DIOCESE OF GEORGIA. Cljtrfir-llintli Annual Conlmttimt. IMLXDCOai-XI. EMORY UNIVERSITY LIBRARY GIFT OF ^V.U.W.^ox JOURNAL OP THE THIRTY-NINTH ANNUAL CONTENTION OF THE IN THE DIOCESE OF GEORGIA, HELD IN Christ Church, Macon, Commencing May 9, 1861. A SAVANNAH; STEAM PRESS OF JOHN M. COOPER A CO. 1861. Providing a Fund for the Support of the Widows and Orphans of Deceased Clergymen. Adopted 1854. Whereas, This Convention heartily acceding to the recommendation 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 deceas¬ ed Clergymen 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 Sun¬ day next before or after Christmas. Therefore Resolved, That the Wardens and Yestry 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. » Amended and Adopted 1858. 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 Eector of a Parish is instructed annually, on the 2nd Sunday after Easter, or in case of his absence or sickness at that time, on some other Sunday, to call the attention of his parishoners 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 meeting a Treasurer of the Episcopal Fund; who shall invest the same in his discretion, until the further order of this Convention, and who shall report the state of said fund, and how invested at each annual meeting. fpiist tbt of the DIOCESE OP GEORG-IA. The Right Rev. STEPHEN ELLIOTT, D. D. Bishop of the Diocese of Georgia, and Rector of Christ Church, Savannah. BARTOW, THEODORE B * Chaplain in the U. S, Navy. BENEDICT, SAMUEL Rector of Si. James' Church, Marietta, BROWN, EDMUND P. Rector of Christ Church, St. Simon's, and St. David's Church, Glynn. P. 0. St. Simon's Island. CLARK, GEORGE H. Rector of St. John's Church, Savannah. CLARKE, WILLIAM H. Rector of St. Peter's Church, Rome, COLEY, CHARLES H. Assistant Minister of Christ Church, Savannah. EASTER, JOHN D. Rector of the Church of the Messiah, St. Mary's, and St. Mark's Church, Brunswick. » EPPES, WILLIAM E. Rector of Grace Church, ClarJcesville. FIELDING, JOHN Residing in South Carolina. FORD, EDWARD E. D. D * Rector of St. Paul's Church, Augusta. FREEMAN ANDREW F. Rector of St. Philip's Church, Atlanta. GEORGE, J. HARDIN Missionary at Griffin. * Not present at Convention. 6 CLERGY. HARISON, WILLIAM H. Rector of the Church of Atonement, Augusta. HAWKS, WILLIAM N* Rector of Trinity Church, Columbus. HENDERSON, M. H., D. D. Rector of Emmanuel Church, Athens. HUNT, JOHN J. Residing in Marietta. ^ JOHNSON, RICHARD* Officiating in South Carolina. LANEY, SAMSON D * Deacon, residing in Columbus. MACAULEY, GEORGE Rector of St. Paul's Church, Albany. MEREDITH, JAQUELIN M. Beacon, Missionary to Colored People on the Altamaha River< P. 0. Darien. NEELY, JOHN* riding in Augusta. PINKERTON, SAMUEL J* Rector of St. Andrew's Churchy Darien. PRYSE, JOHN T.* Rector of Huntingdon Mall, Savannah. REES, H. KOLLOCK* Rector of Christ Church, Macon. STALEY, T. JEFFERSON Deacon, having Charge of SL Stephen's Chapel, Sa¬ vannah, and Missionary to Colored People on adjacent Plantations. THOMAS, CHARLES W. Deacon, Chaplain in Confederate States Xavy. WARD, WILLIAM N * Residing in Virginia. WILLIAMS, WILLIAM C. Missionary to the Colored People on the Ogeechee River. P. 0. Savannah. Rev. J. M. Mitchell, of the Diocese of Alabama, and Messrs. Crawford and Thomas, Candidates for Holy Orders in the Diocese, were present during the session of the Convention. * Not present at Convention. LIST OF LAY DELEGATES OF THE DIOCESE OE GEORGIA. Christ Church, Savannah. James Potter,* R. R Cuyler* George A. Gordon. Si. PauVs Church, Augusta. ¥i. P. Carmichael, Geo. A. Oates. Alfred C. Force, Christ Church, Macon. L. N. "Whittle, N, C. Munroe, J, Mercer Green, M. D. Trinity Church, Columbus. H. V. Meigs,* Daniel Griffin,* A. H, Chappell. St. John's Church, Savannah, John S. F. Lancaster, F. W. Sims,* ¥m. R Boyd. ♦Not Present at Convention. lay delegates, St. Stephen's Church, MilledgeviUe. J. R. Cotting, M. D., J. s. Thomas, Gen. H. C. Wayne. Emmanuel Church, Athens. James Camak, M. D. * R. D. MOOBB, M. D. * T. W. Rucker * James' Church, Marietta. William Root, N. M. Cooke, M. D., J. T. Jarmon. Peter's Church. Rome. H. M. Anderson, M. D., John W. Noble, Keating S. Simons * St. Philip's Church, Atlanta. S. B. Oatman, ' D. N. Judson,* H. L. Currier, M. D. Advent Church t Madison. Geo. R. Jesstjp,* Wm. H. Burr,* Henry Booth.* St. Paul's Church, Albany. G. W. Smith, R. K. Hines, Goode Bryan.* Church of the Atonement, Augusta. James Hope,* Benjamin Conley, Alexander Wildman,* Joseph E. Marshall. St. PauVs Free Church, Savannah. R. M. McClellan, J. Mc L. Turner, John M. Guerard. ♦Not Present at Convention. |0Ut«JiL Christ Church, Macon, ) Feast of Ascension, May 9, 1861. j This being the time and place appointed for holding the Thirty-Ninth Annual Convention of the Protestant Episco¬ pal Church in the Diocese of Georgia, Morning Prayer was read by the Rev. Mr. Harison, Rector of the Church of the Atonement, Augusta. The Rt. Rev. the Bishop of the Diocese said the Ante-Communion Service. In the absence of the Clergymen appointed to preach the Convention Sermon, a discourse was delivered by the Rev. A. F. Freeman, Rector of St. Philip's Church, Atlanta, from St. John, xvii. 3: 11 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent." The Rt. Rev. the Bishop of the Diocese, assisted by the Rev. Mr. Harison, administered the Holy Communion. After Divine Service, the Convention was called to order by the Bishop.- The Secretary called the Roll of the Clergy, and the following answered to their names, viz: Rt. Rev. the Bishop of the Diocese, Rev. Edmund P. Brown, Rev. J. H. George, Rev. Geo. H. Clark, Rev. Vm. H. Harison, Rev. Wm. H. Clarke, Rev. M. H. Henderson, D. D., Rev. Chas. H. Coley, Rev. John J. Hunt, Rev. J. D. Easter, Rev. T. Jefferson Staley, Rev. A. F. Freeman, Rev. Wm. C. Williams. The certificates of the election of Lay Delegates were pre¬ sented and read. Ordered, That they be referred to a Committee on Credentials. The Chair appointed as the Committee, Rev. Messrs. Hari¬ son, Brown, and Henderson, D. D. B 10 JOURNAL. The Committee reported all the certificates to be in due form except that from St. Stephen's Church, Milledgeville, and therefore that the following persons are entitled to seats: Christ Church, Savannah—James Potter, R. R. Cuyler, Geo. A. Gordon. St. Paul's Church, Augusta—Wm, P. Carmichael, George A. Oates, Alfred C. Force. Christ Church, Macon—L. N". Whittle, N. C. Munroe, Jas. Mercer Green, M. D. St. John's Church, Savannah—John S. F. Lancaster, F. TV. Sims, TVm. R. Boyd. Emmanuel Church, Athens—R. D. Moore, M. D., James Camak, M. D., Tinsley TV. Rucker. St. James' Church, Marietta—TVm. Root, N. M. Cooke, M. D., James T. Jarmon. St. Peter's Church, Rome—Henry INI. Anderson, M. D., John TV. Noble, Keating S. Simons. St. Philip's Church, Atlanta—S. B. Oatman, D, 1ST. Judson, H. L. Currier, M. D. Advent Church, Madison—Geo. R. Jessup, TVm. H. Burr, Henry Booth. St. Paul's Church, Albany—G. TV. Smith, R. K. Hines, Goode Bryan. Church of the Atonement, Augusta—James Hope, Benja¬ min Conlej7, Alexander TVildman. St. Paul's Free Church, Savannah—R. M, McClellan, J. Mc L. Turner, John M. Guerard. The certificate from St. Stephen's Church, Mill edge ville, was laid over for further consideration. The roll of the Lay Delegates was called, and the following answered to their names: Messrs. Gordon, Oates, Force, Mun¬ roe, Whittle, Green, Lancaster, Root, Jarmon, Anderson, Noble, Smith, Hines, Guerard. There being a quorum of both Orders present, the Conven¬ tion was declared duly organized. The Rev. William C. Williams was re-elected Secretary. JOURNAL. 11 The Secretary appointed Rev. Wm. H. Clarke, Assistant Secretary. *■ The certificate of election of Lay Delegates from St. Ste¬ phen's Church, Milledgeville, was taken up. On motion of Mr. Gordon— Resolved, That Dr. John R. Cotting, Col. J. S. Thomas, Adjutant General "Wayne are entitled to seats in this body. General Wayne accordingly took his seat. On motion of Eev. Mr. Williams— Resolved, That the rules of Order of the last Convention be adopted for the government of this Convention. On motion of Rev. Wm. H. Clarke— Resolved, That Clergymen of other Dioceses, and Candidates for Holy Orders, tvho may be present, be invited to take seats in this Convention at any time during its sessions. The Rev. Mr. Clarke was requested to extend this invita¬ tion. It was accepted by Messrs. Thomas and Crawford, Candidates for Orders in this Diocese. The following Standing Committees were appointed by the Chair: On the State of the Church.—Rev. Messrs. Harison, Hen¬ derson, D. D., and Brown. On the Admission of New Parishes.—Rev. Mr. Rees, Dr. Anderson, and Mr. Gordon. On Unfinished Business.—Rev* Mr. Freeman, Rev. George H. Clark, and Mr. Hines. On motion of Mr. Whittle— Resolved, That there be but one session of this Convention each day during its continuance, and that the hour of Morning Service be at half-past ten o'clock, and of adjournment not later than three o'clock. Mr. Gordon presented the report of the Wardens and Ves¬ try of Christ Church, Savannah, in relation to the Fund for the Relief of Widows and Orphans of Deceased Clergymen. Ordered, That it be printed in the Appendix to the Journal.* ♦See Appendix B. 12 journal. After prayers by the Bishop, the Convention adjourned to the hour of Public Worship to-morrow morning. At night, Evening Prayer was read by the Eev. Mr. Easter, and a Sermon preached by the Rev. Dr. Henderson. Friday, May 10, 1861. Morning Prayer was read by the Eev. Mr. Coley. and a Sermon preached by the Eev. Mr. Williams. After Divine Service the Convention was called to order. Present as yesterday, with the addition of the Clergy of the Eev. Messrs. Benedict, Macauley, and Eees, and of the Laity, of Messrs. Carmichael, Boyd, Cooke, Oatman, Currier, Conley, McClellan and Turner. The minutes were read and confirmed. A certificate of the election of Lay Delegates from Trinity Church, Columbus, was presented and read. Also, a certifi¬ cate from the Church of the Atonement, Augusta, under the fourth Article of the Constitution. The above certificates were referred to the Committee on Credentials, who reported them in due form. Trinity Church, Columbus, H. V. Meigs, Daniel Griffin, Absalom H. Chappell. Church of the Atonement, Augusta, Joseph E. Marshall as a substitute for Mr. Wildman. Mr. Marshall appeared and took his seat. The application of St. Luke's Church, Camden County, for admission into union with this Convention was presented by Eev. Dr. Easter. Ordered, That it be referred to the Committee on the Admission of New Parishes. The Bishop then read his Annual Address. Brethren of the Clergy and Laity: We meet, to-day, under circumstances very unlike any which, have ever surrounded us since our connection as Bishop and people. Hitherto we have assembled as an Eccle¬ siastical Council, with no cares resting upon our hearts save those which concerned the Church of Christ. To-day we feel most painfully, in addition to these, the sorrow which arises from the severed ties of friendship and of country. Hitherto peace has ever smiled upon our meetings with her bright face of prosperity and security. To-day the whole land is re¬ sounding with the preparation for war — war with those who, until a few months since, were our countrymen and our breth¬ ren. Hitherto our Church has moved undisturbed through all the storms which have agitated the civil State. To-day a stern necessity is laid upon us to examine relations which we fondly hoped would be indestructible. May God's Holy Spirit shed more abundantly than ever upon us the spirit of wisdom and of understanding, and may we receive grace to' put away from us all pride, prejudice, and passion, and to consult together as the children of the God of Love and disciples of the Prince of Peace. As an ordinary rule, the Church of Christ has but little to do with political events, and our own branch of that Church has most scrupulously avoided all entanglement with parties and their unceasing conflicts. She has ever inculcated the Apostolic rule that " the powers which be are ordained of God," and has enjoined upon her members the Christian du¬ ties of reverence for established authority, and of obedience to law and order. Even up to this moment, through all the 14 ADDEESS OF THE angry discussions, and excited passions of the last seventy years, she has never, in any of her numerous synodical con^ ventions, taken any part in the sectional movements which have agitated and convulsed the Union. Although the ablest laymen of the country, many of them politicians, warmly engaged in the current strife of the day, have held seats in her councils, they have invariably abstained, while in Ecclesiastical session, from all interference with politics, and have ever confined themselves to the legitimate business of the Church, the advancement of "Peace on earth, good will towards men." Whatever may have been their private opinions, they have carefully held them in abeyance, while engaged in the councils of the Church. This wise and Christian conduct has made the Episcopal Church a wonder and a glory in the land, and while most of the other Christian bodies of the late United States have been engaged in strife and bitter conten¬ tion, and have many of them long since severed all christian union and communion, our Church has never permitted these distracting questions to enter within her consecrated walls. Amid the present confusion and distraction of the country, she can lift up clean hands and a pure heart and appeal to the God of Heaven that she has had no part nor lot, as a Church, in producing the strife which is rapidly marching to dip its feet in blood. But while, as a Church, she has had no share in producing the condition of things which exists around her, she i3 never¬ theless involved in that condition, and cannot, by any means, be made independent of it. Every member of the Church is a member likewise of the Commonwealth, unless, as Hooker says in the 8th book of his Ecclesiastical Polity, "the name of the Church be restrained in a Christian Commonwealth to the Clergy, excluding all the residue of believers.11 And being members at the same time of the Church and of the Commonwealth, the circumstances and relations of the one must affect the circumstances and relations of the other. 'Tis true that " under dominion of infidels" as in the times of the primitive Church, " the Church of Christ and their Common- BISHOP OF GEORGIA. 15 wealth were two societies independent," but in that case a state of antagonism existed between Christianity and Pagan¬ ism, which absolutely forbad any mutual dependency between them. Bat when the Commonwealth, as in our times, is, if not professedly, at least practical^, Christian, it is almost im¬ possible to draw any line which can separate the relations of the Church from the relations of the Commonwealth. The actions of the Commonwealth being the actions of the citizens of that Commonwealth, and those citizens making up the body of the Church and forming its Legislature, there must be, inevitably, a mutual relationship and dependency. It can not be got rid of, without abolishing the whole framework of constitutional and canonical law which binds together the Protestant Episcopal Church of this country. That organization, which is styled the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States, was built up out of the frag¬ ments of the Church of England which remained in the States after the Esvolution. But little change was made in anything pertaining to its essential character as a part of the Church Catholic of Christ. It retained the Apostolic Minis¬ try in its three Orders of Bishops, Priests, and Deacons; the Apostolic Faith, as embodied in the Creeds, the Articles, and the Formularies of the Church; the Sacraments as ordained by Christ himself. Its liturgical worship was adapted from that of the Church of England, with such modifications only as rendered it suitable to the new order of the civil state. But when it came to consider its relations to the State, it found itself in a condition different both from the Church of Eng¬ land and the Church of Rome. In the Church of England, the Head of the State was likewise the Head of the Church, thus making the Commonwealth and the Church " one socie¬ ty," to use Hooker's phrase. In the Church of Eome, the Bishop of Eome did not suffer the Church to depend upon the power of any civil Prince or Potentate, but made himself the centre of Catholic unity. The Church in this country could follow neither of these models; not the Church of Eng¬ land, because by the Constitution of the United States, any 16 ADDRESS OF THE union between Church and State was prohibited: not the Church of Rome, because she did not recognize the supremacy of the Bishop of Eome. She found herself therefore indepen¬ dent of the Commonwealth, and free to establish such relations with the civil authority as she might deem best. And it is out of the decision to which she came, that the necessity arises for some action on our part in view of the secession of the State of Georgia from the Federal Union, and of the formation, in connection with other States, of an independent government, to wit: "the Confederate States of America." Had the Episcopalians who convened to organize a Church in the United States and to obtain for this country the succes¬ sion of Bishops, been satisfied to receive that succession from the Church of England, and to establish its Episcopate with¬ out any absolutely restricted jurisdiction, governing the Church through councils of Bishops and Presbyters, the Church should have been independent of all State boundaries, and should have been unaffected in its relations by any changes in the civil state. But the jealousy of Episcopal and even priestly authority, which existed in this country after the Revolution, made this independence seemingly hope¬ less. It was deemed necessary to organize the Church upon the model of the Constitution of the United State^ to create a Grejieral Convention in which Laymen should have an equal representation with Clergymen and by which all Ecclesiastical law should be established and modified, and to define sharply the jurisdiction of Bishops. This was done by making their Dioceses co-terminous with the States in which they were established, and giving to each Diocese, no matter what its size, an equal representation in the House of Clerical and Lay , Deputies as well as in the House of BisIiods. Each Bishop was tied down to his jurisdiction by a marriage which admit¬ ted of no divorce. His privileges as a Bishop of the Church Catholic of Christ no human organization could affect, but all his privileges as a Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the United States, arose />ut of his connection with his particular jurisdiction, and expired with that jurisdiction. BISHOP OF GEORGIA. 17 Ifjie resigned his jurisdiction, he was still a Bishop of the Church of Christ; of that nothing could divest him; but he became ineligible to any Diocese then in union with the Pro¬ testant Episcopal Church in the United States or afterwards to be admitted into union with it, was deprived of his seat in the House of Bishops, and could perform the functions of his Episcopal office only at the request of a Bishop having Ec¬ clesiastical jurisdiction. He ceased, in fine, upon his resigna¬ tion, of his jurisdiction, to be a Bishop of the Protestant Epis¬ copal Church in the United States. And this strict connection of the Episcopate with jurisdiction has been extended to our Foreign Missionary Bishops with the like scrupulous jealousy. In the Canon of Foreign Missionary Bishops it is distinctly provided that they shall have no jurisdiction except in the place or country for which they may have been elected or consecrated; that they shall not be entitled to seats in the House of Bishops; that they shall not even be eligible to an organized Diocese of the United States unless with the consent of three-fourths of all the Bishops entitled to seats in the House of Bishops. The animus of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States, therefore, clearly is, that the Bishop shall go with his jurisdiction. He is a Bishop of the Protestant Epis¬ copal Church in the United States, not because he is a Bishop of the Church Catholic, but because he is the Bishop of ^faine, or of New York, or of New Jersej'-, as the case may be. When the jurisdiction therefore of a Bishop declares itself, in the exercise of its rightful sovereignty to be thenceforth and forever separated from the other jurisdictions which make up the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States, it forces him necessarily into a like separation. Should he, in conse¬ quence of this action of the State in which his Diocese lies, resign his jurisdiction he gains nothing, for by that act he is no longer a Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States, nor can he ever again be. If he does not resign he is likewise in the same predicament, for his jurisdiction hav ing declared itself out of the Union, he must necessarily go 0 18 ADDRESS OF THE out with it. So that, in any case, the separation of his jurisdic¬ tion severs him at once from the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States, not simplj because the Church must follow the nationality, but because the Church of the United States has trammelled itself with constitutional and canonical provi¬ sions which forces the Church and its Bishop into this attitude. And this difficulty is very much increased, when a Bishop's jurisdiction is separated by a formal exercise of sovereignty, which he believes to be constitutional, of which he heartily ap¬ proves and which he deems absolutely necessary. Was his jurisdiction in a state of rebellion or insurrection, it might be his duty patiently to await the issue of the struggle, and to bear and suffer what might be laid upon him in the perform¬ ance of his episcopal functions. But we are not in any such condition. The State, which is co-terminous with our Diocese, has, in the exercise of her unquestioned sovereignty and with the almost unanimous consent of her people, resumed the powers which she had delegated to the Federal Government, and has confederated herself with other States, which have in like manner resumed their delegated powers, forming an entirely new government under a constitution prepared with great wisdom and moderation and ratified by the people of tlie said States in convention assembled. There has been no force, no violence, no compulsion, no necessity laid upon any man *to vote otherwise than his conscience or his will dictated. These States have passed, without any civil convulsion what¬ ever, in the most solemn manner, with fasting and prayer, from one government to another, and are to-day as independent of the Federal Union, as France is of England, or Prussia is of Spain. These States are no longer, in any sense, a part of the United States, and consequently the Bishops of these States or Dioceses, for in this connection those words are synonymous, are no longer Bishops of any of the United States. They are now Bishops of the Confederate States. ^Vas any one of us to present himself at the door of the House of Bishops at the next General Convention, and demand his seat, the question might fairly be asked him, '• Are you a Bishop having juris- BISHOP OF GEOKGIA. 19 diction in one of the United States of America?" If lie answered that he "was, he would be ignoring the action of the State in which his jurisdiction lies, renouncing his alle¬ giance to her, and would be in every legal sense guilty of treason. If he should reply that he was not, then the answer would be, "No Bishop is entitled to a seat upon tins floor, unless by courtesy, who is not a Bishop of one of these Uni¬ ted States;" and so with our Clerical and Lay deputies. They would occupy precisely the same ground, and would neces¬ sarily pass through the same catechism. It has been asked, "Might we not meet once again in Gen¬ eral Convention and there determine upon the future relations of the respective Dioceses?" Putting aside the difficulties which might arise in pursuing such a course from a state of war, which now seems inevitable, we must not forget that it is our duty, as a Church, to maintain, if we think its action right, the dignity of the Government of which we are now the law¬ ful subjects, and never, by any action of ours, to lower in any degree its position in the eye of the world. Such a step as disunion would never have been taken so unanimously and so peaceably by the States which formed the new Confederacy, if there had not been a profound feeling of its absolute necessity. Too many ties of friendship, of sympathy, of interest; too many associations with the past, and too many aspirations for the future, bound the North and the South together, to permit the Union to have been broken, if a deep sense of utter inse¬ curity under the Government of the United States, had not impressed itself upon the minds and hearts of the people of the South. It is due to those with whom we have been so pleasantly united as a Church, that they should understand this matter — that they should not suppose this separation to have taken place under the impulse of passion, or at the beck of ambition. It has been done most solemnly—with tears in our eyes, and prayers upon our lips — with a lively sense of our duty to God, to our children, and above all to the race whom he has committed to our guardianship and Christian nurture. However the world may judge us in connection with 20 ADDKESS OF THE our institution of slavery, we conscientiously believe it to be a great missionary institution—one arranged by God, as he arranges all the moral and religious influences of the world, so that good may be brought out of seeming evil, and a blessing wrung out of every form of the curse. TV e believe that we are educating these people as they are educated no where else; that we are elevating them in every generation; that we are working out God's purposes, whose consummation we are quite willing to leave in his hands. We do not ex¬ pect infidels — men who are clamoring for a new God, and a new Christ, and a new Bible—to believe this, but we did hope that Christian men, our brethren in the faith of Christ, and in the hopes of eternity, would credit our integrity and our faithfulness. TVe feel sure, that when the whirlwind of passion shall have passed, we shall receive justice at the hands of God's people, being determined, meanwhile^ by the grace of God, to defend with the sacrifice of everything, if need be, this sacred charge which has been committed to us. We can not permit our servants to be cursed with the liberty of licen¬ tiousness and infidelity, but we will truly labor to give them that liberty wherewith Christ has made us all free. In pursuance of these views, the Bishop of Louisiana and myself addressed, as the senior Bishops of the seceded States, the following letter to the Ecclesiastical Authority of each of the Dioceses of the Confederate States, recommending the course which, after Consultation, we concluded to be the best for the deliberate determination of our future course of action: University Place, Franklin County, Tenn., ) March 23, 1861. f Rt. Ret. and Dear Brother: The rapid march of events, and the change which has taken place in our civil relations, seem to us, your brethren in the Episcopate, to require an early consultation among the Dioceses of the Confederate States, for the purpose of considering their relations to the Protestant Episcopal Church of the United States, of which they have so long been the equal and happy members. BISHOP OF GEORGIA. 21 This necessity does not arise out of any dissension which has occurred -within the Churclx itself, nor out of any dissatisftction with either the doctrine or the discipline of the Church. We rejoice to record the fact that we are to-day, as Churchmen, as truly brethren as we have ever been, and that no deed has been done, nor word uttered which leaves a single wound rankling in our hearts. "We are still one in faith, in purpose, and in hope. But political changes, forced upon us by a stern necessity, have occurred, which have placed our Dioceses in a position requiring consultation as to our future Ecclesiastical relations. It is better that those relations should be arranged by the common consent of all the Dioceses within the Confederate States, than by the independent action of each Diocese. The one will probably lead to harmonious action, the other might produce inconvenient diversity. "We propose to you, therefore, Rt. Rev. aud Dear Brother, that you recommend to your Diocesan Convention, the appointment of three Clerical and three Lay Deputies, who, together with the Bishop of the Diocese, shall be Delegates to meet an equal number of Delegates from each of the Dioceses within the Con¬ federate States, at Montgomery, in the Diocese of Alabama, on the 3d day of July next, to consult upon such matters as may have arisen out of the change in our civil affairs. We have taken upon ourselves to address you this Circular because we hap¬ pen to be together and are the senior Bishops of the Dioceses within the Confederate States. Very Sincerely and Truly Yours, LEONIDAS POLK, STEPHEN ELLIOTT. The object of this meeting is simply, as yon will perceive, to determine our ecclesiastical relations with the Dioceses from which our jurisdictions have been separated. We have no quarrel with the divine organization of the Church, none with its faith, none with its worship, none with its discipline. But we must adjust anew our ecclesiastical relations. They have been disturbed if not destroyed by the disruption of the Union, and we should see to it at once, that nothing is done to compromise our own position or that of the Confederate States. I "recommend therefore to this Convention the ap¬ pointment of three Clerical, and three Lay Deputies, who 22 ADDRESS OF THE with the Bishop, shall represent this Diocese in a Convention to be held in Montgomery on the 3d day of July next. Soon after the State of Georgia seceded, I issued directions to my Clergy to pray for the Governor of the State instead of the President of the United States. As the President of the Confederate States has announced, in his late Message, the adoption by all the seceded States of the permanent Consti¬ tution of the Confederacy, I now instruct the Clergy .to cease praying for the Executive of this State, and to substitute in the prayer for the President of the United States the word "Confederate"" in place of the word "United" and in the prayer for Congress to say " as for the people of these Con¬ federate States in general " so especially for their " Delegates in Congress assembled," whenever that Congress shall be in session. My first official act during the past year was confirming on Friday night, May 11, 1860, in St. Stephen's Chapel, Savannah, seven persons, all of whom were colored. On Sunday morning, May 13,1 confirmed in Christ Church, Savannah, eight persons, all white. On the same day in the afternoon, I confirmed in St. Paul's Free Church, Savannah, five persons. On Sunday morning, May 20, I confirmed in the Church of the Messiah, St. Mary's, four persons, one of whom was colored. On Tuesday, May 22, I confirmed in St. Mark's, Brunswick, nine persons, and on the next day I baptized in the same church one adult, and one infant, and confirmed another candidate. These two Parishes of St. Mary's and St. Mark's are reviving and strengthening under the energetic care of Dr. Easter. He has also succeeded in forming a self-support¬ ing Parish in Camden County upon the Satilla Eiver, which ■when occupied by a Missionary, will complete the chain of missionary posts upon all the great rivers of the State, south of the Savannah. On Sunday morning, May 27, being "Whit Sunday, I con¬ firmed in St. Paul's, Augusta, eight persons. This has been an eventful year to St. Paul's. It has been completely reno- BISHOP OF GEORGIA. 28 vated and improved internally, and furnished with, a very fine organ. I regret to add that its faithful Pastor, Dr. Ford, who has served the Church for twenty-seven years has sent in his resignation to the Vestry, on account of continued infirm health. The Vestry has very properly refused to accept it, and requested him to take two years complete rest for which they will provide, and meanwhile procure a Clergyman to supply Dr. Ford's place during his absence. This action is alike honorable to both parties, and has been acceded to by Dr. Ford, with tte same frankness with which, it was offered. On Sunday afternoon. May 27, Whit Sunday, I confirmed in the Church of the Atonement, Augusta, six persons. On Sunday night, June 3, I confirmed in St. Philip's Church, Atlanta, eleven persons. On the next night in the same Church, I confirmed two persons. On Wednesday afternoon, June 6, I preached in Marietta. Sunday morning, June 10, I confirmed in Emmanuel Church, Athens, seven persons, and on Monday morning, June 11, I confirmed another sick candidate at his home. Wednesday morning, June 13, I confirmed in the Church of the Advent, Madison, one person. Sunday morning, J une 17, I confirmed in Grace Church, Gainesville, five persons, and on Wednesday night, I con- •firmed in the same Church, five other persons, Sunday, June 24, I paid a second visit to Emmanuel Church, Athens, and confirmed seven persons, making ii^ all fifteen persons from this Church. Dr. Henderson is still pursuing his active and vigorous ministry in Athens and its neighborhood, making the Church known and respected all around him. July 6, I admitted to the Holy Order of Deacons in St. John's Church, Savannah, the Eev. T. J. Staley, Mr. Staley was a licentiate among the Methodists. He at once took charge of St. Stephen's Chapel for colored persons, and of one or two plantations upon the Savannah. River, and has been labor¬ ing very acceptably and successfully at these points. 24 ADDKESS OF THE Thursday, August 30, I commenced my visitation of St. James' Church, Marietta, and officiated at night. Friday, Au¬ gust 31, I admitted in the same Church to the Holy Order of Priests, at the request of the Rt. Eev. Dr. Otey, the Rev. William Mowbray of the Diocese of Tennessee. Saturday, September 1, I confirmed in private, two white persons, and on Sunday, in St. James' Church, eleven persons. I found this Parish in a state of great activity under the care of the Rev. Mr. Benedict. On Wednesday, October 10, I assisted in the presence of a very large assemblage of the Bishops, Clergy and Laity of the Church, in laying the Corner Stone of the main building of the University of the South. This great enterprise, thus successfully inaugurated, has been checked for the winter, by the confusion of public affairs, 'and* the temporary division of the Dioceses which made up the Board of Trustees; seven of them having seceded and formed "the Confederate States," •while the remaining three adhered to the United States. The recent action of Arkansas, Tennessee and North Carolina, all of which have passed ordinances of secession, will soon re-unite the Ten Dioceses under one Government. Mean¬ while the funds which have been subscribed are securely invested, bearing good interest, and ready for use when the condition of things shall make it prudent to resume the active work upon the University. During the session of the Board of Trustees, held on th^ three days subsequent to the 10th, the Constitution and Statutes of the University, which had been laid over for final consideration, were revised and adopted by the Board. They form an almost perfect model of such an University as the South needs, and have received every where the approval and admiration of the learned. Sunday, October 28, and Sunday, November 11,1 officiated in Christ Church, Savannah, that Church being without a Rector. I again officiated in the same Church on the Sundays of the 2d, 9th and 16th of December. Friday, December 7, I admitted in St. Paul's Free Church, BISHOP OF GEORGIA. 25 Mr. EL E. Tschudy, to the Holy Order of Deacons. Mr. Tschudy acted for some months as the assistant Ministe'r of St. Paul's Free Church, but in consequence of the rupture between the North and South, has been transferred, with the consent of Bishop Potter, to the Diocese of Pennsylvania. Friday, December 14, I admitted in Savannah, the Rev. John D. Easter to the Holy Order of Priests, and the Rev.* Jaquelin M. Meredith, to the Holy Order of Deacons. Mr. Meredith was transferred from Virginia as a Candidate for Orders. He has taken charge of plantations upon the Alta- maha, containing nearly eight hundred slaves, a noble field of Missionary enterprize. The four plantations make him up a salary of one thousand dollars. Sunday, November 18, and December 30, I officiated in Calvary Church, Memphis, where I had the pleasure of find¬ ing a former Presbyter of this Diocese, the Rev. Dr. "White, most usefully and successfully employed. During the absence of Bishop Otey, I confirmed two invalids and received one of them, a member of my own Diocese, to the Holy Com¬ munion. Friday, December 14, I confirmed in the evening at St. Stephen's Chapel, Savannah, three persons. Early in January, I was called to Montgomery to perform the last sacred offices of the Church, over the remains of my dear friend and brother in the Episcopate, the Rt. Rev. Nich¬ olas H. Cobbs. I officiated at his funeral, in connection with as many of his Clergy as could be gathered together upon the sad occasion. As in the address which I delivered upon, that occasion, and which has been published, I expressed my opinion at large of his excellencies and usefulness in the Church of Christ, I shall dwell no further upon the great loss which we all, but especially his own people, have sustained in his death at this particular crisis of affairs. May his Clergy and Laity be successful in electing a successor worthy of his piety and faithfulness. Monday, January 14, at the request of the Standing Com¬ mittee of the Diocese of Alabama, I examined Mr. Gray, for D 26 ADDRESS OF THE Deacon's Orders, and on Tuesday, January 15, I admitted him in St. John's Church, Montgomery, to the Holy Order of Deacons. Sunday, January 20, I confirmed a second time, in St. Philip's Church, Atlanta, and added six to the number con¬ firmed in June, making nineteen within the year. The Rector is very much straightened for room, the Church being over crowded with even its ordinary congregation. Sunday, February the 17, I confirmed in St. Peter's Rome, nine persons, two of whom were colored. This Church is in a very wholesome and well ordered condition, advancing steadily in numbers and in the influence of holiness. Sunday, February 24, I held a second confirmation in St. James' Church, Marietta, when seven additional candidates were presented, making twenty in this Church for the year. In the interval between my two visits, the Church had been very much improved, and a school edifice erected for the use of the pupils connected with the Female School established under the care of the Rector. I would embrace this opportunity to recommend this School to the patronage of the Church in Georgia. Easter Sunday, in the morning, I confirmed in Christ Church, Savannah, (one of whom was from St. Paul's,) seven persons, and at night in St. John's Church, Savannah, five persons. Sunday, April 7, I officiated in Christ Church, Savannah. Sunday, April 21, I visited St. Paul's Church, Albany, and confirmed three persons. This is now a rapidly growing Parish, and bids fair from immigration to be soon among the strongest in the Diocese. Sunday, April 28, I confirmed in St. Andrew's Church, Darien, seven persons, two of whom were colored. I found this Parish in an excellent spiritual condition and increasingly alive to its duty to itself and all around it. As one of the fruits of this spirit is the mission among the negroes upon the Altamaha, of which Mr. Meredith has taken the charge. This is sustained by Planters who are communicants of this BISHOP OF GEORGIA. 27 Parish, and it should be legitimately credited to the praise of St. Andrew's. ♦ On Monday morning, April 29, in company with Mr. Mere¬ dith, I visited the plantation of Mr. Nightingale, on Cambus Island. The negroes were all gathered together, having been given a holiday for the purpose, and after the reading of the service by Rev. Mr. Meredith, I addressed them upon the importance of the mission to them and theirs. There are at this place a large number of communicants of the Episcopal Church, but they need re-gathering and revival. In the afternoon of the same day the Missionaryand myself visited Potosi, the plantation of Mr. Richard Morris. The house was crowded to excess, and the people seemed deeply interested in the services. Mr. Meredith read the service and I addressed them very much upon the same topics as in the morning. Tuesday morning, April 30, the Missionary and myself took boat early and crossed over to the magnificent estate of the late John Butler, of Philadelphia. This estate lies upon an island, which it entirely occupies and upon which are' some five hundred negroes. It is a parish in itself. The house used for service could not contain one half of the congregation. The children themselves form a congregation. As at the other plantations Mr, Meredith read the service and I addressed them on the importance of his pastoral services to them and their children. These people have had preaching enough and to spare, what they lack now is pastoral instruction. They are very intelligent and anxious for religious knowledge. Taking our boat after service we returned to Darien, and drove out to the plantation of Lieut. C. Manigault Morris, Cevlon, where we held an afternoon service. There were no confirmations at any of these places, as Mr. Meredith has been engaged for too short a time in his work to have prepared any, as they should be prepared. Sunday, May 5, I officiated in Trinity Church, Columbus, and at night confirmed a very interesting class of nine persons. Trinity Church has been very much improved within the last 28 ADDRESS OF THE few months, having been entirely renovated and its sittings increased to a very large extent. It can now furnish accom¬ modations at least for its own congregation. Daring the past year, I have ordained the Eev. Messrs. Staley, Meredith, and Tschudy to the Diaconate, and have ad¬ mitted the Eev. John D. Easter to Priest's Orders. As I have already stated, Mr. Staley is officiating in St. Stephen's Chapel, Savannah. Mr. Meredith is Missionary upon the Altamaha, and Mr. Tschudy has been transferred to the Diocese of Penn¬ sylvania. I have received the Rev. J. G. Downing from the Diocese of South Carolina, and the Eev. Wra. E. Eppes from the Diocese of Florida. I have transferred the Eev. Mr. Cur¬ tis to the Missionary jurisdiction of Arkansas. There have been very few Parochial changes during the past year, and these have arisen mainly from ill-health or from new adjustments within the Diocese. The resignation of Mr. Curtis from St. Stephen's, Milledgeville, and his removal to Arkansas, is very much to be regretted, for he was truly valued and beloved among us. I have deemed it best, under the circumstances of the Dio¬ cese and the Country, to resume my pastoral charge of Christ Church, Savannah. The Yestry has given me an assistant, and I have selected the Eev. Charles Coley, of Madison, for that post. His acceptance of the charge has vacated the Church of the Advent at Madison. Three Candidates for Orders have been received during the year, Mr. Charles A Grant, of Savannah. Mr. G. E. Crawford, of Hawkinsville, and Mr. Charles W. Thomas, late a highly esteemed minister of the Methodist Church, and a Chaplain in the U. S. Navy. These together with Mr. Starr and Mr. Geo. Easter make up our number of Candidates. During the past year, our oldest and most venerated Pres¬ byter has been called to his rest. The Eev. Seneca G. Bragg, for so many years the faithful and beloved pastor of this Church, and a most efficient member of all the important com¬ mittees of the Diocese, has gone to join all those faithful souls whom he had guided, as a true shepherd, to the Heavenly BISHOP OF GEORGIA. 29 fold. He was a man full of faith, and of the Holy Ghost. To the simplicity and guilelessness of a child, he "united the dig¬ nity and the power which holiness invariably gives. His heart was all love, his tongua was all charity. Men looked upon his walk and conversation, and believed in the religion of Jesus Christ. Never man was more beloved. Dot only by his own people, but by all around him. When his eye was dim and his natural force abated, it was truly touching to witness the care which was taken of him by his parishioners. Never having married, he seemed to be a member of every house¬ hold, for whom too much could not be done. He made his home with his old beloved friend and parishioner, Mr. Mun- roe, under whose roof he gradually decayed. During the summer he went to New-York to visit, for the last time, his nephews and nieces, and was too weak to return. He died in that State, in January, entering into the rest which he so ardently desired. And now, my brethren, I commend you to the care and keeping of Him, who has promised to be with His Church always to the end of the world. STEPHEN ELLIOTT, Bishop of the Diocese of Georgia. On motion of Rev. Mr. "Williams, the following resolution was adopted: Resolved, That so much of the Bishop's Address, as refers to our relations to the Protest-int Episcopal Church, in the United States, be referred to a Com¬ mittee of three Clergymen, and three Laymen. At the request of the Bishop, the Committee was elected by ballot. The Bishop appointed Mr. Carmichael, Dr. Green, and Mr. Root, Tellers. 30 JOURNAL. The Tellers reported the following persons elected: OF THE CLERGY: Rev. W. C. Williams, Rev. H. K. Rees. OF THE LAITY: Geo. A. Gordon, Esq., L. N. Whittle, Esq., General Wayne. On motion of Mr. Conley, the Rev. Wm. U. Clarke was unanimously appointed the third clerical member of the Com¬ mittee. Rev. Mr. Benedict submitted the following resolution which was adopted: Resolved, That three thousand copies of the Bishops Address be printed for distribution in the Church, North and South. On motion of Mr. Whittle — Ordered, That the Parochial Reports* be referred to the Committee on the state of the Church, without being read. The reports of the Treasurer of the Permanent Fund for the support of the Episcopate, f of the Treasurer of the Mis¬ sionary Committee, X and of the Treasurer of the Diocese, fl were presented. Ordered, That they be referred to a Committee on Finance. Committee on Finance, Messrs. Munroe, Conley and Lan¬ caster. The Standing Committee submitted the following report, which was received: The Standing Committee beg leave to report the following official acts since the last Convention of the Diocese : They have recommended Mr. Charles Allen Grant, Mr. G. E. Crawford, and Mr. Charles W. Thomas to be received as candidates for Holy Orders. They have signed the Canonical testimonials, recommending for Deacons Orders, Mr. Thomas J. Staley, Mr. Henry E. Tschudy, Mr. Jaquelin M. Meredith, Mr. George W. Easter, Mr. Charles "W. Thomas, and for Priests Orders, Rev. John D. Easter, and the Rev. Henry E. Tschudy. REPORT. EDWARD E. FORD, President. * See Appendix A. + See Appendix C. % See Appendix D. J See Appendix E. journal. 31 The Committee on Unfinished Business reported as follows: report. The Committee on Unfinished Business, beg leave to report that they have ex¬ amined the Journal of the last Annual Convention of this Diocese, and find that there is no unfinished business therein deferred over to this Convention, except the following resolutions on page twenty-seven. Eesolced, That so much of the Bishop's Address as refers to the subject of Parish boundaries, be referred to a Committee of three Clergymen, and three Laymen, with the Bishop as Chairman. Resolved, That the same Committee be instructed to inquire whether it ia ex¬ pedient to legislate on the subject of differences between Rectors and their Congregations. "Which committee has not reported. Respectfully submitted, A. F. FREEMAN, Chairman. On motion of Mr. Gordon, the standing order in regard to the hour of meeting, was repealed. On motion of the same, it was Ordered, That the Convention meet to-morrow morning at half-past nine. The Convention then adjourned, after prayers by the Bishop. At night, Evening Prayer was read by the Eev. Mr. Bene¬ dict, and a Sermon preached by the Rev. Geo. H. Clark. Saturday, May 11, 1861. Morning Prayer was read by Rev. Mr. Staley, and a Sermon preached by Rev. Dr. Easter. After Divine Service the Convention was called* to order. Present as yesterday, with the addition of Messrs. Chappell, Cotting, Thomas, and the exception of Rev. Mr. Coley, and Messrs. Hines, and Marshall. The Rev. Mr. Mitchell, of the Diocese of Alabama, being present, Rev. Messrs. Rees, and George H. Clark, were ap¬ pointed a Committee to invite him to take a seat in the Con¬ vention. He accepted the invitation. 32 JOURNAL. The minutes were read and confirmed. Mr. Conley offered the following resolution: Resolved, That the Convention of 1862 be held in the Church of the Atone¬ ment, Augusta, on the Thursday, after the first Sunday in May. Rev. Mr. Benedict moved to strike out Church of the Atonement, Augusta, and insert St. James Church, Marietta. Mr. Chappell moved to divide the motion, so as to take the question first on striking out. It was so ordered. The Church of the Atonement, Augusta, was stricken out. The motion to insert St. James' Church, Marietta was re¬ jected. • On motion of Rev. Mr. Freeman, St. Philip's Church, At¬ lanta, was inserted. The resolution was adopted, so as to read : Resolved, That the Convention of 1862 be held in St. Philip's Church, At¬ lanta, on the Thursday after the first Sunday in May. Mr. Gordon presented the following REPORT: The Committee to consider so much of the Bishop's Address to the Convention of 1860, as refers to Parish boundaries, and the propriety of legislating on the subject of differences between Rectors and their Congregations, beg leave re¬ spectfully to report: That on the subject of Parish boundaries they do not deem it expedient to legis¬ late ; and on the latter subject, they beg leave to present a Canon( which they recommend be printed in the Appendix to the Journal,* and laid over for con¬ sideration at the next Convention. STEPHEN ELLIOTT, # WM. C. WILLIAMS, SAMUEL BENEDICT, GEO. A. GORDON, L. N. WHITTLE. The report was adopted. The Committee to whom was referred the Bishop's Ad¬ dress presented the following * See Appendix F. JOURNAL. 33 REPORT : The Committee appointed to consider so much of the Bishop's Address as re¬ fers to the relations of this Diocese to the Protestant Episcopal Church, in the United States, beg leave to submit the following report: Whereas, By the Constitution and Canons of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America, "the jurisdiction of that Church extends in right only to the persons belonging to it, within the United States;" And whereas, this Diocese being now included in a different nationality, is beyond that jurisdiction: Therefore be it Resolved, That tne relations of this Diocese to the Protestant Episcopal Church, in the United States, need re-adjustment. Resolved., That this Convention, heartily approving the Bishop's recommenda¬ tion, do now proceed to elect three Clerical and three Lay Deputies, who with the Bishop, shall represent the Diocese, at the Convention of the Dioceses of the Confederate States, to be held at Montgomery, Alabama, on the third day of July next. Resolved, That the action of the Montgomery Convention be referred to the Convention of this Diocese for ratification. WM. C. WILLIAMS, HENRY K. REES, WM. H. CLARKE, GEO. A. GORDON, HENRY C. WAYNE, L. N. WHITTLE. The resolutions were taken, up and severally adopted. Rev. Mr. Benedict moved to strike out the Preamble. The vote was directed to be taken by orders. Clergy — Ayes, Eev. Mr. Benedict — 1. Clergy — Noes, Rt. Rev. the Bishop of the Diocese, Rev. Messrs. Brown, Geo. H. Clark, William H. Clarke, Freeman, George, Harison, Henderson, Macauley, Rees, Staley, "Wil¬ liams—12. Parishes — Ayes, Church of Atonement, Augusta — 1. ;N"oes — Christ Church, Savannah; St. Paul's Church, Au¬ gusta; Christ Church, Macon; Trinity Church, Columbus; St. John's Church, Savannah; St. Stephen's Church, Mil- ledgeville; St. James' Church, Marietta; St. Peter's Church, Rome; St. Philip's Church, Atlanta; St. Paul's Church, Albany; St. Paul's Free Church, Savannah, —11. E 34 JOURNAL. The preamble and resolutions were then adopted. Mr. Guerard submitted the following resolution: Resolved, That the authority of the Montgomery Convention to alter, abridge, enlarge or amend the book of Common Prayer, shall be restricted to such altera¬ tions as may become necessary in the prayers for our Civil rulers, in conse¬ quence of the withdrawal of this Diocese from the United States. On motion, the resolution was laid on the table. On motion of Mr. Whittle — Resolved, That a Committee of three Clergymen be appointed by the Chair, to report suitable resolutions as a tribute to the memory of the late Rev. Seneca G. Bragg. Committee, Rev. Messrs. Williams, Brown and Eees. The Convention proceeded to elect Deputies to the Conven¬ tion at Montgomery. The Bishop appointed Messrs. McClellan, Force, and An¬ derson. Tellers. While the votes were being counted, the Committee on Finance submitted the following REPORTS: The Committee to whom was referred the report of John M. Guerard, Treasurer of the Diocese, beg leave to report, that they have examined the same and find it duly sustained by the proper vouchers, and that a balance of $560 61 is in the hands of the Treasurer. N. C. MTOTROE, Chairman. The Committee to whom was referred the account of Dr. James Camak, Treasurer of the Episcopal Fund, beg leave to report: That they have examined said account, and find that two thousand dollars has been invested in bonds at eight per cent, interest; and that there remains in the hands of the Treasurer $119 70. N. C. MUNROE, Chairman. The Committee on Finance to whom was referred the account of TV. "W. Lin¬ coln, Treasurer of the Missionary Committee, find the charges supported by the proper vouchers; and that there is a balance of $382 50 in the hands of the Treasurer. N. C. MUXROE, Chairman. The reports were received and adopted. JOURNAL. 85 The Committee on the State of the Church presented the following REPORT: The Committee on the State of the Church begs leave to report the following abstract of the Parochial Reports, viz: Baptisms „ 355 Confirmations, 157 Communicants, 2184 Sunday School Teachers, 175 " " Scholars, 1743 Communion Alms, $2,252 55 Diocesan Missions, 2,404 62 Domestic and Foreign Missions, 2,041 44 Church and Charitable Objects, 15,288 08 The Committee would call attention to the increased contributions recorded under the head of Diocesan Missions—part of the amount there stated probably did not pass through the hands of the Missionary Committee, being reported a3 special appropriations made by Christ Church, Savannah, to St. Stephen's Church, the mission among the colored people of Savannah. Regarding this as legitimate mission work within the Diocese, your Committee felt justified in placing the amount under the general head. "While we congratulate the Con¬ vention on the increased interest manifested in our own proper mission labor, we must express the conviction that the amount thus received is not commensu¬ rate with either the importance of the work or the ability of the Diocese; and urge upon the Clergy and Laity the necessity of continued effort to promote the spread of the Church within the borders of our own State. The gross amount contributed for Church and charitable objects will, on ex¬ amination, be found to fall greatly below the sum recorded in the journal of last year. Your Committee deem it proper to state that the present political status of the country has doubtless had an influence in restricting the offerings of the members of the Church, and prompting them to supply the wants of those in whom they had a personal interest, and who have been called into the service of the State. Yet with both these causes in operation, your Committee is glad to notice that the gross amount does not fall short of the average contributions made during the past few years. Your Committee cannot close without congratulating the Convention upon the earnest Christian work going on among the colored people of the Diocese. 86 JOURNAL. Evidence of this is found in the large number of Parishes now reported as having colored Sunday Schools forming part of their regular Parochial system. And also in the gratifying fact that two Clergymen have been added to the list of those who are willing to devote themselves exclusively to the spiritual train¬ ing and pastoral care of these people. The Diocese has in this particular field an important trust to fulfil—and in the measure of its ability is now fulfilling it. "We feel that continued effort in this direction will be rewarded with abundant fruit. That in the race committed by the Providence of God to our care and tutelage, the system of the Church will work itself out in the manifestation of high forms of Christian character;, and in the establishment of that beautiful province of the Master's kingdom upon earth—even the kingdom of the heart and the affections—developed perhaps more fully in them than in those who are intellectually their superiors. Respectfully submitted, W. H. HARISON, Chairman, M. H. HENDERSON, E. P. BROWN. Macon, May 11, 1861. On motion of Mr. Gordon, the following Provisional Canon was adopted: CANON. The Digest of the Canons for the government of the Protestant Episcopal Church, in the United States of America, adopted in General Convention Octo¬ ber, 1859, in so far as the same is applicable, shall continue the law of the Church in this Diocese, until otherwise ordered. The Committee on the Admission of New Parishes presented the following REPORT: The Committee on the Admission of New Parishes report; that they have ex¬ amined the certificate of the organization of St. Luke's Parish, Camden County, and find it in order, and recommend that the said Parish be received into full connection with the Protestant Episcopal Church of the Diocese of Georgia. HENRY K. REES, Chairman, GEORGE A. GORDON, m. H. M. ANDERSON. 1 he report was adopted. The hour having arrived for electing the Treasurers, Stand¬ ing, and Missionary Committees. The rule of order requir¬ ing these elections to be by ballot, was suspended. JOURNAL. 87 The following persons were tlien re-elected Treasurers: Treasurer of the Diocese: JOHN M. GUERARD, Esq. Treasurer of the Permanent Fund: JAMES CAMAK, M. D. Treasurer of the University of the South: JAMES CAMAK, M. D. Treasurer of the Missionary Committee: W. W. LINCOLN, Esq. Before the Convention took up the election of the Trustees of the University of the South, the Rt. Rev. the Bishop of the Diocese, presented the following letter: Rt. Rev. Stephen Elliott, D. D.: My Dear Sir: — The state of my health making it impossible for me to dis¬ charge the duties of a Trustee of the University of the South, I am reluctantly compelled to resign my situation as one of the Board, and to ask of the Diocese to supply my place with some one more capable of promoting the interests of the Institution. . With my earnest wishes for the prosperity of the great work for the success of which you have so patiently labored, I am with the highest respect, your friend, J. HAMILTON COUPER. The Bishop appointed Messrs. Currier, Oates and Boyd, Tellers for this election. The Tellers appointed to count the votes for deputies to the Montgomery Convention, reported that the Rev. W. C. Wil¬ liams and Rev. H. K. Rees of the Clergy, Messrs. George A. Gordon and L. N. Whittle of the Laity, had been duly elected. The Convention proceeded to ballot for one Clerical and one Lay Deputy. On motion of Mr. Jarmon — Resolved, That in accepting the resignation of J. Hamilton Couper, Esq., as Trustee of the University of the South, this Convention cannot forego the oppor- 38 journal. tunity of testifying their high appreciation of his devoted services, and expressing their sincere thanks to him for his efforts in advancing the great interests com¬ mitted to his charge. Resolved, That the Secretary toe directed to transmit to Mr. Couper a copy of this resolution. On. motion, of the Rev. William. H. Clarke, the Conven¬ tion re-elected the following Missionary Committee: Rev. Geo. H. Clark, George A. Gordon, Esq., Rev. J. T. Pryse. Wm. B. Giles, Esq., On motion of Rev. Mr. Harison, it was Resolved, That the rules of order adopted by this Convention be, and they are hereby made the standing rules of order for the Convention of this Diocese, subject to revisal and amendment On motion of Rev. Wm. H. Clarke — Ordered, That fifteen hundred copies of the Journal be published under the direction of the Secretary. A motion having been made to re-elect the present Standing Committee, the Rev. Mr. Rees informed the Convention that the Rev. Dr. Ford was constrained by ill health to decline; whereupon the Rev. Wm. H. Harison was nominated in his place. The Convention then elected as the Standing Committee: OF THE CLERGY : * OF THE LAITY' The Tellers reported that the following persons were elected Trustees of the University of the South: clerical: r av • J. W. Nevitt, Esq. Rev. W. H. Harison, Rev. Wm. C. Williams, Rev. Samuel Benedict. E. F. Campbell, Esq., Benj. Conley, Esq., Chas. Dwelle, Esq. Rev. Wm. IT. Hawks. lay : Daniel Griffin, Esq., L. N. Whittle, Esq. JOURNAL. S9 On motion of Mr. Whittle, the following resolutions were adopted unanimously. Resolved, That this Convention has learned with deep regret the continued ill-health of the Rev. Edward E. Ford, D. D., which has induced him to retire from the Standing Committee of the Diocese. Resolved, That we hereby return to the Rev. Dr. Ford our heartfelt thanks, for his long, arduous, and very efficient services as Chairman of the Standing Com¬ mittee. Resolved, That the Secretary communicate these Resolutions to the Rev. Dr. Ford. On motion of Mr. Whittle — Resolved, That the Assessments * upon the various parishes for the support of the Episcopate, be published with the Proceedings of this Convention. The Tellers reported that there was no election for the third Clerical and Lay Deputy to Montgomery. The Convention proceeded to take another ballot. On motion of Rev. Mr. Freeman, the following resolution was unanimously adopted: Resolved, That the 'sincere thanks of this Convention are hereby tendered to the families in this city, whose generous hospitality have been extended to its members, Clerical and Lay. On motion of Mr. Carmichael — Resolved, That the Secretary be instructed to send copies of the Bishop's Ad¬ dress to the Bishops of the Church of England, Ireland, Scotland, and the British Colonies. The Tellers reported that the Rev. Wm. H. Clarke, and Hon. Absalom EL Chappell, were elected deputies to the Convention at Montgomery, thus completing the delegation. Deputies to the Convention at Montgomery: OF THE CLERGY: Rev. W. C. Williams, Rev. H. K. Rees, Rev. Wm. H. Clarke. OF THE LAITY: George A. Gordon, Esq., L. N. Whittle, Esq., A. H. Chappell, Esq. *See Appendix G. 40 JOURNAL. The Committee to prepare resolutions of respect to the memory of the late Eev. Seneca G. Bragg, presented the following REPORT: Whereas, It hath pleased the Great Head of the Church, to take to himself our venerable and beloved Brother, the late Eev. Seneca G. Bragg, who for many years was the devoted pastor of Christ Church, Macon, and at the same time the earnest and faithful servant of the Church in this Diocese^ on her Standing Committee, on her Missionary Committee, and among her Deputies to her highest Council, and who only retired from these various positions, as his Divine Master relieved him from the duties, by taking from him the strength to fulfil them; that this Convention would be doing violence to their own feelings, not to place on record an expression of their admiration of his character, and of gratitude to God for having so long spared to them one Vhose saintly piety, and holy example made him the praise of all the Churches: Therefore Resolved, That we will ever cherish the memory of the pure life and godly con¬ versation of our departed Brother, the "Israelite indeed in whom was no guile." Resolved, That while under the peculiar circumstances of the case, we can only rejoice at his translation to that rest he so earnestly desired, and for which he was s& thoroughly prepared; that yet we trust that the memory of his gentleness, meekness, loveliness, and at the same time his fidelity as a Pastor, will ever incite U9 to follow his footsteps, and lead us to seek, to adorn as he did, the doctrine of God our Saviour. Resolved, That the Secretary be directed to transmit a copy of these resolu¬ tions to the nearest relative of the deceased. wm, C. WILLIAMS, E. P. BROWN, HENRY K. REES. The preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted. The Chair appointed the Eev. H. K. Eees to preach the next Convention Sermon, and the Eev. Mr. Benedict his alternate; the Eev. J. D. Easter to preach the Missionary Sermon, and the Eev. Charles H. Coley his alternate. After Prayers by the Bishop, the Convention adjourned sine die. STEPHEN ELLIOTT, D. D., Bishop of the Diocese and Ex-officio President. Attest: Wm. C. Williams, Secretary. journal. 41 Sunday after Ascension, ) May 12, 1861. f The Bishop held a Special Ordination in Christ Church, Macon, at 10^ o'clock, A. M., and admitted to the Diaconate, Mr. C. W. Thomas, late a member of the Methodist Ministry, and Chaplain in the United States Navy. Morning Prayer was read by the Rev. Mr. Benedict, assisted in the Lessons by Rev. Geo. H. Clark, and in the Creed and Prayers, by Rev. Dr. Henderson. The Sermon was preached by the Bishop, from 1 Kings, vi: 7. The Rev. Mr. George presented the Candidate, and the Rev. Mr. Williams assisted the Bishop in administering the Holy Communion. At night, the rite of Confirmation was administered to nine persons in the same Church. Evening Prayer was read by Rev. Mr. Freeman, assisted in the Lessons by the Rev. C. W. Thomas. The Creed and Prayers were said by the Rev. J. M. Mitchell, of the Diocese of Alabama. The Annual Missionary Sermon was delivered by the Rev. Mr. Benedict, from St. John, vi: 9 — " But what are they among so manyV — and the sum of $65 05 received for Diocesan Missions. f appendix a. <£hxi$t (Mntwft, ^TOnnalt. Rt. Rev. Stephen Elliott, D. D., Rector. Ret. Charles Coley, Assistant Minister. i Baptisms—Infants, i Confirmations—White, ------ Communicants—Added, 10; died, 2; present number, Marriages—White. ------- Burials—White, - - - - ' - Sunday School Teachers, - - - - ^ - " 11 Pupils, about - Contributions. Communion Alms, $645 96 Diocesan Missions: Collections in Christ Church, ' - - $547 32 Handed Treasurer by individuals, - 25 00 In offertory at various times, - - 10 00 From other sources, - - - - 68 50 Diocesan Society, .... 319 12 Dividend Bank Stock, - - - 132 00 12 15 300 8 8 16 120 Of this paid Treasurer - - - $917 4.4. Missionary at Milledgeville, old arrears, 100 00 In hand> 84 50 Domestic Missions: - - - 260 00 Sunday School, Bishop Scott, Oregon, - 25 00 1,101 94 1,101 94 $285 00 PAROCHIAL REPORTS. 43 Foreign Missions: Through Church and Individuals, Ladies' Chinese Society, Ladies' African Society, Sunday School, Africa, Sunday School, China, $260 00 415 00 370 00 120 00 25 00 Remitted Bishop Lay directly through Ladies of Christ Church, Missionary at St. Stephen's Chapel, Building Fund, St. Stephen's Chapel, Permanent Episcopal Fund, Widows' and Orphans' Fund, - Bishop's Salary, Protestant Episcopal Orphan's Home, Bible and Prayer Book Society, 1,190 06 $108 00 262. 00 427 00 209 30 59 28 1,000 00 475 00 96 50 These statistics are necessarily very imperfect, as the Church has passed through half a dozen hands before coming into those of the Rector, and his assistant, whose terms of service date back only a few weeks. A variety of reasons which it is unnecessary to detail here, have induced the present Rector to resume his charge of Christ Church, among the strongest of which was his' strong attachment to a Congregation, which has ever treated him with confidence and love. An assistant having become a necessity, the Vestry have appropriated $1,100 for his support, and. have ratified the nomination of Mr. Coley, made by the Bishop. The Congregation has continued very united through all its widowhood, and in their name I return thanks to the vari¬ ous Clergymen and to the Layman who have served them since the resignation of Dr. Balch. Many of the ministerial acts recorded here, were performed by Rev. Mr. Downing and the Rev. Mr. Claxton of Philadelphia. Mr. Geo. Gordon has kept the Church open by lay reading, whenever a Clergy¬ man was lacking. 44 parochial reports. »t. gattVii mmvtlx, gwpirta. Rey. Edward E. Ford, D. D.} Rector. Baptisms—"White Children, - ^ Confirmed, - - - Cmmunicants—Added, 11; died, 2 ; removed, 14; ^ transferred 4; present number, - - * - I/O 1 H Marriages, ------ Burials, (four not of the Congregation,) - 9 Sunday School—White, about 100 mestic Missions, and one of $20,20 for Diocesan Missions. Gainesville, he made a collection of $22,85 for Diocesan ssions. He has also held services near the Princeton Fac- *y, and in Jackson County. These last were held in the en air, and were evidently attended with much interest. A nday School has been opened near the Princeton Factory, der the superintendence of Mr. Starr—a candidate for Holy •ders,—with sixteen scholars. There are two candidates for Holy Orders, connected with 3 parish; one is now ready for ordination, arid will enter on an important field of labor in the Diocese. The other actively pursuing his studies with the Rector. As agent of the Society for the increase of the Ministry, the ctor has received, from different sources, $188. Appropri- sd for the candidates of our own Diocese. The collections have been made quarterly for Diocesan ssions, with the best results. $ Rev. ¥m. H. Clarke, Rector. ptisms—Adults, white, 3; infants, white, 16; colored, 2 21 nfirmations—White, 7; colored, 2, . 9* mmunicants—Added, including 3 not before reported, ^ho live in adjoining counties, 14; suspended, 1; re¬ moved, 3; present number, of whom 2 are colored, 60 rials—White, ..... 7 nday School Teachers, .... 8 " * " Pupils—White, 30; colored, 10, . 40 Contributions. mmunion Alms, .... $62 95 ssions—Diocesan, . • • . 87 50 Amount carried forward, $150 45 56 paeochial reports. Amount brought forward, • ; I150 45 Missions—Domestic, including special gifts to Danville, Ky., and Fernandina, Fla., " Foreign, Parochial Purposes, Permanent Episcopal Fund, Widows' and Orphans' Fund, Bishop's Salary, Convention Fund, . Total, 41 00 20 50 124 10 19 00 17 40 10 00 11 60 $394 05 Notwithstanding the effect of the existing depression in business, and the political revolution through which we are passing, upon the temporal interests of our people, the year now closing has been most prosperous and happy to us as a Church and Congregation. I desire in this place, to express our indebtedness to the Eector, Wardens and Yestry of St. James' Church, Marietta, for- the free and unsolicited gift of the organ formerly used by them in their own worship. CGfmrfto, grtUmta. Key. A. F. Freeman, Rector. Baptisms—Adults, white, 4; infants, white, 6, . 10 Confirmations—White, 18; colored, 1, . 19 Communicants—Present number, ... 70 Marriages—White, 7; colored, 1, . . . 8 Burials—White, ..... 4 Sunday School Teachers, . . . . # 9 " '" Pupils—White, ... 60 The interests of the Episcopal Church in Atlanta, are still suffering from the want of a spacious church building. Our purpose of building entered upon last summer, is now indefin¬ itely postponed. We wait and hope for better times. parochial reports. 57 Key. William 1ST. Hawks, Rector, assisted by Rev. S. D. Laney, Deacon. Communicants—Present number, . . . • 10 Sunday School Teachers, .... 5" " Pupils—White, ... 18 Contributions. Communion Alms, . . . . . $3 40 Missions—Diocesan, , . . . 5 10 Parochial Purposes, . . . . • . 76 32 Bishop's Salary, . . . x . 7 00 Convention Expenses, .... 80 Total, $92 62 Since the last report made to the Convention, the Sun¬ day School has been revived. The children receive regular monthly instruction in the Church, in the Church Catechism. Several persons belonging to the congregation are now ready for confirmation. Although the community generally do not rightly understand and appreciate the teaching of the Church, still we hope and think there is a gradual, although slight improvement in the Sunday School and in the attendance of the congregation. Through the exertions of the Ladies of the Parish, the Church building has undergone some improve¬ ments which add both to its appearance and comfort. (Sfturrtt of the 3Uwtrt, BljuUsoti. Rev. C. H. Coley, laie Rector. Confirmations—White, . . . .. 1 Communicants—Added, 1; removed, 2; present number 15 Sunday School Teachers, .... 3. » « Pupils—White, 14; colored, 10, . 24 H 58 parochial reports. Communion Alms, Missions—Diocesan, " Domestic, Bishop's Salary, Total, £t. fattt's Citurtli, gUJanjf. Key. Geo. Macauley, Rector. Baptisms—Adults, whites, 3; infants 7, Confirmations—Whites, .... Communicants—Added, 7 ; removed, 1; present number, whites, 42; colored, 30, . . . . 72 There are, at points adjacent to the parish, 25 white com¬ municants who are without the services of the Church. Marriages—White, . . . . 2 Burials—White, ..... 6 Sunday School Teachers, .... 6 " " Pupils—white, 28; colored, 36, . 64 Contributions. Communion Alms, ..... $31 00 Bishop's Salary, . . . . 25 00 Total, $56 00 This Parish has not been called upon during the past year to contribute to Missionary purposes. Looking forward to the building of a parsonage, the resources of the Parish have been reserved for the accomplishment of this, and other necessary improvements. The Rector desires here to express his gratitude to every member of his Parish, and indeed to every citizen of the community in which he ministers, for their kindness and liberality to him and his family. Contributions. . $17 10 . 42 25 .20 00 . 10 00 . $89 35 parochial reports. 59 (EJftuwft tisms—Infants, white, 5; colored, 18, • . 23 ifirmations—White, 3; colored, 1, 4 imunicants—Added, 7; removed, 3; present number, hite, 22; colored, 3, 'riages—White, . ials—White, 1; colored, 1, day School Teachers " Pupils, 25 2 2 2 9 gQ PAROCHIAL reports. Contributions. Communion Alms, Missions—Diocesan, " Domestic, " Foreign, for Africa, from negroes, Parochial Purposes, . Special Benevolent Objects, . Widows' and Orphans' Fund, flttmwfc of asmuswtl, Key. Wl. H. Clarke, Missionary in charge. Communicants—Present number, ... 4 During the past year I have been unavoidably prevented from giving this station the little attention hitherto rendered, and can add nothing to my previous reports. It is my pur¬ pose to officiate here at occasional intervals, until some better arrangement can be made. Cav* fping. Rev. Wm. H. Clarke, Missionary in charge. Baptisms—Infants, white, 1, . . . 1 Communicants—Added, 1; withrawn, 1; present number, .... .5 Services were held in this Church by the Rev. Mr. Rees, or myself, very regularly last summer, and the congregations were most encouraging on every occasion. With the help of n permanent assistant, something might be accomplished for the church here, and at Van Wert, in tha County of Polk. $8 10 19 82 2 00 1 29 23 74r 6 00 5 00 $65 95 pakochial repobts. 61 pinion. Rev. Wm. C. Williams, Missionary. .ptisras—Adults, colored, 9; infants, white, 1 ;f colored, 36, . . . . . 46 >mmunicants—Added, 23; restored, 7; repelled 8 ; died, 1; present number, .... 357 irriages—Colored, . . . 10 irials—Colored, ..... 14 nday School Pupils—Colored . . 340 Contributions. imraunion Alms, ..... $40 95 issions—Domestic, . . . 5 00 " Foreign, . . . . 13 00 trochial Purposes, . . . 56 45 shop's Salary, . . . . 10 00 Total, $125 40 Since tlie last Convention an addition to the Church has en made which while it has improved the appearance, has so given increased accommodation and a belfry. From the st Sunday in January the sound of the church-going bell ,s been heard echoing on the banks of the Ogeechee—and it hoped it will hereafter insure greater punctuality in the ;endance. The proprietors of one of the places have completed a lapel for the use of their people, which the Missionary gards aS the model of a Chapel for plantation purposes. We have every thing to encourage us to press onward, with creasing earnestness. All we have to ask is the outpouring the Holy Ghost. 62 parochial reports. JW. flftuwfc, J^aratwiaft. And the adjacent Plantation of Deptfofd. Rev. Thomas Jefferson Staley, Missionary. Baptisms—Adults, colored, 4; infants, white, 6; colored, 27, Confirmations—Colored,- . Communicants—Added, 12; repelled, 1, died, 1; removed, 3 \ present number St. Stephen s Church, 61; Deptford, 17, .... Marriages—White, 1; colored, 9, Burials—White, 3; colored, 9, Sunday School Teachers, .... " " Pupils—Colored Contributions. Communion Alms, ..... Parochial Purposes, .... Sunday School Contributions, as reported by Mrs. Kollock, ...... Total, .... $628 67 By the blessing of Almighty God upon our labors, one year, almost to the very day, from the time that the corner stone of our little building was laid, we were enabled to open our beautiful Church for Divine Service, and meet together with thankful hearts, to praise Him, who is the giver of all good. Though the difficulties of the times prevented us from com¬ pleting it as we anticipated in November last, yet when we take into consideration the smallness of our congregation, the scarcity of money, and the many obstacles that stood in our way, and then realize that our little Church is at last finished, and we quietly worshipping in it, we feel that a great work has been accomplished, and that we ought to thank God for His manifold mercies. 37 10 78 10 12 9 60 $28 76 585 54 14 37 PAROCHIAL REPORTS. 63 The erection of our Church has been, in deed and in truth, a work of faith. Starting from a private conversation at Sun¬ day School, it has gone on and on; and though we have often been faint and despairing; though it has often come well nigh to the last cent in the treasury; though at times the work has been stopped; yet, our darkest hours have been just before the dawning of our brightest hopes. Frequently, as we thought all must be abandoned, some kind friend has come forward, lent a helping hand, and again the work has gone onward with renewed vigor. Thus has it been from the com¬ mencement, and now we can say from the depths of our hearts, "Jehovah Jireh." It has been a place of many struggles, many hopes, many prayers. God grant that we may all labor as devotedly to build up the spiritual house, as we have the temporal. We hereby return our heartfelt thanks to all those who have contributed so liberally of their money and labor to help us, and especially to Mrs. Dr. Kollock, who has acted as our treasurer from the beginning—whose labors have been great in behalf of our Church. While we have advanced thus temporally, we trust that our spiritual progress has been equally rapid. All the Church festivals and fasts, have, with but a few exceptions, been observed, Our Chapel was open daily during Lent, on Christmas day, Ash Wednesday, and Good Friday. Three services have been held nearly every Sunday in the year As we have always pointed our people to Christ crucified, as their only hope and salvation, so we havg directed their atten¬ tion to the many beauties and excellencies of His One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic Church, teaching them that peace can be most safely sought, most surely obtained, within her pale. Our thanks are due to Rev. Messrs. Benedict, Coley, Clark, and Williams, for the administration of the Holy Communion; to all the Clergy who have rendered us assistance, and to the kind ladies of Christ Church for the presentation of a nice gown. We took charge of the mission at Deptford, in December parochial reports. last. We have not, as yet, had any confirmations, but the field is encouraging. Great good may be done here if a min¬ ister will only go in the spirit of bis Divine Master. ■During the year, God has taken to Himself one of the very best of women, one of our Communicants. ft. faul's |tee (illmrth, siwamiaft. Rev. John T. Pryse, late Rector. Baptisms—Infants, white, Confirmations, .... Communicants—Died, 1; removed, 7; added, 6 present number, .... Marriages—White, .... Burials—White, .... Contributions. Offertory—For support of Church, . . $418 09 Private Subscriptions — For salary of Asssistant Minister, ..... . 500 00 Special Donations — Towards Furnace, &c., from members of the Congregation, . 67 35 From two ladies, not of the Congregation, 45 00—112 35 To pay balance on Sunday School Library, . 6 15 Total, .... $1,031 59 This Report comprises the statistics of the Parish, from the last Diocesan Convention to the 22d of March last; at which time I resigned my charge as Rector of the Church. Senior Warden's Report. Confirmations—White, Sunday School Teachers, " " Pupils, white, 5 39 7 10 1 9 65 parochial reports. 65 Contributions. Offertory—From March 24th, 1861, . . $124 19 St. Stephen's Church, . . . . 50 00 Diocesan Missions, . . . . . 25 35 Total, .... $109 54 On the 22d of March last, the Rev. John T. Prjse resigned his charge as Rector, after which, the Rev. H. E. Tschudy, then the assistant minister, had charge of the Parish until Easter, when his engagement ended, since that time the services have been kept up by lay reading, with occasional clerical aid. The parish owes to Rev. John T. Pryse $2,727 10, for amount advanced by him for erection of Church edifice, all of which is secured by the corporate notes of the Parish bearing interest, and $2500 of it by mortgage also. Suits have been instituted against the Parish upon the whole claim and judg¬ ment has been obtained upon a part of it. The Confirmation reported took place at Christ Church. John M. Guerard, Senior Warden. Part's ffltatrrk, gnmsuiirtt. Rev. John D: Easter, Rector. Baptisms—Adults, white, 5; infants, white, 17, . 22 Confirmations—White, . • • • 10 Communicants—Added, 11; removed, 5; present number, 17 Sunday School Teachers, . . . . . 6 » " Pupils—"White, 15; colored, 24, . 39 Contributions. Communion Alms, Missions—Diocesan, Parochial Purposes, Special Benevolent Objects, Total, I $18 50 33 10 9 15 12 25 $73 00 gg ^parochial reports. Right Rev. and Dear Sir: Since my last report, the mission in Griffin and its vicinity has undergone little or no change. The number of communicants is about the same, we have lost some and gained some. One very dear to us, the sharer of all our joys and sorrows, has ended her beautiful life, and gone to her heavenly r6st There are several persons await¬ ing Confirmation. Our Schools are in a prosperous condition. The Sunday School for the whites numbers over fifty pupils and has six regular teachers. We have a School for the blacks also, this is somewhat irregular, some Sundays we have more and others again less, upon the* whole it is on the increase. Our Day School which is conducted upon the parish plan, now numbers over seventy pupils and has three teachers. Our present place of worship is central and very comfortably arranged. The congregation is enlarging and growing more regular. "We have not been able as yet to move in our Church building; but very little has been done in the way of making collections for that object. This matter remains pretty much as it was at my last report. Respectfully yours, in Christ, J. H. George. Griffin, May 8th, 1861. To the Right Rev. Stephen Elliott, D. D., Bishop of Georgia : Since the date of my last report, I have been engaged, as heretofore, in assisting the Rectors of both Churches in Augusta, chiefly the Rector of St. Paul's, to whom X have rendered aid almost uninterruptedly with the exception of the interval from August 19th, to October 21st, 1860, when I was engaged in the Church of the Atonement during the Rector's absence. I have been engaged wholly in St. Paul's since February 17th, 1861, m consequence of the indisposition of the Rector. parochial reports. 67 During the year I officiated and preached three times, by invitation, at Christ's Church, Savannah, and twice at the Church of St. Thaddeus, Aiken, South Carolina. John jSTeely. Augusta, Ga., 8th May, 1861. To the Rt. Rev. Stephen Elliott, D. D., Bishop of Georgia: The undersigned respectfully reports, that since his resigna¬ tion of the Rectorship of St. Paul's Church, on the 22d of March last, he has performed the following ministerial ser¬ vices : Baptisms—White, infants, ... 2 Marriages—White, .. . . 2 John T. Pryse. Savannah, May 8, 1861. To the Rt. Rev. Stephen 'Elliott, D. D., Bishop of Georgia: Rt. Rey. and Dear Sir—Since my last report I have been officiating as minister of St. Peter's Parish, Robertville, South Carolina. I will report in full to the Bishop of South Carolina. Respectfully yours, Richard Johnson. Robertville, May 25, 1861. Abstract Parochial Reports, Diocese of Georgia, to the Annual Convention, May, 1861. CHURCHES. Christ, Savannah St. Paul's, Augusta Christ, St. Simons Christ, Macon Trinity, Columbus Grace, Clarkesville St. John's, Savannah St Stephen's, Milled'ville St. Andrew's, Darien.. . St. David's, Glynn St. James', Marietta Emmanuel, Athens St Peters, Rome St. Philips, Atlanta Zion, Talbotton Advent, Madison St. Paul's, Albany. Atonement, Augusta.... Messiah, St. Marys Ascension, Cass County. Good Shepherd, C.Spring St James', Ogeechee.... St. Stephen's, Savannah. St Paul's Savannah Bt. Mark's, Brunswick... St George's, Griffin Grace, Gainsville Baptisms. 801 52 Communicants. 853 157 211 24 100 13 14 ^5. 300 175 44 127 163 14 181 24 72 8 82 72 60 70 10 15 72 46 25 4 5 857 78 89 17 9 14 6. Sch'ls. 102 184 175 1748 ^5 Contributions. ► 5. B § 645 96 849 00 150 00 251 95 333 76 5 25 53 40 00 00 81 85 87 75 62 95 3 40 17 10 31 00 82 87 8 10 1101 94 112 39 8 60 167 20 52 30 20 20 154 00 14 75 65 93 13 40 48 60 109 86 87 50 5 10 42 25 87 98 19 82 40 95 28 76 18 50 225285 285 00 38 50 54 63 22 30 18 50 18 70 41 00 o 1190 00 ' 26 72 86 00 34 00 M © ® sro 2637 08 3830 00 25 00 538 75 2249 11 20 50 20 50 20 00 28 10 2 00 5 00 25 85 88 10 22 85 214262 53778 21 20 1 29 18 00 1101 61 10 00 186 18 225 00 1346 50 431 40 182 10 84 12 10 00 25 00 440 45 84 74 5859 98 4356 61 83 60 891 95 2641 99 42 50 1733 87 30 00 305 51 238 40 1515 95 647 21 394 05 66 45 599 91 1205 78 21 40 150771 15550 58 21987 19 92 62 89 35 56 00 910 60 65 95 125 40 628 67 1231 18 78 00 22 85 RECTORS. Rt. Rev. S. Elliott, D. D. Rev. E. E. Ford, D. D. Rev. E. P. Brown. Rev. H. K. Rees. Rev. Wm. N. Hawks. Rev. Wm. E. Eppes. Rev. George H. Clark. Rev. S. J. Pinkerton. Rev. E. P. Brown. Rev. Samuel Benedict. Rev. M. H. Henderson, D. D. Rev. "Wm. H. Clarke. Rev. A. F. Freeman. Rev. Wm. N, Hawks. Rev. George Macauley. Rev. Wm. H. Harison. Rev. J. D. Easter. Rev. Wm. H. Clarke. Rev. Wm. H. Clarke. Rev. Wm C. Williams. Rev. T. J. Staley. Rev. J. D. Easter. Rev. J. H. George. APPENDIX B. Report of the Wardens of Christ Church, Savannah, in relation to the Fund for the Relief of the Widows and Orphans of deceased Clergymen. The Wardens and Vestry of Christ Church, Savannah, Trustees of the Fund for the Relief the Widows and Orphans of deceased Clergymen, of the Diocese of Georgia, REPORT: That at the last Diocesan Convention, as will be seen by reference to their report, the balance on hand was.. .$103 24 That they have received since from the following Parishes: 1860, May. St. Paul's, Augusta, 27 00 " " Christ Church, Macon, 40 00 " " St. Andrew's, Darien, 10 00 u u Trinity Church, Columbus, 48 55 " " Church of Atonement^ Augusta, 16 78 " " St. Stephen's, Milledgeville, 18 25 1861, Jan. St. Paul's, Savannah, (for last year) 19* 87 " " St. John's, Savannah, 26 50 " " St. Peter's, Rome, 17 40 " " St. James', Marietta, 10 00 « " Christ Church, Savannah, 59 28 " " Church of the Atonement, Augusta,... 14 60 " " Church of the Messiah, St. Marys 5 00 Making total from Parishes with balance of last year, $416 47 70 appendix b. Amount brought forward, $416 47 And that they have received for interest on invest¬ ments— 1860, June 1. Coupons on bond due this day, 70 00 » July 1. " " " " " 17 50 " Dec 1 u " " " " 7^ ^ 1861, Jan. 1. " v " " " " 17 50 Making total receipts $591 47 They report that they have purchased one Bond on the City of Savannah, dated February 1, 1853, payable in twenty-five years, coupons payable Dec. 1, and Aug. 1, for $500, at par, $500 00 Leaving a balance on hand, $91 47 The investments for this fund are now $3,000 Bond of the City of Savannah, bearing 7 per cent, interest Respectfully submitted, W. P. Hunter, ) Wardens of Wl. H. Cuyler, j Christ Church. Savannah, Easter Monday, 1861. « Note.—Since the above report, contributions have been received as follows: St. Paul's, Augusta, $33; Emmanuel, Athens, $11 40; which will be included in the report for next year. It is earnestly requested that all contributions to thi3 fund should be remitted to George A. Cuyler, Secretary and Treasurer of "Wardens and Vestry of Christ Church, at least one week before Easter Monday of each year, on winch day the report is submitted to the Trustees. DR. AJPiPIEHSTDIX O. James Camak, Treasurer, in account with Episcopal Fund, Diocese of Georgia. OR. I860. Cash ou hand from last account, $549 95 " from Christ Church, Savannah, $210 00 " " St. John's Church, Savannah, 53 00 " " St. Paul's Church, Augusta, 42 00 <. a Tfinity Church, Columbus 60 25 " " St. Peter's Church, Rome, 17 00 " " St. James' Church, Marietta 11 20 " " St. Stephen's Church, Milledgeville, 7 00 " " St. Paul's Church, Savannah, 20 00 "" " Christ Church, Macon, 68 00 " " Church of the Atonement, Augusta, 17 56 Rec'd interest on 1,000 Bond, 8 per ct., 1 yr. 80 00 1,000 Noter 1£ months,.... 874 L,000 Bond, 8 pr. ct., 6 mos. 40 00 601 01 128 74 May 1, 1861, Amount invested up to date in solvent R. R. Bonds, at 8 per cent., $2,000. As several of the Churches pay in advance their contribu¬ tions, I will have for investment this month the addition- all sum of $500. $1,179 70 1860. July 1, Cash paid for Alabama & F. R. R. Bond, $1,000 00 1861. May 1, Cash on hand,. . 179 70 $1,179 70 Very respectfully submitted, james camak, Treasurer Episcopal Fund, Diocese of Georgia, DR. APPENDIX D. Missionary Committee of the Diocese of Georgia in Account with W. W. Lincoln, Treasurer. GB. Aug. 1860. May 14. " 14, " 15, " 15, " 27, " 27, July 28, " 31. " 31, 31, 2, 9, " 15 Sept. 24, Oct. 1, " 22, Nov. 6, " 12, " 12, " 12, 1861. Jany. 27, Feb. ' 2, " 12, " 13, " 13, " 13, " 13, " 23, To Cash paid M. H. Henderson, fill 30 W. H. Harison,. 135 00 W. H. Clarke, I 145 00 E. P. Brown, 50 00 C. H. Coley, 50 00 J. P. Easter, 62 50 M. H. Henderson, 50 00 W. H. Clarke, 62 50 W. H. Harison, 50 00 T. J. Staley 75 00 .S Benedict, 25 00 J. G. Downing, 25 00 J. H. George, 87 50 W.H.Clarke, 30 00 M. H. Henderson, 66 50 J. Dv Easter, 62 50 T. J. Staley 75 00 W. H. Clarke 17 50 J. H. George. .*. 87 50 S. Benediot, 25 00 C. H. Coley 50 00 W. H. Clarke, 15 00 T.J. Staley, 75 00 W. H. Clarke 62 00 M. H. Henderson, 33 50 J. H. George 87 50 S. Benedict, 25 00 J. D. Easter, 62 50 1860. May 12, H 14, H 16, 16, 5, 7, 19, 18, 5, 28, 28, 3, 7, 10, 19, 5, 24, 26, 1, 1, 1, 30, 30, Nov. 8, 9, 12, Jun July Aug. Sept Oc By Cash received from J. S. Hutton $538 41 " Christ Church, Savannah,.. 208 59 " " " " .. 11 50 " Grace Church, 8 00 " Christ Church, St. Simons.. 13 00 " St. David's, Glynn Co...... 34 00 " St. Paul's, Augusta 25 00 " St. John's, Savannah, 63 00 " Chufth of Atonement, Aug. 15 00 " St Paul's, Augusta, 25 01 " Emmanuel Church, Athens 33 31 " Church of Messiah, St.Marys 8 95 " St. Mark's, Brunswick,.... 14 00 " Church Advent, Madison,.. 5 00 " St. Paul's, Augusta 15 00 " Christ Church, Savannah— Communion Alms, 25 00 Ladies. 45 00 '' Trinity Church, Columbus,. 52 30 " St. Peter's Church, Rome.. 30 00 " Advent, Madison, 20 00 " Grace Church. Gainesville. 22 85 ' " Grace Church, Clarkesville, 20 20 " Emmanuel Church, Athens, 23 45 " St. John's Church, Savan'ah 51 00 " Christ Church, Savannah,.. 10 00 " Christ Church, Macon, 72 20 " Church of Messiah, St.Marys 6 00 " St. Peter's Church, Rome.. 17 50, March 7, " " " J- Gk Downing, .. « 30 " ,J " E.P.Brown, April 18^ " " " C. H. Coley, ... » 20 " " " W. H. Harison,.. » 22 " " " W. H. Clarke,... « 23, " " " M. H. Henderson May 6, Cash on hand, May 6, 1861. To amount Cash on hand s-i 25 00 1861. 60 00 Jany. 11. it tt a n 50 00 Feb. 2, ti tt tt tt 100 00 ii ?2, ti a tt tt 25 00 it 12, « tt tt tt 47 65 it 12, tt a tt tt 382 50 tt 12, .< tt tt it if 23, It tt tt it ti 23, tt a tt ti tt 26, tt tt tt tt March 22, it tt tt tt April 18, it tt a tt tt 18, tt tt a ti tt 22, tt tt tt tt tt 22, tt tt tt ti It 22, tt tt tt tc a 23, tt tt tt it tt 23, tt tt tt tt tt 25, t. tt tt tt May 2, it tt tt it 6, ti tt a ic St. Paul's Church, Augusta, 25 00 Advent .Church, Madison,.. 10 70 St. Peter's Church, Rome.. 15 00 Christ Church, Savannah, . 12 00 Christ Church, Savannah,.. 338 73 Ladies' Mis. Society, " .. 130 00 St.Mark's Church, Br'nswick 10 00 Church of Atonement, Aug. 7 40 Christ Church, Macon, .... 59 00 St. Paul's Church, Augusta, 22 00 Advent Church, Madison,.. 6 55 Sunday School, St. Paul's Church, Savannah, 25 35 Church of Atonement, Aug. 7 15 St. John's Church, Savan'h, 40 00 St. Peter's Church, Rome,. 25 00 Emmanuel Church, Athens, 36 25 Church of Atonement, Aug. 8 00 St. Andrew's Chur'h, Darien !j2 93 Ladies Missionary Society, Christ Chnrch, Savannah, 136 62 St. Andrew's Chur'h, Darien 13 00 $2,393 95 W. W. LINCOLN, Treasurer. DR. A.:pFENDIX JE. John M. Guerard, Treasurer of the Diocese, in Account with the Diocese. CR. I860. May 12, To balance from old account, S| " amounts received for Bishop's Salary, ,543 80 (t 12, from Emmanuel Church, Athens, 10 00 <( 12, it Advent Church, Madison, 10 00 a 12, It St. James' Church, Marietta 25 00