USA > Ohio > Journals of the annual conventions of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Ohio > Part 23
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26
The kindest accounts continue to reach us from our benefactors in England. Though the late commercial embarrassments had greatly depressed the funds held for us in the English stocks, yet it is hoped they will soon recover their for- mer price. At the last advices an organ for our Chapel was completed and ready to send to us. A friend in New-York has advertised me of the arrival in that city of a box of books in addition to the noble presents of that kind which we had before received from our most generous friends in England. The number of volumes already received is 516, which, joined to my own library, to be given at my decease to the institution, and now incorporated with the Catalogue, makes the whole number in possession amount to 1257 volumes, of the choicest kind.
During the continuance of a great weight of care heaped on us through the past year, and the uncertainty where the Seminary would be finally "located," I have not found it in my power nor consistent with prudence to set up the print- ing press. The press, the plates for our prayer book and the paper are on the spot. The types are still in New-York : the duties being high I have not found funds to pay them. It will be remembered that this complete and ample set of type, together with £100 sterling to purchase a printing press in this country, is the avails of a most munificent subscription, separate from that of the fund ; which subscription was originated and circulated among the ladies of the nobil- ity and gentry of England by that most excellent person, Lady Acland of Devon- shire. No one subscriber by her Ladyship's plan being allowed to contribute more than one guinea, the interest excited in favor of our endeavors to build up Christianity and learning here in the west of America, was thereby more generally diffused ; and most happy am I to add that by a letter received yesterday from my very worthy and most esteemed friend, G. W. Marriott, Esq., of London, it ap- pears that this fountain of benevolence is not yet dried up. In his letter dated March the 5th, he observes, "there is a surplus of perhaps ¿£50 from the printing press subscription. This, Sir Thomas Acland begs me to dispose of. I had in tended it for Lord Gambier's subscription towards purchasing the land adjoining Mrs. Reed's gift. Do you wish it for that in Knox county ?"
Authorized by the Board of Trustees which met immediately after the Conven- tion of last year in Zanesville, I appointed Mr. William Sparrow, late professor in the Miami University, Professor of the Languages in this institution, and also to the duty for the present of a Professor of Mathematics,-and Mr. Gideon McMillan a teacher of the grammar school. Two small buildings (very tempo- rary in their nature, were erected at my own expense; which, together with iny own dwelling and farm house, we thought would accommodate all the students that would offer this year. But we have found it otherwise. Our present num- ber is thirty, and had we buildings and other means to enlarge our establishment, that number would soon be doubled many times. Our prices have been, for cach year or 10 weeks term-
For boarding and contingent expenses of candidates for orders, $50; collegians, $70 ; grammar school pupils, $60.
The above includes all expenses except stationery, books and clothing. Can-
144
Ninth Annual Convention
[June,
didates for orders pay no tuition. We glory in these reduced prices ; and though it is evidently necessary that the boarding department be made to defray its own expenses, yet conscientiously looking to the good of the public, especially of those worthy young men, who are destitute of the means of obtaining advanced learning, the very nature of our plan, of having our institution in the country, surrounded by our own domain, abounding in every necessary of life, gives us reason to expect that these prices can always be kept at their present unexam- pled, and almost incredibly reduced rate.
You will be aware from the above statement, that we have hitherto proceeded on the ground that a college for general learning would be annexed to the Theo- logical Seminary : not that the latter would take from the privileges of tlie for- mer. On the contrary, it is believed that they can be of most important mutual assistance.
Much of the field of art and science, is open alike to the physician, civilian and tlic divine. What one studies the others must not neglect. The knowledge of tlie languages, philosophy and belleslettres, is necessary to all, and in the attainment of this, the ability and number of the professors and teachers, the quality and extent of the libraries and tlie usefulness and value of an astronomical and plii- losophical apparatus may be greatly enlarged, for the benefit of each, by a junc- tion of the funds of both.
It was, therefore, to promote, not to impede the original design of our institution, that I have endeavored to annex a college of general science to our Seminary, and to open our doors to students designed eventually for all the learned professions. That I have been actuated by a wishi to be of service to my country, without re- gard to denomination in religion, I will not deny. Where no principle, or rule of conscience is compromitted, I deem it my duty and I hope I may find it my pleasure, to be as extensively useful to all denominations of Christians as possible.
But here it must be noted, that in joining a college to the Seminary, it is an indispensable condition that our funds increase in proportion to the magnitude of tlie design. To open our institution to the public without an equivalent-I mcan an estate or property, cqual at least to the fund collected in England-would be as unreasonable as unjust. That this estate-this additional fund worthy of the higli destination of our Seminary-might be at your acceptance and disposal in the very act of fixing the site of this interesting institution, has formed a prin- cipal feature of my last year's duty. It is presented to you in the proposition of Mr. William Hogg, of Brownsville, to sell us at a reduced price, 8,000 acres of land in Knox Co. on which to fix both the Seminary and College. The sale of one-half of this tract, joined with the subscriptions already attained, and yet ex- pected, will more than pay for the whole. The remaining 4000 acres with the Seminary thereon, valuable as it is in itself, must and will constitute an cquiva- lent, if not far exceed in value the whole collections from abroad.
Here is a foundation on which to crect an edifice worthy of the kind expecta- tion of our esteemed benefactors. On this we can build, and expect the further assistance of a sympathising world : on this we can build and justly expect the patronage of our civil government. And here I think it my duty to add that any thing less than this would be to degrade, not to improve, our present blessings. To establish our Seminary in a village with no more accession to her fund, thian a village can give, and yet expect that she will open her doors to students in gen- eral learning, and in all respects maintain the dignified character of a college, is an attempt to reconcile inconsistencies and accomplish that which is impossible. On the truth of this remark it is that I have refused to consent that our institution be established in the village of Worthington. For though in so doing, my own cs- tate and lots in that village, would be enhanced in usefulness to myself twice two fold compared with the benefit to be derived from it at a distance, yet the good of the institution, I trust, will ever prevail over all considerations of private interests.
But two courses are before us : either to confine our Seminary to theological candidates only ; or, if we receive students in general science, to lay a foundation sufficiently strong and large, to sustain the magnitude of the college, which must be reared to do those students justice. In the former case nothing more is neces- sary than to turn your attention to the deed of gift of my own estate executed in London, Nov, 27, 1823, as the basis of all donations. This, both myself and fam- ily are willing to execute, and carry into full effect. In the latter case, the only thing presented worthy of your attention, is the proposed platform in Knox County. Should this be preferred, I leave my peaceful retreat, and the trees planted and engrafted by my own hand and unite my destiny with that of our Seminary and college. With this institution of religion and learning, I am wil- ling to rise or fall, to suffer or prosper. If God vouchsafe to bless, who shall Ict it ? if he shall frown, who shall not acquiesce that knows his wisdom.
JUNE 7, 1826.
PHILANDER CHASE.
1826.]
of the Diocese of Ohio. 145
The Rev. Samuel Johnston having declined reelection, the Rev. William Sparrow was chosen by ballot, Secretary of this Con- vention.
Resolved, That the thanks of this Convention are due to the Rev. Samuel John- ston, for his very faithful services as Secretary of the Ohio Convention for the last three years.
Resolved, That Mr. John Campbell, a candidate for orders from the Diocese of Pennsylvania, be admitted to an honorary seat in this Convention.
Resolved, That a committee of five persons be appointed to take into eonside- ration that part of the Bishop's Address, which relates to propositions for the location of the Seminary, and report thereon tomorrow.
Messrs. Bezaleel Wells, John Matthews, William Little, Zac- cheus Biggs, and Stephen Sibley, were accordingly appointed.
The following articles were unanimously adopted as substitutes for the fifth and tenth articles of the Constitution of the Theolo- gical Seminary of the P. E. Church in the Diocese of Ohio, viz:
ARTICLE 5. The Seminary shall be under the immediate charge and superin- tendence of the Bishop of the Diocese, for the time being, as President of the institution.
ARTICLE 10. This constitution may be amended by the concurrent vote of the Bishop, a majority of the Board of Trustees of the Seminary, and a majority of the Convention of the Diocese, with the concurrence of a majority of the Bishops of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States.
Provided, that no alteration or amendment whatever be made in this Constitu- tion, whereby the funds of the Seminary, raised in England, be appropriated to any other use than the education and theologieal instruction of students, for the ministry in the Protestant Episcopal Church. This proviso, however, does not preclude the lawfulness and constitutionality of anncxing a College to the Seminary, and making provisions so far as is practicable, for the admission of other students, at their own expense, to the benefit of a College education.
The parochial reports were then presented to the Bishop:
From the report of tlie Rev. SAML. JOHNSTON, it appears that the congregation of Christ Church, Cincinnati, of which Mr. J. is the minister, is in a more flour- ishing condition than at any period since its formation. It has increased consid- erably ; and new pews have been made with a view to the accomodation of several amilies,and yet applicants cannot be accommodated in the lower part of the edifice! During his present absence, the church, owing to the exertions of the females, will be thoroughly painted. Exertions are also making to render the organ more completc.
As it respects the spiritual concerns of the parish, he observes, that they are such as might reasonably be expected in the ordinary blessings of God. Several have been added to the communion, giving good evidence " that they liave ex- perienced a death unto sin, and a new birth unto righteousness." It is also grat- ifying to state that others are solemnly impressed with the great truths of our holy religion. Individuals who have lived in the neglect of family prayer, are becoming more attentive to this duty, for want of wliich, the flame of piety, enkindled by the public offiees of religion, so often expires. The hope is indulged, that several persons will present themselves for confirmation, at the next Epis- copal visitation.
Mr. J. feels disposed, in addition to what he has hitherto said on the subject of Sunday Schools, to bear testimony to their great importance, both as it respects the advantages to the children and teachers, as also to the church at large. The children, in addition to the first elements, receive catcehetical and biblical lectures, are taught to commit considerable portions of our common prayer, and to join in public worship. The teachers, in order to perserve the school in a prosperous condition, are necessarily obliged to assemble at stated periods, to implore the heavenly blessing on their labors of love; which has a most happy effect, not
20
146
Ninth Annual Convention
[June,
only in strengthening their hands and encouraging their hearts, but in cherish- ing the most friendly feeling towards each other.
Last fall a Female Bible class was formed to recite once a week, and he is fully satisfied it has had a most beneficial effect, encouraging its members to a more diligent search of the oracles of God.
Although no subscriptions have been made yet, Mr. J. assures the Bishop that the most friendly feeling subsists, in favor of our Seminary and College, and he has reason to believe, that when fairly in operation, a due proportion of students will be sent from the Miami country.
Parish Records of Christ Charch, Cincinnati .- Families, 85; marriages. 4; bap- tisms, infants 21, adults 1-22; communicants, last year 61, removals 7, with- drawn 1. died 1, added 19, present number 71, Funerals, 15; catechumens, 60 ; Sunday School scholars, 120.
On his return from the last Convention, Mr. Johnston officiated one Sunday in Rushville, and one evening in Chillicothe. At the latter place he married a couple, and baptized a child. Since that period he has celebrated divine service at Hamilton six times, at Germantown once, Dayton once, Troy once, Upper Pi- qua three times, Lower Piqua twice, Mt. Vernon twice, Berkshire once, Lebanon once.
By invitation of the agent for Indian affairs, and through his and other aid as interpreters, Mr. J. held service and preached to the natives at Wapaghkonetta. Their attention to the solemnities of religion was such as induced him to hope that his labor was not in vain.
In Lawrenceburgh, Indiana, Mr. J. has officiated once ; at Newport, Kentucky, three times ; and at Louisville, one Sunday, where it was gratifying to see a flour- ishing congregation, worshiping in a spacious new Church, under the pastoral charge of the Rev. Mr. Shaw.
Mr. J. reports that he found the parish of St. James' Church, Piqua, to consist of 20 families, that he baptized five, and that the communicants were sixteen. That the families in St. Matthew's Church, Hamilton, are eighteen, that he bap- tized three, and that the communicants are eleven.
The Rev. Mr. MORSE reports to the Bishop as follows :-
St. Paul's Church, Steubenville .- Families, 35; communicants, (removed 8, died 3, added 12,) 54; baptisms, (infants and children 16, adults 3,) 19 ; marriages, 2; funerals, 8; catechumens, 30.
In this church a parish library has been formed, and liberal subscriptions ob- tained for the Theological Seminary.
St. James' Church, Cross Creek .- Families, 50 ; communicants, (removed 3, died 4, added 18,) 107; baptisms, (infants and children 38, adults 8,) 46; marriages, 3; funerals, 4; catechumens, 65.
Through the Divine blessing, this congregation still continues in a prosperous and flourishing condition.
Mr. M. has preached in places other than the above six Sundays, and thirty- eight times on week days, has baptized seventy-three children and six adults, at- tended three funerals, and organized the parish of St. John's Church, Springfield, Jefferson County. This parish contains but about twenty families, a part of whom were formerly members of St James' Church, Cross creck, though ncarly twelve miles distant ; yet few as they are, they have taken measures for erecting a con- venient brick church during the present season. It is their earnest desire to be supplied immediately, with the services of a minister, or at least of a missionary, were it only for a small portion of the time. In the general destitution, it needs scarcely to be observed, that full employment would be found for a missionary, within the bounds of Jefferson County alone, among the scattered members of our communion, could one be procured; but though the fields are already white unto the harvest, there is, alas, no one to put in the sickle. It is impossible to com- bine with advantage, the duties of a parochial clergyman and a missionary. Hence the eyes of all are turned with deep solicitude towards our infant Semina- ry, as the only means, under God, of rearing up and sending forth well qualified ministers of the word and sacraments, "sons of the soil" who shall be laborers in this harvest.
Rev. Mr. HALL reports to the Bishop that the state of the church in the parish- es under his care is as follows :
St. Peter's Church, Ashtabula .- Families, 42; communicants, (died last year 1, removed 2, admitted 18,) 51; baptisms, (infants 18, adults 2,) 20; marriages, 1; funerals, (adults 2, children 4,) 6.
This parish gradually increases in numbers and strength, and it is believed that Christian piety and zeal are progressing. A female Tract Society, and a Sunday school are organized here, both of which bid fair to prosper, and to be useful in-
147
of the Diocese of Ohio.
1826.7
struments in diffusing Christian knowledge. The public services are well atten- ded, and performed with decency and order. They have this year engaged the services of their ministers for one half of the time.
St. Michael's Church, Unionville .- Families, 10; communicants, 10.
There appears to be a growing attachment in this parish, to the doctrincs and Liturgy of the church. The people have always been remarkable for candor and attention to the expositions of the scripture doctrines, as received by the church ; and their progress in the knowledge of these doctrines, has been constant. The number of Prayer Books used in the congregation has greatly increased within a short time, and the usages of the church regarding the mode of worship, as well as the rubrical directions are, where known, generally and cheerfully complied with. The public services are attended by persons of other denominations, who manifest an uncommon degree of Christian charity. This parish is in many re- spects, happily situated, and, by the divine blessing, will soon be in a prosperous condition. They have lately commenced a constant attendance, in the absence of their minister, on the public service of the church, and the reading of approved sermons every Lord's day, by a pious Lay Reader.
Mr. Hall has also performed 20 weeks' missionary service. On account of the al- most incessant sickness of his family, one half of these services, though rendered in Ashtabula, the place which supports him for the other half, is considered as missionary duty. For the two years ending the first of April last, with the ex- ception of four or five weeks last fall, no interval has transpired when the physi- cian has not been weekly called to attend upon his sick family. He acknowledges the hand of a just and Holy Providence, and prays for a spirit of submission, and entreats that God's judgments may be converted into mercies, by an increase of faith in liis goodness and zealous attachment to his cause and kingdom. This he thinks will be the case, if we can but feel, that God exercises paternal kindness where he inflicts his rod. To this end he prays, that God may grant us his Holy Spirit. In all the places which he has visited, he has performed public services and preached on Sundays uniformly twice, with the exception of two or three times. On all the principal festivals he has performed service and preached. Family visits have been more frequently made by Mr. H. in his immediate neigh- borhood, and lectures and catechetical instructions oftener than in former years. A general sickness in this section of country, has called him more frequently to the bedsides of the sick and distressed, and given greater opportunity to impress upon the people, a sense of the frailty and mortality of man, and the necessity of preparation for the hour of dissolution and the awful decisions of the judgment day. In pursuance of his missionary duty, he has visited Boardman and vicinity once ; Warren, once ; Windsor, three times; Rome, three times ; Sheffield, twice; Salem, twice; Conneaught, once ; and Unionville nine times. Could these places be supplied with regular clerical services, though they should not be constant, the cause of Christ and the advancement of the Church, by the blessing of God, might be promoted in them all.
From the report of the Rev. Mr. SEARLE, it appears that he has officiated in the following places during the last year in this Diocese, viz : Millersburgh, Holmes County, once ; New Haven, Monroe, Portland, Milan in Huron County, each place once. At Norwalk, he preached twice and administered the Holy Communion and collected the names of those to be confirmed, and procured some subscrip- tions of names to the parish record, which doings were sent to the Bishop in his last August visitation. On Sunday, 26th of June, he preached twice in Cleveland and visited some families. He performed divine service and preached in Wads- worth in July. From this time, he states, that he was in such ill health that he could not officiate till August the 21st, when he performed service and preached twice. Hc then went to the eastern states to improve his health. After his re- turn, on Sunday, the 2d April, 1826, he performed public service and preached twice in the parish of Christ Church, Windsor, and administered the Holy Com- munion. On Sunday, the ninth, he read prayers and preached in Unionville. On Sunday, 16th, he did the same duty in Cleveland, and the next day in the vil- lage of Brooklyn. From this time Mr. S. states that lie was unable to officiate at all, till the 21st of May, when he preached a sermon in the parish of St. James', Boardman, Trumbull County. June 2d, he performed service and preached once and baptized one child in Loudonville.
The Rev. Mr. Scarle relinquishes his connexion with the parishes of Trinity Church, Brooklyn, (alias, Cleveland) and St. John's, Liverpool, and concludes liis report thus :- "It hath pleased Holy Providence, after nine years' well intended labors in this part of the vineyard, to deprive me of health, so that I cannot a t present extend further stated services; yet I am very happy in observing the in- crease of Christian picty, a growing attachment to our Liturgy, and the rising prospects of the extension and prosperity of the Church."
148
Ninth Annual Convention
[June,
The Rev. Samuel Johnston rendered his account as Treasurer of the Convention, which was accepted, and on his resignation it was on motion,
Resolved, That the Secretary of this Convention discharge the duty of Treasu- rer to the same also.
Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to report on the state of the Convention funds, as it regards arrearages due by the delinquent parishes. Messrs. Horace Foote, M. Matthews and H. M. Boardman, were appointed that committee.
Resolved, That this Convention adjourn until 8 o'clock to morrow morning.
JUNE 8TH, 1826.
Convention met according to adjournment.
The Committee on the location of the Seminary, made the fol- lowing report which was accepted :-
The committee to whom was referred that part of the Bishop's address whichi respects the site of the Theological Seminary and Kenyon College, beg leave to report, that they have had the subject under consideration, and satisfactorily as- certained, from the information received from others, and from the actual knowl- edge of the committee, that the lands in Knox County conditionally purchased by the Bishop from William Hogg, of Brownsville, Pennsylvania, afford an eli. gible site for the Seminary and College, and combine advantages of greater mag- nitude, than any offer that has been made, being situated near the centre of the Diocese, in a healthy part of the country, which is rapidly improving-the land watered with good springs and permanent streams, affording valuable mill seats, well timbered, very fertile, abounding in stone and all the materials necessary for building. The committee furtlier ascertain that the contract with Mr. Hogg is made on very favorable terms, particularly as to price; leaving it possible to save the lands wanted for the site, from the proceeds of the sale of the remainder. The committee further report, that a very considerable amount in money, lands, materials for building, and labor has been subscribed, to be applied to the pay- ment of the land and in erecting the necessary buildings, on condition that the Seminary and College be established thereon. Therefore, in full view of all these advantages, with gratitude to God, that he has so signally helped us thus far, and with ardent prayers for the continuance of his blessing, the committee recom- mend that the following resolutions be adopted :
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.