
Canon II. In case any clergyman ot this Diocese shall be accused
of error in doctrine, immorality of life, or neglect, or transgression of
anv 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 Clergy¬
men or of the Wardens and Vestrymen ot the church of which
he is Rector, or to which he may belong, Avho shall have knowledge
or belief of such misdemeanor, to represent the same to the Bishop, or
56
in case there be no Bishop, to the Standing Committee of the Dio¬
cese, 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 trial. The mode of trial shall be as follows :
the Bishop or Standing Committee, as the case may be, shall appoint
a number of Presbyters, noli less than five, of whom the person accu¬
sed 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 Min¬
istry, the Bishop, or Provisional Bishop, or should there be none, some
neighboring Bishop, shall be required to pronounce the same.
Should it be impossible to obtain from this Diocese the requisite
number of Presbyters to constitute a board of trial, the deficiency
may be supplied from a neighboring Diocese.
Should any Clergyman, accused and cited for trial according to the
provisions of this canon, neglect or refuse to obey the citation, such
neglect or refusal shall be considered as an acknowledgment of the
truth of the charges preferred against him, and sentence shall be pro¬
nounced accordingly.
Canon III. 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-officio chair¬
man ; whose duty it shall be to take in charge the Missionary, Bible,
Common Prayer Book, Tract and Sunday School operations of the
church in this Diocese; and it shall be further the duty of this com¬
mittee to make a full report of all their proceedings to each succeed¬
ing annual Convention.
Canon IV. It shall be the duty of the Vestry of each Church in
connection 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 church¬
es respectively represented by them for the support of the Episcopate
of this Diocese.
Canon V. Section 1. Whenever any number of persons shall
associate to form an Episcopal Congregation, they shall adopt articles
of association for their government, in which they shall acknowledge
and accede to the constitution, canons, doctrines, discipline and wor¬
ship of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States, and
the constitution and canons of the Diocese of Georgia; they shall as¬
sume a suitable name by which their Church or Parish shall be de¬
signated, and elect two Wardens, and any number of Vestrymen, at
discretion, not exceeding eight. A certified copy of the articles of
57
association, and of the proceeding at their adoption, signed by the
Ward ens, 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 decision
Section 2. The eleot.inn nf
Section 2. The election of Wardens and Vestrymen in every
Parish thus constituted, shall take place annually on Easter Monday,
unless some other time be specified in the act of incorporation, with
the assent of the ecclesiastical authority of the Diocese.
RULES OF ORDER.
OrdOTfo/n,,^Afl>"Si"eSp0f each ?ay 8haU be ia'rotai by tbe
uidcr ioi Daily Morning Prayer and a Sermon.
ule When toe President takes the chair, no member shall
continue standing, or shall stand up, unless to address the cliair.'
as Slows S buii0<SSS ia th<i 0o,lve"fon « be
1. The appointment of a Secretary by ballot.
2. The appointment of the Committees of the Convention and
Special Committees. '
3. The Annual Address of the Bishop.
4. The reading of the Parochial Reports.
5. Reports from Committees of the Diocese.
6. Reports from the Treasurers.
1. Reports from Committees appointed at the last Convention.
8. Reports from Committees.
_ 9. Election by ballot of Treasurers, Standing Committee of the
Diocese, Diocesan Missionary Committee, and Deputies to the Gen¬
eral Convention.
Rule 4. When any member is about to speak in debate, or pre¬
sent any matter to the Convention, he shall with due respect'address
himself to the President, confining himself strictly to the point in de¬
bate.
Rule 5. No member shall absent himself from the service of the
Convention unless he have leave, or be unable to attend.
Rule 6. No member shall speak more than twice in the same
debate, without leave of the Convention.
Rule 7. A question, being once determined, shall stand as the
judgment of the Convention, and shall not be drawn into debate the
same session, unless with the consent of two-thirds of the Convention *
Provided always, that any member of the Convention voting in fa-
8
"58
Vor of Jiny question, may ou the same day in which the vote is taken,
or on thG succeeding day, move a reconsideration of said vote.
Rule 8. No motion shall be debated, or shalljbe considered as
before the Convention, unless seconded, reduced to writing, and read
by the Secretary.
Rule 9. When a motion is under consideration no other motion
shall be made, except to amend, to divide, to commit, or to postpone ;
a motion to adjourn, however, shall always, be in order, and shall be
decided without debate.
Rule 10. A question on amendment shall be decided before the
original motion.
Rule 1 1. Every member who shall be present when the question
is put, shall vote, unless personally interested, or excused by the Con¬
vention from voting.
Rule 12. When the Convention is about to rise, or adjourn, ev¬
ery member shall keep his seat until the President shall leave the
chair
STANDING 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 perma¬
nent fund for the support of the Episcopate in this Diocese be at once
commenced, each Rector of a Parish is requested, annually to call the
attention of his parishioners 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 the collections are to be paid over by the respective Rec¬
tors, and the amount thus paid over be invested by the said trustees
in what may appear to them the most safe and profitable manner—
the interests annually received to be added to the principal, so that
for the present the fund may be accumulating. And further,
Resolved, That the Standing Committee, as trustees aforesaid, be
requested to report to each annual Convention the amount received
during the year, the sources from which received, and the manner in
which the same is invested.
59
OF THE ORGANIZATION OF NEW PARISHES,
ADOPTED 1842.
Resolved, That in the organization of new Parishes, the following
form of declaration be recommended, and the meeting in which it is
adopted be held and conducted according to the provisions of Can¬
on V :
" We, the subscribers, assembled for the purpose of organizing a
Church, (or Parish) of the Protestant Episcopal Church in coun¬
ty 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 constitution and canons of the
Protestant Episcopal Church in the U. States of America, and the
constitution and canons of the same church in the Diocese of Geor¬
gia ; and we do accordingly 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 oth¬
ers be chosen in their place. And an election of Wardens and Ves¬
trymen 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 1842.
On motion, it was unanimously—Resolved, That it be recommended
to the Vestries of our churches in this Diocese to discourage the use
of the churches under their care for all •' unhallowed, worldly, and
common uses"
THE STYLE OR TITLE OF CHURCHES.
The proper style for a duly incorporated Congregation is, " The
Rector Church Wardens snd Vestry, (or else the Church Wardens
and Vestry) of church in ," The first blank being left for
the name of the church, the other for that of the place.
s
% ^
Right Rev. STEPHEN ELLIOTT, Jr., D. D.
BISHOP OF THE DIOCESE OF GEORGIA.
Post Office—Macon.
Rey. THOMAS F. SCOTT, Columbus.
SECRETARY OF THE CONVENTION.
Rev EDWARD E. FORD, D. D., Augusta.
PRESIDENT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE.
Dr. JAMES CAMAK, Athens'.
TREASURER OF THE DIOCESE.
Mr. J. S. HUTTON, of Macon.
TREASRURER OF THE MISSIONARY COMMITTEE.
Resolved, That the next Convention of the (phurch in this
Diocese be held in Christ Church, Savannah, commencing" on
Thursday after the first Monday in May, 1853.