Btote»e of ©eovflfa. M DCCC L. JOUKNAL OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE TWENTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL CONVENTION OF THE PROTESTANT IN THE DIOCESE OF GEORGIA, HELD IN ZION CHURCH, COMMENCING ON THE 9th MAY, 1850. MARIETTA, GA : HUNT & CAMPBELL, PRINTERS. 1 8 50. List of the Clergy op the PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH, DIOCESE OF GEORGIA. Rt. Rev. STEPHEN ELLIOTT, Jr., D. D., Bishop of the Diocese, residing at Montpelier—Post Office, Macon. Rev. THEODORE B. BARTOW* Chaplain U. S. Navy. u SENECA G. BRAGG, Assistant Rector of St. Luke's Church Montpelier—P. O., Macon. « EDMUND P. BROWN* Rector of Christ Church, St. Si¬ mon's Island. " GEORGE H. CLARKE,* Rector of St. David's, Glynn coun¬ ty, and St. Andrew's, Darien. « JOHN FIELDING* Beaufort, (S. C.) EDWARD E. FORD,* D. D., Rector of St. Paul's Church, Augusta. " JAMES D. GIBSON, Minister of St. Peter's Church, Rome " WILLIAM D. HARLOW,* Rector of the Church of the Mes¬ siah, St. Mary's. « JOHN J. HUNT,* Marietta. " RICHARD JOHNSON, Rector of Zion Church, Talbotton. « WILLIAM JOHNSON, Rector of St. Stephen's Church, Mil- ledgeville. « GARDINER JONES* " GEORGE MACAULEY, Missionary to the Negroes, Savannah. " BENJ. F. MOWER,* Rector of Grace Church, Clarkesville. « EDWARD NEUFVILLE * D. D., Rector of Christ Church, Savannah. " WILLIAM J. PERDUE,* Minister of the Church of the As¬ cension, Cass county—P. O., Cartersville. " THOMAS F. SCOTT, Rector ®f St. James' Church, Marietta. " JOSEPH A. SHANKLIN, Rector of Christ Church, Macon. " THOMPSON L. SMITH, Rector of Emmanuel Church, Athens. « GEORGE WHITE,* Marietta. " RUFUS M. WHITE, Rector of St. John's Church, Savannah. " WILLIAM C. WILLIAMS,* Missionary to the Negroes on Ogechee River—P. O., Savannah. « J. A. WOODWARD* « WILLIAM J. ZIMMER, Minister of St. Philip's Church, At¬ lanta. * Not present at Convention. List of Lay Delegates TO THE TWENTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL CONVENTION, DIOCESE OF GEORGIA. From Christ Church, Savannah : *RICHARD R. CUYLER, * WILLI AM P. YONGE, #B. W. FOSD1CK. From St. Paul's Church, Augusta : *EDWARD F. CAMPBELL, m. H. GARDINER, GEORGE PARROTT. From Christ Church, Macon : »N. C. MUNROE, W. S. WILLIFORD, •A. A. ROFF. From Trinity Church, Columbus : THOMAS M. NELSON, #HARVEY HALL, DANIEL GRIFFIN. From St. James' Church, Marietta: *SAMUEL LAWRENCE, #HENRY H. STOTESBURY, *A. C. N. SMETS. From Emmanuel Church, Athens : #R. D. MOORE, *E. K. CLARK, * J AMES CAMAK. From St. Peter's Church, Rome : *T. M. BERRIEN, *W. W. GIBBS, *GEORGE B. DOUGLASS. From Church of the Messiah, St. Mary's : *J. M. SMITH, MILLER HALLOWES. From Zion Church, Talbotton : GEORGE W. JONES, #JOSEPH POU, #LEVI B. SMITH. ♦ Not present at Convention. JOURNAL. ZION CHURCH, ) Talbotton, 9th May, 1850. $ This being the time and place appointed for holding the twenty-eighth Annual Convention of the Protestant Episco¬ pal Church, in the Diocese of Georgia, Morning Prayer was read by Rev. Thomas F. Scott, the Ante-communion by the Bishop, and the Convention Sermon was preached by Rev. Richard Johnson, from Acts 1: 10, 11. After Sermon, the Convention was called to order by the Bishop, and the names of the clergy being called, the fol¬ lowing were found to be present: Rt. Rev. S. Elliott, D. D. Rev. S. G. Bragg, " Richard Johnson, " William Johnson, ** Geo. Macauley, " Thomas F. Scott, " J. A. Shanklin, " T. L. Smith, " Wm. J. Zimmer. Certificates of the election of Lay Delegates were pre¬ sented, read, and referred to Rev. Mr. Bragg, and Messrs. Parrot and Williford; who, after examining the certificates, reported the following to have been duly elected: Christ Church, Savannah—Richard R. Cuyler, Wm. P. Yonge, B. W. Fosdick. St. Paul's Church, Augusta—Edw'd. F. Campbell, R. H. Gardiner, George Parrott. Christ Church, Macon—N. C. Munroe, W. S. Williford, A. A. Roff. 6 Journal, 1850. St. James1 Church, Marietta—Samuel Lawrence, Henry H. Stotesbury, A. C. N. Smets. Emmanuel Church, Athens—R. D. Moore, E. K. Clark, James Camak. St. Peter's Church, Rome—T. M. Berrien, W. W. Gibbs, George B. Douglass. Church of the Messiah, St. Mary's—James M. Smith, Mil¬ ler Hallowes. Zion Church, Talbotton—George W. Jones, Joseph Pou, Levi B. Smith. And the Delegates being called, the following answered to their names :—Messrs. Parrot, Williford, Hallowes and Jones. Rev. Thomas F. Scott was re-elected Secretary. Resolved, That the Rules of Order of the last Conven¬ tion be adopted for the government of this body. The following standing committees were announced by the Chair: On the State of the Church—Rev. Messrs. Bragg, R. Johnson and Shanklin. On unfinished business—Rev. W. Johnson, and Messrs. Jones and Hallowes. On admission of new Parishes—Rev. Mr. Smith, and Messrs. Williford and Parrot. After Prayer by the Bishop, the Convention adjourned until half-past 10 o'clock to-morrow morning. At night, Evening Prayer was read by Rev. J. A. Shank¬ lin, and a Sermon preached by Rev. T. L. Smith. Friday Morning, 10th May. Morning Prayer was read by Rev. T. L. Smith, and a Sermon preached by Rev. George Macauley. After Sermon, Convention was called to order and the roll called. Present as yesterday. The minutes of yesterday's proceedings were read and confirmed. ' The Bishop then read his Annual Address. Journal, 1850. 7 After which, the following resolution was unanimously adopted : Whereas, intelligence has been received, that the Rev. William D. Cairns, Rector of Trinity Church, Columbus, has departed this life ; Resolved, That a committee be appointed to report reso¬ lutions expressive of our regard for the deceased, and our sympathy with his bereaved family and Parish. Rev. Messrs. Bragg, R. Johnson and Col. Hallowes, were appointed as the committee. Mr. Daniel Griffin, a Lay Delegate from Trinity Church, Columbus, appeared and took his seat. The following Committee on Finance was appointed : Messrs. Griffin, Hallowes and Jones. Convention then took recess until 3 o'clock. Convention met, and the roll was called. Present as in the; morning, together with Rev. James D. Gibson. The following resolution was adopted : Resolved, That Candidates for Orders, and Clergymen of other Dioceses who may be present, be invited to attend the sittings of this Convention. Mr. B. E. Habersham, a Candidate for Orders, and Rev. Mr. Scull of Alabama, were present, and took seats accord¬ ing to the above invitation. Parochial Reports were read, and ordered to be printed in the appendix to the Journal. The Standing Committee presented the following Report, which was received and ordered to be printed : To the Convention of the Diocese of Georgia : The Standing Committee report that they have recom¬ mended to the Bishop to be received as Candidates for Or¬ ders, Messrs. Alexander C. Smets and Francis M. Adams— for ordination as Deacon, Mr. James H. George—and as Priest, Rev. George Macauley. They have also signed the Canonical Testimonial in favor of the Rev. William M. Green, D. D., Bishop Elect of Mis- ■ ■ ! * rnwAun ivrrrTPVTr T r 3 O'clock, P. M. sissippi. EDWARD NEUFVILLE, Savannah, May 4, 1850. President* 8 Journal, 1850. The Treasurers of the committee on Missions, and of the Diocese presented their reports, which were received, and referred to the committee on Finance. Convention proceeded to the election of Committees* which resulted as follows : STANDING COMMITTEE. Of the Clergy. Of the Laity. Rev. Edward Neufville, D. D. W. B. Bulloch, Esq. Rev. Edward E. Ford, D. D. W. P. Hunter, Esq. Rev. Seneca G. Bragg, Hon. R. M. Charlton. COMMITTEE ON MISSIONS. Of the Clergy. Of the Laity. Rev. Edward Neufville, D. D. N. C. Munroe, Rev. J. A. Shanklin, W. S. Williford, L. N. Whittle. DELEGATES TO THE GENERAL CONVENTION. Of the Clergy. Of the Laity. Rev. Edward Neufville, D. D. James Potter, Rev. Seneca G. Bragg, Hon. J. M. Berrien, Rev. Edward E. Ford, D. D. N. C. Munroe, Rev. Thomas F. Scott, George Parrott. Resolved, That the next Convention of the Chnrch fn thig Diocese be held in Trinity Church, Columbus, on the TbteeS" day after the first Monday of May 1851. A certificate of the election of Lay Delegates was pre-* sented from Trinity Church Columbus, when it was ascer¬ tained that Thomas M. Nelson, Harvey Halt and Daniel Griffin had been duly elected. Messrs. Nelson and Griffin were present and answered to their names. Resolved, That the Missionary Committee be requested to consider the expediency of appointing a Missionary for the State at large. Messrs. Parrott and Williford obtained leave of absence after to-day. After Prayers by the Bishop, Convention adjourned until half past ten o'clock to-morrow morning. At night Evening Prayer was read by Rev. William John¬ son, and a sermon preached by Rev. Thomas P. Scott. Journal, 1850. 9 Saturday Morning, 11th May. Morning Prayer was read by "Rev. George Macauley, and a Sermon preached by Rev. James D. Gibson. After Sermon, the Convention was called to order, and the roll called. The minutes of yesterday's proceedings were read and confirmed. The committee appointed to prepare resolutions relative to the decease of Rev. Mr. Cairns, presented the following report, which was unanimously adopted: The committee appointed to report resolutions expressive of the regard and sympathy of the Convention, with refer¬ ence to the Rev. Wm. D. Cairns, late Rector of Trinity Church, Columbus, respectfully report the following: Resolved, That the members of this Convention have heard with deep regret of the decease of the Rev. William D. Cairns, late Rector of Trinity Church, Columbus, whose active, self-denying, and efficient labors, during a period of nearly thirteen years, have contributed largely to the estab¬ lishment and prosperity of the church, in the Western por¬ tion of this Diocese. Resolved, That we highly appreciate the intelligence, zeal and devotion, which distinguished our lamented Brother, in the work of the Ministry, and resulted in a large increase of the flock of Christ entrusted to his pastoral care. Resolved, That we cherish the remembrance of his emi¬ nent services and example, with gratitude to the Divine Head of the Church, for the extraordinary success, which crowned his labors of love. Resolved, That we tender to his afflicted family, and Par¬ ish, the assurance of our heart-felt sympathy, and our fer¬ vent prayers, that it may please the Father of mercies, and the God of all grace, to comfort, sustain and bless them, amidst the sorrows of their severe bereavement. Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be sent by the Secretary of the Convention to his bereaved Family and Parish. SENECA G. BRAGG, Chairman. The Committee on the state of the Church presented the following report, which was received and adopted: The Committee on the state of the Church beg leave to report, that, owing to the incompleteness of the returns, it is impossible to arrive at an accurate view of the condition 2 10 Journal, 1850. and growth of the Church. To remedy this defect, they beg leave to offer the following resolution : Resolved, That the several clergymen of the Diocese be, and are hereby, earnestly requested, to embody in their re¬ ports the following particulars: 1. Number of families connected with the Parish ; 2. Baptisms, Adult and Infant; 3. Communicants, white and colored; 4. Confirmations; 5. Marriages; 6. Funerals; 7. Sunday schools—number of scholars, white and colored—number of teachers ; 8. Con¬ tributions, and the objects to which they have been applied. J. A. SHANKL1N, } SENECA G. BRAGG, V Committee. RICHARD JOHNSON. ) The Committee on Finance made the following report, which was received and adopted: The Committee on Finance to whom were referred the accounts of the Treasurer of the Diocese, and the Treasurer of the Missionary Committee, respectfully report, That we find the account of disbursements clear and cor¬ rect, every charge being supported by a proper voucher. DANIEL GRIFFIN, ~) G. W. JONES, > Committee. MILLER HALLOWES. > Talbotton, May 11th, 1850. The committee on unfinished business made the following report, which was received and adopted : The committee on unfinished business respectfully report, that they find on examining the Journal of the last Conven¬ tion, page 18, that the committee to which Article 11 of the Constitution had been referred, by the Convention of 1848, was continued. Resolved, That said committee be discharged. The following amendment to Article 11, of the Constitu¬ tion was agreed to, and ordered to lie over until the next Convention: Resolved, That Article 11, of the Constitution be altered so as to read as follows : Article XI.—The Convention shall annually elect four Clergymen and four Laymen, as deputies, and four Clergy¬ men and four Laymen, as substitutes, to the General Con¬ vention, and to any special General Convention which may be held in the recess of this Convention. * Convention took recess until 3 o'clock. Journal, 1850. 11 After recess, Convention met and proceeded to the elec¬ tion of Treasurers. George Parrott was unanimously re-elected Treasurer of the Diocese, and W. S. Williford Treasurer of the Com¬ mittee on Missions. Rev. William C. Williams was appointed to preach the nelxt Convention Sermon, and Rev. George H. Clarke his substitute. Rev. Thompson L. Sijiith was appointed to preach the next Missionary Sermon, and Rev. James D. Gibson his substitute. Resolved, That the thanks of this Convention be returned to the citizens of Talbotton for the hospitality extended to the members of this body, and that the Rector of this church be requested to communicate this resolution to them. The Committee on Missions made the following report, which was received and adopted : The Committee on Missions beg leave to report, that they have received during the year, the sum of fourteen hundred and seventy-six dollars and sixty cents, and have expended the sum of fourteen hundred and thirty-eight dollars and seven cents, leaving a balance in hand of thirty-eight dol¬ lars and fifty-three cents. The committee congratulate the Diocese upon the con¬ dition of the Missionary fund. They have been enabled by the liberality of the Diocese, to pay off all arrears to the Missionaries—to make appropriations (which have been paid in full) to Talbotton, Athens, St. Simon's, St. Mary's, Rome, and Clarkesville, and to report a balance in hand for the ensuing year. As the demands upon the Missionary Funds will increase during the year now commencing, the committee would urge upon the Churches of the Diocese a continuance of their liberality, and would request that the remittances from the various Parishes be made regularly and systematically. STEPHEN ELLIOTT, Jr. Resolved, That six hundred copies of the Journal of this Convention be printed, under the direction of the Secretary. Resolved, That the attention of the Clergy and Parishes of this Diocese be earnestly directed to the duty of attend¬ ing more punctually upon the meetings of the Diocesan Convention. 12 Journal, 1850. Resolved, That a Committee be appointed to examine the Canons of the Diocese, and of the General Convention, re¬ lating to Standing Committees, and to report as to the na¬ ture and extent of their powers in reference to testimonials laid before them in favor of Candidates for Orders; and to suggest what rules, if any, should be adopted to govern their proceedings. Rev. Thomas F. Scott, .Rev. Edward Neufville, D. D., Rev. Edward E. Ford, D. D., Hon. John M. Berrien, and Hon. R. M. Charlton, were appointed as the Committee. Rev. Rufus M. White appeared and took his seat. After Prayers by the Bishop, Convention adjourned sine die. STEPHEN ELLIOTT, Jr. Bishop of the Diocese. Thomas F. Scott, Secretary. At night, Evening Prayer was read by Rev. Thomas F. Scott, and a Sermon preached by Rev. J. A. Shanklin. Sunday, May 12. The Bishop held an Ordination, when Rev. George Mac- -* auley was admitted to Priest's Orders. Morning Prayer was read by Rev. Rufus M. White, and a Sermon preached by the Bishop. The Candidate was presented by Rev. Thompson I<. Smith, and Rev. Richard Johnson assisted at the Com¬ munion. In tlie afternoon, Evening Prayer was read by Rev. T. L. Smith, and a Sermon preached by Rev. Mr. Scull. The Bishop also confirmed one person. At night, after Prayers by Rev. James D. Gibson, Con¬ firmation was again administered by the Bishop, and the Missionary Sermon preached by Rev. William Johrtsoii. A collection was made in favor of Diocesan Missions, amount¬ ing totwenty dollars. ! A APPENDIX. 13 BISHOP'S ADDRESS. BRETHREN OF THE CLERGY AND LAITY : Our Ecclesiastical,. like our Natural life, is a mingled web of light and shade, of joy and sorrow. We cannot expect that it shall be all sunshine, neither doth God permit our skies to be always covered with clouds and darkness, but He so mingles the light of his countenance with the chastise¬ ments of his grace, as to build us up into the obedience of Faith and the perfectness of Charity. His purpose is to purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works, aad this purpose is wrought within his Church, through a like alternation of times and seasons, as is necessary to cast into the lap of the husbandman the precious fruits of the Earth. At this, our annual assemblage, there is much to cheer us as a Church, and much" to sadden us, much to make us press forward with hope, and much again to humble and afflict us. Let us dwell for a little while upon either side of the picture, and while we rejoice in the goodness and mercy of God, let us confess our Vwn unworthiriess, and abase ourselves that in due time we may be exalted. We find good cause for congratulation at this our accus¬ tomed meeting, that oUr Church continues to press forward, as she has always done, in unity and love. No where, in our Diocese, is the voice of strife heard among those who minister at the same table, and whatever may be our differ¬ ences of opinion in regard to the interpretation of doctrine, or the exertion of discipline, we are content to hold them in the Bond of Peace. Nor is this, my Brethren, a slight bles¬ sing, for where envy and strife are, there is confusion and every evil work. Not that I should commend an unity which compromised the truth, or desire a peace which was obtained at the expense of the Gospel, but when I know that the truth is taught in all its essential and vital features and the Gospel preached in faithfulness and simplicity, my heart rejoices that the mode of presenting that truth or the manner of preaehing that Gospel are not made occasions of discord and dispute. All have at heart the same purpose— 14 Bishop's Address. the offer of Christ in the Church and through the Church to a lost and ruined world—and so long as this purpose is pur¬ sued through the acknowledged means of grace, and the accustomed channels of our Catholic, yet Protestant Churchy we leave to every Minister his undoubted privilege of com¬ mending himself in his own way to every man's conscience in the sight of God. The blessed advice of St. James : "My Brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall re¬ ceive the greater condemnation," is that which I would im¬ press upon you as the simple means of fulfilling the divine law of Charity among yourselves. Another cause for congratulation finds itself in the rapid increase of our Ministry, and the occupation of every Parish at present existing in the Diocese. At the close of this Con¬ vention, we shall number eight and twenty Clergymen as connected with this Diocese, most of whom are actively and earnestly engaged within its limits. When we remember the few laborers that were, a little while ago, scattered here and there upon the walls of our Zion, and contemplate the band of young and ardent soldiers of the Cross, who are now gathering thick and fast around our Holy Altars, we may indeed augur great things for her, when having sown in tears, they shall return rejoicing, bringing their sheaves with them. May God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost endue them with heavenly wisdom and divine strength. Another cause for congratulation arises out of the tested, self-dependence of the Diocese. From the beginning of my Episcopate, have I urged this position upon you, and having tried it in faith, you have found it amply to supply all your necessities. When we remember in what a condition of em¬ barrassment most of the Churches of the Diocese were but a few years ago, and how weak and feeble they seemed to the eye of sense, it is matter of earnest thankifulness to look at them now, as they are moving forward in their high ca¬ reer, not only freed from every pecuniary difficulty, but year after year reproducing themselves in the waste spots of the Diocese, and feeling it to be not a burden, but a delight to build up new Churches that shall represent them not only in form, but in spirit and life—and with the increase of Churches Bishop's Address. 15 comes the increase of Missionary funds, so that we are con¬ fident that wherever a good work is to be done, the means will be ready to accomplish it. We feel that we are no lon¬ ger dependent upon outward assistance, but that we have, within ourselves, ample resources for all our advancement and developement. Let us now turn the picture and see the shadows which darken this brightness—and the deepest shade which, in rhy opinion, rests upon the prospect, is the evident want of spir¬ itual life in our Congregations, And this want is not charge¬ able upon the Church of this Diocese alone, for it appears to pervade the Church at large—nay, the whole religious world; but the extent of the lukewarmness, instead of di¬ minishing, aggravates the evil. I cannot here enter into the causes of this coldness, although I think they might easily be traced and exposed, but I merely draw your attention to the fact, in the hope that it may awaken you to fresh efforts of prayer and supplication that the dew of God's blessing may descend upon your Flocks. We are becoming too well satisfied to sit year after year without any. visible result of our labors, and content ourselves with the fallacy that such decent lukewarmness is in accordance with the sober teach¬ ings of the Episcopal Church. Alas ! my Brethren, that we should either think so or say so of a Church which brings the Holy Ghost more continually and more prominently before the people than any ritual upon Earth, which is ever praying that the dew of Goil's spirit may descend upon Ministers and people. 'Tis true, the spirit of the Church is against periodical excitements, but that same Church demands of her Ministry that they should, in the room of these, exhibit a constant revival of their people in all the graces of the Gospel. .'Tis true, the spirit of the Church is against wild fanaticism, but that same Church enjoins upon her Priests, at the peril of their souls, to see that the Lord's family be provided with the bread of life—that their understandings be enlightened, their consciences purified, their affections elevated and satisfied. No ! so far from any thing like luke¬ warmness being tolerated in the Church, she enjoins upon you, Ministers of the Gospel, continually " to pray to God 16 Bishop's Address. the Farther, by the mediation of our only Saviour, Jesus* Christ, for the heavenly assistance of the Holy Ghost," that you may bring all such as are committed to your charge to ripeness and perfectness of age in Christ. I would once more recommend to you, my Brethren of the Clergy, as a means to this revival of religion in your Churches, the system of convocations. They are beneficial in many ways, in bringing the younger Clergy into eontact with the older, in exchanging and comparing experiences in the work of the Ministry, in strengthening each other in your labors of love, in supporting each other under difficulties and afflictions—but more than all, in exhibiting to your peo¬ ple a deep interest in their spiritual improvement, while you provide for them opportunities of receiving knowledge from the lips of the wise and gracious. I know that it requires effort to arrange and carry out these convocations, and spir¬ itual determination after they are assembled to prevent them from degenerating into mere social reunions, but difficulties should not deter you from making the effort in Faith and Hope. Another cloud which has just rested upon our Dfoeesey comes home to the heart of every one of us and casts its shadow there. Death has, for the first time, since my con^- nexion with the Diocese, invaded our ministerial band, and taken from it one of the Pioneers of the Church. For ten years have we labored, side by side, in building up the Church of our affections, and although we have at times differed in our views of things and in our opinions of meas^ ures, never has an unkind word passed between us, never has the garment of Charity once been rent. Our belover before the fruits can be gathered into the store-house. It is because they look for a violation of this law in ecclesiastical matters that so many young Clergymen are passing from Parish to Parish, achieving nothing and gradually looking confidence in the means of grace and in the power of the Church, My next visit was a deeply interesting one and in an al¬ together new vicinity. An old and highly valued family* of our Diocese, one .whose members have,, for generations, hslcl responsible and distinguished positions in the Church, giu} have done much to build up this Diocese, removed, in search of health, into Vann's Valley, Floyd county, and with char¬ acteristic zeal immediately planted the Episcopal Church upon their own domain. Without any ministerial services, save such as occasionally were afforded them by the Rev.Mr. Scott of Marietta, and Rev. Dr. Ford of Augusta, this fami¬ ly has collected and kept together, through its united ener¬ gy, a very respectable Congregation, and has maintained Sunday and Day Schools for the children of the neighbor* hood. Although the weather was dreadful during my visit to the Valley, it did Hot prevent a very fair attendance upon the services of the Church. On this occasion, two candidate# were confirmed, one of them a poor boy of the neighborhood* jvho had been educated in this School, and full of humble piety, is, we trust, preparing for usefulness in the.(3Iw«chof his Redeemer. How much good may be effected I officiated in the Churches in Savannah during Passion'1 Week, and on Sunday morning (Easter Day) confirmed^n Christ Church eleven persons, and at night in St. John's Church thirteen persons. On Monday rnorningthree-t>ther persons, who had been prevented by indisposition from com- Bishop*s Address. 21 ing t>ut the evening before, were confirmed in St. John's. These Churches are both in very good condition, and con¬ tinue to be the sources of great liberality to the whole Dio¬ cese. Wednesday and Thursday, the 4th and 5th of April, were spent with the Church upon St. Simon's, which I found very much in the same condition as mentioned in my last report. Mr. Brown continues faithfully to labor upon the island, and to give much time to the negroes upon the plantations. Two persons were offered for confirmation, one white and one colored person. The first Sunday- after Easter was spent with the Church at St. Mary's. In the morning, I consecrated the Church in this town under the name of the Church of the Messiah, and in the afternoon confirmed six persons. This Congre¬ gation has grown very much since my last visitation, and ap¬ pears to have taken a strong hold upon the affections of the people of St. Mary's. Sunday, April 14, was spent with Trinity Church, Colum¬ bus. I was grieved to find upon my visit to this Parish, that the health of our beloved brother, the Rector of Trinity Church, had again become worse, so that the Vestry had thought it due to the long services of their Pastor to offer him an assistant for such time as he might deem one necessary, and to give him free permission to travel during the ensuiftg Summer. The Rev. Mr. Ticknor, of Alabama, was select¬ ed for that purpose, and has been officiating acceptably for some six weeks or two months. Seven persons were offered for confirmation in this Parish. No Church in the Diocese is in a more flourishing condition than this at Columbus. My next Sunday was spent upon the steamboat Wynnton, on my way to Apalachicola, upon which, at the very polite request of Captain Morton, a good churchman, I officiated in the morning. Tf he serviee was .a very interesting one, as perhaps it was the first time that a Church service had ever been read upon that river. On Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, services were held at Apalachicola, and eleven persons confirmed. The Rev. Mr. Ellis, of Alabama, has been last in charge of this Parish. 22 Bishop's Address. Sunday, the 28th April, was again spent in Columbus, when an additional candidate was offered for confirmation. The fifth Sunday after Easter (May 5) was spent with the Church in Macon, upon which occasion seven persons were confirmed, one of whom was from Montpelier. The Church in Macon is prospering very much, and the borders of the Congregation have become so straitened, that they are pre¬ paring to build a new Church. As I am informed, the funds' have been subscribed, the plan adopted, and the contract is about being closed for the work. This record of my journeyings shows that every Church in the Diocese has been visited during the year, except Stl Stephen's, Milledgeville. In the performance of this duty/ I have travelled four thousand eight hundred miles, and have been permittqd to go out and come in in safety. Three Ministers have been ordained, one Church consecrated* eighty persons confirmed, and service has been held by my¬ self at least twice upon every Lord's day and upon many other days of the week during the year. When not engaged Upon Episcopal duty, I have officiated twice every Lord'i^ day at Montpelier* * 1 During the year now closed, three Clergymen have been added to our Diocese by ordination, the Rev. Messrs. Mag-* auley, Perdue and Gibson, and two by removal into the Die* cese, the Rev. George H. Clark and the Rev. Wm» J. Zim- mer. The Rev. Mr. Macauley commenced his labors'»poil a mission composed of Lexington/Washington'and Pefetfs- burgh, but has been since prevailed upon by the Planters on the Savannah River, niear the City of Savannah} t© under-* take a mission upon their plantations, like the one under thg charge of the Rev. Mr. Williams upon the Ogeeehee. As it has only within the last month been put into operation no report can be made of its progress. No Clergyman has left the Diocese. Mr. Ticknor, though officiating in Trinity Church, Columbus, has not been transferred to the Diocese of Georgia. * > ■ /v Two Candidates for Orders have been added to our previous list, Mr. Alex. N. C. Smetg and Mr. Fva»ei» M. Adams. Mr. Wesley P. Gahagan is now in his laSt year at Bishop's Address. 23 the Theological Seminary. Mr. Terry is keeping School in Alabama and preparing for orders. Mr. Habersham is ready for ordination, and the testimonials of Mr. George for Dea¬ con's orders have been signed by the Standing Committee. These six names make up our list of Candidates. I am happy to inform the Convention that the liberality of the Church has placed our Diocesan Missionary Society upon high ground. Our Treasurer has been enabled to meet all arrears of indebtedness, to make his payments punctually and to report a balance in favor of the Treasury. This is important, for new and interesting points of labor are open¬ ing before the Society, and well qualified Clergymen are of¬ fering themselves for positions in the Diocese. No less than four points of great interest demand our immediate attention. The rapidly growing town of Griffin should be occupied at once. LaGrange imperatively demands our exertions.— Albany, in Baker county, presents a very fine opening, nay our people there are asking earnestly for services. Cass- ville could be cultivated to advantage. But these new places require to be supported during the first years of their estab¬ lishment, and as the Committee of the Domestic and For¬ eign Missionary Society has cut Georgia down to an appro¬ priation of $400 per annum, we are cast almost entirely upon our own resources. Our duty is to meet the emergency, and I would call upon all the Churches now receiving Mis¬ sionary aid, to endeavor each year to reduce their demands upon the Treasury, and would request the well established Churches to turn their liberality very much within the Dio¬ cese. There has been no period in our History in which our Churches have been so entirely unencumbered by any thing like debt, or our members so prosperous as individuals.— Now is the time then, for exertions to advance the church in all those places where there is a reasonable prospect of a successful establishment. Never yet have we been com¬ pelled to recede from any point which we have selected for a station, and if the Treasury of the Church is only kept supplied, I entertain no fear but that Ministers of a high order can be immediately obtained to occupy these stations. And now, my beloved Brethren, may the Almighty and 24 Parochial Reports. Everlasting God, who, by his Holy Spirit, (lid preside in the Councils of the blessed Apostles, be with the Council of the Church here assembled, in his name and presence. May he save us from all error, ignorance, pride and prejudice, and direct, govern and sanctify us in our present work by the mighty power of the Holy Ghost. STEPHEN ELLIOTT, Jr. PAROCHIAL REPORTS. Christ Church, Savannah. REV. EDWARD NEUFVJLLE, D. D., RECTOR. Baptisms—infants 26, adult 1— 27 Marriages - 9 Burials - 18 Confirmed - 11 Communicants—died 5, added 16, removed 11— 160 Sunday School—Teachers 12 Pupils, average attendance 80 Contributions—To Diocesan Missions $760 36 " Domestic do. 18 10 u Foreign do. 203 50 " St. Peter's Church, Rome, Floyd county, 210 00 u St. James'Church, Alexandria, Louisiana, 125 00 « Education fund, Candidates for Orders, 181 68 " Communion alms, - - 301 36 " Bishop's salary, - - 1000 00 $2800 00 The " Ladies' Missionary Association" contributed of this amount $248 99 to Diocesan Missions, and $50 to the Church at Rome, Floyd county. The children of the Congregation were, as usual, catechized open¬ ly in the Church on every Sunday afternoon during the season of Lent. The Sunday Schools, under the superintendance of Wm.P. Yonge, Esq., who has kindly relieved the Rector from that duty during the past year, are still without any other male teacher. Mr. Edwin Knapp still continues his valuable services as Librarian. Parochial ReporU. 25 The contributions of the pupils to the education of children at the missionary stations in Africa and China, amounting to $75, are inclu¬ ded in the aggregate return above. The " African" Missionary Society has contributed $106, not so included. St. John's Church, Savannah. . REV. RUFUS M. WHITE, RECTOR. Baptisms—adults 3, infant 14 - - 17 Confirmations - - - - 16 Marriages - - - - - 6 Burials - - - - 14 Communicants-—removed 10; died 2 ; added 14; present number ----- 102 On the first Sunday in June we commenced taking a weekly offer¬ tory. The practice of thus joining " our prayers and our alms" has steadily gained the approval and commended itself to the christian feeling of the congregation. During the absence 6f the Rector in the summer it was interrupted for two months. The amount received From it in the nine months, in which it has been taken, has enabled us to appropriate To the poor of the Parish - $223 50 " the BishopJs salary - 250 00 " Diocesan Missions - 100 00 " General Domestic Missions - - - 50 00 " Foreign Missions - - - 50 00 " Education of candidates for orders - - 30 00 " Church at Rome - - - 5 00 $708 50 In addition to the sums thus appropriated from the weekly offer¬ tory, we have been enabled, (principally by the liberality of a single communicant) to send, To the church at Marietta - $100 00 a « « « Talbotton - - 110. 00 u « » " Rome - 145 00 <( « « Rapides, Louisiana - - - 25 00 4 $380 00 26 Parochial Reports. The Sunday Schools have given to the Church Mission at Shanghai - - - ~ $25 00 To the Church Mission at Cape Palmas - - 20 00 45 00 $1133 50 The sums given for the support of the Parqchial Schools, and or¬ phan Asylum are not here included. Great advance has been made during the year in our preparations for building a new church edifice, and we hope, at the next Convention, to report it in progress. The necessary plans and drawings have already been furnished by an ac¬ complished architect, and adopted: and a chime of bells for the tower has been presented by a zealous parishioner. We are under great obligations to Rev. W. C. Williams for valuable services performed in the Parish, during the absence of the Rector in the summer. For the tokens of prosperity furnished by this report, praise be to the AU- holy Trinity. St. Paul's Church, Augusta. REV. EDWARD E. FORD, D. D., RECTOR. Baptisms—adults 4, children-34—total - - §8 Confirmed - - - " - 15 Communicants—added (7 being by transfer from other Con¬ gregations) 24, died 3, removed 1—present number 12T Marriages - - - - 5 Burials (7 not of the Congregation) - - 19. Collections. For Diocesan Missions - - 174 68 Advent collection for Domestic Missions of General Board 179 30 Epiphany collection for Foreign Missions of " 70 00 For St. Peter's, Rome, - - - 163 00 For Church at Greenville, Tenn. - - 57 00 Communion alms, - - _ _ 204 86 $$64 84 Sunday School—White children about 90, teachers 8 j colored children about 25, under 4 teachers. Parochial Reports. 27 Christ Church, Macon. REV. J. A. SHANKLIN, RECTOR. Baptisms—adult 1, infants 13—total - 14 Confirmed since last report, (including 1 from Montpelier) 14 Communicants—added 15—present number - 93 Marriages - - - 2 Funerals - - - - 6 Sunday School scholars - - -110 Average attendance 75 Teachers - - - - - 12 Contributions. To Diocesan Missions - $173 56 " Domestic - - - - 50 00 « Foreign - - - - §4 00 " Mission among Chickasaws - - 24 00 " Bishop Chase of Illinois, to aid in replacing his loss by fire - - - 100 00 " Furnishing an outfit to a Missionary to Africa 100 00 For a Sunday School Library for Atlanta - - 10 00 For Mission to the Jews - - 12 00 For American Sunday School Union - - 32 00 The Ladies' Association has made during the year 920 00 For benevolent purposes connected with the Parish 114 25 To aid Ravenscroft College - - - 30 00 The children of the Sunday School have during the year contributed, (most of which has been appropriated - to education in Africa) - - 31 11 Total $1667 36 13 56 1680 *92 The prospects of this Parish are encouraging, a#d it is hoped that, by the blessing of God, its importance will increase with the grow¬ ing prosperity of the city. Efforts are making to erect a new church building of a size more suitable to the wants of the congregation than the present edifice. 28 Parochial Reports. Trinity Church, Columbus. REV. J. H. TICKNOR, ASSISTANT MINISTER. Baptisms—adults 1, infants 15 - - # - 16 Confirmations - - ~ ® Marriage - - - " "1 Burials—adult 3, infants 2 - - 5 Communicants— (an exact report cannot at present be made, but it is thought that the number remains as at the last Convention) - 151 Sunday School—Teachers, male 5, female 7 12 Pupils, male 34, female 55 - - - 89 Colored - 8 109 Collections. At Offertory - $210 07 Domestic Missions - . - 103 35 Foreign " - - 72 50 Diocesan - - - 100 00 Special - •* - 78 25 Bishop's fund - - - 110 00 Appropriated by Ladies' Sewing Society for all purposes 125 00 During the year, owing to the rapidly declining health of the Rec¬ tor, public services in the Church have been very irregular. Six weeks ago an assistant was called ; and it is now his duty to report to the Convention that the Rev. William D. Cairns has entered into " the rest that remaineth for the people of God." He ceased from his labors on the morning of the 8th of May, in the forty-sixth year of his age, and the twenty-fifth of his ministry. Christ Church, St. Simon's. REV. E. P. BROWN, RECTOR. The Rector of Christ Church, St. Simon's, reports his continuance at his post, laboring cheerfully, and not hopelessly in his work. The congregation, with one or two exceptions, is made up of all the fam¬ ilies of the Island ; and all desire, and are willing, to aid'in the contin¬ uance of divine worship, and the service of a Minister among them. Although in the number added to the Church the result be small, he Parochial Reports. 29 cannot refuse himself the privilege of believing in the general and elevating influence of the truth, which from Sabbath to Sabbath has been preached. Still, with deep humility he recalls the past, praying with fervent prayer that his work may yet come to good effect in the hearts of those for whom he labors. Baptisms—white, infants 2; negroes, adult 1, infants 23 - 26 Confirmations—white 1, negro 1, 2 Missionary contributions » - $35 21 Grace Church, Clarkesville. REV. B. F. MOWER, RECTOR. Baptisms—white 1, colored 3, - - 4 Confirmed - 1 Burials—colored - - - -2 Communicants - 11 Sunday School—Teachers 4, scholars 24, - 28 Contributions. Alms at the Holy Communion - - $47 71£ Fpr Diocesan Missions - - - 51 00 For general Missions, Domestic - - 3 57i " " " Foreign - - 1 62£ • # Parochial Reports. 33 St. Peter's Church, Rome. REV. JAMES I). GIBSON, RECTOR. Baptisms—white adults 1, white infants 10 - - 11 Communicants, removed - 3 " Added - - - .9 " Present number - - 15 Marriages - - - _ - 5 Burials - 3 Awaiting confirmation - - - - 4 Communion offerings - 34 Since my ordination (in May last) I have been actively engaged in the work of the ministry in this Parish, holding services, and preach¬ ing twice, generally, every Sabbath. In the discharge of the^e duties, I have been much encouraged in witnessing the blessing of the Lord upon my humble labors. May lie who is sight to the blind, and strength to the weakest, grant to me the assistance of his holy spirit, that 1 may be enabled to preach the whole truth of God, with faith¬ fulness, with firmness, and with singleness of heart, seeking onlj|his glory in the advancement of his holy cause. To my brethren of the clergy, who so kindly aided me in raising the funds necessary for liquidating the debt on my church, I return my most sincere thanks. An acknowledgement also is here deemed to be due to the Rev. Mr. Barnwell and his people of St. Peter's Church, Charleston, for a very handsome present to myself. The Holy Communion has been administered in the Parish four times, including once in private, viz : twice by the Bishop, once by the Rev. Mr. Scott, and once by the Rev. Mr. Hunt. The children connected with our Sunday School are catechised iponthly in the church after evening prayer, and a lecture usually delivered to them. The usual Lenten services were held, but I am sorry to add, were very poorly.attended, frequently none being present but myself and wife. How applicable on such occasions the beautiful prayer of St. Chrysostom. Church of the Messiah, St. Mary's. REV. W. D. HARLOW, RECTOR. Communicants at last report - - 23 « Added by removal - - 1 « By profession of faith - - - 1 Parochial Reports. 35 Sunday School for colored children—Catechist - 1 Catechumens—average attendance - - - 15 Of the white communicants above reported, three reside at so great a distance as seldom to be able to attend upon the services of the church at this place. They attend at Cassvijle, where I read Prayers and preach on the third Sunday in each month. St, Philip's Church, Atlanta. REV. WM. J. Z1MMER, RECTOR. Communicants—(2 in Jonesborough) - .9 Families—(I in Jonesborough) - - 10 Baptisms—infants 1, adult I - - - 2 Marriages - 1 Burials - - - 1 Sunday School—Scholars 60 " " Teachers - - - 10 " " Library—Volumes - - 125 I took charge of this Parish about the middle of February last.— The prospect is somewhat encouraging. The attendance is from 40 to 60. Zion Church, Talbotton, REV. RICHARD JOHNSON, RECTOR. Baptisms—white 4, colored 9 - - 13 Communicants - 6 Sunday School—pupils, white 36, colored 55 - - 91 « « Teachers - 6 Candidates for confirmation - ~ "3 White pupils who know the whole catechism - 10 u a a cc « Catechism to the Sacraments - 7 The Rector was absent from his charge from the 10th of June last, to the 10th of December, during which time he filled the pulpit of Christ Church, Savannah. From that date until January, he was en- 36 Parochial Reports. gaged in making collections for the completion of the Church edifice here. On the 20ih of June he visited Griffin and organised Calvary Church in that place. The Rector takes this opportunity of acknowledging the obliga¬ tion he feels himself under to Mr. Henry A. Coit, for his faithful and successful labors in the Sunday Schools of the parish. That gen¬ tleman and the Rev. Mr. Natt, both of the Diocese of Pennsylvania, passed several months in this place as invalids, and by their christian deportment and conversation did not a little to recommend the Church to the confidence of the people. Ogeechee Mission. REV. W. C. WILLIAMS. Missionary. Baptisms—adults 3, infants 19 - -22 Marriages - 8 Burials—whites (not of the Mission) 3, colored 14 - 17 Communicants - 14 Pupils connected with the Mission Schools - - 180 Contributions. Foreign - $12 50 Domestic - - - - - 12 50 Diocesan - - - - 10 00 Communion Alms - - - - 11 56 Total - - - $46 56 The bounds of the Mission have been considerably enlarged during the past year. The Missionary has now under his charge [six plan¬ tations, having on them about eleven hundred souls. The planters have erected two chapels for the use of their people, and they extend to the Missionary every facility for communicating religious knowl¬ edge to them. As yet but little fruit can be seen. But this cannot surprise any one at all acquainted with the character of the work. There are dif¬ ficulties and discouragements peculiar to this portion of the Lord's vineyard, and nothing can be accomplished without patient, perse¬ vering labor. But " we shall reap in due season, if we faint not. Treasurer's Report. 37 DIOCESE OF GEORGIA, IN ACCOUNT WITH GEO. PARROTT, TREASURER. 1849. DR. May 19. To Hon. Robt. M. Charlton, on Bishop's bill, $290 92 Aug. 4. " Rev. T. F. Scott, for Journals Con. 1849, 60 00 Oct. 10. « Rt. Rev. S. Elliott, Jr., thro'T. M. Nelson, Esq. 25 00 Nov. T. " Hon. R. M. Charlton, on Bishop's bill, 200 00 " 22. « « « « « " " 209 08 " 26. " " " u for interest on said bills 20 19 Dec. 27. " Rev. T. F. Scott, Secr'y, incident, expenses, 15 00 1850. Jan. 15. " Bishop's bill, favor J. C. Plant, Ag't. 655 00 May 6. " paid Bishop Elliott, 744 81 u " " " " " quarter's salary due 1st March past in advance, 500 00 $2,720 00 May 9. Balance due Treasurer brought down, 2S9 08 1849. CR. May 11. By Williford, late Treasurer, $290 92 Convention Expenses. May 12. " St. John's, Savannah, $10 " Emanuel, Athens, 10 " Christ Church, Savannah, - 10 " St. James', Marietta, 10 " Christ Church, Macon, 10 " St. Paul's, Augusta, 10 " Trinity, Columbus, 10—70 00 Bishop's Fund. Nov. 6. " St. Paul's, Augusta, 200 00 « 8. " Trinity, Columbus, 75 00 Oct. 10. " " " ^ 00—100 00 Nov. 26. 44 St. Paul's, Augusta, 250 00 1850 Feb. 9. " Christ Church, Savannah, 697 00 " St. John's, Savannah, 125 00 April 2» " St. James' Church, Marietta, 20 00 May 2. " Christ Church, Savannah, 303 00 « 4. « St. John's, Savannah, 125 00 Mav 6. " St. Paul's, Augusta, 250 00 u Q, Balance, 2S9 08 $2,720 00 GEORGE PARROTT, Treasurer of the Diocese of Georgia. E. E.—May 9,1850.* 38 Treasurer's Report. Missionary Committee of tlie Diocese, IN ACCOUNT WITH W. S. WILLIFORD, TREASURER. RE CAPI TULA TIOJY. Dr. Paid Rev. Thomas F. Scott, old balance from last year - $34 54 " Richard Johnson, in.full to 1st May - 338 32 « T. L. Smith, « « - - 212 50 " W. D. Harlow, « « - 102 71 " B. F. Mower, on account, - - 126 00 " J. D. Gibson, in full to 1st May - 300 00 " E. P. Brown, on account, - - 262 50 Balance on hand - - - 100 03 $1476 60 Cr. Rec'd from Christ Church, Savannah—Offerings 291 27 Wardens and Vestry 220 10 Ladies' Association 248 99 Donation - 20 00 780 36 " St. Paul's Church, Augusta—Offerings 174 68 Donation of a commun't 60 00 234 68 " Christ Church, Macon —Offerings 14S 56 Ladies' Association 25 00 Don'n of a communicant 10 00 183 56 a St. James' Church, Marietta - 33 00 a Ladies' Association of Montpelier 35 00 a Trinity Church, Columbus - 100 00 u St. John's Church, Savannah 55 00 n Church of the Messiah, St. Mary's 4 00 a Grace Church, Clarkesville - 51 00 $1476 60 By balance cash on hand - 100 03 Amount due E. P. Brown, to 1st inst. - 37 50 u B. F. Mower, " - 24 00 61 53 Nett balance - $38 53 W. S. WILLIFORD , Treasurer. E. E.¬ May 10th, 1S50. o CO TABULAR STATEMENT OF PAROCHIAL REPORTS. © $2 E? PARISHES. Christ Church, Savannah. St. Paul's, Augusta Clirist Church, Macon Trinity Church, Columbus Clirist Church, St. Simon's Grace Church, Clarkesv'ile St. John's, Savannah SI. Stephen's, Miltedgevillc St. James', Marietta St. Luke's, Montpelier Emmanuel, Athens St. Andrew's, Darien St. David's, Glynn county. St. Peter's, Rome Ch. of Messiah, St. Mary's St. Philip's, Atlanta Zion Church, Talbotton... Ch. of Ascension, Cass co. Ogechee Mission. BAPTISMS. 27 11 38 l.~> 14 j 14 16 j 8 26 " 1 191 IS 227 S3I 102 COMMUNICANTS | a 161 14 lol| • ••I HI 102| 13 45 15 S-) 26 10 15 38 9 0 14 37 ill 862 42 CONTRIBUTIONS, ETC. For Missions. 174 173 100 '5l' 10D 21 40 36 J $3 681 1 6?) 95 00 171 10 CO 19 50 0 00 4 i)0 2 50 »IH 10 179 30 74 po 103 85 "3 57} 50 00 12 50 12 50 11 56 814G6 571 $645 12% | $440 82X1 $5482 2iH I SUNDAY I /SCHOOLS.j 1924 04 $2906 00 424 86 8C4 S4 1342 92 1680 92 398 32 C71 17 35 21 122 7)>i 17S 91 >4 883 50 1133 50 10 00 31 95 29 33 G9 35 330 00 3G5 00 31 00 10 34 45 75 46 56 SS073 50* 121 80 8j 115 4 15 10 tit 6 91 2 1J 180 SO 856 RECTORS. ETC. •921 Rev. Edw'd Neufville, P D. 123[ Rev. Edw'd E.Fovd, D. D. 122(Rev. J. A. Shanklin. 1091 ,... ] Rev. Erl. P. Brown. 28|Rev. B. F. Mower. .... I Rev, liufus M. White. ,,..|Rov. Wm. Johnson. 56 Rev.Thomas F. Scott. Rt. Rev. S.Elliott, Jr., D.D. Rev. S«G. Uragg. Rev. T. L. Smith. Rev. Geo.II. Clarke. 19 19 Rev. J. D. Gibson. Rev. W. D. Harlow. 70|Rev. W. J. Ziminer. 97!Rev. Richard Jolinson. 211Rev. \V. J. Perdue. ISO I Rev. W. C. William''. 40 Consliluhon. ©©^§TQTiynr[]@M OF THE PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH. IN THE DIOCESE OF GEORGIA. ARTICLE I.—The Church of this Diocese, as a constituent part of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the United States of America^ accedes to, recognises, and adopts the General Constitution of that Church, and acknowledges its authority accordingly. ARTICLE II.—A Convention of this Church shall be held at such time of each year and place as the previous Convention may appoint: provided, however, that no Convention shall be opened for the trans¬ action of business unless there be present at least two clergymen and delegates from two congregations. And in case no Convention be formed, the standing officers of the last Convention shall hold their respective offices until successors shall be appointed. ARTICLE III.—The Bishop, or, if the Episcopate be vacant, the Standing Committee, shall have power, when it appears requisite for the good of the Church, to call a Special Convention, by a circular letter to the several Churches. There shall not be less than four weeks notice previous to the day appointed, and such meeting shall be holden when the authority calling it shall determine, and at such Special Convention no other business shall be transacted than that stated in the notice calling the Convention. ARTICLE IV.—The Convention shall be composed of Clergymen and Laymen. Every Clergyman in good standing, regularly settled and continuously exercising clerical functions in an existing Parish? or who shall have been six months last past performing missionary duties under the direction of the Ecclesiastical authority cf this Dio¬ cese, shall be entitled to all the privileges of a member of this Con¬ vention ; and every duly recognised Minister of this Church canon- ically resident for six months last past within the Diocese, being en¬ gaged in the business of literary instruction, or disabled by reason of age or infirmity from exercising clerical functions, shall be entitled Constitution. 41 to all the privileges of a member of the Convention, with the excep¬ tion of a right to vote. Each church or congregation in union with this Convention shall be entitled to a representation by one Lay Del¬ egate oY more, not exceeding three, to be chosen from its own body by the Wardens and Vestrymen thereof: provided, however, that the Minister, or, in his absence, the Delegate or Delegates present at any Convention, may supply any vacancy in the delegation, if he or they should find, at the place of meeting, a member or members of the congregation which they are empowered to represent. ARTICLE V.—New Parishes may be admitted into union with this Convention by a majority of votes : provided, that they shall have laid before the Convention written evidence, subscribed by the Wardens, that they accede to the Constitution and Canons of this Church, and are regularly organized by the election of two Wardens, and any number of Vestrymen at#discretion, not exceeding eight. ARTICLE VI.—Every meeting of the Convention shall be opened with Morning Prayer, and a Sermon, delivered on the first day of the-Convention, by a Preacher appointed at the preceding Conven¬ tion; a Sermon on Missions shall also be preached some time during the sitting of each Convention, when a collection shall be made in aid of Missions within this Diocese. Ti?e appointment of both Preachers, with substitutes, shall be made by the Bishop, or, in his absence, by the President of the Convention. ARTICLE VII.—The Convention shall deliberate and act as one body, unless when any member shall call for a division on any ques¬ tion, in which case each clerical member shall be entitled to one vote, ai^d the lay delegates of each congregation jointly to one vote ; and a majority of both orders shall be necessary to a decision. ARTICLE VIII.—The Bishop of the Diocese shall be ex-ojicio President of the Convention. In case there be no Bishop, or, in his absence, a presiding officer shall be elected from among the clerical members present. ARTICLE IX.—At each annual meqjing of the Convention, a Secretary and Treasurer shall be chosen, to hold their respective offi¬ ces until the next annual Convention, or until successors shall be appointed. It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to receive, or cause to be received, at each annual Convention the assessments upon the Parishes of this Diocese for defraying the incidental expenses of the'1 Convention and the support of the Episcopate—and also to pay to the Bishop quarterly, in advance, the amount of salary pledged to 6 42 Constitution. him by this Convention ; making a faithful return of all these his acts in his annual report to the Convention of this church. ARTICLE X.—A Standing Committee shall be chosen at each an¬ nual meeting of this Convention, to consist of three clerical .arid ihree lay members; of the time and place of whose meetings due notice in writing shall be given to all the members thereof at least one week before the time of such, meeting. At a meeting thus notified, any four members shall constitute a quorum. The Standing Committee shall meet as soon as practicable after their election, and choose a President and Secretary from among their own number, and it shall be the duty of the President to call a meeting of the committee when¬ ever he shall be required to do so by any three members of the com¬ mittee. Vacancies in this committee, caused by death, resignation,, or otherwise, shall be supplied by the suffrages of the remaining mem¬ bers. S ARTICLE XI.—The Convention shall annually elect four clergy¬ men and four laymen as deputies to the General Convention, and to any special General Convention which may be held in the recess of this Convention, who shall be empowered, in the absence of one or more of their colleagues, to appoint in the place of such delegate or delegates any citizen or citizens of this State: provided, that such citizen or citizens be a member or members of the Protestant Episco¬ pal Church in this Diocese; or, if it be inconvenient for any delegate or delegates to proceed to the place of meeting, the Bishop is au¬ thorized to appoint others in their place. In case of a vacancy in the Episcopate, the power hereby conferred on the Bishop shall be ex¬ ercised by the Standing Committee. ARTICLE XII.—A proposition for altering and amending this Con¬ stitution shall be introduced in writing, and considered in Convention, and if approved by a majority, shall lie over to the next Convention, when, upon consideration again, if it be approved by a majority of the Convention, it shall be adopted. ARTICLE XIII.—In all elections by ballot, a majority of votes shall be required for a choice. Canohs. 43 CANONS, CANON I.—Each Church duly represented in this Convention shall pay or cause to be paid into the hands of the Treasurer of the Convention the sum of ten dollars annually for defraying the inci¬ dental expenses of the Convention. CANON If.—In case any clergyman of this Diocese shall be ac¬ cused of error in doctrine, immorality of life, or neglect or transgres¬ sion of any of the canons of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States, or this Diocese, it shall be the duty of any two or more Clergymen, or of the Wardens and Vestrymen of the church of which he is Rector, or to which he may belong, who shall have knowledge or belief of such misdemeanor, to represent the same to the Bishop, or, in case there be no Bishop, to the Standing Commit¬ tee of the Diocese. In the event of such representation, it shall be the duty of the Bishop, or, if there be no Bishop, the Standing Com¬ mittee, if he or they shall deem the charge or charges worthy of in¬ vestigation, forthwith to notify the accused of such charges, together with the time and place appointed for his trial. The mode of trial shall be as follows: the Bishop, or Standing Committee, as the case may be, shall appoint a number of Presbyters, not less than five, of whom the person accused may select a majority, by whom to be tried. The result of the trial shall be made known to the Bishop, or, if there be no Bishop, to the Standing Committee, who shall pronounce and execute, or cause to be pronounced and executed, such sentence as may be awarded, should the same by him or them be deemed just and proper. , Should the sentence be suspension or degradation from the Minis¬ try, the Bishop, or Provisional Bishop, or, should there be none, some neighboring Bishop, shall be required to pronounce the same. Should it be impossible to obtain from this Diocese the requisite number of Presbyters .to constitute a board of trial, the deficiency may be supplied from a neighboring Diocese. Should any Clergyman accused and cited for trial according to the provisions of this canon, neglect or refuse to obey the citation* such neglect or refusal shall be considered as an acknowledgment of the 44 Canons. truth of the charges preferred against him, and sentence shall be pro¬ nounced accordingly. CANON III.—The Convention shall appoint annually, by ballot, a committee of two Clergymen and three Laymen, of which com¬ mittee the Bishop of the Diocese, when there is one, shall be ex-officio chairman; whose duty it shall be to take in charge the Missionary, Bible, Common Pi;ayer Book, Tract and Sunday School operations of the church in this Diocese ; and it shall be further the duty of this committee to make a full report of all their proceedings to each suc¬ ceeding annual Convention. CANON IV.—It shall be the duty of the Vestry of each Church in connexion with this Diocese to pay, or cause to be paid, into the hands of the Treasurer of the Convention, at each annual meeting of the Convention, the amount of the assessment laid upon the churches respectively represented by them for the support of the Episcopate of this Diocese. CANON V.—Section 1. Whenever any number of persons shall associate to form an Episcopal Congregation, they shall adopt articles of association for their government, in which they shall acknowledge and accede to the constitution, canons, doctrines, discipline and wor¬ ship of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States, and the constitution and canons of the Diocese of Georgia ; they shall as¬ sume a suitable name by which their Church or Parish shall be de¬ signated, and elect two Wardens and any number of Vestrymen at discretion, not exceeding eight. A certified copy of the articles of association, and of the proceedings at their adoption, signed by the Wardens, shall then be laid before the Convention, and if approved by that body, delegates fro&i such congregation or parish may take seats in the Convention, and the congregation shall be considered as united to the Convention and subject to its decisions. Section 2. The election of Wardens and Vestrymen in every Parish thus constituted, shall take place annually on Easter Monday, unless some other time be specified in the act of incorporation, with the assent of the ecclesiastical authority ot the Diocese. Hides of Order. 45 RULES OF ORDER. Rule 1. The business of each day shall be introduced by the Order for Daily Morning Prayer and a Sermon. Rule 2. When the President takes the chair, no member shall continue standing, or shall stand up, unless to address the chair. Rule 3. The order of doing business in the Convention shall be as follows : 1. The appointment of a Secretary by ballot. 2. The appointment of Committees of the Convention, and Special Committees. 3. The Annual Address of the Bishop. ** 4. The reading of the Parochial reports. 5. Reports from Committees of the Diocese. 6. Reports from the Treasurers. 7. Reports from Committees appointed at the last Convention. 8. Reports from Committees. 9. Election by ballot of Treasurers, Standing Committee of the %. Diocese, Diocesan Missionary Committee, and Deputies to the Gen¬ eral Convention. Rule 4. When any member is about to speak in debate, or pre¬ sent any matter to the Convention, he shall, with due respect, ad¬ dress himself tO'the President, confining himself strictly to the point in debate. Rule 5. No member shall absent himself from the service of the Convention, unless he have leave, or be unable to attend. Rule 6. No member shall speak more than twice in the same debate, without leave of the Convention. Rule 7. A question, being once determined, shall stand as the judgment of the Convention, and shall not be drawn into debate the same session, unless with the consent of two-thirds of the Conven¬ tion : Provided always, that any member of the Convention voting in favor of any question, may, on the same day in which the vote is taken, or on the succeeding day, move a reconsideration of said vote. Rule 8. No motion shall be debated, or shall be considered as 46 8tanrling Resolvlions. before the Convention, unless seconded, reduced to writing, and read by the Secretary. Rule 9. When a motion is under consideration, no other motion shall be made, except to amend, to divide, to commit, or to postpone; a motion to adjourn, however, shall always be in order, and shall be decided without debate. Rule 10. A question on amendment shall be decided before the original motion. Rule 11. Every member who shall be present when the question is put, shall vote, unless personally interested, or excused by the Convention from voting. Rule 12. When the Convention is about to rise, or adjourn, every member shall keep his seat until the President shall leave the chair. STANDING RESOLUTIONS. For providing a Permanent Fund for the support of the Episcopate, adopted 1841. Resolved, That, as it is important that the formation of a per¬ manent fund for the support of the Episcopate in this Diocese be at once commenced, each Rector of a Parish is requested, annually, to call the attention of his parishioners to the subject, and invite contri¬ butions for the object in such mode as he may deem most expedient. That the Standing Committee of the Diocese be trustees of this fund, to whom all the collections are tb be paid over by the respective Rectors, and the amount thus paid over be invested by the said trus¬ tees in what may appear to them the most safe and profitable man¬ ner—4he interest annually received to be added to the principal, so that for the present the fund may be accumulating. And further, Resolved, That the Standing Committee, as trustees aforesaid, be requested to report to each annual Convention the amount received Style or Title of Churches. 47 during the year, the sources from which received, and the manner in which the same is invested. Of the Organization of New Parishes, adopted 1842. Resolved, That in the organization of new Parishes, the follow¬ ing form of declaration be recommended, and the meeting in which it is adopted be held and conducted according to the provisions of Canon V : " We, the subscribers, assembled for the purpose of organizing a Church (or Parish) of the Protestant Episcopal Church in ., county of , and State of Georgia, after due notice given, do here¬ by agree to form a Church (or Parish) to be known by the name of Church, , and as such, do hereby acknowledge and accede to the doctrine, discipline and worship, the constitution and canons of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America, and the constitution and canons of the same Church in the Diocese of Georgia; and we do accordingly appoint A B and C D to be the first Wardens, and EF, GH, I J, to be the first Vestrymen of Church, to continue in office until Easter Monday, A. D. , and until others be chosen in their place. And an election of Wardens and Vestrymen shall hereafter be held on Easter Monday of each suc¬ cessive year. " Witnfss our hands at , county of , and State of Geor¬ gia, this day of , in the year of our Lord On the use of Churches, adopted 1842. On motion, it was unanimously—Resolved, That it be recom¬ mended to the Vestries of our Churches in this Diocese to discourage the use of the Churches under their care for all " unhallowed., worldly and, common uses." THE STYLE OR TITLE OF CHURCHES. The proper style for a duly incorporated Congregation is, The Rector, Church Wardens and Vestry, (or else the Church Wardens and Vestry) of • Church in ." The first blank being left for the name of the Church, the other for that of the place. 48 Form of a Certificate.—Secretary's JSohce<■ FORM OF A CERTIFICATE, Of Appointment as a Delegate to the Diocesan Convention. This certifies, that at a meeting of the Rector, Wardens and Ves¬ try, (or Wardens and Vestry, if no Rector were present,) of held on the day of , the following person (or per¬ sons, as the case may be,) viz : K L, M IN" and O P, were duly elected to represent this Church in the next Convention of this Diocese, ta be held in , on the day of , 18—. The above certificate sliall be signed by the Rector, if present, or in his absence, by one of the Wardens or Secretary of the Vestry. SECRETARY'S NOTICE. The Secretary respectfully requests the Rectors of Parishes, and the Wardens of vacant Parishes, to furnish at the next Convention the date of their respective organizations as Parishes or Churches. Right Rev. STEPHEN ELLIOTT, Jr., D. D. bishop of the diocese of georgia. Post. Office—Macon. Rev. THOMAS F. SCOTT, Marietta, secretary of the convention. Rev. EDWARD NEUFVILLE, D. D., Savannah, president of the standing committee. Mr. GEORGE PARROTT, of Augusta, treasurer of the diocese. Mr. W. S. WILLIFORD, of Macon, treasurer of the missionary committee. «? Resolved,• I hat the next Convention of the Church in this Diocese be held in I riiiity Church, Columbus, on the Thursday after the first Mon¬ day of May, 1851.