USA > Ohio > Journals of the annual conventions of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Ohio > Part 25
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If it be asked, why this was not done at the commencement, the answer is- because previously to my going to the Eastward, we had not the funds to justify so great an expense. I attempted to borrow money for that purpose, but did not succeed. On my return I endeavored to accomplish by manual labor, the saw- ing of the joist ; but such was the demand, that this expedient failed. Compelled, therefore, by necessity, though the work be expensive and the season for such an undertaking far advanced, the dam, the race and the mill, have been simultane- ously commenced, and our whole force exerted for its speedy accomplishment. So that in visiting our grounds, you will behold a busy scene : and while you behold it, condueted as it is by means of faithful head-men to every department, I doubt not of there being produced in your minds a most pleasing effect. The whole will be expensive ; but its necessity, joined with the certainty of great future profit to the Institution, as well as the supply of present want, will, I humbly trust, fully justify its commencement. The only cause for regret will be, that we were not able to commence it sooner.
In my communication to the Trustees, I mentioned a subject which ought, with more propriety, to accompany my address to this Convention-I mean the visit of the Rev. Mr. W.est to this country, bearing most ample recommendations from some of our most respected friends and benefactors in England. Thougli an officiating Minister in another denomination of Christians, yet, his return to the church was so cordial, and his letters of credence so ample satisfactory, and the means of doing good to the cause of true religion, through him, so plain and abundant, that I could not but consider it my duty to act with promptness in the matter of his ordination. His case coming strictly within the purview of the 17th Canon,* and his immediate admission to holy orders contravening the spirit
CANON XVII .- Of those who have officiated as Ministers among other Denominations of Christians, and apply for Orders in this Church.
When a person who has officiated as Minister among any other Denomination of Christians, shall apply for Orders in this church, the Bishop to whom the application is made, being satisfied, on examination according to the Canons, that he is a man of piety and unexceptionable character ; that he holds the doctrines of the church ; and that he possesses all the literary and other qual- ifications required ; and being furnished with testimonials from the Standing Committee, duly convened ; may ordain him as soon as convenient. In all such cases, the Standing Committee may insert in their testimonials. the words, " we believe him to be sincerely attached to the doctrines and discipline of the Protestant Episcopal Church,' instead of the words," and hath not written, taught, or held anything contrary to the doctrine or discipline of the Protestant Episcopal Church."
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of none other, my own opinion was soon decided. But knowing my great lia- bility to err, I thought it advisable to consult those whose judgments were known to be so superior to my own-the Bishops of the Eastern Diocese, and of Con- neeticut. The result appears in the following notes :
From Bishop Griswold.
" RIGHT REV. AND DEAR SIR-After considering the question respecting the ordination of Mr. G. M. West, it is my opinion, that he may be admitted to orders under the provisions of the 17th Canon, without violating the letter of any of our prescribed rules. And as I know of no usage or prece- dent to the contrary, and (so far as I understand the case, ) expediency requiring it, I recommend that he be admitted to orders. ALEXANDER V. GRISWOLD.
" BRISTOL, (R. I.) MAY 17, 1827."
From Bishop Brownell.
" Having seen the letters of several noblemen and gentlemen of Great Britain, directed to the Right Rev. Bishop Chase, in approbation of the character of Geo M. West, a Minister of the Westleyan connection in Ireland, I concur in opinion with Bishop Griswold, that there are no canonical impediments to his admission to Holy Orders by Bishop Chase.
"HARTFORD, MAY 20, 1827.
THOMAS BROWNELL."
On these grounds, and in pursuance of this advice, Mr. West was admitted to full Orders; and thus he has become one of the Clergy of Ohio. His immediate return to England, on an errand of benevolence for the advancement of the in- terests of the Theological Seminary of Ohio and of Kenyon College, must and will, it is hoped, meet with the approbation of all reasonable and well-informed men. If I have erred in this affair, the error has been that of judgment and not of intention : and even that I did not presume to exercise, till supported by the adviec of others, whose opinions are far more valuable than my own.
As to the danger which may arise from this transaction, by way of precedent, no fears need be apprehended. I am too insignificant, and my station in the Church too remote, to be adduced as an example in any matter relating to a foreign nation or a foreign church.
Let those take heed to their ways, in this respect, whose path of public life lies on more conspicuous ground. When seeking for precedents in Bishops, commu- nicating with foreign nations and parent churches, the Christian world will look for examples in persons of more eminence than the Bishop of a feeble flock of Episcopalian Christians in the wilderness : and in so doing, may there never be cause for disappointment! May there never be causc to mourn the frailty of liu . man nature, as it regards concerns of more importance than any supposed irregu- larity in the ordination of pious, zealous Ministers, who, once in an age, may come over the waters to help us; but in those things, especially, which deeply concern the vital principles of religion-the maintenance of peace and charity, wherein consist the true honor, safety and welfare of any church or people ; the avoiding of a disputatious and overbearing temper, and a jealous, proud and ambitious spirit, whereby the Zion of God is too apt to be torn to pieces at home and her name disgraced in foreign lands. On the contrary, may the Christian world look and find in the American Episcopal Church, especially among her more clevated Bishops, precedents of a different sort :- those which regard not so much the straining out the gnats of error, in the fancied transgression of some doubtful Canon, as in the greater and weightier matters of the Law-JUSTICE, MERCY and TRUTH, the advancement of God's glory in the salvation of men's souls.
My Episcopal duties have, of necessity, been limited, while the great work of our Theological Seminary and College lias been going on. But small portions of the Diocese have I been able to visit since the last Convention. In those which I have visited, I have confirmed, viz : In Worthington, June 11th, 1826, four; and in St. Matthew's Church, Perry township, Angust 6th, 1826, five persons.
On my return from the Eastern States, I consecrated to the service of Almighty God, St. Peter's Church, in Delaware county-a neat and very substantial stone building, truly honorable to its founders and benefactors. In this elmirch, imme- diatly after its consecration, besides the ordination of the Rev. Mr. West to Priest's Orders-already mentioned-I admitted Mr. Marens T. C. Wing, a Tutor in Ken- yon College, to the order of Deacons. And here I should officially mention what was nnofficially published on the last year's Journal of the Convention of this Diocese-the admission of the Rev. William Sparrow, Professor of the Langna- ges in Kenyon College to the Holy Orders of Priests; and Messrs. C. P. Bronson and Gideon M'Millan, to Deacon's Orders, immediately after the rising of that Convention. The Rev Mr. M'Millan is settled at Piqua, in Miami County ; and the Rev. Mr. Bronson, besides his duties as principal of Norwalk Academy, offici- ates in Medina, Norwalk, and other places on the " Reserve."
The Rev. Mr. Silas Freeman, has come into this State from Virginia, and is settled in the Parish of Trinity Church, Cleveland, also to officiate in several of
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the neighboring places. The Rev. A. G. Baldwin, complied with an invitation I gave him, while in Philadelphia, to remove from the Diocese of New York to Zanesville, in this State : a part of his time is devoted to Newark and other places.
The Rev. Mr. John P. Bausman, has come to this Diocese with letters of dis- mission from the Bishop of Pennsylvania, and is settled in Chillicothe. From the same authority I received letters dimissory to this Diocese of Mr. Nathan Stem, as a candidate for Holy Orders, and who is now pursuing his studies at our The- ological Seminary. This institution, in connection with Kenyon College, is con- ducted still at my residence at Worthington. The whole number of Students is about fifty, which, for want of room, cannot be augmented; though there are frequent and numerous applications. What anxiety does this create to expedite the ercction and the finishing of our buildings !
All Gambier, comprehending the grounds of Kenyon College, has been recently incorporated under the provisions of the act of the legislature, a new parish, in communion with the Episcopal Church, by the name of Harcourt Parish, out of respect to a distinguished friend of ours in Ireland-The Reverend Sir Harcourt Lees.
When in Philadelphia, by letters of dismission from the Bishop of Virginia, I ordained Mr. George Mintzer to the degree of Deacons, in the Church of Christ. This office was performed in St. John's Church, by the very obliging permission of the Bishop of Pennsylvania. The Rev. Mr. Mintzer came to this State and of- ficiated, for a while, very faithfully at St. Clairsville and Morristown. He is now on a visit to his friends in the Eastern States.
BRETHREN OF THE CLERGY AND LAITY-In closing this hasty and confused Address, I should deem myself culpable, were I to omit assuring you of my very sincere and constant prayers for your eternal happiness; and entreating yours in return, for my own salvation. The outward welfare and prosperity of the Church, is one thing, and the peace and joy of the Holy Ghost in the souls of men, is quite another. What will it avail us, that we meet here year by year, to consult for the good and use the means for the salvation of others, if we be not saved in the day of visitation ourselves ! Let this solemn thought shed its lioly influence over our hearts and our actions, that what we think, do, and say in present meeting, may be such as we shall wish it had been, when we come to die.
MOUNT VERNON, September 5, 1827.
PHILANDER CHASE.
On motion, the Convention went into the election of a Secreta- ry, when the Rev. W. Sparrow was chosen.
On motion,
Resolved, That Messrs. Billy Todd and James Elliott, be admitted to seats, as honorary members in this Convention.
On motion, adjourned, to meet again at four o'clock in the afternoon.
WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON, FOUR O'CLOCK.
The Convention assembled, pursuant to adjournment.
The following Parochial Reports were now presented to the Bishop, and read :---
The Rev. MR. MORSE reports as follows :-
St. Paul's Church, Steubenville .- Families, 35; communicants, (removed 6, ad- ded 12,) 60; baptisms, (infants 14, adults 2,) 16 ; marriages, 2; funerals, 4; cate- chumens, 30.
St. James' Church, Cross Creek .- Families, 60; communicants, (removed 5, died 4, added 16,) 114; baptisms, (infants 27, adults 6,) 33 ; marriages, 2; funerals, 4; catechumens, 70.
Mr. Morse has conducted Divine Service, and preached in places other than the above, four Sundays, and forty-one times, on week days, or evenings ; has baptized five children and one adult, and attended three funerals-a few of these services being performed in Pennsylvania and Virginia. He would only add that the state of the congregations under his care, remains, in general, the same as at the period of the last Report. Catechetical instruction is given constantly on Sundays, and strict attention paid to the directions of the Liturgy and Rubrics. Parish Libraries are formed in each Congregation, productive of great and in-
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creasing benefit; and during the absence of their Minister, the service is regular- ly performed, and approved Sermons read. There is, however, room for regret, that the attendance on these occasions is not greater; athough it is but just to say, that a faithful few are always present.
In the village of Springfield, Jefferson county, there has been no place of pub- lie worship for any Denomination of Christians, except a small inconvenient School-house. On the organization of St. Jolin's Parish, in that place, as men- tioned in the report of last year, a lot of ground was given, and an attempt made to creet a brick church, 45 by 30 feet ; which, by the exertions, principally, of a very few individuals, is now built, but not yet completed in the interior ; neither have the congregation, at present, means for effecting this, to them, very desira- ble object. The services hitherto afforded this Parish; have been but occasional and few ; yet hardly any of its size, for the time since its organization, has made greater exertions. It is their earnest desire to be soon supplied with the labors of a faithful Missionary, who may be an instrument in the hands of the Almighty, of turning sinners from darkness to light, and from the power of sin and Satan unto God. In their present situation, many of them continue to attend at, and are still considered as belonging to the Parish of St. James' Church, Cross Creek.
The Rev. Mr. BAUSMAN reports to the Bishop, that, as only a short period has elapsed since he took charge of St. Paul's Church, Chillicothe, he has but little to communicate. On Whitsunday, he commenced his labors, and thus far they appear to be acceptable; and he trusts, not altogether unprofitable. As the Church in this place had been some time deprived of the inestimable blessing of the Ministry, by the lamented removal of the Rev. Mr. Kellogg, and had conse- quently sustained much injury, he has deemed it most judicious to devote his at- tention principally to it. Pleasing results are anticipated. God grant that they may be realized ! Families, 16; communicants, in June last 17, (died 1, added 4,) 20 ; baptisms (infants) 4; Sunday School scholars, 100.
In August, he visited Portsmouth, where he preached six times, administered the communion, and baptized two children. His visit appeared highly gratifying; and the friends of the Church are very desirous of enjoying once more its stated Ministry. Their lay reader, Mr. Gunn, deserves great credit for keeping this in- teresting congregation together. Should the canal, as anticipated, terminate at Portsmouth, it will render it an important place : it therefore demands attention, and should, if possible, be supplied. The happiest effects, under God, would re- sult. May it soon be favored with a Minister after God's own heart-one who will be eminently and extensively useful !
Mr. Bausman was lately much gratified in visiting Mr. Thos. White, residing near Greenfield. He preached in his house to a respectable and very attentive Congregation. The occasion was rendered highly interesting, by the baptism of six adults and two children.
The Rev. Mr. BALDWIN reports to the Bishop, that he came into the Diocese the 21st of Nov. last. After spending eight days in St. Clairsville and Morristown, in which places he performed as many services, he came to Zanesville on the 1st of December, and soon engaged himself in that place, and also in Newark and Granville, Licking County. His regular Sunday services have been in these three places. Services have been performed in not less than fifteen other places, and have exceeded five a week, since he came into Ohio. He has organized Churches, according to the provisions of the legislative enactment, in Newark and Granville.
Baptisms (infants), in St. Clairsville, 1; Zanesville, 9; Newark, 3; Rushville, 4-17. Communicants, (Zanesville, added,) new 4; came from other places, 6; total 30.
He has administered the Lord's Supper in Granville. The number of families attached to the Church, in either place, cannot be stated, as families are divided in their preferences, and attachments are forming. This remark applies to the communicants in Granville-there being no communicants in that place who had not been members of non-episcopal churches. Mr B. thinks it probable a Church will, in no great length of time, be organized by persons living in Dres- den and its vicinity.
The Rev. Mr. M'MILLAN reports to the Bishop, that after receiving Holy Or- ders, hre, by the invitation of a pious and excellent member of our Church, visi- ted St. James' Church, Piqua. On his arrival, he found the Church in a very lan- guid and scattered condition, from which it has scarcely recovered. Meeting, however, with some encouragement, he was induced to remove his family thith- er; and from the beginning of July, 1826, has officiated regularly there, about two- thirds of his time. Since November last; he has statedly visited St. Matthew's Church, Hamilton, officiating one Sabbath in every month. Besides his regular Sunday services, in these places, he has held Divine Service and preached in the
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following places, on Sundays and week days, fifty-seven times; viz: Cincinnati, Columbus, Granville, Franklinton, Miamicsburg, Springfield, Dayton, German- town, and Mount Vernon.
St. James' Church, Piqua .- Families, 12; catechumens, 18; funerals, 4.
Mr. M'Millan regrets, that for want of a person properly authorized to admin- ister the Holy Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, he is unable to state, accurately, the number of communicants, but thinks it to be ten. Hc has likewise to regret, that previously to his going thither, several families had withdrawn from the Church ; owing, doubtless, to their having been so long destitute of the Ordinan- ces of the Gospel. Notwithstanding the gloominess of the prospect, from this and other causes, Mr. M'Millan has reason to bless God, that his feeble exertions have not been wholly in vain, in this part of the Diocese. A few valuable friends of the Church, at Piqua, shortly after his arrival, conceived the plan of erecting a House of Worship. A subscription was immediately put in circulation, and an amount sufficient to build and finish a brick church, 50 by 33 feet, spcedily ob- tained : the building is already commenced. As to the spiritual concerns of the people, he can say, in general, that from the evidently increasing attention to the Church service and the preached word ; he would persuade himself, that, even in this day of small things, the Spirit of the Lord has accompanied his labors to the conviction, and he trusts, to the conversion, of some precious souls. Encouraged by these prospects, he would pour out his hearty prayers to the God of all grace, that he may shower down divine blessings, and cause this almost withercd branch of his Zion to bud and blossom.
Mr. M'Millan would bear glad testimony to the decrcase of old prejudices against the Church, generally, but particularly against her excellent Liturgy. Ile trusts the time is not far distant, when her liturgical and doctrinal excellen- cies, will present themselves in so beautiful a form to the eye of the unprejudiced mind, as to secure the entire approbation of every lover of order and truth.
Hc would mention it as a subject calling for unfeigned gratitude to God, that in the midst of many discouraging circumstances, lie has been enabled to organ- ize a Sabbath School, and see it in a flourishing condition.
The Rev. Mr. FREEMAN reports, that he took the charge of the congregation of Trinity Church, Cleveland-which is partly made up of people residing in Brook- lyn-more than a year ago. That finding there was no possibility of its increase, till a Church was erected, with the consent and advice of the Vestry, he set out last May, for the purpose of soliciting aid in the Eastern Churches, towards the accomplishment of this object. That he visited the most important towns in the States of New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts, where he met with much personal kindness, together with much sympathy expressed for Cleve- land, in consequence of having no House of Worship of any kind. That Geneva and Troy, in New York; Norwich, Hartford, and New London, in Connecticut ; and Boston, in Massachusetts, are particular instances of prompt and generous giving. That from a gentleman and his lady in Rochester, New York, he received a liberal donation, and an offer to make up whatever might be wanting to the amount necessary, when he should end his mission. That in some places, noth- ing was contributed, but assurances were given that something would be, when a more favorable season offered for presenting the wants of his Parish. That what has already been received, and what remains in expectation, will amount, it is trusted, to one thousand dollars, besides a number of volumes-presented chiefly in Boston-towards the formation of a Parish Library.
Mr. Frecman concludes by observing, that it is hardly necessary for him to say anything of the services he has performed, so little fruit can be expected, ordina- rily, to appear from one year's labor. He would merely observe, that so far as he can judge from appearances, his services have not been entirely fruitless ; and he trusts. through the ordinary blessing of God, the Churches in that scction of the State in which he resides, will be permanently established and increased, provi- ded he and others on whom the labor and responsibility rest, prove faithful and persevering in their duty. Ncarly one half of his time has been hitherto em- ployed, and will continue to be for the present, in performing services in other parishes than Cleveland, for which he can expect but a trifling compensation. Could it be possible for the Missionary Society to support a Missionary for a part of his timc, to officiate in three or four congregations in that part of the State, he thinks it would be of great benefit to our beloved Zion, and be made a present and lasting joy to hundreds, who are now hungering and thirsting for the bread and waters of life.
The Rev. SAMUEL JOHNSTON reports to the Bishop, that through the great goodness of God, the congregation for which he has long labored, has, within the past year, increased considerably ; so much so, that several applicants for pews could not be accommodated. Catechetical instruction has been faithfully atten-
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ded to, during the same period ; and last spring a juvenile Bible Class was form- ed, and has been continued, he trusts, to thic edification of the youth of the Con- gregation.
Parish Records of Christ Church, Cincinnati .- Families, 90; marriages, 7; bap- tisms, 18; communicants, last year 71, removed 6, withdrawn 2, died 2, added 9, present number 70 ; funerals, 20 ; catechumens, 65; Sunday School scholars, 100.
Since last Convention, Mr. Johnston has performed services in Harmony, Clark County ; Springfield and Round Bottom ; and also spent a Sunday in Louisville, Kentucky, in the absence of the Rev. Mr. Shaw.
His resignation of the pastoral charge of Christ Church, Cincinnati, Mr. J. donbts not, has been communicated to the Bishop ; and concludes by saying, it would have afforded him great pleasure to be present with his brethren at the Convention, more particularly, as the place of meeting calls together so many in- teresting associations connected with the growth, respectability and future pros- perity of the Church, had circumstances allowed it. But though he be neces- sarily absent in body, yet, present in spirit, his prayers have ascended to the Giver of every good and perfect gift, that he would so order all events that Zion may continue to lengthen her cords and strengthen her stakes.
The Rev. JOIIN HALL reports to the Bishop, that he has been employed in clerical service, by contract, in the Parish of St. Peter's, Ashtabula, one half of his time, and since Easter Monday last, in the Parish of St. Michael's Church, Unionville, one third of his time.
St Peter's Church, Ashtabula .- Families, 45; communicants, last year 51, added 2, present number 53 ; baptisms, adult 1, infants 14, whole number 15; Sunday scholars, 60 ; funerals, 2; marriages, 4.
St. Michael's Church, Unionville .- Families. 11; communicants, 10; baptism, (infant.) 1; funeral 1.
Mr. Hall's Missionary services, for which he observes, he deserves and needs it, he lopes to receive pay from the Missionary Society, are as follows : He has preached and performed Divine Service, each, 57 times; performed the burial service, 3 times ; and administered the communion 3 times. He has also, as a Missionary, visited families and instructed them; catechised children, and visited the sick. The services have been performed in Sandusky City and Milan ; on his way from last Convention, in Salem, Sheffield, Unionville, Geneva, and Loudon- ville ; and they have occupied twenty weeks.
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