PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH U.S. A OioctSfc o* Pftnnvjlvoma JOURNAL BX59I8 • P4A2 I 844 JOURNAL PROCEEDINGS SIXTIETH CONVENTION PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA, HELD IN ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH, PHILADELPHIA, On Tuesday, May 21, Wednesday, May 22, Thursday, May 23, and Friday, May 24, 1844. V- t>o PHILADELPHIA: PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE CONVENTION. KINS & BAIRD, PRINTERS, '.) GEORGE ST. 18 14. ROLL CLERGY AND LAY DEPUTIES WHO COMPOSED THE CONVENTION. 1844. CLE Rt. Rev.H. U. Onderdonk,D.D. *Rev. J. Adderly, " Win. Addeiiy, " Charles H. Alden, " Wm W. Arnett, « Fredk. W. Beasley, " James Bonnar, " Wm. H. Bourns, " Saml. Bowman, " Geo. Boyd, D.D. " Charles Breck, " Edw. Y. Buchannan, " Levi Bull, " Robt. B. Claxton, " John B. Clemson, " John Coleman, D.D. " Asa S. Colton, " Thos. Crumpton, " Marcus K. Cushman, " Robt. Davis, " Wm. N. Diehl, " Benjamin Dorr, D.D. . " Jacob M. Douglass, " Geo. C. Drake, RGY. Rev. Henry W.Ducachet, D.D. " * He man Dyer, " Richard D. Hall, " Wm. Hilton, " Benj. S. Huntington, " John J. Kerr, " Geo. Kirke, " Freeman Lane, " Edwin N. Lightner, " Milton C. Lightner. " Saml. T. Lord, " John J. McElhinny. " Henry Major, " John H. Marsden, " John G. Maxwell, " Saml. R. Meade, « Tobias H. Michell, " Geo. Mintzer, " Richd. U. Morgan, " Jacob B. Morss, " *Henry J. Morton, " George W. Natt, " Edmund Neville, " Richard Newton. Rev. William H. Norris, Rev. William H. Odenheimer, " Frederick Ogilby, " Willie Peck, " William S. Perkins, " John B. Pradt, William Preston, " Thomas H. Qninan, " Greenbnry W. Ridgely, " John Rodney, Jr., " Joshua M. Rogers, " Owen E. Shannon, " George Sheets, " Richard Smith, William W. Spear, Nathan Stem, William Suddards, Mortimer R. Talbot, * Henry Tnllidge, Stephen H. Tyng, D.D., Peter Van Pelt, George Upfold, D.D., Joshua Weaver, William White, *Bird Wilson, D.D., Christian Wiltberger, Jr, Enos Woodward, 75. LAY DEPUTIES, MAY 1844. Baltis Appleman, Lewis R. Ashurst, Hamilton Alricks, James M. Aertsen, Thomas Allibone, Horace Binney, Hill Brinton, George Blight, Nelson B. Bowman, *H. L. Boll man, Isaac B. Burroughs, John Bredin, *W. Linn Brown, James Burnside, Samuel Breck, *George Buchanan, Thomas Briggs. * Andrew D. Baum, Thomas K. Bull, George Breck, *F. D. Baker, Garret Brown, Henry Buckwalter, Charles C. Boyd, *Charles N. Bancker, *Lewis Brinton, Peter Baldy, *Edward H. Baldy, ♦Pierce Crosby, Redmond Conyngham, *J. Yates Conyngham, Wm. Casselberry, Herman Cope, John W. Claghorn, W. P. Cresson, *Thomas M. Charlton, Samuel Davis, Lambert Duy, Joseph G. Davis, Jacob P. Donnaldson, James L. Dunn, Isaac Davis, Robley Dunglison, Edward Davies, Edward Ellis, *Wm. Cox Ellis, *Edward Evans, George Elliot, J. W. Flick wir, John Farr, * James Field, Henry G. Freeman, Eleazer Fenton, *E. Greenough, Frederick Grosscup, Wm, J. Greenough, Jesse Gyger, J. D. George, Enoch Gray, *C. C. Gardner, Robert Graffen, John L. Goddard, Edmund Green, Otis L. Gibson, J. C. Gunn, James Y. Humphreys, George Hogg, Francis Hoskins, W. A. Hill, Henry Hay, * James T. Hale, Wm. S. Hill, *Thomas G. Henderson, *Samuel Heilner, Amos S. Henderson, * Marcus Heilner, *John Hunter, *Thomas Heed, *John R. Hoskins, George Harrison, A. L. Hays, *Charles Harrison, R. C. Hale, Nathaniel P. Hobart, H. Hepburn, *Martin Ivens, Benjamin Jackson, Samuel Jones, J. G. Johnson, Benjamin F. Johnson, *Hanson B. Jacobs, Joseph Juel, James Johnson, Griffith Jones, Phineas Jenks, Jonathan Jones, Wm. Kirkham, Wm. H. Klapp, John S. Littell, Nathaniel F. Lightner, Joel Lightner, *John L. Lightner, Mord. D. Lewis, Richard P. Lardner, David Lewis, Lawrence S. Lardner, Wm. B. McLure, "Orlando Metcalf, David Morgan, *James Miller, D. W. McCormick, *John McKay, Caspar Morris, Benjamin G. Mitchell, Wm. Musgrave, F. P. Mayer, James Moore, Matthew McPaul, Major McVeigh, Wm. B. Norris, Frederick Nash, R. C. Nichols, Joseph Neide, James S. Newhold, Francis B. Nichols, *David Plank, Wm. B. Potts, *Stephen Payran, Jr. Wm. Paff, *Samuel A. Purviance, L. G. Pearce, Christian Peterman, George W. Pierce, *John H. Purdy, John C. Pechin, Thomas H. Powers, Edward Owen Parry, Robert Ralston, ,Tohn Rosencrantz, John S. Richards, Thomas Robinson, *Charles M. Reed, Osmon Reed, Henry Reed, * F. W. Robb, John P. Rulter, Abel Reed, Edmund Richardson, Clement S. Rutter, *Chester Robinson, Enos H. Russell, John Reed, James S. Smith, Cornelius Stevenson, Joseph L. Stichter, Milton Smith, Levi B. Smith, Amariah Strickland, Wm. Stavely, Wm. H. Sayer, Samuel Shaffer, Caspar W. Sharpless, Abraham W. Sharpless. Richard S. Smith, H. M. Sheaff, John Shannon, *John Swift, Samuel Swift, Joseph Sims, Robert Toland, Vincent Trego, *Eli Trego, * Joshua Townsend, Thomas R. Trimble, Bethuel B. Vincent, Thomas F. Vallette, George M. Wharton, George R. White, * George Whitaker, Warren J. Woodward, George W. Woodward, Henclrick B. Wright, 'Thomas Wood, Tobias Wagner, H. E. Wolf, Thomas C. Williams, Francis West, *John Whiteman, Wm. Welsh, William Ward, John R. Wilmer, John Yocum, Peter Williamson, Courtland Yardley. Note. — Those whose names are marked thus * were not present at the Convention. ROLL OF LAY DELEGATES, FROM THE SEVERAL CHURCHES OF PENNSYLVANIA. Alleghany county, Pittsburg, Trinity church. Wm. B. McClure, Orlando Metcalf, Geo. R. White. Alleghany county, Pittsburg, St. Andrew's church. George Hogg, H. L. Bollman, W. A. Hill. Alleghany county, Alleghany, Christ church. Joseph G. Davis. Berks county, Reading, Christ church. James L. Dunn, John S. Richards, Joseph L. Stichter. Berks county, Morgantown, St. Thomas' church. Levi B. Smith, David Morgan, David Plank. Bucks county, Bristol, St. James the Greater's church. Eleazer Fenton, James Johnson. Bucks county, Newtown, St. Luke's church. Thos. Jenks, George Breck, Garret Brown. . Bucks county, Yardleyville, St. Andrew's church. William Paff, Thomas Heed, Courtlandt Yardley. Bucks county, Hulmeville, Grace church. George Harri- son, Samuel Swift, Joshua Townsend. Bucks county, Centreville, Trinity church. William Stavely, Stephen Payran, Jr. Butler county, Butler, St. Peter's church. Samuel A. Purviance, John Bredin. Carbon county, Mauch Chunk, St. Mark's church. Wil- liam H. Sager. Centre county, Bellefonte, St. John's church. James F. Hale, James Burnside, George Buchanan. Chester county, New London township, St, John's church. Frederick Grosscup, Thomas M. Charlton. Chester county, Warwick township, St. Mary's church. Samuel Shaffer, Thos. K. Bull, Christian Peterman. Chester county, Great Valley, St. Peter's church. Jesse Gyger, L. G. Pearce. Chester county, Pequea, St. John's church. Thomas G. Henderson, F. D. Baker, Amos S. Henderson. Chester county, West Whiteland township, St. Paul's church. Jonathan Jones, Thomas R. Trimble. Chester county, West Vincent, St. Andrew's church. Henry Buckwalter, Isaac Davis, M. D., Amariah Strickland. Chester county, Honeybrook, St. Mark's church. John Yokum, Samuel Jones, Vincent Trego. Chester county, West Chester, church of the Holy Trinity. John Hunter, Lewis Brinton, George W. Pierce. Chester county, Phoenixville, St. Peter's church, Major McVeigh. Columbia county, Bloomsburg, St. Paul's church. Baltis Appleman. Columbia county, Danville, Christ church. Peter Baldy, Eli Triger, Edward li. Baldy. Crawford county, Meadville, Christ church. Dr. Edward Ellis. Cumberland county, Carlisle, St. John's church, Mr. John Reed. Dauphin county, Harrisburg, St. Stephen's church. Ham- ilton Alricks. Delaware county, Chester, St. Paul's church. Pierce Crosby, J. W. Flickwir, J. G. Johnson. Delaware county, Lower Chichester township, Marcus Hook, St. Martin's church. Thomas Robinson, Enoch Gray, Benjamin F. Johnson. Delaware county, Concord township, St. John's church. Caspar Sharpless, Hill Brinton, Abraham W. Sharpless. Delaware county, Newtown township, Radnor, St. David's church, Mr. Griffith Jones. Delaware county, Rockdale, Calvary church. Richard S. Smith, James Miller, John R. Hoskins. Erie county, Erie, St. Paul's church. Bethuell B. Vincent. Charles M. Reed. Erie county, Waterford, St. Peter's church. Charles C. Boyd. Fayette county, Brownsville, Christ church. Nelson B. Bowman. Lancaster county, Lancaster, St. James' church. A. L. Hays, George Whitaker, Nathaniel F. Lightner. Lancaster county, Leacock, Christ church. John L. Light- ner, Joel Lightner. Lancaster county, Caernarvon township, Churchtown, Bangor church. Edward Davies, Hanson B. Jacobs. Lancaster county, Paradise, All Saint's church. Redmond Conyngham, J. Yates Cunningham, Isaac B. Burroughs. Luzerne county, Wilkesbarre, St. Stephen's church. War- ren J. Woodward. George W. Woodward, Hendrick B. Wright. Lycoming county, Muncy, St. James' church. Wm. Cox Ellis, Dr. Thomas Wood, F. W. Robb. Mifflin county, Lewistown, St. Mark's church. Wm. B. Norris, D. W. McCormick, R. C. Hale. Montgomery county, Whitemarsh township, St. Thomas* church. Fred. Nash, H. M. Sheaff. Montgomery county, Perkiomen township, St. James' church. Wm. Casselberry, Edward Evans. Montgomery county, Norristown, St. John's church. John McKay, R. C. Nichols, John Shannon. Montgomery county, Pottstown, Christ church. John P Rutter, Nathaniel P. Hobart, Joseph Naide. Northampton county, Easton, Trinity church. H. He] - burn, John Swift, H. E. Wolf. 2 10 Northumberland county, Sunbury, St. Matthews' church. E. Greenough, Wm. J. Greenough, John H. Purdy. Philadelphia county, Philadelphia, Christ church. Horace Binney, James Y. Humphreys, Francis West. Philadelphia county, Philadelphia, St. Peter's church. Joseph Sims, J. S. Smith, Henry Reed. Philadelphia county, Philadelphia, St. James' church. Robert Ralston, Robert Toland, G. M. Wharton. Philadelphia county, Philadelphia, St. Paul's church. John Farr, J. D. George, Benjamin G. Mitchell. Philadelphia county, Philadelphia, St. Stephen's church. Charles N. Bancker, Wm. Kirkham, Robley Dunglison, M. D. Philadelphia county, Philadelphia, St, Andrew's church. Cornelius Stevenson, Lambert Duy, Samuel Davis. Philadelphia county, Philadelphia, Grace church. Her- man Cope, John W. Claghom, Francis Hoskins. Philadelphia county, Philadelphia, Church of the Epiphany. Lewis R. Ashhurst, Caspar Morris, Wm. Musgrave. Philadelphia county, Philadelphia, Church of the Ascen- sion. J. S. Newbold, W. Linn Brown, C. C. Gardiner. Philadelphia county, Philadelphia, St. Luke's church. William Welsh, Mordecai D. Lewis, Samuel Breck. Philadelphia county, Northern Liberties, St. John's church. Osmon Reed, Henry Hay, F. P. Mayer. Philadelphia county, Northern Liberties, Advent church. Abel Reed, Joseph Juel, Thomas F. Vallette. Philadelphia county, Moyamensing, Church of the Evan- gelists. Robert Graffen, Edmund Richardson, James M. Aertsen. Philadelphia county, Moyamensing, All Saints' church. James Moore, John R. WUmer, John L. Goddard. Philadelphia county, Southwark, Trinity church. Peter Williamson, Clement S. Rutter, William H. Klapp. Philadelphia county, Francisville, St. Matthew's church. Thomas Briggs, George Elliott, James Field. 11 Philadelphia county, Lower Dublin township, All Saint's church. Lawrence S. Lardner, Charles Harrison. Philadelphia county, Oxford township, Trinity church. Edmund Green, Richard P. Lardner Philadelphia county, Germantown, St. Luke's church. Benjamin Jackson, John S. Littell, George Blight. Philadelphia county, Kensington, Emanuel church. Jacob P. Donaldson, Martin Ivens, Matthew McPaul. Philadelphia county, West Philadelphia, St. Mary's church. Thomas Allibone, Henry G. Freeman, Milton Smith. Philadelphia county, Manayunk, St. David's church. Tobias Wagner, John C. Pechin, Dr. John Rosencrantz. Philadelphia county, Spring Garden, St. Philip's church. Thomas H. Powers, W. P. Cresson, David Lewis. Schuylkill county, Pottsville, Trinity church. Francis B. Nichols, Thomas C. Williams, Edward 0. Parry. Schuylkill county, Schuylkill Haven, St. James' church. Wm. B. Potts, Wm. S. Hill, Andrew D. Baum. Schuylkill county, Minersville, St. Paul's church. Samuel Heilner, John Whiteman, Marcus Heilner. Susquehanna county, New Milford, St. Mark's church. Wm. Ward. Tioga county, Wellsbrough, St. Paul's church. McChes- ter Robinson, Otis L. Gibson, M. D. Wayne county, Dyberry Parish, Grace church, Honesdale. Enos H. Russel. Wayne county, Dyberry Parish, Ruth church, Bethany. J. C. Gunn. JOURNAL, &c. Philadelphia, St. Andrew's Church. > Tuesday, May 21, 1844, 6 o'clock, P.M. $ This being the day appointed for the meeting of the Con- vention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Pennsylvania, the Right Rev. Henry U. Onderdonk, Bishop of the Diocese, with several Clergymen and Lay Deputies,, attended at St. Andrew's Church. The chair being taken by the Bishop, the Convention proceeded to organize. A list of the clergy entitled to seats was called over by the Secretary, and the following answered to their names : viz. Rt. Rev. H. U. Onderdonk, Rev. Benj. Dorr, D. D. D. D. Rev. Wra. Adderly, " Wm. W. Arnett, " James Bonnar, >' Wm. H. Bourns, " Samuel Bowman, « Geo. Boyd, D. D., " Charles Breck, " Edward Y. Buchanan, " Levi Bull, " Robert B. Claxton, " John B. Clemson, " John Coleman, D. D., " Asa S. Colton, '■ Thos. Crnmpton, " Marcus K. Cushman, " Robert Davis, " William N. Diehl,, Jacob M. Douglass, Geo. C. Drake, H. W. Ducachet, D. D. John J. Kerr, Edwin N. Lightner, Milton C. Lightner, Samuel T. Lord, Henry Major, John H. Marsden, John G. Maxwell, Saml. Iv. Meade, Tobias H. Michell, Geo. Mintzer, Richard U. Morgan, Jacob B. Morss, Geo. W. Natt, Edmund Neville, Richard Newton, 13 Rev. Wm. H. Norris, " Wm. H. Odenheimer. '• Frederick Ogilby, " John B. Pradt, " Thos. H. Quinan, " John Rodney, Jr., " Joshua M. Rogers, " Owen E. Shannon, " Richard Smith, The following Lay Deputies presented certificates of their appointment, answered to their names and took their seats : Rev. W. W. Spear, " Nathan Stem, " Wm. Snddards, " Stephen H. Tyng, D. D., " George Upfold, D. D., " Joshua Weaver, " Wm. White, " Enos Woodward. Baltis Appleman, Lewis R. Ashurst, Hamilton Alricks, James M. Aertsen, Thomas Allibone, George Blight, Nelson B. Bowman, Isaac B. Burroughs, John Bredin, James Burnside, Samuel Breck, Thomas Briggs, Thomas R. Bull, Henry Buckwalter, Peter Baldy, Redmond Conyngham, Wm. Castleberry, Herman Cope, John W. Claghorn, Samuel Davis, Lambert Duy, Joseph G. Davis, Jacob P. Donaldson, James L. Dunn, Isaac Davis, Robley Dunglison, Edward Davies, Edward Ellis, George Elliott, J. W. Flickwir, John Farr, Wm. J. Greenough, J. D. George, Robert Graffen, John L. Goddard, Edmund Green, Otis L. Gibson, J. C. Gunn, George Hogg, Francis Hoskins, Henry Hay, Wm.'s. Hill, Amos S. Henderson, A. L. Hays, R. C. Hale, Nathaniel P. Hobart, H. Hepburn, Benjamin Jackson, Samuel Jones, Joseph Juel, Wm. Kirkham, Wm. H. Klapp, 14 John S. Littell, Nathaniel F. Lightner, Joel Lightner, Mordecai D. Lewis, David Lewis, David Morgan, Benjamin G. Mitchell, Wm. Musgrave, F. P. Mayer, James Moore, Matthew McPaul, Wm. B. Norris, R. C. Nichols, Joseph Neide, James S. Newbold, Wm. B. Potts, Christian Peterman, George W. Pierce, Thomas H. Powers, Edward Owen Parry, John S. Richards, Osmon Reed, Henry Reed, John P. Rutter, Abel Reed, Edward Richardson, Enos H. Russell, Cornelius Stevenson, Joseph L. Stichter, Levi B. Smith, William Stavely, William H. Sayer, Samuel Shaffer, Caspar W. Sharpless, Richard S. Smith, H. M. Sheaff, John Shannon, Joseph Sims, Robert Toland, Vincent Trego, Thomas F. Vallette, George M. Wharton, George R. White, Warren J. Woodward, George W. Woodward, Hendrick B. Wright, H. E. Wolf, Francis West, William Welsh, John R. Wilmer, Peter Williamson, Tobias Wagner, Thomas C. Williams, John Yocum. James S. Smith, On motion the Convention proceeded to ballot for a Sec- retary. Rev. Messrs. Ducachetand Bourns, being appointed Tellers on the part of the Clergy, to receive their votes, and Messrs, Dunn and Osmon Reed, Tellers to receive the votes of the Laity. The Tellers having reported that George M. Wharton, a Lay Deputy from St. James' Church, Philada., had received a majority of the votes of both orders, he was accordingly declared elected, as Secretary of the Convention. 15 The following Rules of Order were then read by the Sec- retary from the revised Regulations : RULES OF ORDER. 1. The business of every day shall be introduced with a form of prayer prescribed by the Bishop. 2. When the president takes the chair, no member shall continue standing, or shall afterwards stand up, unless to ad- dress the chair. 3. No member shall absent himself from the service of the house, unless he have leave, or be unable to attend. 4. When any member is about to speak in debate, or de- liver any matter to the house, he shall rise from his seat, and without advancing, shall, with due respect, address himself to the president, confining himself strictly to the point in debate. 5. No member shall speak more than twice in the same debate, without leave of the house. 6. A question being once determined shall stand as the judgment of the house, and shall not be again drawn into debate, during the same session, unless with the consent of two-thirds of the house. 7. While the president is putting any question, no one shall hold private discourse, stand up, walk into, out of, or across the house, or read any book. 8. Every member who shall be in the house when any question is put, shall, on a division, be counted, unless he be particularly interested in the decision. 9. No motion shall be considered as before the house, unless it be seconded and reduced to writing when required. 10. When any question is before the house, it shall be determined on before anything new is introduced, except the question for adjournment. 11. The question on a motion for adjournment shall be taken before any other, and without debate. 12. When the house is to rise, every member shall keep his seat until the president leave the chair. 16 To which was added, on motion, the following : — The house shall hold two sessions every day, viz. from 9 o'clock, A. M., to 2 o'clock P. M., and from 5 o'clock P. M. to 7 o'clock P. M., provided that the House will not meet on Wednesday morning until 10 o'clock. On motion — Resolved, That such clergymen of the Pro- testant Episcopal Church, belonging to this Diocese, not entitled to seats in this Convention, and such clergymen not belonging to this Diocese, and such clergymen of the Church of England or of her colonies, and such students of Divinity in the Episcopal Church, as may be now in the city of Phila- delphia, be admitted to the sittings of this Convention. The Bishop laid upon the table the official list of all the Clergy canonically resident in the Diocese, corrected, to this day. A list of the Clergy absent at the last Convention was then called over, agreeably to Canon 14, Sect. 5., when the Rev. Messrs. Wm. Adderly, Breck, Robert Davis, Ducachet, Lord, Marsden, Michell, and Woodward, severally answered to their names, and gave excuses for their absence. The Convention then adjourned. G. M. Wharton, Secretary. Philadelphia, St. Andrew's Church. Wednesday, May 22, 1844, 10 o'clock, A. M. The Convention met and attended divine service. Morn- ing prayers were read by the Rev. Mr. Major, assisted by the Rev. Mr. Bonnar, who read the Lessons. The Ante- Communion was read by the Bishop, assisted by the Rev. Mr. Morss, who read the Epistle. The sermon was preached by the Rev. Mr. Beasley, after which the Com- munion was administered by the Bishop, assisted by the Rev. Messrs. Major, Bonnar, and Morss. The Convention was called to order after service. The Secretary stated that the Rev. Mr. Odenheimer had acceded to his request to act 17 as Assistant Secretary. The Roll was then called, and the minutes of yesterday, P. M., were read and approved. The following Clergymen, entitled to seats, and not present yesterday, appeared and took their seats, viz. The Rev. Messrs. Alden, Beasely, Cushman, Hilton, Kirke, Peck, Perkins, Preston, Ridgley, Sheets and Wiltberger. And the following Lay Deputies, viz. Messrs. H. Brinton, G. Breck, Garret Brown, Cresson, Fenton, Gyger, Gray, Humphreys, W. A. Hill, J. R. Hoskins, G. Harrison, C. Harrison, J. G. Johnson, James Johnson, Jenks, Jon. Jones, Griffith Jones, Lawrence S. Lardner, McVeigh, Nash, Potts, Ralston, John Reed, Thos. Robinson, Strickland, Milton, Smith, Trimble and Ward, not present yesterday, and en- titled to seats, appeared, having presented their proper cer- tificates, and took their seats. A Committee on Charters was then appointed, consisting of the Rev. Messrs. Buchanan, Morgan, and White, and of Messrs. James S. Smith and Osmon Reed. The Rev. Dr. Dorr, the Secretary of the Standing Com- mittee, laid on the table, the Charters of Christ Church, Towanda, Bradford County; Christ Church, Hollidaysburg, Huntingdon County; and St. James' Church, Kingsessing, Philadelphia County — the same having been approved by the Bishop and Standing Committee. They were referred to the Committee on Charters. On motion of the Rev. Mr. Suddards, it was Resolved, That a Committee be appointed to inquire into the claim of the Rev. Richard Hall to a seat in this Convention. The chair appointed Rev. Mr. Suddards, and Messrs. James S. Smith and Lawrence S. Lardner the Committee. The Bishop then delivered his annual address as follows : 3 18 ADDRESS. Brethren — The Clerical and the Lay Members of this Convention : Through the kind permission of our Heavenly Father we are again assembled in our annual Convention ; and have be- fore us the regulation, in His holy fear, of the general affairs of this diocese for another year. Since we last met, the dio- cese appears to have had a fair average of prosperity ; but our growth, though steady, is not so rapid as in some other portions of the Church : which may, in part, be ascribed to the pecuniary difficulties of the times; in part, to the enormous prejudices obstinately cherished against our communion ; and in part, I fear, to our own supineness and low estimate of the duty we owe to the cause of the Redeemer. Let this duty be rightly understood, and the love of it, as a privilege to us and humble gratitude to Him, warm thoroughly our souls, and the Church will no longer want the energy or the means for its wide extension and substantial growth. Let us do our part in ' building the walls of Jerusalem,' and her divine Head will not fail to be 'favorable and gracious ' unto her in abundant spiritual mercies. During the past Convention year, the Rev. John P. K. Henshaw, D. D., of Baltimore, has been elected and con- secrated to the episcopate of the diocese of Rhode Island. And the Rev. Carlton Chase, D. D., of Vermont, has been elected to that of the diocese of New Hampshire ; his conse- cration being deferred, agreeably to the Canons, till the as- sembling of the General Convention in October next. Since my last address "to this body I have preached every Sunday, usually twice, occasionally three times ; except one Sunday, when a domestic bereavement compelled me to aban- don three appointments. I preached also on the Thanksgiv- ing day of the Church, and on that recommended by the 19 Governor of this Commonwealth; also, on Christmas day, twice ; on New Year's day ; and Ash Wednesday ; on Good Friday, twice ; and on Ascension-day. In the Churches and other places of worship in Philadelphia, I have preached fifty-seven times. In May last, I preached at Germantown. In June, at Manayunk, twice ; at Churchtown ; at Morgantown ; at WesH; Vincent ; at Phcenixville ; at Honeybrook ; at Downingtown. In July, at Radnor; at St. Peter's, G. V. In August, at Piquea ; at Leacock ; at Paradise ; at Pottstown ; at Douglass- ville; at Phcenixville; at Yardleyville, twice; at New London y, Roads ; at West Marlborough. In September, on a northern visitation, at Mauch Chunk, twice ; at Beaver Mea- dow ; at Berwick; (at Factoryville, W. N. Y.) at Towanda, twice ; at Troy, twice ; at Coudersport, twice ; at Smethport, twice : and in October, on the same journey, at Wellsborough, twice ; in the Block House settlement, at two places ; at Lock Haven, twice; at Jersey Shore, twice; at Williamsport, twice ; at Muncy, twice ; at Jerseytown ; at Bloomsburgh, twice ; at Danville, twice ; at Sunbury, twice ; at Schuylkill Haven ; at Minersville ; and at Pottsvilie, which ended that set of ap- pointments. In October, also, at Downingtown ; at Lower Dublin ; at Holmesburgh. In December, at Paradise, twice; at Phcenixville; at Warwick; at Downingtown ; at Carlisle, twice ; at Harrisburgh, on Christmas day, twice. In Febru- ary, at Manayunk ; at Norristown, twice. Also at Lancaster, twice; at York, twice; at Petersburgh, twice; in Christ Church, Adams County, and at Carlisle, on March 1st. In March, at Oak Grove ; at Perkiomen ; at Reading, three times. In April, on a South Western visitation, at Holli- daysburg, twice ; at Blairsville, twice ; in St. Andrew's, Pitts- burgh ; in Trinity, Pittsburgh ; at Allegheny ; at Fallston ; in St. Paul's, Beaver, Co.; at Georgetown ; at West Middle- town ; at Washington ; at Pike Run ; at Brownsville, twice ; at Uniontown, twice; at Manalen ; afr-Connelsville, twice; at Greensburgh, twice : and in May, at the conclusion of that 20 journey, in Trinity, Pittsburgh, twice ; and in St. Paul's, Pittsburgh. Last Sunday, I preached at Hamiltonville. The Lord's Supper I have administered twenty times, in- cluding all the public occasions ; and the sacrament of bap- tism to seven children, besides to others included in the par- ochial reports. I have solemnized six marriages; and offici- ated at one funeral, not otherwise reported. My legal Record of Baptisms and Marriages is in the Parish Regis- ter of St. Peter's Church, Philadelphia. Out of Philadelphia, I have administered the ordinance of Confirmation as follows. At Germantown, I confirmed 4 persons; at Manayunk 3, and again 9, total 12; at Church- town, 14 ; at Morgantown, 29, 11 being from St. Mary's, then rebuilding ; at West Vincent, 2 ; at Honeybrook, 6 ; at Dovvningtown, 4; at Radnor, 11 ; Piquea, 9 ; at Leacock 10; at Paradise, 11, and again 3, total 14; at Pottstown, 2 ; at New London X Roads, 2 ; at Mauch Chunk, 1 ; at Athens, 5 ; at Towanda, 5 ; at Troy, 8 ; at Smethport, 2 ; at Coudersport, 5 ; at Wellsborough, 29 ; at the Block House settlement, 3 ; at Williamsport, 3; at Muncy, 4; at Danville, 7; at Schuylkill Haven, 5 ; at Minersville, 3 ; at Pottsville, 8, including a sick person confirmed in private ; (in my address last year, I omitted to report six persons confirmed in this parish, Pottsville ;) at Lower Dublin, S ; at Holmesburgh, 1 ; at Cen- terville, 3 ; at Newtown, 7 ; at Harrisburgh, 6 ; at Norristown, 9 ; at Lancaster, 14 ; at York, 1 ; in Christ Church, Adams Co., 2; at Carlisle, 3; at Perkiomen, 20; at Reading, 4; at Hollidaysburgh, 5; at Blairsville, 4; in St. Andrew's, Pitts- burgh, 21 ; in Trinity, Pittsburgh, 30 ; at Allegheny, IS ; in St. Paul's, Beaver Co., 9 ; at Georgetown, 5 ; at Washington, 4; at Brownsville, 5 ; at Uniontown, 9 ; at Manalen, 4; at Connelsville, 5; at Greensburgh, 3; at Hamiltonville, 11. In Philadelphia, I have confirmed as follows: — in St. John's Church, 6, and again 7, total 13; Emanuel, 12, and again 3, total 15; the^Nativity, 3, including a sick person confirmed in private ; All Saints', 1 ; St. Thomas', 12 ; Ad- 21 vent, 7; St. Paul's, 26 ; St. Stephen's, 10 ; St. Peter's, 33 ; Epiphany 58 ; St. Philip's, 26 ; Christ Church, 32 ; Grace, 48 ; Trinity, 9 ; Ascension, 20; St. Luke's, 19 ; Evangelists, 23; St. Andrew's, 54 ; St. Matthew's, 4. In St. James' (Swedes) Church, Kingsessing, I preached in July, and confirmed 14 persons. In Gloria Dei (Swedes ) Church, Philadelphia, I preached twice in February, and confirmed 9 persons, including the private administration of the rite to a sick lady. In Christ (Swedes) Church, Upper Merion, I preached in February. On the 7th of August, I laid the corner stone of All Saints' Church, Paradise. On May 13th, I laid that of Advent Church, N. L. Philadelphia. On the 26th of October, I consecrated St. James' Church, Downingtown ; a plain but remarkably tasteful bulding, and one that reflects high credit on those who contributed to its erection, and on the zealous young brother who animated and directed their efforts : it is so arranged that the prayers are read at the altar. On December 3rd, I consecrated All Saints' Church, Paradise ; a very neat and beautiful edifice, on a noble site : much individual liberality has been instru- mental in this good work, besides the zeal and perseverance of the excellent pastor : in this church also, the prayers are said at the holy table. On the 22nd of December, I conse- crated St. Mary's Church, Warwick, [formerly East Nant- meal ;] a building which takes the place of the former one, both, I believe, erected under the indefatigable administration of the present venerable rector : it is a substantial edifice, of handsome appearance, and^ well arranged for our services. On the 7th of March, I consecrated Christ Chapel, Oak Grove; an elegant but unpretending structure, very creditable to the faithful minister who officiates there, and to the liberality and taste of those who forwarded and completed the under- taking ; which promises to be eminently successful, as the pews first erected are all taken, requiring others to be put up in the space left vacant : it is a chapel of All Saints' Church, Lower Dublin : the public worship is conducted at the altar, an arrangement which is now becoming quite common in this diocese, and is not unknown elsewhere, and which I deem far preferable to any other. On March 26th, I conse- crated St. James Church, Perkiomen ; it is a beautiful struc- ture, and finished in very good .taste, standing among ven- erable trees ; it replaces the former ancient building which was some 120 years old; much praise is due to the rector and congregation. I again record my sincere and grateful acknowledgment of the hospitable and friendly kindnesses every where extend- ed to me on my journies : my heart has them in constant and warm remembrance. I also acknowledge, and with thanks, the means of private conveyance, from one to another parish, so frequently provided for me ; a favour, for the continuance of which I must still impose on my good friends. And espe- cially must I acknowledge the liberality of the Vestry of Trinity Church, Pittsburgh, in allowing me the use of a com- fortable carriage, &c. on large portions of my journies west of the mountains : indeed, we all know that this parish is never wanting in acts of generosity. The Ordinations I have held, during the past year, are as follows : — On Ascension-day, May 25th, in St. James' Church, Phila- delphia, I admitted the Rev. William H. Bourns, deacon, to the holy order of Priests. On Sunday, May 2Sth, in the Church of the Messiah, Philadelphia, I admitted the Rev. Azariah Prior, deacon, to the holy order of Priests. On Sunday, July 9th, in Christ Church, Philadelphia, I admitted George G. Field and Thomas C. Yarnall to the holy order of Deacons. On Sunday, July 16th, in St. Peter's Church, Philadelphia, I admitted Richard M. Abercrombie to the holy order of Deacons. On Sunday, July 23rd, in St. Paul's Church, Philadelphia, 23 I admitted Joseph M. Lybrand, Henry T. Hiester, Samuel P. Nash, and William H. Woodward, (formerly a dissenting minister in England,) to the holy order of Deacons. On Sunday, September 10th, in St. Peter's Church, Phila- delphia, I admitted Roswell Park to the holy order of Dea- cons. On Thursday, March 2Sth, in Christ Church, Reading, I admitted Peter Russell to the holy order of Deacons, and the Rev. Samuel P. Nash, deacon, to the holy order of Priests. On Sunday, May 5th, in Trinity Church, Pittsburgh, I ad- mitted William Johnstone Bakewell, (formerly an Unitarian minister in England and in this country,) to the holy order of Deacons. On Sunday, May 19th, in St. Mary's Church, Hamiltonville, I admitted the Rev. George G. Field, Thomas C. Yarnall, and Henry T. Hiester, deacons, to the holy order of Priests. I have accepted the following Letters of Dismission: — on May 19th, in behalf of the Rev. Alexander Crummell, deacon, a coloured man, from the clerical members of the Standing Committee of the diocese of Rhode Island: — on June 5th, in behalf of the Rev. Donald Frazer, from Bishop Doane: — on November 3rd, in behalf of the Rev. Thomas M. (Hark, from Bishop Eastburn : — on December 27th, in behalf of the Rev. George Emlen Hare, D. D. from Bishop Doane: —on March 12th, in behalf of the Rev. William J. Clark, from Bishop Whittingham : — on April 6th, in behalf of the Rev. Alexander Varian, from Bishop Mcllvaine : — on May 10th, in behalf of the Rev. A. Prior, from Bishop Kemper: — on May 17th, in behalf of the Rev. Wm. C. Cooley, from Bishop B. T. Onderdonk. Letters of Dismission have been given by me as follows : —in behalf of the Rev. S. W. Hallowell, and the Rev. J. M. Lybrand, to the diocese of New Jersey : — in behalf of the Rev. W. W. Bronson, and the Rev. R. Park to that of Connecticut: — in behalf of the Rev. R. M. Abercrombie, to that of New York :— in behalf of the Rev. J. May, D. D. to 24 that of Virgitiia: — in behalf of the Rev. A. Prior, to the jurisdiction of Bishop Kemper : — in behalf of the Rev. J. L. McKim, to the diocese of Delaware : — in behalf of the Rev. W. H. Rees, the Rev. A. A. Miller, and the Rev. E. Waylen, to that of Maryland : — in behalf of the Rev. 0. Miller, to that of Massachusetts. In November last, it pleased God to take from his labours to (as we trust) his eternal reward, the Rev. John A. Clark, D. D. Dr. Clark succeeded the Rev. Dr. Bedell in the rector- ship of St. Andrew's Church, in this city, where he continued in the zealous discharge of the pastoral duties till declining health and great feebleness compelled him to resign. He is succeeded by the Rev. Thomas M, Clark. As to clerical changes, they have as usual been too many ; some of them being occasioned by the meagre support given by the parishes to their minister, or, too frequently, given only in part, and that after long delays ; a miserable parsimony and breach of good faith ! an infatuated disregard of the cause of Christ and the Church, and of the value of immor- tal souls ! — The Rev. A. Prior has resigned the Church of the Messiah, Philadelphia, and taken charge of that at Mana- yunk. The Rev. 0. A. Shaw has resigned Newtown, where lie is succeeded by the Rev. D. Frazer. The Rev. S. C. Stratton has resigned All Saints', Philadelphia, where the Rev. 0. A. Shaw now officiates. The Rev. Mr. Bull, retaining his other two parishes r has resigned Churchtown, where he is succeed- ed by the Rev. W. J. Clark. The Rev. J. Grigg has resigned St. Timothy's, Spring Garden; and a new undertaking takes the place of that, called the Church of the Nativity, the Rev. W. C. Cooley being the Rector. The Rev. E. C. Jones was for some time the minister at Pottstown and Morlattin, but ill health has compelled him to relincmish public duties. The Rev. 0. Miller has resigned Meadville, and the Rev. A. Varian has taken his place. The Rev. F. W. Beasley has resigned Emanuel Chapel, Holmesburgh, which has become a separate parish from that of All Saints', Lower Dublin ; and 25 this latter with Christ Chapel, Oak Grove, he retains. The Rev. W. J. Bakewell is Assistant minister of Trinity Church, Pittsburgh. The Rev. S. P. Nash is Rector of Trinity Church, Carbondale : the Rev. H. T. Hiester, of St. Mark's Church, Lewistown : the Rev. G. G. Field, minister of St. John's, Huntingdon : the Rev. T. C. Yarnall, Rector of St. Mary's, Hamiltonville. The Rev. W. Peck has resigned St. Peter's, G. V. but retains Radnor Church. The Rev. A. Crummell (a coloured man) officiates in a coloured congrega- tion in Philadelphia. Further clerical arrangements are contained in the list of our Missionaries. J renew the leave of absence to the Rev. R. Davis, for an- other year. On May 20th, the Rev. E. Neville had this leave for six months; and on November 13th, the Rev. H. J. Morton had the same for the same period. When this per- mission is given to those going abroad, I always understand it to date from the time of leaving the United States. And the Constitution allows two months absence without leave. It will be recollected that, last year, I placed the names of three clergymen in a "Special List," not knowing whether, as Assistants in their respective parishes, they had the kind of settlement required for a right to a seat in the Convention. Of the right of one of these to a seat I am now convinced; and also that another of them has not that right. The third has ceased to hold such a position. The number of Candidates for Holy Orders, in this dio- cese is 31. One has been taken from us by our divine Mas- ter, Charles Rockland Thompson ; whose excellence of char- acter and talents, and devotedness to his preparation for the ministry, make us feel that his death is a loss to the Church. Another, S. Hawkesly, has been transferred to the diocese of New York. On July 4th, I admitted to the candidateship George A. Durboro w and Samuel Durborow. On August 3rd, I admitted David C. Macurdy, Abel Augustus Marple, Bar- clay Arney Smith, Dudley Atkins Tyng, and Benjamin 3 26 Wistar Morris. On September 5th, Jonathan Pinkney G. Hammond and Ormes B. Keith. On January 2nd, Thomas Rutherford. On April 2nd, William Richards Grier, William Suddards Jr., and William F. Bryant. On May 2 1st, Robert J. Parvin. — The List of Candidates I now hand to the Secretary. Our Society for the Advancement of Christianity continues its valuable efforts in the cause of Missions in this diocese ; and I am happy to say that its prospects are more encourag- ing than they have been for nearly two years past. It is the favourite institution of the diocese, as it well deserves to be, from its usefulness, from its steady but unostentatious perse- verance, and from its having had the expressed confidence of the Convention for thirty-three years. Were its friends to make larger contributions for its support, it would confer yet greater benefits on our portion of the church. And we need all that can be done for us, in this stronghold of prejudice and bigotry against apostolic principles and apostolic order. The anniversary of the Society was celebrated on the eve- ning of the Epiphany, in St. Andrew's church; when the Rev. T. M. Clark and W. H. Odenheimer conducted the service, and the Rev. Mr. Ogilby preached. During the past year one missionary resigned, and his place has been supplied by the appointment of another ; one also appointed during the year has resigned. The missionaries now employed by the Society are 27 in number. Their names and places of officiating are as follows : The Rev. Joseph Adderly, at Blairsville and Greensburgh. The Rev. William Adderly, at Fallston and St. Paul's church, Beaver county. The Rev. William W. Arnett, at Uniontown and Manalen. The Rev. James Bonnar, at Hollidaysburgh. The Rev. Charles Breck, at Wellsborough, and parts adja- cent. The Rev. Thomas Crumpton, at Alleghany. The Rev. Marcus K. Cushman, at New Milford and Mont rose. 27 The Rev. William N. Diehl, at Whitemarsh. The Rev. George C. Drake, at Schuylkill Haven and Minersville. The Rev. William Hilton, at Kittanning, and parts adja- cent, and at Freeport. The Rev. Marrnaduke Hirst, at Phoenixville. The Rev. George Kirk, at New London X Roads and West Marlborough. The Rev. Freeman Lane, at Troy. The Rev. Edwin N. Lightner, at Muncy, and parts adja- cent. The Rev. Milton C. Lightner, deacon, at Danville, and parts adjacent. The Rev. Samuel T. Lord, at Philipsburg and Clearfield. The Rev. John J. McElhinny, at Connelsville and Pike Run. The Rev. John H. Marsden, at Christ church, and Christ church chapel, Adams county. The Rev. Tobias H. Michell, at Waterford and Franklin. The Rev. George W. Natt, at Belle Fonte and Lock Haven. The Rev. John B. Pradt, at Coudersport and Smethport. The Rev. Peter Russell, deacon, at Mauch Chunk. The Rev. Richard Smith, at Springville, and parts adjacent. The Rev. George Watson, at Athens, and parts adjacent. The Rev. Joshua Weaver, at Sunbury, and parts adjacent. The Rev. William White, at Butler, and parts adjacent. The Rev. Christian Wiltberger, at Yardleyville, Centre- ville, and Hulmeville. There are four beneficiaries, preparing for holy orders, with the aid of the Education Committee of the Society for the Advancement of Christianity. The Ladies' Tract Society, which is auxiliary to the Society for Advancement, is untiring in its useful labours. And so is the Ladies' Association for supplying theological books to some of our feebler parishes, for the benefit, more especially, of their respective ministers. So likewise is the Ladies" Prayer Book Society, whose stereotype plates are the stand- 28 ard of that book, the best of all books, except the Holy Bible. In all these institutions, the unostentatious zeal of female episcopalians is admirably exerted, and it is worthy of much more liberal contributions than it has yet received. I regret that I must apply the same remark to the funds of the Bishop White Prayer Book Society. It has indeed resumed the distribution of prayer books, which was suspend- ed when I last addressed you ; but its resources are far more limited than ought to be allowed by churchmen, zealous for the cause of the Zion of the Living God. Brethren : Whatever be the measure of increase and prosperity granted to our diocese by the divine Head of the Church, it is our plain duty to further them by all righteous means. This duty you can fulfil in your respective parishes, and in such further scenes of influence as Providence may open to you. Nor will our proceedings in this assembly be without bearing on these important interests, dear to us all. ■ May the Almighty give us grace to discharge this and all our duties, with an enlightened judgment, a clear conscience, and a single eye to His glory ! H. U. Onderdonk. Philadelphia, May 22d, 1844. The Bishop then laid on the table a list of the Candidates for Holy Orders in the Diocese, as follows : LIST OF CANDIDATES FOR HOLY ORDERS In the Diocese of Pennsylvania, May 22, 1844. Henry M. Denison — since April 6, 1841. Nicholas Collin Hughes — since June 29, 1841. John B. Colhoun, M. D.— since Sept. 28, 1841. Edwin Mendenhall — since Sept. 28, 1841. Thomas L. Franklin — since Sept. 2S, 1S41. Joseph Hicks Smith — since Sept. 28, 1841. Edmund Leaf— since Sept. 28, 1841. 29 Edwin Harwood — since Nov. 2, 1841. Henry Eglinton Montgomery — since Jan. 5, 1842. Augustus B. Tizzard — since March 1, 1S42. Samuel Stones, M. D. — since May 5, 1S42. Erasmus James P. Messinger — since Sept. 6, 1842. Albert William Duy — since Nov. 2, 1842. Samuel Moorhouse — since Feb. 7, 1S43. Robert Phipps — since Feb. 7, 1843. George Whitfield Timlow — since May 2, 1S43. John W. Shackleford — since May 2, 1843. George A. Durborow — since July 4, 1843. Samuel Durborow — since July 4, 1843. David H. Macurdy — since August 3, 1843. Abel Augustus Marple — since August 2, 1843. Barclay Arney Smith — since August 3, 1843. Dudley Atkins Tyng — since August 3, 1843. Benjamin Wistar Morris — since August 3, 1843. Jonathan Pinkney Hammond — since Sept. 5, 1843. Ormes B. Keith — since Sept. 5, 1843. Thomas G. Rutherford — since January 2, 1844. William Richards Gries — since April 2, 1S44. William Suddards, Jr. — since April 2, 1 844. William F. Bryant — since April 2, 1844. Robert J. Parvin — since May 21, 1S44. Total, 31. H. U. Onderdonk. Philadelphia, May 22, 1844. The Rev. Mr. Colton then offered the following resolution : Resolved, That a majority is sufficient to elect the officers and Committees, provided for in the 6th Article of the Con- stitution of this Diocese. Pending the consideration of this Resolution, The Convention adjourned. G. M. Wharton, Secretary. .PHIA. } c, P. M. $ 30 St. Andrew's Church, Philadelphia. Wednesday, May 22nd, 1844, 5 o'clock, The Convention met, and the Roll being called, the Min- utes of the morning session were read and approved. Mr. Charles C. Boyd, and Mr. Benjamin F. Johnson, Lay Deputies, presented their certificates and took their seats, and Messrs. Henry G. Freeman, Frederick Grosscup, Richard P. Lardner, Wm. B. McClure, Caspar Morris, Francis B. Nichols, John C. Pechin, John Rosencrantz,Thos. Robinson, Abraham W. Sharpless, Samuel Swift, Bethnel B. Vincent, and Courtland Yardley, Lay Deputies, not before present, answered to their names and took their seats. The House then resumed the consideration of the Rev. Mr. Colton's resolution, and without determining the same, adjourned. G. M. Wharton, Secretary. St. Andrew's Church, Philadelphia. Thursday, May 23, 1844, 9 o'clock, A. M. The Convention assembled at the call of the Bishop. Morning Prayers were read by the Rev. Mr. Pradt. The Roll was then called, and the following Lay Delegates, not before present, answered to their names, viz. Messrs. D. W. McCormick, L. G. Pearce, and Thomas R. Trimble. The Minutes of the previous meeting were then read and ap- proved. By the unanimous consent of the House, the further con- sideration of the Rev. Mr. Colton's resolution was postponed for the purpose of permitting the following Resolution to be submitted by Mr. Ashurst, viz. Resolved, That a Committee be appointed to report on the title of the Rev. Mr. Van Pelt to a seat in this body. The Resolution was carried, and the following Committee appointed by the chair, viz. Mr. L. R. Ashurst, Rev. Dr. Bowman, and Mr. Henry Reed. 31 The Convention then resumed the consideration of the Rev. Mr. Colton's resolution, submitted yesterday. On motion of John Reed, Esq., the same was, after dis- cussion, laid on the table for the present. The Secretary of the Standing Committee laid on the table the Charters of St. James' Church, Downingtown, and Trinity Church, Washington, as approved by the Bishop and Stand- ing Committee. The same were, on motion, referred to the Committee on Charters. The Secretary of the Standing Committee also laid on the table, the reports of the Treasurer of the Episcopal Fund, and of the Treasurer of the Convention Fund, and of the Treasurer of the Christmas Fund, severally audited and approved. On motion of the Rev. Dr. Upfold, it was Resolved, That the election of Officers and Committees be made the order for this day at 12 o'clock, M. The following Report was presented by the Rev. Mr. Suddards : The Committee appointed by the Convention to inquire into the claim of the Rev. R. Halt to a seat in the Convention, respectfully report. That Mr. Hall was Rector of St. Mary's, Hamiltonville, up to Easter, 1843, when he resigned the charge of that parish in consequence of ill-health. At the last Convention he reported this fact to the Bishop in these words, "It becomes my painful duty to announce to the Bishop my resignation of the charge of this interesting and growing parish, on account of physical in- ability to perform the duties of it." Mr. Kail has been actually personally and canonically resident within the State for the space of twelve calendar months, and is believed by the committee to have been during the same period in such a state of " infirm health " as to render him physically unable to discharge the duties of a regular Clergyman having charge of a parish. For which reasons the Committee are of opinion 32 that Mr. Hall is entitled to a seat and recommend him accord- ingly. All which is respectfully submitted, On behalf of the. Committee, W. Sui>dards, Chairman. When, on motion, it was Resolved, that the Rev. Richard D. Hall is entitled to a seat in this Convention. The name of the Rev. Mr. Hall was then called by the Secretary, whereupon, he answered to his name, and took his seat. The following Report was presented and read from the Trustees of the Christmas Fund. The Trustees of the Christmas Fund for disabled Clergy- men in the Diocese of Pennsylvania, respectfully report : That they have received during the past year no new application for the benefit of the trust, and there continues to be but the one individual, mentioned in the last annual report, in receipt of any of its funds, to whom two hundred dollars per annum is still appropriated. There has been received since the last annual report $154,57, of which $37,50 was from several churches for col- lections made on the Christmas of 1842, and the residue interest on moneys temporarily invested. There is now in the Treasurer's hands, a balance of $217,57, and there is, subject to be converted into money when required, the further sum of $1S00 invested in city of Philadelphia 5 per stock. In view of these facts, and in the exercise of the authority vested in them by the Convention, the Trustees recommended the omission of the collections for the fund on Christmas last, and it is believed none were made. By order and on behalf of the Trustees. Wm. H. Newbold, Secretary. Philadelphia, May 13th, 1S44. The Committee on Charters presented the following Report, with an accompanying resolution, which was adopted : 33 The Committee on Charters report : That they have examined the Charter of Incorporation, as amended, of Christ church, at Towanda, in Bradford county; that of Christ church, Hollidaysburg, Huntingdon county; that of St. James' church, Kingsessing ; that of St. James' church, Downingtown, Chester county ; and that of Trinity church, in the borough of Washington ; and also the Articles of Association of Emanuel church, Holmesburg, in the county of Philadelphia, and have found them to be in accordance with the Constitution and Canons. They therefore beg leave to submit the following resolution, viz: Resolved, That Christ church, Towanda, Bradford county, Christ church, Hollidaysburg, Huntingdon county ; St. James' church, Kingsessing, Philadelphia county; St. James' church, Downingtown, Chester county; Trinity church, Washington, Washington county, and Emanuel church, Holmesburg, Phila- delphia county, be, and they hereby are, admitted into union with this Convention. Edward Y. Buchanan, Chairman. Mr. James S. Smilh offered the following amendment to the First Section of the Revised Regulations, viz. Strike out the first section of the Second Revised Regula- tions, and substitute therefor the following. A Secretary shall be chosen at every Annual Convention, by ballot, after viva voce nominations. If but one person is nominated, the balloting shall be dispensed with. The Sec- retary shall continue in office until the meeting of the next Convention, and until his successor is chosen. He shall attend at the time and place appointed for the meeting of the Con- vention, shall receive the testimonials of those who shall there attend as Lay Deputies, and shall record the names of those who present testimonials in the form prescribed by the Canon. The insertion by the Secretary, in the list so made by him, 5 34 of the name of any person who has presented a testimonial of his appointment as a Deputy, shall be prima facie evi- dence of the right of such a person to a seat ; but as soon as the House is duly organized, a Committee on Elections shall be appointed, to whom the testimonalsof Lay Deputies shall be referred. [" The Secretary may with the approbation of the House, appoint an Assistant Secretary."] If during the recess of the Convention a vacancy should occur in the office of Secretary, the duties thereof shall devolve upon the Assistant Secretary, if there be one ; if not, or if the Assistant Secretary shall die or resign, a Secretary shall be appointed by the Standing Com- mittee. Rev. Dr. Tyng moved to amend the same by striking out the following words, viz. "The Secretary may with the ap- probation of the House appoint an Assistant Secretary," and inserting the following, viz. "There shall also be appointed by the Convention, in the same manner, an Assistant Secretary. Which amendment was adopted. The amendment to the Revised Regulations, as amended above, was then adopted. The following Report was presented and read, viz. The Committee to which was referred the claim of the Rev. Mr. Van Pelt to a seat in this Convention, respectfully report, that by the 4th Article of the Constitution, " Every Clergy- man of the Church, of whatever order, being a settled minister of some Parish within this State, shall be entitled to a seat and vote in Convention, if he has been actually and person- ally as well as canonically resident within this State for the space of twelve calendar months, next before the meeting of the Convention, and has for the same period been employed in performing the duties of his station." The Rev. Mr. Van Pelt was appointed in Sept. 1S42, an assistant to the Rector of the Church of the Epiphany, by the Vestry of the said Church, for one year from the 1st of Oct. 35 following, and again in Sept. 1843. was re-appointed in the same form for one year further. The Committee consider it due to the Rev. Mr. Van Pelt, to report immediately the facts of the case, without that delay which would be necessary for a full report on it, and leave the Convention to decide whether his appointment is such as to make him a settled minister within the terms of the Con- stitution. Lewis R. Ashurst, Chairman. Mr. Ashurst offered the following resolution : Resolved, That the Rev. Peter Van Pelt be admitted to a seat in this Convention — which was adopted. The Rev. Mr. Van Pelt being called, answered to his name and took his seat. The hour of 12 o'clock having arrived, the Convention pro- ceeded, according to the previous order, to the election of Officers and Committees. The Rev. Messrs. Bowman and Rodney being appointed Tellers on the part of the Clergy, and Messrs. West and Osmon Reed on the part of the Laity. The balloting having commenced, and while the Tellers were engaged in counting the votes, the minutes of the Standing Committee were laid upon the table by its Secretary, the Rev. Dr. Dorr. One hundred copies of the last Report of the Society for the Advancement of Christianity in Pennsylvania were also laid upon the table for the use of the members. On motion of Rev. Mr. Spear, it was Resolved, That a Committee be appointed to inquire what number of Trustees of the General Theological Seminary this Diocese is entitled to, and whether any vacancies in the same now exist. The Committee appointed were Rev. Messrs. Spear and Ogilby, and Mr. Cope. On motion of the Rev. Mr. Bourns, it was Resolved, That the Secretary be authorized to print 500 copies of the Journal ; that the Constitution, Canons, and Revised Regulations be appended thereto ; and that 500 copies extra of the said Con- stitution, Canons, and Revised Regulations be also printed. 36 On motion of Rev. Dr. Boyd, it was Resolved, That the Committee contemplated in the ] 7th Canon of this Conven- tion; to draft a report of the state of the Church in this Diocese, to be presented to the General Convention be now appointed. The Chair nominated Rev. Dr. Boyd, Rev. Mr. Odenheimer, Rev. Dr. Ducachet, and Messrs. Ralston and Welsh. The Rev. Mr. Morgan moved, that hereafter the widow (during her widowhood) or children under the age of sixteen years, of every Clergyman, who, at the time of his decease, was canonically connected with the Diocese, shall receive an appropriation not exceeding $250 per annum. On motion of Mr. J. S. Smith, this Resolution was referred to the Trustees of the Christmas Fund, with instructions to report as soon as practicable. On motion of Rev. Dr. Upfold, a Committee on unfinished business was appointed, consisting of Rev. Messrs. Upfold and Natt. The Rev. Mr. Colton submitted the following as an amend- ment to the second paragraph of the Sixth Article of the Constitution : viz. All Officers and Committees appointed by ballot, must, in order to their election, receive a majority of the votes of the clerical members, and of the lay representations ; Provided always, that a majority of those entitled to vote at the time of election, are then in the house. The Rev. Dr. Ducachet moved to lay the proposition on the table. The Rev. Mr. Spear moved to amend this motion by adding " and that it be made the order for i past 5 o'clock, P. 1YJ. of this day," — which amendment prevailed — and the original motion, as amended, was then carried. Mr. James S. Smith offered the following Resolutions, which were adopted, viz. Resolved, That $300 be appropriated towards the payment ol mileage to the Rectors of such churches as have made 37 contributions to the Convention Fund for the current year — and that the Treasurer be authorized to pay the same to such clergymen as make application, pro rata, according to their actual expenses. Resolved, That until the next Convention, the actual ex- penses of the Bishop upon Episcopal visitations, be paid out of the Convention Fund, provided that the amount so paid does not exceed the sum of Three hundred dollars. Mr. G. M. Wharton moved, that the next annual meeting of the Convention be held in St. Andrew's Church, Philadel- phia, on the 3rd Tuesday of May, A. D. 1845, at 6 o'clock, P. M. It was moved to amend this motion by substituting " St. Peter's Church " in the place of " St. Andrew's Church," which was lost. It was again moved to amend by substi- tuting " St. Andrew's Church, Pittsburg," for " St. Andrew's Church, Philadelphia," which was also lost. The original motion was then carried. The Secretary then reported to the chair that there were 69 clerical members of the Convention, and 75 Lay Repre- sentations therein. The Tellers, having completed the counting of the votes, reported, that the Rev. Messrs. Dorr and Morton, of the Clergy, and Messrs. Thos. Robins, G. M. Wharton, and James S. Newbold, of the Laity, had received respectively a majority of the votes of all the clerical members present in the Convention, and of the Lay representations, for mem- bers of the Standing Committee of the Diocese, and that no others of the Candidates voted for had received a like majority. The Tellers also reported, that none of the persons voted for as Deputies to the General Convention of the Church had received a majority of the votes of both orders. On motion of the Rev. T. IL Michell, it was Resolved. that the thanks of the Convention be tendered to the Rev. Mr. Beasley for his appropriate and excellent sermon de- livered before this Body, at its present session. On motion of Mr. Thos. K. Bull, it was Resolved., That the thanks of the Convention be tendered to the Vestry of St. Andrew's Church for the use of their building for the pur- poses of the Convention. The Convention then adjourned. G. M. Wharton, Secretary. Philadelphia, St. Andrew's Church, ~) Thursday, May 23, 1844, 5 o'clock, P.M. $ The Convention met at the call of the Bishop. The Roll was then called, when Messrs. Horace Binney, and Clement S. Rutter, Lay Deputies, for the first time answered to their names and took their seats. The minutes of the Morning Session were then read and approved. On motion, the Convention proceeded to another ballot for the remaining members of the Standing Committee, and for the other Committees and Officers of the Convention. The same Tellers acting, as in the morning. While the Tellers were engaged in counting the votes, on motion of Mr. Aertsen, Resolved, That Messrs. Wm. H. Newbold, Moses Kempton, Robert Toland and John Welsh, Jr., be elected Trustees of the Christmas Fund for disabled Clergymen. The names of the Clergy were then called over, in obedience to the fourth of the Revised Regulations, for the purpose of ascertaining whether a collection had been made for the Convention Fund, when it appeared, from answers given at the time, that collections had been made by the Rev. Messrs. William Adderly, Levi Bull, William W. Arnett, Robert B. Claxton, James Bonnar, John B. Clemson, William H. Bourns, John Coleman, Samuel Bowman, Asa S. Colton, Charles Breck, Thomas Crumpton, Edward Y. Buchanan, Marcus K. Cushman, 39 William N. Diehl, Benjamin Dorr, Jacob M. Douglass, George C. Drake, Henry W. Dncachet, William Hilton, John J. Kerr, George Kirke, Edwin N. Lightner, Milton C. Lightner, Samuel T. Lord, Henry Major, John H. Marsden, John G. Maxwell, Tobias H. Mich ell, Geo. Mintzer, Richard U. Morgan, Jacob B. Morss, H. J. Morton, George W. Natt, Edmund Neville, Richard Newton, William H. Norris, William H. Odenheimer, Willie Peck, William S. Perkins, Greenbury W. Ridgely, John Rodney, Jr., Joshua M. Rogers, Owen E. Shannon, George Sheets, Richard Smith, Nathan Stem, William Suddards, Stephen H. Tyng, George Up fold, Joshua Weaver, William White, Christian Wiltberger, Jr., Enos Woodward. The Tellers being prepared to report, made report, that Messrs. Horace Binney and James S. Smith had received the votes of a majority of both orders, as Lay Deputies to the General Convention, and that none of the other candidates voted for, had received a like majority. The Rev. Dr. Tyng then moved, that a Committee of con- ference be appointed, of four Clergymen and four Laymen, to prepare and propose a ticket for the Standing Committee, and the General Convention. Mr. T. K. Bull moved to amend, by striking out the word " four" where it occurred in the Resolution, and insert "two," viz. the Rev. Dr. Tyng, and the Rev. Dr. Dorr of the Clergy, and Messrs. Binney and Woodward of the Laity." This amendment was accepted by the mover of the Resolution. The vote on the passage of the Resolution as amended, was then required by the requisite number, to be taken by orders. 40 — which being done, it appeared that fifty-one Clerical mem- bers and sixty-two Lay representations voted in the affirma- tive — and that eleven Clerical members and four Lay re- presentations voted in the negative. The Resolution was therefore adopted. The Convention then adjourned. G. M. Wharton, Secretary. St. Andrew's Church, Philadelphia. > Friday, May 24, 1844, 9 o'clock, A. M. 5 The Bishop called the Convention to order. Morning prayers were read by the Rev. Mr. Mintzer. The calling of the Roll was then dispensed with, on motion, and the minutes of the last meeting read and approved. The Hon. Judge Woodward, from the Committee of Conference appointed last evening, made report of the following Ticket as agreed to be submitted to the Convention : viz. Standing Committee. Rev. Jehu C. Clay, D. D., William Musgrave, " Richard Newton, Richard S. Smith. " Thomas M. Clark, Deputies to the General Convention. Rev. George Upfold, D. D., John N. Conyngham, " Levi Bull, Herman Cope. " Stephen H. Tyng, D. D., " Samuel Bowman, D. D., On motion of Judge Woodward, the Convention proceeded to a third ballot, the same Tellers acting as before. The Tellers thereupon reported that the following persons had received a majority of the votes of both orders, viz. 41 Standing Com ?n it tee. Rev. Jehu C. Clay, D. D., William Musgrave, " Richard Newton, Richard S. Smith. •• Thomas M. Clark, Deputies to the General Convention. Rev. George Upfold, D. D., Herman Cope. " Levi Bull, " Stephen H. Tyng, D. D., " Samuel Bowman, D. D., And that certain votes, amounting in the whole to a majority of the votes of both orders, had been cast for John N. Con- yngham, John H. Conyngham, and John M. Conyngham, as Deputy to the General Convention. Whereupon, on. motion of G. W. Woodward, it was Resolved, That the votes given for John M. Conyngham and John H. Con- yngham, respectively be counted for John N. Conyngham — and the said John N. Conyngham was accordingly declared to have received the votes of a majority of both orders. Mr. Thos. K. Bull moved that the Convention now take up for consideration the proposed alteration to the Constitu- tion, offered by the Rev. Mr. Colton. The question on this motion was required to be taken by orders — and the vote being so taken, it appeared that 19 Clerical members, and 24 Lay Representations had voted in the affirmative, and 42 Clerical members and 34 Lay representations in the nega- tive. The motion was therefore lost. Leave of absence was, on motion, granted to Dr. Jenks and Mr. Briggs, for the residue of the session. The Rev. Mr. Stem offered the following as an amend- ment to the -4th Article of the Constitution — viz: That the 4th Article of the Constitution be amended by striking out the word "twelve" in the 13th line, before " Calendar,'' and inserting " nine." 6 42 On motion of the Rev. Mr. Ridgley, it was Resolved, to refer the foregoing to a Committee to report thereon at the next Convention of the Diocese : and Rev. Mr. Stem, Rev. Drs. Dorr and Bowman, and Messrs. Binney, James S. Smith, and Osmon Reed were appointed the Committee. The following report was presented : — The Committee appointed to inquire what number of Trustees of the General Theological Seminary this Diocese is entitled to, and whether any vacancies now exist, which it is the duty of this Convention to fill — respectfully report, that this diocese is entitled to one trustee for the Diocese, one for every eight clergymen in the same, one for every two thousand dollars contributed under ten thousand dollars, and one for every ten thousand dollars additional. There being one hundred and seventeen clergymen in the diocese, it is entitled to fourteen Trustees with one addditional. The Committee have not been able to ascertain what amount of funds have been contributed, but suppose themselves safe in assuming that ten thousand dollars, if no more, has been given, entitling us to five more Trustees, making in all twenty. Whereas, only eleven have been appointed, to wit, Rev. Drs. Dorr, Upfold, Ducachet and Boyd, Rev. Messrs. Rodney and Bull, Messrs. John Reed, J. S. Smith, Benjamin Stiles, George M. Wharton, and Horace Binney, Jr. The Com- mittee report therefore nine vacancies,and respectfully suggest to the Convention the propriety of nominating suitable per- sons, to be appointed by the ensuing General Convention to fill these offices, Signed, W. W. Spear, Herman Cope, Frederick Ogilby. Whereupon, on motion, a Committee was appointed to report the names of nine Trustees of the General Theological Seminary for this Diocese, to be submitted to the General Convention for election by that body. 43 The Committee appointed were, the Rev. Messrs. Spear and Buchanan, and Mr. Cope, who reported the following names, viz : The Rev. Messrs. Morton, Buchanan, Spear, Morgan, and Odenheimer, and Messrs. Herman Cope, L. R. Ashurst, A. L. Hays, and Win. Welsh. Whereupon, on motion of the Rev. Dr. Upfold, it was Resolved, That the names of the gentlemen reported by the Committee, together with the names of the present Trustees, be nominated to the General Convention, as Trustees for this Diocese, of the General The- ological Seminary. The Committee on unfinished business reported as follows : That there appears to be no business of the last Convention left unfinished, except a Report and Resolution of a Com- mittee on the alteration of the time of meeting of the Con- vention, which has been virtually disposed of by the resolu- tion of yesterday, fixing the place of meeting of the next Annual Convention. Signed, George Upfold, Chairman. The Bishop laid on the table the Parochial Reports of the Clergy. The minutes of the days' session were then read by t' ie Secretary, and approved ; and the members of the Conven- tion joined in singing the last four verses of the 99th Psalm of the Selection, when, after the benediction by the Bishop, the Convention adjourned, sine die. G. M. Wharton, Secretary. PAROCHIAL REPORTS, FOR THE YEAR ENDING MAY 1, 1844. Report of the Rev. Win. Added)-, Missionary at St. Peter's Church, Beaver Falls, and St. Paul's Church, Beaver county. St. Peter's Church. Congregation, families, about 19; baptisms, infants, 1 communicants, added, 3; removed, 3; present number, 15 marriages, 2; burials, 4; public services, on Sundays, 40 otber days, 4; total, 44; Sunday schools, 1 ; teachers, male, 5 ; pupils, 30 ; teachers, female, 4 ; pupils, 40 ; total schools. 2 ; teachers, 9 ; pupils, 70. St. Paul's Church. Congregation, families, 25 ; baptisms, infants, 5 ; confirmed, 9 ; communicants, added, 1 ; present number, 62 ; marriages, 1 ; burials, 1 ; public services, on Sundays, 46 ; other days, 4; total, 50. Nothing worthy of especial notice has transpired during the past year. Report of the Rev. Joseph Adderly, Missionary at St. Peter's Church, Blairs- ville, Indiana county, and Christ Church, Greensburg, Westmoreland count)'. St. Peter's Church, Blairsville. Congregation, families, 10 ; baptisms, infants, 5 ; confirmed, 4 ; communicants, added, 7 ; removed, 9 ; present number, 19 : public services, on Sundays, 50; other days, 10; total, 60; collections, Society for the Advancement of Christianity, 85 1, The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper has been admin- istered four times to this congregation. Christ Church, Greejcsburgh. Congregation, families, 1 9 ; baptisms, infants, 5 : confirmed. 45 3 ; communicants added, 7 ; present number, 44 ; burials, 1 : public services, on Sundays, 50; other days, 5 ; total, 55; collections, Society for the Advancement of Christianity, $3 : Episcopal fund, $3. Report of the Rev. Thomas G. Allen. As by the Canon of the General Convention of 1S35, every clergyman not regularly settled in any parish or church, shall report to the ecclesiastical authority of his Diocese, the occa- sional services he may have performed, I, therefore, present the following view of my movements : I continue acting in the capacity of a City Missionary, in connection with the Philadelphia City Mission. During the year, up to the 17th inst., I have officiated in the services of the church on two occasions, when I have not lectured or preached. I have administered or assisted in the administration of the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, on 10 occasions. I have baptized 78 persons. In preaching, lecturing, &c. I have officiated on 246 occasions. I have married 22 couple. I have officiated on 99 funeral occasions. During the year, up to March 12, my pastoral visits have been 1753; — 1723 of them to the sick, afflicted, &c. There have been distributed 22 Bibles, 32 New Testaments, 38 Prayer Books, and S 3,000 pages of Tracts, in which is included 42,100 pages of the tract, " Morning and Evening Prayer for Children and Youth, &.c." My monthly appointments at the Widow's Asylum, and at the Will's Hospital; also, my weekly appointments at the Magdalen Asylum, and at my house, are continued. On other occasions I officiate during the week and on the Lord's Day, as the Lord in his Providence directs. My great business is to preach the Gospel of the blessed Redeemer; yea, from sick bed to sick bed, from house to house, from place to place, from sanctuary to sanctuary, I would not cease " to teach and preach Jesus Christ." 46 The Lord has continued his blessing on my imperfect efforts, and to him be all the praise forever. Amen. Report of the Rev. W. W. Arnett, Rector of St. Peter's Church, Uniontown, and Grace Church, Manalen, Fayette county. St. Peter's Church, Uniontown. Congregation, families, about 20 ; baptisms, infants, 2 ; confirmed, 9 ; communicants, added, 8 ; died or removed, 5 ; present number, 38; marriages, 2; burials, 3; public ser- vices, on Sundays, 70 ; other days, 50 ; total, 120 ; Sunday schools, 1 ; teachers, 10 ; average attendance, 50; collections, Soc. Adv. of Christianity, $6 16; Convention fund, $5 25; total, $11 41. Grace Church, Manalen. Baptisms, adults, 2 ; communicants added, 4 ; removed, 1 ; confirmed, 4. Report of the Rev. Charles Henry Alden, Chaplain in the United States Navy. Since the fall of 1841, up to the first of March last, I have been on duty abroad as a chaplain in our Navy. I have officiated every Sunday when the state of the weather per- mitted, and have been furnished with every facility in dispens- ing moral and religious instruction to the ship's company. It is gratifying to record the regular and respectful attendance, on the part of the officers and seamen with whom my lot was cast, on the public services of the church, as well as their courtesy and kindness to the ministers of religion. Few fields of usefulness are more inviting to a faithful clergyman than in the Navy, where a consistent example, and prudent, timely counsels are promising of good alike to the social, moral, and religious well-being of all on board ship. If the position is inseparable from peculiar and severe trials, it is not unac- companied with the spiritual rewards promised to such as would "not be weary in well-doing." 47 1 have preached occasionally in foreign ports, have admin- istered the Holy Communion, baptized a number of children, and have officiated at several funerals. Report of the Rev. F. W. Beasley, Rector of All Saints' Church, Lower Dublin, Philadelphia county. Since my last report we have been enabled to complete our new church. The Congregation, generally, took great inter- est in its erection. We received liberal contributions from all parts of the parish; nor have we wanted some kind friends in the city. I ought particularly to mention the great gene- rosity of a gentleman residing near Holrnesburg, who, having contributed towards it largely before, has handed over to the Treasurer during this year $500 more. As the congregation had been so large that I could not perform parochial duty to the extent that the wants of the parish seemed to require, and as it was desirable that the number of public services on the Lord's day should be increased, I resolved to divide the parish if possible. Going from house to house among my parishioners in Holrnesburg, I succeeded, with the Divine blessing, in prevailing upon my people there to make such an increase in their pew-rents as would enable them to support the church there of themselves. Our separation has been effected ; and I have concluded to remain in the charge of the two churches in the upper part of the parish. The separation virtually took effect on the first of January. The chapel at Oak Grove has been consecrated by the Bishop. It is beautifully situated, and has been much admired. The chancel is arranged after the manner recom- mended by the Bishop. We have rented nearly all our pews since the first of January. Although we have been com- pelled to erect new pews, as the demand for them has greatly exceeded our expectations, we shall have about forty free sittings. The erection of this church, the result of more than nine years Missionary effort on my part in the neighborhood, the salutary effect it is exerting, call for great gratitude, and 48 more fervent prayers that it may ever flourish " according to this beginning." During the year, I have baptized two adults, and twenty-one children. Until the first of January. we kept the holy-days of the church. Since the division of the parish we have had service every Sunday morning at All Saints' church, in the afternoon at the chapel at Oak Grove — and on one evening in the week, service also at the same place. We have two Sunday schools. The communicants are forty in number, the larger part of those in the parish, before the separation, belonging to the church in Holmesburg: although the families which belonged to it constituted the smallest part of our congregation. We collected for the Nashotah Mission, on June the 26th, $35 00 ; October 22, for Society for the Advancement of Christianity in Pennsylvania, $21 97i ; for Episcopal Fund, $5 33. Money given by an individual for Oak Grove Church, $500; by another, $40 for the same purpose; other subscriptions, for the same, $100. Oak Grove monthly collections for the payment of the current expenses of the church, $9 26. There are some other contri- butions to various purposes which ought to be reported, but I cannot obtain their amount. The whole sum, as reported, is $711 56|. Report of the Rev. William H. Bourns, Rector of St. Paul's Church, Blooms- burg, Christ Church, Jerseytown, St. Gabriel's, Sugarloaf, and Trinity Church, Orangeville, Columbia county. St. Paul's, Bloomsburg. Congregation, families, 57; adults, 1S4; children, 87 ; total, 271; baptisms, adults, 2; infants, 9; total, 11; communi- cants added, 3 ; died, 2 ; removed, 1: present number, 90; marriages, 11 ; burials, 7 ; public services, on Sundays, 47 : other days, 49 ; total, 96 ; children catechized, 12 ; times, 3 ; Sunday school, 1 ; teachers, male, 6; female, 10; total, 16 ; pupils, male 37 ; female, 38 ; total, 75 ; bible class, 1 ; mem- bers, 15 ; collections, Episcopal Fund, $2 50; Soc. Adv. Chris- tianity, $3 16 ; Convention Fund, $3 U£; total, $8 78§. 49 If a large attendance upon the public services may be con- sidered a criterion, this congregation is in a prosperous condition. An effort is now being made to pay a balance of about $650, due for the erection of the church building : the architect having felt himself obliged to take proceedings at law against the corporation. Notwithstanding the apparent prosperity of this congregation, the church is open for Sunday services on only every alternate Lord's day. St. Gabriel's, Sugarloaf. Being twenty miles from the Rector's residence, this church is visited only once in four weeks. The population of this district is said to have been all attached to the Church about twenty-five years ago, but now various preachers of heresy and schism find hearers and supporters. The attend- ance upon the services in St. Gabriel's is generally large, and the interest in religion appears ralher to increase, not- withstanding the unfavorable circumstances of having public worship so seldom. The log church, built thirty years since, was ceiled and weather-boarded during the past year. Congregation, families, 21 ; individuals, 167; baptisms, infants, 10; communicants, present number, 15; burial, 1 ; public services, on Sundays, 23 ; other days, 7; total, 30. Christ Church, Jerseytown. Congregation, families, 14 ; adults, 41 ; children, 25 ; total, 66 ; baptisms, 1 ; communicants, 12; marriage, 1; public services, on Sundays, 15; other days, 7; total, 22. This congregation does not seem to decline. Divine Ser- vice is now held twice on one Sunday in four, instead of once, as formerly. A large congregation assembles in the evening, chiefly of persons of other denominations. Trinity Church, Orangevili.e. Public services, on Sundays, 10; marriages, 2. Afternoon Service is held on one Sunday in four. The attendance is about 60 persons, of whom probably one-fifth 50 are Episcopalians. The doctrines and worship of the church appear to gain no ground upon the forms of other denomina- tions. In addition to the services enumerated above, I have preached, read prayers, or assisted in the same, in different places, thirty-one times. Report of the Rev. James Bonnar, Missionary at Christ Church, Hollidays- burg, Huntingdon county. Congregation, families, 13; adults, 30; children, 36; total, 69 ; baptisms, infants, 8 ; confirmed, 5; communicants, added, 7; died or removed, 2; present number, 23; burials, 2: public services, on Sundays, 100 ; other days, 107 ; total, 207: children catechized, 20 ; times, 12 ; Sunday school, male teachers, 2 ; pupils, 8; female teachers, 2; pupils, IS ; total schools, 1 ; teachers, 4 ; pupils, 26 ; Soc. Adv. of Christianity, $4 00 ; Missionary and other purposes, 28 00 ; total, $32 00. The parish is still indebted to Christian Garber, Esq. for the gratuitous use of a building, which has been fitted up as a temporary chapel. The Missionary and the Vestry desire " A Friend to the Missionaries," the Rector of St. Peter's, and the Rev. Thomas J. Davis, to accept their thanks for their kindness to the Missionary — the good Lord reward them for having done us good. Report of the Rev. S. Bowman, Rector of St. James' Church, Lancaster, Lan- caster county. Baptisms, adults, 6; infants, 16 ; total, 22 ; marriages, 7 ; funerals, 10; confirmations, 14 ; communicants, 124; public services, on Sundays, 104 ; other days, 37 ; total, 141. The children of the congregation are catechized semi-monthly. There are two Sunday schools, containing about 150 scho- lars, under 20 teachers. Collections, Episcopal fund, #13 25; for Bibles, #23; Soc. for Adv. of Christianity, #13 25; Convention, #10; monthly offerings for Missionary purposes, #131 62; from a Juvenile Missionary Association, 51 $ 10; Infant Sunday school, $5; General Sunday school, $8 75; total, $314 87. There is a Benevolent Association of the ladies of the con- gregation for the relief of the poor during the inclemency of winter, by the gratuitous distribution of food and clothing. During the past year, a substantial brick building has been completed for a Sunday school-house and sexton's dwelling, at an expense of about $1500. It replaces a frame building that was burned about a year since. There having been for some time a want of pews, the Vestry have resolved upon the enlargement of the church. Beside increasing the capacity of the church nearly one-third, there will be, it is hoped, a great improvement in the order and beauty of its arrange- ments. The work is now in hand, and will be finished in the course of the summer. Report of the Rev. G. Boyd, Rector of St. John's Church, Northern Liberties, Philadelphia county. Baptisms, infants, 26 ; marriages, 10 ; confirmed, 7; com- municants, 153; added, 9; removed, 3. There are three public services on each Lord's day ; daily Morning Prayer, during the summer season, at 6 o'clock : one evening serviee on Wednesday evening; and the festi- vals and fasts of the Church are all observed, with their pre- scribed services. There are two Sunday schools. The female department is well conducted, under the superintendence of Miss Martha Palethorp, assisted by fifteen teachers. The boy's school is under the superintendence of Henry Hay, Esq. In both these schools the children are taught and trained in the ways of the Church. The Rev. Samuel R. Meade continues to superintend the Female Parochial School, lately founded in the parish, with great approbation. This is a week day school, into which it is intended to introduce, as far as possible, the Church's sys- tem of religious education. 52 A Boy's Parochial School, intended to be conducted upon similar principles, is also opened, which is placed under the care of Mr. David J. Johnson, A. B., a graduate of the Uni- versity of Pennsylvania, and a lay member of the Church. Mr. Johnson has entered upon his duties with the best com- mendation of the faculty of the University, and with every reasonable prospect of success. The children belonging to the Sunday schools are regularly instructed in the Church Catechism, and in its approved Explanations or Expository ; together with the proper use of the Prayer Book. The Apostolic order of Weekly Offerings is continued, with growing success. As the principles involved in this mode of contributing to the Lord's service, are becoming better understood, there is found to be an increasing disposi- tion in "self-denial," and a proportionate increase of the "offerings." Like all other truth, however, it has to work its way through much of unbelief, and consequently cannot be expected to pass very rapidly into popular favor. The fact that the "offerings" made upon the "altar" on the Lord's day, are appropriated, by order of the vestry, to the support of the rector, and that they have heretofore been inadequate to that object, must be his apology for having omitted, during the last year, as well as the one before, to make collections for the Episcopal fund. Report of the Rev. Charles Breck, Rector of St. Paul's Church, Wellsborough, Tioga county. Congregation, families, 60; adults, ISO; children, 156; total, 336; baptisms, adults, 11; infants, 11; total, 22; confirmed, 32; communicants, added, 14; died or removed, 2 ; present number, 42 ; marriages, 2 ; burials, 6 ; public ser- vices, on Sundays, 107; other days, 32; total, 139; children catechized, times, in the church, every Sunday; Sunday schools, male, 1; teachers, 3; pupils, 20 ; female, 1 ; teachers, 4; 53 pupils, 40; total schools, 2 ; teachers, 7; pupils, 60; collec- tions, Episcopal Fund, $6 50; Soc. Adv. of Christianity, $10 17; Missionary purposes, $14 00; Convention Fund, $4 00; for Bibles published by S. A. C. P., $12 50; total, $47 17. The Church is gradually gaining ground here, and I hope in a year or two to see another clergyman permanently settled in this county. To effect this, I have transferred my services from Pine Creek to Lawrenceville and Beecher Island, distant twenty and twenty-five miles. At these places I officiate once in four weeks. At this place we have built a church worth $3000, which, with the exception of about £100 received from various sources, has been entirely paid for by the inhabitants of the village and neighborhood. The ladies of the parish purchased a case for the organ, blinds for the church, and advanced $90 to the vestry. We are about to erect galleries in the church, which will cost $350. Samuel W. Morris, Esq. has given to the church a valuable piece of ground as a site for a Rectory. Five years ago there was not a communicant in the county, at present there are nearly sixty. May all praise and glory be ascribed to the Great Head of the Church for his goodness in thus making u the desert rejoice, and blossom as the rose." Report of the Rev. S. C. Brinckle, Rector of St. James' (Swedish) Church' Kingsessing, Philadelphia county. Congregation, families, 47; adults, 151; children, 10S : total, 259 ; baptisms, adults, 1 ; infants, 10; total, 11 ; com- municants added, 7; died or removed, 5; present number, 43; marriages, S; burials, 7; public services, on Sundays, 80; other days, 8; total, S8 ; children catechized, times, 7; Sunday schools, 2; teachers, 10; pupils, 63; Soc. Adv. of Christianity, $23; Missionary and other purposes, $674; total, $697. The rector is pleased to state, that the long cherished object, 54 of the union of this ancient Swedish church with its Ameri- can sister, will be effected, he trusts, during this session of our Convention — the necessary alteration of its Charters having been made. Improvements of the material edifice, corresponding with that applying to the spiritual, have been effected within a short time. These embrace new pews, pulpit and desk, with the raising of the main floor, the introduction of a furnace for warming the church, and also the addition of a commodious Vestry Room of massive construction, which at no distant time may be surmounted by its steeple and church-going bell. With very commendable liberality, provision was made for these expenditures, amounting to some $700, by the voluntary contributions of the congregation. May the great Head of the Church continue His blessing, and fulfil every expectation which these results have excited. Report of the Rev. Edward Y. Buchanan, Rector of St. John's Church, Piquea, Chester county ; Christ Church, Leacock, Lancaster county, and All Saints Church, Paradise, Lancaster county. St. John's Church, Piquea, Congregation, families, 50 ; baptisms, infants, 8; confirmed, 9; communicants added, 12; died or removed, 2; present number, 50 ; marriages, 1 ; burials, 2 ; public services, on Sundays, 32; other days, 7 ; total, 39; children catechized, 30 ; times, frequently ; Sunday schools, 1 ; teachers, 8 ; pupils, 50 ; collections, Episcopal Fund, $5 00 ; Soc. Adv. of Chris- tianity, $S 00 ; Missionary and other purposes, 120 00 ; total, $133 00. In this congregation, the number of persons attending public worship is larger than at any former period : as is also the number of communicants. The church may be said to be •in many respects in a highly prosperous state. Christ Church, Leacock. Congregation, families, 33 ; baptisms, adults, 2 ; infants, 3 ; total, 5 ; confirmed, 12 ; communicants added, 3 ; died, 1 ; 55 present number, 35 ; marriages, 3 , burials, 4 ;, public servi- ces, on Sundays, 31 ; other days, 7; total, 38; children cate- chized, 20 ; times, frequently; Sunday schools, 1 ; teachers, 6; pupils, 23; collections, Episcopal Fund, $5 00; Advance- ment Society, $7 00; Missionary and other purposes, §153 00; total, $165 00. This church has suffered greatly within three or four years past from, removals and deaths. The number of communi- cants, however, is now as large as at any former period ; and if those of the communicants of All Saints, who formerly belonged to this church, were counted, it would be much larger. All Saint's Church, Paradise. Congregation, families and pewholders, 34; baptisms, adults, 2 ; infants, 20 ; total, 22 ; confirmed, 12 ; communicants added, 13 ; removed, 1 ; present number, 23; marriages, 5 ; burials, 2 ; public services, on Sundays, 27 ; other days, 17 ; total, 44; children catechized, 35 ; times, several ; Sunday schools, 1 ; teachers, 12 ; pupils, 45; collections, Advancement Society, $4 66; Convention Fund, $10; other purposes, (including the building of the new church,) about $950 00 ; total, $964 66. Since the consecration of the new church, in December last, the attendance upon our public services has been good, beyond our most sanguine expectations. Every thing con- nected with the parish is encouraging. Report of the Rev. Levi Bull, Rector of St. Thomas' Church, Morgantown, Berks county, St. Mary's Church, Chester county, Bangor Church, Churchtown, Lancaster county. St. Thomas' Church. Communicants, 64 ; baptisms, adults, 4 ; children, 26 ; total, 30. The state of this church is flourishing; a Sunday school, conducted by about 12 teachers, male and female; children in ordinary attendance, about 50 ; catechisms recited during the summer frequently; explained twice a month; service once every Sunday; extra services, occasionally on week days, and at night ; Collections taken for Bishop's fund and for Con- vention fund. The rector feels much encouraged. St. Mary's Church. The old church, during the past year, was taken down, and a new one erected on the old site. The present one is in length 64 ft., in width, 46 ft., with a vestry room at the north end. It was consecrated a day or two before last Christmas. It is a plain, neat building, and is estimated to accommodate 500 persons. Regular services were not performed here during the last year ; communicants, about 75 ; baptisms, not exceeding 5 ; collections taken for the Bishop's and Convention funds ; Sunday school, conducted by 10 teachers; about 50 pupils usually attend. Henceforth there will be service here every Lord's day. Bangor Church. TJie late Rector resigned the charge of this church about the 1st of April, ult. He can give, in consequence of his not having access to the records of the church, no accurate parochial report ; communicants, 60. The Rev. W. J. Clark has succeeded me in the charge of this Church, and devotes all his time to the duties it requires. With the ordinary blessing of God, I natter myself that his services will be as useful as they are acceptable. Report of the Rev. Thomas M. Clark, Rector of St. Andrew's Church, in Philadelphia. Congregation, adults, 770; children, 310; total, 1080; baptism, adults, 24; infants, 31; total, 55; confirmed, 54; communicants, present number, 512 ; marriages, 5; burials, 15; public service, morning and evening on Sundays; service on Wednesdays and Fridays in Lent, and on every Wednes- 57 day evening ; children catechised, 300, monthly ; Sunday school, male, 2 ; teachers, 21 ; pupils, 180; female, 2 ; teachers, 21 ; pupils, 148; infant school, 1 teacher; pupils, ICO; total schools, 5 ; teachers, 43 ; pupils, 428 ; Bible classes, 4 ; mem- bers, SO; collections, Episcopal fund, #20; Society for the Advancement of Christianity, #25 ; missionary and other purposes, §3878 74 ; total, #3923 74. The present Rector entered upon his duties in this parish on the first Sunday in November. The Rev. John A. Clark. D. D., who resigned the Rectorship of the Church on the first of February, 1843, was removed from this world by death, on Thursday, November 27th. His memory is cherished in the hearts of a grateful and attached people. The condition of the parish is, in all respects, favorable. It is proper to state that nearly #2000 of the sum reported as having been contributed by the congregation during the past year, has been appropriated towards the liquidation of the parish debt. Report of the Rev. R. B. Claxton, Rector of St. Stephen's Church, Wilkesbaire, Luzerne county. Congregation, families, 75 ; adults, 230 ; children, 1 80, total, 410; baptisms, adults, 2; infants, 12; total, 14; confirmed none, the Bishop not having visited us since December 1S42 ; com- municants added, 9; died, 3 ; removed, 3 ; present number, S7; marriages, 3; burials, 13; public service on Sundays, 107; other days, 15; total, 122; children catechised, about 100; times, 6 ■ Sunday school, male teachers, 8 ; pupils, 91 ; female teachers, 13; pupils, 145; total, teachers, 21 ; pupils, 236 ; Bible class, 1; members, 20; collections, Episcopal fund, #6 50; Society for the Advancement of Christianity, #11 ; Sunday School #46 89; Domestic missions, $18 3S; Foreign missions, $S3 92 ; Kenyoii College, #55; Bible distribution, #60; on ac- count of Sunday school building, $150; other purposes, #112 SS : total, #544 57. The Sunday school is rather smaller than at the time of the last report. During my absence at the last Convention, 8 58 the Roman Catholic Priest from Carbondale visited our bo- rough, and urged the Parents belonging to the Roman Catholic Church to take away all their children from the various Pro- testant schools. We accordingly lost about fifty scholars in two or three Sundays : but have succeeded in regaining more than half of them. The German Romanists seem much more independent of the demands of their Priesthood than the Irish : and those who have refused to return are chiefly of the latter class. Besides the services reported, which are those performed in St. Stephen's, Wilkesbarre, I have officiated monthly in a School-house three miles below W. ; once at the Summit Mines, where I baptized four children, twice in St. Mark's Parish, Mauch Chunk (which was without a Rector), and twenty-five times in other places. Once I preached at French- hannoch, the seat of justice of the new county of Wyoming, where there is an admirable opening for the Church, which I hope our Diocesan Miss. Society will soon he able to improve. Report of the Rev. J. C. Clay, Rector of the Parish, of Gloria Dei Church, Southwark, Philadelphia county. Congregation, families, 133; adults, 285; children, not known; baptisms, adults, 3 ; infants, 40; total, 43 ; confirmed, 9 ; com- municants added, 37 ; died or removed, 9 ; present number? 138 ; marriages, 32 ; burials, 21 ; public services, on Sundays, 105; other days, 170; total, 275; children catechised, 8 times; Sunday schools, male, 1 ; teachers, 10 ; pupils, 60 ; female, 1 ; teachers, 11 ; pupils, 90; total 150; collections, Soc. Adv. of Christianity, $35 ; missionary and other purposes, $46 50; total, #81 50. Report of the Rev. John B. Clemson, Rector of the Church of Holy Trinity, West Chester, Chester county, for the year 1843 — 4. Congregation, families, 44; adults, S8; children, 83; total, adults and children, 171; baptisms, adults, 2 ; infants, 2; total, 4; there has been no confirmation; communicants added, 13 ; removed 8 ; present number, 42 ; marriages, 10 ; 59 burials, 3; public services on Sunday, 107; other days, 72 ; total, 179; children catechised, frequently ; Sunday schools, male, 1 ; teachers, 2; pupils, 30; female, 1 ; teachers, 6 ; pupils, 45; total, schools, 2 ; teachers, 8; pupils, 75; Bible class, 1; mem- bers, 16; collections, Episcopal fund, $5, Convention fund, $5, Society for the Advancement of Christianity, $12; General Missionary Society of the Church, $52 50; Female Tract Socie- ty, $5; Female Prayer Book Society, $5; other purposes, $900. The Rector believes his congregation to be in a decidedly healthful condition — strengthening as to numbers, becoming better informed on all that distinguishes us as a church, and growing in a knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Peace, unity, and love prevail among its members. They are punctual in their engagements to him, and abound in oft repeated acts of kindness and goodwill to himself and family. Thereby his spirit is refreshed, and his basket and store re- plenished and supplied. The heavy pecuniary obligations which until recently so harassed this parish, we are most happy to say, by the aid of generous friends abroad and liberality among ourselves, have been met, and the Church, God be praised, is out of debt. The Vestry has purchased a lot of ground of convenient location and size, beautifully improved it, and set it apart for a cemetery. In conclusion, in reviewing the whole year, we may ex- claim, God has done great things for us, whereof we may be glad. Report of the Rev. John Coleman, Rector of the Parish of Trinity Church, Southwark, Philadelphia county. Congregation, families, 200; adults, G50; children, 350 5 total, 1000; baptisms, adults, 6; infants, 46; total, 52; Con- firmed, 10; communicants, last reported, 411 ; added, 19; died, 6; removed, 11 ; present number, 413; marriages, 23; 60 burials, 37; public service, on Sunday, 116; other days, 44; total, 160; children catechised, 12 times, "openly in the church;" Sunday schools, male, 2; teachers, 19; scholars, 1S2 ; female, 2 ; teachers, 30 ; scholars, 287 ; total, schools, 4, teachers 49, scholars, 469 ; Bible class, 1, female, 20 mem- bers; collections, Episcopal fund $50, Convention fund, $20, Society for Advancement of Christianity in Pennsylvania, $174, Bishop White Prayer Book Society, $50, Female Prayer Book Society, $23 80, Episcopal Female Tract So- ciety, $25, Missionary and other purposes, (of which $191 18, were contributed by the Sunday schools of the parish,) $614 70— total, $957 50. Report of the Rev. Asa S. Colton, Rector of St. Andrew's Church, Wesi Vincent, and St. Mark's Church, township of Honeybrook, Chester Co. St. Andrew's Church. Congregation, number not exactly known ; baptisms, none ; communicants added, 1 ; present number about 60 ; confirm- ed, 2 ; funerals, 2 ; marriages, 1 ; public services, on Sundays, 53; other days, 15; total 6S ; children catechised, 6 times; a small Sunday school is kept up during a part of the year; collections for missions and other benevolent purposes, includ- ing two private donations for the Domestic committee, $96 11; monthly collections, mostly applied on the debt, and for the improvement of the parsonage, $27 17. St. Mark's Church. Congregation, number not exactly known ; baptisms, in fants, 1 ; present number of communicants, 33; confirmed, 6 ; burials, 1 ; marriages, 2; public services on Sundays, 52; othei days, 9 ; total, 61 ; children catechised, times, 2 ; a small Sun day school is kept up through part of the year ; collections for the Advancement Society, $2 21 ; other purposes, 810 67 Partly by the efforts of the congregation, and partly b the generosity of those to whom money was due, this churc is now free from debt. 61 Report of the Rev. Thomas Crumpton, Rector of Christ Church, Alleghany city. Congregation, families about 65 ; adults, about 160 ; infants, 110; total, 270; baptisms, adults, 2 ; infants, 27; total, 29 ; confirmed, IS; communicants added, 13; died or removed, 17; present number, 59 ; marriages, 9; burials, 5; public services, on Sunday, 100 ; other days, 51 ; total, 151 ; Sunday school, 1 ; male teachers, 5 ; female, 5 ; total, 10; scholars male, 30 ; female, 36 ; total, 66 ; collections, Convention fund, $11 ; other purposes, Sl65; total, $206. Report of the Rev. M. K. Cushman, Missionary in Susquehanna and Wa3'ne counties. St. Mark's Church, New Milford, Susquehanna Co. Congregation, families, 25 ; adults, 72 ; children, 35 ; total, 107 ; baptisms, adults, 3 ; infants, 4; communicants, added, 1 ; removed, 2 ; present number, 34 ; marriages, 5 ; burials, 1 ; public services on Sundays, 60; other days, 1 ; total, 61 ; Sunday schools, 1 ; male teachers, 5 ; pupils, 20 ; female teachers, 3 ; pupils, 20 ; total, schools, 1 ; teachers, S ; pupils, 40 ; collections, Advancement Society, $10 ; Convention fund, $2 80 ; total, $12 SO. There are services, either clerical or lay, every Sunday in this parish. My labours closed in Salem, Wayne Co., about the middle of last September, and from that to nigh the last of December, I preached nearly every Lord's day in St. Mark's, New Milford. St. Paul's Church, Montrose, Susquehanna Co. I began my labours in this parish on my engagement for one year on the last Sunday in December. I have preached, in all, 27 times, and administered the communion once. There are services in the church every Sunday; there are understood to be about ten families belonging to this parish, and 17 communicants ; contributions for Convention fund, S3 19. Report of the Rev. William C. Cooley, Rector of the Nativity Church in the District of Spring Garden, Philadelphia Co. Congregation, families, 2S ; adults, 75 ; children, 200 ; total, 62 i 303 ; baptisms, adults, 1 ; infants 5 ; total, 6 ; confirmed, 3 ; communicants, added, 28 ; present number, 33 ; marriages, 3; burials, 8 ; public services, on Sundays, 74 times ; other days, all holy days ; Sunday school, male and female, 1 ; teachers, 14; pupils, 200. This parish is yet in its infancy. I have had charge of it but nine months, during which time the main effort has been to collect a sufficient amount of funds to enable us to erect a Church edifice. This very desirable object, I am happy to say, now seems likely to be accomplished during the present season, and then I trust that this parish will not only sustain itself, but contribute freely of its ability to advance the Gospel in the church. Report of the Rev. Robert Davis. Since our last Convention I have performed divine service some 13 times; assisted in the performance of it at the conse- cration of one church and at one confirmation : I have assisted twice in the administration of the Lord's Supper, and preach- ed some 17 times. The chief part of the above labour occurred within the last five months, and was rendered to destitute places or to brethren in delicate health. It is a larger amount of profes- sional labour than I have been able to perform during several of the previous years. In some instances I sustained the labor of divine service and a sermon with comfort, and with- out any subsequent sense of injury ; generally it proved otherwise. Report of the Rev. Thomas J. Davis. Since the last Convention, my business has been mainly that of teaching. I have assisted in the performance of daily prayers at St. Peter's Church, and on every Lord's day I have aided some of the brethren in the city, and have occa- sionally preached. I have baptized 29 children, and 2 adults; solemnized 4 marriages, and attended 8 funerals. 63 Report of the Rev. B. Dorr, Rector of Christ Church, Philadelphia. Congregation, families, 220 ; baptisms, adults, 9 ; infants, 51 ; total, 60 ; confirmed, 22 ; communicants, added, 28 ; died or removed, 18 ; present number, 380 ; marriages, 12 ; burials, 42 ; public services on Sundays, 104 ; other days, 162 ; total, 266 ; children catechised, 300 ; times, 12, on the last Sunday afternoon of each month ; Sunday schools, male, 1 ; teachers, 1 1 ; pupils, 65; female, 2; teachers, 35; pupils, 210; total schools, S; teachers, 46; pupils, 275; Bible classes, 2; members, 20; col- lections, Episcopal fund, $150 50 ; Society for the Advance- ment of Christianity, $450; missionary and other purposes. $2097 69 ; total, $2698 19. The above contributions were appropriated as follows, viz: Sunday schools $274 35 ; Convention and Episcopal funds, $200 50; General Theological Seminary, $50 ; Prayer Book Society, $217 65 ; missions, $670 25 ; aiding poor churches, $457 25 ; distributions to the poor, $828 11 ; total, $2698 19. Report of the Rev. Jacob M. Douglass, Rector of St. Matthew's Church, Francisville, Philadelphia county. Baptisms, adults, 1 ; infants, 34 ; total 35 ; confirmed, 4 ; marriages, 7 ; funerals, 17 ; communicants, 74 ; Sunday school, 1 ; teachers, male 6; female 6; total, 12 ; pupils, 80. The Rector has cause to be grateful to the Great Shepherd and Bishop of souls, for his continued blessings on this quarter of Zion. During the last year, there have been more baptisms than any preceding year of his ministry ; the number of communicants has increased ; the injuries done to the church edifice by a violent tornado last summer have been repaired ; a variety of improvements, in every wise creditable to our Vestry, have been made in the ground around the building. Report of the Rev. George C. Drake, Rector of St. James' Church, Schuylkill Haven, St. Paul's Church, Minersville, and of other Missionary places in Schuylkill county. St. James' Church, Schuylkill Haven. Congregation, families, 35 ; adults, 85 ; children, 56 ; total. 64 141; baptisms, infants, 10; confirmed, 5; communicants, added, 5; removals, 2 ; present number, 31 ; marriages, 6 ; burials, 4; public services, on Sundays, 93; other days, 31 ; total 124 ; Sunday schools, male, 1 ; teachers, 3 ; pupils, 24 ; female, 1 ; teachers, 2 ; pupils, 36 ; total, schools, 2 ; teachers, 5 ; pupils, 60 ; collections, Episcopal fund, $10 50, Bible fund, $7 04, Society for Advancement of Christianity, $6 48, Convention fund, $12 05 ; total, $36 07. St. Paul's, Minersville. Families ascertained, 17 ; baptisms, infant, 3 ; confirmed, 3 ; burials, 1 ; public services, on Sundays, 33 ; week day, 1 ; total, 34 ; collections for parish purposes, $10 00. Lewellyn. — Public service, on Sundays, 5; infant bap- tism, 1. Costerville. — Public service, on Sundays, 6 ; infant bap- tism, 5. For the purpose of throwing light on the state of these departments of my field of labor, I remark : — that the church at Schuylkill Haven has been open for Divine service on Ascension, Christmas, Good Friday, and the day of Thanks- giving appointed both by the Ecclesiastical and civil authori- ties. On the fourth of July I preached to the children of the Sunday schools of St. James', the Valley, Lewellyn and Coster- ville. A primary effort at holding " a bee," originated by the ladies was attended with gratifying success. From the ladies were received many articles of use in the family ; the gentlemen of the Valley, with others of the congregation, presented $65 in money; while from Minersville and Coster- ville there came bounteous supplies of coal, of which there remains, even at this advanced stage of the season, a very considerable abundance. — As throwing further light on the state of my parish, I add, that several of the members of the parish, by the contribution of $50 00, have constituted me a Life Director of the American Tract Society. During the winter, for valid reasons, I concentrated my service, out of Schuylkill Haven, at Minersville. This ar- 65 rangement has not been disturbed. Since the period of the Bishops visit, we have occupied the building owned by the English Baptists. We pay them a moderate rent. Our con- gregation is made up of regular and attentive worshippers, who are not afraid " to lift up their voice," and the num- ber is steadily increasing. The interest now manifested in the erection of the Church edifice, warrants the belief that it will be accomplished during the summer. I desire to record the liberal offer of Samuel Heilner, Esq., to furnish all the necessary lumber for the building. Besides the services before enumerated, I have preached out of my proper jurisdiction five times, and administered once the Holy Sacrament of the Lord's Supper and once that of baptism. Report of the Rev. Henry W. Ducachet, D. D., Rector of St. Stephen's Church, Philadelphia. Baptisms, adults, 3 ; children, 46 ; total, 49 ; confirmed. 10; marriages, 10; deaths and funerals, 1G ; communicants estimated at 275; public services, on Sundays, 100 ; other days, 49; total 155; Sunday schools, 2; teachers, 15: scholars, 140; sermons preached by the Rector, 119; the children of the congregation generally were catechised every Sunday during Lent, and twice after Easter, 8 times; col- lection for the Advancement Society, $604 55 ; Domestic and Foreign Missions, $167 50; convention fund, $50 00; total, $902 05 ; besides this sum, there have been raised by subscriptions and contributions, for the support of the Episco- pate, $150 00; Bishop White Prayer Book Society, $25 00 ; Female Prayer Book Society, $50 00; Female Episcopal Tract Society, $20 00; for other purposes, $300 00; total. $545 00 ; total of monies raised, so far as is known, besides those for charitable and parochial purposes, $1447 55. Report of the Rev. Charles M. Dupuy. Since the meeting of the last Convention, I have officiate;! 9 66 generally on Sundays, by celebrating divine service, preach- ing, and assisting in the administration of the Holy Commu- nion. I have baptized two children, and buried one adult. At the suggestion of Bishop Lee I have from time to time supplied some of the vacant parishes in Delaware. Report of the Rev. H. Dyer, Rector of St. Paul's Church, Laceyville, Alle- gheny county. Congregation, families, 10; adults, 25; Children, 35 ; total, 60 ; baptisms, adults 1 ; infants, 4 ; total, 5 ; communicants, 15 ; marriages, 2 ; burials, 2. During the year I have officiated at St. Paul's and in other places 42 times. I still retain the charge of the Church at Laceyville, though regular services have been suspended since last December. My time is mostly employed in my duties at the University. Report of the Rev. Wm. N. Diehl, Rector ef St. Thomas' Church, in White- marsh, Montgomery county. Congregation, families, 25 ; adults, 70; children, 65 ; total 135 ; communicants, 12 ; added, 3 ; total, 15 ; baptisms, adults S ; infants 7 ; total 15 ; marriages, 2 ; services on Sundays, 29 other days, 3 ; total, 32 ; funerals, 4 ; Sunday schools, male, 1 teachers, 2 ; pupils, 25 ; female, 1 ; teachers, 4 ; pupils, 35 total, schools, 2 ; teachers, 6 ; pupils, 60 ; collections, Advance- ment Society, $80 ; Convention fund, $3. Report of the Rev. G. G. Field, Rector of St. John's Church, Huntingdon county. Congregation, families, 12, adults, 21, children, 14, total, 35 ; communicants, present number, 3 ; public services, on Sundays, 51, other days, 4, total, 55; children catechized, 6, times, 10; collections for the Society for the Advancement of Christianity, $2 50. I took charge of St. John's Church, Huntingdon, Oct. 18th, 67 1843. As the regular services of the Church had been inter- mitted for several years, the congregation had much diminished in number, and was altogether in a declining state. There is now good reason to hope that, with the divine blessing, its prosperity may, in some degree, be revived, and that the ministrations of the Gospel will be permanently established. An effort will be made to build a church without delay. The vestry are encouraged to take this step, from the liberal assistance afforded them by the friends of the parish in the city, and from contributions made in the borough. After my ordination, and before going to Huntingdon, I preached and assisted in divine service several times in the city and elsewhere. Report of the Rev.D. Frazer, Rector of St. Luke's Church, Newtown, Bucks county. Congregations, families,S ; communicants, present number, 11; public services, on Sundays, 8, other days, 3, total, 11 ; Sunday schools, male, 1, teachers, — , pupils, 40. It being only a few weeks since I became Rector, my re- port is necessarily imperfect. At present we are painting and repairing the church; the congregation is on the increase, and though the members are few, they are warmly attached to the church, and evince no little zeal in promoting her prosperity. Report of the Rev. R. D. Hall, Rector of St. Mary's Church, Hamiltonville ; Philadelphia county. Baptisms, infants, 3, adults, 1; marriages, 11. He has also assisted his clerical brethren by preaching, and aiding in the administration of the Lord's Supper, and in Prayers. Report of the Rev. G. E. Hare, D. D., officiating for the Rector of St. James' Church, Philadelphia. Congregation, families, 175, adults, 700 ; baptisms, adults. 2, infants, 35, total, 37 ; communicants, present number about 376; burials, 6; public services, on Sundays, 104; other days, 50, total, 154; collections for Episcopal fund, 68 $159 73, for Society for the Advancement of Christianity, SlOO, for Convention fund, 143 72, and for missionary and other purpose, $2104 82, total, $2508 27. Some of the numbers in the above report are copied from the journal of last year. In consequence of the absence of the Rector, a full or exact statement of the condition of the Church cannot be furnished. Report of the Rev. William Hilton, Rector'of St. Paul's Church, Kittanning, Trinity Church, Freeport, and St. Michael's Church, Wayne township, Armstrong county. St. Paul's Church. Baptisms, adults, 4 ; infants, 12; total, 16; communicants added, 7 ; present number, 34 ; burials, 6 ; public services, on Sundays, 40 ; other days, 10 ; total, 50 ; children catechized, 20 ; times, 6 ; Sunday schools, male, 1 ; teachers, 5 ; pupils, 26; female, 1; teachers, 6; pupils, 30; total schools, 2; teachers, 11 ; pupils, 56; collections, Soc. Adv. of Christian- ity, $5 ; Missionary and other purposes, $40 ; total, $45. In addition to the regular Sunday services, we have a weekly lecture on Thursday evening, which is generally well attended. There has been, during the past year, a more than usual degree of seriousness in this congregation ; and the rector feels much encouraged, in seeing the pleasure of the Lord prospering through his instrumentality. Some who had grown old in sin, and hardened in their crimes, have "yielded themselves unto God, as alive from the dead;" and their names are now, it is believed, written in "the Lamb's book of life." Trinity Church. Baptisms, adults, 3 ; infants, 19; total, 22 ; communicants added, 6 ; died or removed, S ; present number, 56 ; funerals, 3 ; marriages, 2 ; public services, on Sundays, 42 ; other days, 6 ; total, 48 ; children catechized, 1 5 ; times, 4 ; Sunday schools, 1 ; teachers, 9 ; pupils, 64 ; collections, missionary and other purposes, $35. 69 The prospects of this congregation are still encouraging; and the rector enjoys much satisfaction in laboring among them. In no congregation in the western country are the services better and more devoutly performed, than ihey are here. The increase is gradual, though not rapid ; the Lord is adding to the Church, from time to time, such as we hope will be saved. Besides the services on Sunday, we have a lecture on the Saturday evenings immediately preceding the Sundays on which I officiate there, which is very well attended. St. Michael's Church. Baptisms, infants, 10; communicants added, 4; died or removed, 2 ; present number, 40 ; burials, 1 ; public services, on Sundays, 15 ; other days, 4 ; total, 19 ; children catechized, 20 ; times, 4. I visit this congregation but once in five weeks, and its pro- gress is but slow. The attendance is always very good; and the rector has reason to believe that his labors here will not be altogether fruitless. A small Sunday school is taught here, during the summer months. Report of the Rev. Marmaduke Hirst, Rector of St. PeterVOhurch, Phocnix- ville, Chester county. Congregation, families, 5; adults, 50; children, 20; total, 70 ; baptisms, infants, 1 ; communicants, 7 ; marriages, ] ; burials, 2 ; public services, on Sundays, 25. The rector entered upon the duties of this parish in November last, under circumstances of little encouragement. The small congregation formerly gathered was broken and scattered, and a want of confidence in the church seemed to have taken hold of the public mind. I have officiated every Sunday morning. The congrega- tion, though small, is very attentive and serious, and the responses are well performed. I cannot but hope that God will add to his church here such as shall be saved. 70 This parish is greatly embarrassed, owing to a heavy debt contracted in the building of the church, which is yet un- finished: this is a great drawback. The members of this congregation have felt severely the pressure of the times, which renders them unable to finish the church. They now appeal to the benevolence and sympathy of their fellow churchmen, whether all their efforts will be in vain, and their church edi- fice pass into other hands, and they be deprived of the happy privilege of going up to the consecrated courts of the Lord. A few hundred dollars, under the blessing of Heaven, would raise this parish from despair, give it stability, and bid it go on its way rejoicing. Report of the Rev. B. S. Huntington, Rector of St. John's Church, Concord, and Calvary Church, Rockdale, Delaware county. St. John's Church, Concord. Congregation, families, 42 ; adults, 95 ; children, 40 ; total, 135 ; baptisms, adults, 5 ; infants, 7 ; total, 12 ; communicants added, 10 ; present number, 52 ; burials, 5 ; public services, on Sundays, 47; other days, 29; total, 76; children cate- chized in the Sunday school ; Sunday school, 1 ; teachers; 8 ; pupils, 50 ; collections, Soc. Adv. of Christianity, $3 ; mis- sionary and other purposes, $53 70; horse and carriage for the rector, $70 ; for building a new church, $1100; total, $1226 70. The new church is in progress, and will probably be com- pleted in the fall. The present state of the church is, in all respects, very encouraging. Calvary Church, Rockdale. Congregation, families, 40; adults, 90; children, 65; total, 155 ; baptisms, adults, 2; infants, 7; total, 9 ; communicants added, 5 ; died or removed, 19 ; present number, 40 ; burials, 6 ; public services, on Sundays, 70 ; other days, 25 ; total, 95 ; children catechized in the Sunday school ; Sunday school, 1 ; teachers, 8 ; pupils, 65 ; collections, Episcopal fund, $3 ; Soc. 71 Avd. of Christianity, $3 ; missionary and other purposes, $47 00; horse and carriage for rector, $30; total, $83. The church has continued in a depressed state, owing to the many public calamities with which the place has been visited, and the consequent removal of the greater part of the congregation. The most disastrous of these was the dread- ful storm and flood of the 5th of August, which occasioned the loss of several lives, and an immense amount of property. The population of the place has so much changed that this field of labor may be regarded almost as a new one ; but its connection with the parish of Concord makes it impossible for me to occupy it fully. Report of the Rev. H. F. Hiester, Rector of St. Mark's Church, Lewistown, Mifflin county. Congregation, families, 23; adults, 67 ; children, 64 ; total, 131: baptisms, infants, 6, including one by the Rev. Mr. Natt and one by the Rev. Mr. Bull ; communicants, added, 2 ; died or removed, 3; present number, 29; marriages, 1; burials, 3; public services, on Sundays, 80 ; other days, 30; total, 110 ; children catechized monthly ; Sunday schools, male, 1 ; teachers, 3; pupils, 21 ; female, 1 ; teachers, 3; pupils, IS; total, 2 ; teachers, 6; pupils, 39; collections, Episcopal fund, $4 ; missionary and other purposes, $64 79 ; total, $6S 79. The Rev. Joseph Jaquett Reports, that during the past year he has been incapacitated for ministerial duties by indisposition, but he has given in- struction to students in the Hebrew language. Report of the Rev. J. J.Kerr, Rector of Advent Church, Northern Liberties, Philadelphia county. Congregation, families, 65, adults, 205, children, 135, total, 340; baptisms, adults, 1, infants, 5, total, 6 ; confirmed. 7; communicants, added, 24, died or removed, 8, present number, 101 ; burials, 5 ; public services, on Sundays, 104, other days, 63, total, 167; children catechized, times, the 72 last Sunday of each month ; Sunday Schools, male, 1, teachers, 10, pupils, 65; female, 1, teachers, 9, pupils, 55, total, schools, 2, teachers, 19, pupils, 120; collections for Episcopal fund, $3 50, Convention fund, $3 50, and for missionary and other purposes, $56 50 ; total, $63 50. We still continue to worship in the Temperance Hall, in Third St. below Green. The corner-stone of our Church was laid by the Rt. Rev. the Bishop on the 13th inst., in a lot purchased by the vestry in the early part of the spring, on Old York Road, immediately above Tammany Street. The contractors are pushing forward the work with all ex- pedition. Through the Divine blessing the congregation and Sunday schools are in a peaceful, happy, and thriving condition. Thus far hath the Lord helped us, and in his name we are encouraged to go forward. Report of the Rev. George Kirke, Rector of St. John's Church, New London, and St. James' Church, West Marlborough, Chester county. St. John's Church. Baptisms, adults, 1, infants, 3, total, 4 ; confirmed, 2 ; communicants, added, 2, died, 1, removed, 2, present num- ber 27 ; burials, 5 ; public services, on Sundays, 26 ; other days, 16, total 42 ; children catechized, times, 8; Sunday schools, 1, teachers, 6, pupils, 20 ; collections, Episcopal fund, $1 53 ; Society for the Advancement of Christianity, $2 03; Convention fund, $2 01 ; total, $5 57. St. James' Church, West Marlborough. Communicants, 3 ; burials, 1 ; public services, on Sun- days, 26, other days, 3, total 29 ; children catechized once ; collection for the Society for the Advancement of Christianity, $2 03. Besides the performance of other services, not enumerated in the Report of the above mentioned parishes ; their minis- ter has elsewhere officiated three times in the pulpit, once at the Lord's table, and once at the grave. 73 Report of Rev. F.Lane, Rector of St. Paul's Church, Troy, Bradford county. Congregation, families, 30, adults, 52, children, 35, total, 87 ; baptisms, adults, 4, infants, 3, total, 7 ; confirmed, S ; communicants, added, 9, present number, 21; burials, 3; public services, on Sundays, 10S, other days, 4, total, 112 ; Sunday schools, male, 1, teachers, 2, pupils, 10; female, teachers, 3, pupils, 20 ; total teachers, 5, pupils, 30 ; Bible classes, being without suitable books, no class has yet been organized ; collections, Society for the Advancement of Christianity, $1 12^ ; Convention fund, $1 68, total, $2 SO!. The congregation at Troy has been well sustained the. year past. The friends of the church are more numerous, and their attachments stronger. Her interests, though slowly, are permanently advancing. Report of the Rev. Milton C. Lightner, Rector of Christ Church, Danville, Columbia county. Baptisms, adults, 3, infants, 15, total, 18; confirmed, 7; communicants, added, 8, removed, 5, present number, 69; marriages, 3; burials, 5 : public services, on Sundays, 104, other days, 113, total, 217; children catechised weekly in the Sunday school; Sunday schools, male, 1, teachers, 9, pupils, 52; female, 1, teachers, 11, pupils, 55, total, schools, 2; teachers, 20; pupils, 107; collections, Episcopal fund, S3 14; Society for the Advancement of Christianity, 87 00; Bishop White Prayer Book Society, $5 50 ; Convention Fund, $5 37^; missionary and other purposes, $42 42^ ; total, $63 44. Our tower has been furnished with a noble bell, the generous gift of one, whose hand is never closed when the Church is in need, and to whom, under God, the Church in Danville owes her existence. A handsome communion service has also been received, the gif&.of a few benevolent ladies, members of St. James' Church, Philadelphia. My labours have not been confined to the town of Dan- 10 74 ville. They have been extended to different points in the surrounding neighbourhood, at some of which the service of the Church had never been performed before. Report of the Rev. Edwin N. Lightner, Rector of St. James' Church, Muncy, Lycoming county. Baptisms, adults, 1, infants, S, total, 9 ; confirmed, 4 ; communicants, added, 19, died or dismissed, 2, present num- ber, 96; marriages, 6 ; burials, 11; public services, twice every Sunday and occasionally once during the week; chil- dren catechized, times, 6 ; Sunday schools, male, 1, teachers, 6, pupils, 40, female, 1, teachers, 12, pupils, 65, total, schools, 2, teachers, 18, pupils, 105; collections, Advancement of Christianity, Hi 1 25; other purposes, $15 00. A bell has been placed in the tower of the Church, weigh- ing 396 pounds. Report of the Rev. Samuel Tiffany Lord, Rector of Trinity Church, Philips- burg, and Missionary. Congregation, families, 20 ; baptisms, infants, 6 ; commu- nicants, added, 3, withdrawn, 1, present number, 23 ; burials, 2 ; public services, on Sundays, 124, other days, 65, total, 1S9 ; Sunday schools, 1, male teachers, 3, female teachers, 6, scholars, male, 23, female, 23, total, teachers, 9, scholars, 46 ; Bible class, meets weekly ; children catechized" openly in the Church," 12 times; collections, Female Prayer Book Society, $6 42 ; Convention fund, $7 40; total, $21 22. Services have been given every other Sunday to Philips- burg, besides a weekly night service. On the intervening Sundays in Clearfield and parts adjacent. Our Sunday school in Philipsburg is prospering under the untiring exertions of Mr. and Mrs. Philips, and a few other teachers, who with a zeal and devotion deserving of all praise, hold two sessions every Sunday, and labour to instil into the minds and hearts of the children, the principles and truths of the Gospel, as held 75 by the Church. Lay services are held on the morning of all Sundays that the rector is absent, by Hardman Philips, Esq., who has done much, and purposes doing more, for the inter- ests of the Church and religion in Philipsburg. May the good Lord remember him and his liberal and devoted chris- tian wife for good, and give them an abundant reward in present enjoyment of his grace and favour, and eternal happi- ness in heaven. Report of the Rev. Henry Major, Rector of St. Stephen's Church, Harrisburg, Dauphin county. Baptisms, children, 4 ; confirmed, 6 ; communicants added. S ; removed, 8 ; withdrawn, 1 ; present number, 53 ; marri- ages, 4 ; burials, 3 ; public services, on Sundays, 95 ; other days, 41 ; total, 136 ; Sunday schools, 1 ; collections, for Mis- sions, $62 11. Report of the Rev. J. H. Marsden, Rector of St. John's Church, York, York county, and Christ Church, Adams county. St. John's Church. Baptisms, adults, 1 ; infants, 6 ; confirmed, 1 ; communi- cants added, 3 ; removed, 1 ; present number, about 19; col- lections, (see report of the Treasurer of the Society for the Advancement of Christianity in Pennsylvania, and report of Convention fund.) Christ Church. Baptisms, adults, 1 ; infants, 3; confirmed, 2; communicants added, 1 ; died, 4 ; present number, about 30; marriages, 1 ; collections, (see report as above.) 1 officiate in each of these parishes alternately on Sundays. Report of the Rev. J. Gordon Maxwell, Rector of Emanuel Church, Kensing- ton, Philadelphia county. Baptisms, adults, 3; infants, 41 ; total, 44; confirmed, 15; communicants added, 26; died or removed, 12; present number, 150; marriages, 8 ; burials, 13; public services, on 76 Sundays, 102; other days, 50 ; total, 152 ; children catechized, 297 ; several times ; Sunday school, male teachers, 1 1 ; pupils, 109; female teachers, 20; pupils, 188; total teachers, 31; pupils, 297; collections, Episcopal fund, $5; Convention fund, $5; missionary and other purposes, $132 ; total, $142. Report of the Rev. Robert M. Mitcheson. For the last few months, I have been assisting the rector of Grace church in the discharge of his arduous duties. Since the adjournment of the last Convention, I have officiated in the diocese and elsewhere, 9S times. Report of the Rev. J. John M'Elhinny, Rector of Trinity Church, New- Haven, Fayette county. Congregation, families, 23 ; adults, 60; children 38; total, 98; baptisms, infants, 6; confirmed, 5; communicants, added, 5; died or removed, 2 ; present number, 26 ; burials, 4; public services on Sundays, 48; other days, 5 ; total, 53 ; Sun- day school, 1 ; teachers, male, 3 ; female, 5 ; total, 8 ; pupils about 50 ; Bible class, 1 ; members, 10. Report of the Rev. T. H. Michell, M. D., Rector of St. Peter's Church, Water- ford, Erie county. Congregation, families, 25 ; adults, 58 ; children, 32 ; total, 90 : baptisms, infants, 1 ; total, 1 ; communicants, added, 1 : died or removed, 1 ; present number, 22 ; marriages, 2 ; buri- als, 4; public services on Sundays, 52; other days, S; total, 60 ; Sunday school, 1 ; teachers, 2 ; pupils, 10 ; Bible class, I : members, 10. Report of the Rev. Orrin Miller, Rector of Christ Church, Meadville, Craw- ford county. As my resignation of Christ Church, Meadville, took effect on the 25th ultimo, and as the time of the Convention of this diocese is at hand, it becomes my duty to report the state of the parish. 77 Since my last report there have been no very essential changes. Congregation, families, 64; adults, 260; children, 160; total, 420 ; baptisms, infants, 6 ; communicants added, 2 ; died, 1 ; removed, 1 ; present number, 75 ; marriages, 1 ; burials, 2 ; public services on Sundays, about 86 ; on other days, about 15; total, 101 ; Sunday schools, male teachers, 4 ; female, 7; pupils, 75. Having been much indisposed in health during the last six months, I have not been able to perform as much service as in the preceding year. Report of the Rev. George Mintzer, Rector of St. James' Church, Perkiomen, Montgomery county. Congregation, families, 50 ; baptisms, adults, 2 ; confirmed, 20 ; communicants, added, S ; marriages, 9 ; burials, 4 ; public services, on Sundays, 52 ; other days, 12 ; children catechised 14 ; times, 2 ; Sunday schools, male, 1 ; teachers, 5 ; pupils, 50 ; female, 1 ; teachers, S ; pupils, 40 ; total schools, 2 ; teachers, 13; pupils, 90; collections, Episcopal fund, $4; Society for Advancement of Christianity, $8 41; Convention fund, $5; total, $17 41. During the present year a neat and commodious Church edifice has been erected for the worship of Almighty God, according to the prescribed form of our Apostolic Church, and amply to accommodate the congregation. The corner stone was layed on the first day of August last ; and the building completed and consecrated by the Bishop of the Diocese, on the 26th of March last. It is devoutly hoped that the congregation who worship here, will compose part of that spiritual building made up of those lively stones to offer up spiritual sacrifice acceptable to God by Jesus Christ, and thus become an Holy Temple in the Lord. In reviewing the past we find much to encourage and cheer us in our present work. The House of God is well attended, and an interest manifested on the subject of religion particulary among the young. 78 Report of the Rev. R. U. Morgan, Rector of Christ Church, Reading, Berks county. Congregation, families, 59 ; adults, 175 ; children, 99 ; total, 274; baptisms, infants, 10; confirmed, 4; communicants, added, 16 ; died, 1 ; removed, 9 ; present number, 99 ; mar- riages, 6 ; burials, 1 adult ; infants, 4 ; total, 5; public services, on Sundays, 99 ; other days, 74 ; total 173 ; Sunday schools, male teachers, 11 ; pupils, 58 ; female teachers, 15 ; pupils, 77 ; total, schools, 2; teachers, 26 ; pupils, 135 ; children catechis- ed, all the pupils of the. Sunday schools ; times, a portion of them every Sunday ; all of them, monthly in the school, and also quarterly in the church, by the rector : Bible class, 1 ; members, 10; collections, Society Advancement of Christiani- ty, $14 38 ; Convention fund, $9 87s ; missionary and other purposes, $748 32 ; total, $762 57! The sixth Sunday after Trinity, July 16th, I performed divine service and preached in St. Gabriel's Church, Morlattin, in the morning ; and also in the afternoon and evening of the same day, in Christ's Church, Pottstown. Report of the Rev. Jacob B. Morss, Rector of Trinity Church, Pottsville, Schuylkill county. Congregation, families, 87; adults, 226; children, 164; total, 390; baptisms, adults, 3; infants, 33 ; total, 36 ; 1 child received into the church, having been privately baptised when sick ; confirmed, 8 ; being the second confirmation within the year; communicants, added, 9 ; died, 2 ; removed, 6; present number, 51 ; marriages, 7 ; burials, 18; public services on Sundays, 102 ; other days, 48 ; total, 150 ; children catechised — the plan of monthly catechising openly in the church, has been lately introduced ; Sunday schools, male, 2 ; teachers, 10 ; pupils, 75 ; female, 2 ; teachers, 10 ; pupils, 125; total, schools, 4 ; teachers, 20 ; pupils, 200 ; collections, Epis- copal fund, $11 22 ; Society for the Advancement of Christi- anity, $11 30; Quinquagesima collections, $13 10 ; Conven- 79 tion fund, S12 00; Sunday school and communion collections, $95 45; total $143 07. In addition to the above named amount, this congregation have within a few months raised the sum of seventeen hun- dred dollars, and liquidated a large debt contracted in build- ing their Church, which has heretofore clouded the prospects, and at times threatened the destruction of the Church. Some increase of communicants,and the general good atten- dance on the morning services of the Church, as well as the, constant demand for pews, encourage the rector to believe, that there has been no falling off in the spiritual affairs of this congregation, while its temporal prospects have essential- ly brightened. The desire expressed by foreign protestants, from the An- gelican Church, who have sought occupation in the surround- ing mines, to unite with the American branch of the Church, as well as a disposition among some of the dissenters to connect themselves with the Church of Christ, have induced the Vestry of Trinity Church to make, for their accommoda- tion, alterations in the interior, and an enlargement of their edifice, which is now under contract, and will be completed in a few weeks. But while an anxious desire is evinced on the part of this congregation to make provision for the religious worship of the two thousand English protestant miners who have emi- grated to this vicinity, (many of whom are employed in the service of strangers,) it can hardly be expected of a handful of churchmen, like this congregation, who are actively en- gaged in a business requiring all the capital they can com- mand; unaided and alone to supply a house of worship of sufficient space to accommodate so large a number ; and it is but reasonable to expect, that the whole Church of Pennsyl- vania will lend her aid, and assist us in our endeavours to spread the gospel among, and draw into her fold, this neglec- ted portion of population, before they are swallowed up by the various bodies of dissenters by whom we are surrounded. 80 Report of ihe Rev. S. P. Nash, Rector of Trinity Church, Carbondale, Lu- zerne county Congregation, families, 28 ; adults, 60 ; children, 70 ; total, 130; baptisms, adults, 2; infants, 16; total, IS; communi- cants, added, S ; died or removed, 4 ; present number, 39 ; burials, 3 ; public services, on Sundays, 67; other days, 6 ; total, 73 ; children catechized, times, 5 ; Sunday schools, male, 1 ; teachers, 6 ; pupils, 37 ; Female, 1 : teachers, 7 ; pupils, 45; total, schools, 2 ; teachers, 13; pupils, S2 ; col- lections for different purposes, $24 00. The present rector of this parish entered upon its duties the 20th August last, from which time to the 1st of May the above report extends. Report of the Rev. Geo. W. Natt, Rector of St. John's Church, Bellefonte, Philipsburg, Centre county. Congregation, families, 24 ; adults, 63 ; children, 73 ; total, 136 ; baptisms, adults, 2 ; infants, 9 ; total, 11 ; communicants, added, 1 ; died or removed, 4 ; present number, 23 ; burials, 8; public services, on Sundays, 105; other days, 44; total, 149 ; children catechised, 30, monthly ; Sunday school, 1 ; teachers, male, 3 ; female, 6 ; pupils, 30 ; collections, Episco- pal fund, $3 75 ; Society Advancement of Christianity, $19 S0|; missionary and other purposes, $91 6&f; total, $115 231. Within the last year, an organ has been purchased, at the cost of $300 00, and various improvements made upon the parsonage and church lot. The services, of late have been better attended than formerly. The growth of the church, in this region, has been and will be slow. But, by God's blessing on his own appointments, we may hope, that gradu- ally many will be added to her fold, of such as shall be saved. Report of the Rev. Edmund Neville, Rector of St. Philip's Church, Spring Garden, Philadelphia county. Congregation, families, 205 ; baptisms, adults, 5 ; infants, 25 ; total, 30 ; confirmed, 26 ; communicants, added, 35 ; died or removed, 17; present number,252; marriages, 15; burials, 81 11; public services, on Sundays, 92; other days, 71; total, 163 children catechised, 360 ; times, 6 ; Sunday schools, male, 2 teachers, 18 ; pupils, 231 ; female, 2 ; teachers, 20 ; pupils, 240 total, schools, 4 ; teachers, 38 ; pupils, 471 ; Bible classes, 2 members, 58 ; collections, Episcopal fund, $35 ; Society Ad- vancement of Christianity, $170; missionary and other pur- poses, $1456 99; total, $1661 99. Report of the Rev. Richard Newton, Rector of St. Paul's Church, Philadel- phia city. Congregation, families, 250 ; baptisms, adults, 9 ; infants, 29 ; total, 38 ; confirmed, 2S ; communicants added, 30 ; died or removed, S ; present number, 500; marriages, 19 ; burials, 15 ; public services, on Sundays, 104 ; other days, 125 ; total, 229; Sunday schools, male, 1; teachers, 16; pupils, 90; female, 2 ; teachers, 20; pupils, 210 ; total, schools, 3 ; teach- ers, 36; pupils, 350; Bible classes, 2; members, 60; collections, Episcopal fund, $15; missionary and other purposes, $1S90; total, $1905. Report of the Rev. Win. Herbert Norris, Rector of St. John's Church, Carlisle, Cumberland county. Baptisms, infants, 3 ; adult, 1 ; total, 4 ; confirmed, 3 ; com- municants added, 4 ; died or removed, 12; present number, 58 ; marriages, 4 ; burials, 3 ; public services, on Sundays, 90 ; other days, 35 ; total, 125 ; children catechised monthly in the church ; Sunday school, 1 ; teachers, 5 ; scholars about 40 ; collections, Advancement Society, $35 ; Episcopal fund, $10; Convention fund, S5 ; missionary and other purposes, 25; total, $13? 25. Report of the Rev. W. H. Odenheimer, Rector of St. Peter's Church, in the city of Philadelphia. Congregation, families, 200 ; baptisms, adults, 1 9; infants, 120; total, 139; confirmed, 32 ; communicants added, 25; died or removed, 7; present number, 319; marriages, 12; burials, 22 ; public services, on Sundays, 108 ; on Holy days, 11 82 91; on other days, 3S1; total, 580; children catechised, monthly, "openly in the church;" Sunday schools, male, 1 teachers, 10 ; pupils, 96 ; female, 1 ; teachers, 36 ; pupils, 147 infant school, 1 ; teachers, 8 ; pupils, 90 ; Bible class, 1 teacher, 1 ; pupils, 10; catechetical classes, male, 1 ; teacher, 1 pupils, 13; female, 1; teacher, 1; pupils, 8; day school, 1; teachers 2 ; pupils, 110; adult school, male, 1 ; teachers, 7 ; pupils, 35 1 female, 1 ; teachers, 13 ; pupils, 47 ; total, schools, 6 ; teachers, 79 ; pupils, 556 ; collections, for the Episcopal fund and Episcopate, $180 00;. Society for the Advancement of Chris- tianity, $500 00; General Theological Seminary, $135 00; Convention fund, $100 00; Bishop White Prayer Book Socie- ty, $100 00; Female Prayer Book Society, $80 00; missionary and other purposes, $2865 00 ; total, $3680 00. Amount collected at the offertory in the Holy Communion, $684 47 ; distributed in private charities, $966 42. During the last year, the chime of six bells presented to St. Peter's Church by B. Wilcocks, Esq., has been increased to eight, through the liberality of the same donor. The church has been open every day, since the first day of Lent, for the morning and evening prayer : the interest which these services create is most encouraging. For the continued peace and prosperity of his parish, the rector returns most humble and hearty thanks to Almighty God. Report of the Rev. Fred. Ogilby, Rector of Ascension Church, Philadelphia. Baptisms, adults, 3 ; infants, 23 ; total, 26 ; confirmed 20 ; communicants added, 28; died or removed, 14; present number, 231 ; marriages, 2; burials, 14; public services, on Sundays, 118; other days, 135; total, 253; children cate- chized, 12 ; times, the afternoon service of every third Sunday in each month devoted to this purpose ; Sunday schools, teachers, 21 ; pupils, 192 ; Bible class, 1 ; members, 9 ; collec- tions, Soc. Adv. of Christianity, $37 70; missionary and other purposes, $457 34 ; total, $495 04. S3 Report of the Rev. Willie Peck, Rector of St. David's (Radnor) Church, Newtown, Delaware county. Baptisms, adults, 5 ; infants, 12 ; total, 17; confirmed, 11; communicants added, 14 ; died, 1 ; removed, 6 ; present num- ber, 75 ; marriages, 3 ; burials, 9 ; public services, on Sundays, 52; other days, as opportunities allow; children catechized, 50; Sunday schools, 2; male teachers, 4; female teachers, 5; pupils, 70; collections, Episcopal fund, §4 18! ; Convention, $2; Soc. Adv. of Christianity, $4; other purposes, 551600; total, $1610 181. The people of this parish, by their uniform adherence to the sacred principles of Christianity, are approved of men and blessed of God. Report of the Rev. W. S. Perkins, Rector of St. James' Church, Bristol. Congregation, families, 65; baptisms, infants, 18; commu- nicants, 65; marriages, 4; burials, 11; public services, on Sundays, 104 ; other days, 65; Sunday school, teachers, 14; scholars, 110; collections for various benevolent purposes, 390. The services of this church have been well attended, and entire harmony has prevailed among us, yet the rector has to lament that his labors have not been followed by as encour- aging results as in former years; he is, nevertheless, not discouraged, but is still disposed to labor and .not to faint, looking for "times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord." Report of the Rev. John B. Pradt, Missionary at Coudersport, Potter county. Congregation, families, 25; adults, 60; children, 50; total 110; baptisms, adults, 3; infants, 11 ; total, 14; confirmed, 7 communicants added, 10 ; died or removed, 4 ; marriages, 2 burials, 1 ; public services, on Sundays, 96 ; other days, 4 total, 100; Episcopal fund, $1 ; Soc. Adv. of Christianity, $1 Convention fund, $1 ; total, $3. A parish was organized during last Easter week, and the previous missionary elected rector. 84 I formerly extended my labors to Smethport, in McKean county, and to other points, but at present I devote them principally to Coudersport, being unable to leave home much, in consequence of the necessity of teaching school to gain a subsistence. The parish is small, and limited in pecuniary ability ; and labors under much inconvenience for want of a church. No place for public worship has ever been erected in the county ! The people would do . something towards building a church, could they receive aid. The parish is destitute of communion plate, and of books and vestments for Divine service. Report of the Rev. William Preston, Rector of St. Andrew's Church, Pitts- burg, Allegheny county. Baptisms, adults, 2 ; infants, 21 ; total, 23 ; confirmed, 21 ; communicants added, 36 ; died or removed, 15 ; present num- ber, 152; marriages, 3; burials, 3; children catechized in Sunday school; Sunday schools, 2; teachers, 20; pupils, 191; Bible class, 1 ; collections, missionary and other purposes, about $300. Report of the Rev. Azariah Prior, Rector of St. David's Church, Manayunk, Baptisms, children, 16 ; adults, 3 ; total, 19 ; marriages, 3 ; burials, 10 ; communicants, 36, of whom 30 have been added within the last six months ; families in the parish, 53 ; com- prising about 300 individuals; Sunday school, 150 pupils and 16 teachers; Bible class, 1 ; public services, on Sundays, twice, besides a weekly lecture. The rector commenced his labors in this parish the first of November last, under very disheartening circumstances. The congregation was feeble, and the church in an unsettled state, having been without a settled. pastor for more than six months previous. The prospects of the church are now, however, more encouraging. The congregation has more than doubled, thirty have been added to the communion list, and the Sabbath school has increased from fifty to one hundred and fifty pupils. The church edifice is now undergoing alterations 85 and repairs, for the completion of which between seven and eight hundred dollars has either been pledged or collected. In consequence of these expenditures, and the comparative feeble state of the congregation, no collections have been made in behalf of missionary and other purposes. The rector, however, hopes, under the Divine blessing, soon to put into operation a plan for concentrating the efforts and offerings of the congregation, in behalf of the great objects of christian charity, contemplated by the institutions of the church, § — Report of the Rev. Thomas H. Quinan, Rector of the Church of the Evange- lists, Southwark, Philadelphia county. This church occupies a missionary field. It is supported in part by voluntary contributions from other churches and individuals. The sittings are free, and its success warrants the supposition that more churches upon this plan are needed, and would be acceptable to those of slender means. Another in the same neighborhood would be filled in a short time by those excluded in consequence of the limited church accommodation in this district. Will not the benevolent direct their attention to this destitute field, and supply the demand for places of public worship ? There are 332 families under the rector's care. But little more than a representative from each can find room in our church. Our communion list at the commencement of this year numbered 234 individuals. Of those, 123 were added during the last two years. A deficiency of 126 arose during the same period from various causes : — 4S went to the church of the Ascension — 35 to other churches — 11 deceased, and we are sorry to add, 12 by declension. Several of our communi- cants are very young — some only fourteen years of age, but who are walking well. The entire number of attendants upon the Sunday schools is 424. Baptism has been adminis- tered to 14 adults, and 88 infants. Although surrounded by those who call themselves " Baptists," there is an undimin- ished desire for infant baptism. The rector has attended, with the last sad office of the church, 27 persons of all ages. 86 The amount contributed in the church for its current expenses, is $448 72. The mode of weekly subscriptions of small amount is successful. By quarterly collections, and through the Sunday schools, together with communion offer- ings, and for repairs, &c, have been received for its various benevolent objects, $304 78. We humbly hope the blessing of God is with us, and rests upon the friends of this effort. Report of the Rev. John Rodney, Rector o|St. Luke's Church, Germantown. Communicants added, 14, died or removed, 7; present number, 101; baptisms, adults, 4 ; children, 13; total, 17; burials, 12; confirmed, 4; families, about 80; individuals, 400; Sunday schools, 2; teachers, 16; pupils, 130; collec- tions and contributions, for missionary and kindred benevo- lent purposes, about $600, $400 of which was contributed by the " Ladies Association of St. Luke's Church ;" of this amount, $150 was paid to the Advancement Society of Penn- sylvania, $100 to D. & F. M. Society, $100 for the Sunday school purposes, $35 to Prayer Book Society, and the remain- der to Kenyon and Kemper colleges, to the Nashotah mis- sion, and to some poor churches. Report of the Rev. J. M. Rogers, Rector of Trinity Church, Easton, North- ampton county. Baptisms, adults, 2 ; infants, 10; total, 12; communicants added, 6 ; died or removed, 5 ; present number, 48 ; burials, 2; public services, on Sundays, 96 ; other days, 29 ; total, 125 ; children catechized, 17 ; times, 20 ; Sunday schools, male, 1 ; teachers, 2; pupils, 12; female, 1; teachers, 2; pupils, 14; total schools, 2 ; teachers, 4 ; pupils, 26 ; collections, Soc. Adv. of Christianity, $10; missionary and other purposes, $190; total, $200. The church at Easton has been better attended for the last twelve months than since I have had charge of it, and we are now in peace and unity. Seven or eight who have caused divisions have withdrawn from the communion — most of whom have not contributed to the support of the church since I came here. This I mention merely as a proof that their hearts could not have been very zealously inclined to the welfare of our Zion. " They went out from us because they were not of us, for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us." Report of W. H. Sayre, Warden of St. Mark's Church, Mauch Chunk, Car- bon county. Baptisms, infants, 10 ; communicants added, 4 ; withdrawn, 1; died, 1; present number, 16; burials, 2; confirmed, 1; congregation, adults, 40 ; public services at Mauch Chunk on Sundays, by Rt. Rev. H. U. Onderdonk, D. D., 2— Rev. J. M. Rogers, 2— Rev. G. C. Drake, 2— Rev. Peter Russell, 3 ; other days, 2 ; total, 11 ; public services at Summit Hill on Sundays by Rev. W. H. Bourns, 2 — Rev. Peter Russell, 1 ; other days 1 ; total, 4 ; Sunday school, 1 ; superintendent, 1 ; 1 male and 2 female teachers, and 19 children of both sexes. In September last this parish received an Episcopal visit from the Rt. Rev. the Bishop of the diocese, who confirmed 1 person. Having no rector, the lay worship of the church has been regularly performed every Sunday morning, when the con- gregation has not been visited by a clergyman. Report of the Rev. 0. Evans Shannon, Rector of Grace Church, Honesdale, Wayne county. Congregation, families, 42 ; adults, 130; children, 75; total, 205 ; baptisms, infants, 12 ; communicants added, 7 ; died or removed, 2 ; present number, 59 ; marriages, 7 ; burials, 16 ; public services, on Sundays, 104 ; other days, 52 ; total, 156; (in addition to the above, the rector has preached in Canaan, 9 times, in Prompton twice, at Cherry Bridge once, and at Indian Orchard once. He has also preached and adminis- tered the communion twice in Trinity church, Carbondale;) children catechized, 36 ; times, 4 ; Sunday schools, male, 1 ; teachers, 4 ; pupils, 48 ; female, 1 ; teachers, 9 ; pupils, 51 ; 88 total schools, 2 ; teachers, 13 ; pupils, 99; Bible class, 1 ; mem- bers, 20 ; collections, Convention fund, $5 371 ; missionary and other purposes, $455 10 ; total, $460 47i. Since the last report, our church has undergone some repairs: the old pulpit has been taken down, and one of more modern style erected in its place. We have also purchased a new organ, and have had it put up in the church. The prospects of the church in this village continue to brighten ; our services are well attended, and we trust that the Divine blessing will rest upon the means employed to gain souls unto the Lord. Report of the Rev. Oliver A. Shaw, officiating in All Saints' Church, Moya- mensing, Philadelphia county. Congregation, families, 30 ; adults, 40 ; children, 70 ; total, 110; baptisms, children, 14; confirmed, 1 ; Sunday schools, male, 1 ; teachers, 3 ; pupils, 30 ; female, 1 ; teachers, 7 ; pupils, 45 ; total teachers and pupils, 85. This church was taken in charge by its present minister in October last, and was, at that time, in consequence of having been destitute of a pastor for some months, in an extremely depressed condition. The congregation has, however, been, in some measure, gathered again, and will, by God's blessing, continue to increase. The author of this report left the parish of St. Luke's, Newtown, Bucks county, in October last. At that time the congregation was very flourishing. Seven were confirmed on the 5th of Nov. shortly after the semi-annnal engagement with the rector expired, and every thing pertaining to the church bade fair, under the auspices of a faithful minister of Christ, to advance in prosperity. It has been recently ascer- tained that this church is now under precisely such auspices, both of fidelity and success. Report of the Rev. George Sheets, Rector of Trinity Church, in Oxford township, Philadelphia county. Baptisms, infants, 6 ; communicants, present number, 50; S9 marriages, 14; burials, 23; public services, on Sundays, twice; children catechised, at church, 16 times; in the Sun- day school at Frankford, the first Sunday in each month : Sunday school, male and female, 1 ; teachers, 9 : pupils, 64 ; collections, Episcopal fund, $5 11; Society for Advancement of Christianity, $23 05 ; missionary and other purposes. $5S 62 ; total, $86 78. Report of the Rev. Richard Smith, Rector of St. Andrew's Church, Spring- ville, Susquehanna county, St. Paul's Church, Montrose, Susquehanna county, and St. Matthew's Church, Pike, Bradford county. St. Andrew's Church. Congregation, families, 33 ; adults, 112; children, 5S ; total, 170; baptisms, infants, 2 ; total, 2 ; communicants, died, 1 ; present number, 64 ; marriages, 1 ; burials, 3 ; at other places 3 ; total, 6 ; public services, on Sundays, 90 ; other days, 30; total, 120; children catechised, times, 3; Sunday schools, male, 4 ; female, 9 ; number of teachers and pupils unknown at present ; Bible classes, 1 ; members, 12 ; collec- lections, Soc. Adv. of Christianity, $10 2S ; parish expenses, $7 71 ; total, $17 99. The scarcity of money in this section of country has ren- dered it almost impossible to obtain any, though I trust this will not always be the case. We have begun a different method, and hope that it will be successful by another Con- vention. I am happy to state that from the time I was called to the rectorship of this parish, now more than twenty months, we have enjoyed peace in our borders ; we have generally a favourable number attend our services, and I think a growing interest for the Church, and some hope of prosperity. I regret that so many live at a distance from the Church, who, through the season of Lent and at other times, have been prevented from attending by stormy weather and bad roads. We have again commenced our Sunday School Catechism Class, and hope soon to have some in training for confirmation. I have endeavoured, amidst many discourage - 12 90 merits, to labour faithfully for the good of souls, and to com- bat with and live down the prejudices that exist against our Zion. Much of error and false doctrine, together with every evil work, surrounds us, and by the power of God we hope to overcome. May the Great Head of the Church smile upon our humble endeavours and make them effectual. St. Paul's Church, Montrose. I have not regularly served since my last report in No- vember. The Vestry, without consulting me, or my consent, called another clergyman to officiate for them. He will report for the last part of the year. I know of no material change. St. Matthew's Church. I have held services there and at different places in the neighbourhood, on Sundays, 5 times, and 9 times on other days; administered the Sacrament once. This place was supplied for several Sundays by the Rev. G. P. Hop- kins, during a visit there in the latter part of the summer. The congregation improves, and if we could have a mission- ary to reside near these destitute places, something good might be effected. Families and communicants much the same as last year. I have attended one funeral. Friendsville, Susquehanna Co. — I have continued my visits to this place, held service 9 times on Sundays, admin- istered the Sacrament twice, once to nine and then to eleven persons. There are about four families ; some from the Church of England. Punkhannock, Wyoming Co. — I have also visited this place, there are a few members of our Church here. I have given services twice on Sundays, and four times on other days. I think we shall have a favourable opening for the Church in this place at no distant period. Report of the Rev. W. W. Spear, Rector of St. Luke's Church, in Philadel- phia. Congregation, families, 150; adults, 400; children, 250 91 total, 650 ; baptisms, adults, 10; infants, 20; total, 30 ; confirm- ed, 20; communicants added, 30; died or removed, 20; present number, 1S5; marriages, 6; burials, 12; public services, on Sun- days, 104; other days, 100; total, 204; children catechized, 300; times, 8 ; Sunday schools, male, 2 ; teachers, 15 ; pupils, 150 ; female, 2; teachers, IS ; pupils, 178; total, schools, 4; teachers, 33 ; pupils, 32S ; parochial day school, 1 female, 100 scholars, Bible classes, 6 ; members, 50 ; collections, Society Advance- ment of Christianity, $400; missionary and other purposes, $1500; from Sunday schools, $175; total, $2075. Report of the Rev. Nathan Stem, Rector of St. John's Church, in Norris- town, Montgomery county. Congregation, families, from 90 to 100; baptisms, adults, I ; infants, 21 ; total, 22 ; confirmed, 9 ; communicants added, 17; died or removed, 4 ; present number, 126; marriages, I I ; burials, 20 ; public services, on Sundays, 76 ; other days, 39; total, 115 ; Sunday school, 1 ; teachers, 24 ; pupils, 160; collections, Episcopal fund, $4 ; Convention fund, $5 ; mis- sionary and other purposes, $100; total, $109. The congregation is now engaged in enlarging the Sunday school accommodations ; a measure which has become neces- sary by the increased prosperity of that department — several new pews also have been erected in the church during the past year, by a slight encroachment upon the aisles. The rector has also had in charge the Swedish Church (St. John's) of Upper Merion, where he has held divine ser- vice regularly once a week during the year. Report of the Rev. S. C. Stratum. At the time of my last report to the Convention, I was in charge of All Saint's Church, Moyamensing, and continued so until the 15th of August last : up to that time, the bap- tisms were 5 ; communicants, added, 2 ; marriages, 1 ; fune- ral, 1; public services, 31 ; collections for the Advancement So- ciety, $5 50; the state of the congregation in other repects, as at the last report. 92 Since that time I have exercised my ministry as opportuni- ties offered. I have officiated on 71 occasions, preached 62 sermons, performed the service 9 times, without preaching ; baptised 3 children, administered the Holy Communion 4 times, assisted also in its administration 4 times, married 1 couple, made 9 visits to the sick, and attended 9 funerals. In the performance of these duties, I have officiated for several vacant congregations, and rendered assistance to my clerical brethren. Report of the Rev. William Suddards, Rector of Grace Church, in Phila- delphia. Congregation, families, 250; adults, 590; children, 570; total, 1 160 ; baptisms, adults, 23]; infants, 43; total, 63 ; con- firmed, 49 ; communicants added, 69; died or removed, 15 ; present number, 585; marriages, 19; burials, 18; public service on Sundays, 104 ; other days, 100 ; total, 204 ; chil- dren catechised, monthly ; Sunday school, male, 1 ; teachers, 30 ; pupils, 160 ; female, 1 ; teachers, 40 ; pupils, 280 ; total, schools, 2 ; teachers, 70 ; pupils, 440 ; Bible classes, 3 ; mem- bers, 70 ; collections, Episcopal fund, $25 ; missionary and other purposes, $2500 ; total, $2525. This parish was never in a more peaceful state than at the present time. During the last two years about $4000 of the church debt has been extinguished, and the Vestry have wisely resolved on the continuance of an effort which, within a limited period, will free the parish from all burden of this nature. This home charity will necessarily diminish for the time being our efforts in behalf of others. Report of the Rev. M. R. Talbot, Chaplain in the Navy of the United States of America. Since the last Convention, I have preached about 75 times — part of the time I have been attached to the U. S. frigate Cumberland, as chaplain ; whilst so attached, I generally officiated twice each Sabbath, and employed the remainder 93 of the day in the Sunday school. I have baptized 1 adult, a lieutenant in the navy, and 2 infants, children of lieutenants in the navy. As far as my opportunities of judging permit me to speak, I can say with great truth, that religion is becoming a matter of interest in the navy of the United States. Report of the Rev. Henry Tullidge, Rector of St. Paul's Church, Erie, Erie county. Congregation, families, 70; adults, 175; children, 120; total, 295 ; baptisms, infants, 12; total, 12; communicants, added, 17; died or removed, 4 ; present number, 71 ; marriages, 5 ; burials, 11 ; public services on Sundays, 95; other days, 16 ; total, 111 ; children catechised, once a month in the church ; Sunday schools, 1; teachers, 10; pupils, SO; collections, Episcopal fund, $1; Advancement Society, $5; mission- ary and other purposes, $5 00; total, $11 00. Report of the Rev. Stephen H. Tyng, Rector of the Church of the Epiphany, Philadelphia. Congregation, families, 350; adults, 745; children, 460; total, 1,205; baptisms, adults, 9 ; infants, 35; total, 43; confirmed, 5S ; communicants added, 97; died or removed, 3S; present number, 606; marriages, 15; burials, 10; Sunday schools, male, 4 ; teachers, 38 ; pupils, 381; female, 4; teachers, 42 ; pupils, 423; total, schools, 8 ; teachers, 80; pupils, S04; collections, for missionary and other purposes, $3,515 23. This is the tenth parochial report from this church, which was founded in 1833. The congregation has increased to the utmost capacity of the church to contain it. The whole history of the church has been one of increasing spiritual prosperity. During these ten years, I have admitted to the Lord' s table eight hundred persons, of whom two hundred and ninety came from other churches, and five hundred and ten were first received here. There have been four hundred and sixty-four persons confirmed, and four hundred and 94 eighty-three baptized. I have received and disbursed, as the benevolent collections of the congregation, above $35,000. The gracious blessing of God still rests upon our efforts, and our present condition is one of great prosperity. Report of the Rev. George TJpfold, Rector of Christ Church, Pittsburg, Alle- gheny count}'. Congregation, families, about ISO; baptisms, adults, S; infants, 89; total, 97; confirmed, 30 ; communicants added, 39; died or removed, 20; present number, 255; marriages, 8; burials, 19 ; public services, on Sundays, 104; other days, 80; total, 1S4; children catechized, 12; times, in the church; Sunday schools, male, 1 ; teachers, 7 ; pupils, 72 ; female, 1 ; teachers, 10; pupils, 90; total schools, 2 ; teachers, 17; pupils, 162; collections, Episcopal fund, $20; Soc. Adv. of Christianity, $349; missionary and other purposes, $114; total, $463. Report of the Rev. P. Van Pelt. My connection with the church of the Epiphany, in this city, still continues, and affords me ample opportunity for the discharge of every ministerial duty. Since the last Convention, I have baptized 1 adult and 6 children, and officiated at 17 funerals. Report of the Rev. A. Varian, Rector of Christ Church, Meadville, Craw- ford county. Communicants, present number, 72 ; public services, on Sundays, 6 ; other days, 2 ; total, S ; children catechized, 3 ; Sunday school, 1 ; teachers, 13 ; pupils, 80; Bible class, mem- bers, 13 ; meet every week ; collections, missionary and other purposes, $13 14; alms at communion, $34 82 ; contingent expenses of the parish, $20 96 ; total, $68 92. Having been but three weeks in the place up to the time of making the foregoing report, I am not able to make any very satisfactory statement of the condition of the parish. Our public services are well attended ; so also is the Sunday school, and the members of the church appear " to hold the 95 faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of .peace, and in righteous- ness of life." Report of the Rev. George Watson, Rector of Christ Church, Towanda, and Trinity Church, Athens, Bradford county. Christ Church. Congregation, families, 35 ; adults, 68 ; children, 46 ; total, 1 14 ; baptisms, adults, 2 ; infants, 13 ; total, 15 ; confirmed, 5", communicants added, 8; died or removed, 6; present number, 26 ; marriages, 1 ; burials, 2 ; public services, on Sundays, 66; other days, 11 ; total, 77; children catechized twice ; Sunday schools, male and female, 1 ; teachers, 6 ; pupils, 23 ; collec- tions, Adv. Society, $5; other purposes, $10; total, $15. Since the beginning of August, 1S43, 1 have served this parish only half the time, devoting the rest of my service to Trinity parish, Athens. Our church has been supplied during my necessary absence by a lay reader, but I am sorry to say that the attendance on the lay service is not general. Our regular service is respectably attended, and amidst all the distractions and troubles that prevail, our cause is steadily advancing. We have had to make a heavy payment in April last on our church organ, and this, with our present poverty, which obliges the parish to consent to a half service, must account for our small contributions. Trinity Church. Congregation, families, 30; adults, 80; children, 20 ; total, 100 ; baptisms, adults, 6 ; infants, 4 ; total, 10 ; confirmed, 5 ; communicants added, 8 ; died or removed, 2 ; present number, 24 ; marriages, 1; burials, 1 ; public services, on Sundays, 54; other days, 3 ; total, 57 ; collections, Adv. Society, $S5. This parish being entirely destitute of a Sunday School Library, has not been so prosperous since my connection with it as it ought to have been, so far as the younger portion of the congregation is concerned. The attendance on our 96 services is highly respectable, and there is a growing interest in the cause of religion and the church. We have been making an effort to procure a small organ for our church, and when the pecuniary troubles of our section of the country are taken into consideration, we consider that on the whole we have been reasonably successful. Grateful for the kind assistance of the Society for the Advancement of Christianity in Pennsylvania, we hope to satisfy you that your aid has been wisely extended to us. Report of the Rev. Edward Waylen. During the past year, I have resided in Manayunk till within the present month, when, in the course of a visit to Maryland, I received and accepted an invitation to the rector- ship of Prince George's parish, (Christ church,) Montgomery county, which occasions a withdrawal from the diocese of Pennsylvania. My register shows, since the last Conven- tion, of baptisms, 1 infant; marriages, 2; burials, 6; of Sun- day and other festival services, with preaching, (attended at Phcenixville, Pottstown, Douglassville, Holmesburg, and at four city churches,) about 17. During a portion of the past year I have been laboring, but unsuccessfully, to revive the parish of the "Church of the Messiah," organized under apparently promising auspices, amongst the community residing at Schuylkill Falls and Lower Manayunk, by the Rev. Frederick Freeman. The inability to obtain a suitable place for our services, and the removal since Mr. Freeman's departure of several families who then helped to sustain them, were among the obstacles to success. The seed sown at the Falls, by the self-denying efforts of Mr. Freeman, cannot, however, be lost. No spot near Philadelphia affords a better opening for an active missionary of the church. Report of the Rev. Joshua Weaver, Rector of St. Matthew's Church, Sun- bury, Northumberland county. Congregation, families, 14 ; adults, 55 ; children, 45 ; total, 100; baptisms, infants, 3; communicants added, 1 ; died, 1 ; 97 present number, 29 ; marriages, 1 ; burials, 3 ; public services, on Sundays, 92 ; other days, 10 ; total, 102 ; Sunday schools, male, 1 ; teachers, 4 ; pupils, 26 ; female, 1 ; teachers, 5 ; pupils, 34 ; total schools, 2 ; teachers, 9 ; pupils, 60 ; collections, Con- vention fund, $4; Soc. Adv. of Christianity, $10; other pur- poses, $26 ; total, $39. Besides my regular duties in this parish, I have preached once at Shamokin, and several times at Northumberland and Lewisburgh. Report of the Rev. William Augustus White, Rector of St. James' Church, Downingtown, Chester county. Congregation, families, 25 ; adults, 76 ; children, 53 ; total, 129 ; baptisms, adults, 2 ; infants, 1 ; total, 3 ; confirmed, 4 ; communicants, added, 5 ; died or removed, 2 ; present num- ber, 8 ; public services, on Sundays, 75 ; other days, 38 ; total, 113 ; children catechised, 25 ; times, 3 ; Sunday schools, male and female, teachers, 6 ; pupils, 40 ; collections, Episcopal fund, $3 ; missionary and other purposes, $38 57 ; total, $41 57. The present year has been one of great interest to this pa- rish. On June 20th, the corner-stone of St. James' Church was laid by the rector, several clerical brethren assisting, and on October 26th, the edifice was consecrated by the Rt. Rev. the Bishop of the Diocess, twelve clergymen being present, and a large concourse of the laity. The church is a neat and beautiful building, 60 ft. in length, and 24 in width, and capable of containing on the floor and in the gallery between 260 and 275 persons. The chancel is furnished with an altar, a book-stand (serving also as a pulpit) on its left, and a font of pure white marble, on a pedestal of black walnut, on its right ; and two chairs on either side of the altar, of an antique form. The object has been, in the arrangements of the church, to attain simplicity and beauty, aiming also at convenience and economy ; and it is believed that nearly all who have seen the sanctuary, have been pleased with its construction. 13 98 The expense of the lot on which the church stands was $375. The building, with vestry-room adjoining, cost $1089. The debt now remaining is not large, and by due exertions could soon be removed, which we trust will be done. The Holy Eucharist has been celebrated three times by priests of the church, the rector being in his diaconate. Pre- vious to the consecration of the church, evening prayer was read nine times, and sermons were preached at the small village of Gallagherville, two miles from Downingtown. The proposed term (two years) for the support of a clergy- man in this place, by individuals of St. James' church, Phila- delphia, and others, will cease in November next, and it is to be hoped that the people of Downingtown will continue the good work which has been commenced for them; not permitting spiritual blessings and advantages to be withdrawn, or irregu- larly and only occasionally offered, for lack of the silver and gold to maintain the worship of the Most High, and the or- dinance of the Sanctuary. Report of the Rev. William White, Rector of St. Peter's Church, Butler county. Congregation, families, 36; adults, 38; children, 78; total, 116; baptisms, adult, 1; children, 10; total, 11; communicants, added, 1 ; died or removed, 8 ; present number, 51 ; burials, 8 ; public services, on Sundays, 99 ; other days, 24 ; total, 123; collections, Convention fund, $4 OS ; other purposes, $13 57 ; total, $17 63. Report of the Rev. C. Wiltberger, Jr., Rector of Grace Church, Hulmeville, St. Andrew's Church, Yardleyville, Trinity Church, Centreville, Bucks , county. Grace Church, Hulmeville. Congregation, families, 18 ; adults, 50; children, 30; total, 80; baptisms, adult, 1 ; infants, none; communicants, added, 3; died or removed, 3; present number, 21 ; burials, 2; public services on Sundays, 39; other days, 6 ; total, 45; children catechised, S; times, every two weeks during the summer; Sunday schools, male and female; teachers, 9, pupils, 99 SO ; Bible class, 1 ; member, 20 ; collections, Society for Ad- vancement of Christianity, $1 50; Convention fund, and other purposes, $15. St. Andrew's Church, Yardleyville. Congregation, families, 16; adults, 60; children, 30; total, 90 ; baptisms,none ; communicants, added, 1 ; removed, 3 ; present number, 5 ; burials, 2 ; public services, on Sundays, 40 ; other days, 36 ; total, 76 ; children catechised, 10 ; every two weeks during summer ; Sunday school, one, male and female ; teach- ers, 6 ; pupils, 50 ; Bible class, one ; members, 20; collections, Society for Advancement of Christianity, $1 75; Convention fund, 65 cts. ; other purposes, $100 ; total $102 40. Trinity Church, Centreville. Congregation, families, 15; adults, 50 ; children, 20; total, 70 ; confirmed, 3 ; communicants, added, 3 ; present number, 6 ; baptisms, children, 2 ; public services, on Sundays, 32 ; other days, 6 ; total, 38 ; children chatechised, S, every other Sunday during summer, Sunday school, 1, male and female ; teachers, 6; pupils, 30 ; collections for parish purposes, $160. I am happy to be able to say, that I have felt more en- couraged in my labours in Bucks, during the past year. Be- sides service at Hulmeville, I Jiave preached part of the time at Brownsville, five miles distant. At Yardleyville, the steeple has been finished, and the church painted and carpeted. The congregation has increas- ed, and more interest been taken in the services of the church. Several persons are expecting to be baptised and added to the communion. At Centreville, sheds have been erected for the accommoda- tion of horses. There is some appearance of vitality, and it is fondly hoped that this desert will yet rejoice and blossom as the rose. The confirmation of three persons was an occasion of much interest. On the whole, I desire to thank God and take courage. 100 Report of the Rev. Enos Woodward, Rector of Christ Church, Brownsville, Fayette county. Congregation, families and parts of families, about 45 ; baptisms, adult, 1 ; infants, 5 ; total, 6 ; confirmed, 4 ; com- municants, added, S ; died, 3 ; present number, 52 ; marriages, 3 ; burials, 2 ; public services, on Sundays, 86 ; on other clays, 58; total, 144 ; from 30 to 40 children are catechised in the Sunday school, and part of them occasionally in the church ; Sunday schools, male, 1 ; one superintendent, 6 teachers, and about 40 pupils; female, 1 ; one superintendent, 7 teach- ers, and about 44 pupils ; each of these schools have under their care a class of colored children ; they have a good library, and competent and faithful officers and teachers ; contributions, for the benefit of a student in the Theological Seminary of the diocese of Virginia, $25 ; for the benefit of Kenyon College, and Milner Hall Theological Seminary in the diocese of Ohio, $210 ; for missionary and other purposes, including the rent of the parsonage, $500 ; total $735. It is truly gratifying to witness the increased liberality of this parish, whose contributions this year have exceeded those of the three former years by a considerable sum, not- withstanding the removal of one of the most wealthy and liberal families from this to a neighbouring parish. God grant them still to increase in every christian virtue, and to abound more and more in every good word and work. In addition to my labours in Brownsville, I have held 24 Sunday and 2 week-day services, in Washington, which is the capital of Washington county, and the seat of two very flourishing institutions of learning, viz: Washington College, and the Washington Female Seminary, and with the excep- tion of Pittsburgh and Allegheny cities, is the largest town in western Pennsylvania, and through the infinite and unspeak- able goodness and mercy of God, a respectable congregation has been collected in that place, including 22 communicants, 2 of whom have removed, leaving the present number, 20 ; 4 more, confirmed by the Bishop at his late visitation, the 101 other communicants having previously received the be of that apostolic rite. This place is in every respec" worthy the patronage and aid of the church — it presents a large and promising field for the work of the ministry which, if faithfully and prudently cultivated, will, with God's bless- ing, in due time furnish a rich harvest of souls to the praise of His glorious grace. The friends of the church in Wash- ington have recently organized a parish, under the style and title of Trinity Church, Washington parish, in the town and county of Washington, Pennsylvania, and have applied to the present Convention for admission into the diocese. Report of the Rev. W. H. Woodward. After my ordination, which took place on the 23d of July last, I was invited by the wardens of St. Mary's Church, Hamiltonville, West Philadelphia, to take charge of that pa- rish for six months. At the expiration of the specified period, in the month of January, I resigned the charge, and have since been variously engaged, and frequently in rendering assistance to my brethren. At Hamiltonville, I have con- ducted a Bible class, and have preached 56 times, and at other churches 63. Total number of services, 11.9. Report of the Rev. Thomas C. Yarnall, late Rector of Christ Church, Wil- liamsport, Lycoming county. On the 11th April I resigned the charge of Christ church, Williamsport, at which place and at Jersey Shore, I officiated from the 17th September, 1843. During this period there were, baptisms, infants, 1 ; adults, 3 ; total, 4 ; confirmed, 3 ; burials, 3 ; communicants (including Jersey Shore) added, 1 ; removed, 2 ; present number, 15. Congregation at Williamsport, adults, 20 ; children, 25. At Jersey Shore there are several families who are attached to the services of the Church ; and the present time is, in my opinion, highly favorable for the successful establishment there of these services. But whoever takes charge of this field, must, in the beginning, be supported mainly by the Missionary 102 Society of the Diocese. The same remark will also apply to the parish at Williamsport, owing to the small number of persons there connected with the church, and the embarrass- ment caused by a debt, yet unpaid, of $600, contracted by the erection of the church edifice. Since my ordination in July last, I have preached 89 times, assisted 4 times in the administration of the Holy Commu- nion, and on several other occasions of public worship. I have accepted a call to the rectorship of St. Mary's church, Hamiltonville, Philadelphia county. This parish is in a flour- ishing condition. For a statistical account of it during the past year, I refer to the report of the Rev. Mr. Woodward. LIST OF THE CONGREGATIONS DIOCESE OF PENNSYLVANIA Adams county. Christ Church — Huntingdon township, Allegheny County. Trinity Church — City of Pittsburgh. St. Andrew's Church — City of Pittsburgh. Christ Church — Allegheny. St. John's Church — Lawrenceville. St. Paul's Church — Laceyville. Armstrong County. St. Paul's Church — Kittaning. Trinity Church — Freeport. Beaver County. Georgetown Church — Georgetown. Berks County. St. Gabriel's Church— Morlattin. Christ Church — Reading. St. Thomas' Church — Morgantown. Bradford County. St. Matthew's Church — Pike. Christ Church — Towanda. Bucks County. St. James the Greater's Church. St. Luke's Church — Newtown. St. Andrew's Church — Yardleyville. Grace Church — Hulmeville. Trinity Church — Centreville. 104 Butler County. St. Peter's Church— Butler. Carbon County. St. Mark's Church— Mauch Chunk. Centre County. Trinity Church — Philipsburg. St. John's Church — Bellefonte. Chester County. St. John's Church — New London township. St. Mary's Church — Warwick township. St. Peter's Church— Great Valley. St. John's Church — Pequea. St. Paul's Church — West Whiteland township. St. Andrew's Church — West Vincent. St. Mark's Church— -Honey-brook. Church of the Holy Trinity — West Chester. St. Peter's Church — Phcenixville. St. James' Church, Downingtown. Columbia County. St. Gabriel's Church — Sugarloaf township. St. Paul's Church — Bloomsburg. Christ Church — Madison, Jersey town- Christ Church — Danville. Trinity Church — Orangeville. Crawford County. Christ Church — Meadville. Trinity Church — Rockville. Cumberland County. St. John's Church — Carlisle. Dauphin County. St. Stephen's Church — Harrisburg. Delaware County. St. Paul's Church — Chester. St. Martin's Church — Lower Chichester township, Marcus Hook. 105 St. John's Church — Concord township. St. David's Church — Newtown township, Radnor, Calvary Church — Rockdale. Erie County. St. Paul's Church— Erie. St. Peter's Church — Waterford. Fayette County. Christ Church — Brownsville. Grace Church — Manalen. St. Peter's Church — Uniontown. Trinity Church — Connelsville. Huntingdon County. St. John's Church — Huntingdon. Christ Church — Hollidaysburg. Indiana County. St. Peter's Church, Blairsville. Juniata County. St. Stephen's Church — Thompsontown. Lancaster County. St. James's Church — Lancaster. Christ Church — Leacock. Bangor Church — Caernarvon township, Churchtown. All Saints Church — Paradise. Luzerne County. St. Stephen's Church — Wilkesbarre. Lycoming County. St. James' Church — Muncy. Mercer County. St. John's Church — Mercer. Mifflin County. St. Mark's Church — Lewistown. Montgomery County. St. Thomas' Church — Whitemarsh township. St. James' Church — Perkiomen township. 14 106 St. John's Church — Norristown. Christ Church — Pottstown. Northampton County. Trinity Church — Easton. Northumberland County. Christ Church — Milton. St. Matthew's Church — Sunbury. Philadelphia County. Christ Church— Philadelphia. St. Peter's Church— Philadelphia. St. James' Church — Philadelphia. St. Paul's Church— Philadelphia. St. Stephen's Church — Philadelphia. St. Andrew's Church — Philadelphia. Grace Church — Philadelphia. Church of the Ascension — Philadelphia. St. Luke's Church— Philadelphia. Church of the Epiphany — Philadelphia. St. John's Church — Northern Liberties. Advent Church — Northern Liberties. St. Mark's Church — Moyamensing. All Saints' Church — Moyamensing. Church of the Evangelists — South wark. Trinity Church — So nth wark. Church of the Messiah — South wark. St. James' Church, Kingsessing. St. Matthew's Church — Francisville. All Saints' Church — Lower Dublin township. Emanuel Church — Holmesburg. Trinity Church — Oxford township. St. Luke's Church — Germantown. St. Mark's Church — Mantua, Blockley township. Emanuel Church — Kensington. St. Mary's Church — West Philadelphia. St. David's Church — Manavunk. 107 Zion Church — Spring Garden. St. Philip's Church — Spring Garden. Schuylkill County. Trinity Church — Pottsville. St. James' Church — Schuylkill HaverL St. Paul's Church — Schuylkill Haven. Susquehanna .County. St. Andrew's Church — Springville. St. Mark's Church— New Milford. St. Paul's Church — Montrose. Tioga County. St. Paul's Church — Wellsborough. Christ Church — Blossburgh. Venango County. St. John's Church — Franklin. Washington County. St. Peter's Church — Pike Run township. Trinity Church — Washington. Wayne County. Grace Church — Honesdale, Dyberry Parish. Truth Church — Bethany. Westmoreland County. Christ Church — Greensburg. York County. St. John the Baptist's Church. A LIST OF ALL THE MINISTERS OF THE PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH, Canonically Resident in the Diocese of Pennsylvania. Mat 21st, 1844. The Right Rev. Henry U. Onderdonk, D. D., Bishop of the Diocese, Philadelphia. The Rev. Joseph Adderly, missionary at Blairsville, Indi- ana county, and Greensburgh, Westmoreland county. The Rev. William Adderly, missionary at Fallston, and St. Paul's church, Beaver county. The Rev. Charles H. Alden, Chaplain in the Navy of the United States. The Rev. William W. Arnett, missionary at Uniontown, and Manalen, Fayette county. The Rev. Frederick W. Beasley, Rector of All Saints' church, Lower Dublin, Philadelphia county, including Christ chapel, Oak Grove. [P. 0. Bridgewater, Bucks county.] The Rev. James Bonnar, missionary at Hollidaysburgh, Huntingdon county. The Rev. William H. Bourns, Rector of St. Paul's church, Bloomsburg, Christ church, Jerseytown, Trinity church, Orangeville, and St. Gabriel's church, Sugarloaf, Columbia county. The Rev. Samuel Bowman, D. D., Rector of St. James' church, Lancaster. The Rev. George Boyd, D. D., Rector of St. John's church, N. L., Philadelphia. The Rev. Charles Breck, missionary at Wellsborough, Tioga county, and parts adjacent. 109 The Rev. Edward Y. Buchanan, Rector of St. John's church, Piquea, Chester county, and of Christ church, Lea- cock, and All Saints' church, Paradise, Lancaster county. [P. O. Paradise, Lancaster county.] The Rev. Levi Bull, Rector of St. Mary's church, War- wich, Chester county, and St. Thomas' church, Morgantown, Berks co.unty. [P. 0. Marsh, Chester county.] The Rev. Robert Bethell Claxton, Rector of St. Stephen's church, Wilkesbarre, Luzerne county. The Rev. John B. Clemson, Rector of the church of the Holy Trinity, West Chester, Chester county. The Rev. John Coleman, D. D., Rector of Trinity church, Southwark, Philadelphia. The Rev. Asa S. Colton, Rector of St. Andrew's church, West Vincent, and St. Mark's church, Honeybrook, Chester county. [P. 0. Chester Springs, Chester county.] The Rev. Thomas Crumpton, Rector of Christ church, Allegheny. [P. 0. Pittsburgh.] The Rev. Marcus K. Cushman, missionary at New Mil- ford and Montrose, Susquehanna county. The Rev. Robert Davis. The Rev. William N. Diehl, missionary at Whitemarsh, Montgomery county. [P. 0. Germantown, Philadelphia county.] The Rev. Benjamin Dorr, D. D., Rector of Christ church, Philadelphia. The Rev. Jacob M. Douglass, Rector of St. Matthew's church, Francisville, Philadelphia. [P. 0. Phila.] The Rev. George C. Drake, missionary at Schuylkill Haven and Minersville, Schuylkill county. The Rev. Henry W. Ducachet, D. D., Rector of St. Ste- phen's church, Philadelphia. The Rev. Heman Dyer, D. D., Rector of St. Paul's church, Pittsburgh, and President of the Western University of Penn- sylvania. 110 The Rev. William Hilton, missionary at Kittaning and Freeport, Armstrong county. The Rev. Benjamin S. Huntington, Rector of Calvary church, Rockdale, and St. John's church, Concord, Delaware county. [P. 0. Penn's Grove, Delaware county.] The Rev. John J. Kerr, Rector of Advent church, N. L., Philadelphia. The Rev. George Kirke, missionary at New London X Roads, and West Marlborough, Chester county. [P. 0. Downingtown, Chester county.] The Rev. Freeman Lane, missionary at Troy, Bradford county. The Rev. Edwin N. Lightner, missionary at Muncy, and parts adjacent, Lycoming county. The Rev. Milton C. Lightner, deacon, missionary at Dan- ville, and parts adjacent, Columbia county. The Rev. Samuel T. Lord, missionary at Philipsburgh, Centre county, and Clearfield, Clearfield county. The Rev. John J. McElhinny, missionary at Connelsville, Fayette county, and parts adjacent. The Rev. Henry Major, Rector of St. Stephen's church, Harrisburg, Dauphin county. The Rev. John H. Marsden, missionary in Adams county, and Rector of St. John's church, York, York county. [P. 0. York Springs, Adams county.] The Rev. John Gordon Maxwell, Rector of Emanuel church, Kensington, Philadelphia. The Rev. Samuel R. Meade, deacon, Assistant Minister of St. John's church, N. L., Philadelphia. The Rev. Tobias Harper Michel], missionary at Water- ord, Erie county, and parts adjacent. The Rev. George Mintzer, Rector of St. James' church, Perkiomen, Montgomery county. [P. 0. Trappe, Mont- gomery county.] The Rev. Ricfiard U. Morgan, Rector of Christ church, Reading, Berks county. Ill The Rev. Jacob B. Morss, Rector of Trinity church, Potts- ville, Schuylkill county. The Rev. Henry J. Morton, Rector of St. James' church, Philadelphia. The Rev. George W. Natt, missionary at Belle Fonte, Centre county, and Lock Haven, Clinton county. The Rev. Edmund Neville, Rector of St. Philip's church, Spring Garden, Philadelphia. The Rev. Richard Newton, Rector of St. Paul's church, Philadelphia. The Rev. William Herbert Norris, Rector of St. John's church, Carlisle, Cumberland county. The Rev. William H. Odenheimer, Rector of St. Peter's church, Philadelphia. The Rev. Frederick Ogilby, Rector of the church of the Ascension, Philadelphia. The Rev. Willie Peck, Rector of St. David's (Radnor) church, Newtown, Delaware county. [P. 0. Warren tavern, Chester county.] The Rev. William S. Perkins, Rector of St. James' church, Bristol, Bucks county. The Rev. John B. Pradt, missionary at Coudersport, Potter county, and parts adjacent. The Rev. William Preston, Rector of St. Andrew's church, Pittsburgh. The Rev. Thomas H. Quinan, Rector of the church of the Evangelists, Southwark, Philadelphia. The Rev. Greenbury W. Ridgeley, Rector of St. Paul's church, Chester, and St. Martin's church, Marcus Hook, Delaware county. The Rev. John Rodney, Jr., Rector of St. Luke's church. Germantown, Philadelphia county. The Rev. Joshua M. Rogers, Rector of Trinity church, Easton, Northampton county. The Rev. Owen Evans Shannon, Rector of Grace church, Honesdale, Wayne county. 112 The Rev. George Sheets, Rector of Trinity church, Oxford, Philadelphia county. [P. 0. Frankford, Philadelphia county.] The Rev. Richard Smith, missionary at Springville, Sus- quehanna county, and parts adjacent. The Rev. William W. Spear, Rector of St. Luke's church, Philadelphia. The Rev. Nathan Stem, Rector of St. John's church, Norristown, Montgomery county. The Rev. William Suddards, Rector of Grace church, Philadelphia. The Rev. Mortimer R. Talbot, Chaplain in the Navy of the United States. The Rev. Henry Tullidge, Rector of St. Paul's church, Erie, Erie county. The Rev. Stephen H. Tyng, D. D., Rector of the church of the Epiphany, Philadelphia. The Rev. George Upfold, D. D., Rector of Trinity church, Pittsburg. The Rev. Joshua Weaver, missionary at Sunbury, and parts adjacent, Northumberland county. The Rev. William White, missionary at Butler, Butler county, and parts adjacent. The Rev. Bird Wilson, D. D., Professor in the General Theological Seminary of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States, New York. The Rev. Christian Wiltberger, Jr., missionary at Yardley- ville, Centreville, and Hulmeville, Bucks county. The Rev. Enos Woodward, Rector of Christ church, Brownsville, Fayette county. LIST CONTINUED. The Rev. William Johnstone Bakewell, deacon, Assistant Minister of Trinity church, Pittsburgh. 113 The Rev. Thomas M. Clark, Rector of St. Andrew's church, Philadelphia. The Rev. William James Clark, Rector of Bangor church, Churchtown, Lancaster county. The Rev. George G. Field, minister of St. John's church, Huntingdon, Huntingdon county. The Rev. Donald Frazer, Rector of St. Luke's church, Newtown, Bucks county. The Rev. Henry T. Hiester, Rector of St. Mark's church, Lewistown, Mifflin county. The Rev. Marmaduke Hirst, missionary at Phcenixville, Chester county. The Rev. Azariah Prior, Rector of St. David's church, Manayunk, Philadelphia county. The Rev. Peter Russell, deacon, missionary at Mauch Chunk, Carbon county. The Rev. Alexander Varian, Rector of Christ church, Meadville, Crawford county. The Rev. George Watson, missionary at Athens, and parts adjacent, Bradford county. The Rev. Thomas C. Yarnall, Rector of St. Mary's church, Hamiltonville, Philadelphia county. LIST FURTHER CONTINUED. The Rev. Thomas G. Allen, Philadelphia. The Rev. Robert Ayres, Franklin, Venango county. The Rev. Thomas Brientnall, Philadelphia. The Rev. Samuel C. Brinckle, near Gray's Ferry, Rector of St. James' (Swedish) church, Kingsessing, Philadelphia county. [P. 0. Philadelphia.] The Rev. Jehu C. Clay, D. D., Rector of the Swedes church, Gloria Dei, Southwark, Philadelphia. The Rev. Horace L. Conolly. 15 114 The Rev. William C. Cooley, Rector of the church of the Nativity, Spring Garden, Philadelphia. The Rev. Alexander Crummell, deacon, (a coloured man,) officiating in a coloured congregation, Philadelphia. The Rev. Thomas J. Davis, Philadelphia. The Rev. William Douglass, (a coloured man,) Rector of St. Thomas' (African) church, Philadelphia. The Rev. Charles M. Dupuy, Philadelphia. The Rev. Caleb I. Good, Philadelphia. The Rev. John R. Goodman, Philadelphia. The Rev. John Grigg, Philadelphia. The Rev. Richard D. Hall, Philadelphia. The Rev. George E. Hare, D. D., Philadelphia. The Rev. Nathaniel Sayre Harris, Secretary to the Domes- tic Committee of the Board of Missions of the Protestant Episcopal Church, New York. The Rev. Samuel Hazlehurst, Jr., missionary to Africa. The Rev. William S. Hinds, Philadelphia. The Rev. George P. Hopkins. The Rev. Joseph Jaquett, teacher of the Hebrew language, Philadelphia. The Rev. Edward C. Jones, deacon, Philadelphia. The Rev. Robert M. Mitcheson, deacon, Philadelphia. The Rev. Samuel P. Nash, Rector of Trinity church, Car- bondale, Luzerne county. The Rev. Edward Rice, M. D., deacon, Professor in the Moravian Theological Seminary, Bethlehem, Northampton county. The Rev. Oliver A. Shaw, officiating in All Saints' church, Moyamensing, Philadelphia. The Rev. Samuel C. Stratton, Philadelphia. The Rev. Peter Van Pelt, Assistant to the Rector of the church of the Epiphany, Philadelphia, and Secretary to the Board of Missions of the Protestant Episcopal Church. The Rev. Thomas West. The Rev. William Augustus White, deacon, Rector of St. James' church, Downingtown, Chester county. 115 The Rev. Charles Williams, D. D., Philadelphia. The Rev. William H. Woodward, deacon, Philadelphia, The foregoing List, containing the names of one hundred and seventeen clergymen, is corrected to this date. In conformity with Canon xiv. Sect. 1. H. U. Onderdonk. Philadelphia, May 21st, 1844. MEMORANDUM. The seventy-three clergymen, first named in this List, are entitled to seats in Convention, on May 21st, 1844. The twelve clergymen first named in the "List Continued," will be entitled to seats in May, 1845, or previously, if they remain in their respective stations, or have, without an inter- val, such others as are recognised in the Constitution. H. U. 0. Dr. The Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in 1843 May 9 To balance cash on hand per account rendered, D. 35 c. 81 15 To cash from Grace church (contribution), Philada., 32 45 16 " St. James' church, Philadelphia, 43 72 « " Church of Epiphany, Philadelphia, 18 63 « " St. Andrew's church, Philadelphia, 40 00 « " St. Paul's church Philadelphia, 15 50 <« " St. Luke's church, Germantown, 11 38 « " St. James' church, Lancaster, 17 10 u " St. John's church, New London, 3 90 « " St. John's church, Pequea, 3 09 « " Christ church, Leacock, 3 75 a " St. Thomas' church, Whitemarsh, 3 00 « '• St. Paul's church, Kittaning, 5 00 « « Christ church, Allegheny, 8 00 « « Trinity church, Pittsburgh, 20 00 « " St. Paul's church, Wellsboro', 6 00 « " Trinity church Freeport, 2 25 « « St. Stephen's church, Harrisburg, 10 00 « " Bangor church, Churchtown, 3 73 (i " St. Matthew's church, Sunbury, 2 50 « " St. Martin's church, Marcus Hook, 5 00 (i " Trinity church, Oxford, 5 00 « " St. John's church Muncy, 2 00 « " St. Matthew's church, Francisville, 3 00 « « St. Mary's church, Hamiltonville, 5 00 (i « St. Thomas' church, Morgantown, 2 31 « « St. Peter's church, Great Valley, 61 « " St. David's church, Radnor, 2 08 « " St. Mary's church, Chester, 2 12 « « St. Peter's church, Butler, 2 75 « " St. James' church, Perkiomen, 3 87 c « Advent church, Northern Liberties, 3 00 it « All Saint's church, and ~i « Emanuel church, Phila. city, 5 10 25 a <( " Grace church, Hulmeville, 1 00 « « St. Andrew's church, Yardleyville, 1 00 <( « St. Peter's church, Uniontown, 6 90 « « Grace church, Menallen, 3 35 « « Trinity church, Easton, 5 00 u « St. Paul's church, Chester, 5 00 « « Church of the Holy Trinity, Westchester, 5 00 « " St. Stephen's church, Wilkesbarre, 5 62 « " Mission at Coudersport, 2 50 « " St. Paul's church, West Whiteland, 2 12 « " St. John's church, Norristown, 4 00 « " St. John's church, Bellefonte, 2 50 « « St. John's church, Carlisle, 5 00 « " St. James' church, Bristol, 5 00 « " Trinity church, Philipsburg, 2 00 (i « St. James' church, Schuylkill Haven, 5 24 « « St. Paul's church, Bloomsburg, 80 June 28 " St. Mark's church, Lewistown, 2 68 Aug. 5 « Christ church, Philadelphia, 50 00 Amount carried forward, ,$447 42 Penosylrania, in account with Thomas Robins, Treasurer. 1843 May 18 July 27 Aug By cash paid Rt.Rev. H. U. Onderdonk, in full, balance for travelling expenses, to 30th April, " " -Rev. Joshua N. Rogers, J. B. Pratt, Wm. Hilton, Thomas Crumpton, C. Wiltberger, Jr., Geo. W. Natt, Wm. White, Wm. W. Arnott, Geo. C. Drake, E. N. Lightner, R. B. Claxton, Wm. H. Norris, George Kirke, Geo. Upfold, E. Y. Buchanan, Joseph H. Siddall, for transcribing of pro. ceedings of the Convention, for late' Secretary's postage bill, St. Andrew's church, disbursements for the Convention during its session, Jesper Harding for printing Journal of Convention, May, 1843, Cr. 135 6 11 18 17 11 19 16 4 11 7 5 1 17 2 10 3 16 102 25 96 60 56 40 87 60 72 24 00 60 54 22 45 40 90 00 00 75 75 Amount carried forward, l$420 SI Dr. The Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in 1844 D. | C. Amount brought forward, 447 42 Jan. 3 To cash from Trinity church, Southwark, 20 00 March 19 " St. James' church, Philadelphia, 100 00 April 20 " St. Andrew's church, Philadelphia, 50 00 " 23 « All Saints church, Paradise, 10 00 « 24 " Church of the Epiphany, Philadelphia, 43 20 " 29 " St. Stephen's church, Philadelphia, 150 70 " 30 " St. Philip's church, Philadelphia, 28 00 $749 33 Pennsylvania in account with Thomas Robins, Treasurer. Cr. 1844 D. c. Amount brought forward, 420 81 Jan. 10 By cash paid for printing the Bishop's charge, 40 01 April 1 " " Edward C. Biddle, for printing circulars, 12 50 12 a u Wm. Hoyland, Sexton of St. James', church, for services to Standing Committee, 9 00 482 32 May 13 Balance in the hands of the Treasurer, $267 00 E.E. Philadelphia, 13th May, 1844. THOMAS ROBINS, Treat We have examined the above account and find it correct. TOBIAS WAGNER, 1 r JAMES S. NEWBOLD, 5 ^ ommittee - Philadelphia, May 13th, 1844. Dr. Thomas Robins, Treasurer of the Convention, in account with 1843 D. C. May 8 To cash, balance in the treasury, per acct. rendered, 74 27 16 To cash from St. James' church, Lancaster, 19 50 " " Christ church, Allegheny, , 5 75 << " Trinity church, Freeport, 4 00 ii " St. Paul's church, Kittaning, 5 00 19 " St. Andrew's church, Springville, 2 00 » " St. Paul's church, Montrose, 1 25 July 27 " Principal and interest of $500 Treasury " notes, paid off at the Philada. Bank, 533 57 1844 Jan. 10 " Principal and interest of $100 Do. 106 00 17 " Dividend on investment, 77 50 $828 84 May 13 To cash balance in the Treasury, $217 57 E. E. Philadelphia, May 12th, 1844. THOMAS ROBINS, Treasurer. We have examined the above account, and find the balance as stated correct, and the certificates on hand for the moneys invested, 13th May, 1844. MOSES KEMPTON, WM. H. NEWBOLD } Trustees. the Fond for Infirm and Disabled Clergymen. Cr. 1343 June 24 Aug. 1 Oct. 29 1844 May 13 By cash paid Rev. Robert Davis, quarterly stipend due 1st inst. " $500 city of Philadelphia, five per cent. stock, " Rev. Robert Davis, quarterly stipend due 1st September, By balance in the Treasury, D. 50 511 50 217 $828! 34 The investments of the fund are as follows, viz. One certificate of the city of Philadelphia, 5 per cent, stock, $1,000 00 One do do do do 300 00 One do do do do 500 00 $1,800 00 16 Dr. Episcopal Pimd of the Diocese of FMuuyW unit, 1643 May 20 22 8ept. 30 1644 March 18 May 14 To cash paid discount on uncurrent notes, " Bishop Onderdonk, balance due him for interest to Feb. I, 1843, « Bishop Onderdonk, « Bishop Onderdonk, Balance in the hands of the Treasurer, 181 230 115 69 |61S C. 67 55 00 00 00 22 The Episcopal Fund of the Diocese of Pennsylvania is invested in five per cent stock of the State of Pennsylvania, and amounts at this time to seventeen thousand eight hundred and eighty-seven dollars and ninety-seven cents in stock, and to eighty-nine dollars in cash. There is also held ax part of^said fund, in addition to the above, the sum of thirteen hundred and sixty- eight dollars and forty-three cents, in certificates issued by said State, bearing an interest of six per cent, per annum, having been given for unpaid interest on the above mentioned five per cent, stock, and also in part for the unpaid interest on a portion of the said six per cent, certificates. G. M. WHARTON, > Trustees of JAMES S. SMITH, > Episcopal Fund. Philadelphia, May 14th, 1844. in aeeonnt with G. M. Wharton, Treasurer. Cr. 1843 May 11 13 15 19 20 23 27 June — 28 Aug. 5 Oct. 17 1844 March 18 April 24 30 May 11 By balance from last account, By cash from St. Peter's church, Philadelphia, " Grace church, Philadelphia, " St. Andrew's church, Springville, St. James' church, Lancaster, " Trinity church, Oxford, " Christ church, Leacock, St. John's church, Pequea, St. James' church, Schuylkill Haven, " Mission church, Coudersport, " St. John's church, Bellefonte, St. Paul's church, Whiteland, All; Saints church and Emanuel chapel, Philadelphia county, St. Paul's church, Wellsboro', St. John's church, Carlisle, " Bangor church, " Church of the Holy Trinity, Westchester, Emanuel church, Kensington, " St. Paul's church, Philadelphia, " Advent church, Northern Liberties, " St. James' church, Perkiomen, St. Thomas' church, Morgan town, St. Peter's church, Great Valley, " St. David's church, Radnor, " St. Mary's church, Hamiltonville, " St. Stephen's church, Wilkesbarre, - Trinity church, Pittsburg, " St. James' church, Philadelphia, " St. Paul's church, Bloomsburg, " Church of the Epiphany, Philadelphia, " St. Andrew's church, Philadelphia, " St. Mark's church, Lewistown, Christ church, Philadelphia, " St. James' church, Schuylkill Haven, " St. James' church, Philadelphia, " Church of the Epiphany, Philadelphia, St. Philip's church, Philadelphia, " St. Paul's church, Philadelphia, Christ church, Greensburg, (less discount on notes), D. C. 17 50 0( 3C 94 ] 30 21 25 g 60 4 00 4 00 5 00 2 50 5 00 2 13 15 46 7 00 10 00 2 20 5 00 5 00 10 00 3 00 4 87 1 64 2 40 4 14 5 00 5 62 20 00 57 73 80 48 50 20 00 6 53 50 50 10 50 102 00 30 44 35 00 15 <*8 4 12 $618 22 May 14 By balance, | $89 00 The undersigned, appointed by the Standing Committee, do certify, that they have examined the foregoing account, and found the same correct. They have also examined the certificates of stock in which the fund is invested, and found the same amounts to nineteen thousand two hundred and fifty-six dollars and forty-five cents. [$19,256 45.] There is due to the Bishop of the Diocese, the sum of five hundred and forty-nine dollars and forty cents [$549 40], on account of the income of the fund for the vears 1843, 1844. ' TOBIAS WAGNER. } „ Philadelphia, May 17th, 1844. JAMES S. NEWBOLD, 5 ^owmittee. CONSTITUTION, CANONS AND REGULATIONS OF TBI PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHUKCH STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA. PHILADELPHIA: PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE CONVENTION. KING & BAIRD, PRINTERS, 9 GEORGE ST. 1844. CONSTITUTION, CANONS, &c. An Act of Association of the Clergy and Congrega- tions of the' Protestant Episcopal Church in the State of Pennsylvania. Whereas, by the late Revolution, the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America is become indepen- dent of the ecclesiastical jurisdiction in England; in conse- quence whereof, it is necessary for the clergy and congrega- tions of the said church to associate themselves for maintain- ing uniformity of divine worship, for procuring the power of ordination, and for establishing and maintaining a system of ecclesiastical government. And whereas, at a meeting of sundry clergymen and of lay deputies from sundry congregations of the Protestant Epis- copal church in this state, held in the city of Philadelphia, on the 24th day of May, 1784, there was appointed a commit- tee, to confer and correspond with representatives from the church in other states, for the purpose of constituting an ec- clesiastical government, agreeably to certain instructions or fundamental principles.* * Which are as follows : Fir$t, That the Episcopal Church in these states is and ought to be inde- pendent of all foreign authority, ecclesiastical or civil. Secondly, That it hath, and ought to have, in common with all other reli- 128 And whereas, the said committee, being assembled in the city of New York, on the 6th and 7th days of October, in the same year, did concur with clergymen and lay deputies from sundry states, in proposing a Convention from all the states, to be held in the city of Philadelphia, on the Tuesday before the feast of St. Michael next ensuing, in order to unite in an ecclesiastical constitution, agreeably to certain fundamental principles, expressed in the said proposal:* gious societies, full and exclusive powers^to regulate the concerns of its own communion. Thirdly, That the doctrines of the gospel be maintained as now professed by the Church of England; and uniformity of worship be continued, as near as may be, to the Liturgy of the said Church. Fourthly, That the succession of the ministry be agreeable to the usage which requireth the three orders of bishops, priests, and deacons ; that the rights and powers of the same respectively be ascertained ; and that they be exercised according to reasonable laws to be duly made. Fifthly, That to make canons or laws, there be no other authority than that of a representative body of the clergy and laity conjointly. Sixthly, That no powers be delegated to a general ecclesiastical govern- ment, except such as cannot conveniently be exercised by the clergy and vestries in their respective congregations. * Which are as follow : First, That there be a General Convention of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America. Second, That the Episcopal Church in each state send deputies to the Con- vention, consisting of clergy and laity. Third, That associated congregations, in two or more states, may send deputies jointly. Fourth, That the said Church shall maintain the doctrines of the gospel, as now held by the Church of England, and shall adhere to the Liturgy of the said Church, as far as shall be consistent with the American Revolution, and the Constitutions of the respective states. Fifth, That in every state where there shall be a bishop duly consecrated and settled, he shall be considered as a member of the Convention, ex officio. Sixth, That the clergy and laity assembled in Convention, shall deliberate in one body, but shall vote separately, and the concurrence of both shall be necessary to give validity to every measure. Seventh, That the first meeting of the Convention shall be at Philadelphia the Tuesday before the feast of St. Michael next ; to which it is hoped and earnestly desired that the Episcopal Churches in the respective states will 129 And whereas, the body which assembled as aforesaid in Neiv York did recommend to the church in the several states, that previously to the said intended meeting, they should or- ganize or associate themselves, agreeably to such rules as they shall think proper. It is therefore hereby determined and declared by the con- gregations who do now or who hereafter shall sign this act, either by its being ratified by their respective vestries, or by their deputies duly authorized, that the said clergy and con- gregations shall be called and known by the name of The Protestant Episcopal Church in the state of Pennsylvania' And it is hereby further determined and declared by the said clergy and congregations, That there shall be a Conven- tion of the said church ; which Convention shall consist of all the clergy of the same and of lay deputies ; and that all the acts and proceedings of said Convention shall be considered as the acts and proceedings of the Protestant Episcopal church in this state ; provided always, That the same shall be consis- tent with the fundamental principles agreed on at the two aforesaid meetings in Philadelphia and New York. And it is hereby further determined and declared by the said clergy and congregations, That each congregation may send to the Convention a deputy or deputies ; and where two or more congregations are united, they may send a deputy or deputies for each congregation ; and no congregation may send a clergyman as their deputy ; and each congregation represented in Convention shall have one vote. And it is hereby further determined and declared by the send their clerical and lay deputies, duly instructtd and authorized, to pro- ceed on the necessary business herein proposed for their deliberation. In compliance with the last article, the following persons are appointed, viz. Clerical Deputies,— The Rev. Doctors White and Magaw, and the Rev. Messrs. Blackwell, Hutchins, and Campbell. And Lay Deputies, Messrs. Richard Peters, Gerardus Clarkson, Samuel Powel, William Atlee, Jasper Yates, Stephen Chambers, Edward Hand, Thomas Heartly, John Clarke, Archibald M'Grew, Plunket Fleeson, Edward Shippen, Joseph Swift, An- drew Doz, John Wood, Nicholas Jones, and Edward Duffield. 17 130 said clergy and congregation, That the clergy and lay depu- ties in Convention shall deliberate in one body, but shall vote as two distinct orders, and that the concurrence of both orders shall be necessary to give validity to every measure ; and such clergymen and lay deputies as shall at any time be duly assembled in Convention shall be a quorum; and on every question, the votes of a majority of those present of the two orders respectively shall decide. And it is hereby further determined and declared by the said clergy and congregations, That all such clergymen as shall hereafter be settled as the ministers of the congregations ratifying this act, shall have the same privileges, and be sub- ject to the same regulations, as the clergy now subscribing the same. And it is hereby further determined and declared by the said clergy and congregations, That the Convention shall meet on Monday, the 22nd day of May, which will be in the year of our Lord 1786, and for ever after on such annual day, and at such other times and at such places, as shall be fixed by future rules of the Convention. And it is hereby further determined and declared by the said clergy and congregations, That if the clergy and congre* gations of any adjoining state or states shall desire to unite with the church in this state agreeably to the fundamental principles established at the aforesaid meeting in Neiv York, then the Convention shall have the power to admit the said clergy and deputies from the congregations of such adjoining state or states, to have the same privileges, and to be subject to the same regulations, as the clergy and congregations in this state. Done in Christ Church, in the city of Philadelphia, this 24th day of May, in the year of our Lord, 17S5. Witness our hands, in ratification of the premises.* * The signing of those deputies who were sent to the Convention, with- out written power, was deferred until such powers can be procured. 131 William White, D. D., Rector of Christ Church and St. Peter's in Philadelphia. Samuel Magaw, D. D., Rector of St. Paul's church, Philadelphia. Robert Blackwell, Assistant Minister of Christ church and St. Peter's, Philadelphia. Joseph Hutchins, Rector of St. James's, Lancaster. John Campbell, Rector of the Episcopal churches of York and Huntington. Joseph Swift, Deputy for Christ church. Samuel Powel, ) ^ .. r «. t, . , * , £ Deputies for St. Peter s church. Gerardus Clarkson, 3 Plunket Fleeson, } John Wood, > Deputies for St. Paul's church. Andrew Doz, j Edward Hand, Deputy for the congregation of St. James's, Lancaster. Nicholas Jones, Deputy for St. Gabriel's, Morlattin, Berks. John Campbell, Deputy for the congregation of York and Huntington. 'J * I Deputies for St. Paul's church, Chester. John Shaw, 3 SUPPLEMENT TO THE ACT OF ASSOCIATION. Whereas doubts have arisen whether under the act of asso- ciation, any alterations can be made in the book of Common Prayer and the administration of the Sacraments, and other rites and ceremonies of the church, except such as became necessary in consequence of the late revolution : It is therefore hereby determined and declared, that further alterations may be made by the Convention, constituted by the said act, provided only, that "the main body and essen- tials" be preserved, and alterations made in such forms only as the church of England hath herself acknowledged to be indifferent and alterable. And it is hereby further determined and declared, that the 132 power given by this supplement to the Convention of the Protestant Episcopal church in this state, may be conveyed to a Convention of the said church in the United States, or in such states as are willing to unite in a constitution of ecclesiastical government, if the same shall be judged most conductive to charity and uniformity of worship. Done in Christ church, in the city of Philadelphia, this 27th day of May, in the year of our Lord 1786. Witness our hands in ratification of the premises. CONSTITUTION* Whereas, by an act of association agreed to and adopted in Convention on the 24th day of May, 17S5, sundry of the Protestant Episcopal churches within this commonwealth, were united under the name of " The Protestant Episcopal Church in the State of Pennsylvania" — which association now embraces all those clergy and congregations who did at that time assent to, or have since assented to the same : And whereas since that time, by General Conventions of the Protestant Episcopal churches within the United States, a constitution and canons have been formed for the govern- ment and discipline of the same, which recognize each state as constituting a district or diocese, with the right to the churches within the same to exercise a local government over themselves, which has been accordingly exercised by the Protestant Episcopal churches within the state of Pennsyl- vania, associated as aforesaid ; and it being now deemed expedient more expressly to set forth the system of local government to be exercised within this diocese, the follow- ing, with the act of association, is declared to be the con- stitution of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the state of Pennsylvania : I. This church as a constituent part of the Protestant Epis- copal church of the United States of America, accedes to, recognizes, and adopts the general constitution of that church, and acknowledges its authority accordingly. II. There shall be a Stated Convention of the church in this state, at Philadelphia, on the first Tuesday in May, in * This Constitution was adopted by the Convention of 1814. 134 every year, unless a different time and place be fixed on by a preceding Convention. III. The bishop shall have power to call a Special Con- vention when he may judge it conducive to the good of the church, or when applied to for that purpose by the standing committee ; and in case of a vacancy in the Episcopal chair, the standing committee shall have power to call a Special Convention. IV. The Convention shall be composed of clergymen and laymen. The bishop, and assistant bishop, if there be one, shall have a seat and vote in Convention. Every clergyman of the church, of whatever order, being a settled minister of some parish within this state, or being a president, professor, tutor, or instructor in some college, academy, or seminary of learning, incorporated by law, or being a missionary under the direction of the ecclesiastical authority of this diocese, or a chaplain in the navy or army of the United States, shall be entitled to a seat and vote in Convention, if he has been ac- tually and personally, as well as canonically, resident within this state, for the space of twelve calendar months next be- fore the meeting of the Convention, and has for the same period been employed in performing the duties of his station ; Provided, that any temporary absence from the state by reason of sickness, and any such absence, not exceeding in the whole two calendar months in any one year, and any such absence with the written permission of the bishop of this diocese, or of the standing committee in case of a vacancy in the Episcopal chair, shall be taken into account in computing the said residence ; And Provided also, that no clergyman of advanced years or infirm health, who has been once entitled to a seat in Convention, shall lose his right to a seat therein, by reason of his having ceased to have charge of a parish, or to be in the service of a seminary of learning, or to be a mis- sionary as aforesaid. No church shall be admitted a member of this Convention, which does not, by its charter or articles of association, ex- 135 pressly accede to the constitution, canons, doctrines, discipline and worship, of the Protestant Episcopal church in the United States, and to the constitution and canons of the Protestant Episcopal church in this diocese. Each regularly established Protestant Episcopal church in this state, now a member, or which shall hereafter be admit- ted a member of the Convention, may send to the Convention a lay deputy or deputies, not exceeding three in number, to be elected by the vestry of the said church : Provided that no person shall be competent to serve as deputy, unless he has been a worshipper in the church he represents, six calen- dar months next before his election. When two or more churches are united under one vestry, deputies may be sent from each church, subject to the pro- viso aforesaid. The deputation from each church shall be entitled to one vote and no more. No deputation from any church shall be entitled to a vote at the same Convention at which the church shall be admitted as a member.* When any church which has been admitted a member of the Convention 'of this diocese, shall, for three years, have made no parochial report to the same, no missionary report being made in its behalf, and, during the same period, shall neither have employed a clergyman as its parish minister, nor requested of the bishop to have the services of a missionary, the said church shall no longer have a right to send a deputy or deputies to the Convention ; and it shall be the duty of the Convention to declare the same. But any such church shall again acquire that right, if, on its application, accompanied with a report of its condition satisfactory on the points herein mentioned, the Convention shall agree thereto : and this right shall take effect from and after the rising of the Convention so agreeing.! * This article was amended in 1824, and again in 1829. f Added in 1838— See Journal, p. 36. 136 V. The bishop shall preside in the Convention — but in case of a vacancy or necessary absence, the members shall elect a president from among the clergy. VI. A secretary shall be chosen upon the assembling of the Annual Convention from among the members thereof, who shall remain in office until the meeting of the next Con- vention. His duty shall be to take minutes of their proceed- ings, to preserve their journals and records, to attest the public acts of the body, and faithfully to deliver into the hands of his successor, all books and papers relative to the concerns of the Convention, which may be in his possession. Such other officers also shall be appointed as the Convention may find occasion for, to remain in office for such time as they may direct. All officers and committees appointed by ballot must, in order to their election, receive the votes of a majority of the clerical members, and of the lay representations. And in all cases of a failure, or omission to elect any officer or annual committee, the persons then in office, or belonging to the committee, shall continue in their station until others shall be chosen.* VII. The clergy and lay deputies in Convention, shall deliberate in one body, and shall vote as such, except when it is required otherwise by five members. In such a case the Convention shall vote as two distinct orders, and the concur- rence of both orders shall be necessary to give validity to a measure — and such clergymen and lay deputies as shall at any time be duly assembled in Convention, shall be a quorum — and on every question the votes of a majority of those pre- sent, or, if required by five, the votes of a majority of those present of the two orders respectively shall decide. VIII. The standing committee and council of advice shall consist of ten members, five clerical and five lay members. At their first meeting they shall elect one of their clerical members to be president, and another of their members to be • Amended in 1829. 137 secretary. They shall keep regular minutes of their proceed- ings, subject to the inspection of the Convention. Any three of the members (the whole having been summoned) shall be a quorum, except for such purposes as, agreeably to their own rules, may require a larger number. They may make rules of meeting and. business, and alter or repeal them from time to time. IX. The election of a bishop of this diocese shall be made in Convention in the following manner : The order of the clergy shall nominate and appoint by ballot some fit and qualified clergyman for that office, and if this appointment be approved of by the lay order, he shall be declared duly elected. In the above mentioned nomination and appoint- ment, a majority of each order shall determine a choice, pro- vided that two-thirds of all the clergy entitled to votes be present, and two-thirds of all the congregations entitled to votes be represented, otherwise two-thirds of the votes of each order shall be necessary to determine a choice. X. The mode of altering this constitution shall be as fol- lows: a proposition for amendment shall be introduced in writing, and considered in the Convention : and if approved of, shall lie over to the next Convention ; and if again ap- proved of in the next ensuing Convention, by a majority of the two orders voting thereon separately, the change shall take place, and the constitution so altered shall be valid and obligatory. 18 CANONS OF THE PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA. ADOPTED IN 1829. CANON I. Of the trial of a Clergyman, not being a Bishop. Sec. I. The trial of a clergyman, not being a bishop, shall be, on a presentment in writing, specifying with clearness and certainty, as to time, place, and circumstance, the crime, or mis- demeanor, by violation of the canons, or otherwise, charged: the said presentment to be made to the Bishop, either by the Convention, or by the vestry of the parish to which the ac- cused belongs, or by any three presbyters of this diocese entitled to a seat in the Convention : the said vestry or pres- byters pledging themselves to make good the accusation. If the presentment be made by the Convention, they shall by ballot appoint a committee to sign and prosecute the same. Sec II. Such presentment being made to the Bishop, and being accompanied by a farther statement in writing of the names of the witnesses, and of the purport of their evidence, and by such documentary evidence as is relied on, the Bishop shall cause a copy of such presentment to be served upon the accused, by a summoner appointed by the bishop, and shall call upon him by written summons to show cause, at a day 139 and place therein named, why a commissary should not be appointed as hereinafter set forth : and upon the return of the summoner that he has served the same, and no sufficient cause to the contrary being shown, the bishop shall appoint a suita- ble person to be a commissary, who shall repair to the city or county, where the crime or misdemeanor is alleged to have been committed ; and, having either then or previously ap- pointed a convenient time and place, and given not less than fifteen days notice thereof by a summoner appointed by the bishop to the party accused, and also to the chairman or a member of the committee appointed by the Convention, or to either churchwarden of the vestry, or to any one of the three presbyters presenting, the commissary shall then and there proceed to examine the witnesses on both sides, carefully taking down their examinations in writing, which being ap- proved by the witnesses shall be signed by them respectively: and, if it be required by either party, some person qualified by law to administer an oath or affirmation shall be requested to do so in his behalf: and the examinations so taken, with any documentary evidence certified by the commissary and en- closed under his seal, shall by him be delivered or transmitted to the bishop without delay ; whereupon further proceedings shall be taken, unless, upon satisfactory evidence of error or malpractice, the bishop shall deem it necessary to justice to order a further examination ; in which case the same or another commissary, as the bishop shall determine, shall be appointed as before, and with similar powers and duties : Provided, nevertheless, that before the trial, the commissary shall issue a citation, with reasonable notice, to the respective witnesses, to attend at the time and place of trial ; and in case of their personal attendance, their testimony may, at the request of the party presenting, or party accused, or by order of the commissary and assessors, be taken anew orally and reduced to writing again ; but the non-attendance of the respective witnesses, shall not in any case be a ground for refusing to read such depositions as have been duly taken ; 140 and, provided also, that if the party accused desire it, the examination of witnesses and trial shall be in public, and that said party shall be entitled to a copy of the evidence if he require it. Sec. III. Either before the appointment of a commissary, or after a report made by him, the bishop shall have power to dismiss the presentment, and declare the accused party dis- charged, if the accusation contained in it appears to him an insufficient cause of presentment in itself, or to be clearly unsupported by the evidence. Sec. IV. Upon the report of the commissary being made to the bishop, and no further examination being ordered, nor the presentment dismissed by him as aforesaid, the standing com- mittee shall nominate twelve presbyters of this diocese having a seat in the Convention, of whom the accused may choose four, or in case of his refusal or neglect so to do, the standing committee shall select four ; and the presbyters so chosen shall be the assessors. And the commissary and assessors, having agreed upon some convenient time and place, and having caused not less than thirty days' written or printed notice thereof to be given to the party accused, and also to the chairman or a member of the committee appointed by the Convention, or to either churchwarden of the vestry, or to any one of the three presbyters presenting, the said notice to be given by a summoner appointed by the bishop, shall then and there proceed to the trial, upon the evidence and report of the commissary, and upon such other evidence as may be produced ; which new evidence shall be reduced to writing, and approved and signed by the witnesses respectively, as before. The commissary and assessors having deliberately considered the evidence, shall, within ten days after closing the same, declare in a written judgment signed by them, or by a majority of them, that the accused is guilty, or that he is not guilty of the charges laid in the presentment, in the order therein set forth ; which judgment, with all the evi- dence received, shall be delivered forthwith to the bishop ; 141 provided always, that the accused shall be allowed to be present at all the examinations of witnesses and other pro- ceedings, whether held by the commissary, or by the com- missary and assessors, and to offer explanations, or a defence of the acts with which he is charged ; and provided also, that the matter of such explanations or defence shall be reduced to writing by the accused, and be presented with the evi- dence to the bishop. Sec. V. If the accused shall neglect or refuse to appear before the commissary, when summoned according to Sec. 2, of this canon, the examination shall proceed as if he were present. And if the accused shall neglect or refuse to appear before the commissary and assessors, (except for some reason- able cause, to be judged of by them,) when summoned according to Sec. 4, of this canon, and no defence be there made under his authority, they shall declare him to be in contumacy, and report the same to the bishop, and sentence of suspension from the ministry shall pass against him for contumacy ; but the said sentence may be reversed by the bishop, if within three calendar months the accused shall tender himself ready, and accordingly appear to take his trial on the presentment : but if he shall not so tender himself before the expiration of the said three months, the sentence of degradation from the ministry for contumacy shall forth- with be pronounced by the bishop, and shall be publicly read in the churches. Sec. VI. The accused on his first appearance, whether before the bishop at the return of the summouer previous to the appointment of a commissary, or before the commissary, or before the commissary and assessors, shall be called on to say whether he is guilty or not guil ty of the offence or offences charged against him. On his neglect or refusal to answer* the plea of not guilty shall be entered for him. And if he be found, or confess himself, guilty of the matters charged in the presentment, or any of them, the bishop shall pronounce the sentence according to the canons ; but in case of a vacancy 142 in the episcopate, the standing committee shall report the proceedings to the bishop of some other diocese, as near as may be to this, by whom the sentence according to the canons may be pronounced. Provided always, that the bishop, upon satisfactory proof of error or mal -practice in the pro- ceedings of the commissary and assessors, or on account of error in their judgment either in law or fact, may, if he deems it necessary to justice, grant a new trial to the ac- cused ; in which case, new assessors shall be appointed, and the other proceedings be conducted as directed by Sec. 4, of this canon. Sec. VII. The proceedings in the case being complete, according to the requisitions of this canon, the sentence or penalty pronounced by the bishop according to the canons, shall be final. CANON II. Of the proceedings in the trial of a Layman, after repulsion by the Min- ister from the Holy Communion. If any person repelled from the holy communion, according to the rubric, shall allege to the bishop that injustice has been done, or if, notwithstanding he shall have professed himself ready and willing in truth and sincerity to comply with the requisitions expressed in the rubric, in order to be restored to the holy communion, his repulsion shall be continued, he may present his complaint in writing to the bishop, setting forth the grounds thereof, and desiring that he may be restored to the communion. Whereupon, unless the bishop shall in a summary manner direct him to be restored, an inquiry and examination shall be made in manner following. The notice given to the bishop by the minister repelling, shall stand in the place of a presentment of the party repelled; and the proceed- ings thereon shall be the same as are before provided in the case of a presentment made against a clergyman, not being a bishop, after the report of the commissary, except that besides the clerical assessors, the bishop shall nominate twelve lay- 143 men of this diocese, of whom the accused may choose four, or in case of his neglect or refusal, the standing committee shall appoint four, and the four persons so chosen or appointed, with the four clerical assessors, to be chosen or appointed as aforesaid, having added one layman to their number, shall be the assessors, and proceed to the trial in like manner as is provided in the case of a clergyman, not being a bishop; and having heard and deliberately considered the allegations and testimony on either side, they, or a majority of them, shall de- clare in writing their judgment, whether the party presented has been rightfully repelled, according to the rubric, or not : and whether his repulsion ought or ought not to be contin- ued ; and shall forthwith report their judgment to the bishop; and unless the bishop shall see cause to order a rehearing of the case by the assessors, or, if desired by the party repelled, by other assessors to be nominated and chosen, or appointed in manner aforesaid, he shall communicate the judgment to the minister repelling, and to the party repelled, which shall be final and conclusive. Provided that if the judgment shall direct a further continuance of the repulsion, it shall never- theless be subject to all the conditions and provisions of the rubric. CANON III. Of the trial of a Bishop. Sec. I. The presentment of a bishop shall be made only by the Convention, and at a stated session, a majority of each order concurring : it shall be in writing, setting forth with clearness and certainty, in regard to time, place, and circum- stance, the crime, or the misdemeanor imputed; and shall be signed by the clerical and lay members thereto consenting, and made to any two or more, not exceeding three, bishops : provided that the resolution to present, and the vote thereon, shall not, in any case, take place on the same day. And the Convention making the presentment, shall by a concurrent vote, appoint a committee, to consist of three presbyters and 144 three lay members of their own body, to whom they may give instructions for prosecuting the same; of which committee the member first named shall be the chairman, and so succes- sively, if a vacancy happens. Upon a presentment being so made, the bishops shall have authority to proceed thereupon in the manner hereby directed. Sec. II. The bishops shall cause a copy of the presentment to be served upon the accused by a summoner to be by them appointed, and shall call on him by written summons to appear at a time and place named, and answer thereto. If he appear, he shall then be called on to say whether he is guilty or not guilty of the offence or offences charged against him; and, on his neglect or refusal, the plea of not guilty shall be entered for him. Whereupon, unless he confess himself guilty, the bishops shall nominate three other bishops, if there be so many in the United States; and if not, all the other bishops; and out of the whole number, that is to say, the bishops to whom the presentment is made, and the others by them nominated, the accused bishop may choose three; or if he neglect or refuse so to do, the bishops to whom the presentment is made, if only two, shall appoint one other, who with themselves shall be the judges on the trial ; or if they be three, then these three shall be the judges. Sec. III. The bishops so appointed or constituted the judges, shall fix on some convenient time and place within this diocese for the trial, and having caused at least thirty days' notice thereof to be given to the accused by a summoner to be by them appointed, and also to the chairman of the committee of the Convention, constituted to conduct the pro- secution of the presentment in the manner before directed, they shall then and there proceed in the trial ; provided, that for sufficient cause, or to prevent a failure of justice, they may adjourn from time to time ; and provided also that the accused shall at all times during the trial have free liberty to be present, to produce his testimony, and to make his de- fence. 145 Sec. IV. The judges having fully heard the allegations and testimony of the parties, and deliberately considered the same, after they have withdrawn shall declare respectively whether, in their opinion, the accused be guilty or not guilty of the charges contained in the presentment, in the order in which they are set forth; and the declaration of a majority of the judges, being reduced to writing, and signed by those who assent thereto, shall be considered as the judgment of said judges, and shall be pronounced in the presence of the par- ties, if they choose to attend. And if it be that the accused is guilty, the judges shall at the same time pass their sen- tence, and award the penalty according to the canons : pro- vided, that if the accused shall, before sentence is passed, show satisfactory cause to induce a belief that justice has not been done, the judges, or a majority of them, may, according to their sound discretion, grant a rehearing ; and in either case, before passing sentence, the accused shall have the opportunity of being heard, if he have aught to say in excuse or palliation. Provided that the accused shall not be held guilty, unless a majority of the judges shall concur in regard to one or more of the offences charged, and only as relates to those charges in which a majority so concur. Sec. V. If the accused bishop neglect o^ refuse to appear, according to the summons of the bishops to whom the pre- sentment is made, or to appear and make defence before the judges, notice having been served on him as aforesaid, ex- cept for some reasonable cause, to be allowed by the said bishops or judges, they shall declare him to be in contumacy; and sentence of suspension from the ministry shall be pro- nounced against him for contumacy, by the senior of the said bishops or judges : but the said sentence shall be reversed, if within three calendar months he shall tender himself ready, and accordingly appear and take his trial on the presentment. But if the accused bishop shall not so tender himself before the expiration of the said three months, the sentence of de- gradation from the ministry shall, at the instance of the prose- 19 146 cuting committee, be pronounced against him by the senior of the two or more bishops, to whom the case was originally referred. CANON IV. Of taking the depositions of witnesses. If, in any case, either of a clergyman, not being a bishop, or of a layman, the testimony of witnesses shall be requisite, whose attendance before the commissary or at the trial can- not, in the opinion of the bishop, be procured, their deposi- tions shall be taken and reduced to writing, upon such notice to the party presenting or party accused, and under such other regulations, as the bishop shall prescribe, and shall, when taken in conformity, be read in evidence, with the same effect as if taken by the commissary, or at the trial. In the case of an accused bishop, the taking of the testimony of such witnesses may, in like manner, and with the same effect, be authorized by the bishops appointed to be the judges. CANON V. Of persons against whom presentments are made, not to be found, or removed ,• and of the service of notices, or citations. Sec. I. If a presentment be duly made against a clergy- man, not a bishop, and after reasonable diligence he cannot be found in this diocese, or has removed from it, and notice of the presentment cannot on that account be served on him, and return be made accordingly by the summoner, in such case, the bishop, with the advice of the standing committee, having considered the character of the accusation, and the probability of its truth, may suspend the accused from the exercise of all his ministerial functions. But such suspension shall be removed, if within three months the accused shall appear and accept service of a citation, returnable within thirty days. If the accused shall not so appear within twelve months, the bishop, with the consent of the standing 147 committee, may pronounce sentence of degradation against him. Sec. II. If, from causes the same as those mentioned in the preceding section, notice of presentment cannot be served on an accused bishop, and return be made accordingly by the summoner, the two or more bishops before whom the pre- sentment is first laid, shall, after sixty days, proceed to exam- ine the witnesses for the prosecution, and such other witnesses as may offer, all the evidence being reduced to writing, and signed by the witnesses respectively. The said two or more bishops, or a majority of them, shall then transmit to each of the other bishops of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States, copies of the presentment, and of the evidence so taken, requesting of each of them his opinion in writing, whether the accused bishop is guilty or not guilty ; and the said two or more bishops shall also produce in writing their respective opinions on the same question. And if a majority of all the bishops of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States shall so declare their opinion that the accused is guilty, the senior of the said two or more bishops shall, at the instance of the prosecuting committee of the Convention, pronounce sentence of degradation from the ministry against the bishop accused; and this sentence shall be final. Sec III. Every notice or citation to either party, required in consequence of a presentment, shall be directed to the summoner appointed for the occasion, according to the canons respectively ; and return thereof shall be made thereon in writing ; and the leaving a copy at the last place of abode of the person to be cited, or delivering it to him in person, shall be deemed good service thereof. CANON VI. Of Penalties. Sec I. If any clergyman of this church, not a bishop, shall be guilty of crime or of misdemeanor, by violation of the 14S canons, or otherwise, and shall be thereof duly convicted, or shall confess himself guilty, he shall be admonished by the bishop, or suspended from the ministry, or degraded there- from, according to the character and circumstances of his offence. All suspension or degradation from the ministry shall be from the entire ministry, and not merely from a higher to a lower grade of the same. Sec II. After an accused clergyman, not a bishop, has been convicted by the commissary and assessors, the said commissary and assessors shall forthwith proceed to con- sider, and declare, in writing, and under their signatures what in their opinion is the due punishment of the offence, of which the accused has been found guilty, having respect to the cha- racter and circumstances of the offence, whether admonition by the bishop, suspension, and for what period, or under what conditions, or degradation ; and they, or a majority of them, being assembled for this purpose, shall not separate or adjourn, until they have so declared their opinion of the due punish- ment; and their said declaration shall be forthwith delivered or transmitted to the bishop, together with their judgment of conviction, and the evidence in the cause. Sec. III. If the bishop approve of the punishment so de- clared, he shall in writing give sentence accordingly ; but if he do not approve of it, he shall, in like manner, impose such other less punishment hereby authorized, as he shall think justly due. Sec. IV. If a layman repelled by his minister shall after trial be found guilty, his repulsion shall continue, subject to the conditions of the rubric. Sec. V. If a clergyman, not a bishop, shall confess himself guilty on any presentment duly made, the bishop shall deter- mine on his punishment, whether admonition, suspension, and for what term, and on what conditions, or degradation from the ministry. If a lay person, after appealing to the bishop, from the sentence of repulsion from the holy communion, shall, at any period before or during the investigation or trial, 149 confess himself guilty of the offence or offences for which he was repelled, the bishop shall determine the duration of his repulsion, or the conditions on which it shall be removed. Provided always, and in all cases of repulsion from the holy communion, that, if the person repelled be visited with ex- treme or mortal sickness, the minister of the parish, if satis- fied that he is truly penitent, but not otherwise, may admin- ister the holy communion, or authorize it to be administered to him before his death, though the term of repulsion be not expired. Sec VI. When an accused bishop shall be convicted, the same tribunal that has convicted him, shall further determine the punishment due to the offender, considering the character and circumstances of the offence, whether admonition by the said judges, suspension from the ministry, and for what period, or under what conditions, or degradation from the ministry. And this decision shall be final. Sec. VII. If an accused bishop, on his appearance before the bishops, according to the second section of the third canon, or in writing, and under his signature, confess that he is guilty of the offence charged in the presentment made by the Convention of his diocese, the two or more bishops to whom the case is first referred, shall determine the punish- ment due, whether admonition by the said bishops, suspension from the ministry and for what period, or under what condi- tions, or degradation from the ministry ; and this, their deci- sion, shall be final. Sec VIII. In every case of degradation from the ministry, the bishop who pronounces sentence shall, without delay, cause the sentence of degradation to be published from every pulpit in this diocese, where there may be an officiating minister ; and he shall also give information of the sentence to all the bishops of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States, and to the standing committees of those dioceses in which there is no bishop. 150 CANON VII. Of misbehaviour of Clergymen residing in another State. If a clergyman resident in another state shall come tempo- rarily into this, under the imputation of having elsewhere been guilty of any crime or misdemeanor, by violation of the canons, or otherwise, or if any clergyman while sojourning here shall misbehave in any of these respects, the bishop, upon probable cause, may admonish such clergyman, and forbid him to officiate in this diocese. And if, after such prohibi- tion, the said clergyman so officiate, the bishop shall give notice to all the congregations that the officiating of the said clergyman is, under any and all circumstances, prohibited ; and like notice shall he give to the bishop, or if there be no bishop, to the standing committee of the diocese, to which the said clergyman belongs. And such prohibition shall con- tinue in force until the bishop of this diocese be satisfied of the innocence of the said clergyman, or until he be acquitted on trial, and notice thereof be given by the bishop. CANON VIII. Of the evidence of the clerical residence of Clergymen removing into this diocese necessary to entitle them to seats in the Convention. Sec. I. To qualify a clergyman coming from another state, district or diocese, for a seat in the Convention, it shall be necessary first to obtain from the bishop a written testimonial of his being received as a clergyman of this diocese. And to entitle him to such testimonial, he shall produce from the bishop or bishops, or if there be no bishop, from a majority of the clerical members of the standing committee or commit- tees of the diocese or dioceses wherein he has resided during the last preceding three years, which committee or commit- tees shall in all cases be duly convened, satisfactory written testimonials, signed by the said bishop or bishops, or by the majority of the clerical members of said standing committee 151 or committees, that he has not been justly liable to evil re- port for error in religion or viciousness of life, during the three years last past ; or if he come to this diocese from any state or district which has not acceded to the general consti- tution, the said testimonials shall be signed by three clergy- men of the Protestant Episcopal church in the United States; and if he be a deacon, the said testimonials shall be addressed to the bishop of this diocese ; or if there be no bishop, to the standing committee thereof. And the bishop shall moreover be satisfied that such clergyman has been called to settle in some parish in this diocese, and that he has come hither with that purpose and expectation ; or that he is engaged as a pro- fessor, tutor, or instructor of youth in some college, academy, or other incorporated seminary of learning, or as a missionary, under the ecclesiastical authority of this diocese ; or that he has been stationed within this diocese as a chaplain in the army or navy of the United States : and in such cases the bishop shall give the testimonial required. Provided always, that whenever the bishop shall deem it expedient, he may further inquire of the bishop, or if there be no bishop, of the standing committee of any diocese in which the said clergyman has previously resided, concerning his orderly compliance with the institutions and government of the Protestant Episcopal Church ; and if the answer to the said inquiry shall specify acts contrary thereto, done by said clergyman, the bishop may withhold the said testimonial until he is satisfied of the good intentions in the premises, of the said clergyman for the future. Sec. II. This testimonial shall be the evidence of the com- mencement of the canonical residence and right to a seat in the Convention, required by the constitution, as regards clergymen hereafter coming into this diocese. 152 CANON IX. Of the Standing Committee. Sec I. At every stated Convention, a standing committee to consist of five of the clergy and five of the laity, shall be chosen by ballot, by the concurrent vote of the members of each order. And vacancies occurring by death, or otherwise, in said committee, shall be supplied by the concurrent vote of the remaining clerical members and lay members of the committee. Sec II. This committee shall have in special charge, the care and investment of the Convention fund, and also of the fund for the support of the episcopate, whether arising from the legacy of the late Andrew Doz, Esq., or otherwise given in charge or trust to the Convention. Sec. III. In case of a vacancy in the episcopate, the powers and duties to be performed by the bishop, as regards disci- pline, except the pronouncing sentence of deposition or degra- dation from the ministry, shall belong to and be performed by the standing committee. In case of such vacancy, the stand- ing committee shall also have power to act in the granting of testimonials to clergymen removing into this diocese agreeably to the canons. Sec IV. In the case of the absence of the bishop of this diocese in foreign parts, expected to continue for six months or more, the bishop, before his departure, shall, with the con- sent of the standing committee, request the bishop of some neighbouring diocese, or some other bishop or bishops, to perform the episcopal acts and duties pertaining to this dio- cese, during his absence ; or if the bishop neglect or refuse to do so, the standing committee may do the same, at any time after his departure from the United States. All other acts and duties of the bishop, being such as may be performed by the standing committee in case of a vacancy in the episcopate, shall be equally performed by them during any absence of the bishop, as aforesaid. And the Convention, during said 153 absence of the bishop, shall, at each meeting thereof, elect its president. Sec. V. The record of all the proceedings on a present- ment of a clergyman or layman shall be preserved by the standing committee ; and for that purpose shall, after a final decision, be delivered to their secretary. Sec VI. The standing committee shall, before the meeting of each annual Convention, prepare a report to be submitted thereto, of every church, a member of this Covention, which, for three years, has made no parochial report to the same, no missionary report being made in its behalf, and which during the same period, has neither employed a clergyman as its parish minister, nor requested of the bishop to have the ser- vices of a missionary.* CANON X. Of the celebration of Marriage. No minister of this church shall celebrate any marriage, without being satisfied that it is not forbidden by the law of God, or of* the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, or by the canons of the church. And if both or either of the parties be minors, it shall be also necessary that the consent of the parents, guardians, master or mistress, (as the case may re- quire) be first obtained, unless they live out of the United States, and that fact be known or proved to the minister ; and that such consent be certified to him by some credible person or persons acquainted with them and the minor, or be other- wise sufficiently proved or known to him. Whereupon the minister, not knowing or having reason to believe that there is any lawful impediment, may, and if either of the parties be of his congregation, it shall be his duty to join them in mar- riage. The certificate aforesaid shall be in writing, if he requires it. * Added in 1837. — See Journal, p. 34. 20 154 CANON XI. Of Parochial Instruction. Sec. I. On notice being received by a minister or mission- ary from the bishop of his intention to visit the parish or parishes of said minister or missionary, it shall be his duty to give notice thereof to his congregation or congregations, on their first meeting thereafter for public worship ; and also, immediate notice thereof to the members individually, as opportunity may offer. He shall also on said occasion of public worship, invite the children of due age, and others not confirmed, to advise with him concerning their coming to that holy ordinance : and he shall diligently and faithfully pre- pare them for the same. And he shall be ready to present for confirmation those who shall have been previously in- structed and prepared ; and shall deliver to the bishop a list of the names of those presented. Sec II. Every minister of a parish shall encourage the formation of Sunday schools, and the efficient prosecution of instruction in them, in conformity with the principles of the Protestant Episcopal Church. And he shall report the number of scholars and teachers in his annual parochial report. CANON XII. Of Registers of Baptisms, Marriages and Deaths, and of Parochial Reports. Sec. I. Each clergyman shall keep an account of all the baptisms, marriages and funerals solemnized by him in the discharge of his ministry, specifying the name and date of the birth of the child baptized, with the names of the parents and sponsors, the name of the adult baptized, the names of the parties married, and the name of the person buried ; and also, the time when each rite was performed. Sec- II. These entries shall by the minister, or, if so ordered by the vestry, by the clerk or sexton of the church, be recoi'ded in a suitable book, to be provided by the vestry. 155 which shall be the church register, and shall belong to, and remain with the vestry, as a part of the church records. And the minister of each parish shall also keep a list of all the communicants within his cure, as nearly as they can be as- certained ; and, also, a list of the persons confirmed from time to time by the bishop. Sec. III. Every minister of a parish, or parishes in this diocese, shall present or forward, at every annual Convention, to the bishop, or if there be no bishop, to the president of the Convention, a statement of the number of baptisms, marriages, funerals, and persons confirmed, in his parish or parishes severally since the last like report ; and also, of the number of the communicants, distinguishing the additions, removals, and deaths since the last report ; also he shall add a statement of all other matters of fact, that may throw light on the state of his parish or parishes. Sec IV. These parochial reports shall be read in the Convention ; and all the specifications of baptisms, marriages, funerals, persons confirmed, and communicants, and the state- ments of other matters of fact contained in them, shall be entered on the journal of the Convention. CANON XIII. Of the evidence of appointment of the Lay Deputies to the Convention. The appointment of lay deputies to the Convention of this diocese shall be certified in writing by a warden, or two ves- trymen, of the proper church ; and the certificate shall state, that the deputy or each deputy named in it, if the certificate be for more than one, is, and has also been for not less than six months before the time of his election, a worshipper in the church or parish he is deputed to represent. And no other certificate or evidence of the appointment of any lay deputy or deputies to the Convention of this diocese shall be allowed or received. A copy of this canon shall be annually sent, by the secretary of the Convention, to every church in this diocese, with the notice of the meeting of the Convention. 156 CANON XIV. A list to be made of the Mi?iisters in this Diocese. Sec. I. Within one week before the meeting of every Con- vention of this diocese, the bishop shall prepare, or cause to be prepared, a list of all the ministers of the Protestant Epis- copal Church, canonically resident in this diocese, annexing the names of their respective cures, or parishes, or of their sta- tions as missionaries, or of the colleges, academies, or other seminaries of learning, incorporated, in which they are en- gaged, or in regard to those who are not engaged in parishes, missions, or institutions of learning, as above, their places of residence only. And such list, corrected as hereinafter men- tioned, shall be laid before the Convention on the first day of meeting, and be appended to the journal, and shall be trans- mitted to the secretary of every General Convention. Sec II. The list of the clergy of this diocese, so prepared by the bishop, and by him amended, according to the changes that may occur, whether by death, ordination, discipline, or canonical removals from, or admissions into this diocese, shall be evidence of a clergyman's having a cure, or mission, or engagement in some seminary of general learning. And no clergyman, while suspended from the ministry, shall have a place on said list. Sec III. The right of any clergyman of this diocese to a seat in the Convention shall, if disputed, be determined, ac- cording to the provisions of the constitution and canons, by the Convention itself ; whether his name be inserted in the list aforesaid, or omitted. Sec IV. The bishop shall take such measures for notifying the admission of ministers into this diocese, as may prevent unwary and ignorant people from being imposed on by per- sons pretending to be authorized ministers of this church. And his certificate shall be the evidence of such admission. Sec V. It shall be the duty of the clergy to attend regu- larly at the meeting of every Convention. At the opening of 157 the Convention, their names shall be called over, and absentees noted, and at the ensuing Convention, these shall be required to give excuses for their absence ; or if they continue absent, they shall send their excuses in writing : and if the excuse be deemed insufficient, or be entirely omitted, either shall be a good cause for presentment. CANON XV. Of the admission of a Church or Congregation into union with the Pro- testant Fpiscopal Church in this Diocese. Sec. I. To entitle a church or congregation to admission into union with the Protestant Episcopal Church in this dio- cese, it shall be required that the vestry submit to the Con- vention the original articles of association ; or if incorporated, their original charter, or a copy thereof, duly authenticated, according to law : and that it shall appear therein, that such church or congregation accedes to the constitution, canons, doctrines, discipline, and worship of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States, and to the constitution and ca- nons of this diocese : and it shall appear further, that the said act of association, or charter, has been submitted to the bishop and standing committee, and by them respectively approved ; or if the approbation of either the bishop or stand- ing committee, or both, is withheld, he or they shall report to the Convention, with the articles of association, or charter, the reasons of his or their disapprobation. Sec II. The Convention shall refer the whole matter and documents of cases of this kind, to a committee of three cleri- cal and three lay members of the same, to be appointed as soon after the organizing of the Convention as conveniently may be, who shall make report thereon to the Convention for its final determination. Provided always, that the Conven- tion shall not admit into union with this diocese, any church or congregation which does not expressly accede to the con- stitution, canons, doctrines, discipline and worship of the Pro- testant Episcopal Church in the United States, and to the 158 constitution and canons of the Protestant Episcopal Church in this diocese. CANON XVI. Of supplying Vacant Congregations. Sec. I. At every Stated Convention, a committee of three clerical and three lay members shall be appointed by ballot, who, in concurrence with the bishop, or, in case of a vacancy, of the president of the standing committee, shall take order for supplying vacant congregations with occasional services ; it being expected that the congregation so supplied will de- fray the expenses incident to such services. And it shall be the duty of the clergy, whether with or without parochial cures, having in the former case the consent of their proper vestries, to comply with the requisitions of the said committee in this behalf. And the committee shall report to every Stated Convention an account of their proceedings. Sec. II. When a parish becomes vacant, it shall be the duty of the vestry to give notice thereof to the bishop, or if there is no bishop, to the president of the standing committee, forthwith. • CANON XVII. Of preparing a report of the state of the Church in this Diocese. A committee of the Convention shall be appointed at the stated meeting of the same, next before every stated meet- ing of the General Convention, to draught, with the advice and approbation of the bishop, a report of the state of the church in this diocese, to be presented to the General Con- vention. CANON XVIII. Of Deputies to the General Convention. Sec I. Deputies to the General Convention shall be chosen by the concurrent ballot of the clergy and lay votes, at every 159 Stated Convention of this diocese ; and their appointment shall continue until the next Stated Convention, and until others are chosen in their places. Sec. II. Should a vacancy occur by death, or otherwise, in the deputation to the General Convention, it shall be sup- plied by the concurrent vote of the remaining clerical and lay deputies. * Sec III. Deputies to the General Convention may pre- sent an account of their expenses in their travel and attend- ance to the standing committee, who shall make a reasonable allowance for the same, to be paid out of the Convention Fund. CANON XIX. All former canons passed by the Convention of the Church in this diocese, are hereby repealed. REVISED REGULATIONS, Adopted in 1829. I. Of the opening of the Convention, §'c. 1. No business shall be transacted on the day appointed for the meeting of the Convention, except what appertains to its being duly organized. 2. On the following day it shall proceed in the despatch of business, when there shall be divine service, the admin- istration of the holy communion, and a sermon by one of the presbyters, to be appointed to this office by the bishop, which shall give place when the bishop delivers a sermon, or charge. * See Journal of 1830, p. 45. 160 3. A sermon preached at the opening of the Convention shall be at its entire disposal, to be published by its order, but not otherwise. Episcopal charges delivered before the Con- vention, shall be published by the same, without any motion in relation thereto. 4. The following shall be the rules of order in the proceed- ings, viz. 1.. The business of every day shall be introduced with a form of prayer prescribed by the bishop. 2. When the president takes the chair, no member shall continue standing, or shall afterwards stand up, unless to ad- dress the chair. 3. No member shall absent himself from the service of the house, unless he have leave, or be unable to attend. 4. When any member is about to speak in debate, or de- liver any matter to the house, he shall rise from his seat, and, without advancing, shall, with due respect, address him- self to the president, confining himself strictly to the point in debate. 5. No member shall speak more than twice in the same debate, without leave of the house. 6. A question being once determined, shall stand as the judgment of the house, and shall not be again drawn into de- bate, during the same session, unless with the consent of two- thirds of the house. 7. While the president is putting any question, no one shall hold private discourse, stand up, walk into, out of, or across the house, or read any book. S. Every member who shall be in the house when any question is put, shall, on a division, be counted, unless he be particularly interested in the decision. 9. No motion shall be considered as before the house, un- less it be seconded, and reduced to writing when required. 10. When any question is before the house, it shall be de- termined on before anything new is introduced, except the question for adjournment. 161 11. The question on a motion for adjournment shall be taken before any other, and without debate. 12. When the house is to rise, every member shall keep his seat until the president leave the chair. II. Of the Secretary of the Convention. 1. A Secretary shall be chosen at every Annual Convention, by ballot, after viva voce nominations. If but one person is nominated, the balloting shall be dispensed with. The Secre- tary shall continue in office until the meeting of the next Convention, and until his successor is chosen. He shall attend at the time and place appointed for the meeting of the Con- vention, shall receive the testimonials of those who shall there attend as lay deputies, and shall record the names of those who present testimonials in the form prescribed by the canon. The insertion by the secretary, in the list so made by him, of the name of any person who has presented a testimonial of his appointment as a deputy, shall be prima facie evi- dence of the right of such a person to a seat ; but as soon as the house is duly organized, a committee on elections shall be appointed, to whom the testimonials of lay deputies shall be referred.* There shall also be appointed by the Convention, hi the same manner, an Assistant Secretary. If during the recess of the Convention a vacancy should occur in the office of secretary, the duties thereof shall devolve upon the assistant secretary, if there be one; if not, or if the assistant secretary shall die or resign, a secretary shall be appointed by the standing committee.* 2. He shall give not less than one month's written notice of the time (the day and hour) appointed for the meeting of the Convention, to every clergyman within the diocese, enti- tled to a seat, according to a list, to be furnished by the bishop ; and, as far as is practicable, he shall give a similar notice to • See Journal of 1844, p. 34. 21 162 the churchwardens and vestrymen of every vacant congre- gation. And such notice shall be accompanied with a form of the certificate of the appointment of lay deputies. 3. On the printing of any pastoral letter of the house of bishops, he shall transmit the same to the clergy and to va- cant churches, to be read to the congregations on some occa- sion of public worship, and also for general perusal by the members of the church, under such reasonable regulations as expediency may require. 4. He shall trasmit annually to each of the bishops, and to the secretary of every Diocesan Convention, a copy of the journal. 5. He shall also transmit to every General Convention a certificate, to be signed by himself, or by the president of the Convention of this diocese, containing a list of the clergymen in this diocese, and the amount of funds paid or secured to be paid, (distinguishing them) to the General Theological Semi- nary, together with the nomination of trustees of that semi- nary : and also, a like certificate of the appointment of cleri- cal and lay deputies. 6. Besides the duties before specified, he shall perform all others usually appertaining to the office of secretary, or en- joined on him by the Convention. III. Of the Treasurer of the Convention, and of a Treasurer of the Fund for the support of the Episcopate. 1. At every Stated Convention there shall be chosen by ballot a Treasurer of the Convention, and a Treasurer of the fund for the support of the Episcopate, who shall respectively remain in office until the next Stated Convention, and until successors are appointed. Their accounts shall be closed on the Tuesday preceding the day appointed for its meeting, and submitted to the standing committee, who shall examine and report thereon to the Convention. 2. In case of vacancy in either of these offices, or that of Secretary, it shall be supplied by the standing committee. 163 3. The treasurer of the Convention shall forward to the secretary of the house of clerical and lay deputies of the General Convention, at every meeting thereof, seventy-five cents for each clergyman of this diocese, towards the neces- sary expenses of said Convention. IV.* Of the contributions for defraying the expenses incurred or authorized by the Convention. , It is enjoined on every settled clergyman within the diocese, to have a collection made in his church in each year, in aid of the Convention Fund : at which time a statement shall be made, explaining the objects to which the fund is applied. The names of the clergy shall be called over at each Conven- tion, for the purpose of ascertaining whether such collections have been made in their respective churches — and mileage shall not be allowed to any clergyman attending the Conven- tion, unless a collection for the said purpose has been made in his church since the preceding Convention. The money so collected shall be applied to the payment of expenses incurred or authorized by the Convention. The fourth revised regulation adopted in 1829, entitled "of the contributions for defraying the expenses incurred or authorized by the Convention," is rescinded. V. Recommending the Incorporation of Churches. 1. It is recommended that all the churches in this diocese should be incorporated, according to law, and that in all cases where charters have not been obtained, applications be made to the judges of the supreme court. 2. In order that such charters may conform to the es- sential principles of the church, as regards doctrine, disci- pline, and worship, it is further recommended that they shall, * See the Journal of 1835, p. 29. 164 before application to the judges, be laid before the bishop and standing committee for their examination and approba- tion ; and in order to obtain as much uniformity in this behalf as local circumstances will admit, the following form of char- ter is recommended.* VI. Of the fund for the support of the Episcopate. 1. It is recommended to every settled clergyman, once in every year, to preach a sermon on the episcopal office, or on the apostolic succession, or on such other subject as to him shall seem best adapted to recommend this fund to support and patronage. 2. On every such occasion a contribution shall be re- ceived, for the sole and express purpose of making provision for the support of the episcopate. 3. The money so collected shall be forwarded to the trea- surer of the fund, who shall keep an account of all monies re- ceived, and report at every Stated Convention. 4.t 5. The income of the said fund shall be exclusively appro- priated for the use of the bishop who shall have the city of Philadelphia within his diocese. VII. Of Vacant Churches. It is earnestly recommended, that in every instance where a church is unprovided with a pastor, a standing subscription shall be prepared, which, with the pew-rents, after defraying necessary repairs, shall be set apart as a fund for the support of a pastor, when duly elected and settled ; and the profits and rents of glebes, so far as is consistent with the will of the do- nors, shall be applied in like manner, the capital and a ecu- * For this form of charter, see appendix, p. 168. f This section was repealed in 1833. See Journal, p. 20. 165 mulating interest to be invested from time to time in public or good land securities. VIII. Of the African Church of St. Thomas. It is hereby declared that the African church of St. Thomas is not entitled to send a clergyman or deputies to the Conven- tion, or to interfere with the general government of the church, this condition being made in consideration of the peculiar cir- cumstances of such church, at present. — Journal, June, 1795. No church in this diocese, in like peculiar circumstances with the African Church of St. Thomas, shall be entitled to send a clergyman or deputies to the Convention, or to inter- fere with the general government of the church. — Journal, 1843, p. 33. RESOLUTIONS. I. Of the Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church, for the Advancement of Christianity in Pennsylvania. Established A. D. 1812. The constitution of the Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church for the Advancement of Christianity in Pennsylvania having been read, it was unanimously resolved, that this Con- vention have received with much pleasure, information of the establishment of said society, that they give their unqualified approbation to so laudable an institution, and promise to co- operate with them in promoting their pious and benevolent designs. — Journal, May, 1812. II. Of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society of the Protestant Episco- pal Church in the United Stales. — Established A. I). 1820. This Convention heartily approves the pious design of the General Convention in the formation of said Society for mis- 166 sionary purposes, and hereby recommends to all the churches in this diocese, to further, by their contributions and their prayers, an object so immediately connected with the pros- perity of the Episcopal Church in this country, and the en- largement of the Redeemer's kingdom abroad. — Journal. May, 1822. III. Of the General Theological Seminary of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States. — Established A. D. 1817. This Convention concurring with their venerable bishop in the interest which he has expressed upon the subject of the General Theological Seminary, do heartily recommend that institution to the zealous support and fostering care of Epis- copalians throughout this diocese, as being an important mean? under Divine Providence, of supplying a learned and efficient ministry for the promulgation of the doctrines and the preser- vation of the worship and discipline of the Protestant Episco- pal Church. — Journal, May, 1824. IV. Of the Corporation for the relief of the Widows and Children of Clergymen in the Communion of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Common- ivealth of Pennsylvania. It is recommended to the vestries of churches throughout the state, to consider the expediency of making provision for securing to the families of their respective ministers the bene- fit of the funds in the hands of "The corporation for the re- lief," &c. &c. by paying in their behalf the annual contribu- tions, required by the constitution of that society. — Journal May, 1825. V. Of the General Protestant Episcopal Sunday School Union. This Convention highly approves of the formation of the General Protestant Episcopal Sunday School Uniont a the 167 meeting of the General Convention in 1826, and heartily re- commends it to the support and patronage of the members of the Church in this diocese. — Journal, May, 1828. VI. Of the Bishop White Prayer Book Society. — Established, February \8th, 1834. This Convention cordially approves of the formation of the " Bishop White Prayer Book Society," and commends it to the favourable regard and the co-operation of the clergy and members of the church in this diocese as an important means of promoting the prosperity of the older parishes, and of greatly facilitating the formation of new congregations. — Journal, May, 1834, p. 58. VII. Resolved, that previous to the adjournment of the Conven- tion sine die, the rough minutes shall always be read and passed upon. — Journal, May, 1841, p. 34. APPENDIX CHARTER* OF INCORPORATION OF, ETC. Whereas, the following named persons, citizens of this com- monwealth, viz : have, together with other citizens, associated for the purpose of worshipping Almighty God, according to the faith and dis- cipline of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the United States of America ; and have for that purpose formed a con- gregation at in and are now desirous to be incoporated agreeably to the provi- sions of the Act of the General Assembly of Pennsylvania, en- titled " An Act, to confer on certain associations of the citi- zens of this Commonwealth, the powers and immunities of corporations or bodies politic in law." They therefore de- clare the following to be the objects, articles, and conditions of their said association, agreeably to which they desire to be incorporated, viz : First. The name of the Corporation shall be "The Rector, Churchwardens, and Vestrymen of Second. This church acknowledges itself to be a member of, and to belong to, the Protestant Episcopal Church in the State of Pennsylvania, and the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America. As such it accedes to, re- cognizes, and adopts the constitution, canons, doctrine, dis- cipline, and worship of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the State of Pennsylvania, and of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States, and acknowledges their autho- rity accordingly. Referred to in Regulation V., p. 164. 169 Any member of this church or corporation, who shall dis- claim or refuse conformity to the said authority, shall cease to be a member of this corporation, and shall not be elected, or vote in the election of vestrymen, or exercise any office or function in, concerning, or connected with, the said church or corporation. Third. The rents and revenues of this corporation shall be, from time to time, applied for the maintenance and sup- port of the rector, ministers, and officers of the said church, and in the erection and necessary repairs of the church and church-yard, and parsonage house and other houses which now do, or hereafter shall belong to the said corporation, and to no other use and purpose whatsoever. Fourth. The said corporation shall not, by deed, fine or re- covery, or by any other means, without the assent of the Con- vention of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the State of Pennsylvania, or of the standing committee of the diocese, pre- viously had and obtained, grant, alien, or otherwise dis- pose of any lands, messuages, tenements, or hereditaments in them vested, nor charge, nor encumber the same to any per- son or persons whomsoever. Fifth. The rector of this church shall be elected by the churchwardens and vestrymen, in such manner as the statutes and by-laws shall ordain. The vestry of the said church shall consist of persons, members of the said church, who shall continue in office for one )^ear, and until others be chosen, and the election of such vestry shall be made every year on Easter Monday, by a majority of such members of the said church as shall appear by the vestry book's, to have paid two successive years immediately pre- ceding the time of such election, for a pew or sitting in the said church ; provided that until the next Easter Monday after the expiration of five years from the date of this charter, members of the said church, who shall in any way have contri- buted to the erection of the church, or to the support of the rector or ministers thereof, shall be entitled to vote at the elec- 22 170 tion of vestrymen. And provided, that in case of the failure to elect vestrymen on that day, the corporation shall not on that account be dissolved, but the election shall be holden on some other day, in such manner as the by-laws may prescribe. Sixth. No person shall be the rector or assistant minister of this church, unless he shall have had episcopal ordination, and unless he be in full standing with the Protestant Episco- pal Church of the State of Pennsylvania, and of the United States, and recognized as such by the bishop of this diocese, or in case of a vacancy in the episcopate, by the standing com- mittee of the diocese. Seventh. The said vestry shall have full power to choose their own officers: and they shall annually, at their first meet- ing after their election, choose one of their own number to be one churchwarden, and the rector for the time being shall elect another of the said vestrymen to be the other church- warden of the said church. Iu case of a vacancy in the office of rector at the time of the election, the other churchwarden shall also be chosen by the vestry, to remain until the elec- tion of a rector, or a new election of the vestry. And during such vacancy, the churchwardens for the time being, and ves- trymen, shall have the same powers and authorities relating to the disposition of the rents and revenues of the said corpora- tion, as are hereby vested in the rector, churchwardens, and vestrymen. Provided always, that it shall be the duty of the said churchwardens and vestrymen, to elect another rector to supply the vacancy as soon as conveniently may be. Eighth. The following named persons to be the churchwardens and vestrymen, to con- tinue in office until the election on Easter Monday next, and until others be chosen, viz : The ninth article of the Charter of 1829 was rescinded by the following proceedings of the Convention of 1833. (See Journal, p. 55.) " Whereas, it is understood by this Convention that the Su- preme Court of Pennsylvania has refused to approve the char- 171 ter of an Episcopal Church in this diocese, containing the ninth article of the form of charter recommended by the fifth Revised Regulation. " Resolved, that this Convention withdraw their recommen- dation of the ninth article of the form of charter, referred to in the fifth Revised Regulation, and leave to each congrega- tion to adopt, in case the corporation is dissolved, such pro- vision for preserving the property for the use of a Protestant Episcopal Church, on the same principles, as they may deem expedient, and as may be consistent with law." And in 1839, the following resolution was adopted by the Convention. (See p. 30 of Journal of 1S39.) Resolved, That it be recommended to the different incor- porated churches in the diocese, to pass a by-law, providing for the vesting of all the estate of the corporation, in case of its dissolution, in the Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church for the Advancement of Christianity in Pennsylvania, to be held by it in trust for the benefit of a future congrega- tion of members of the church, which may be formed upon the same principles in the same neighborhood. DIRECTIONS For persons desirous to become Candidates for Holy Orders, and for those desiring Ordination as Deacons and Priests. The Secretary publishes the following directions, required by the Canons of the General Convention of 1832, 183S, and 1841, to be observed by those who wish to become candi- dates for holy orders, and by those who wish to be ordained deacons and priests. 172 Directions/or those wishing to become Candidates for Holy Orders. CANON V. (1841.) Of the Preparatory Exercises of a Candidate for Deacon's Orders. [Former Canons on this subject were the sixth of 1795, and the tenth of 1808.] Sec. I. There shall be assigned to every candidate for deacon's orders, three different examinations, at such time and places as the bishop to whom he applies for orders, shall appoint. The examination shall take place in the presence of the bishop and two or more presbyters, on the following studies prescribed by the canons, and by the course of study established by the House of Bishops. At the first examination, on the books of Scripture : the candidate being required to give an account of the dif- ferent books, and to translate from the original Hebrew and Greek, and to explain such passages as may be proposed to him. At the second examination — on the Evidence of Chris- tianity, and Systematic Divinity. And at the last examina- tion — on Church History, Ecclesiastical Polity, the Book of Common Prayer, and the Constitution and Canons of the Church, and of the diocese for which he is to be ordained. In the choice of books on the above subjects, the candidate is to be guided by the course of study established by the House of Bishops. At each of the forementioned examina- tions, he shall produce and read a sermon or discourse, com- posed by himself, on some passage of Scripture previously assigned him, which, together with two other sermons or discourses, on some passage of Scripture selected by himself, shall be submitted to the criticisms of the bishop and clergy present. And before his ordination, he shall be required to perform such exercises in reading, in the presence of the bishop and clergy, as may enable them to give him such ad- vice and instructions as may aid him in performing the ser- vice of the church, and in delivering his sermons with pro- priety and devotion. Sec II. The bishop may appoint some of his presbyters to conduct the above examinations : and a certificate from 173 these presbyters, that the prescribed examinations have been held accordingly, and satisfaction given, shall be required of the candidate : Provided that, in this case, the candidate shall, before his ordination, be examined by the bishop, and two or more presbyters, on the above named studies. Sec. III. In a diocese where there is no bishop, the stand- ing committee shall act in his place, in appointing the ex- amining presbyters required by this canon ; and in this case the candidate shall be again examined by the bishop to whom he applies for orders, and two or more presbyters, on the studies prescribed by the canons. Sec IV. A clergyman who presents a person to the bishop for orders, as specified in the office of ordination, without having good grounds to believe that the requisitions of the canons have been complied with, shall be liable to ecclesias- tical censure. Sec V. The 14th Canon of 1832 is hereby repealed. CANON IX. (1841.) Of Candidates for Orders. Sec I. Every person who desires to become a candidate for orders in this church, shall, in the first instance, give no- tice of his intention to the bishop of the diocese in which he intends to apply, or, if there be no bishop, to the standing committee ; in which notice he shall declare whether he has ever applied for admission as a candidate in any other dio- cese. No person who has previously applied for admission as a candidate in any diocese, and has been refused admis- sion, or, having been admitted, has afterwards ceased to be a candidate, shall be admitted as a candidate in any other diocese, until he shall have produced from the bishop, or, if there be no bishop, from the standing committee of the for- mer diocese, a certificate, declaring the cause for which he was refused admission, or for which he ceased to be a candi- date. Sec II. No person shall be considered as a candidate for 174 orders in this church, unless he shall have produced to the bishop, to whom he intends to apply for orders, a certificate from the standing committee of the diocese of the said bishop, that from personal knowledge, or from testimonials laid before them, they believe that he is pious, sober and honest ; that he is attached to the doctrines, discipline, and worship of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and a commu- nicant of the same ; and, in their opinion, possesses such quali- fications as will render him apt and meet to exercise the min- istry to the glory of God and the edifying of the church. And when the standing committee do not certify as above, from personal knowledge, the testimonials laid before them shall be of the same purport, and as full as the certificate above required, and shall be signed by at least one presbyter, and four respectable laymen of the Protestant Episcopal- Church. Sec. III. In addition to the above testimonials, the person wishing to become a candidate must lay before the standing committee a satisfactory diploma, or other satisfactory evi- dence that he is a graduate of some university or college, or a certificate from two presbyters appointed by the bishop, or, where there is no bishop, the clerical members of the stand- ing committee, to examine him, of his having satisfactorily sustained an examination in Natural Philosophy, Moral Phi- losophy, and Rhetoric, and in the Greek Testament, and the Latin tongue. Sec. IV. When a person applying to be admitted a candi- date, wishes a knowledge of the Latin, Greek, and Hebrew languages, and other branches of learning not strictly ecclesi- astical, to be dispensed with, the standing committee shall not recommend him as a candidate, until he has laid before them a testimonial, signed by at least two presbyters of this church, stating, that in their opinion, he possesses extraordi- nary strength of natural understanding, a peculiar aptitude to teach, and a large share of prudence ; and the bishop, with the consent of the standing committee, shall have granted 175 said dispensation. This dispensation shall not be granted to any person under twenty-seven years of age, nor shall any person be ordained under such dispensation, until he shall have attained thirty years of age. And in regard to the knowledge of the Hebrew language in all cases in these canons, the bishop shall have the sole direction of dispensa- tion, without reference to the age of the candidate, as men- tioned in this section. Sec. V. With this enumeration of qualifications it ought to be made known to the candidate, that the church expects of him, what can never be the test of any outward standard — an inward fear and worship of Almighty God ; a love of re- ligion and a sensibility to its holy influence ; a habit of devout affection ; and, in short, a cultivation of all those graces which are called in scripture the fruits of the Spirit, and by which alone His sacred influences can be manifested. Sec. VI. The requisition of this canon being fulfilled, the Bishop may admit the person as a candidate for orders, and shall record the same in a book to be kept for that purpose, and notify the candidate of such record. And in any diocese where there is no bishop, the standing committee may, on the same conditions, admit the person as a candidate, and shall make record and notification in the same manner. Sec. VII. If, after obtaining the canonical testimonials from the standing committee, the person be admitted as a candidate by the bishop, or, if there be no bishop, by the standing committee, he shall remain a candidate for the term of three years before his ordination, unless the bishop, with the consent of the standing committee, shall deem it expe- dient to ordain the candidate after the expiration of a shorter period, not less than one year. Sec. VIII. A candidate for orders may, on letters of dis- mission from the bishop or standing committee of the diocese in which he was admitted a candidate, be transferred to the jurisdiction of any bishop of this church, and if there be a bishop within the diocese where the candidate resides, he 176 shall apply to no other bishop for ordination without the per- mission of the former. Sec. IX. If any candidate for orders shall not, within three years after his admission, apply to have his first and second examinations held, as hereafter prescribed, or if he shall not, within five years from his admission, apply to have his third examination held, (unless the bishop, for satisfactory reasons to him assigned, shall allow him further time,) the said person shall, in either case, cease to be a candidate. Sec X. A person desirous of becoming a candidate for holy orders, shall apply to the bishop, or, if there be no bishop, to the standing committee of the diocese in which he resides, unless the said bishop or ecclesiastical authority shall give their consent to his application in some other dio- cese. Candidates shall not change their canonical residence but for bona fide causes, requiring the same to be judged of by the bishop, or, if there be no bishop, the standing com- mittee ; and they shall not be dismissed from the dioceses in which they were admitted, or to which they have been duly transferred, for the convenience of attending any theological or other seminary. Sec. XI. The 4th Canon of 1S3S is hereby repealed. Directions for Candidates for Holy Orders, wishing to be ordained Deacons. CANON XV. Sec. II. (of 1832.) A candidate for holy orders, wishing to be ordained a deacon, must lay before the standing com- mittee a testimonial in the following words : " To the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Pennsyl- vania. " We, whose names are hereunder written, do testify, from evidence satisfactory to us, that A. B., for the space of three years last past, hath lived piously, soberly, and honestly ; and hath not, so far as we know or believe, written, taught, or 177 held anything contrary to the doctrine or discipline of the Protestant Episcopal Church ; and moreover, we think him a person worthy to be admitted to the sacred order of deacon. In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands in ves- try meeting, this day of , in the year of our Lord The above certificate is to be subscribed in vestry meeting, by the minister and vestry of the parish where the candidate resides, or by the vestry alone, if the parish be vacant, (of which circumstance the committee must be duly certified,) and must contain the names of at least a majority of all the wardens and vestrymen. The respective titles of the minis- ter, wardens, and vestrymen, must be attached to their sig- natures. If there is no vestry where the candidate resides, the circumstance must be certified to the committee, and then the testimonial must be signed by at least twelve respectable persons of the Protestant Episcopal Church. It is not absolutely essential that the signers of this testi- monial should be jiersonally acquainted with the candidate; they may act upon a satisfactory knowledge of his character from any other source. The candidate must also lay before the standing committee a certificate in the following words : " To the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Pennsyl- vania. " I do hereby testify that A. B., for the space of three years last past, hath lived piously, soberly, and honestly ; and hath not, so far as 1 know or believe, written, taught, or held any thing contrary to the doctrine or discipline of the Protestant Episcopal Church ; and moreover, I think him a person worthy to be admitted to the sacred order of deacon. This testimonial is founded on my personal knowledge of the said A. B., for one year last past, and for the residue of the said time upon evidence that is satisfactory to me. In witness 23 178 whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this day of , in the year of our Lord ." The above testimonial must be signed by at least one re- spectable presbyter of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States. The standing committee may then sign the canonical recommendation to the bishop for orders ; which is to be presented to the bishop. Directions for Deacons wishing to be Ordered Priests. A deacon wishing to be ordered a priest, must lay before the standing committee the same testimonials, subscribed in the same way as those required of him on his application for ordination as deacon, except (Sec V.) that they may be so altered as to extend to such portion only of the three years preceding his application for priests' orders, as has elapsed since his ordination as deacon ; and except also, that if he be the minister of the parish, the testimonial of piety, good morals, and orderly conduct, shall be signed by the vestry alone. The standing committee may then give him the canonical recommendation for orders ; which is to be pre- sented to the bishop. No person shall be ordained priest, unless he shall produce to the bishop a satisfactory certificate, from some church, parish or congregation, that he is engaged with them, and that they will receive him as their minister, or unless he be a missionary under the ecclesiastical authority of the diocese to which he belongs ; or in the employment of some missionary society recognized by the General Convention ; or unless he be engaged as a professor, tutor or instructor of youth in some college, academy, or other seminary of learning, duly incorporated. Candidates for ordination as priests or deacons, are referred to the following further provisions. CANON XV. (1832.) Sec. III. If the candidate, from peculiar circumstances not affecting his pious or moral character, shall be unable to 179 procure testimonials from the minister and vestry of the parish where he resides, testimonials to the effect required may be received from at least twelve respectable members of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and from at least one respect- able presbyter who has been personally acquainted with the candidate for at least one year. Sec IV. A candidate recommended by the standing com- mittee of any church destitute of a bishop, if he shall have resided for the greater part of the last three years within the diocese of a bishop, shall apply to such bishop for ordination, and shall produce the usual testimonials, as well from the standing committee of the diocese in which he has resided, as from the committee of the church in the diocese for which he is to be ordained. Ministers, licentiates, and students of theology, among other religious denominations, who may desire to take orders in the Piotestant Episcopal Church, are referred to the fol- lowing Canon of the General Convention for directions. CANON VII. (183S.) Concerning Candidates for Orders in this Church who have been Ministers, Licentiates, or Students of Theology, among other Religious Denomina- tions. Sec I. All persons seeking admission to the ministry of this Church, are to be regarded as candidates for Holy Orders. Sec II. When a person who, not having had Episcopal ordination, has been acknowledged as an ordained minister or licentiate among any other denomination of Christians, shall desire to be ordained in this church, he shall give notice thereof to the bishop, or if there be no bishop, to the stand- ing committee of the diocese in which he resides ; or if he resides in a state or territory in which there is no organized diocese, to the Missionary bishop within whose jurisdiction he resides ; which notice shall be accompanied with a written certificate from at least two presbyters of this church, stating, 180 that from personal knowledge of the party, or satisfactory evidence laid before them, they believe that his desire to leave the denomination to which he has belonged has not arisen from any circumstance unfavourable to his religious or moral character, or on account of which it may be inex- pedient to admit him to the exercise of the ministry in this church ; and they may also add what they know, or believe on good authority, of the circumstances leading to the said desire. Sec. III. If the bishop or standing committee shall think proper to proceed, the party applying to be received as a candidate, shall produce to the standing committee the same testimonials of literary qualifications as are required of all other candidates ; and also a testimonial from at least twelve members of the denomination from which he came, or twelve members of the Protestant Episcopal Church, or twelve per- sons, in part of the denomination from which he came, and in part Episcopalians, satisfactory to the committee, that the applicant has for three years last past, lived piously, soberly, and honestly ; and also, a testimonial from at least two pres- byters of this church, that they believe him to be pious, sober, and honest, and sincerely attached to the doctrines, discipline and worship of the church. The standing com- mittee being satisfied on these points, may recommend him to the bishop to be received as a candidate for orders in this church, or in a vacant diocese the standing committee may so receive him. Sec IV. Candidates admitted as above may, at the expira- tion of a period not less than six months, be ordained, on their passing the same examinations as other candidates for dea- con's orders ; and in the examinations, special regard shall be had to those points in which the denomination whence they come differs from this church, with a view of testing their information and soundness in the same; and also to the ascertaining that they are adequately acquainted with the liturgy and offices of this church ; provided, that in their 181 case the testimonials shall be required to cover only the time since their admission as candidates for orders ; and provided, also, that the provisions of the canon concerning candidates for orders, as far as the same relates to the age of the person to whom the dispensation may be granted, and the mode and restrictions in and under which the same may be granted, shall apply to the persons mentioned in this canon, Sec V. Every candidate for the ministry of any other de- nomination, who applies to be received as a candidate for orders in this church, may be allowed by the bishop, with the consent of the members of the standing committee, the period of time during which he has been a student of Theolo- gy, or candidate in such other denomination ; provided, the time so allowed does not exceed two years. Sec. VI. When any person not a citizen of the United States, who has been acknowledged as an ordained minister among any other denomination of Christians, shall apply for orders in this church, the bishop to whom application is made, shall require of him (in addition to the above qualifica- tions) satisfatory evidence that he has resided at least one year in the United States previous to his application. Sec VII. The third Canon of 1S35 is hereby repealed. Course of Ecclesiastical Studies, established by the House of Bishops in the Convention of 1804, in pursuance of a Resolution of the preceding General Convention, In attending to this subject, a considerable difficulty occurs, arising out of the difference of the circumstances of students, in regard not only to intellectual endowments and prepara- tory knowledge of languages and science ; but to access to authors, and time to be devoted to a preparation for the minis- try. For in accommodating to those whose means are slen- der, we are in danger of derogating from the importance of religious knowledge ; while on the other hand, although we should demand all that is desirable, we shall be obliged to content ourselves, in some cases, with what is barely neces- sary. 182 In consideration of the above, it will be expedient to set down such a course of study, as is accommodated to a mode- rate portion of time and means ; and afterward to suggest provision, as well for a more limited, as for a more enlarged share of both. Let the student be required to begin with some books in proof of the divine authority of Christianity; such as Gro- tius on the Truth of the Christian Religion ; Jenkins on the Reasonableness of Christianity ; Paley's Evidences ; Leslie's Methods with the Jews and Deists ; Stillingfleet's Origines Sacree; and Butler's Analogy. To the above should be added some books which give a knowledge of the objections made by Deists. For this, Leland's View may be sufficient; except that it should be followed by answers to deistical writers since Leiand, whose works, and the answers to them, may be supposed known to the student. It would be best, if circum- stances permit, that he should read what the Deists themselves have written. After the books in proof of revelation, let the student, pre- viously to the reading of any system of divinity, study the Scriptures with the help of some approved commentators, such as Patrick and Lowth on the Old Testament; and Ham- mond, or Whitby, or Doddridge on the New; being aware, in regard to the last mentioned author, of the points on which he differs from our church, although it be with moderation and candour. During such, his study of the Scriptures, let him read some work or works which give an account of the design of the different books, and the grounds on which their respective authority is asserted; for instance Father Simon's Canon of Scripture, Collier's Sacred Interpreter, Gray's Key to the Old Testament, and Percy's Key to the New. Let the student read the Scriptures over and over, referring to his commentators as need may require, until he can give an ac- count of the design and character of each book, and explain the more difficult passages of it. He is supposed to know enough of profane history, to give an account of that also, 183 whenever it mixes with the sacred. There are certain im- portant subjects which may be profitably attended to, as matters of distinct study, during the course of the general study of Scripture. For instance, the student having proceed- ed as far as the deluge, may read some author who gives a larger account than the commentators, of the particulars attached to that crisis ; and also the principles on which are founded the different systems of chronology ; all which will be found clearly done in the Universal History. In reading the book of Leviticus, it will be useful to attend to some con- nected scheme of the sacrifices such as is exhibited by Bishop Kidder in his introduction to the Pentateuch, and by Mr. Jo- seph Mede in some of his discourses. A more full and inte- resting interpretation of the prophecies than can be expected from the commentators, will be desirable, and for this pur- pose let Bishop Newton's work be taken. Between the study of the Old Testament and that of the New, should be read Prideaux's and Shuckford's Connexions. With the New Tes- tament should be taken some book relating to the Harmony of the Gospels, as McKnight's or Bishop Newcombe's. Let the student, before entering on the Gospels, read Dr. Camp- bell's Introductory Dissertations. Toward the close of the Gospels, the subject of the Resurrection should be particu- arly attended to; for which purpose let there be taken either Mr. West on the subject, or Bishop Sherlock's Trial of the Witnesses. After the study of the Scriptures, let attention be given to ecclesiastical history, so far as to the Council of Nice. This period is distinctly taken, from a desire that the portion of history preceding it, as well as the opinions then entertained, may be learned from original writers ; which may be considered as one of the best expedients for the guard- ing of the student against many errors of modern times. The writers of that interval are not numerous or bulky. Eusebius is soon read through; and so are the Apostolic Fathers. Even the other writers are not voluminous, except Origen, the greater part of whose works may be passed over. 184 The Apostolic Fathers may be best read in Cotelerius' edition; but there are translations of most of them, by Archbishop Wake and the Rev. William Reeves. Cave's Lives of the Apostles and Fathers may be profitably read at this period. This stage of the student's progress seems the most proper for the study of the two questions, of our Lord's Divinity, and of Episcopacy. The aspect of early works on these subjects, best enables us to ascertain in what shape they ap- pear to the respective writers. And it is difficult to suppose, on the ground of what we know of human nature, that, during the first three centuries, either the character of Christ should have been conceived of as materially different from what had been the representation of it by the first teachers of our re- ligion ; or, that there should have been a material change of Church Government, without opposition to the innovation. For the former question, let the works of Bishop Bull and the Rev. Charles Leslie be taken ; to which may well be add- ed, the late controversy between Bishop Horsley and Dr. Priestley; and for the latter, Mr. Hooker's Ecclesiastical Polity, Archbishop Potter on Church Government, and Dau- beny's Guide to the Church. As the Lord Chancellor King published a book on the Discipline of the Primitive Church, in which he has rested Episcopacy on insufficient grounds, unwarily admitted by many on his authority; let the student read his book, and the refutation of it in Mr. Slater's Original Draught of the Primitive Church. After this, let the student go on with the History of the Fourth Century, from Mosheim. But it will be of advan- tage to him to turn to Fleury's History, for the epitomes there given to the writings of the eminent men who abound- ed in that century and part of the next. Let him then re- turn to Mosheim, and go on with that writer to the Reforma- tion. Here let him pause and study, as the main hinges of Popery, its pretences to supremacy and infallibility ; on which there will be found satisfactory matter in Mr. Chil- lingworth's Religion of Protestants a Safe Way to Salvation, 185 and Dr. Barrow's Treatise of the Pope's Supremacy. Here also let there be read Father Paul's History of the Council of Trent. Then let the student resume Mosheim. But it will be best if, for a more minute knowledge of the History of the Church of England, since the Reformation, he take along with him Collier's History, a very able work, but in the reading of which some allowance must be made for peculiar prejudices. On coming, in the reign of Elizabeth, to the questions which arose between the divines of the Established Church and the Presbyterians, then known by the name of Puritans, let recourse be again had to Mr. Hooker's work and to the London Cases. Then let Mosheim be proceeded with to the end. After these studies, and not before, let divinity be read in a systematic method. Bishop Pearson's Exposition of the Creed may be considered as a small system, and, on account of the excellence of the work, is recommended ; as also Bishop Burnet's Exposition of the Thirty-nine Articles. Then let a larger system be taken ; suppose Stackhouse's Body of Divinity, with the addition of the following modern works : Elements of Christian Theology, by the present Bishop of Lincoln, and the Scholar Armed. That many works of this sort are not mentioned, is because we think their utility is principally confined to arrangement, and suppose that the knowledge they convey is to be obtained from the scriptures and judicicus commentators. It seems necessary to this course of study, to recommend the sermons of some of the distinguished preachers who have so abounded in the Church of England for some ages past, that the only matter will be, from among many of great name, to select a convenient number. It seems not unnecessary to require attention to the His- tory of the Common Prayer, the grounds on which the different services are constructed, and the meaning of the Rubrics. Perhaps a careful study of Dr. Wheatley on the Common Prayer, and of the late work of Mr. Reeves will be sufficient. 24 186 Some books should be read on the duties of the pastoral office ; such as St. Chrysostom on the Priesthood, Bishop Burnet on the Pastoral Care, and Bishop Wilson's Parochialia. It is, however to be remembered, that one reason for study- ing carefully the Book of Common Prayer and its Rubrics, is, that by the help of these, in connexion with what belongs in Scripture, to the ministerial character, sufficient informa- tion of its duties may be had. A knowledge of the Constitution and the Canons should be held absolutely necessary. To set down what books shall be essential, no student to be ordained without being fully prepared to answer On them, is more difficult. The lowest requisition is as follows: Paley's Evidences ; Mosheim, with a reference to Mr. Hooker for the Episcopacy ; Stackhouse's Body of Divinity ; and Mr. Reeves on the Common Prayer ; the Constitution and Canons of the Church ; allowing in the study of the Scriptures, a lati- tude of choice among approved commentators ; it being understood, that if the student cannot, on the grounds con- tained in some good commentary, give an account of the different books, and explain such passages as may be pro- posed to him, this is of itself a disqualification. In the beginning, it was intimated that the course to be recommended, would be disproportioned to the means of some, and fall short of what would be within the compass of others. During the whole course of study, the student will endea- vour, by the grace of God, to cultivate his heart by attention to devotional and practical treatises. THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY. Qualifications for entering the General Theological Seminary of the Pro- testant Episcopal Church in the United States. Persons producing satisfactory evidence of their being can- didates for holy orders in the Protestant Episc opal Church , 187 with full (that is, including literary) attainments, agreeably to the IVth Canon of the General Convention of 1838,* will,on application, be received into the Seminary. This should be particularly noted in the certificate, as the mere fact of their being candidates for orders, is not sufficient. All others will be admitted who produce satisfactory evi- dence of religious and moral character, and of attachment to the Protestant Episcopal Church, and a diploma from some college ; or, if they have not been through college, stand a satisfactory examination by the faculty, on the general prin- ciples of natural and moral philosophy and rhetoric ; and in the Latin and Greek languages, on the following works, or such others as shall be considered an equivalent substitute: Sallust, Virgil's iEneid, Cicero's Orations, or De Officiis ; and the four Gospels, Xenophon's Cyropcedia, and the first three books of Homer. Provided, that in all cases, applicants must stand an exami- nation in the Gospels and Acts in the Greek; and in the primary elements of the Hebrew language ; and each candi- date must be able to read and pronounce the Hebrew with facility, according to the masoretic punctuation, and be acquainted with the paradigm of a regular verb, in all its conjugations. The above requisitions will be strictly enforced. Candi- dates must also present a specimen of English composition. All applicants ought to present themselves during the week immediately preceding the first Monday in October. Every candidate must enter the junior or lowest class, at the commencement of the fall session ; or stand a satisfactory examination on the studies which have been pursued by the class into which he seeks admittance. The expenses of' a student, during the seminary year, for boarding, washing, fuel, and lights, is about One Hundred and Ten Dollars. There is no charge for room-rent or for tuition. •Supplied by the IXth Canon of 1841. 188 Form of the Certificate for Lay Deputies to Convention, (See Canon XIII. p. 155.) It is hereby certified, that at a meeting of the Vestry of Church, iri the county of , held on the day of 18 , Mr. was duly elected a lay deputy to the Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the State of Pennsylvania, to be held in on the day of next ; and that the said deputy is now, and has also been for not less than the six calendar months next before his election, a worshipper in the said Church. Dated this of 18 > Warden. > Vestrymen. N. B. If more than one deputy be chosen, a certificate in the above form may be given to each, or which is better, the names of all may be included in one certificate, varying the language accordingly. N. B. According to Canon XIII., " no other certificate or evidence of the appointment of any lay deputy or deputies to the Convention of this Diocese, shall be allowed or received." Form of a Parochial Report. (See Canon XII. Sec. 3, p. 155.) To the Right Rev. Bishop of the Diocese of Pennsylvania. Report of the parish of Church, in in the county of for the year ending May 1st, 18 . Congregation. Families, ; Adults, ; Children, ; Total, Baptisms. Adults, ; Infants, ; Total, Confirmed, Communicants. Added, ; Died or removed, ; Present number, . Marriages, Burials, Public Services. On Sundays, ; other days, ; Total, Children Catechised, ; Times, Sunday Schools. Male, ; Teachers, ; Pupils, ; Female, ; Teachers, ; Pupils, ; Total, Schools, ; Teachers, ; Pupils, Bible Classes, ; Members, Collections. Episcopal Fund, $ ; Convention Fund, $ ; Soc. Adv. of Christianity, $ ; Missionary and other purposes, $ ; Total, $ REMARKS.