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JOURNAL OF THE PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
THIRTY-FIFTH ANNUAL CONVENTION
OF THE
Protestant Episcopal Church,
IN THE
DIOCESE OF GEORGIA.
Held in Trinity Church, Columbus, commencing May 7,1857.
SAVANNAH:
GEORGE N. NICHOLS, PRINTER.
1857
Jitanhittg llmMfftis,
o
Providing a Fund for the Support of the Widows and
Orphans of Deceased Clergymen.
Adopted 1854.
Whereas, This Convention heartily acceding to the recom¬
mendation of the Bishop contained in his address, in reference
to the legacy left by Dr. Ralph E. Elliott, to be applied to the
Support of the Widows and Orphans of Deceased Clergy¬
men of the Diocese of Georgia; 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. Therefore
Resolved, That the Wardens and Vestry of Christ Church
Savannah, and their successors, be constituted Trustees of
that Fund, and that said Trustees be requested to invest, from
time to time, such contributions and to accumulate the same
for the term of ten years.
Resolved, That the Clergy be requested to make collections
for the increase of said fund on Christmas day, or on the
Sunday next before or after at their discretion.
For Providing a Permanent Fund for the Support of
the Episcopate.
Adopted 1 856.
Resolved, That as it is important that the formation of a
permanent fund for the support of the Episcopate in this
Diocese be prosecuted earnestly, each Rector of a Parish is
instructed annually, on the 2d Sunday after Easter, to call
the attention of his parishioners to the subject, and invite
contributions to the object, in such mode as he may deem
most expedient.
Resolved, That the Convention elect, at each annual meet¬
ing, a Treasurer of the Episcopal Fund; who shall invest
the same in his discretion, until the further order of this Con¬
vention, and who shall report the state of said fund, and
how invested at each annual meeting.
Stat «f t|e CUrgg
of the
DIOCESE OF GEORGIA.
O
*The Right Rev. STEPHEN ELLIOTT, D. D., Bishop of
the Diocese of Georgia, and Rector of Christ Church,
Savannah.
*BARTOW, THEODORE B., Chaplain of the Naval Aca¬
demy, Annapolis, Maryland.
*BRAGG, SENECA G., Residing at Macon.
*BROWN, EDMUND P., Rector of Christ Church, St. Si¬
mon's, and St. David's, Glynn.
*CLARK, GEO. H., Rector of St. John's Church, Savannah.
CLARKE, WM. H., Rector of St Peter's Church, Rome.
*FIELDING, JOHN, Principal of College, Beaufort, S. C.
FORD, EDWARD E., D. D., Rector of St, Paul's Church,
Augusta.
GEORGE, J. H., Rector of St. Paul's Church, Albany.
HABERSHAM, B. E., Rector of St. James'Church, Marietta.
HARISON, W. H., Rector ol the Church of the Atonement,
Augusta.
HAWKS, WM., N., Rector of Trinity Church, Columbus.
*HUNT, JOHN J., Residing in Marietta.
* HENDERSON, M. H., D. D„ Rector of Emanuel Church,
Athens.
JOHNSON, RICHARD, Rector of St. Philip's Church, At¬
lanta.
*KENNERLY, S. W., Missionary to the Negroes in Savan¬
nah and the adjacent plantations.
•Not present at Convention.
6
*M ACUALEY, GEO., Residing in Bain bridge. Decatur Co.
^MCALLISTER. MARION. Deacon Minister of the Church
of the Messiah, St. Marys.
*NEELY, JOHN. Residing in Augusta.
*PINKERTON, SAMUEL J., Rector of Grace Church.
Clarksville, and St. Andrew's. Darien.
*PRYSE, JOHN T.. City Missionary in Savannah.
REES. IT, K., Rector of Christ Church, Macon.
WILLIAMS, W. C.. Missionary to the Negroes on the
Ogeechee River, P. 0. Savannah.
3Not present at Convention.
list of Jag Jfkgate
TO THE
THIRTY-FIFTH ANNUAL CONVENTION.
OP THE
3Biocese of Georgia.
o
Christ Churchy Savannah— *Geo. A. Gordon,
*Wm. C. O'Driscoll,
J. S. Hutton.
St. PauPs Churchy Augusta— *Edward F. Campbell,
fG. McLaughlin,
*Benj. Conley.
Christ Church, Macon— *N. C. Monroe,
L. N. Whittle,
Wm. M. Davis.
Trinity Churchy Columbus— R. B. Murdoch,
H. V. Meigs,
R. Carter.
St. John's Church, Savannah—*W. F. Brantley,
*L. W. Wells,
*Geo. S. Harding.
Emanuel Churchy Athens— *R. D. Moore, M, D,,
*J. Camak. M. D.,
Charles H. Coley.
St. Andrew's Churchy Darien—*P. M. Nightingale,
*Charles Spalding,
*Richard L. Morris.
•Not present at Convention,
f Died before meeting of Convention*
8
St. James* Churchy Marietta—Wm. Hoot,
*J. Mongin Smith,
*Thos. Stewardson.
St. Peters Church, Rome— *Stephen N. Wilson,
*Lewis D. Burwell,
*John W. Noble.
St. Philip's Church, Atlanta—Hon. B. Baker,
*S. B. Oatrnan,
*Dr. Thos. S. Denny.
St. PauVs Church, Albany— R. K. Hines.
*Not present at Convention.
IflnrnaL
. - Sjf(3)e<^BS^£
Trinity Church Columbus, }
May 7th, 1857. \
This being the time and place appointed for holding the
Thirty-fifth Annual Convention of the Protestant Epis¬
copal Church in the Diocese of Georgia,
The Order of Morning Prayer was read by the Rev. Ed¬
ward E. Ford, D. D. The Convention Sermon was preached
by the Rev. Wm. N. H^wks, Rector of Trinity Church, Co¬
lumbus, from Acts xx. 27.
After Divine service, the Convention was called to order
by the Rev. Dr. Ford, who called the Rev. Mr. Hawks to the
Chair. The roll of the Clergy was then called and the follow¬
ing answered to their names, viz :
Rev. E. E. Ford, D. D.,
Rev. Wm. H. Clarke, Rev. Wm. N. Hawks.
Rev. J. H George, Rev. H. K. Rees,
Rev. B. E. Habersham, Rev. Wm. C. Williams,
Certificates of the election of Lay Delegates were present¬
ed and read.
Ordered, That they be refered to a Committee—Commit¬
tee, Messrs. Habersham and Rees.
The Committee reported the following in due form:
Christ Church, Savannah—Geo. A. Gordon, Wm. C. 0'-
Driscoll, J. S. Hutton.
St. Paul's Church Augusta—Edward F. Campbell, G.
McLaughlin, Benj. Conley.
Christ Church, Macon— N. C. Munroe, L. N. Whittle,
Wm. M. Davis.
Trinity Church, Columbus—R. B. Murdoch, H. V. Meigs,
Robert Carter.
B
10
Emanuel Church, Athens—R. D. Moore, James Camak.
Charles H. Coley.
St. James' Church, Marietta—Wm. Root, J. Mongin
Smith, Thos. Stewardson.
St. Peter's Church, Rome—Stephen M. Wilson, Lewis
I). Burwell, John W. Noble.
St. Paul's Church, Albany—R. K. Hines.
The roll of the Lay Delegates being called, the following
answered to their names, viz : Messrs. Hutton, Davis, Mur¬
doch, Meigs, Carter, Root, Coley, Hines.
There being a quorum of both Orders present, the Conven¬
tion was declared duly organized.
The Convention then proceeded to elect a President. The
Rev. Edward E. Ford, D. D.,was unanimously elected.
The Rev. Wm. C. Williams was re-elected Secretary.
On motion of the Rev. Mr. Clarke, it was
Resolved, That the Rules of Order of the last Convention be adopted for the
government of this Convention.
The Rev. Mr. Clarke offered the following resolution,
which was adopted:
Resolved, That Clergymen of other Dioceses and Candidates for Holy Orders
who may be present, be invited to seats in this Convention.
The Rev. Wm. N. Ward, of the Diocese of Virginia, and
the Rev. D. C. Maybin of the Diocese of Kentucky, were in¬
troduced to,,the Convention, and invited to its sittings.
The Rev. Mr. Rees submitted the following resolutions,
which were unanimuosly adopted :
Resolved, That in humble submission to the righteous Providence of God, we
deeply deplore the absence from among us, at the present Convention, of our
beloved and Right Reverend Father in God; that we shall deeply miss his ftappy
influence as our Presiding Officer, his wise suggestions, his fatherly advice, and
those expressions of his lively sympathy and those hearty words of encouragement
with which he is ever wont, in our annual Convention, to cheer us onward in our
common labours " for Christ and His Church."
Resolved, That in the like spirit of submission, we especially deplore the cause
of this, our present deprivation in the impaired health of our beloved Bishop,
and that our prayers shall not be wanting to the Father of mercies, that He will
be pleased to bless the means used for his restoration to his usual health and
strength, and for his return to us, in His good time, in the fulness of the blessing
of the Gospel of peace.
11
Resolved, That, reverently as we prize the Episcopal offices, and deeply as we
feel tlieir suspension, we, nevertheless, hereby express the earnest hope, that our
belo\e<l Bishop will not fail to make the fullest proof of that entire relaxation from
his labour, which he is now wisely seeking.
Resolved, That a copy of the foregoing resolutions, duly attested, be transmitted
by the Secretary to the Bishop at the earliest opportunity.
The following Committees were appointed by the Presi¬
dent :
On the State of the Church—Rev. H. K. Roes, Rev. B. E.
Habersham, Rev. Wm. H. Clarke.
On the Admission of New Parishes—Rev.Wm. N. Hawks,
Mr. J. S. Hutton, Mr. Wm. Root.
On Unfinished Business—Rev. Mr. George and Mr.
Hines.
On motion of Rev. Mr. Hawks, the following resolution
was adopted :
Resolved, That there be but one session of this Convention each day during its
continuance, and that the hour of adjournment jj^e 2-J P. M.
After Prayer by the President, the Convention adjourned
to the hour of Public Worship to-morrow morning.
At night Evening Prayer was read by Rev. Wm. H.
Clarke, and a Sermon preached by Rev. H. K. Rees.
Friday, May 8th, 1857.
Morning Prayer was read by the Rev. Mr. George, and a
Sermon preached by the Rev. Mr. Ward of the Diocese of
Virginia.
After Public Worship, the Convention was called to order
and the roll called.
Clergymen present as yesterday, with the addition of Rev.
Mr. Johnson
Laity present as yesterday, with the addition of Mr.
Whittle.
The Minutes of yesterday were read and confirmed.
Certificates of election of Lay Delegates were presented
from St. John's Church, Savannah, St. Andrew's Church,
Darien, and St. Philip's Church, Atlanta,
12
The above certificates were referred to the Committee on
Elections, who reported the following in due form :
Si. John's Church, Savannah.—W. F. Brantley, L. W.
Wells, Geo. S. Harding.
St.Jlndrew's Church, Darien.—P.M. Nightingale, Charles
Spalding, Richard L. Morris.
St. Philip's Church, Atlanta.—Hon. B. Baker, S. B. Oat-
man, Thos. S. Denny.
Hon. B. Baker appeared and took his seat
The Parochial Reports* were read and referred to the
Committee on the State of the Church.
The Standing Committee presented the following Report
which was received:
REPORT.
The Standing Committee beg leave to report the following, as their official act«
since the last Convention of the Diocese :
They have signed the Canonical Testimonials recommending for Deacon's
orders Mr. Wm. McAuley, silfce deceased, Mr. Francis Marion McAllister, and
Mr. Charles H. Coley.
EDW'D E. FORD,' President.
The Report of the Treasurer of the Missionary Committee*
was presented and referred to a Committee on Finance.
Ordered, That the Committee consist of Messrs. Carter, Baker and Whittle.
On motion of Mr. Whittle it was
Resolved, That the amounts due the Rev. R. Johuson and Rev. J. D. Gibson
as per report of the Treasurer of Missionary Fund, be placed 011 a footing with
the amounts due the other Missionaries and be paid pari passu with them.
The Committee on Unfinished Business submitted the
following report which was received :
REPORT.
The Committee on Unfinished Business, beg leave to report, that they have ex¬
amined the Journal ©f the last Annual Convention, and find nothing in the same
which was left in an unfinished state, or requiring the attention of this Convention
at this time. JAMES H. GEORGE,
R. K. HINES.
The Committee on the Admission of New Parishes reported
that no business had come before them.
The Committee on Finance submitted the following report
which was received:
* See Appendix.
13
REPORT:
The Committee, appointed to examine the report of the Treasurer of the Mis¬
sionary Committee of the Diocese of Georgia, have done so, and find the vouchers
submitted perfectly satisfactory. R. CARTER, Chairman.
On motion of the Rev. Mr. George, leave of absence after
to-day, was granted to Mr. Hines.
After Prayer by the President, the Convention adjourned
to the hour of Public Worship to-morrow morning.
At night, Evening Prayer was read by the Rev. Mr. Hab¬
ersham, and a Sermon preached by the Rev. Mr. Johnson.
Saturday, May 9th, 1857.
Morning Prayer was read by the Rev. Mr. Hawks, and a
Sermon preached by the Rev. Mr. Maybin, of the Diocese of
Kentucky.
After Public Worship, the Convention was called to order,
and the roll called. Present as yesterday, with the exception
of the Rev. Mr. George.
The minutes of yesterday were read and confirmed.
On motion of the Rev. Mr. Hawks, leave of absence was
granted to the Rev. Mr. George.
The Parochial Report of St. Stephen's Chapel, Savannah,
was read and referred to the Committee on the State of the
Church.
The Report of the Committee on the State of the Church
was presented. On motion of Mr. Whittle, it was referred
back to the Committee, with instructions to report the nmounts
contributed by the several Churches, towards the Permanent
Fund, for the support of the Episcopate.
The Report of the Treasurer of the D.ocese* was presented
and referred to the Committee on Finance.
The Committee on Finance, submitted a report, with a
communication from the Treasurer of the Diocese.
On motion of the Rev. Mr. Williams—
Resolved, That the communication of the Treasurer be referred to a Committee
of five laymen.
* See Appendix.
14
The President appointed as said Committee, Messrs. Carter,
Whittle, Baker, Meigs, and Hntton.
The Report of the Committee on Finance, was then adopted.
REPORT:
The Committee on Finance have examined the papers submitted by J. Mongin
Smith, Treasurer of the Diocese of Georgia, and find them perfectly correct and
satisfactory. 11. CARTER, Chairman.
The Rev. Mr. Hawks submitted the following resolutions,
and moved that they be laid over to the next Convention,
which was agreed to.
Resolved, That any communicant of the Church, in this Diocese, who shall
absent himself from the Holy Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, for six months con¬
secutively, without satisfactory reason given to his Pastor, shall be stricken from
the list of communicants, and may only again be restored upon application to the
Rector of the Parish in which he lives, as for a first Communion.
Resolved, That any communicant coming from abroad or removing from one
Parish, to another in this Diocese, will not be received as such and have his name
entered upon the Parish registev, unless he shall first hand to the Rector or
Waidens of the Parish to which he removes, a certificate of his standing from the
Rector or Wardens of the Parish from which he may come, or give satisfactory
evidence of his being a communicant, in good standing.
The Rev. Mr. Habersham submitted the following resolu¬
tion :
Resolved, That the next Convention of the Church be held in St. Paul's Church,
Augusta, on the Thursday after the first Monday in May, 1858.
On motion, the words "St. Paul's Church, Augusta" were
stricken out, and St. John's Church, Savannah, were inserted.
The resolution as amended was adopted.
The Rev. Mr. Johnson submitted the following Preamble
and Resolutions:
Whereas, It has pleased the great Head of the Church in his wise Providence
since our last annual meeting, to remove from his field of earthly labor, and from
the councils of this body, our beloved brother W. P. Gehagan, the late Rector of
Zion Church, Talbotton : Therefore
Resolved, That while we bow, as we trust, with christian submission to this
Hnr!< dU'puns&t'on of our Heavenly Father, we feel most deeply our bereavement,
and the great, loss the Church has sustained by the removal "in the midst of his
diiy.--," of one of our members who was most promising, and eminently useful.
Resolved, That we heartily sympathise with his relatives and many friends in
their affliction, but most of all with the little flock that loved him and which he
loved in turn: over which he watched with sleepless eye, and which he fed with
untiring hand.
15
Resolved, That we look forward with faith to a period when the Lord, the Chief
Shepherd, will appoint another to lead and feed the flock which our lamented
biother cherished with so much care; and that we exhort them in the meantime to
adopt the prayer of the Lord Jesus in the darkest hour of his suffering "Not my
will, but thine, be done."
.After remarks by Messrs. Johnson, Rees, Habersham,
Hawks, and the President, the Preamble and Resolutions
were unanimously adopted.
The Committee on the State of the Church presented the
following report which was adopted:
REPORT:
The Committee on the State of the Church, respectfully report—that they can
not this year make an exhibit of the actual condition of the Church, in this
Diocese, from the fact that nine of our Parishes have not reported.
The ill health and absence of our beloved Bishop, also has deprived us of his
annual statement, which is very essential, to their forming a reliable opinion.
The Committee are sorry to find that only the following Parishes are reported as
having complied with the standing resolution of 1856, requiring an annual
collection, to be made in each Parish, for the Permanent Episcopal Fund:
St. Paul's Church, Augusta, $41 15
Christ Church, Macon, 50 00
Trinity Church, Columbus, 94 64
St. Peter's Church, Rome, 6 15
Church of the Atonement, Augusta, '24 00
They are greatly encouraged, however, by the signs of life and earnestness
apparent in the Parishes from which they have heard, and they are equally
encouraged by the deep conviction entertained by the members of your body
generally, that hitherto we have not fully discharged our duties in the matter of
Church extension, and that they earnestly desire, such measures may be proposed
as will promote a gradual enlargement of the Kingdom of our Great Redeemer,
within the borders of our Diocese.
Respectfully submitted,
H. K. REES, Chairman.
On motion of Mr. Whittle,
Resolved, That this Convention learns with regret, that several Rectors of
Parishes have taken up no collections, for the Permanent Fund for the support of
the Episcopate, as required by the standing resolutions of 1856, and as this is
deemed an object of great importance to the Church, it is earnestly hoped by the
Convention that this requirement will be regularly acted on, and the result reported
to each Convention by the Rectors of the several Parishes.
The Committee to whom was referred the communication
from Ihe Treasurer of the Diocese, submitted the following
report which was adopted:
16
REPORT:
The Committee to whom was referred the communication of Mr. Smith, the
Treasurer, of the Diocese, beg leave to report—
That they regret to find the assessments of the several Churches have not been
paid as required by the Convention of 1851, and as your Committee deem the
subject one of great importance, recommend that the communication of the Trea¬
surer be published in full, with the Journal of this Convention.
The Committee, are also of opinion, that the construction placed by the
Treasurer on the annual quota due from St. John's Church, Savannah, for the
salary of the Bishop, is correct, the same being fixed at $350 as appears from
Journal 1851, page 33.
R. CARTER, Chairman.
TREASURER'S COMMUNICATION.
The Treasurer would respectfnlly direct the earnest attention of the Convention
to the condition of this department.
The Convention of 1851 appointed a committee of "five Laymen, namely ^
Messers Whittle, Griffin, Nightingale, Gardner, and Yonge, to revise the assess¬
ments of the Parishes, "for the Bishop's salary." The Committee reported—which
report was adopted—that the Bishop's salary be fixed at $'2500 per annum ; and
that the different Churches be assessed as per annexed statement, to raise the
Bishop's fund, the excess being designed to pay the balance now (then) due the
Treasurer of the Diocese, and to meet the contingency of future tardy remit,
tances." Such is the language of the report (Journal 1851, pages 31 and 32.)
Then follows a list of the Churches, twenty-one in number—the Ogeechee Mis¬
sion included, with the amount required of each, the sum total of which is $27 00.
" The balance" referred to as "due the Treasurer," amounted to $124 58as his
account shows (see page 54). So that the sum agreed on in Convention to be
raised annually thereafter, was not only sufficient to free the Treasury from debt
and pay the .Bishop's salary, but to leave a surplus of $75 42 in the Treasury
from the revenue of that year, and $200 from the revenue of each subsequent
year, to meet " the contingency of tardy remittances."
Has the result justified the expectations, reasonable as they were, of those who
devised and adopted this scheme to raise a revenue, adequate to the wants and
requirements of the Diocese ?
Six years have elapsed, since the report was adopted, and five since its provis¬
ions should have commenced to operate. If the Churches had faithfnlly
complied with their obligations, from that time to the present, there would be
a surplus in the treasury of $1075 42. But instead there is a deficiency of
$239 46, which sum is due to the late Treasurer, Dr. Camak, for advances during
the last two years he was in office. The majority of the Churches, seem to think,
they have fulfilled the spirit of their obligation, if they pay their quotas at any
time in the year, and others, I regret to say, a large class, appear to be heedless
whether they pay at all.
The Journals of 1852 and 1853, do not enable the Treasurer to ascertain what
Churches, were defaulters in those years. That of 1854, shews that only thirteen,
IT
out of twenty-one, responded to the call for the Bishop's salary; that of 1855 ten;
that of 1856 eleveu ; aud the Treasurer's Report of this year up to this date (May 6,)
eleven. Of these eleven Churches eight only can be classed as regular contribu¬
tors, and four as complying with the provisions of the Constitution and Canon of
the Diocese. These four are Emanuel, Athens; Atonement, Augusta; Trinity, Co¬
lumbus ; and Ogeechee Mission. The other four, though regular contributors, 1
apprehend, when subjected to the test of "the law and the evidence," must be
classed among those " Churches for whose short-comings the Convention of
1851, intend to provide."
The ninth Article of the Constitution provides for the election of a Secretary
and Treasurer, and makes it one of the duties of the latter to " pay the Bishop's
salary quarterly in advanceand Canon IV. makes it "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, the amount of the assessment laid
upon the Churches respectively represented by them, for the support of the
Episcopate of this Diocese. " Such is the language of the ninth Article and of
the fourth Canon.
Can it be more explicit? Does it not require the Churches to pay, each, its
whole quota in advance at each annual meeting of the Convention ? If it is
intended to be paid at the end of the year, how is the Treasurer to perform the
duty required of him, namely—to " pay the Bishop's salary quarterly in advance.'
It is to enable him to discharge this duty promptly, without the trouble and
annoyance of importuning the Churches, to pay their dues, that the Canon was
enacted.
Is there any doubt, of the justice or expediency of the provision as it effects the
rights and interest of the Episcopate or the Churches? If there is, have it sifted
and let the preponderance of opinion in the Diocese either change or carry tha
provision faithfully into operation. As it now works, it is " a snare to entrap the
unwary "—to disappoint the just expectations of the Bishop, and harrasa the
Treasurer, by requiring him to perform a duty, while the means are withheld.
The Treasurer would invite the attention of the Convention to a difference of
opinion that has arisen between the Treasurer of St. John's Church, Savannah,
and himself, as to the amount of the quota annually due from that Church to the
Diocese, and which has been neglected to be mentioned in the proper connection
in this report. That officer contends that the sum of $250 only is required of
St. John's Church, and the Treasurer of the Diocese that the sum of $350 is that
fixed by the assessment of 1851, and has not been changed. If the latter sum is
the quota, that Church is $200 or more in arrears to the Diocese.
The Treasurer declines to be considered as a candidate for re-election. All
of which is respectfully submitted.
J. MOtfGIN SMITH,
Treasurer of the Diocese of Georgia.
Marietta, May 5th, 1857.
On motion of the Rev.Mr. Habersham, it was u nanimously
o
18
jRemitted, That the thanks of this Covention be tendered to James Mongin
Smith, Esq., late Treasurer of the Diocc.sc, for his services (luring the past year.
The Convention then proceeded to the election ol Treas¬
urers. The Chair appointed Messrs. Rees, Whittle and
Carter to co unt the ballots. The Committee reported that
the following gentlemen were elected:
Treasurer of the Diocese.
N. C. Monroe, Esq.
Treasurer of Missionary Committee.
Col. J. S. Hutton.
Treasurer of the Permanent Fund for the support of the
Episcopate.
James Camak, M. D.
On motion of Rev. Mr. Habersham it was unanimously
Resolved, That the thanks of the members of this Convention, be cordially
tendered to the friends of the Church in this Parish, for their hospitable kindness
during this session.
On motion, it was
Resolved, That the Convention take a recess till half past 4 P. M.
Saturday, half-past 4 P. M.
The Convention assembled after recess.
On motion of Rev. Mr. Clarke,
Resolved, That the attention of the Missionary Committee be directed to the
importance of taking early steps to give more efficiency to their operations, and
to this end, that they be requested to hold quarterly meetings, to consider the
wants of the Diocese in this respect, and take proper action in the premises.
On motion of Mr. Whittle, the following resolutions were
adopted :
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Convention have published, with the Jeur-
nal, any communication the Bishop of the Diocese may transmit to him, as also,
any other reports which may be submitted to him.
Resolved, That one thousand copies of the Journal be published, and distributed
as usual.
19
The 'Convention then proceeded to the election of the
standing, and Missionary Committees. The Chair appointed
the Rev. Mr. Rees, and Messrs. Whittle and Carter a Commit¬
tee to count the ballots for the Standing Committee, and
the Rev. Mr. Clarke and Mr. Hutton to count the ballots
for the Missionary Committee. The Committees reported
the result to be as follows:
Standing Committee.
of the clergy. of the laity.
Rev. E. E. Ford, D. D., E. F. Campbell, Esq,
" R. Johnson, Chas. Dwelle, Esq.,
" W. C. Williams. Benj. Conley, Esq.
Missionary Committee.
of the clergy. of the laity.
Rev. George H. Clark, Wm. B. Giles, Esq.,
" J. T. Pryse, George A. Gordon, Esq.,
W. W. Lincoln, Esq.
On motion of Mr. Whittle, the following resolution was
adopted.
Resolved,, That it is the son.se of this Convention that the cause of the Church
in this Diocese, would be much advanced by a full and regular attendance 011 tin*
Animal Conventions, from all the Churches, both of the Clerical and Lay Delegates,
and they be earnestly requested to have full representations in luture.
The President appointed the Rev. Mr. Pryse 10 preach the
next Convention Sermon, and the Rev. M. II. Henderson, I)
1)., alternate ; the Rev. Mr. Pinkerton to preach the Mission
arv Sermon, and the Rev. Mr. McAllister alternate.
The minutes were read and approved.
The Convention then united in singing the Gloria in Ex
celsis and other devotional exercises.
After Benediction by the President, the Convention ad¬
journed sine die.
EDW. E. FORD, President.
Attest—'Wm. C. Williams, Secietary.
20
At night, Evening Prayer was read by the Rev. Mr. Rees,
and a Sermon preached by the Rev. Mr. Williams.
Fourth Sunday after Easter, May 10th.
Morning Prayer was read by the Rev. Mr. Johnson; the
Ante-Communion Service by the Rev. Mr. Hawks. The Rev.
Dr. Ford preached. The Holy Communion was administered
by the Rev. Mr. Hawks, assisted by the Rev. Dr. Ford, and
Rev. Mr. Johnson.
In the Afternoon, Evening Prayer was read by the Rev-
Mr. Ward of the Diocese of Virginia, and a Sermon preached
by the Rev. Mr. Habersham.
At Night, the Third Service was read by the Rev. Mr.
rohnson. The annual Missionary Sermon was preached by
ihe Rev. Wm. H. Clarke, from St. Mark, xvi. 17. A collection
was taken up in aid of missions within the Diocese amount¬
ing to $100. The services were then closed by the Rev. Mr.
Johnson with Prayer and the Benediction.
• 1 —Qffffi
PAROCHIAL REPORTS.
CHRIST CHURCH—SAVANNAH.
RT. REV. STEPHEN ELLIOTT, D. D., RECTOR NO REPORT.
ST. PAUL'S CHURCH—AUGTSTA.
REV. EDWARD E. FORD, D. D., RECTOR.
Baptisms—adult, (one colored) 5
children, - -30
Total, - - 35
Confirmed, 12
Communicants—added 23; died 3; removed 11; present
number, 163
Manages, - - - - 4
Burials—(7 not of Congregation,) - - - - 17
Sunday School—White, 80 children, 11 teachers,
Colored, 60 children, 2 teachers,
Communion Alms, -
Missions—Diocesan,
Domestic, of General Board,
Foreign, " "
Quota for support of the Bishop,
Episcopal Fund, -
Sunday School Union and Church Book Society, 110 00
Donation to St. Paul's Church, Albany, Dougherty Co., 40 00
Special contributions for the poor in the late inclem¬
ent winter, about - 100 00
$453 60
203 00
111 00
53 25
500 00
41 75
22
About $800 has been raised during the past year for the
Church Asylum, viz : $700 for the support of the children,
and $100 for necessary improvements upon the house and
lot. We have received liberal aid and co-operation in this
good work, from the Rector of the Church of the Atonement,
Augusta, and his congregation.
The Church Asylum,, now numbering twelve children, is
steadily commending itself by its manifest good fruits, under
the divine blessing upon the faithful and devoted services of
the Matron and the Teacher. We owe not a dollar, in any
direction. God has prospered us in our work thus far, by
opening the hearts of His people towards us ; and we con¬
tinue to trust Him. The two oldest girls are candidates for
confirmation at the next visit of the Bishop.
A Bible Class during the past Winter and Spring, has been
well attended.
The daily Morning Service throughout the Lenten season,
with the addition of the Evening Service during Passion
week, has been much more largely attended, and awakened
deeper interest than in any previous year. Prayers on the
mornings of Wednesday and Friday, except in the winter
months, have become a permanent parochial arrangement.
The Rector has here to record a heavy bereavement of his
Parish, in the recent death of Mr. Gerard McLaughlin. Mr.
McLaughlin was thoroughly identified with the Congregation,
having been a member of the Vestry for more than thirty
years, ever studious of its interests, to which he freely devoted
his best energies, and conferring honor on the Church by a
most exemplary christian life. He was ever ready to servo
the Church at her call; having frequently acted as Lay Dele¬
gate in our Diocesan Convention, and being at the time of
his death, as he had often been at various times, a member
of the Standing Committee. He loved the Church with a
love not more ardent than it was enlightened, and with a
most confiding trust in the promises of her Almighty Head-
His highest earthly enjoyment was found in her holy worship
and ordinances; and through these he was fully ripened, as
23
we most confidently believe, for the rest and peace of Para¬
dise, and foi (lie f'on.suinijiatcd bliss of the resurrection
morning.
CHRIST CHURCH—MACON,
REV. HENRY K. REES, RECTOK.
Baptisms—infants - ^
Communicants—Last report - m
Removed, - 30
Present number, - - 103
Marriages, 5
Funerals, 7
Sunday School—Scholars white,
" " " colored, - Hi
" " Total, - - ] cm
" " Teachers, - - . \\
Bible Class, - ,s
ConLrifnilion.s.
Communion Alms, - - $204 (>5
Missions—Diocesan - - - - 76 00
" Domestic, - - - 52 oO
" Foreign, - - - - (il 75
Permanent Bishop's Fund, - - 50 Oo
For Support of Episcopate, - - - 300 00
Special Contributions for Church purposes, - 939 40
Ladies Sewing Society, - - - - 120 00
$1803 SO
Upon an examination of the Church record, it has been
deemed advisable to correct the list of Communicants, so as
to report only those in actual communion with the Church, we
have therefore noted all removals and thereby reduced our
number previously reported from 133 to 103.
24
Tbe ill-health of our Bishop having prevented his annual
visitation, we have made no additions.
But we feel encouraged as to the condition of the Church,
from an increased attendance on Divine Worship, a more
ready observance of the Festivals and Fasts, and a renewed
interest in the affairs of the Church manifested by prominent
members of the parish.
The attendanc > of the children of the Church upon the
monthly catechising has been more than doubled, which in¬
crease in numbers and interest, we attribute—in part—to the
effect of the presentation of the children to the Bishop for
catechetical examination at his last visitation—and we look
forward to his future visits as times of special interest and
benefit to these lambs of the flock.
We should notice, with gratitude, that during the year, we
have lost none by death from among our Sunday School
children, or list of communicants.
And yet, as a congregation, we have been filled with sor¬
row and called deeply to mourn the death of one who was
dear to all hearts, our venerated and beloved former pastor,
the Rev. Joseph A. Shanklin, late Rector of St. Peter's Church,
Charleston—their loss and grief we counted still our own,
and our hearts bid our hands shroud the Church, reared by his
efforts, with the emblems of mourning; which gave place,
only to the garlands which hailed a Saviour born.
The Rev. Mr. Bragg has continued kindly to assist the
Rector, during the year, by his desired councils, and by his
visiting the sick, and by taking part in the administration of
the Sacraments of Holy Communion and Baptism.
TRINITY CHURCH—COLUMBUS.
REV. WM. N. HAWKS, RECTOR.
Baptisms—adults 5, infants 29, total - - - 34
Confirmations—none as the Bishop has not visited the
Parish during the year.
Marriages, - - . _ _ - 6
25
Communicants—reported to last Convention, 117;
added, 27; died, 3; removals and suspensions,
12; present number, - !32
Burials—adults 14, children 13, total - - - 27
Sunday School—Teachers, 20
" " Scholars, - - _ . 140
Contributions.
For Foreign Missions, - - . $102 90
'* Domestic Missions, - - - - 78 10
Diocesan Missions, - - - - G2 93
" Widows and Orphans of Clergy, - - 31 88
" Episcopal Fund, - - - - 94 64
" Parochial Purposes, ... 214 93
" Bishop's assessment and contingent expenses, - 270 40
GRACE CHURCH CLARKSVILLE.
REV. SAMUEL .1. PINKERTON, HECTOR.
Communicants about 20
Baptisms—adult 1, infant 1, - - - 2
Candidates for confirmation, ... 3
Marriages, ------ 1
Burials, ------ 1
Mission Sunday School Scholars, 25
Teachers, ------ 4
Offerings.
Communion Alms, ----- $28 60
Diocesan missions - - - - - 39 00
Collection for County Bible Society, - 11 55
The missionary labor during the last summer was much
more encouraging than formerly; and if some faithful prcachei
of the Gospel could be secured to remain and labor among
the people of Habersham during the whole year an abun¬
dant harvest of souls might be gathered into the Church of
God.
D
26
ST. JOHN'S CHURCH—SAVANNAH.
REV. GEORGE H. CLARK, RECTOR
Baptisms, infants 34; adults 3,
37
Communicants—added, 29; died, 2; removed, 15;
present number, .....
178
Confirmed, ....••
15
Marriages, ......
6
Burials,
15
Sunday School Teachers, ....
18
" " Scholars, ....
100
Contributions.
Missions—Foreign, .....
$50
00
African, .....
52
00
Diocesan, ....
323
00
Domestic, ....
127
00
Bishop Scott, Oregon. ....
75
00
Communion Alms, ....
437
55
Bishop's Salary, .....
250
00
Ladies' Society—Benevolent purposes.
25
00
Episcopal Orphans' Home, ....
334
00
Offertory for Church Debt, .... 1,082
27
Candidates for Orders, ....
50
00
Church at Albany, Ga., ....
150
00
Parsonage at Rome, ....
103
00
Special Contributions, ....
169
00
Sunday School for China, ....
25
00
" " Africa, ....
20
00
Chinese Society, .....
43
50
St. Stephen's Chapel for Colored People in Savannah,
344
00
City Mission in Savannah, ....
110
00
Sunday School Library for St. John's Church, pre¬
sented by a gentleman of the Parish,
65
00
Total, . . • $3,835 32
The year has been one of marked prosperity in this parish .
and only the want of pew accommodations has prevented a
27
greater accession to our numbers. The Rector gratefully ac¬
knowledges the kindness of his people ; and prays that they
may be filled with all spiritual blessings, through Jesus Christ
our Lord.
ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH—DARIEN.
IlEV. SAMUEL J. PJNKERTON, RECTOR.
Communicants—added, white, 13; dismissed toother
Parishes, whites, 3 ; col'd, 1; present number, white,
47 ; colored, 51 ; Whole number, . . . 08
Baptisms, white, ..... 8
Candidates for Confirmation, . . . 10
Marriages, white, 1 ; colored, 2; total, . . 3
Burials, ...... 1
Sunday School Scholars, about . . . 30
Teachers, ... 3
Offerings.
Diocesan Missions, .... $40 75
Communion Alms, . . . • . 32 03
For the Episcopate, . . . . . 25 00
Convention Expenses, . . . . 0 00
ST. JAMES' CHURCH—MARIETTA.
REV. B. E. HABERSHAM, RECTOR.
Confirmed, since last report,
Communicants—died, 3; suspended, 1; removed, 6;
present number, whites, 50; colored, 4 ; . :
Baptisms, infants, 3 ; adult, 1; total,
Burials,
Families,
Sunday School Teachers, . . ' •
« " Scholars, .
28
Contri h u t ions.
ail Missions, $55
30
Collection at Convention for Dioce
For Rev. Mr. McAuly,
Misssions—Diocesan,
Domestic, General,
" Oregon,
F oreign,
Communion Alms and other contributions for
parochial purposes,
For support of the Episcopate,
Special contributions in the Parish for Mission
20
15
40
20 $180 00
. 175 00
25 00
. 200 00
Total, ..... $580 00
We again have to record a very unusual proportion of
deaths among our communicants, and a continued loss by
removal. In regularity of attendance upon the services of
Church, including our regular Friday Evening Lecture, there
has been some improvement, and we hope for further evidence
of the blessing of God, on the right use of the right meatis^
in His own time.
EMANUEL CHURCH—ATHENS.
REV. M. H. HENDERSON, D. I). RECTOR.
Baptisms—adults, 5 ; infants, 8 ; total, . . 13
Communicants—removed, 4; died, 1; added, 18 ;
present number, . . . 36
Funerals, ...... 2
Sunday School Teachers, . . . . lo
Scholars, 70
With an attendance of from 30 to 60.
Contributions.
Missions—General Domestic, . . . $30 00
Diocesan, . . . 5 55
Communion Alms, . . . . 44 15
Parochial purposes, . . . . 9 10
29
Soon alter my return in September last, a Night School
was established, for the benefit of that class of the population
whose daily avocations prevent them from attending the ordi¬
nary free day schools. This enterprise has been attended
with the most abundant success. An efficient body of faith¬
ful teachers—some of them of other denominations—have
volunteered to take the responsibility of instruction.
The number of pupils is about seventy-five, men, women,
and children, with an actual attendance sometimes of sixty-
four or five. The school is open three times in the week, and
is closed with Evening Prayer, and a short exposition of the
lessons.
I am happy to say that the enterprise has met with the
cordial approbation of the Pastors of the different congrega¬
tions, and the Faculty of the University, to the distinguished
President of which, and the able Professor of Natural Phi¬
losophy and Chemistry, I am particularly indebted for their
kind expressions of interest. Professor Easter and Dr. Moore,
our Senior Warden, have, on more than one occasion, given
great delight and instruction by some simple lectures illustra¬
ted by pleasing experiments.
The good effects of this school are already visible in every
way. A Candidate for Orders, who is pursuing his studies
under my direction, finds here a legitimate opportunity of
profitable exercise in extemporaneous speaking.
The Communion Alms have been used for the relief of the
sick and needy, so also, for the support of the two schools.
An occasional lecture 011 scriptural subjects, illustrated by
diagrams with the magic lantern, is largely attended. I have
endeavored as far as possible by this means, as well as
others to make known and elucidate the order of "the Chris-
tain year."
The Church is open for prayer on Friday evenings. The
Parish is feeble, but it is important in every respect, especially
in view of the location here of the University of the State,
that it be sustained. I have endeavored to labor faithfully
30
for that end, especially among the poor, and trust the blessing
of God has been upon my efforts.
This parish is again indebted to Mr. E. Baynard for ahberal
benefaction, in the transfer of a military claim. The amount
has not yet been ascertained.
ST. PETER'S CHURCH—ROME.
REV. WM. H. CLARKE, RECTOR.'
Baptisms—adults 2 ; infants, white 5, colored 2 ; total 9
Confirmations, - - - - - 10
Communicants, last reported, 25 ; removed, 4 ; pres¬
ent number, - - - - - - 33
Marriages in the Parish, 4 white, 1 colored; out of the
Parish, 2 whites: total, ... 7
Burial—1 colored infant, - - - l
Sunday School Teachers, - 5
" " Pupils, white 17, colored 6, - - 23
Contributions.
Communion Alms and Missionary Box, - - $88 01
Monthly Offerings, - - - - 70 84
Ladies and Sunday School Girls, - 129 30
Other members of the Congregation, - - 226 50
Total, . $514 65
Appropriated.
Diocesan Mission, paid Treasurer, - $20
" " " late Rev. W. McAuly, 20 $40 00
Domestic Missions, - - - - - 27 00
Foreign " - - - . 10 00
Episcopal Fund, - - - - - 6 15
Painting and Repairs of Church Building, - 127 80
Towards purchasing the Parsonage, - - 236 00
Incidental Expenses and Relief of Poor, - 38 30
Books and Periodicals for Sunday Schools, - - 10 00
Bishop's Salary, - - - - 10 00
Convention Fund, - - - - - 6 00
31
During the past year the Church edifice has been thoroughly
painted within and without, through the exertions of the
ladies of the Parish, aided by a liberal donation from a zealous
young member of the Vestry.
We have lately completed the purchase of a house and lot
which, with a few additional improvements, will afford a very
convenient and comfortable residence to the Rector of
the Parish. One half the purchase money, $600, has already
been paid, and for the remainder, due in three equal annual
instalments, the Rector is personally responsible.
Arrangements had been made previously, for the purchase
of another house, at lower cost, but on less favorable terms?
the owner of which disappointed us by withdrawing his first
offer, when we had provided means to accept it. For the
amount already raised for this purposes $730, I desire to ex¬
press my most grateful acknowledgments to a few personal
friends whose unsolicited thoughtfulriess secured to us over
$300, and to certain gentlemen in Rome, not Episcopalians,
who have contributed very liberally.
I would also mention at this time with great thankfulness,
an "Easter Gift" to my family, from "a few friends of Geor¬
gia Missions in Savannah, " of a valuable box of Dry Goods.
The members of my Parish have been unwearied in deeds of
thoughtful kindness, and show themselves fully alive to the
mutual relations of Pastor and people. And the Vestry in
particular, have fully and promptly fulfilled their engage¬
ments in the most acceptable manner.
ST. PHILIP'S CHURCH—ATLANTA.
REV. RICHARD JOHNSON, RECTOR.
Communicants,
Candidates for Confirmation,
Sunday School Pupils,
« « Teachers, -
Marriages, -
Burials,
45
6
30
6
1
3
32
Contributions.
Alms, ------ $40 35
For Sunday School Library, - - 10 00
Domestic Missions, - - - 6 25
Other Religious Objects, - - - - 78 00
Collected by the Rector in Cash and promises for
Protestant Episcopal Sunday School Union, - 215 00
For publication of Essay on Christian Sabbath, - 50 00
It is proper that the Rector should record here that $250 of
the money reported above, comes from a generous individual
of Christ Church, Savannah, Mr. James Potter, who, on
learning that he had pledged himself to the Episcopal Sun¬
day School Union for $200, promptly provided for the pay¬
ment of the whole amount, and gave him $50 in addition,
with which to publish are essay on the Christian Sabbath?
now almost ready for the press.
The congregation of the Church in Atlanta necessarily par¬
takes of the fluctuating character of the population of the
city. But while the Church suffers much from changes, there
is evidently some improvement in that particular. Indeed,
we may safely say that nothing at present prevents a large
increase in numbers, except want of room.
ST. PAUL'S CHURCH—ALBANY.
REY. J. HARDIN GEORGE, RECTOR.
Communicants—whites, 17 ; blacks 60 ; total, - 77
Baptisms—infants, whites 2 ; blacks, 16; total - 18
Burials—infants, 3 ; adults, 2 ; blacks, 1; total, - 6
Marriages—whites, 1; blacks, 1; total, - - 2
Sunday School—pupils, 31; teachers, 5; total, - 36
Contributions.
Communion Alms, - - - - $10 00
Amount raised by Children's Fair, - - - 120 00
Owing to a set of circumstance, over which the Vestry
had no control, the Parish was seriously involved in pecuniary
33
difficulty ; and but for the liberality of our friends abroad,
especially our Charleston friends, our House of Worship
would have been sold under the sheriff's hammer. But by
the good hand of our God upon us, we were spared that
mortification. And we are happy to say that we are now free
from all pecuniary embarrassments. As one evil brings on
another, so blessings do not come single handed. Coetanious
with our temporal relief, a new impulse seems to have been
given to spiritual things. Our congregations are larger and
more regular in their attendance upon Divine Worship. Our
Sunday School is increasing in -numbers and interest. Our
Parish School is more flourishing than ever before. There
1 seems to be an increasing desire to know more of the Bible ;
the seed sown in tears is beginning to germinate and gives
hope that ere long the plants of righteousness will spring up
as willows by the water brooks.
CHURCH OF THE ATONEMENT—AUGUSTA.
REV. W. H. HARISON, RECTOR.
Baptisms—adult, 1; infants, 18 ; - - - I9
. Confiroied,- - 2
Communicants—removed, 1; added, 5 ; - - .'24
Marriages, -
Burials, - t - ~
Sunday School Teachers, - - -
« " Scholars, - - - ~ 5
Contributions.
Communion Alms, - - - - ~ 79
Weekly Offerings, - -
Fund, Widows and Orphans,
Episcopal, - - " "
Domestic Missions,
Foreign Missions, Africa, - ??
4
21
8
131 84
' 7 17
24 00
18 61
51 66
Total,
E
$884 07
34
CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH—ST. MARYS.
REV. F. MARION MCALLISTER, MINISTER.
Baptisms—infants, white, 6 ; colored, 1 ; - - 7
Communicants—whites, 10; colored, 1 ; - 11
Candidates for Confirmation, ... 3
Sunday School just organized.
Contributions.
Foreign and Domestic Missions, - - - Si I 50
This Church has been deprived of clerical ministration
since the year 1853; but its members were kept together, by
lay reading, and other persevering exertions of the Vestry.—
On the 10th of December, I commenced my labors and have
met with the hearty co-operation of the congregation; they
have shown themselves ready to the utmost of their power.
May God bless and keep this portion of his vineyard.
OGEECHEE MISSION.
REV. WM. C. WILLIAMS, MISSIONARY.
Baptisms—adults white 1; colored 30 ; infants colored
35; total ...... 66
Confirmed, .....# 42
Communicants—added 34 ; restored 4 ; died 4 ; with¬
drawn 7 ; repelled 14 ; present number . . 311
Marriages—colored, .... 23
Burials—white 1 ; colored 22, ... 23
Pupils connected with Mission Schools, . 330
1 Contributions.
Communion Alms, $60 37
Foreign Missions, . 25 00
Towards purchase of a Bell, 40 00
Total, $125 37
The above statistics, it is believed give a true representa¬
tion of the state of the Mission. They indicate, that tares
have been scattered among the wheat, and the consequent
resort to discipline. Nor, when it is remembered that in one
year we added one hundred and fifty-seven communicants,
could any other result have been anticipated. We might
teel assured that the arch enemy of souls would be busy doing
his work, and that consequently the number of hypocrites
and self-deceived would be large. Therefore, it does not
seem that the number repelled and withdrawn, give any rea¬
son to fear for the future. To keep up among such a people
so large a communion list, and to see the gains rather exceed¬
ing the losses, is full of encouragement. The prayers of the
Church are again invoked in behalf of the work.
The "Missionary would take this occasion to return his*
grateful acknowledgments to the American Bible Society, tor
a valuable present of Bibles and Testaments; and to the Fe¬
male Prayer Book Society, of Philadelphia, for a supply of
large Prayer Books peculiarly suited to the people of hischarge.
Nor can he forget to return his thanks to the Sunday School
of the Church of the Ascension, New York, for supplying his
Mission for two years past, with the Carrier Dove.
SAVANNAH RIVER MISSION.
• REV. S. W. KKNNERLY. MISSIONARY.
This mission formerly embraced a porition of the Diocese
of South Carolina, lying across the river opposite the City
of Savannah. In January, 1856, the Mission was disconnec¬
ted from the Carolina portion, and is at present entirely em¬
braced within the Diocese of Georgia. In connection with the
plantations on the river, it embraces a mission exclusively to
the colored people of the City of Savannah, which was com¬
menced in January 1856, known as St. Stephen's Chapel.
The Missionary is happy to be able to report that there are
favorable and encouraging indications for good among the
people on the plantations, judging from the attendance and
interest manifested in the services of the Church, though hg-
cannot report many accessions. He has only baptized four
36
adults and three children. There are more candidates for
baptism, hut they have thus far heen hindered by sickness
and other causes. In consequence of the sickness of the
Bishop, the class in preparation for confirmation has been
necessarily delayed. Among them are some who have been
baptized among the sects.
St. Stephen's Chapel, within the City, the Missionary is
very happy to report as being in a very flourishing condition?
and gives flattering promise of usefulness. His most sanguine
wishes, as well as expectations, are more than realized in
the success, through the Divine blessing, of this part of the
Mission.
From a very small beginning, through a gradual but
steady increase, he now regularly ministers, to a large and
attentive congregation. Besides those he has baptized,
several have been received into the communion of the Church
through the Apostolic rite of confirmation, who had been
baptized, some in the Roman Catholic Church, and some
among the sects; there are others now waiting for confir¬
mation.
This Chapel is sustained, by and is under the joint foster¬
ing care of the two parishes of St. John's and Christ Church,
to whose christian liberality it is, under God, indebted for its
existence. The funds for its support are received and disbur¬
sed through a Committee of Ladies of the Churchr one of
whom, Mrs. P. M. Kollock, acts as Treasurer.
While the Missionary takes great pleasure, in stating the
increasing zeal and interest, manifested in behalf of this Mis¬
sion by the members of the two communions of St. John's
and Christ Church, as indicated by their liberality in the sup¬
ply of means for its support, he cannot forego, the present op¬
portunity, of noticing and acknowledging with gratitude the
kind christian liberality of the congregation of St. John's
Church in making some special donations, at a juncture when
it was peculiarly needed, for the support and furtherance of
the Mission. He thanks God, who makes us both to will and
to do ; and prays for blessings upon them.
37
The Missionary, also, takes pleasure in acknowledging the
occasional assistance rendered him in the services of the
Chapel, by the Rev. Mr. Clark, Rector of St. John's, and the
Rev. Mr. Prvse, the City Missionary, for which he feels
thankful.
The children in the Sunday School, under regular catechetical
instruction average about one hundred and twenty-five
In connection with the Missionary, there are two superinten-
dants, and from ten to twelve regular teachers. The weekly
voluntary collections taken up among the colored people in
attendance at St. Stephen's Chapel, for only a part, of the ec¬
clesiastical year, amounts to $130 07. A good exponent of the
interest felt by the colored congregation for this infant Church.
The Missionary would commend this young and interesting
Mission-Chapel to the christian sympathies of all churchmen ;
and in conclusion, the Missionary would say to any who may
have any honest misgiving as to the adaptation of the services
of the Protestant Episcopal Church to the colored people,
"come and see." He asks the prayers of all churchmen?
and their hearty cooperation, in forwarding this good, but too
long neglected cause.
Communicants, ..... 45
Confirmations, ..... 8
Pupils in Sunday School in St. Stephen's Chapel, . 125
Superintendants, ..... 2
Teachers, . . • • • 10
Children under Catechetical instruction on plantations 45
Baptisms—adults,7;children, white 1, colored 4; total, 12
Marriages—white 1, colored 2; total, . . 3
BuriaJs—adults, 2; children, 2; total, . . 4
Contributions.
Weekly contributions at St. Stephen's Chapel, . $130 07
For Mission in Africa, , . . 2 50
SAVANNAH MISSION.
REV. JOHN T. PFYSE, MISSION A RV.
The Missionary reports, that, besides the ordinary duties, of
visiting the sick, relieving the distressed, and giving religious
instruction in various ways, he has, during the past year, per¬
formed the following services :
Baptisms, whites, adult 1, children 7; total, - S
Marriages, whites, . 5
Burials, . . . . . . 13
Administered the Holy Communion, 8 times, on three of such
occasions, to sick persons, in private.
Preached in divers places, within the Diocese, 12 times ; and
read service 19 times.
In addition to the above ministrations, the undersigned had
charge of St. John's Church, Savannah, in the absence of the
Rector, from the 28th of July last, till the 30th ot September
following; and also attended to parochial duty lor Christ
Church, in the absence of the Bishop, during the months of
September and October. The services performed for these
Churches, have been reported to their respective Rectors, and
are, therefore, not included in the above statistics.
The Bishop having been desired to suspend his duties for
a time, in order to the recruiting of his health, the under¬
signed, by request of the Vestry of Christ Church, has regu¬
larly officiated in that Church since the 7th of April.
The Missionary is glad to be able to state, that prepara¬
tions, are being made, for the immediate erection of the pro¬
posed Free Church, in Savannah, and he desires here, to
record his grateful acknowledgment to those who, by their
generous contributions, have so kindly aided the undertaking.
The recent subscriptions towards that object, including the
means previously in hand, amount to nearly $4,000 and it
is confidently hoped, that during the progress of the building
the sum still necessary for its completion will be made up
through the christian liberality of the church people of Sa¬
vannah. Exceedingly unique and beautiful designs have
39
been furnished by Mr. Noiman, architect, Philadephia, and
the Vestry are about to contract for the building of the
Church, which is to be placed in an eligible location, already
secured, in Calhoun Ward, in this city,
JOHN T. PRYSE,
Savannah,-May 7, 1857.
To the Rt. Rev. Stephen Elliott, D. D.,
Bishop of Georgia:
The undersigned, still engaged in teaching, has no Paro¬
chial charge. He has during the past year, assisted the Rec¬
tor of St. Paul's, as usual, on communion occasions, and has
rendered occasional service to the Rectors of both Churches.
It may be proper to add that he has, since the first of
March of the present year, been officiating at the Potteries in
Gardiner, S. C., within five miles of Augusta, with quite an
encouraging prospect, of establishing at that point, an interest¬
ing congregation including not only the operatives, but many*
from the neighborhood.
JOHN NEELY.
Augusta, May 5th, 1857.
To the Rt. Rev. Stephen Elliott, D. D..
Bishop of the Diocese of Georgia :
Rt. Rev. and Dear Sik :—Since the last Convention, I
have not been abie to perform the usual duties of a Clergy¬
man, with the exception of assisting, occasionally, in the
appointed services of the Church, and administering the
ordinance of Holy Baptism, by particular request.
Five children have been thus baptized.
Very truly, your servant, &.c.
SENECA G. BRAGG.
Macon, Ga., May 6, 1857.
*1^bstract [Parochial Heports—JDiocese of Greorgia.
CHl'KOKEf-.
Christ, Savannah,
St. Paul's, Augusta. -
Christ, St. Simons.
Christ, JJacon.
Trinity, Columbus.
Grace, Clarksville.
St. John's, Savannah. -
St. Stephen's, Milledgevlile.
St. Andrew's, Darien. -
St. David's, Glynn,
St. James', Marietta. -
Emanuel, Athens,
St. Peter's, Rome,
St. Phillip's, Atlanta. -
Zion, Talbotton. -
Advent, Madison,
St. Paul's, Albany.
Atonement, Augusta, -
Messiah, St. Marys, -
Ascension, Ca«s County. -
The Good Shepherd, Cave Spring
St. James', - Ogeechee. -
Savannah River Mission, -
Savannah City Mission.
Total,
Baptisms.
Confirmed, . . |
Communicants.
y
s
s=
¥
5"
•-J
is
Contributions.
S. Schools.
Infants. . .
>
t
H
o
E
>
Q,
A
C
n.
fS
5
o
6
p.
| Suspended,
1 Repelled or
1 Withdrawn..
Present
Number.
Diocesan
Missions,
[Domestic
| Missions.
>n
o
BS
'£ p
o'
e
©
x 5
3, 2
5 S?
§ J S
> s j
o
p
&
►e 1 H
S c
•g.
; ! ;
1
3( t
a
35
12
23
3
11
163
17
4
203 00
Ill 00
53 25 1091 75
453 60
1912 60
1.3
14
20
4
18
140
153
19
•29
1
34
19
30
103
132
20
178
7
1
15
D
6
1
C
76 00
62 93
39 00
777 00
52 00
78 10
til 75 1109 40
lO'I (ioi :ui 45
204 65
1503 80
585 38
79 15
3585 32
106
140
25
100
120
160
29
118
1
34
2
37
27
11 55
1978 27
28 60
437 55
15
29
2
15
202 00
190 50
8
8
13
4
98
1
3
-io 75
32 93
73 68
30
33
8
7
1
S
4
13
9
8
18
12
3
1
t;
4
4
1
.54
36
33
45
6
2
\
3
1
75 00
5 55
40 00
55 00
30 00
27 00
6 In
20 00
230 00
9 10
382 75
353 00
175 00
44 15
38 30
40 35
555 00
88 80
498 05
399 50
7
10
5
6
40
70
23
30
47
80
28
36
10
io oo
18
IS
7
18
19
7
77
24
11
6
21
2
4
120 00
163 01
io 00
50 79
130 00
284 07
11 50
5
8
31
52
36
00
1
5
1
IS 61
51 66
5 75
1
j
35
5
7
31
1
• 66
12
8
42
8
38
20
4
21
311
45
23
4
13
23
3
5
70
25 00
2 50
125 37
132 57
12
330
170
330
182
130 07
9964. 79
125
229
62
291
97
188
13
75
22
1330
147
1319 23
585 61
523 31
5960 35'1576 29
1287
1412
lit. Rev. S. Elliott, DD
K. E, Ford, D. D.
E. P. Brown.
II. K. Rees.
Wm. H. Hawks. (
S. J. Pinkerton.
G. II. Clark.
S.Pinkerton.
E. P. Brown.
B. E. Ilabershaui.
M. II. Ilenderson, D. D.
Wm. H. Clarke.
R. Johnson.
•f. II. George.
W. II. Hanson.
F. M. McAllister.
W.C. Williams.
S. W. Kennerlj.
J. T. Prvse.
•GSr* The assessments for the support of the Episcopate and the Convention expenses, are not. included in the above Abstract.
X. B.—As no report has been received from I be largest Parish and some of the smaller ones, the Abstract gives a very imperfect view of the state of the Diocew.
Dr.
I. Mon«in Smith, Treasurer, in account with Diocese of Georgia.
1856-7.
■3 May 12, Rec'd from
June 9,
" 30,
Aug. 22,
Bee. 11,
" 30,
" 31,
Mar. 14,
Apr. 10,
May 1,
Church of Atonement, Augusta, - $ 25 00
Emanuel Church, Athens, ^ - 10 00
Ogeechee Mission, ... 10 00
Trinity, Columbus, - - - 250 00
Grace, Clarksville, (1855-'56) - 26 00
St James, Marietta, ... 25 00
St. Paul's, Augusta, - - - 250 00
Christ, Savannah, - 500 00
St. Johns, Savannah, - - - 250 00
Christ, Macon, .... 300 00
St. Phillip's, Atlanta, 4 years to May,
1857, (arrearages.) - - - 40 00
Christ, Savannah, - 500 00
St. Paul's, Augusta, - - - 250 00
St. Andrew's, Darien, ... 25 00
Christ, Macon, - - - - 160 00
$2,620 00
SALARY OF THE BISHOP.
1856-7
To Paid Bishop Elliott's draft, dated August 20, 1850, at
90 days,
Bishop Elliott's draft, dated Dec. 8. 1856, at 90
days,
Dr. Camak on account of arrears due him while
Treasurer, -
Cr.
$1,250 00
1,250 00
120 00
$2,620 00
1856-7.
May 11th,
June 9th,
CONVENTION AND OTHER EXPENSES.
1856-7.
Rec'd. from St. Peter's Church, Rome, -
" " Church of the Atonement Augusta,
" " St. Paul's, Albany,
" " St. James', Marietta,
" " St. Andrew's, Darien, -
" " Emanuel, Athens,
" ■,.** Trinity, Columbus,
Anjount carried forward,
| 5 00
4 00
3 25
11 50
7 40
4 00
24 00
$ 69 15
June 30th, Paid to B. H. Griffin, printer, for balance due
on Journal of 1855, $ 42 81
July 11th, To Geo. N. Nichols, for printing Journal of
1856, 100 00
'• " Rev. W. C. Williams, quota of the Diocese to
General Convention, - - - - 33 OO
" " To defray contingent expenses of Seeretaiy, - 10 00
Amount carried forward, - - - - $185 &)
Dr.
TREASURER'S REPORT, DIOCESE OF GEORGIA—Continued.
CR-
1856-1.
Amount brought forward, -
June 30th, Rec'd. from Grace, Clarksville, for two years,
1855-6,
" 6th, " " St. Paul's, Augusta, -
" 30th, " " Christ, Macon, ...
July 11th, " " Christ, Savannah, ...
" " " St. John's, Savannah,
Sept. 1st, " " Christ, St. Simon's, ...
" " " St. David's, Glynn, -
'57, Ap. 10th, " " St. Phillip's, Atlanta, three year's
arrearages, -
" " " Christ, Macon, balance arrear¬
ages due, -
May 9th, " " St. Peter's, Rome, for arrearages,
$ 59 15
8 00
30 00
27 20
49 80
33 20
2 00
'2 00
18 00
140 00
10 00
$379 35
1556.
1857.
Amount brought forward,
$185 81
11 00
May 1st, Extra quota to General Convention,
14 8th, Balance in hand paid Dr. Camak on account of
arrearages due him, - • - 302 54
bO
$379 35
There is still a balance due Dr. Camak, late Treasurer, of $239 46.
J. MONGIN SMITH,
Treasurer of the Diocese of Georgia.
Jlf)e Colnnifniftee, Sioce.se of fieorgig, in qccounf toifb i 3. Sutton), I^sijlrelr, 6i\
Paid Rev. S. J. Pinker ton,
44 44 E. P. Brown,
44 44 J. H. Linebaugh,
" " W. H. Harison,
" " Geo. Macauley,
" " W. P. Gehagan,
44 " Dr. Henderson,
„ 44 W. H. Clarke,
1867.
May 8, Cash on hand,*
Total, -
Balance due on 1st May, 1856.
Due late W. P. Gehagan, -
44 R$v. E. P. Brown,
41 " Dr. Henderson, -
41 44 W. H. Clarke, -
• 44 44 S. J. Pinkerton, -
4 4 44 W. H. Harison, -
44 44 Rich'd Johnson, -
44 44 J. D. Gibson,
$39 00
100 00
91 67
•255 00
117 50
191 75
5 55
20 00
1820 47
618 38
$1433 85
$137 66
60 00
111 12
146 67
111 00
150 00
124 00
200 00
Cash received from St. Paui's, Augusta,
Grace Church, Clarksville,
St. James' Church, Marietta, -
Christ Church, Macon, -
St. John's Church, Savannah, -
Emanuel Church, Athens,
Ladies' Diocesan Missionary Society of
Christ Church, Savannah,
Boxes in Christ Church Savannah,
Trinity Church, Columbus,
St. Peter's Church, Rome,
on hand last statement,
Total,
$203 00
39 00
55 00
76 00
323 00
5 55
48 00
28 00
62 93
20 00
860 48
573 37
$1433 85
$1040 45
Missionary stations and Salaries of Missionaries for 1857—58.
Mission at St. Simons.—Rev. E. P. Brown, -
4 4 44 Athens.—Rev. Dr. Henderson, -
4 4 4 4 Rome.—Rev. W. H. Clarke,
4 4 4 4 Augusta.—Rev. W. H. Harison, -
Total, - - - -
[E. E.] J. S. HUTTON,
Treasurer of Missionary Committee, Diocese of Georgia.
CO
- $80 00
- 200 00
- 250 00
- 200 00
- $730 00
* This amount on band was all received within the laet few days, too late to be distributed among the Missionaries beforo Convention met.
J. S. H.
Permanent KYmd for the Support of the Episcopate,
Dr. James Camak, Treasurer, in account with Episcopal Fund, Diocese of Georgia. Gr.
1856.
1850.
May 10, Cash Re<
•eivi*(i from St. Paul's Church, Augusta,
St>7 :ui
May "25, Cash loaned at t per cent.
|190 01
" 30, "
•' Chriet Church, Macon,
45 00
« 10, "
" " Trinity Church, Columbu-,
till 00
" 10, "
Church of Atonement, August
t. i»; o5
|iyo oi
$180 01
Very Respectfully Submitted,
JAMES CAMAK, T.eiiHurer.
CONSTITUTION.
of the
rotestant €psc»pl Cjptrtj},
in the
BJOGESE OE GEOBGIA.
O
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 genera)
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, provided, however, that no Convention shall be
opened for the transaction 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 Standing Committee, shall have power, when it appears
requisite for the good of the Church, to call a Special Con¬
vention, by a circular letter to the several Churches. There
shall not be less than four weeks notice previous to the day
apoointed, and such meeting shall be holden where the au¬
thority calling it shall determine, and at such Special Conven¬
tion, no other business shall be transacted than that stated
in the riotice calling the Convention
Art. IV. The Convention shall be composed of Clergy¬
men and Laymen. Every Clergyman in good standing, reg¬
ularly settled, and continuously exercising clerical functions in
any existing Parish or wh6 shall have been for six months
last past performing missionary duties under the direction of
46
the ecclesiastical authority of this Diocese shall be entitled to
the privileges of a member of the Convention; and every
duly recognized Minister of this Church canonically resident
for six months last past within the Diocese, being engaged
in the business of literary instruction, or disabled by reason
of age or infirmity from exercising clerical functions, shall be
entitled to all the privileges of a member of the Convention,
with the exception of a right to vote. Each church or con¬
gregation in union with this Convention shall be entitled to a
representation by one Lay Delegate or more, not exceeding
three, to be chosen from its own body, by the Wardens and
Vestrymen thereof; provided, however, that the Minister, or
in his absence, the Delegate or Delegates present at any Con¬
vention, may snpply auy vacancy in the delegation, if he or
they should find, at the place of meeting, a member or mem¬
bers of the congregation which they are empowered to rep¬
resent.
Art. V. New Parishes may be admitted into union with
this Convention by a majority of votes: provided, that they
shall have laid before the Convention, written evidence, sub¬
scribed by the Wardens, that they accede to the Constitution
and Canons of this Church, and are regularly organized by
the election of two Wardens, and any number of Vestrymen^
at discretion, not exceeding eight.
Art. VI. Every meeting of the Convention shall be opened
with Morniug Prayer, and a Sermon delivered on the first
day of the Convention, by a Preacher appointed at the pre-
ceeding Conventien; 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 Presi¬
dent of the Convention.
Art. VII. The Convention shall deliberate and act as
one body, unless when a 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 pf each corigreg#-
47
tion 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 ex-officio
President of the Convention. In case there be no Bishop,
or, in his absence, a presiding officer shall be elected from
the clerical members present.
Art. VIII. At each annual meeting of the Convention, a
Secretary, and Treasurer shall be chosen, to hold their respec¬
tive offices until the next annual Convention, or until suc¬
cessors shall be appointed. It shall be the duty of the Trea¬
surer to receive, or cause to be received, at each annual Con¬
vention, the assessments upon the Parishes of the Diocese
for defraying the incidental expenses of the Convention 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 annual 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 meet¬
ings 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 a
Secretaiy from among their own number, and it shall be the
duty of the President to call a meeting of the cftmmittee
whenever he shall be required to do so by any three members
of the committee. Vacancies in this committee caused by
death, resignation, or otherwise, shall be supplied by the suf¬
frages of the remaining members.
Art. XI. The Convention shall triennially, at the session
immediately preceding the meeting of the General Conven¬
tion, elect four Clergymen and four Laymen, as Deputies to
the General Convention. The Deputies so elected shall be
authorized to represent this Diocese, in that or any special
General Convention, till their successors are chosen. They
48
shall be empowered, in the absence of one or more of their
colleagues, to appoint, in the place of sueh delegate or dele¬
gates, any citizen or citizens of this State; provided, thai
such citizen or citizens be a member or members of the Pro¬
testant Episcopal Church in this Diocese; or, if it be incon¬
venient for any delegate or delegates to proceed to the place
of meeting, the Bishop is Authorized to appoint others in their
place. In case of a vacancy in the Episcopate, the power
hereby conferred on the Bishop shall be exercised by the
Standing Committee.
Art. XII. A proposition for altering and amending this
Constitution shall be introduced in writing, and considered in
Convention, and if approved by a majority, shall lie over to
the next Convention, when upou consideration again, if it
be approved by a majority of the Convention, it shall be
adopted.
Art, XIII. In all elections by ballot, a majority of votes
shall be required for a choice.
CANONS.
Canon I. Each Church duly represented in the Conven¬
tion shall pay, or cause to be paid, into the hands of the
Treasurer of the Convention, the sum of twenty cei.ts for
each white communicant annually, for defraying the incident¬
al expenses of the Convention.
(■axon 11. In case any clergyman of this Diocese shall be
accused of en or iu doctrine, immorality of life, or neglect, or
transgression of any of the Canons of the Protestant Episco¬
pal Church in the United States, or this Diocese, it shall be
the duty of any two or more clerymen, or of the wardens
49
and vestrymen of the Church of which he is Rector, or to
which he may belong, who shall have knowledge or belief of
such misdemeanor, to represent the same to the Bishop, or, in
case there be no Bishop, to the Standing Committee, of the
Diocese. In the event of such representation, it shall be the
duty of the Bishop, or, if there be no Bishop, the Standing
Committee, if he or they shail deem the charge or charges
worthy of investigation, forthwith to notify the accused of
such charges, together with the time and place appointed for
trial. The mode of trial shall be as follows: The Bishop or
Standing Committee, as the case may be, s,hall appoint a
number of Presbyters, not less than five, of whom the person
accused may select a majority, by whom to be tried. The
result of the trial shall be made known to the Bishop, or if
there'be no Bishop, to the Standing Committee, who shall
pronounce and execute, or cause to be pronounced and exe¬
cuted, such sentence as may be awarded, should the same by
him or them be deemed just and proper.
Should the sentence be suspension or degradation from the
Ministry, the Bishop, or Provisional Bishop, or, should there
be none, some neighboring Bishop, shall be required to pro¬
nounce the same.
Should it be impossible to obtain from the Diocese the re¬
quisite 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 accord¬
ing 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 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
g
50
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 Episcopate of this Diocese.
Canon V. Section 1—Whenever any number of persons
shall associate to form an Episcopal congregation, they shall
adopt articles of association for their government, in which
they shall acknowledge and accede to the constitution, canons,
doctrine, discipline, and worship of the Protestant Episcopal
Church in the United States, and the constitution and canons
of the Diocese of Georgia; they shall assume a suitable
name by which their Church or Parish shall be designated,
and elect two Wardens and any number oi" Vestrymen, at
discretion, not exceeding eight. A certified copy of the ar¬
ticles of association and of the proceedings at their adoption
signed by the Wardens, shall then be laid before the Conven¬
tion, and if approved by that body, delegates from such con¬
gregation or parish may take their seats in the Convention,
and the congregation shall be considered as iwiited to the
Convention, and subject to its decisions.
Sec. 2.—The election of WTardens and Vestrymen in every
Parish thus constituted, shall take place annually on Easter
Monday, unless some other time be specified in the act of in¬
corporation, with the assent of the ecclesiastical authority of
the Diocese.
fUlis rrf #rbcr.
O
Rule 1. The business of each day shall be introduced by
the Order of 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.
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 Conven¬
tion, 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 Conven-
vention.
8. Reports from Committees.
9. Elections by ballot of Treasurers, Standing Commit
tee of the Diocese, Diocesan Missionary Committee,
and Deputies to the General Convention.
Rule 4. When any member is about to speak in debate,
or present any matter to the Convention, he shall, with due
respect address himself to the President, confining himself
strictly to the point in debate.
Rule 5. No member shall absent himself from the ser¬
vice of the Convention unless he have leave, or be unable to
attend.
Rule 6. No member shall speak more than twice in the
same debate, without leave of the Convention.
Rule 7. A question, being once determined, shall stand
as the judgment of the Convention, and shall not be drawn
52
into debate the same session, unless with the consent of two-
thirds of the Convention : provided, always, that any mem¬
ber of the Convention voting in favor of any question, may,
on the same day on which the vote is taken, or on the suc¬
ceeding day, move a reconsideration of said vote.
Rule 8. No motion shall he debated, or shall be consid¬
ered as before the Convention, unless seconded, reduced to
writing, and read by the Secretary.
Rule 9. When a motion is under consideration, no other
motion shall be made, except to amend, to divide, to commit,
or to postpone ; a motion to adjourn, however, shall always
be in order,, and shall be decided without debate.
Rule 10. A question on amendment, shall be decided be¬
fore 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 Convention from voting.
Rule 12. When the Convention is about to rise, or ad¬
journ, every member shall keep his seat until the President
shall leave the chair.
53
#f % ®rgarajation of fUto |)asisjtts.
ADOPT i I) IN 1842,
Resolved, That in the organization of new Parishes, the
following form of declaration be recommended, and the meet¬
ing in which it is adopted be held and conducted according
to the provision of Canon V:
"We, the subscribers, assembled for the purpose of organ¬
izing a Church (or Parish,) of the Protestant Episcopal
Church, in — county of , and State of Georgia,
after due notice given, do hereby agree to form a Church, (or
Parish,) to be known by the name of Church,
and as such, do hereby acknowledge and accede to the doc¬
trine, discipline, and worship, the constitution and canons of
the Protestant Episcopal Church of 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, and E F, G H, I J, to be
the first Vestrymen of — Church, to continue in office
until Easter Monday, A. D. , and until others be chosen
in their place. And an election of Wardens and Vestrymen
shall 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 »
<®f % 1st of Cjwrtjjes.
ADOPTED 1812.
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 use."
54
Stijlx M ©tk of Cjrortjjes.
The proper style for a duly incorporated congregation is,
'* The Rector, 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.
^
Jfcrrm of Certifiottt.
This certifies that at a meeting of the Rector, Wardens
and Vestry, (or Wardens and Vestry, if no Rector be pre¬
sent) of field on the day of — , the
following person, (or persons, as the case may be,) viz : K,
L, M, N, and 0 P, were duly elected to represent this Church
in the next Convention of this Diocese, to be held in
on the day of 18 .
The above certificate shall be signed by tbe Rector, if
present, or in his absence, by one of the Wardens or by the
Secretary of the Vestrv.
ttpfUmeid.
o —
ADDRESS OF THE BISHOP.
To the Clergy and Laity of the Diocese of Georgia :
Dearly Beloved Brethren—When the condition of my
health unexpectedly hurried me away to Cuba, it was my
intention to have returned in time to meet you in Convention
at Columbus. This I afterwards found to be impracticable,
as well as inexpedient, and not having with me in Cuba the
journal of my official acts, it was impossible for me to
prepare any communication for that venerable body. This
omission I am now permitted to repair by the action of the
Convention, instructing the Secretary to introduce into the
Journal any matter I might: desire, upon my return, to offer
to the notice of the Diocese.
It gives me pleasure to inform the Diocese that my resi¬
dence of two months in Cuba has removed all the ill symp¬
toms under which I labored, and restored me to my accus¬
tomed health. I trust that the life which a merciful God has
so graciously preserved, may be more faithfully devoted to
his service and the advancement of the cause of Christ and
his Church among you. •
During the past year my official acts have been compara¬
tively few, in consequence of my absence at the North in at¬
tendance upon the General Convention, and my subsequent
illness. This commenced early in February and continued
during the four months in which ray visitations are usually
made to the Churches of my Diocese
My first official act was performed in St. James" Church,
Marietta, on Sunday, May 11, 1856, when the Rev. Samuel
J. Pinkerton was admitted to the Holy Orde* of Priests.—
56
Mr. Pinkorton still continues his connexion with St. Andrew's
Church, Darien, and Grace Church, Clarksville. Upon the
same day I confirmed in St. James' Church seven persons.
On Monday, May 12. 1857. 1 admitted to the Holy Order
of Deacons in St. James' Marietta, the Rev. Mr. Macauley.
Mr. Macauley was. at the time of his ordination, in extreme¬
ly delicate health, but desired to die with his harness on, in
his master's service. 1 could not but gratify his desires,
although the fatal symptoms which were upon him soon ter¬
minated his ministerial career. Upon the same day, I con¬
firmed in private another member of St. James' Church.
Sunday, May 25,1 confirmed in St. Paul's Church, Augusta,
twelve persons, one of whom was colored. In the afternoon,
I catechised the children of the White Sunday School, and
addressed the children of the Colored Sunday School. At
night, I confirmed two persons in the Church of the Atone¬
ment.
June 4, I confirmed in the City of Savannah, in private,
two ill persons, one white and the other colored.
Sunday, July 20, I confirmed in St John's Church, Sa¬
vannah, two persons.
Sunday, July 27, I confirmed, at the Church upon the
plantation of the Messrs. Heyward, in connexion with the
Ogeechee Mission of the Rev. Mr. Williams, forty-two per¬
sons, all colored.
Sunday, Aug. 24, I confirmed in St. Stephen's Chapel,
Savannah, two persons, both colored, in connexion with the
Mission of the Rev. Mr. Kennerly.
Sunday, Sept. 7, I visited St. Peter's Church, Rome, and
confirmed ten persons. This Parish is rapidly reviving
and growing strong under the faithful ministry of the Rev.
Wm. H. Clarke.
Early in the subsequent, week, I visited Cave Spring,
Floyd County, Ga., and reached* the village an hour or two
subsequent to the death of the Rev. Wm. Macauley, who
was residing there and officiating so far as his declining health
would permit. It was gratifying to Jearn that he had received
b i
every kind attention which his situation demanded, and had
died in full trust in the atoning blood of his Lord and Master,
Jesus Christ. His funeral services were held the next day
and were attended by the villagers en masse. The Rev Mr.
Clarke preached a very impressive funeral sermon over hi-:
remains. Thus terminated in a few brief months the minis¬
terial career of' a pious and promising young man. who re¬
moved to the South too late to arrest the progress of an in¬
sidious malady.
Sunday, Sept 14, 1 officiated for the residents of the Look¬
out Mountain, Tenn., upon which occasion ihe attendance
was quite large, and the services most appropriately conducted
in one of the rooms ot the new hotel.
Sunday, Sept 21, I performed Episcopal services at Knox-
ville, for Bishop Otey, preaching twice and confirming.
Sunday, Sept. 28, 1 officiated in Richmond, Va., preaching
twice during the day.
During the month of October, I was engaged in attendance
upon the General Convention which commenced its session in
the city of Philadelphia, on Wednesday, the 1st day of October.
Had I been permitted to meet the Convention of the Diocese,
I should have offered my views at some length upon the im¬
portant acts and recommendations of that august body, but
under present circumstances, it may be as well to postpone
them for a year, during which period, we can watch their
practical operation, and note their influence, whether for good
or for evil.
Sunday, Nov. 16, I confirmed, in St. Stephen's CImpel,
Savannah, six persons, all colored. This mission to the col¬
ored people of Savannah is under the charge of the Rev. S.
W. Kennerly, and is supported by the voluntary contribu¬
tions of the two congregations, of Christ Church and St.
John's. It is an exceedingly interesting mission and is suc¬
ceeding up to the highest expectation of its friends and sup¬
porters. We trust that a few years more of labor will place
it upon a permanent footing and render its success indispu¬
table.
H
Sunday, Nov. 30, I admitted to the Holy Order of Deacons,
Mr. Marion McAllister. This was to me a very interesting
ordination, as Mr. McAllister was one of the children of our
Sunday School, aud belonged to the Diocese by every tie of
nativity and culture. He is officiating very acceptably at the
Mission Church in St. Marys.
Chrismas Eve, I held a special confirmation in St. Stephen's
Chapel and confirmed one person.
January 11. 1857, I confirmed in St. John's Church, Savan¬
nah, thirteen persons. This congregation is in a most flour¬
ishing condition under the charge of the Rev. Mr. Clark.
This confirmation closed my official acts for the year.—
Soon after this time I was attacked with cold and cough,
which threatened my lungs, and my throat, and forced me to
abstain from all public exercises of whatever kind.
While I still thought that I should be able to meet the Con¬
vention of-the Diocese, I issued a circular to the Wardens
and Vestry of each Church in the Diocese, calling their atten¬
tion to the proposed Southern University and Theological
Seminary, under the auspices of ten of the Southern Dioceses,
and requesting them to send Lay Delegates to the Conven¬
tion, that the subject might be fully considered and acted upon.
In consequence of my absence and from the lack of any
communication from me the subject was not acted upon. As
it is important that Georgia should be represented in the
preliminary meetings, I shall request the Chairman of the
Standing Committee to accompany me to the Lookout Moun¬
tain, at which place the Bishops are to assemble on the 4th
July next. We can assist in giving shape to the measures
of the meeting, even though we cannot commit the Diocese
to those measures.
During the past year our Diocese has been called to mourn
the loss of a young and promising Clergyman, the Rev.
'WesleylP. Gehagan, late Rector of Zion Church, Talbotton.
He died at Atlanta, very soon after the adjournment of the
last convention, under the hospitable roof of the Rev. Mr,.
Johnson. Altho' young in the ministry, he had gained for
59
himself the esteem and affection of all who knew him, and
gave promise of great usefulness, had his life been longer
spared. But his Master took him early to his rest, and gave
him his reward without demanding from him much service
upon earth.
During the past year, no Clergymen have left the Diocese,
and the vacancies occasioned by the death of Mr. Gehagan
and Mr. Macauley have been filled by the accession of Dr.
Henderson, transferred from the Diocese of New-Jersey, and
by the ordination of Mr. McAllister. I rejoice likewise to
say that there have been no changes in the pastoral relations
of the Diocese, save in the single case of the Rev. Mr. Ma-
caulay, who resigned the charge of St. Stephen's, Milledge-
ville, and is at present teaching in Bainbridge, Decatur Co.
Since the last Convention, Mr. Gierlow has been transferred
to the Diocese of Tennessee, reducing our candidates for orders
to two.
Trusting that the Bishop and Shepherd of Souls may have
you all in his holy care and keeping, I recommend you to his
grace and loving kindness.
STEPHEN ELLIOTT,
Bishop of the Diocese of Georgia.
o
PAROCHIAL REPORT
OF
CHRIST CHURCH—SAVANNAH.
RT. REV. STEPHEN ELLIOTT, RECTOR.
Baptisms—White infants - - - - 16
Colored " - - - - i
Total, 17
Marriages—White - - - - - H
Colored - - - - 1
Total - - - - 12
60
Burials—White Adults
" Infants
Total
Communicants -
Sunday Schools—Scholars -
Teachers
Total
Contributions.
Communion Alms and Boxes
For Diocesan Purposes:
Ladies Missionary Society of Christ Church,
two Dividends on Bank Stock - - $204
From Treasurer - - - - - 158
Placed in Communion plate - - - 12
$374 00
Expended as follows :
Missionary to Colored People in Savannah $150
Two Quarters Salary Missionary to St. Marys 100
" " " " to Rome 125
$375 00
Amount Collected for City Missionary - $700 00
Domestic Missions (of which $32 from Ladies
Missionary Society,) - - - $156 00
Foreign Missions :
Chinese Society - - - $307
Church and Sunday School (of which $32 from
Ladies' Missionary Society,) - - 260
$567 oO
Prayer Book Society - - - - 59 00
Support of Episcopate - - - $1000 00
The Rector cannot conclude this report without returning
thanks to his congregation for their generous liberality to¬
wards himself. He also embraces the opportunity of pub¬
licly and gratefully acknowledging a very handsome testi¬
monial of affection from St John's Church.
8
2
10
250
118
1.9
137
$769 13
RIGHT. REV. STEPHEN ELLIOTT, J). I)..
BISHOP OF THE 'piOCESE OF GEORGIA.
Post Office—-Savannah.
"w/7/// /////"»"
REV. EDWARD E. FORD. D. D.. AUGUSTA.
PRESIDENT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE
REV. W. C. WILLIAMS, SAVANNAH,
SECRETARY OF THE CONVENTION.
i
MR, N. C. MTINROE, MACON,
TREASURER OF THE DIOCESE.
MR. J. S. HUTTON, SAVANNAH.
TREASURER OF THE MISSIONARY COMMITTEE.
DR. JAMES CAMAK. ATHENS,
TREASURER OF EPISCOPAL FUND.
The next Convention of the Church will he held in
St. John's Church, Savannah, commencing on Thursday
after the first Monday in May, 1858.