USA > Ohio > Journals of the annual conventions of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Ohio > Part 3
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May 8. Saturday, at cleven o'clock, divine serviee was celebrated in the Court House, St. Clairsville, and an impressive discourse was delivered by Dr. Doddridge. In the evening the same duty was repeated, and the sermon was preached by myself. The congregations were considerably numerous and very attentive.
Sunday, May 9. The day being uncommonly fine, the people began to assemble at an early hour ; and the house, ere the service began, was much crowded. In the morning, divine service was performed, and the rite of Confirmation was ad- ministered to thirteen persons, and the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper to eleven. At the evening service, the Sacrament of Baptism was administered. This congregation is one among those in which the Rev. Dr. Doddridge regularly officiates; yet some peculiar circumstanees had hitherto prevented him from attempting the administration of the Lord's Supper among them. Happily those impediments are now set aside ; the people are becoming seriously impressed with a sense of their religious duty, and much good is expected. The word of God is quiek and powerful, and in nothing does it take more deep effect than in the solemnities of the Eucharist.
At St. Clairsville, Dr. D. left me, to visit his family ; and on Monday, May 10, at his particular request I passed over the Ohio River to Wheeling, on the Vir- ginia side. I attempted the administration of no Episcopal office here, being without the Diocese of Ohio. I however performed morning prayer in public, and preached a sermon to the people; after which, they saw fit to organize a parish, by choosing their wardens and vestrymen. Also, while on the Virginia side, I performed the visitation office to a siek man, a Mr. Wilson; and the next day (May 12) preached and performed divine service at West Liberty. Stayed the same evening at Mrs. Hammond's, and was treated with great kindness.
May 13. I again joined my worthy friend and brother, Dr. D., at his house in Charleston, (alias Wellsburg,) and was welcomed by himself and excellent fam- ily, with urbanity and unfeigned goodwill.
Twiee the same day we held divine service. In the evening the congregation was large, and very attentive. The peculiar exeellencies of our liturgy become more and more visible, in proportion as people, old and young, join in it; and where they do so join, increase both of numbers and piety never fails to be the happy effeet. No Church which neglects the liturgy, will eventually prosper. God honors those who will honor him; and withdraws his blessings from those who refuse to worship him.
May 14. Attended by the Dr. and some of his family, I went to St. John's par- ish, a small Church, about 10 miles northeast of Charleston. Here the morning service was performed and a sermon preached ; after, which I visited a siek woman, and the same night passed over to Steubenville, on the Ohio side of the river.
May 15. Morning and evening service were celebrated this day in Steubenville, the former in the Methodist meeting house, and the latter in the Court house. The congregations in both places, were numerous and attentive.
Sunday, May 16. This day having been previously appointed for the adminis- tration of the Apostolic rite of Confirmation, and the sacrament of the Lord's Supper in this place, the congregation, by the kind and pressing request of the Methodist society, met in their meeting house. The press was very great, so that it was with great difficulty that room was preserved to do the duties of the day. The discourse was delivered by Dr. Doddridge. I administered confirmation to 38-and the Lord's Supper to about 25. Great reverence and devout attention, appeared in the behavior of all present. In the afternoon of this day, divine service, at the request of the minister and people of the Presbyterian denomina- tion, was performed in their meeting house. - Six or seven children were baptized. At candle-lighting I again performed service in the Methodist meeting house, and gave notice that Episcopalians would meet me the next morning, at the house of Mr. Diekinson.
Monday, May 16. I organized a parish, by the name of St. Paul's Church, in Steubenville, to the great satisfaction of the friends of our Zion. They appointed tlicir delegate to the Convention, and took measures for procuring regular servi ces; I also this day baptized 20 children.
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Tuesday. Being joined by Dr. Doddridge, who had been, on Sunday afternoon, called away to attend the sick, I proceeded across the woods to St. James' Church, a small building erected for public worship, about 10 or 12 miles from Steuben- ville. For public services, they depend on Dr. Doddridge, who attends a certain portion of his time. The number of communicants I could not exactly know; as the holy sacrament of the Lord's Supper, was, through mistake, not provided for at this visitation. The probable number is, however, about fifty. After morn- ing prayer and a sermon, I administered confirmation to twenty-one persons.
Here I took lcave of my worthy friend and brother, and proceeded on my way towards Cadiz, where divine serviee had been appointed on the morrow. In com- pany with a Mr. Finley and a Mr. Henderson, I reached that night, the neighbor- hood where they lived, about nine miles from St. James', nearly west. I had been told that old Mr. Finley was sick, that he desired the consolations of religion, and that the neighborhood would be glad of my ministrations. I complied with the request, and the event proved that there was a particular providence in so doing. These people were principally from Ireland, and in their own country were what are called English Protestants, bred to a liberal and pious way of think- ing, and to a more than ordinary courteousness of deportment. Emigrating from their own, and coming to this country in the early settlement of Ohio, they fixed themselves here in the woods, and underwent the many deprivations and hard- ships incident to a new establishment; their children grew up and their families increased.
Ardently attached to the Church, they could not but think of her and her pleas- ant things ; though they had but little prospect of seeing her prosperity. The Rev. Dr. Doddridge, the nearest, and for many years. the only Episcopal clergy- man in the country, lives some 20 miles from them, on the Virginia side of the Ohio. Such were his avocations, that he had never been among them. Here they were isolated and alone, as sheep having no shepherd. Finley the elder, "the old man of whom I spake, was yet alive;" yet only so alive as that they were obliged to raise him up to salute me, as I approached his bed. As I took his hand, trembling with age and weakness, he burst into tears, and sobbed aloud. The grateful effusions of his heart, at the sight of a minister of the blessed Jesus, were made intelligible by the most affecting ejaeulations to God, his Maker, Saviour and Sanctifier. "I see my Spiritual Father," said he, "my Bishop, the Shepherd of the flock of Christ, of which I have always considered myself and my little lambs about me, the members, but too unworthy, I fcared, to be sought and found in this manner. O Sir! do I live to see this happy day? Yes, 'tis even so : Blessed Lord! Holy Jesus! Thou who once camest in great humility, to seek and to save that which was lost, receive the tribute of my grateful heart. Now let thy servant depart in peace." As the venerable man spake forth the cffusions of his mind in words like these, he bowed his grey hairs, and begged the prayers and benedictions of the Church. They were afforded; and cold must that heart be, which, under such circumstances, could refuse to be fervent. The visitation office was performed; in which the family, joined by the neighbors hastily as- sembled, participated.
The good effects of this office, not only on the person to whomn and for whom it was prepared, but on all who witnessed it, were apparent. And here I cannot but bear my decided testimony, in favor of a rubrical conformity to the injunc- tions of our venerable Church, in preference to any thing which the minister (especially if he be a young man) may substitute in its placc. If the minister sustain the character of his divine Master, whom he represents, and whose work he is doing, he nced be under no apprehension of incongruity, when, on enter- ing the house of the sick man, he repcats what the Church has commanded him to say, "peace be to this house and all that dwell in it." There is such primi- tive simplicity, there is something so characteristic of a servant and imitator of Jesus Christ, in solemnly pronouncing these words on approaching a sick man's couch, that every heart feels their force, and every eye melts into tears. The soil is thus prepared to receive the words of exhortation which follow, and to offer up the prayers with unfeigned devotion.
The branches of the family, and other persons in the vicinity, being, though at a late hour, sent for, I proceeded to the work of instruction. The nature and obligation of the Christian covenant in Baptism, and as renewed in Confirmation, and the Lord's Supper, were dwelt upon; and the little assembly were dismissed with earnest exhortations, to seek in their prayers the aid and direction of God's Holy Spirit, to guide them in the solemn duties to be performed in the morn- ing.
I went home with one of the sons of Mr. Finley, and after a short time devo- ted to sleep, at dawn of day I returned to the sick man's bed. The family and friends came as quickly together, and the sun had scarcely begun to enliven the
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woods, when I again addressed my interesting audienec. With what heartfelt pleasure-with what grateful exultation, did I now read in the eountenanees of this little flock, the effects of gospel truth. Every face beamed with holy fear and love, that blessed compound, which speaks at onee the modest, and believing, and the obedient Christian. And when I examined and called for the persons to be confirmed, eleven out of this little cirele presented themselves. The office was begun and they received the laying on of hands; after whieli the Holy Supper of our Lord was administered to the like number, (tho' not entirely to the same persons-some having been confirmed before, and some, who were now con- firmed, being not yet duly instructed for the saerament.) In a cabin with seareely a pane of glass to let in the light of day, and floor of roughly hewn planks, we knelt down together, and there the holy offiees were performed. The patriarchal old man, having caused himself to be raised in his bed, gazed with unspeakable rapture on the seene before him. His tears only indieated what he felt. The symbols of his dear Redeemer were given and received. They were pledges of eternal joys, in that world whither he was so fast hastening. Giving him the Episcopal blessing, I took my leave and departed. My mind however did not- does not, soon leave them. I never shall forget the family and neighborhood of the venerable Finley.
May 19. Deeply impressed with the affecting seene last noticed, I arrived at Cadiz. Notice had been given, but with a mistake as to the day of appointnient. Many of the people of the village appeared desirous of having divine service, and offered to give notice of holding it in the evening; I stayed accordingly, and offici- ated in the Methodist meeting house The congregation was numerous and attentive; but few having any aequaintanee with our primitive service, the pecu- liar beauties of it could not appear.
May 20, the day of Ascension, I was obliged to spend in traveling from Cadiz to Cambridge, 42 miles. The roads being good and the weatlicr fine, I performed my journey with ease and pleasure. The next day, (May 21,) according to ap- pointment, the congregation met in the court house for public worship; divine serviee was performed, a sermon preached, and I baptized one infant. The same evening I went on my way towards Zanesville, and stayed within about 13 miles of that place.
May 22. In the morning I rode into town, and found the Rev. Mr. Morse, re- turned from a short missionary tour, and engaged in the duties of his office as minister of that parish. Confirmation and the Holy Sacrament of the Lord's Supper to be administered on the morrow. And here I cannot but observe, how much may be done by the united zcal of minister and people, in preparing the way of the Lord, as he comes to us by his Word, and Holy Spirit, through the primitive ordinanees of his holy Church. There is no necessity of striking out new ways, if those which we have were properly and duly made ready and prepared.
Sunday, 23. At the partieular request of the Presbyterian congregation of Zanesville, serviee was held in their meeting house, and Confirmation was admin- istered to 25 persons. After which, 22 received the Holy Communion ; and during thic afternoon serviee 2 adults and 3 children received the Saerament of Baptism. The discourses were delivered by myself, and the morning and evening prayers read by the Rev. Mr. M. There are good reasons to believe that the solemnitics of the day were beneficial, not only to those who were immediately coneerned in them, but to most of those who witnessed them. The Church in Zanesville, as well as myself, have great reason to be grateful for the kindness showed by the Presbyterians, in the use of their house of worship. The parish of St. James' Church, Z. have made arrangements with the Rev. Mr. Morse, for his ministerial serviees, during half the present year; their zeal and liberality deserve praise. The other half, I have recommended him to spend in visiting congregations destitute of the regular services of a clergyman.
May 25. In my way home, on Tuesday evening, I preached and performed divine service in the village of Granville. The audience, thongli assembled at about 2 hours' notice, were numerous and attentive. Further serviees were earn- estly requested.
Last Sunday was spent in ministering to the people of my own immediate parochial cure. The number to be confirmed next Sunday is not small. From the northern parts of the Dioeese, the parishies of whichi generally receive the ministrations of the Rev. Mr. Searle, I have heard nothing except in a letter from the Hon. Solomon Griswold, earnestly desiring episcopal offices. The members of our communion in that quarter, for the most part emigrating from those por- tions of the Union, where pions zeal and correct knowledge of the Church are signally conspicnous, there is good grounds to believe will not be wanting. If the Lord will, I propose to visit them this summer or fall. From the south, I have learned good tidings of Christ Church, Cincinnati. Hardly two years have
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elapsed, since this parish was first organized. They now have a worthy Pastor, in the Rev. S. Johnston, a convenient place of publie worship, purchased of the Baptists, and about 70 families who attend divine service. In Chillicothe the prospect, I learn, is also good. Though they are supplied only with occasional ministrations from the elergy, yet by means of a lay reader and the use of an or- gan, the services are well performed ; sermons are read from approved authors, and the congregation kept in an increasing state. Should success attend their designs of building a Church and obtaining a worthy Pastor, it will afford matter of devout gratitude.
Since the last Convention, the friends of our holy communion at Circleville and its vicinity, have seen fit to elect wardens and vestrymen, and a delegate to this Convention. The name of their parish is St. Philip's Church. They hope when the Church in Chillicothe is supplied with a clergyman, to have the bene- fit of his ministrations a part of the time. Since coming into this State, I have baptized about 400 persons, of which number 55 were adults, and 36 persons out of this Diocese, when on my journey to the north and east.
The Episcopate of this Diocese having no stated means of support, and my own personal funds being considerably exhausted, I leave the consideration of this subject to the wisdom of the Convention by committee or otherwise. That the Great Head of the Church by his Holy Spirit may "direct us in all our ways, and further us with his continual help, so that in all our works, begun, continued and ended in Him, we may glorify his holy name," is the prayer of [your] affee- tionate Pastor,
PHILANDER CHASE.
The Convention adjourned till four o'clock.
WEDNESDAY, 4 O'CLOCK, P. M.
The Convention assembled.
The Rev. Samuel Johnston was by ballot elected the Secretary of the Convention.
The Constitution and Canons of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States, as also the Constitution of this State, were read.
On motion,
Resolved, That Mr. Benjamin Birge, from Lexington, Kentucky, a candidate for Holy Orders, be admitted to an honorary scat in this Convention.
The following Rules of Order were adopted :
ART. I. The business of every day shall be introduced with prayer ..
ART. II. The minutes in the Journal of the preceding day shall be read every morning after divine service.
ART. III. When the president takes the chair, no member shall eontinue standing, or shall afterwards stand up, unless to address the chair.
ART. IV. No member shall absent himself from the service of the house, unless he have leave, or be unable to attend.
ART. V. When any member is about to speak in debate, or deliver any matter to the house, he shall rise from his seat, and without advaneing, shall, withi due respect, address himself to the President, confining himself strictly to the point in debate.
ART. VI. No member shall speak more than twiee in the same debate, without leave of the house.
ART. VII. A question being once determined, shall stand as the judgment of the house, and shall not be again drawn into debate, unless it should be on motion for reconsideration, which motion can only be made by a member voting in the majority, on the question proposed to be reconsidered.
ART. VIII. When the President is putting any question, no one shall hold private discourse, stand up and walk into, out of, or across the house, or read any book.
ART. IX. Every member who shall be in the house, when any question is put, shall, on a division, be counted, when he is not particularly interested in the decision.
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ART. X. No motion shall be considered as before the house, unless it be seconded, and reduced to writing when required.
ART. XI. When any question is before the house, it shall be determined on, before any thing new is introduced, except the question for adjournment, post- ponement, or amendment.
ART. XII. The question on a motion for adjournment, shall be taken before any other, and without debate.
ART. XIII. When the house is to rise, every member shall keep his scat, until the President leave the chair.
The Clergy were called on for their Reports, required by the 45th Canon of the General Convention, which were presented and read; and, as required by the said Canon, inserted on the Journals :
The Rev. Mr. MORSE reports to the Convention : That he came into this diocese in October last, and during the winter, in the absence of the Right Rev. Bishop, performed service principally in his parishes, viz: Worthington, Columbus, Berkshire and Delaware. That at present he officiates in St. James' Church, Zanesville, and occasionally visits congregations destitute of the regular services of a clergyman. In performance of this duty, he has been several times at Chillicothe and Circleville, where the prospects of the church are encouraging: also at Lancaster and Somerset, where are a few Episcopalians; and lately at Portsmouth and Marietta ; in both of which placcs, parishes might be organized with good prospects of success, could they be furnished for a short time with missionary aid. The great object of request, in various parts of the Diocese which he has visited, is for Prayer Books, tracts and missionary services. Is tlicre no means by which they may be supplied?
In several instances, families have been found who had resided in this State from seven to fifteen years, and during that period, had never enjoyed the ordi- nances of the Gospel, or been favored with an opportunity to worship God, in what they esteemed the beauty of holiness-the public liturgy; yet in all this time, they had retained an affectionate attacliment to the Church and professed their determination to live and die in its communion. Surely such scattered members of the fold of Christ should not be neglected.
Since his arrival in this Diocese, Mr. M. has performed divine service, and preached constantly twice (except in one instance,) and occasionally three times, on Sundays, often on a week day or evening, lias attended four funerals, and baptized nine children and three adults.
New communicants in St. James' church, 10; present number, 23; baptisms- children, 6; adults, 3.
The Rev. SAMUEL JOHNSTON reported to the Convention as follows: Since my last report of the state of religion in my parochial cure, I have reason to be thankful, that my labors, under God, have been crowned with success. The prosperity of the church has exceeded my most sanguine expectations. The congregation is respectable and increasing. Some hopes were entertained, that their ability would have been sufficient to build a church, the ensuing season, but it has been judged expedient to defer it for the present. A neat and tolerably commodious house, formerly occupied by the Baptist denomination, has been purchased. The congregation for the most part are regular, rubrical, and atten- tive. The responses are made with apparent piety. Several families, who were prejudiced by education against the Liturgy of the Church, begin now to realize its excellencies and enjoy its advantages. There is room for a more active and persevering zeal among us; but we are not without hope, that our diligence may be increased. We know that some, old and young, are inquiring what they must do to be saved? The influences of divine grace have been felt among us, and are visible in the lives of many.
When the Church was organized, there were but three communicants. Acces- sions have since been made. We feel satisfied that others who are now sincerely inclined, will, after confirmation, present themselves at the table of our Lord.
The fruits of practical piety are apparent in the Congregation, resulting, not only from the usual services of the Lord's day, but from a careful observation of the festivals and fasts of the Church.
Some members of the congregation deserve commendation for their zeal in cultivating a correct taste for sacred music. A good choir is formed, and the style of their performances is very creditable to themselves and the congregation. The music will be still further improved wlien an organ, which is now expected, shall have arrived.
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A Sunday School has been established, which promises to be a permanent blessing to the Church. Through the exertions of some of our young people of both sexcs, who are devout and exemplary, the children have been uniform in attending Church, diligent in their studies, and interesting in catechetical and scriptural recitations. It is hoped that this little nursery of picty may be duly tended, that every fresh bud of virtue, sheltered from noxious blasts, may grad- ually expand in beauty and fragrance.
Families, 70; communicants last year 8, added 12, present number, 20; funerals, (infants,) 5; baptisms, 17.
In October last, on my return from the eastward, I officiated in the following places west of the mountains. At Brownsville, Pa., Wheeling, Va., St. Clairsville, Cambridge, Zanesville, Lancaster, Chillicothe, and Lebanon. This season services have been held one Sunday at Jeffersonville, Indiana. In the State of Kentucky, one Sunday at Newport, one Sunday at Louisville, and two Sundays at Lexing- ton, in exchange with the Rev. Mr. Ward.
On my way to the present Convention, I preached at Lebanon one evening; one Sunday at Chillicothe, and one evening at Circleville.
In my public ministrations, I have generally found a desire in the members of our Church for the ordinances of the Gospel; and learn from various sources that multitudes on the Ohio and Mississippi, arc mourning their deserted condition. The shepherds of Christ's fold must be invited, must be entreated, to come in search for the poor, the liumble, the wandering sheep in the wilderness, that they may imitate their blessed Master in secking to save that which was lost. The field for usefulness is extensive, and the laborers are few. This should prompt the sincere prayers of every Christian, that "the Lord of the harvest would send forth laborers into his harvest."
The Rev. ROGER SEARLE was prevented by indisposition from attending the Convention. In his report to the Bishop, he states that his labors in the discharge of his ministerial offices have been arduous; and although he has suffered under the difficulties of an infirm state of licalthi most of the year, yet God, in liis holy providence, has supported him. "The Parish of St. Paul's, in Medina, is increas- ing in numbers, in a pious attention to the ordinances, and in attachment to the primitive doctrines and liturgy of the Church. The Parish of Trinity Church, Cleveland, is smaller in numbers, but is not without encouraging prospects. That of St. James', Boardman, is increasing in numbers, and is attentive to the liturgy and rubrics of the Church. The same may be said of Christ Church, Windsor, and St. Peter's, Ashtabula.
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