USA > Ohio > Journals of the annual conventions of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Ohio > Part 2
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On motion,
Ordered, That the Convention adjourn until after divine service to-morrow morning.
FRIDAY, JUNE 5TH.
After divine service, by the Rev. Philander Chase, and a ser- mon by the Rev. Roger Searle, the Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
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of the Diocese of Ohio.
1818.]
The Rev. Doctor Doddridge made his report of the State of the Church, as follows :
" St. James' Church, in the county of Jefferson, nine miles from Steubenville, was formed about two years ago; it contains about thirty families, and is increas- ing. The number of communicants, fifty-two; the number of baptisms, within two years, has considerably exceeded one hundred. They are a steady, pious people, and zealously attached to the doctrines and worship of our Church. Should an Episcopal congregation be formed in Steubenville, which it is hoped will take place at no very distant period of time, the two congregations, in that case, would form a convenient cure for one clergyman. They are taking measures to com- mence the building of a Church, this season.
St. Thomas' Church, in St. Clairsville, has been organized some time. The . number of baptisms is considerable; the holy sacrament has never been admin- istered here. There is every prospect that this congregation will be large and respectable ; the number of families attached to it, at present, is at least thirty.
St. Peter's Church, in Morristown, consists of about twenty families ; and bids fair to become respectable. This congregation, and that of St. Clairsville, which are but ten miles distant from each other, would form a convenient charge for one clergyman ; and the present rector humbly hopes that through the blessing of Divine Providence, they will shortly have one settled among them.
He has officiated several times in Cambridge ; and finds, that a congregation of about twenty-five families might be formed there. There are also some fam- ilies of Episcopalians in and about New Washington, ten miles distant from Cambridge. These places certainly require the attention of the Clergy of this Diocese.
St. James' Church, in Zanesville, which was formed by him, and of which he is still the rector, will be reported through some other channel. He indulges the hope, that this Church will always hold a very respectable rank amongst the Churches of the Diocese of Ohio.
The Rev. Doct. Doddridge is thankful to the great Shepherd and Bishop of souls for the event of an election of a Bishop for this Diocese; and from the good account which he has uniformly heard of the learning and piety of the Bishop elect, he anticipates every thing good and favorable to the Church, com- mitted to his charge. Intending, as soon as practicable, to become a member of this Diocese, he earnestly solicits the attention of the Bishop and Clergy, to the congregations which he has formed in the State of Ohio. His attendance on them is accompanied with great personal inconvenience ; and it would give him the highest pleasure to feel justified in relinquishing it in consequence of the set- tlement of clergymen among them."
The Rev. Roger Searle made his report of the State of the Church, as follows :
Since the convention and organization of the Church in Ohio, at Columbus, last January, the Rev. Mr. Searle has visited and performed services in all the parishes in the northern parts of this State; his object was not so much to organize new parislies, as to build up and administer the ordinances of religion among those already formed in that part of the State of Ohio.
The parish of St. James' Church, in Boardman, Trumbull county, is in prosper- ous circumstances; the number of communicants has considerably increased within the last four months, and an increasing attention to the duties of religion apparent among them, encourages thie hope that the clerical services rendered, will not have been in vain.
St. Luke's Church in Ravenna, Portage county, St. Paul's and St. John's in Medina county, St. Mark's and Trinity in Cuyahoga county, St. Peter's and Christ Church in Ashtabula county, have all been visited by him during the spring last past. Among them he has baptized about fifty persons, and admitted a respec- table number to the Holy Communion. An awakened attention to the duties of Christianity and personal piety, among the members of the above parishes, and their increasing attachment to the primitive doctrine and usages of the Church, induce the belief, that under the gracious smiles of the great Head of the Church, they will continue to prosper.
Since January last, there have been formed a Bible and Common Prayer Book Society, a Female Tract Society, and a Missionary Society, auxiliary to " The Episcopal Missionary Society of Philadelphia," all within the Western Reserve, Ohio. The several constitutions and organizations of their Societies are printed, and are now in general circulation for subscribers. Several boxes of Bibles,
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First Annual Convention
[JUNE,
Prayer Books and Tracts have been written for by those Societies ; which boxes are supposed to be now on their way to the Reserve. " The Episcopal Missionary Society of Philadelphia," though but lately organized and possessing but small funds, has been pleased to extend its benevolent aid towards the support of the ordinances of our Church in the north. ROGER SEARLE.
The Rev. Samuel Johnston made his report of the state of the Church, as follows:
After a mission in the western part of Pennsylvania, I took passage for Cincin- nati the 9th of March. It was my intention to have gone through the State of Ohio, but the roads being excessively bad prevented it.
On my way down the river I officiated at Steubenville. The congregation appeared attentive and devout.
I commenced my ministerial labors at Cincinnati on Good Friday. I remained there till the 1st Sunday after Trinity, with the exception of two services in the vicinity ; one devoted to a promising little society at Newport, in Kentucky, and the other fourteen miles above Cincinnati.
In Newport, the Episcopalians, in conjunction with the Baptists, have resolved to build a church, to be used alternately.
The Church at Cincinnati, which was organized under the zealous labors of the Rev. Mr. Chase, is flourishing. Many of the congregation are regularly brought up in the Church, familiar with her doctrines, and alive to her interests. Many families, for the want of our services, have heretofore connected themselves with otlier denominations. But we may safely say, that there are about fifty Episcopal families who regularly attend divine worship. They are remarkably attentive to the service, and the responses are made with animation and propriety. Several of the congregation appear to be seriously impressed with the great duty of making their calling and election sure. The hope is indulged that the seed sown may be watered with the showers of divine grace, nourished with all goodness and produce fruit unto holiness.
The different denominations have manifested much liberality to our society, and have given us permission to hold services in their churches.
It would have given me pleasure to devote more time in places adjacent to my cure. But the state of the Church at Cincinnati required my constant attention. Their willingness to second my endeavors, their zeal for our Church, is truly com- mendable. A burial ground and a site for a Church have been purchased, costing them about thirty-four hundred dollars. A subscription for the purpose of erect- ing a Church is now in circulation, and from six to seven thousand dollars are already subscribed.
We sincerely hope that our Zion will flourish-that in time she will rise in the beauty and glory of her apostolic services and command the admiration of Christians.
I have administered baptism to thirteen persons. On my way to the con- vention, I officiated at Paris. On the 29th, in the evening, at Chillicothe ; likewise the Sunday following.
The congregation at Chillicothe, organized under the assiduous labors of the Rev. Mr. Searle, is very respectable and promises to be an interesting one. The people are ardently desirous for the welfare of the church. A subscription of seven hundred dollars is made for a clergyman ; and no doubt the second year his salary would be increased.
I officiated one evening in Circleville. On my way to the eastward, by divine permission, I will hold services to congregations destitute of clergymen.
The Rev. Philander Chase made his report of the state of the Church, as follows :
Since my last report to the Convention, held in Columbus in January last, I have regularly officiated, by celebrating morning and evening prayer according to our liturgy in public, and administering the Holy Communion on Sundays and other holy days, and by performing divine service and delivering sermons often on week days.
The circle of my ministration, however, has been much smaller than that sta- ted in my last report. Delaware, Berkshire, and Columbus, and some intermedi- ate places on Alum Creek, have, with Worthington, the place of my residence, occupied my whole attention. The afflictive hand of Divine Providence requiring an unusual share of attention to my family, I fear my services have been, not only circumscribed, but in a measure inefficient. Much parochial attention has
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of the Diocese of Ohio.
1818.]
been withholden which would otherwise have been afforded to my beloved people. I have, however, to bless God that he hath stirred up the hearts of some, by repentance and faith, to seek forgiveness of sins in Holy Baptism and the Lord's Supper. Twenty-two persons have been added to the Communion, and others, by their renewed and increased attention to the public services of religion, give reasonable promise of further increase. God, in his providence, has removed three by death.
What has been done by the Female Tract Society to further the interest of religion in this and the neighboring places, is made known to the Convention by the papers now before them.
The affairs of the Bible and Prayer-Book Society among us have necessarily been impeded in their progress by occasion of the distance between this and the places where those books are advantageously printed. Unless, however, our sup- plies can be more copious, it is thought an edition of the Book of Common Prayer must soon be commenced here to supply the increased demand.
PHILANDER CHASE.
The committee upon the communication from the Female Tract Society of Worthington, report :
That in their opinion, it is proper that the Convention express their approbation of the object and labors of the Society, by entering a declaration to that effect upon their journals, and causing a copy thereof to be presented to the Society, through their President, and they reported a declaration to that effect, as follows :
The Convention have received with much satisfaction a communication from the Female Tract Society of Worthington, accompanied with their constitution, circular letter and two tracts, which they have caused to be published and dis- tributed in Worthington and its vicinity. Nothing can be more laudable and deserve higher commendation than excrtions to diffuse religious and useful knowledge in the world; and efforts for this purpose are most successful when addressed to the minds of youth. The tracts published by the Society are, in the opinion of this Convention, calculated to be eminently useful in promoting the object which the Society have in view. They breathe a spirit of active and vital piety, and are written in a style of elegant simplicity and perspicuity. Produc- tions of this character naturally conduce to mend the heart, improve the mind, and cherish a correct taste for literature; these are accomplishments of the high- est order, which, in every station of life, contribute to adorn and dignify the human character.
The Convention rejoice that the female members of the Church in Worthington have engaged in a work of benevolence so worthy the attention of the mothers of the whole human family-a work, which, while it does great good to others, cannot fail to produce many advantages and consolations to themselves. They recommend to the Society a steady perseverance in the labor they have com- menced. To stimulate their exertions, nothing more can be necessary than the exhortations of our Heavenly Father so frequently repeated in the Holy Scrip- tures. And if more were necessary, it would be found in the delight which labors of piety and love infuse into the minds of all good Christians.
On motion,
Resolved, That a committee of two members be appointed to prepare a copy of the journals of this Convention for publication, and superintend the printing thereof, and distribute them among the different Parishes of the Diocese. Order- ed, That the President of the Convention and Mr. Gardiner be said committee.
On motion,
Resolved, That the thanks of the Convention be presented to the President and Secretary, for their services during the sitting of this Convention.
On motion,
Ordered, That the Convention adjourn without day.
PHILANDER CHASE, President.
CHARLES HAMMOND, Secretary
1819.
JOURNAL
OF THE
SECOND ANNUAL CONVENTION,
HELD AT WORTHINGTON, JUNE 2D-4TH, A.D. 1819 .*
WORTHINGTON, JUNE 2, 1819.
THIS being the time and place appointed by the Constitution of the Protestant Episcopal Church, in the State of Ohio, for the meeting of the Annual Convention of the same, several of the Clerical and Lay Delegates attended in the Academy.
Divine service was celebrated by the Rev. Samuel Johnston, and a sermon, suitable to the „occasion, delivered by the Right Rev. PHILANDER CHASE. After the administration of the Holy Communion, the following Clergy took their seats:
The Right Rev. PHILANDER CHASE, Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the State of Ohio.
The Rev. SAMUEL JOHNSTON, Minister of Christ Church, Cincinnati.
The Rev. INTREPID MORSE, Deacon, Minister of St. James' Church, Zanesville, and the congregations in its vicinity.
The Rev. JAMES KILBOURN, Deacon, officiating in St. John's Church, Wor- thington.
The Lay Delegates exhibited certificates of their appointment, which were read and severally approved ; and the following took their seats : from
St. James' Church, Zanesville-Dr. Calvin Conant, Arius Nye, Esq.
St. Paul's Church, Steubenville-Ephraim Root, Esq.
St. James' Church, Jefferson county-John Goodrich, Jr.
St. Philip's Church, Circleville-Guy W. Doan, Esq.
St. Thomas' Church, St. Clairsville-John Carter.
St. John's Church, Worthington-Ezra Griswold, Chauncey Barker, Ozias Burr. Agreeably to the 45th Canon of the General Convention,
* " Columbus : Printed at the Columbus Gaz. Office, by P. H. Olmsted."
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Second Annual Convention.
1818.]
"providing for an accurate view of the state of the Church from time to time," the Right Rev. Bishop Chase delivered the follow- ing Address :
MY BELOVED BRETHREN :
THROUGH the great goodness and mercy of God, your designs in my unani- mous election to the Episcopate of Ohio, were carried into effect. On the 11th day of February last, in the city of Philadelphia, I received consecration to that office, at the hands of the Right Rev. Bishop White of Pennsylvania; the Bishops of New York, Maryland and New Jersey, assisting. My sense of unworthiness for this sacred trust, is cqualed only by my sincerity in promising to fulfil the duties of it, to the utmost of my feeble abilities; and both prompt me now and ever, to seek the gracious aids of our Heavenly Fatlier, of our God and Saviour, " without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy."
So little time has elapsed since my consecration, and so much even of that little time it has been necessary to spend at home, to make amends for my long absence, and so little communication has been had with the south and north of the Diocese, that the materials wherewithal to comply with the 45th Canon of the General Convention, "providing for an accurate view of the state of the Church," must of necessity be few.
On the 24th of February, 1849, the next day after the solemnities of my conse- cration, I commenced my journey from Philadelphia for this State. The weather was very inclement. In two days, however, I reached Lancaster and performed divine service in the morning, and the same day (Sunday, Feb. 14th,) did the like duty at Little York, Penn., and baptized several children. From this place, across the mountains, at the most stormy season of the year, I reached Pittsburgh in one week. So bad, however, were the roads, that I was obliged, having injured one horse, to leave him and purchase another.
At Pittsburgh I was received with much kindness; and officiated in the Church at that place, on Sunday the 21st of February; there also I baptized several children.
Proceeding on my journey, and in crossing the Ohio river, I cannot express to you the feelings that agitated my frame, as I stepped on the ground which was to be the theatre of my future labors in the Lord. What gratitude to him wlio ordereth all things for good, did I experience for his past mercies, in enabling me to overcome so many difficulties! What fear lest the grace bestowed on me be abused! What devout supplication, that God would still support and make me sufficient for all my duties !
The first time I officiated within the limits of my Diocese was at Zanesville, Sunday the 28th February, 1819. As I shall speak of this parish again, in the course of this address, I pass on to other things.
On the 3d day of March, I arrived at Worthington, the place of my residence. The Rev. Mr. Morse in Deacon's orders, whom in the character of a Mission- ary, I had left in the care of my parishes and to do other duties in my absence, I found to have conducted so well that I cannot but bear this testimony in his favor. He had celebrated divine service 52 times; in Worthington 24, in Colum- bus 9, in Delaware 4, in Berkshire 6, Chillicothe 2, Zanesville 3, Somerset 1, Lancaster 1, Circleville 2; besides attending 4 funerals, and all to the general approbation of those who attended on his ministrations. No one, who considers the distance of these places and the inclemency of the season in which he trav- eled to them, but must acknowledge his activity and commend his zeal.
From the time of my arrival at home, till the 30th of April, I was employed in ministering to my own Parishes. That of St. John's Church, Worthington, is in a condition of much promise, having about 76 communicants. The congregation, as you see, perform the services assigned them in tlie responses, with uniformi- ty and devout decency; and are well informed in that course of evangelical doctrine and primitive discipline, which form the ground work of stable Cliris- tianity. To the pious and provident generosity of the first proprietors of the town of Worthington, St. John's Church is indebted for a Glebe of about 100 acres (70 of the first rate bottom land and 30 wood land) which, at no distant day, will be of essential service in support of the ministry. This land they hold, together witli an eligible site in the village, on which to erect a Church, by virtue of an act of incorporation obtained of the Legislature, at an carly period, for that purpose.
Before loosing our thoughts from the consideration of Worthington, we can, without much digression, contemplate another object higlily interesting to every true friend of religion and learning: and that is, the establishment of a College
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Second Annual Convention
[JUNE,
in this place, for tlic cducation of young men, in natural, moral and religious science. To men who look upon learning to be the best handmaid to true picty, the news of the attainment of this great blessing, will occasion a sensation of grateful praise to a merciful Providence. A trusty person, commissioned to solicit donations in favor of this College, has lately proceeded to visit our pious and more wealthy brethren in the Eastern States. That he may succeed in his errand, to a degree worthy of so important an object, I do hope will be our ardent prayer.
The parish of Trinity Church, Columbus, having been formed but lately, and receiving but small portion of ministerial labors, is as yet but small. From the respectability and zeal of its members and friends, joincd to the consideration that they have received from the liberality of a worthy gentleman (Col. Johnson,) the gratuitous conveyance of a lot of land on which to crect a Church, it may be fondly hoped that the day of prosperity is not far distant. Number of com- municants living in Columbus is 8, died 2. Similar observations may be applied to St. Peter's Church, Delaware, and Grace Church, Berkshire. They are young and not very numerous, but give good promise of future success in zeal and piety. Number of communicants in Berkshire 10-in neither of the foremcn- tioned parishes under my care, have I yet administered the rite of Confirmation. If the Lord will, this, however, will soon be done.
It now becomes me to speak of those parishes and parts of the Diocese, which I have visited in my episcopal character. And to do this, I know of no better method than to lay before the Convention an extract from the journal which I kept during my journey.
May 1st, 1819, I arrived at Zanesville; the next day being Sunday, I preachcd and performed divine service. The congregation, particularly in the afternoon, was numerous and attentive. I announced my intention of holding a confirma- tion on the 23d inst., on my return.
The Tuesday following (May 4,) I met, according to previous arrangement, the Rev. Dr. Doddridge, at Cambridge, 25 miles east of Zancsville. After performing the service together, in the Court House, (congregation small,) we proceeded up Will's creek to Seneca village, about 20 miles. At the desire of the family, I read prayers at the bedside of a sick woman, exhorting her to repent and trust in God. She appeared penitent and thanked me: I gave her the blessing.
May 5, we proceeded on our journey to fulfill an appointment made for me by Dr. Doddridge, to hold service at Mr. Dement's, about 10 or 11 miles from the village.
The roads being bad and the country new, we were somewhat delayed-the congregation had been assembled some time, and anxiously awaiting our arrival. At sight of us they were greatly rejoiced; and being too numerous to be all ac- commodated with seats in the log cabins, they removed to a convenient place in the adjoining wood. Here, with a small table taken from the cabin and covered with a coarse white cloth, on which to lay the holy books, the trees and the sky for our canopy and an assembly of people from the neighboring woods for our audience, the Doctor and myself performed the solemn services of the Churchi and baptized a number of children.
As soon as the services were over, the congregation crowded to the cabin, whither we had repaired. Here a most interesting scene took place. A number. of young men and women, being deeply affected at bcholding the services, par- ticularly that of the Holy Sacrament of Baptism, applied for spiritual instruction. It was given them, and several were baptized. Witnessing the good effects of our endeavors thus far, we were encouraged to appoint another service the same evening. The house was again crowded, and a number of adults and infants were baptized. Dr. D. delivered a lecture in a very impressive manner, on the subject of the Christian Church and Christian ordinances. During the interval of our services this day, we learn that a number of families on Little Beaver creek, belonging to this recently organized parish, were desirous of public minis- trations. Accordingly, the next day, (May 6,) guided by a Mr. Bryan across the ligh hills, we went thither.
The congregation werc assembled-Dr. D. read prayers and the sermon was preached by myself. One adult and several children were baptized; the whole number baptized in this parish of Seneca was 24. Most of the heads of the parish being present here, at Mr. Wendell's on Little Beaver, they proceeded to elect a delegate to the Convention, and to take measures for the building of a Church; which, though it will not be expensive, will be of great importance to the growing interests of our Zion in this quarter. Dr. D. manifestcd his zeal and ability in the cause of the Church, by an appropriate address. Service having been appointed at Barnesville, about 10 or 12 miles further on our journey, we hastened (in company with Mr. Leck, for our guide) to fulfill our appointment But it beginning to rain, we were somewhat delayed on the way, and did not
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1819.]
arrive at B. until the congregation had dispersed. At evening, however, the people assembled; the service of our Church was performed, and a sermon preached, in the Methodist meeting house.
The next day, (May 7) at Morristown, the people had assembled in great num- bers in a convenient schoolhouse. Here divine serviee was performed, and a sermon preached ; three persons desiring the rite of Confirmation and the Sacra- ment of the Lord's Supper, both these ordinances were administered to them. The audience never having witnessed the like before, seemed deeply affected. The impression was evidently in favor of better things to come. On our way to St. Clairsville, the same day, the Sacrament of Baptism was administered to five or six children.
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