USA > Ohio > Journals of the annual conventions of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Ohio > Part 15
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In returning to my family, then at Worthington, after spending the Sunday at Dayton, and performing morning and evening service and preaching twice, I took Troy and Piqua in my way, where I did the usual duties. Here the prospects of the Church, though lately very flattering, are somewhat damped by the unex-
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pected departure of the Rev. Spencer Wall. They seemed, however, not dis- couraged; and look forward with peculiar solicitude for the services of a pious missionary.
Sunday, 21st, I was at Worthington; and the 20th, at Delaware, performed duty morning and evening. Monday, 29th, in the afternoon, I read prayers and preacli- ed at Berkshire, besides meeting the youth in the evening for prayer and exhor- tation.
Monday, 23d. I pursued my journey, through almost an entire woods, to Coshocton county. Here, in Perry township, a few families had associated to- gether, under the direction of the Rev. Mr. Morse, by the name of St. Matthew's Church. Their zeal in proceeding immediately, though under straitened circum- stances, to the erection of a place for public worship, deserves much praise. The building, though made with hewed logs, bids fair to unite a considerable degree of neatness with commodiousness and firmness. When it is considered that it is the effect of the personal labor of a handful of pious men, assisted only by the voluntary donation of a few persons in Zanesville, in the articles of glass and nails, will, when finished, furnish a theme of wonder and praise. God grant that this worthy example may be imitated by others, in like and more favorable cir- cumstances.
In this parish I endeavored to perform the duty imposed on me by our Heav- enly Master, in visiting the sick, in prayers, and in preaching the word, from the 31st of July till the 4th of August, when I administered the Lord's Supper to 17, and confirmed 22 persons. Monday the 5th, in company with Mr. Trimble, I rode about fifteen miles, to Mill Creek township, between the Tuscarawas and White- woman rivers. Here, the same day, according to appointment previously sent, I preaclied, confirmed 9, and administered the Holy Communion. The same day rode twelve miles to Coshocton village, held service, and preached in the evening.
From Coshocton to Steubenville is eighty miles. Under a burning sun, God enabled me to travel it in two days. The remainder of the week was spent in assisting the Rev. Mr. Morse in parochial duties. On the evening of the 10th, divine service was performed by Mr. Morse, and a sermon by myself.
Sunday the 11th, still at Steubenville-morning and evening service. The Holy Communion was administered, 14 persons confirmed, and one child baptized.
Monday 12th, at St. James', Cross Creek, the Holy Sacrament was administer- ed. and 5 persons confirmed.
Tuesday, 13th, at Mr. Finlay's, ten miles from Cross Creek, confirmed one, and administered the Communion to between 20 and 30 persons. From this till Saturday, I spent the time in St. Clairsville, when divine service was held and a sermon preached.
Sunday the 18th, I consecrated a neat and commodious building to the service of Almighty God, in St. Clairsville, by the name of St. Thomas' Church. It is fifty feet by forty, built of brick, and neatly finished. The people of St. Clairs- ville, under the very laudable exertions of the Rev. Mr. Armstrong, who, though living in Virginia, officiates by letters missionary among them, deserve much praise for their zeal and liberality. Few persons have done more with the like means. Would that their example, in this respect, were imitated. This is the second Church consecrated in the Episcopal communion west of the mountains. After the service of conseeration, the rite of confirmation was administered to ten, and the Holy Communion was celebrated.
Monday, the 19th of August, in company with the Rev. Mr. Armstrong and others, I visited Morristown, preached, and baptized one child. The body of a small church is reared in this place, whiel, it is hoped, may be finished for con- secration this fall. The pious exertions of a few in this place and neighborhood deserve much commendation. I sincerely pray that their liberality may be re- turned in lieavenly blessings.
Wednesday, 21st, I was in Monroe county; held divine service, and preaclied at Mr. Bryan's. Same evening rode through the woods about five miles to visit a sick person, and, after prayers and exhortation, returned to Mr. Wendal's.
Next day, August 22d, I held divine service, and preached to a congregation gathered in the woods, and baptized one child.
Viewing the destitute condition of these interesting people, not only in respect of the means of religion, but those of common learning, I thought proper to engage Mr. John M. Jones, a candidate for Holy Orders, as a Lay Reader and Catechist, to place himself among thiem, and to teachi school. From his well known character for picty, from conversations had with him in person, and more especially from accounts by letter received from the people of his charge, I am fully persuaded he has done his duty faithfully, and been instrumental of mucli good to the Church of the Redeemer. For this important service, I gave him to expect the sum (would it were inore) of fifty dollars per annum, it being under- stood that the principal means of living would be afforded him by the persons
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among whom he officiates. From Monroe county I passed directly to Zanesville, where, on the 24th, Saturday, there was service and a sermon.
Sunday the 25th, assisted by the Rev. P. Chasc, Jr., divine service was performed and sermons preached morning and evening. The same duties were performed on the Saturday following; the remainder of the week being employed in visit- ing the members of the parish.
Sunday, 1st September, still at Zanesville. Two persons were confirmed, and the Holy Communion administered-sermon and prayers both morning and cve- ning. In the evening the Holy Sacrament was administered at the bed-side of a sick person. On Monday and Tuesday I returned to my then residence at Worth- ington.
My time from this period to the present has been divided between the duties of an ecclesiastical nature, and those which arose out of the appointment to the presidency of Cincinnati College. In going to and returning from the com- mencement last September, I officiated at Springfield, Dayton, and Hamilton. The last mentioned place, twenty-five miles from Cincinnati, I have visited three times this spring ; instituted a parish by the name of St. Matthew's, in which are eight communicants, three of whom I confirmed.
Having been called to Zanesville last February, by the very alarming sickness of my son, I had the great satisfaction of administering the Holy Supper again to the communicants of that parish; all the members of which seem now doubly dear to mc, for their uncommon kindness shown their minister in the time of great distress.
Besides my duties to the youth in College since in Cincinnati, I have deemcd it incumbent on me to assist the Rev. Mr. Johnston, whenever in my power, in whatever pertaineth to the administration of the word and sacraments.
I cannot close this account of the year that is past, without thus publicly ac- knowledging the goodness of God in raising me twice, since I saw you, from very great and dangerous `sickness. When to all expectation brought very near the eternal world, the divine hand was almost visible in detaining me. That this, my longer continuance among you, may be for our mutual good in this world, and eternal happiness in the next, I beg you to join your prayers with those of your affectionate pastor.
By the foregoing statement, it may be seen that, in this Diocese, during the last year, there have been confirmed cighty-seven persons. The number baptized. on my private record, is thirty-six. With the exception of one or two instances, I have noticed a considerable increase to the Holy Communion, and a growing zeal for religion. Many places however, by reason of their remote and destitute con- dition, are more the subject of our prayers than of our congratulations.
As President of the Missionary Society under your particular patronage, I can state to you that all the means, by writing and entrcaty to such at the eastward as I supposed influential in sending proper clergymen to visit and build up our vacant parishes, have been hitherto unavailing. With anguish of heart inex- pressible, I have been forced to see the field of God's husbandry lie waste for the want of laborers. Had it not been for the extraordinary exertions of the fixed Presbyters, in seeking all occasions, often to the great detriment of their own people, of traveling even in the most inclement seasons, in pursuit of the scatter- ed sheep, the interest of the Church, in many places, must have expircd. Two faithful itinerant missionaries, by the blessing of God, would have prevented much evil, over which we are now compelled to mourn in silence.
But instead of closing this address with the exhibition of the melancholy side of the picture before us, let us thank God for the mercies which remain. We are at unity and love among ourselves; we have faith in the Lord's goodness; we have a firm reliance on his power and grace; and we know that all things will work together for the good of those who love God. The Holy Scriptures, by the very laudable exertions of the Bible Societies, have spread wide among us. The divine seed is thus planted. May it take root downward, and bear fruit upward. May the Great Lord of the harvest send fortli laborers to enclose, to cherish, and to gather in what the Lord himself hath planted.
Convention adjourned till 4 o'clock.
[FOUR O'CLOCK, P. M.]
The Convention assembled pursuant to adjournment.
The Rev. Samuel Johnston was, by ballot, elected Secretary of the Convention.
On motion,
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Resolved, That the rules of order observed by this house, in their last Annual Convention, be now adopted.
Resolved, That the word more, in the second Canon, be stricken out, and the word two inserted in its place, which will make it read thus: "It shall be the duty of every clergyman to attend all Conventions of the Diocese; and it shall be the duty of every parish to send one or two lay delegates."
Arory Buttles and Christopher Ripley appeared as delegates from St. John's Church, Worthington, exhibited a certificate, and took their seats.
The Clergy were called on for their reports, required by the 45th Canon of the General Convention, which were presented and read, and, as required by the said Canon, inserted on the journals.
The Rev. Roger Searle reports to the Bishop as follows :
That during the warm season of the last year, his health did not admit of but very little ministerial services beyond the limits of the county in which he resides. But in the carly part of the fall season, he was able to commence labors in differ- ent and distant parts of the north of Ohio. From that time to this, he has been almost constantly employed in the parishes previously organized; and besides the county of Huron, in missionary labors through all the counties of the West- ern Reserve. He has publicly celebrated the Holy Communion fourteen times. In St. John's Church, Liverpool, once; in Trinity Church, Brooklyn, once; in St. Paul's, Medina, three times; in St. Paul's, Norwalk, once; in St. James, Board- man, twice; in Christ Church, Windsor, three times; and in St. Peter's, Ashta- bula, twice. Also, being on his way to Columbus the winter past, lic spent one Sunday in St. John's Church, Worthington, and administered the Communion.
Mr. Scarle has also given the Communion to the sick in several instances, with much apparent usefulness. The following will show the state of the several par- ishes in the north, as to the number of families and communicants :
St. John's Church, Liverpool ; Trinity Church, Brooklyn ; and St. Paul's Church, Medina .- Aggregate number of families, 45; aggregate number of communi- cants, (suspended 1,) 57; baptisms, 5; marriages, 3; funerals, 1.
St. Peter's Church, Ashtabula; Christ Church, Windsor ; St. James' Church, Board- man ; and St. Paul's Church, Norwalk .- Aggregate number of families, 105; com- municants, 108; baptisms, 21; marriages, 1.
In most of these parishes great harmony prevails, and evident marks of increasing zcal for the promotion of primitive piety.
The Rev. Samuel Johnston reports to the Bishop as follows :
The congregation which I serve has, within the past year, increased some in its numbers, and we are not without hopes in spiritual knowledge and practical godliness. Some care and pains have been taken to cultivate this portion of the Lord's vineyard. It has been hedged, and pruned, and watercd, and watched, with anxious solicitude ; and our hearts are somewhat cheered with the prospect of fruit unto holiness.
Catechetical instruction has been attended to with considerable care; and the improvement and pious deportment of a portion of the children are such as to inspire the hope that they may ultimately become living members of the Church of Christ.
In the Sunday school attached to the Church are many members who exhibit diligence in their tasks, and appear influenced by that "fear of the Lord which is the beginning of wisdom." To the teachers, our most sincere gratitude is due; and that heart must be a stranger to prayer, which cannot invoke the blessings of heaven upon persons, who, year after year, continue their unwcaried exertions in this unostentations labor of love. Their services may not attract the eye of the world, but " God, who seeth in secret, will reward them openly." The Female Benevolent Society still continue to furnish the destitute scholars with clothing.
Since my residence in Cincinnati, it has been customary with us to convene weekly, in the winter season at private houses, and in the summer in the church, for the purposes of prayer and religious instruction. Experience has confirmed me in thic opinion, that the measure is calculated to enlighten the understandings, warm the hearts, and increase the love and unity of God's people.
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Since the last Convention, I have officiated twice at Columbus, five times at Springfield, twice at Dayton, once at Hamilton, and once at Worthington.
Our Missionary Society still continues to preserve its benevolent objects in view ; and its members long to hail the day when the Miami country shall be favored with an able and pious missionary, who, with the divine blessing, shall be instru- mental in extending the boundaries of the Church.
The following is from the parish records :
Christ Church, Cincinnati .- Families, 89; communicants, (last year, 45; remov- als, 5; suspended, 1; deaths, 2; additions, 17)-present number, 53; baptisms, 10; marriages, 5; funerals, 18; catechumens, 35; Sunday school scholars, 110.
The Rev. Mr. Morse reports to the Bishop as follows :
St. Paul's Church, Steubenville-Rev. Intrepid Morse, Minister .- Number of fam- ilies, about 35; communicants, (removed, 7; dicd, 2; added, 7) 48; baptisms, (children, 16; adult, 1)-17; marriages, 2; funerals, 5; catechumens, 30.
St. James' Church, Cross Creek .- Number of families, about 30; communicants, (removed, 4; suspended, 2; dicd, 1; added, 26) 72; baptisms, (children, 15; adult, 1) -16; funcrals, 3; catechumens, about 20.
During about twelve weeks' missionary duty in various parts of the State, Mr. Morse performed divine service and preached sixty-three times, baptized thirty- five children and one adult, and attended two funerals.
The destitute condition of most of the places visited is but too well known to the Bishop, from personal inspection, to necd any additional illustration from one who visited them only in the character of a missionary, and that, too, for a brief space of time. Suffice it to say, that, in general, in the places whichi came under review, amid all their discouragements and privations, the members of our communion maintain, to a considerable degrec, the life and power of godliness ; that their attachment to the faith once delivered to the saints still continues ; and tlicir hope of aid from the general and diocesan missionary societics is not yet extinguished, although, in many instances, it is become nearly allied to that " hope deferred " which " maketh the heart sick."
The Rev. Ezra B. Kellogg reports to the Bishop as follows :
St. Paul's Church, Chillicothe .- Communicants, (added, 6; removed, 2) 25; bap- tisms, (infants,) 7; marriages, 4; funerals, 3.
All Saints' Church, Portsmouth .- Communicants, (added, 6) 24; baptisms, (ad- ults, 2; infants, 6)-8; marriages, 1.
St. Philip's Church, Circleville .- Families. 5; communicants, 4; baptisms, (adults, 2; infants, 3)-5.
During the last year I continued, till the first of April, to officiate, as formerly, at Portsmouth and Circleville. Since that time, my labors have been principally confined to Chillicothe. The two former parishes are now destitute of regular ministrations. Could a faithful minister be stationed at Portsmouth, the mem- bers of our communion at that place, under the divine blessing which has hitherto attended them, would soon become a multitude. Divine services are performed among them every Sunday, by a lay reader, who deserves much praise for his zeal and assiduity.
At Chillicothe, the prospects of the Church are gradually brightening. Many are attached to her doctrines and worship. The secd, we hope, is duly planted and faithfully watered, and we look with confidence for the blessing of him "who giveth the increase."
The Rev. Philander Chase, Jr., reports to the Bishop as fol- lows :
That, agreeably to previous arrangements, he commenced his duties in Zanes- ville immediately after the session of the last Convention; his support being principally derived from a school. He continued in this duty, with little inter- mission, till the 27th January, 1823, when, being attacked with a violent hemor- rhage of the lungs, he was unable to officiate till the latter part of April last. Since then, being partially restored to health, he has resumed his functions in Zanesville. He has, on occasional visits, preached several times in Worthington, Steubenville, &c.
With languid and feeble health, he yet hopes to be the means of some benefit to the congregation in which he is placed. Though our little Zion seems decayed and friendless, still a cheerful and confiding faith teaches to look forward to bet- ter days, when the slumbering shall be awakened, and the careless aroused; and we, ourselves, found to have received the outpourings of the grace of God, by frequenting the fountain whence, and the channels where, it flows. Though stren- uous and unremitted exertions, and many sacrifices, seem to be necessary on the
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part of both clergy and people now; yet, perhaps, on that very account, the pros- pect is brighter, and the hope more sure of better things in the Zion of our God hereafter.
Mr. Chase reports 5 baptisms (1 adult and 4 infants); marriages, 2; funerals, 5.
The Rev. John Hall, Deacon, reports to the Bishop as follows :
Immediately after my admission to holy orders, at the close of the last annual Convention of this Diocese, I returned to the north of Ohio, where I have per- formed the following services :
Morning and evening prayers, and delivered sermons in St. Peter's, Ashtabula, thirty-one Sundays ; in St. Paul's, Medina, four Sundays; in St. Paul's, Norwalk, two Sundays ; in Trinity Church, Brooklyn, one Sunday; in Christ Church, Wind- sor, one Sunday ; in St. James' Church, Boardman, one Sunday; in Salem, one Sunday; in Unionville, three Sundays. In addition to thesc services, I have, as far as possible, madc family visits, and given eatechetical and other instructions, as occasion required. I have, during the past year, delivered many occasional public lcetures on week days and holy days; particularly in Lyme and Norwalk, Huron county ; in Wellington, Lorain county ; in Unionville, Geauga county; in Harpersfield, Salem, Rome, and Windsor, Ashtabula county; in Youngstown, Trumbull county; and in Loudonville, Richland county. During the last year, I have baptized five adults and eleven children.
From the full conviction that it is the vineyard of the Lord in which we labor, I humbly hope that my exertions, with those of my brethren in this Diocese, will be crowned with sueccss. The Great Head of the Church will not fail to extend his fostering care over the vine which his own right hand hath planted. Although the ery for ministerial services is very great, yet the parts which are visited pre- sent, withi few exceptions, encouraging prospects. Religious and moral improve- ment gradually progress, indicating blessings on the past, and promising suecess to the future exertions and prayers for the prosperity of Zion.
Resolved, That the Convention now proceed to eleet four clergymen and four laymen, as the Standing Committee for the ensuing year.
Whereupon, the following persons were elected: Clergy-The Revs. Roger Searle, Samuel Johnston, Intrepid Morse, Ezra B. Kellogg. Laity-Noah M. Brunson, Medina ; Bezaleel Wells, Steubenville ; Edward Hallam, Cincinnati; Levin Belt, Chillicothe.
Resolved, That as this Diocese is entitled to four Trustees of the General Theo- logical Seminary of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States, that the Convention proceed now to the election.
Whereupon, the following persons were elected : Clergy-Revs. Roger Searle, Intrepid Morse. Laity-Bezaleel Wells, Steuben- ville ; William K. Bond, Chillicothe.
Messrs. Walter Thrall and Daniel C. Noble, from St. Philip's Church, Circleville, presented certificates of their election as lay delegates, and took their seats.
Adjourned for divine service ; when the Rev. Intrepid Morse read prayers, and the Rev. B. Kellogg delivered a sermon.
THURSDAY, JUNE 5TH, 9 O'CLOCK, A. M. The Convention assembled. Divine service by the Bishop.
Resolved, That the Rev. Intrepid Morse and Mr. Christopher Ripley be a com- mittee appointed to investigate the accounts of this Convention, and report those parishes that are in arrears for their proportion of expense in publishing the journals, &e.
Resolved, That there be a Treasurer elected for this Convention.
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Whereupon, Edward Hallam was elected.
Resolved, That the following Canons be adopted :
1st. Concerning persons ineligible to a seat in Convention.
No person displaced from the ministry, or while suspended from the exereise of the functions of the same; no excommunicate person, nor any one while under a suspension from the privilege of the Holy Communion, shall take a seat in the Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the Diocese of Ohio, from and after the passage of this Canon.
2d. Concerning reading clerks or lay readers.
Whereas, reading clerks or lay readers are no otherwise recognized by the Church than as persons permitted, in the absence of ordained ministers, to read the prayers, lessons of the Holy Scriptures, and approved sermons, in strict conformity to the rubrics and eanons of the Church; and whereas, they should be exem- plary and godly persons, and, as such, ought to be well known and approved by the ecclesiastical authority ; it is hereby declarcd, that no person elected or nomi- nated by any congregation or vestry shall be considered as authorized to perform the duties above named, till he shall have been approved and appointed thereto by the Bishop of the Diocese, or, in case of any vacancy, by the president of the Standing Committee.
The Convention adjourned, for divine service, till 4 o'clock.
Prayers by the Rev. S. Johnston, and a sermon by the Rev. R. Searle.
The Right Rev. the Bishop admitted Mr. John M. Jones, of Beaver township, Guernsey county, to the Holy Order of Dea- cons, and administered the Holy Communion.
[THURSDAY, 4 O'CLOCK, P. M.]
The Convention assembled pursuant to adjournment.
The committee appointed to examine the state of the accounts due from parishes for the publication of the journals, &c., pre- sented the following report :
Paid, 1821.
Paid, 1822.
Paid, 1823.
Amt. of tax for 1821-2-3.
Christ Church, Cincinnati,
5
5
5
15
St. Matthew's Church, Hamilton, taxed for 1823, -
-
1
-
1
-
2
St. Paul's Church, Medina,
6
-
6
St. Peter's Church, Delaware,
2
2
-
-
G
Trinity Church, Columbus,
Grace Church, Berkshire, 2
2
2
6
St. Peter's Church, Morristown,
2
2
2
6
St. James' Church, Zanesville,
4
4
4
12
St. Paul's Church, Chillicothe, -
5
5 1
6
St. John's Church, Worthington,
10
15
St. Philip's Church, Circleville,
2
2
6
St. Paul's Church, Steubenville,
5
15
St. James' Church, Cross Creek,
ยท
6
St. Paul's Church, Norwalk, - 1
1
4
St. James' Church, Boardman, -
Christ Church, Windsor,
All Saints' Church, Portsmouth,
6
St. Thomas' Church, St. Clairsville,
12
St. Thomas' Church, Dayton,
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