Oirti) JSecirab
ANNUAL CONVENTION.
DIOCESE OF GEORGIi.
■A
JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
^jroty IbcflitQ inuual tetotttiritt
OF THE
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH
IN THE
DIOCESE OF GEORGIA,
Jjdfo in St. J&tqjjjm's CjjmxJj, lilillebgc&HIf,
COMMENCING- MAY 5TH, 1854.
3Snm, <§a:
PRINTED BY JBENJAMIN F GRIFFIN,
No. 10, Cotton Avenue
1854.
LIST. OF THE CLERGY
The Right Rev. STEPHEN ELLIOTT, Jr., D. D., Bishop of the
Diocese, and Rector of Christ Church, Savannah.
BARTOW, THEODORE B., Chaplain of the Naval Academy, An¬
napolis, Maryland.
BRAGG, SENECA G., Rector of St. Luke's Church, Montpelier.
Pust Office, Macon.
BROWN, EDMUND P., Rector of Christ Church, St. Simon's, and'
St. David's, Glynn county.
CLARK, GEO. IT., Rector of St. John's Church, Savannah.
FIELDING, JOHN, Principal of College, Beaufort, S. C.
FORD, EDWARD E., D. D., Rector of St. Paul's Church, Augusta.
GEORGE, J. II., Rector of St. Paul's Church. Albany.
GIBSON, JAMES D.
HABERSHAM, B. E., Rector of St. James' Church, Marietta.
HARRISON, W. H., Rector of the Church of-the Atonement, Au-
HUNT, JOHN J., residing in Marietta.
JOHNSON, RICHARD, Rector of St. Philip's Church, Atlanta.
KENNERLY, SHEROD W., Missionary to the Negroes on Savan¬
nah River.
LINEBAUGH, J. LI., Rector of Emanuel Church, Athens.
MACAULEY, GEO., Rector of St. Stephen's Church, Milledgeville.
MOWER, BENJ. F., Rector of Grace Church, Clarksville.
NEELY, JOHN, Principal of the Richmond Academy, Augusta.
PlERDUE, WILLIAM J., residing upon St. Helena Island, S. C.
H. K. REES, Minister of St. Andrew's Church, Darien.
SLIANKLIN, JOSEPH A., Rector of Christ Church, Macon.
SMITH, 'THOMPSON L., Missionary in the City of Savannah.
WHITE, GEORGE.
WHITE, RUFUS M.
WILLIAMS, WILLIAM C., Missionary to the Negroes on the
Ogeechee River.
W. P. GEHAGAN, Rector of Zion Church, Talbotton. <
OF THE
gusta.
LIST OF LAY DELEGATES
OF THE
Um\\\ ftrouti fuuual Cfliiteutiou of tfe
DIOCESE OF GEORGIA.
Christ Church. Savannah— R- R CUYLER,
*B. W. FOSDICK,
*GEO. A. GORDON.
St Paul's Church, Augusta— *E. F. CAMPBELL,
* J AMES P. GAIRDNER,
*BENJ. CONLEY.
Christ Church, Macon— *N. C. MUNROE,
H. K. GREEN,
*W. S. WILLIFORD.
Trinity Church, Columbus— *HARVEY HALL,
* DANIEL GRIFFIN,
*JOHN A. DEBLOIS.
St. John's Church, Savannah—*G. S. HARDING,
*J. D. LA ROCHE,
*R. C. MARSHALL.
St. James' Church, Marietta— *WM. ROOT,
*S. C. HOUSE,
*J. B. ELMER.
St. Peter's Church, Rome— *T. M. BERRIEN,
*BENJ. KING,
*S. M. WILSON.
Grace Church, Clarksville— *J. WALDBURG,
*G. J. KOLLOCK,
*E. L. PARKER.
St. Stephen's Church, Milledgeville—
JOHN S. THOMAS,
*GEORGE FORT,
*H. C. TAFT.
St. Philip's Church, Atlanta— *WM. ORME,
*T. S. DENNY,
*S. C. HIGGINSON.
*N. L. ANGIER,
Church of the Good Shepherd, Cave Spring—
*F. S. BARTOW,
*E. N. BROYLES.
St. John's Free Chapel, Savannah—
*JOHN E. WARD,
MARION MCALLISTER,
*HENRY WILLIAMS.
* Not present at Convention.
JOURNAL.
St. Stephen's Church, Milledgeville, )
May 5th, 1854- I
This being the time and place appointed for holding the
Thirty-Second Annual Convention of the Protestant
Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Georgia,
The Order of Morning Prayer was read by Rev. George
H. Clark, and the Convention Sermon preached by Rev.
George Macauley, from Luke i ch. 33 v.
At 3\ P. M., the Convention was called to order by the
Bishop, and the roll of the Clergy being called, the follow¬
ing answered to their names:
Rt. Rev. STEPHEN ELLIOTT, D. D., Bishop.
Rev. Seneca G. Bragg, Rev. Geo. H. Clare,
" James D. Gibson, « George Macauley,
" H. K. Rees, " Jos. A. Shanklin.
Certificates of the election of Lay Delegates were pre¬
sented, read and referred to the Rev. Messrs. Bragg, Gib¬
son and Macauley, who reported the following in due form:
Christ Church, Savannah—R. R. Cuyler, B. W. Fosdick,
Geo. A. Gordon.
St. PauVs Church, Augusta—E. F. Campbell, James P.
Gairdner, Ben. Conley.
St. Stephen's Church, Milledgeville—John S. Thomas, Dr.
George Fort, H. C. Taft.
Grace Church, Clarksville—J. Waldburg, G. J. Kollock,
Edw. L. Parker.
St. Peter's Church, Rome—Thomas M. Berrien, Benj.
King, Stephen M. Wilson.
The names being called, the following delegates an¬
swered : R. R. Cuyler, John S. Thomas.
There being a quorum of both Orders present, the Pres¬
ident declared the Convention duly organized.
The former Secretary, Rev. T. F. Scott, having been
6
elected Bishop of Oregon, Rev. J. A. Shanklin was elected
•Secretary
The Rules of Order of'the last Convention were adopted
for the government of this body.
The Rev. Messrs. Habersham and R. Johnson appeared
and took their seats.
Certificates of the election of Lay Delegates irom St.
James' Church, Marietta, and St. Philip's, Atlanta, were
presented and referred to the Committee on Elections, who
reported the following persons duly elected:
St. James1 Church, Marietta—Wm. Root, Sam. C. House,
J. B. Elmer.
St. Philip's Church, Atlanta—Wm. Orme, T. S. Denny,
S. C. Higginson, N. S. Angier.
The following committees were appointed by the Chair:
On the Slate of the Church—Rev. Messrs. Bragg, Shank¬
lin and Macauley.
On the Admission of New Parishes—Rev. Mr. Johnson,
and Messrs. Cuyler and Thomas.
On Unfinished Business—Rev. Messrs. Habersham and
Rees.
Applications for admission into the Diocese were received
from the Church of the Good Shepherd, Cave Spring,
Floyd county, and from the Protestant Episcopal St. John's
Free Chapel, Savannah, which, on motion, were refered to
the appropriate committee, who made the following report,
which was adopted:
The Committee on the Admission of New Parishes respectfully
report: That they have examined the papers of the Protestant Epis¬
copal St. John's Free Chapel, Savannah, and of the Church of the
Good Shepherd, village of Cave Spring, Floyd county, and find
them in due form, and accordingly recommend that said churches
be admitted into connection.
RICHARD JOHNSON,
JOHN S. THOMAS,
R. R. CUYLER.
Certificates of the election of Lay Delegates were pre¬
sented from St. John's Free Chapel, Savannah, and the
Church of the Good Shepherd, Cave Spring, and the fol¬
lowing persons found to be elected:
7
St. John's Free Chapel, Savannah—J. E. Ward, Marion
McAllister, Henry Williams.
Church of the Good Shepherd, Cave Spring—F. S. Bar¬
tow, E. N. Broyles.
Mr. McAllister answered to his name.
On motion, Canon I. was suspended in favor of Zion
Church, Talbotton, and St. Peter's Church, Rome.
After Prayer by the Bishop, Convention adjourned to
the hour of public worship to-morrow morning.
At night, Evening Prayer was read by Rev. H. K. Rees,
and a Sermon preached by the Rev. Geo. H. Clark.
Friday Morning, May 6th, 1854.
Morning Prayer was read by the Rev. Mr. Shanklin, and
a Sermon preached by the Rev. Mr. Rees.
After public worship, the Convention was called to order
by the Bishop, and the roll called. Present as on yester¬
day, together with Rev. S. W. Kennerly.
The Minutes of yesterday were read and confirmed.
Certificates of the election of Lay Delegates were pre¬
sented from Trinity Church, Columbus, and St. John's
Church, Savannah, which were referred to the Committee
on Elections, who* reported the following persons duly
elected:
Trinity Church, Columbus—Harvey Hall, Daniel Griffin,
John A. DeBlois.
St. JohrLS Church, Savannah—George S. Harding, J. D.
LaRoche, R. C. Marshall.
• The Parochial Reports were then read.
The Standing Committee of the Diocese presented the'
following report, which was received :
The Standing Committee of the Diocese respectfully report the
following official acts sines the last Convention, viz: They have sign¬
ed Testimonials respectively in favor of Mr. Henry K. Kees for Dea¬
con's Orders, and of Mr. Marion McAllister, and Mr. John. Beau¬
mont, as candidates for Holy Orders. Respectfully submitted,
EDW. E. FORD, Pres.
The Report of the Treasurer of the Missionary Commit-
8
tee was presented and referred to a Special Committee on
Finance, consisting of Messrs. Cuyler and Thomas.
Rev. Mr. Shanklin offered the following Resolution,
which, on motion, was laid upon the table .until to-morrow:
Resolved, That the next Convention of the Church be held in
Christ Church, Macon, commencing on Thursday after the first Mon¬
day in May, 1855.
The Rev. Mr. Clark offered the following Resolution,
which on motion was laid upon the table until to-morrow:
Resolved, That this Convention cordially concur in the action of
the General Convention, in reference to a fund for the relief of
widows and orphans of deceased clergymen; and that it be recom¬
mended to the Clergymen in the Diocese to solicit annually contri¬
butions in aid of this important object.
The Rev. R. Johnson offered the following Preamble
and Resolutions, which on motion were laid upon the table
until to-morrow:
Whereas, This Convention, heartily acceding to the recommend¬
ation of the Bishop contained in his address, in reference to the leg¬
acy left by Dr. Ralph Elliott, to be applied to the support of the
widows and orphans of deceased Clergymen of the Diocese of Geor¬
gia : Provided that it be so amended as to allow the clergy to make
collections for the increase of the fund on the Sunday next before
or after Christmas, at their discretion. Therefore,
Resolved, lsi, That the Wardens and Vestry of Christ Church,
Savannah, and their successors, be constituted Trustees of that fund,
and that the Bishop be authorized to hand over to them the securi¬
ties in his hands.
Resolved, 2nd, That the Clergy be requested to make collections
in their several churches for the increase of said fund on Christmas
day, or on the Sunday next before or after, at their discretion.
Mr. Cuyler moved to amend the second Resolution by
adding the following words, "And that the said Trustees
be requested to invest, from time to time, such contribu¬
tions, and to accumulate the same for the term of ten
years." '
The amendment was accepted by the mover of the Reso¬
lutions, and they were passed as amended.
The Rev. Mr. Clark offered the following Resolution,
which was adopted:
Resolved, That this Convention record its acknowledgments to its
9
late Secretary, Rev. Thomas F. Scott, for his faithful services; that
it cordially approve of his appointment to the Bishopric of Wash¬
ington and Oregon Territories, and pledge its sympathy and aid in
support of his difficult and important mission.
The Rev. Mr. Clark offered resolutions on the subject of
ministerial support, which on motion were referred to a
special committee, consisting of Rev. Messrs. Clark and
Johnson, and Mr. R. R. Cuyler.
After Prayer by the Bishop, Convention adjourned to
the hour of public worship to-morrow morning.
At night, Evening Prayer was read by the Rev. Mr.
Habersham, and a Sermon preached by the Rev. Mr.
Shanklin.
Saturday Morning, May 6th.
Morning Prayer was read by Rev. Mr. Johnson, and a
Sermon preached by the Rev. Mr. Habersham.
After Divine Service, the Convention was called to or¬
der, and the roll called. Present as on yesterday.
The Minutes of yesterday were read and confirmed.
Certificates of the election of Lay Delegates were pre¬
sented from Christ Church, Macon, which were referred to
the Committee on Elections, who reported the following
persons duly elected:
Christ Church, Macon—1ST. C. Munroe, H. K. Green, W.
S. Williford.
Dr. Green appeared and took his seat.
The Parochial Report of the Ogeechee' Mission was pre¬
sented.
The Committee on the State of the Church presented
the following Report, which was received : /
The Committee on the State of the Church beg leave to report:
That they find from an examination of the statistics an encouraging
increase of numbers and contributions.
They also find many points of interest in the Diocese unoccupied,
and a wide field open to the Church. In view of this state of things,
we would call upon our people for earnest prayer and faithful effort.
Respectfully submitted, S. G. BRAGG, Ch'n.
The Special Committee to whom was referred the Trea*
2
10
surer's Report, presented the following, which was re¬
ceived :
We have examined this account, and find the £same correctand
duly supported by vouchers. Balance m Treasurer s 14*
K,. i\. CU i -LlLxv,
J. S. THOMAS.
The Committee to whom was referred the resolution oil
increasing the salaries of clergymen, and the portion of the
Bishop's Address relating to the want of an adequate sup¬
ply of Ministers, offered the following Report, which was
adopted:
The Committee having made examination of the records of the
Diocesan Missionary Society, and inquired into the condition of the
more feeble Parishes in the Diocese, is constrained to declare, that
not only the immediate wants of clergymen, but the future wel¬
fare of the church, call for a more liberal and regular support of its
ministers. It is believed that when the compensation made to a
clergyman is barely adequate to a meagre support, and is irregularly
paid, the duties of the ministry are not likely to be properly discharged,
and that the present dearth of candidates for the ministry is in part
owing to the fact, that a large number of those who become ministers
are obliged to contend with pecuniary want. While we would hold
out no prospects of worldly gain to pious young men, we would give
to them some assurance that the lay members of the church will pro¬
vide for their necessities, and will not permit them or their families
to suffer for the common comforts of life.
It is the opinion of your Committee, that the wealthy members of
our communion, when they consider the interests that are at issue;
that the ability of a clergyman to perform his duties is dependent,
in no small degree, on his freedom from debt, and his comforta¬
ble support; that the frequent removals in the church are commonly
to be traced to the inadequate incomes of its ministers; and that
young men who are inclined to devote themselves to the ministry,
are turned to secular pursuits, under the fear of poverty,—will be
moved to enlarge their contributions as regards the support of Chris¬
tian ministers.
The number of Missionaries now in the Diocese to be supported
the present year is six, aud according to the present rates of distri¬
bution they receive $1130, which is irregularly paid. Your Com¬
mittee believe that not less than two thousand dollars should be
raised the present year for diocesan purposes; and that it will be
more for the interest of the Diocese to make just and adequate ap¬
propriations to the present missionaries, and secure to them punc¬
tual payments, than to attempt to occupy new fields, with ill paid
and discontented laborers.
The Committee present to the consideration of the Convention the
following Resolution:
Resolved, That this Convention recommend to the different Par-
11
ishes within the Diocese of Georgia, more enlarged and liberal con¬
tributions for the support of ministers now inadequately provided
for; and also, that the Rectors of the Churches contributing to the
Missionary fund take immediate measures to provide an annual sum
for the proper maintenance of the ministers now in the Diocese.
GEORGE H. CLARK,
R. R. CUTLER,
R. JOHNSON.
Resolved, That the Secretary be directed to have one thousand
copies of the Journal of this Convention published for distribution.
The Resolution of the' Rev. Mr. Clark in regard to pro¬
viding a fund for the support of the widows and orphans
of deceased clergymen, which was laid upon the table yes¬
terday, was called up and lost.
The Resolutions of Rev. Mr. Johnson upon the same
subject, were called up and passed.
The Resolution of Rev. Mr. Shanklin fixing the meeting
of the next Convention at Macon, was called up and
passed.
The Rev. Mr. Johnson offered the following:
•
•Whereas, The efforts which have been made by the Church for
evangelizing the colored population of the Diocese have been emi¬
nently successful, as appears from the Parochial Reports: And
whereas, the provision made for the accommodation of this class of
people in most churches is very limited: Therefore
Resolved, That this Convention earnestly recommends this subject
to the attention of the ministers and churches of the Diocese.
The Rev. Mr. Bragg presented the following, which were
adopted:
Resolved, That the members of this Convention do hereby ex¬
press their sincere and deep regret on account of the death of Maj.
Thomas M. Nelson, late senior Warden of Trinity Church, Colum¬
bus. The many social and Christian virtues which distinguished
him as a citizen, a soldier, and a gentleman — his high character for
benevolence and unsullied integrity—and above all, his marked de¬
votion to the best interests of truth and piety in every station which
he filled in the world, and in the church of his affections, entitle him
to our cordial and grateful remembrance.
Resolved, That a copy of the above Resolution be communicated
by the Secretary of this Convention to the family of the deceased.
Resolved, That the members of this Convention do hereby record
their deep sense of the loss which our Church has sustained in the
death of the Hon. Robert M. Charlton, late senior Warden of St.
John's Church, Savannah. His distinguished talents, his unsullied
12
integrity, his private and public life as a Christian patriot, a scholar,
a friend of humanity, benevolence and pure religion, supply abun¬
dant reason for our cherishing' his memory, and commending Ins ex¬
ample to all who love the cause of truth and holiness, and especially
the youth of our beloved Church.
Resolved, That a copy of the foregoing Resolution be communi¬
cated by the Secretary of this Convention to the family of the de¬
ceased.
The Rev. Mr. Johnson offered the following Resolution,
which was adopted:
Resolved, That Canon I. be so amended as to read: " Each
church duly represented in the Convention, shall pay or cause to be
paid into the hands of the Treasurer of the Convention a sum pro¬
portioned to its ability, annually, for defraying the incidental expen¬
ses of the Convention.
Resolved, That the Treasurer be authorized to call on the several
churches in this Diocese for twenty cents for each white communi¬
cant, to meet annually the incidental expenses of this Convention.
The Convention proceeded to the annual elections, which
resulted as follows:
Treasurer of the Diocese.
Dr. James Camak.
Treasurer of the Missionary Committee,
Mr. J. S. Hutton.
Standing Committee.
OF THE CLERGY. OF THE LAITY.
Rev. Edward E. Ford, D. D., G-. McLaughlin^
Rev. R. Johnson, E. F. Campbell,
Rev. W. C. Williams, Chas. Duelle.
Committee on Missions.
OF THE CLEKGY. OF THE LAITY.
Rev. S. G. Bragg, N. C. Munroe,
Rev. J. A. Shanklin. L. N. Whittle,
w. s. wllliford.
Deputies to the General Convention.
OF THE CLEKGY. 0F THE LAITY
Rev. EdwARD E. Ford, D. 3)., James Potter,
Rev. S. Gr. Bragg, r. h. Gairdner,
Rev. J. a. Shanklin, p. m. Nightengale,
Rev. George H. Clark. Daniel Griffin.
13
The Bishop appointed the Rev. Mr. -Harrison to preach
the Convention Sermon, and Rev. Mr. Clark his substi¬
tute; the Rev. Mr. Habersham to preach the next Mis¬
sionary Sermon, and Rev. Mr. Kennerly his substitute.
On motion, the Convention adjourned sine die, after
Prayer by the Bishop.
Saturday Evening.
Evening Prayer was read by the Rev. Mr. Macauley,
and a Sermon preached by the Rev. Mr. Johnson.
Sunday, May 7 th.
Morning Prayer by the Bishop, assisted in different parts
of the Service by the Rev. Messrs. Clark, Macauley, John¬
son and Rees. A Sermon by the Bishop. After which
the Holy Communion was administered to the Clergy
and Laity present by the Bishop, assisted by the Rev. Mr.
Johnson.
Sunday Afternoon.
Evening Prayer was read by the Rev. Mr. Macauley,
and a Sermon preached by the Rev. Mr. Gibson.
In the evening, the Evening Prayer was read by Rev.
Mr. Johnson. The apostolic rite of Confirmation was ad¬
ministered by the Bishop to six candidates. A Sermon
was preached by the Bishop, after which a collection was
taken up for Diocesan Missions, amounting to $13.
appendix
BISHOP'S ADDRESS.
Brethren of the Clergy and Laity:
Every year that rolls over us reminds us, by its-
changes, of an ecclesiastical as well as civil nature, that we
live in a world in which nothing is permanent. Sickness,
Death, Removal, have all been busy with us since our last
Convention, and have brought this feeling, -trite as it should
be, very forcibly and impressively to our hearts.
If one year can make such alterations in our limited
sphere, what may we not anticipate when a very few more
shall have passed away ? May we be always ready to meet
our Master under whatever circumstances he may summon
us to do his will, whether to take up our cross and follow
him through the trials of the missionary life, or to glorify
him by patient suffering, or to enter that rest which re-
maineth for the people of God. And while these changes
summon us to watch and be sober, they should likewise'
animate us to work while it is called to-day, because they
bid us remember that the night cometh when no man can
work.
During the session of our last Convention I consecrated
to the service of Almighty God, on Saturday the 7th May,
St. John's Church, Savannah,—a new and beautiful church
edifice, representing the old parish of St. Johns, but upon
a new site. This church owes its existence, under God, to
the labors of the the Rev. Rufus M. White, and the gener¬
ous and persevering liberality of two or thre^Jaymen. It
is rapidly filling up, and will very soon become one of the
strongest parishes in the Diocese.
On Sunday, May 8th, I admitted the Rev. Sherrod W.
Kennerly to the priesthood in Christ Church, Savannah;
and in the afternoon of the same day coufirmed one person
in St. John's Ghurch. " "
15
On Sunday, May 15th, I made my annual visit to St.
"Paul's, Augusta, confirming in the morning in that parish
tivelve persons. In the afternoon I visited the Church of
the Atonement, Augusta, and confirmed jive persons. At
night I preached at the Factory, where services have been
regulary conducted by the Rev. Mr. Harrison.
On Sunday, June 5th, I- held a Special Confirmation in
Christ Church, Savannah, at which time nine persons were
partakers of that interesting rite.
Sunday, July 31st, was spent in Augusta, where I offi¬
ciated in the morning in St. Paul's Church, and in the af¬
ternoon in the Church of the Atonement. No official acts
were performed at this time.
From Monday to Thursday, inclusive, were spent in
Athens, attending to my duties as Trustee of the Univer¬
sity of Georgia, and visiting the parishioners of Emmanuel?
Church. No official acts were performed upon this occasion,
in consequence, among other things, of the recent arrival-
of the Rev. Mr. Linebaugh at his post.
Sunday, August 7th, was spent in the visitation of the-
parish at Madison. In the morning I consecrated to the
service of God a very neat, though small church edifice, by
the name of the Church of the Advent. In the afternoon of
the same day I confirmed three persons in this parish. It
was promising well at the time I visited it, but I regret
very much to say, that since Mr. Habersham's removal to
Marietta, it has continued without'a Rector.
Tuesday and Wednesday, the 9 th and 10th of August,
were spent in Cass county visiting the Church of the As¬
cension. No official acts were performed at this church
upon this visit.
Friday, August 12th, I consecrated to the service of Al¬
mighty God the Church of the Good Shepherd at Cave
Spring, Floyd county. This is a very beautiful little-
church, which has been built upon the lot formerly record¬
ed as presented by Mr. Lloyd, a venerable communicant of
the church. It has been erected throi^h the energy of a
single family, and will be very useful so soon as we shall
be able to get a minister there who shall be able to devote
his whole time to its service. I confirmed two colored per¬
sons upon this visit.
16
Sunday, August 14th, I visited St. Peter's Church, Rome,
<ind confirmed fifteen persons. I found that this parish had
been very much strengthened since my last visitation, and
was rapidly becoming a self-supporting parish. Since my
visit, however, the Rev. Mr. Gibson has been most pain¬
fully affected in his eyes, having been threatened with a
loss of his sight. Although much better now, he has
thought best to resign his parish and take the opportunity
of visiting his friends in Ireland. I sincerely trust tbat he
may be entirely restored to health, and serve the church
yet many years among us.
From the end of August to the middle of September I
was occupied as a member of the Episcopal Court which
was convened at Camden for the trial of the presentment
of the Rt. Rev. the Bishop of New Jersey. During its
sitting I resided in Philadelphia, and officiated two or three
times every Lord's day. Of the trial of the Bishop of New
Jersey, its course and termination, it is unnecessary to
speak here, as all the documents connected with it have
been laid before the Church, and have received its judg¬
ment. I acquiesced cordially in that termination, and con¬
sider it a great blessing to the church that it was disposed
of so unanimously and harmoniously by the Episcopal
Bench. '
From the 5th to the 27th of October I was in attendance
upon the General Convention in the city of New York—
one of the most important conventions which has ever as¬
sembled in the history of the church. None ever met un¬
der more threatening auspices. None ever adjourned, I
will venture to say, leaving the church in a happier or
more promising condition. The clouds which lowered so.
darkly upon us during the year which preceded its meet¬
ing were all rolled away, and light sprung up almost mi¬
raculously in the midst of darkness. The Spirit of God
descended, as we trust, in answer to the prayers of his
anxious people, upon the troubled waters, and commanded
them to be at peace.
The first token fc^1 future good which manifested itself
during the session oi our late Convention, was the appa¬
rently almost universal desire for peace in the church.
17
Every body seemed weary of strife, and determined,
through God's grace, to cultivate a higher spirit of charity
for the time to come. While all felt that the questions of
doctrine and of morals which had agitated our communion
for almost ten years, had been quq^tions of deepest im¬
portance, they also felt that they had been sufficiently dis¬
cussed, and that more evil was likely to result from a con¬
tinuance of the controversy, than from a mutual toleration
of differences of opinion which time and circumstances had
stripped of much of their asperity and ultraism. Without
any compromise, therefore, of the great fundamental points
of difference, it seemed to be tacitly agreed upon, that war
should cease within the church, and that its members, uni¬
ted as brethren, and resting upon the public and authorized
standards of our faith, should do battle upon the opposing
hosts of Satan and the world. And this sense of the im¬
portance of peace within the church went with her bishops
and clergy and laity to every portion of its out-spread lim¬
its, and has awakened joy in many a pious heart, and
strung with fresh zeal the fervent spirit of the^ithful.
This almost universal spirit of peace was much increased
by the presence of those delegates from our mother church
who had been sent to bring us greetings from our brethren
in the faith, and to consult with us as to the best mode of
extending the gospel and the church to the uttermo&t ends
of the earth. When the two churches, the mother and the
daughter, stood thus, as it were, side by side, and entered
into holy communication about nations steeped to the lips
in idolatry, or else suffering under the bondage of pagan
domination, our own differences seemed very small in the
comparison, and the settlement of this or that point of con¬
troversy a trifle light as air, when weighed in the balance
with the momentous questions which were wrapped up in
the conversion of the nations. Many points of great in¬
terest were discussed between these delegates and our¬
selves; and the delicate questions connected with the ju¬
risdiction of our churches in foreign lands, and the best
mode of obviating any appearance of difference between
our missionaries have been put in train, we trust, for future
settlement. Nor was the interesting question of the ori-
3
18
ental churches overlooked ; and although we may not our
selves again enter that field, we have recommended it most
most earnestly to the prayers and effoits of the great mis¬
sionary societies of England.
It was a matter of ifLUch interest to us to observe the ef¬
fect which our church in her legislative capacity produced
upon the minds of these delegates. Two of them were
dignitaries of the English Church, who had come to look
with an observant eye into the workings of a church alto¬
gether disconnected from the State, dependent for its sup¬
port, for the most part, upon voluntary contributions, and
possessing synodical action in which the lay element was
largely represented. Publicly and privately they ex¬
pressed themselves highly gratified with all that met their
observation—with the learning and dignity of the church—
with its great extension and growing power—with the or¬
der and good breeding of its councils—and above all, with
the ease with which so many distinct dioceses seemed, to
move in harmony around a central legislature. This in¬
terchange c^thought and feeling must end in the happiest
results, for every thing which destroys prejudice and en¬
lightens ignorance must work for Truth; and Truth is the
only fountain of permanent good upon earth.
Another token for future good which exhibited itself in
various ways during the session of the Convention, was
the very general opinion that seemed to prevail that the
church must be made, in some way or other, more accept:
able and more accessible to the masses of the population.
In large cities, and in places where wealth has accumula¬
ted, the church has always made her way rapidly and suc¬
cessfully among a certain portion of the people. But in
rural districts, which have not been trained hereditarily in
the church, and among the .crowds of unenlightened people
who throng our large cities, she has not hitherto been suc¬
cessful. This convention appeared determined to sift this
matter to the bottom, and to find out where the hindrance
lay,—whether in the want of free sittings in our churches,
or in the prejudice against a liturgical service, or in the
want of adaptation of our clergy to such a class of society,
,or in something different from all these, which lay yet un-
19
developed. It was very generally felt to be a great evil,
and to cast upon the church a stigma from which she
should at once clear her skirts. To be pointed at as the
church of the rich and the refined and the fashionable,
when Christ had given it as one of the marks of his mis¬
sion, that the gospel was preached unto the poor, was a
condition under which she was not satisfied to rest. No¬
thing was rashly done by the Convention, but the matter
was taken seriously in hand, and inquiry started among
the judicious and the conservative to see what could be
done consistently with a due preservation of the distinctive
features of the church, to remedy the evil. The results of
these inquiries will be given to the next General Conven¬
tion, and in the mean time any suggestions upon this point
from laymen, who mingle with the people and know their
feelings, might add much to the store of experience upon
which, at last, this question must rest for solution. One
step, and only one step, was actually taken towards the im¬
provement of our system, by the passage of a series of
canons tending to increase our Diaconate, and thus enable
the Rectors of parishes to operate more efficiently upon
large numbers than they have been hitherto enabled to do.
The re-organization of the domestic department of our
Missionary Society occupied a large share of our attention.
It was necessary, by some means, to infuse new life into
the church, for the funds collected for the missionary op¬
erations of the church in its domestic field had-decreased
so rapidly from year to year, that it was threatened with
entire exhaustion. The subject was discussed in the Mis¬
sionary Board evening after evening. Reasons were as¬
signed for the condition of things, varying according to
the taste or complexion or views of the speakers. The
most probable conclusion appeared to be, that the lack of
interest and of contribution was occasioned by the. great
pre-occupation of the mind of the church with 'subjects'of
a controversial kind—by the distrust which these points of
difference had created among the ministers and members of
the church—by the discontinuance of the general agency
of the Board—and by the very scant number of clergy*
men from among whom the missionaries of the church
might be chosen* This last reason resolved itself into a que®*"
20
tion of very particular interest,and one which occupied much
of the thoughts of the Convention. It seemed idle to talk
of supplying missionary stations with able and efficient
men, so long as the churches who sent forth and supported
the missionaries were not themselves supplied. Some of
these difficulties could not be at once remedied, but we did
what we could—re-organized the committee, revived the
system of general agency, and called upon the church,
through our pastoral letter, to pray the Lord of the harvest
to send forth laborers into the harvest. I rejoice to add,
that the rapid increase of the contributions to domestic
missions gives us reason to conclude that our efforts have
been blessed by the Great Head of the Church.
In connexion with our domestic missionary operations,
the church upon our Pacific coast called loudly for Episco¬
pal supervision. After much deliberation on the part of
the Convention, it was determined to appoint a missionary
Bishop for each of the Pacific regions, California and Ore¬
gon. They required very different men for their oversight
and guidance. The gold of California had carried into
that State a large and accumulating body of active spirits,
of strong intelligence united with the habits of city life.
For this field the House of Bishops nominated Dr. Kip of
Albany, already so advantageously known to the church
through his literary labors. Oregon had been differently
settled. Nothing had occurred there to call in a host of
restless people, but it had gradually filled up, like our other
western states, with the class of hardy emigrants who are
ever traveling towards the setting sun. This called for a
man of patient labor—of strong good sense—for one able
to endure hardship like a good soldier of the cross—ac¬
quainted with the life and habits of a pioneer population—
and above all, for a man of prudence, piety and wise dis¬
cretion. These qualities the House of Bishops believed to
be eminently combined in the person of one of our Pres¬
byters, the'Rev. Thomas F. Scott, late Rector of Trinity
Church, Columbus. These clergymen having.been nomi¬
nated to the offices of Bishops of California and Oregon
respectively, and their testimonials furnished by the House
of Clerical and Lay Deputies, are now laboring, we, trust,
in their important Dioceses.
21
Sorrie steps were likewise taken, during this Convention,
towards preparing for the church a proper judicial system.
Our executive and legislative organizations are as perfect
perhaps as we can make them, but our judiciary is as yfet
very imperfect. Some of its seemiug defects are inherent
in the organization of the Christian church, and can only
be remedied by a valuation of ecclesiastical censure very
much above anything we can count upon in these latter
days. Without any power to compel witnesses into court—
without any means to create an order of judges who shall
be the peers of those upon trial, and yet be separated from
ministerial and legislative functions—without any ability
to enforce the execution of a sentence after it may be
passed—it is no easy question how the church shall be pro¬
vided with a judiciary system which shall answer the ends
of Christian justice, and yet find favor wilh the instincts
of the country in the matter of courts and trials. A part
of the results of our efforts has been printed with the
Journal of the Convention for the consideration of the
church, and a commission is appointed to sit during the
next three years for its perfection.
These were the measures of most interest which occu¬
pied the attention of the Convention during its session,
and I have laid them before you for your information, as
well as for the purpose of enforcing upon you your duty in
regard to them. For the inchoate measures of the church,
its adaptation to the masses of the population, and its ju¬
dicial system, I would ask the earnest attention of the
many wise and judicious laymen who are scattered over
the diocese. They are questions of deepest interest to the
welfare of the church for its whole existence, and conse¬
quently intimately wrapped up with the welfare of those
who shall have to fight the battle of truth over our graves.
All the wisdom and learning of the church rightfully be¬
long to her, and she asks for its exercise in her behalf.
•Perchance some suggestion may be made, some train of
thought may be-struck upon, some vein of practical wealth
be opened, which shall give prosperity and peace to the
church for generations to come.
Upon the missionary operations of the church I would
22
invoke your prayers and your liberality. Besides the gen~
eral interest which every Christian is pledged to feel in
missionary operations, we of this Diocese have many per¬
sonal ones tu excite us to our duty. I am rejoiced to be
enabled to say, that we are now, as a diocese, represented
in the African Mission, in the Mission to China, and have
just given a missionary Bishop to the Pacific coast. This
is well for so young a diocese, and proves that the mission¬
ary spirit has not lacked cultivation amongst us. But we
must not be satisfied with this. We must -press on in the
work. We must grow more in grace and in the love of
Christ; and above all, we must pray not only for those la¬
borers already in the vineyard, but that the Lord of the
harvest would raise up young men who shall be ready and
willing to give up all things for the service of the Lord.
My first official act after my return from the North was
the ordination of the Rev. Henry K. Rees to the Holy Or¬
der of Deacons in Christ Church, Savannah. Mr. Rees has
taken charge of St. Andrew's Church, Darien, and is serv¬
ing that people very acceptably.
On the festival of the Nativity, being Sunday, I admin¬
istered the rite of Confirmation in the afternoon in St,
John's Church, Savannah, upon which occasion fifteen per¬
sons were confirmed.
On Sunday, the 8th day of January, I presided upon the
occasion of the consecration of the Rev. Thomas F. Scott
to the Missionary Episcopate of Oregon, having jurisdic¬
tion in the Territory of Washington. The Bishops of Al¬
abama and South Carolina were present, and assisted in the
laying on of hands. This was an occasion of <feep inter¬
est to me, as I had thus in the brief space of ten years
laid my hands upon the Rev. Mr. Scott for the three sacred
offices of Deacon, Priest and Bishop; and I feel sure that
I shall never live to repent my work. Mr. Scott's consec¬
ration is an almost irreparable loss to us, but we have given
him to be a fountain of blessing to the destitute shores of
the Pacific.
Sunday afternoon, March 5th, I held Confirmation in
the temporary building used by the Rev. Mr. Smith for the
present services of St. John's Free Chapel, upon which, oc¬
casion two persons were confirmed.
23
Sunday, March 12th, in the afternoon I officiated and
administered confirmation at Deptford, the country-seat of
Mr. Robert Habersham, in charge of Rev. Mr. Kennerly,
when seven colored persons were confirmed.
Sunday, March 19th, was spent with Mr. Williams upon
the Ogechee River. In the morning I officiated, assisted
by the Rev. Messrs. Williams, Smith and Samuel Clark,
of Philadelphia, and confirmed fifteen persons, all colored.
This mission is in admirable condition, and is extending it¬
self beyond the ability of the missionary to sustain it.
Saturday morning, Easter Eve, I confirmed in. Christ
Church one person; and on Easter Day confirmed in the
same church in the morning ten persons; and in the after¬
noon in St. John's eight persons. This was the second Con¬
firmation held within four months in this rapidly growing!
parish.
Sunday, April 23d, I visited the plantation of the Messrs.
Cheves on the Carolina side of the river, being a part of
Mr. Kennerly's mission, and confirmed eleven persons, one
of them nearly a hundred years old. They were all col¬
ored. Mr. Kennerly continues to labor with great assidu*
ity and success in his arduous field of self-sacrificing labor.
Sunday, April 30th, was spent in Macon, where I found
a, very interesting condition of feeling in Christ Church.
Services had been held every night during the preceding
week; and on Sunday night I confirmed fourteen persons.
During this visit I baptized two adults and one infant, at
the request of the Rector.
It gives me pleasure to state that at every point which I
have visited during the past year there is a visible and
steady growth of the church. I have not been able to visit
all the parishes of the Diocese during the year, owing to
my very long absence from the Diocese, in connexion with
the trial at Camden and the General Convention, and to
my very serious illness during January and February. The
preceding report, however, will show that-1 have not been
idle, and that the work of the Diocese is becoming heavier
every year.
During the past year there has been very considerable
change in the position of the ministry connected with the
24
Diocese. The Rev. Thomas F. Scott has been consecrated
Bishop of Oregon, and has gone to his field of labor. The
Rev. J. S. Hanckel has been transferred to the Diocese of
South Carolina, and the Rev. Wm. J. Zimmer to that of
Virginia. The Rev. Mr. Linebaugh has been received.into
the Diocese from Louisiana, and the Rev. Mr. Gahagan
from Tennessee. The Rev. Mr. Rees has been ordainedr
placing us just where we were in the number of our
•clergy.
The Rev. B. E. Habersham has resigned his charge at
Madison, and accepted a call to St. James, Marietta, as the
successor of Mr. Hanckel. The Rev. Richard Johnson has
resigned his missionary position at Talbotton, and has be¬
come the Rector of St. Philip's Church, Atlanta, which
»ks become a self-supporting parish. Rev. Mr. Gahagan
as taken charge of Zion Church, Talbotton. Rev. Mr.
Linebaugh has accepted a call to Emanuel Church, Athens,
and is laboring very acceptably there. The Rev. Wm. Nor¬
wood has, I understand, accepted a call to Trinity Church,
Columbus. The Rev. Mr. Rees has taken charge of St,
Andrews, Darien. The Rev. Mr. Gibson has been com¬
pelled to resign the charge of St. Peter's, Rome, which re¬
signation is to take effect in June next.
It gives me pleasure to inform the Convention that Mr.
Marion M'Allister and Mr. John Beaumont have been re¬
ceived as candidates for orders in the Diocese. And I can¬
not permit the occasion to pass without again urging upon
the clergy this most vital topic. Unless a diocese rears her
own ministry, she can never be strong nor independent.
She must be forever in want of clergymen, and will find it
next to impossible to extend her borders. Her larger and
richer churches may be supplied from abroad, but her
weaker parishes and missionary stations must depend, for
their supply, upon the young men trained within her own
bosom. So serious has this matter become, that it has ex¬
cited the universal attention of the church, and several of
the Bishops have already set forth forms of prayer for an
increase of the ministry within their Dioceses. I propose
very soon to follow their example, and call the church, in-
Georgia to special prayer for this particular object.
25
The.Montpelier Institute is now in quite a flourishing
condition under the superintendence of Miss Buell. In the
early part of the session the number of the pupils was
small, but it has gradually increased until it has now
reached a higher number than its most sanguine friends
anticipated. I was prevented from visiting it the last year
by providential circumstances, but am satisfied, from all
the information I can receive, that it was never in better
condition. I regret very much to state that the Rev. Ru-
fus M. White has been compelled to resign the rectorship
on account of ill health. Rev. Mr. Bragg will continue for
the present to exercise the authority and perform the du¬
ties of the Rector. I would heartily commend this institu*
tion to the patronage of the church and its members.
Dr. Ralph E. Elliott, a most worthy communicant oft
Christ Church, Savannah, left by his last will and testament
the sum of $1000 to the Bishop of the Diocese in trust, as
the foundation of a fund the income of which should be
applied to the support of the widows and orphans of the
deceased clergymen of the Diocese of Georgia. He directed
that it should accumulate for ten years at compound inter¬
est, before any part of it should be used. This amount has
been paid over to me by the executors of the estate of#Dr.
Elliott, and has been vested in a good security, bearing in¬
terest at 7 per cent., which security is now in my posses¬
sion. I would suggest to the Convention that the Wardens
and Vestry of Christ .Church, Savannah, be constituted the
trustees of this fund, and that I be authorized to hand over
to them the security above named. I would also suggest
to the clergy and laity of the Diocese that a collection be,
taken up every Christmas day in every parish of the Dio¬
cese for the increase of this fund, and that it be paid over
to the trustees to accumulate for ten years before it shall
be used.
I have said nothing in this address of Trinity Church,
Columbus, for my heart has been too full to approach the
gubject,and I could not mingle it with the common-place top¬
ics of my address, but now that I have done with them,
you will pardon me if I turn from the living to the dead.
Besides the loss of her efficient Rector taken from her by
4
26
the demand of the church, she has consigned to the grave
"both her wardens and one of her vestry-men, called for by
the stern demand of death. Truly has she borne sorrow
upon sorrow, but she must remember that Christ said to
the church of Laodicea, " As many I love, I rebuke a'nd
chasten." .And she has the glorious consolation of know¬
ing that those whom she has been called to give back to
God were not only well prepared for their summons, but
have left bright examples of Christian faith and practice
for those who come after them. Such examples cannot be
lost upon the rising generation, and out of their graves
must spring up honor to the church and glory to Christ. A
church is not perfect upon earth until she can point not
only to her living jewels, but to those also who have gone
to make up a part of the diadem of her Redeemer.
Of Maj. Nelson it behooves me to speak more particu¬
larly, as he filled for so many years so large a part in the
eye of the church. From the first year of His removal to
this Diocese, until disease hindered him from active move-'
ment, was he constantly busy in sustaining and strength¬
ening our infant Diocese. As a warden, first of St. Paul's,
Augusta, and afterwards of Trinity Church,. Columbus; as
an untiring delegate to our Diocesan and General Conven¬
tions ; as a trustee of Montpelier Institute; but above all,
as an ardent friend of the Church, his name has been iden:
tified with Episcopacy in Georgia. But more than all this,
he was a perfect model of the Christian gentleman. He uni¬
ted in the happiest degree the courage and firmness of the
soldier with the courtesy and gentleness of a high-bred ci¬
vilian. Trained to arms in the earlier part of his life, cov¬
ered with laurels during our second war with Great Brit¬
ain, mingling after its termination in the councils of the
nation at a time when it was an honor to sit in our halls of
legislation, his heart was early fixed upon the Cross, and
he deemed his discipleship of Christ a higher honor than
any which the world had been able to bestow. He valued
his earlier life for the world merely because it gave weight
and moral power to his later life for Christ. His influence
and his light went on steadily increasing until in full-orbed
glory he sank into his grave, leaving behind him a bright
27
*
halo which, shall illustrate the Church for many years -to
come. And he was soon followed,—alas! too soon,'—by
his dear and intimate friend, Fishburn, another warm and
ardent supporter of the church, who, called suddenly to
his rest, found it, we trust, upon the bosom of Jesus. They
were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death
they were not divided. And truly may I say of them
both, "I am distressed for you, my brethren beloved.
Yery pleasant have ye been unto me. Your love to me
was wonderful, passing the love of women."
Commending you, brethren of the clergy and laity, to
the grace of God and the good purpose of h is will, I hum¬
bly submit this record of my annual work.
STEPHEN ELLIOTT, Jr.,
Bishop of the Diocese of Georgia.
PAROCHIAL REPORTS.
CHRIST CHURCH —SAVANNAH.
RT. REV. STEPHEN ELLIOTT, JR., RECTOR.
Baptisms—Adults, white, three; colored 2 5
" Children, white, 42 ; colored 3 .45
Total Baptisms 50
Confirmations 20
Marriages—white, 6 ; colored, 2 8
Burials—white, adults, of congregation 7 ; white adults, not of
congregation, 8 ; colored adult 1 ; white children of congre¬
gation 5 ; white children not of congregation 2 23
Sunday School children over eight years 40
" " " under eight years 45
Colored children 100
Total Scholars 185
Teachers of white Sunday School 11
" " colored " " 10
Total Teachers 21
Communicants—Number reported last year 199; added, white
15, colored 2 ; removed into Parish 9 ; lost by death 5 ;
by removal 4 ; transferred to St. Johh's 3 ; increase of Pa¬
rish 14
Present number of Communicants . 213
Contributions.
Contributions to Diocesan Missions, of which the sum of $285
is from the Ladies' Working Society of Christ Church, $621 00
Paid Treasurer of Diocese 8521 00
Paid two Missionaries of the Diocese 100 00 $621 00
Foreign Missions—Ladies' Chinese Society for China.. .. .250 00
" African " for Africa...... 135 00
Christ Church Sunday School for the' support of child in
China,. 25 00
Christ Church Sunday School for the support of child in
Africa 20 00
29
Epiphany collection in part for Sinoe, Africa 158 00
Contribution to Sinoe, Africa, after address by Mr. Henning.165 00
Ladies' Missionary Society 7-0 00
Domestic Missions—Oregon 300 00
Ladies' Missionary Society 35 00
Salary of City Missionary. 800 00
Contributions to Episcopal Orphans' Home 1057 95
Additional contributions to Free Church 600 00
Candidates for Orders 225 00
Prayer Book and Bible Society 110 00
Offertory 833 24
Church at Darien 163 13
Church at Loudon, through Rev. Mr. Gay 259 00
Legacy from Estate of Dr. R. E. Elliott 1000 00
Bishop's Salary 1000 00
$7827 32
In addition to these contributions, th; Rector feels himself called
upon to acknowledge the receipt of two very munificent donations
which were sent to him from the gentlemen of his congregation, and
for which he thus publicly records his gratitude.
During the past year a very fine organ has been placed in Christ'
Church, which adds very much to the services of the church. The
gallery has been likewise lowered, and other large expenditures made
upon the interior of the church.
God grant that those who give so freely of their money to the
service of the church may soon likewise give their hearts to Christ!
ST. PAUL'S CHURCH—AUGUSTA.
REV. EDWARD E. FORD, RECTOR.
Baptisms—white adults 6 ; white children 25 ; colored child 1 . .32
Confirmed , 12
Communicants—Added 20*, died 1; removed 7 ; repelled 2,
transferred 4 ; present number V..... 14$
Marriages * * * * *" *
Burials (including 16 out of the congregation) .26
Sunday School—White children, about 80 under 10 Teachers.
Colored, about 20, under 1 Teacher.
30
Contribu tions.
Communion Alms — • •;»$343 88
Missions—Diocesan, from monthly offerings 422 00
Of General Board, for Domestic Committee, Advent Offerings, 15 00
For Foreign Committee, Epiphany offering 50 00
Special collection on the visit of Rev. Mr. Hening 70 00
$617 09
There has been expended for painting and repairs [on the church
the sum of $591 80, and for improvements and repairs on the par¬
sonage $125 34.
CHRIST CHURCH—ST. SIMON'S.
REV. E. P. BROWN, RECTOR.
There has been much that is encouraging in the condition of
things the past year, although, nothing very prominent, as embody¬
ing statistical details. Six are awaiting Confirmation among the
•whites, and eleven among the negroes ; total 17.
Baptisms, white infant 1
black " : ... . : ,3
Communicants, 53
Contributions.
Missionary contributions $26 00
Bishop's salary 25 0ft
ST. DAVID'S PARISH—GLYNN.
REV. 10. P. BROWN, RECTOR.
The Parish of St. David's, sustained chiefly that the means of'
grace may |je possessed by the large population of negroes who line
the western bank of the Altamaha along its tide waters, has not, we
trust, either for its own sake, or the sake of those it would blessr
been in vain. The seed which is sown is springing up; first the
blade, then the ear, *an-d then the full corn in the ear. "We await
the time when God shall gather into his church every member of the
31
interesting families who compose it, while the light of truth is still
shining for the poor negro; and the fervent hope is cherished that,
rich among the richest, he shall be in the kingdom of heaven.
Baptisms, infant, white 1
Marriages
Contributions.
Missionary contributions $7 00
JBishop's salary 25 • 00,
CHRIST CHURCH—MACON.
REV. J. A. SHANKLIN, RECTOR.
Baptisms—Infants 5 ; adult 4 .' 9
Marriages 2
Burials 4
Confirn^pJ 14
Communicants added 18 ; died 5 ; removed 9 ; present number 108
Sunday School Scholars, white 72
" " " colored 25
Teachers .16
Contributions.
Diocesan Missions $220 30
Foreign Missions 166 50
Oregon Mission. & 40 00
Church in Loudon, Tenn 34 50
Children's collection 41 58
Payments on ten shares in Building and Loan Association.. .40 00
Parochial purposes 169 84
Ladies' Working Society 249 44
From three gentlemen in payment of balance of church debt 348 82
Total... ®1310 98
This Parish by a strong effort has relieved itself of all debt, and
now stands unembarassed.
An interesting* state of religious feeling at present exists among
the people, which it is hoped may result in further additions to the
comnjunion.
32
.The Rector should be wanting in gratitude were he not thus pub¬
licly to acknowledge handsome contributions from several gentlemen
on the eve of his departure to the North last fall.
TRINITY CHURCH—COLUMBUS.
Communicants reported last year 132; added 8; died 5 ; re¬
moved 1 ; present number 134
Raptisms, adults 2 ; children 15; total 17
Marriages ^
Burials 13
Contributions for various purposes.. $1400 00
This church is still without a Pastor, the Vestry not having been
able to fill the place left vacant by its former Rector accepting the
Bishopric of Oregon.
h.hallER' }
GRACE CHURCH—CLARKSVILLE.
B. F. MOWER, MISSIONARY.'
Baptisms, children 6
Marriage, colored 1
Candidates for Confirmation -.6
Burials, infant 1 ; adults 5; (of these colored 3) 6
Communicants, (colored 1) 18
Sunday School Scholars ft 24
" " Teachers 4. 3
Contributions.
Foreign Missions $6 42
Domestic Missions 3 21
Diocesan Missions 45 10
Communion Alms 56 40
Parish School 100 00
Total $211 13
The services held in this Parish are in Grace Church on Sunday
mornings during the summer, and in the Chapel of the Holy Gross*
33
in the afternoons throughout the entire year. During the winter the
morning services are also at the Chapel.
During the past year there have been occasional night services fof
the servants.
Throughout the season of Lent the Chapel was opened for Eve¬
ning Prayer twice a week, on Wednesdays and Fridays. Some six
or eight were constant attendants.
As my entire time has been given, since my last report, to my
own congregation, I have had less opportunity than usual to give to
Sunday Schools at a distance. It is for this reason I have not as
many Sunday School scholars to report as last year.
ST. JOHN'S CHURCH—SAVANNAH.
BEY. GEO. H. CLARK, RECTOR.
Baptisms, infants 23 ; adults 1 .. 24
Communicants added 57; died 2 ; removed 6 ; present number 131
Confirmed 23
Marriages • • 3
Burials 18
Sunday School Scholars 107
Teachers 22
Contributions.
Foreign Missions
Sunday School for Africa
Diocesan Missions
Domestic Missions, (Oregon)
Communion Alms
Sunday School Library
Bishop's salary
Ladies' Society for Benevolent Purposes.
Special contributions .
Episcopal Orphan's Home
$2168 27
A gentleman has given to the] church a chime of bells, at a cost
of $4,000,00. By the sale of pews, and by subscriptions, about
$.14,000 have been raised during the year towards the expenses of
5
$89 00
.20 00
294 83
.50 00
368 06
154 50
250 00
.77 38
160 50
704 00
34
putting up an organ and the liquidation of the church debt. The
present debt, amounting to $7,500 will probably soon be paid.
The cost of the church edifice and its fixtures has been $35,000—
$5,000 more than was reported to the last Convention.
We desire to record our gratitude for the prosperity which the
Parish has enjoyed during the past year.
ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH—MILLEDGEVILLE.
REV. GEORGE MACATJLEY, RECTOR.
Baptisms, adults 1; infants 1 2
Communicants added 7 ; present number -.18
Marriages. 1
Contributions.
Domestic Missions $8 00
Purposes within the Parish 200 00
$208 00
This Parish is slowly but steadily increasing, and at present pre¬
sents an interesting field for an effieient and devoted minister of
Christ.
ST. LUKE'S PARISH—MONTPELIER.
REV. RUFUS M. WHITE, RECTOR.
Baptisms, adult i
Communicants 7
Burials, colored child. * 1
Contributions.
For Diocesan Missions $37 50
For Foreign Missions, for China 25 00
For Africa 20 00
For Greece .10 00
Melodeon for the Chapel. 62 00
$154 50
35
Of this sum the greater part has been given by the Missionary
Society of the Institute, and was derived from the sale, to the other
members of the school, of articles made by the members of the So¬
ciety.
Having been appointed, by the Bishop of the Diocese, Rector of
this Parish, (which Parish, it should be understood, does not com¬
prise a family or individual beyond the enclosure of the school,) I
began my labors in it upon the last Sunday in April, 1853. March
1stj 1854, my health failing, the charge was resigned.
To the Rev. S. G-. Bragg I am indebted for much assistance ; and
the church owes him gratitude and honor for the readiness which
he has shown not only to exert, but to sacrifice his feeble measure of
health and strength, in maintaining the offices of the House of God
in her Diocesan School. This school, upon which so many noble
benefactions have been expended—for whose preservation such un¬
limited sacrifices have been made by our Rt. Rev. Father—and
which now has the promise of prosperity, (having during the present
term numbered sixty pupils,)—let me be allowed to commend to
the fostering care of the Convention, with the suggestion that its af¬
fairs and its management ought to occupy a prominent share in its
deliberations, and that its interests are probably of more importance
to the Diocese than any other subject which will claim their atten¬
tion.
ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH—DARIEN.
H. K. REES, DEACON OFFICIATING.
Communicants, present number
Marriages
Burials,
15
.2
.4
Contributions.
Quota for support of Episcopate
Church debt, by congregation.
By aid out of Parish
For furnishing church
$25 00
440 00
160 13*
305 00
1930 13
m .
Divine Service has been regularly observed on all Festivals and
greater Fasts.
Children of the Parish catechized monthly.
36
ST. JAMES' CHURCH—MARIETTA.
REV. B. E. HABERSHAM, RECTOR.
Families ' • • 21
Communicants, resident ^
Baptisms, infant .4
Sunday School Scholars
Teachers ®
Contributions.
To Diocesan Missions $30 00
Oregon Mission 20 00
Bishop's fund 25 00
Of which $35 was contributed before the late Rector's resigna¬
tion.
The present Rector took charge of this church in December last.
The Parish has lost, since the last report, several communicants by
removal.
EMANUEL CHURCH—ATHENS.
J. H. LINEBAUGH, RECTOR.
Baptisms, adult 2; infant 1 ; total 3
Communicants 14; added from congregation 4; by removal
into Parish 7; present number 25
Sunday School Scholars 10; Teachers 3; total 13
Number of volumes in Library, not known.
Number of ministrations since June 1st.... . 87
Number of communions... .11
Contributions.
Communion offerings, about $55 00
Christmas Alms to Diocesan Missions 9 00
In accordance with the provision of the canon for such case
made and provided, I herewith submit the statistics of the Church
of Emanuel, Athens, so far as they are known to me. There is on
the Register a much larger number of c<jpimunicants, untransferred,
than appears in my report, but as I have no knowledge whether they
are reported elsewhere or not, I deem it safest only to report those
who are in actual stated communion.
37
ST. PETER'S CHURCH—ROME.
REV. JAMES D. GIBSON, RECTOR.
Number of families connected with Parish 24
Baptisms, adult 4 ; infants 22 26
Confirmations, white 15 ; colored 2 17
Communicants, removed 1; added 9 ; present number, white
32, colored 2 34
Marriages 2
Burials . 4
There have been received since last Convention in offerings and
• Communion Alms $70 72
Of this sum $45 70 has been devoted to the missions of the
church, and $9 25 to insurance policy on St. Peter's. The balance
has been given to charitable objects.
I have considered it my duty to resign the charge of this Parish, .
to take effect in June next. It presents a fine field for usefulness to
a faithful and energetic clergyman, having two neat and comfortable
churches, and growing congregations.
OGEECHEE MISSION.
REV. WM. C. WILLIAMS, MISSIONARY.
*
Baptisms, adults (colored) 12; infants (colored) 33; total 45
Confirmed, colored 16
Marriages, colored 10
Funerals, white 1; colored 16; total 1?
Communicants added 17 ; removed 1; withdrawn 2 ; died 2;
repelled 1; total 101
Pupils connected with the Mission Schools 330
Contributions.
Diocesan Missions
Domestic Missions 10 00
Foreign Missions ^
For Jews 5
Communion Alms 30 37
Total
$81 07
38
The mission is now believed to be firmly established. It is both-
spreading its shadow and striking deeper its roots. During the last
month two large plantations have been added to it; so that the time
and strength of the Missionary is taxed to the utmost, and no fur¬
ther enlargement can take place without aid, or a change of plan.
Its early, tried friends continue their confidence, and are ever ready
with counsel, sympathy and encouragement; while the people for
whose benefit it is established, seem more and more to appreciate
the value of ministerial services, and anxious to profit by them. On
the last Lord's day we had the largest congregation ever assembled
within the mission bounds, and the largest number of communicants
that ever gathei'ed with us around the Lord's table. The nurnt>er
of infants baptized is also much larger than in any previous year.
On the other hand, it is true that the number of adults baptized
is much smaller than last year. Nor have as many been confirmed
and added to the communion. But this could scarcely have been
'expected to be otherwise. As our numbers increase, the number to
be wrought upon diminishes, and therefore it is reasonable to expect
that our increase will be slower. It may also be added, that there-
are some ten or twelve awaiting confirmation who could not be pres¬
ent at the Bishop's late visit; and there are some five or six candid¬
ates for baptism. We may therefore "thank God and take cour¬
age."
Will not the church of God, and especially the Southern church,,
awake to the importance of the missionary work among this colored
people ? Will she not, as she sees this field " wlfite for the harvest,"
pray the Lord of the Harvest to send forth laborers into the har¬
vest ? And will not each and every member of the same learn to
feel that they have a part to act in the great work of gathering in
this harvest ? God grant that it may be so !
Arrangements are making to complete the interior of the chapeL
ST. PHILIP'S CHURCH—ATLANTA.
REV. RICHARD JOHNSON, RECTOR^
Communicants
Candidates for Confirmation
Sunday School Pupils
Teachers
Burial ,
Baptism
18-
.1
28
.1
.1
39
The Rector entered on his duty in this Parish on the last Sunday
in January. He found the church suffering much for the want of
regular services. Wardens and Vestrymen were elected on Easter
Monday, and since the pews in the church have been rented and
delegates elected to this Convention.
ZION CHURCH —TALBOTTON.
REV. RICHARD JOHNSON, RECTOR.
Commuuicants, white
Sunday School Pupils, white 31
" " " colored 20
Teachers 4
Candidates for Confirmation 3
Baptisms, adults 2 ; infants 3 5
The above report extends to the 25th day of January last, when
the Rector resigned the charge of the Parish, and was succeeded by
the Rev. Mr. Gahagan. The Rector has every reason to believe that
if his work had not been*interrupted by long and grievous sickness,
and frequent absences, the Church in Talbotton would now be com¬
paratively strong. He is happy to know that his successor regards
the field of labor at that point as a very promising one. Before
leaving the Parish, he succeeded in establishing an Episcopal School,
which is doing much for the improvement of the rising generation.
ADVENT CHURCH —MADISON.
REV. B; E. HABERSHAM, RECTOR.
Confirmed. 3
Communicants, resident 9
The subscriber resigned the charge of this Church in December
last. The church, reported to the last Convention as in progress
was completed shortly afterward, and paid for by the liberal aid of
friends in Augusta, Atlanta and Columbus.
It was a painful necessity which compelled the subscriber to leave
the scene of three years' labor just as the prospect for the Church
seemed to brighten; but he is" happy to believe that the way has
been effectually cleared for a successor.
40
SAVANNAH RIVER MISSION.
REV. S. W. KENNERLY, MISSIONARY.
Baptisms, adults 20; children 17 ; total
Children under catechetical instruction
Confirmations
Marriages
Expelled
Communicants
Burials
The,Missionary takes pleasure in reporting the Mission in a flour¬
ishing condition. The Great Head of the Church has blessed his
labors among these people. There is evidently an increasing interest
in the services of the Church among them, unmistakeably manifested
by their generally prompt and increasing attendance upon the servi¬
ces of religion, and by their attention and seriousness during the
ministrations of your Missionary. They seem duly to appreciate a
resident pastoral Ministry, of the benefits of which they have hith¬
erto been ignorant.
The bounds pf the Mission are being enlarged, and an interest in
it is being manifested by some of the planters, who at the com"
mencement of the Mission seemed to look upon it with little regard.
The labors of your Missionary are divided between the Dioceses of
South Carolina and Georgia by arrangement of the Bishops of the
two Dioceses. Five of the plantations under the charge of your
Missionary are within the limits of the South Carolina Diocese. Of
the Baptisms above reported, twelve of the adults and seventeen of
the children are within the bounds of the South Carolina Diocese.
Your Missionary is happy to state, that there is a lively and in¬
creasing interest being taken in the Mission under his charge in that
Diocese; and from present prospects another Missionary will be re¬
quired to fill up the measure of work the ensuing winter. May
God in his providence open the way, and send one qualified for the
task to our help.
Your Missionary regrets the necessity of saying, that his bounds
on the Georgia side of the river have not been enlarged since he en¬
tered upon the Mission.
Your Missionary asks your prayers in his behalf, and in behalf of
the Mission. He feels more and more resolved to spend and be
spent in ministering the pure Gospel to these sons and daughters of
Africa.
.37
170
.19
.11
..1
.87
.13
41
' PROTESTANT ST. JOHN'S FREE CHAPEL—SAVANNAH.
HEY. THOMPSON L. SMITH, RECTOR.
Since my last report I have been steadily employed in Savannah
City Mission, with the exception of a few weeks. The work has
been attended with very gratifying success, not only in the influence
which has been brought to bear upon those who have been under
the immediate cave of the Missionary, and in awakening a number
of our own communion to a knowledge of the spiritual wants of the
destitute in our city ; but other good people among us have been so
moved to love and good works as to follow our example. .
When your Missionary first entered the field eighteen months ago,
there was not a single Missionary but himself engaged in the work.
Now there are at least four other Protestant Missionaries of the va¬
rious denominations, all actively. employed. So that when we con¬
sider the wants of our rapidly growing city, and the destitution of
the great majority of a saving knowledge of the Gospel, we rejoice
that Christ is preached, and that there is a growing interest in
searching out lost and ruined sinners, and bringing them to the fold
of the Good Shepherd.
At my last report, I had no place in which to gather a congrega¬
tion or a Sunday School, where I might preach to them the Word
of Life. I could not publ:cly teach, but only " from house to house."
But I am glad to inform you that in June last we succeeded in rent¬
ing a carpenter's shop at the head of Montgomery Street. We
bought the benches of the old St. John's Church building from the
Vestry, fitted it up as well as we could, and commenced regular ser¬
vices twice each Sunday.
Last winter a Vestry and Wardens were appointed, and by an act
of the Legislature our Church was incorporated by the name of the
Protestant St. John's Free Chapel. Since then the members of our
congregation have met for the purpose of forming a new 1 arish.
They adopted Articles of Association according to Canon V., and
have asked to be united to the Convention of the Diocese.
The 'present number of Communicants is 29
Confirmations, * ^
Baptisms, infants
Marriages, white 4; colored 1 ® ■
Sunday School Scholars 60
Parish School Scholars 40
With the view of erecting as soan a&.sufficient fuods can be raised
6
42
a suitable cliurch edifice, a handsome lot, in a very favorable oca-
tion, has been bought, and paid for; on which the City Council very
generously remitted the annual rent as long as it is occupied as a
free church, thus making it the property of the church in fee simple.
We have also in hand, including Mrs. Abram's bequest, $1629 65.
In addition to this, we have another lot valued at $550, making in
all $2179 65. We need about $2,700 more to enable us to make
a contract for the completion of a building according to the plan fur¬
nished us.
CHURCH OF THE ATONEMENT—AUGUSTA.
REV. WM. H. HARRISON, RECTOR.
Baptisms, adult 1; infant 21 22
Confirmed . 5
Marriages 5
Burials 18
Communicants added 8; died 1 ; suspended 1; removed 6;
present number 20
Sunday School Teachers 4
" " Scholars 35
Contributions.
Communion Alms $92 48
Weekly Offerings 201 73
Special collections 84 45
Total $378 66
To the Bishop of the Diocese of Georgia:
The undersigned respectfully reports : That during the year he
has performed the duties of Chaplain, residing in Montpelier Female
Institute; and also aided the Rev. R. M. White,- the Rector of St.
Luke's Church, and of the Institute.
We have cause for thankfulness that, amidst afflictions and infirm¬
ities, we have been enabled through Divine mercy to sustain public
worship in the Chapel, without interruption. Bible classes, inducting
43
all the Pupils of the Institute, have been instructed ; and a service
has been held for the colored people, which has been attended by
them with encouraging regularity and seriousness.
In other Parishes, the undersigned, by particular request, has bap¬
tized two children, and married one couple.
SENECA. G. BRAGG.
Montpelier Female Institute, )
Monroe Co., Ga., May 1, 1854. \
To the Rt. Rev. Stephen Elliott, Jr., D. D.,
• Bishop of the Diocese of Georgia :
The undersigned, still engaged in scholastic duties as Rector of
the Academy of Richmond county, is without regular clerical charge.
During the past year, besides assisting, as usual, the Rector of St.
Paul's on Communion occasions when his health permitt^l, and
preaching occasionally for the Rector of the Church of the Atone¬
ment, he supplied the place of the former during his absence of
about four months, viz: from June to October, 1853. The Bap¬
tisms, <fec., performed in this interval are included in the report of
the Rector of St. Paul's.
JOHN NEELY.
Augusta, May 1st, 1854. '
ST. PAUL'S CHURCH—ALBANY.
rev. j. h. george, minister.
Communicants, whites 12 ; blacks 42 ; total .. .54
Baptisms, infants, whites 5; blacks 5 ; total 10
Burials, infants, whites 1; adults, white 1 . 2
Marriages, whites 1; blacks 6 ^
Sunday School, white, Teachers 5 ; Pupils 30 ; total • .35
« " black, Teachers 2; Pupils 20 to 30; total 25
Contributions,
Communion Alms
The number of members in this is far short of that in former re¬
ports, owing to the fact that a majority of the Communicants of the
Parish were organized into a new Parish about one year ago. This
44
will also account for other deficiencies in this report. But we have
suffered greatly from other causes; one of which is the want of a
church edifice. The congregation is still without a church. It seems
almost impossible to proceed with this matter : first one thing, and
then another, intervenes to delay this work. The pressure of indi¬
vidual business upon the Building Committee; the want of adequate
means; the derangement in the money market; the want of a deep¬
er interest in church matters. My constant engagements in the
school room, the ill health of myself and family during the fall and
winter months—all these untoward circumstances have tended to re¬
tard our operations, and have cast the shadow of doubt upon the fu¬
ture, and led us to pause and review the ground of our original de¬
termination. q
In the midst of all our troubles, God, who seeth not as man seeth,
took away two of our most prominent advisers and supporters. Long
will this Parish feel the loss of two such men as Majs. Nelson and
Fishburn. They were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in death
they vq§re not much divided. It really seemed as if God had in¬
tended to blast all our prospects, and bury all our hopes forever.
But after the storm has passed away, and the sun shines again, and
we have reviewed the ground, hope springs up afresh ; and faith is
strengthened after feeling the rockings of the tempest, and we take
fresh courage, and go forward more determined than ever to spend
and be spent for Christ, always remembering that it is not by might
nor by power, but my Spirit, saith the Lord of Hosts.
I have performed occasional services in that part of the Parish
which originally was included in St. Paul's, for they have no Minister
yet. I solemnized two marriages, (blacks,) and baptized seven chil¬
dren, (two whites and five blacks.) The number of Communicants
is very much as it was at the date of my last report 6 whites and
54 blacks, 60 in all.
CHURCHES.
Christ, Savannah,
St. Paul's, Agusta,
Christ, St. Simon's,
Christ, Macon,. ..
Trinity, Columbus
Grace, Clarksville
St. John's, Savannah, ....
St. Stephen's, Milledgeville,.
St. Luke's, Montpelier,. .
St. Andrew, Darien's,
St. David's, Glynn,
St. James', Marietta,
Emanuel, Athens,
St. Peter's, Rome,
Ogechee Mission,
St. Philip's, Atlanta,
Zion, Talbotton,
Advent, Madison,
St. Paul's, Albany
Savannah River Mission, .
St. John's Free Chapel, Sav.,
Atonement, Augusta,
Messiah, St. Marys,
Ascension, Cass Co.,
BAPTISM
■5*
210
"S,
14
COMMUNICANTS
18
213
145
63
108
134
18
131
18
7
15
5
43
25
34
101
18
11
9
120
87
29
20
35
bs
13
18
CONTRIBUTIONS.
S. SCHOOLS
621 0(
4d&-09
26 01
220 31
45 K,
294 83
37 5C
7 01
37 Of,
9 0CJ
45 7(1
6 70
335 00
75 00
40 00
3 21
50 00
8 00
20 00
10 00
61 227 288 137 181 35 21 1379 59 148 1,765 22 541 21 1,308 92 10,821 88 16,215 89 119 1436 1555
oa'Orq"
3.S
823 00
120 00
166 50
6 42
109 00
55 00
29 00
o
5,048 32
1,061 02
1,484 18
156 40
1,714 44
200 00
62 00
930 13
25 00
25 00
55 00
25 02
35 37
Total
6,827 32
1,678 11
26 00
1,910 98
1,400 00
211 13
2,i68 27
208 00
154 50
930 13
32 00
75 00
64 00
70 72
81 07
378 66
185
100
71
235
24
107
206
111
"87
260
27
129
330
28
51
170
60
35
330
33
55
170
60
39
RECTOR'S,
Rt.Rev.S.Elliott,!) D.
E. E. Ford, D. D. -
E. P. Brown.
J. A. Shanklin.
B. F. Mower.
G. H. Clark.
O. Macauley.
R. M. White.
H. K. Rees.
E. P. Brown.
B E. Habershat^.
T. H. Linebaugh.
J D. Gibson.
W. C. Williams.
Richard Johnson.
W. P. Gahagan.
J. H George.
3. W. Kennerly.
T.L. Smith.
W. H. Harrison,
Br.
Missionary Committee Diocese of Georgia, in account with J. S. Hutton, Treasurer.
Or.
To Cash paid Rev. B. E. Habersham .... $187 70
Richard Johnson 225 00
L. M. Purdy 35 00
E. P. Brown 80 00
Wm. J. Zimmer 110 00
W. P. Gahagan 30 00
George White 66 90
George Macauley 75 00
'B. F. Mower 140 85
J. H. Linebaugh 103 33
J. D. Gibson 281 20
to Church of Atonement 206 81—$>1541 79;
*In hands of Treasurer 148 14)
$1689 93
By Cash from Trinity Church, Columbus $184 39
" Christ Church, Savannah 562 00
St John's Church, Savannah ,.294 83
" Christ Church, Macon .220 85
" St. Paul's Church, Augusta ..206 81
" St. Luke's Church, Montpelier 37 50
" St. Philip's Church, Atlanta 16 65
" St. James' Church, Marietta 30 00
" Grace Church, Clarksville 45 00
" St. Peter's Church, Rome 28 15
" Christ Church, St. Simon's 21 00 •
" Emanuel Church, Athens 9 00
" Church of the Advent, Madison 18 05
" Ogeechee Mission 2 00—$1676 23
By Cash on hand last balance 13 7C
$1689 93
Rev. J. D. Gibson, Rome, yearly salary $300 00
" J. H. Linebaugh, Athens, " 200 00
*' B. F. Mower, Clarksville, " 150 00
" Geo. Macauley, Milledgeville, yearly salary 100 00
" W. P. Gahagan, Talbotton, " 300 00
" E. P. Brown, Frederica, " 80 00
" Richard Johnson, late Missionary at Talbotton
$1130 00
*The cause of such a large balance being on hand is, that most of it has
been received within the last few days, too late to make a division among the
Missionaries before Convention.
J. s. HUTTON, Treasurer.
Balance due on 1st May, 1854 $125 00
" 80 00
30 00
25 00
45 00
" :.. 20 00
Balance due him 85 00
Macon, May 2nd, 1854,
$400 00
J. S, HUTTON, Treasurer,
CONSTITUTION
of the
jrutestant <%kflpl <%rcjr
in the
DIOCESE OF GEORGIA.
Article I- The 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 transancted than that stated in
the notice calling the Convention.
Art. IV. The Convention shall be composed of clergyman and
laymen. Every clergyman in good standing, regularly settled, and
continuously exercising clerical functions in any existing Parish, or
who shall have been for six months last past performing missionary
duties under the direction of the ecclesiastical authority of this I)ioj
cese, shall be entitled to the privileges of a member of this Conven¬
tion \ and every duly recognized Minister of this Church canoni-
<5ally resident for six months last past within the Diocese, being en-
48
'gaged in tlie business of literary instruction, or disabled by reason ot
age or infirmity from exercising clerical functions, shall be entitled to
all the privileges of-a member of the Convention, with the exception
of a right to vote. Each church or congregation in union with this
Convention shall be entitled to a representation b3r 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 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.
Art. V. New Parishes may be admitted into union Avith this
Convention by a majority of votes; provided, that they shall have
laid before the Convention written evidence, subscribed by the
Wardens, that tbey accede to the Constitution and Cations of this
Church, and are regularly organized by the election of two Ward¬
ens, and any number of Vestrymen at discretion, not exceeding
eight.
Art. 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.
Art. 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.
Art. VIII. The Bishop of the Diocese shall be cx-officio Presi¬
dent of the Convention. In case there be no Bishop, or, in his ab¬
sence, a presiding officer shall be elected from among the clerical
members present.
Art. 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 appointed.
It shall be the duty of the Tseasurer to receive, or cause to be re¬
ceived, at each annual Convention, the assessments upon the Parishes
of the Diocese for defraying the incidental expenses of. the Conven-
m
tion and the support of the Episcopate ; and also to pay the Bishop
quarterly, in advance, the amount of salary pledged to him by this
Convention, making a faithful return of all these his acts in his an¬
nual report to the Convention of this Church.
Art. 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
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 duty 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 remain¬
ing members.
Art. 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
cif their colleagues, to appoint, in the place of such delegate or dele¬
gates, any citizen or citizens of this State; provided, that such citi-s
zen 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 Bishop is author¬
ise^ to appoint others in their place. In case of a vacancy in the
Episcopate, the power hereby conferred on the Bishop shall be exer¬
cised by the Standing Committee.
Art. XII. A proposition for altering and amending this Consti¬
tution shall be introduced in writing, and considered in Convention,
and if approved by a majority, shall lie over to the next Convention,
, wlieh, upon consideration again, if it be approved by a majority of
tKd Convention, it shall be adopted.
Art. XIII. In all elections by ballot, a majority of votes shall be
a 'choice.
t
50
CANONS.
Canon I. Each Church duly represented in the Convention shall
pay, or cause to be paid, into the hands of the Treasurer of the
Convention the sum of 20 cents for each white communicant, annu¬
ally, for defraying the incidental expenses of the Convention.
Canon II. Incase any clergyman of this Diocese'shall be ac¬
cused of error in doctrine, immorality of life, neglect, or transgres¬
sion 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 sfich misdemeanor, to represent the same to
the Bishop, or, in case there be no Bishop, to the standing Commit¬
tee of the Dicocese. In the event of such representation, it shall be
the duty of the Bishop, or, if there be no Bishop, the Standing Commit¬
tee, if he or they shall deem the charge or charges worthy of investiga¬
tion, 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, 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 ex¬
ecute, 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 Minis¬
try, 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 the 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 pronounced accordingly.
Canon III. The Convention shall appoint annually, by ballot, a
committee of two clergymen and three laymen, of which committee
51
the Bishop of the Diocese, when there is one, shall be ex-officio
chairman *, 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 committee to make a full report of all their proceedings to each
succeeding 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
churches respectively represented by them for the support of the Epis¬
copate 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
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 ap¬
proved 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 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.
Rule 1. The business of each day shall be introduced by the
Order for Daily Morning Prayer and a Sermon. ^ ^
Rule 2 When the President takes the chair, no member shall
continue standing, or shall stand up, unless to address the chair.
52
Rule 3. The order of doing business in the Convention shall be
as follows:
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 the Committees of the Diocese.
6. Reports from the Treasurers.
7. Reports from Committees appointed at the last Convention.
8. Reports from Committees.
9.'Elections by ballot, of Treasurers, Standing Committee of the
Diocese, Diocesan Missionary Committee, and Deputies to
the General Convention.
Rdle 4. When any member is about to speak in debate, or pre¬
sent any matter to the Convention, he shall, with due respect, ad¬
dress himself to the President, confining himself strictly to the point
in debate.
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 1. 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 Conven¬
tion : provided, always, that any member of the Convention voting
in favor of any question, may, on the same day in which the vote is
taken, or on the succeeding day, move a reconsideration of said vote.
Rule 8. No motion shall be debated, or shall be 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 post¬
pone ; 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 11. Every member who shall be present when the question
is put, shall vote, unless personally interested, or excused by the
Qoaventiop from voting.
53
Rule 12. When the Convention is about to rise, or adjourn,
«very member shall keep his seat until the President shall leave the
chair.
STANDING RESOLUTIONS.
. Jor Imbibing a IMrmatteni Jnnir for % Rapport of % 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 i§ requested annually to
call the attention of his parishioners to the subject, and invite contri¬
butions for the object, in such mode as he may deem most expedi¬
ent. That the Standing Committee of the Diocese be trustees o^
this fund, to whom all the collections are to be paid over by the re¬
spective Rectors, and the amount thus paid over be invested by the
said trustees in what may appear to them the most safe and profita¬
ble manner ; the interest annually received to be added to the prin¬
cipal, 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 e^ch annual Convention the, amorunt received
during the year, the sources from which received, and the manner in
which the same is invested.
<®f % Organisation: of fttfo IJarisfts,
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 Y :
"We, the subscribers, assembled for the purpose of organizing a
Church (or Parish) of the Protestant Episcopal Church in —'
county of ■ ajjd State °f Georgia, after due notice given, da
54
hereby agree to form a Church, (or Parish,) to be know by then
name of Church ; and as such, do hereby acknowledge and ac¬
cede to the doctrine, discipline and worship, the constitution 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 appoint A B and C D to be the first
Wardens, 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 Vestrymen shall hereafter be held on Easter Monday of each
successive year.
" Witness our hands at — county of , and State of
Georgia, this day of , in the year of our Lord
% Use of C|mtljcs,
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 AND TITLE OF CHURCHES.
The proper style for a duly incorporated congregation is, " The
Ptector, Church Wardens and 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.
FORM OF A CERTIFICATE.
This certifies, that at a meeting of the Rector, Wardens and Ves¬
try, (or Wardens and Vestry, if no Hector were present) of ,
held on the day of ——, the following person* (or per-
55
■sons, as the case may be,) viz: K L, M, N, and O P were duly
elected to represent this Church in the next Convention of this Dio¬
cese, 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 by the Secretary of the
Vestry.
RIGHT REV. STEPHEN ELLIOTT, JR., D. I).
BISHOP OF THE DIOCESE OF GEORGIA.
Post Office—Savannah.
REV. JOSEPH A. SHANKLIN, MACON,
SECRETARY OF THE CONVENTION.
REV. EDWARD E. FORD, D. D., AUGUSTA,
PRESIDENT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE.
i'M
DR. JAMES CAMAK, ATHENS,
TREASURER OF THE DIOCESE.
MR. J. S. IIUTTON, MACON,
TREASURER OF THE MISSIONARY COMMITTEE.
:£§
m
Resolved, That the next Convention of the Church he held in
Christ Church Macon, commencing on Thursday after the first
Monday in May 1855.