USA > Ohio > Journals of the annual conventions of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Ohio > Part 20
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The Clergy then made their reports to the Bishop; from which it appears that
The Rev. Mr. ARMSTRONG (Missionary in Ohio, but residing on the Virginia side of the river) has officiated one fourtli part of his time with great success in St. Peter's parish, Morristown, Belmont County. The congregations have been uniformly very large, insomuch that they frequently were obliged to have the offices of religion in the open air. A small church, though by various causes toe long retarded in building, is now about to be completed. The prejudiees so long and so unjustly cherished against the Episcopal Church were wearing away, and evidenees of piety more and more apparent.
The Rev. Mr. SEARLE has officiated in the following places, viz: Circleville, Loudonville, Wadsworth, Windsor, Ashtabula, Rome, Batavia, Mesopotamia, Youngstown, Boardman, Poland, Canfield, Ravenna, Franklin, Chardon, Union- ville and Liverpool. He has administered the Holy Communion seven times in these several parishes, and four times to the siek, and has baptised twelve infants and two adults.
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Mr. S. speaks very encouragingly of the regularity and zeal of the several par - ishes and companies of Church people which lie has visited. Two parishes, Liv- erpool and Brooklyn, were endeavoring to erect cach a Churchi.
Mr. S. having relinquished his connexion with St. Paul's, Medina, reports the the state of the parishes in part of the northern counties thus :
St. Paul's Church, Medina .- Families, 27; communicants, 29, in adjacent towns, 5-34; baptisms, 2.
St. John's Church, Liverpool .- Families, 15; conmmunicants, 16, baptisms, 3. Trinity Church, Brooklyn .- Families, 15; communicants, 14.
Christ Church, Windsor .- Families, 30; communicants, 40; baptisms, 1.
St. Paul's Church, Norwalk .- Families, 16; communicants, 19.
St. James' Church, Boardman .- Families, 22; communicants, 27; baptisms, (adult 1, infants 2,) 3.
St. James' Church, Batavia .- Families, 8; communicants, 7; baptisms, (adult 1, infants 9,) 10.
St. Michael's Church, Unionville .- Families, 10; communicants, 10.
The two last named parishes were organized lately, and have made their re- turns to the Bishop in accordance with the Canon of 1824.
The Rev. JOSEPH DODDRIDGE was appointed, at the request of the Delegate from Zanesville, in November last, to act as Missionary in that town, and in the County of Morgan for a few months ; he states that he has done that duty as far as his health would permit. In going to the Convention last November, he offi- ciated at St. Clairsville and Cambridge. About the middle of February last, it pleased Divine Providence to afflict him with a severe fit of sickness, from which he is now but partially recovered.
From the Report of the Rev. SAMUEL JOHNSTON to the Bishop, it appears that he has officiated with great fidelity to his Heavenly Master in the parish of Christ Church, Cincinnati; that liis cure is increasing in numbers and piety, and that a steady adherence to the rules of our Primitive Church is not inconsistent with that vital godliness which should be the end of all our endeavors.
Parish Records of Christ Church, Cincinnati .- Families, 80 ; souls, 400; baptisms, (infants and children) 8; communicants, last year 50; removals, 3; additions, 14 ; present number, 61; funerals, 2; catechumens, 68; Sunday school scholars, 130.
Mr. J. has neglected no opportunity presented unto him, whether visiting his -parish, the sick, or those in prison, to advise and to premonish, and to preach the comfortable gospel of Jesus Christ our Lord. Besides thus discharging faithfully his duties in his parish, he has performed divine service and prcached at Hamil- ton once, Chillicothe twice, and also at Greenfield and Lancaster.
From the Rev. Mr. MORSE's report, it appears as follows :
St. Paul's Church, Steubenville .- Families, 30; communicants (removed 3, died 1, added 2,) 53; baptisms, (infants 4, adult 1,) 5; marriages, 1; funerals, 2; cat- echumens, 40.
St. James' Church, Cross creek .- Families, 50; communicants, (removed 3, ad- ded 4,) 96 ; baptisms, (infants 18, adults 6,) 24; funerals, 1; catechumens, 56.
Having sustained the fracture of a limb while returning from the last Conven- tion, Mr. M. was prevented from the performance of any public duties during the ensuing five weeks; since that period, through the Divine mercy, he has been enabled to officiate regularly in the parishes under his immediate charge, and occasionally in their vicinity in places where calls for ministerial services were most necessary and pressing. No material change has taken place in the above parishes, since last report. The congregations are generally numerous and attentive, particularly that at Cross creek; and it is humbly hoped the seed sown, may be so watered by the dews of Divine grace, as to produce fruit unto holiness, to the praise and glory of God.
The following preamble and resolutions, moved by the Hon. Mr. Wright, were adopted :
Whereas the Committee who were appointed at the last Convention of this Church, to receive propositions for fixing the seat of the Seminary, having failed to attend, or forward any report, therefore
Resolved, That they be discharged from the further consideration thereof; and that a Committee of three, members of the present Convention, be appointed to attend to that duty and report forthwith.
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Whereupon, Messrs. Searle, Prince, and Morehead, were ap- pointed.
Resolved, That a Committee of two members be appointed to report the state of the accounts for publishing the Journals.
Whereupon, the following persons were appointed : Col. Johnston, and Platt Benedict, Esq.
Resolved, That the Secretary be also Treasurer of the Convention.
Adjourned for Divine service.
Prayers and a sermon by the Rev. S. Johnston.
THURSDAY, JUNE 2D, 8 O'CLOCK, A. M.
Convention assembled.
The Right Rev. the Bishop opened the meeting with prayer.
Arory Buttles, Esq., and Mr. William Little, the former a Lay Delegate from St. John's Church, Worthington, and the latter from St. Peter's Church, Delaware, presented certificates of their appointment, and took their seats.
The Rev. Mr. Searle, from the Committee appointed to make a statement of the propositions for placing the Seminary, reported progress.
On motion, their report with documents accompanying it, were referred back to the same Committee, to which the Rev. Mr. Morse and the Hon. J. C. Wright, were added.
The following preamble and resolution were adopted :
Whereas the character of the Church is necessarily connected with the walk and conversation of such persons as are elected to the responsible duties of War- dens and Vestrymen, therefore,
Be it resolved by this Convention, that the different parishes in this Diocese, be respectfully requested, at their annual meetings to select, as far as possible, Com- municants only; and that at all Vestry meetings, the Senior Warden, or any per- son whom he may appoint, (provided there be no Rector or Clergymen present, be requested to open the meeting with prayer.
Adjourned till 2 o'clock, P. M.
[Two O'CLOCK, P.M.]
Convention assembled pursuant to adjournment.
The Hon. Mr. Wright, from the Committee appointed on the subject of fixing the site of the Theological Seminary, reported the following resolutions :
1. Resolved, That if at any time within six months from the first day of June, inst., there shall have been conveyed, by deed in fee simple, to the Theological Seminary of the Protestant Episcopal Church, in the Diocese of Ohio, any quan- tity not less than four thousand acres of good land in one body, including the
1
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one thousand acres proposed to be conveyed by Mrs. Betsey Reed, which shall be adjudged in writing, by the Hon. Henry Clay, of Kentucky, to be of equal value with the estate conveyed by the Bishop of Ohio, in his decd of donation, exe- cuted at London on the 27th of November, 1823 ; and if, during the continuance of the above specified time of six months, the Bishop shall have received addi- tional subscriptions and donations for the benefit of said Seminary, to him satis- factory, then, and in that case, the said Seminary shall be thenceforth for ever established on the said tract, to be conveyed by Mrs. Reed, as aforesaid.
2. Resolved, That until arrangements are made for the convenient accommo- dation of the Theological Seminary, at the place of its permanent location, the board of Trustees be authorized, and respectfully requested to cause its opera- tions to commence as soon as possible at the Bishop's present residence, near Worthington; Provided, that nothing in this resolution contained, shall be con- strued as determining the permanent location of the Seminary.
3. Resolved, That the thanks of this Convention and of the Church, are due to those persons who in different places have generously offered donations of land, money, labor and materials, to aid in the establishment of the Theological Seminary.
4. Resolved, That this Convention, as guardians under God of the interests of the Church in this Diocese, is decply impressed with grateful feeling towards Mrs. Betsey Recd, for her generous and munificent donation, whether the same be designated to the Bishop's fund, or to the Theological Seminary.
It was moved and seconded, that the first resolution be agreed to ; and while the said motion was under consideration, the fol- lowing preamble and resolutions were offered, considered and unanimously adopted :
Whereas, though very munificent offers have been made to the Theological Seminary of the Diocese of Ohio, yet, hopes having arisen, from information ob- tained from the members of the Convention, that still more eligible donations may yet be made ; and whereas this Convention consider it of vital importance to the future prosperity of the Church in Ohio, that the Seminary shall be per- manently established in the best possible situation :
Resolved, That the consideration of the first resolution, reported by the Com- mittee, be indefinitely postponed ; and that for the period of ten months hereaf- ter, the Bishop of the Diocese be respectfully requested to receive propositions, in writing, for the establishment of said Seminary, and to lay the same before the Convention at their next meeting.
And be it further resolved, That the Bishop be respectfully requested to cause notices to be inserted in at least six of the most public newspapers within the state of Ohio, inviting proposals for the establishment of said Seminary.
The 2d, 3d, and 4th resolutions were then considered, and passed unanimously.
Adjourned for Divine service ; when the Rev. Mr. Armstrong read prayers and preached.
FRIDAY MORNING, JUNE 3D, 8 O'CLOCK, A. M.
Convention assembled.
Divine service by the Bishop.
Mr. William Sparrow, an honorary member of this Convention, having received a certificate of his appointment as Lay Delegate, from St. Matthew's Church, Hamilton, took his seat.
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The following preamble and resolution, by Col. Johnston, were unanimously adopted :
Whereas the worship of ALMIGHTY GOD, in morning and evening prayer, to- gether with the reading of the HOLY SCRIPTURES, has always been considered no less a means of grace than a privilege and duty of a Christian :
Be it therefore carnestly recommended, as the sense of this Convention, that every family in the Church observe this pious custom .- [A Note is here appen- ded, being an extract from Bishop Chase's Address to the Laity, in Convention of 1823, which will be found on page 89 of this edition .- ED.]
The Committee appointed to report the state of the accounts for publishing the Journals, report[ed] that the receipts and ex- penditures, as specified to the Convention in the Treasurer's ac- count, have been correctly kept, and that there remains a small balance in his favor.
Resolved, That the Secretary address a Circular to the different parishes in ar- rears to this Convention, requesting an immediate payment of their respective dues.
The following preamble and resolution were adopted :
Whereas, the practice of mixing in the fashionable amusements of the world, is inconsistent with the principles of Christianity, and has a direct tendency to cheek the progress of vital religion : therefore,
Resolved, As the sense of this Convention, that it be earnestly recommended to the members of the Church to abstain from frequenting BALLS, and other places of vain amusement, and that they likewise use their influence with their families and dependents, to induce them to abandon such practices.
The following persons were elected as the Standing Committee :
Clergy-Rev's Roger Searle, Samuel Johnston, Intrepid Morse, John Hall.
Laity-Col. John. Johnston, Bezaleel Wells, Esq., Hon. Noah M. Bronson, Esq., William Little.
On motion,
Resolved, That Trustees of the Bishop's fund for three years next ensuing, be now elected.
Upon which, Mr. John Matthews, Mr. William Little and Samuel Bell, Esq., were duly elected to the said office.
On motion,
Resolved, That this Convention do now elect two Clerical and two Lay Delegates to attend the next General Convention, to be holden in the city of Philadelphia, on the first Tuesday in November, 1826.
Whereupon the following persons were elected :
Clergy-Rev. Roger Searle, Rev. Samuel Johnston.
Laity-Bezaleel Wells, Esq., Col. John Johnston.
Resolved, That this Convention tender its thanks to the citizens of Zanesville and Putnam, for the hospitable kindness shown by them to the members; and also to the Methodist and Presbyterian societies of the former place, for the use of their houses of public worship.
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Resolved, That the next meeting of this Convention be held in the Parish of Trinity Church, Columbus.
After an affectionate exhortation to the practical duties of Christianity, prayers were offered, the Episcopal blessing pro- nounced, and the Convention adjourned sine die.
PHILANDER CHASE, .
Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Ohio, and President of the Convention.
Attested :
SAMUEL JOHNSTON, Secretary.
N. B. Prayers and a sermon, by the Rev. Mr. Morse, in the evening.
APPENDIX No. I.
[Here follows in the original printed Journal, the Act of Incorporation of the Theological Seminary, which is printed in several subsequent Journals, and therefore omitted here. See Journals of 1852 and 1853 .- ED.]
PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY OF OHIO.
ZANESVILLE, Friday, June 3d, 1825.
This being the time and place appointed by the constitution of the Theological Seminary of the Diocese of Ohio, for the meeting of the Board of Trustees of the same, the Right Rev. Philander Chase, President, having taken the Chair, the fol- lowing persons, members of the Board, appeared and took their seats : the Rev . Messrs. Searle, Johnston, Morse, and Col. John Johnston. Rev. Mr. Morse was elected Secretary, pro tem.
The following preamble and resolution were unanimously adopted :
Whereas the Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church, within the Dio- cesc of Ohio, at their late session, (in June, 1825.) did authorize and direct that the Trustees of the Theological Seminary should take immediate measures for opening said Seminary on the premises of the Bishop, near Worthington, and for continuing the same there until a permanent location be made; therefore,
Resolved, by the Board of Trustees aforesaid, that the Bishop is hereby authorized and empowered, to cause to be commenced the different courses of instruction which may be necessary, in the same; to employ Teachers, a Steward, and all other persons proper and necessary to carry the views of the Board into effect ; to fix and regulate their compensation, the price of tuition, boarding, washing,
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1825.]
.
and lodging ; and to exercise all the controlling power over the said Seminary which is generally customary in incorporated Seminaries. The Board reserving to themselves, at all times, the power, in conjunction with the Bishop, of repeal- ing, altering, or amending, any such rules or regulations as aforesaid.
Adjourned. PHILANDER CHASE, President.
Attested, INTREPID MORSE, Secretary, pro tem.
APPENDIX No. II.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE MISSIONARY SOCIETY.
ZANESVILLE, Junc 2d, 1825.
This being the day appointed by the Convention, for the anniversary meeting of "The Protestant Episcopal Missionary Society, within and for the Diocese of Ohio," the members assembled during the recess of the Convention. The Right Rev. President of the Society took the Chair; Mr. Wm. Sparrow was elected Sec- retary, pro tem. The minutes of the last anniversary meeting were read, after which the annual Report of the Board of Managers was presented, and read by the Rev. S. Johnston. Whereupon, on motion of the Rev. Roger Scarle, it was
Resolved, That this society adopt the Report now submitted, and that it be printed under the direction of the Board to be elected this day.
The Right Rev. the Bishop stated what measures had been pursued by himself, during the past year, in relation to the Society.
The Society then proceeded to the election of the following gentlemen, as a Board of Managers, for the ensuing year : the Rev. Roger Searle, Rev. John Arm- strong, Rev. Samuel Johnston, Rev. Intrepid Morse, Bezalcel Wells, Esq., Col. John Johnston, Henry Brush, Esq., Arory Buttles, Esq., Mr. William Sparrow, Mr. William Little and Mr. A. I. MeDowell.
The Managers then proceded to elect, from their own number, the officers re- quired by the 6th article of the Constitution ; whereupon the following persons werc duly chosen, viz : The Right Rev. Philander Chase, D. D. ex officio Presi- dent ; Rev. Roger Scarle, Vice President ; Rev. Samuel Johnston, Treasurer ; Rev. Intrepid Morse, Cor. Sec'y ; Mr. William Sparrow, Rec. Sec'y.
ANNUAL REPORT.
The Managers of "The Protestant Episcopal Missionary Society, within and for the Diocese of Ohio," submit the following Report of their procedings.
Agrecably to the solieitation's of many of the members of the Society, the Pres- ident and several of the Clergy, by communicating with their brethren to the eastward, have endcavored to prevail on some individuals to immigrate to the west, with a view of performing missionary services, all of whose exertions have been ineffcetual ; and knowing that this disappointment would seriously affect the small parishes formed, there was no other way, than for the Clergy, as hith- erto, to devote a portion of their time to the destitute parishes ardently anxious for the ministration of the word and saeraments. This has been done as far as practicable ; and, although their own immediate cures have felt the want of their regular services, the Church at large, we trust, has been benefited by their labors.
It is a subject of sincere regret, that no Missionaries ean be obtained to assist in preserving our destitute parishes from utter extinction ; the only course, how- ever, is to submit with patience and resignation to what is undoubtedly the sove- reign will of a righteous Providenee.
The Managers respectfully entrcat the Clergy to redouble their exertions in behalf of our spiritual Israel ; and both Clergy and Laity we would exhort, to use unremitted and carnest prayer, that the Great Head of the Church may send forth into this portion of his fold, Pastors after his own heart, who will feed the famishing flocks with tlie bread of life, and give them to drink of the waters of salvation.
Owing to sickness, the state of the roads, and various otlier causes, the Clergy, since we last assembled, have not extended their labors beyond the bounds of their respective parishes, as much as hitherto. In the ensuing summer we hope it may be otherwise.
By reference to the Reports made to the Bishop, both last fall and at the pres- ent Convention, particularly to the former, may be seen the amount of mission- ary services performed in our Diocese.
The Managers desire, that the different congregations be respectfully requested to continue their colleetions in behalf of the Society, and that none of them be
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deterred from this duty through an apprehension that the sums to be realized will fall short of their wishes.
Not less imperious is the duty of every Church, however limited its means, to form within itself an auxiliary to the parent institution. In this way only, can the Society be sustained. " Be merciful after thy power. If thou hast much, give plenteously. If thou hast little, do thy diligence gladly to give of that little ; for so gatherest thou thyself a good reward in the day of necessity."
Those delinquent in paying their arrearages, are onee more reminded of the necessity of attention to their duty.
At the last meeting of the Society, the Treasurer submitted his report, which was read, and approved ; as also that of his sueeessor, at the present Convention; both of which are now published.
The Managers take this opportunity to acknowledge with gratitude the kind- ness of Mrs. L. MeDONOUGH, of Middletown, Conn. in a donation to this Socie- tv of land, through the medium of the Foreign and Domestie Missionary Society. They also feel gratified in recording, to the praise of the memory of the late Hon. P. S. VAN RENSSELAER, of Albany, N. Y. the liberality he manifested in addition to his assistance when collections were made in behalf of the Society in Albany, that of his liberal donation of fifty Bibles* to the Institution.
While we mourn the seareity of Clergymen, let us devoutly supplicate the Great Head of the Church, that the Seminary for the education of pious youth for the gospel ministry, whieli his gracious providence has enabled us to establish, may, in due time, furnish many heralds of the gospel of peace, who shall be suc- eessful in winning souls to Christ.
PHILANDER CHASE, President.
Attested, WILLIAM SPARROW, Secretary.
*Reported through inadvertence, by the late Rev. P. Chase, Jr. as the gift of the Albany Bible and Prayer Book Society.
CONSTITUTION OF THE P. E. MISSIONARY SOC'Y, WITHIN AND FOR THE DIOCESE OF OHIO.
[See pp. 59-60 of this edition for this Constitution. The only change is the addition of the following to see. 11 .- ED.]
"And the Treasurer, previous to entering on the duties of his office, shall give bond, with two or more sufficient securities, in the sum of five thousand dollars, payable to the person aeting as President, conditioned, that he shall account for, and pay over all moneys belonging to the Society, which may come into his hands, to the order of the President, or Vice President acting as President, respectively, at such times as he shall be thereunto required, and discharge all other duties en- joined upon him by the Constitution, laws and resolutions, of the Society. And in case either of the offices of Vice President, Treasurer, Corresponding or Recor- ding Secretary, shall beeome vaeant, by death or otherwise, it shall be lawful for the President to fill such vacaney ; and the person so elected, shall continue in office until a successor is duly elected.
FORM OF CONSTITUTION RECOMMENDED TO AUX- ILIARY SOCIETIES.
ARTICLE 1. This association shall be known by the name of the Missionary Society of - - Church, in -, and shall be auxiliary to the Protestant Episco- pal Missionary Society, within and for the Diocese of Ohio.
ART. 2. The object of this Society shall be, to collect funds for the support of missions ; which funds, so collected, shall be paid over to the Treasurer of the society, before mentioned, on or before the meeting of the annual Convention of the Diocese of Ohio.
ART. 3. Any person paying not less than -, may become a member of this Society ; and, by paying - at one time, may become a member for life.
ART. 4. The affairs of this Society shall be managed by a President. - Diree- tors, and Seeretary, which officers shall be chosen after the first election, at the annual meeting, on the - day.
ART. 5. Any - of the Directors, together with the President, or, in his ab- senee, two-thirds of the Directors, shall be a quorum for transacting business. The President, or any two Directors eoneurring, may eall a meeting of the board at any time.
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ART 6. The anniversary meeting shall be held at - on Easter Monday, when the annual Report of the Board of Managers shall be presented.
ART. 7. No alteration shall be made in this Constitution, except by a concur- currence of two-thirds of the members present at any meeting of the Society.
TREASURER'S REPORT.
WILLIAM LITTLE, Treasurer, in account with the P. E. Missionary Society, within and for the Diocese of Ohio.
DR.
1822. To drafts, receipts, &c., received of Rev. P. Chase, Jr., through Bishop Chase, viz :
June 7.
Receipts of deposit in N. River Bank, N. Y., Jan. 4, 1822 .... $1,400 00 66
Feb. 12, 1822 .... 43 32
N. Y. State Bank, Albany, Dec. 24, 1821, 300 00
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