USA > Virginia > A digest of the proceedings of the conventions and councils in the diocese of Virginia > Part 29
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"FRANCIS M. WHITTLE,
" Bishop of the P. E. Church in Virginia."
336
COUNCIL OF 1879.
With few exceptions, all so addressed had promised com- pliance with the same. As an issue had thus been raised in what he thought a matter of very serious consequence to the Church in this Diocese, he laid the matter at length be- fore the Council, with the correspondence with the churches that objected to his pastoral, and asked the action of the Council thereupon. His address closed as follows:
"I had no alternative, my dear brethren-painful as the duty is to my- . self and humiliating as the performance of it is to our beloved Church- but to lay before you the documents which I have read. I add not a word of comment in regard to their spirit or contents. They speak for themselves, and they show that a great crisis has arisen in our Diocese, and that an issue has been joined, the result of which must determine the spiritual and Protestant or the worldly and Romish character of our Virginia Church for all time. They fully justify me at the bar of my own judgment and my own conscience for doing what I have done, and con- vince me that the need for my action was ten times more pressing and important than I had supposed.
"And now I desire, in the first place, clearly to define the position which I occupy. I do not claim, but utterly disclaim and repudiate the possession of any undefined or undefinable rights and powers as in- herent in my office, and as belonging to me in virtue of that office. I do not claim any authority to make or to break laws, but acknowledge myself preëminently bound to be governed by laws divine and human of the Church and of the State, that, as in other respects, so in the matter of submission to the rightly constituted authorities, I may be 'a wholesome example and pattern for the flock to follow,' over which, in the providence of God, I have been placed as the overseer. I claim no right to introduce any novelties of doctrine or ritual into the Church of this Diocese to disturb the peace of its members, and I deny any such right to every minister and vestry, and especially to every private mem- ber of the same.
"On the other hand, I trust I am 'ready with all faithful diligence, to banish and drive away from the Church all erroneous and strange doc- trine contrary to God's Word, and both privately and openly to call upon and encourage others to the same,' whether the 'erroneous and strange doctrine' be taught from the pulpit or the chancel, by word or by vest- ments, decorations, signs or symbols, and in so doing I but 'exercise such discipline, as by the authority of God's Word, and by the order of this Church is committed to me.' In a word, if there is any duty im-
337
COUNCIL OF 1879.
posed upon me by my consecration vows, and which may be demanded of me by the ministers and people of this Diocese, it is my duty to keep out all innovations on our doctrine. and worship, and to leave the Pro- testant Episcopal Church in Virginia, the same glorious Church which I found it, unchanged in its teaching, services, practices and ceremonies. This being the duty which I understand my office lays upon me, then I distinctly claim that the Church has entrusted to me the power and authority to perform that duty.
"In the second place, having been, under God, placed by you in a fearful position of difficulty and anxiety and responsibility, which none can understand but those who have tried it, and in view of which the greatest of the inspired apostles might well exclaim, 'who is sufficient for these things?' I think I have the right to look to you, my dear brethren, for sympathy and counsel and assistance. If, in your judg- ment, I have done wrong, or made a mistake, by wittingly or unwit- tingly usurping authority in what I have done, I earnestly beg that you will say so. Then I shall understand, that so far as this Council is concerned, I am not expected to be the Bishop or overseer of the churches of this Diocese ; that on my visitations I am a mere automaton to confirm, ordain, and consecrate buildings; that every minister, vestry, or individual, according to their various views of what is pretty or appropriate, or edifying, may introduce into our worship whatever services, or ceremonies, or objects they please, converting our houses of. prayer into concert halls, exhibition rooms Romish churches, or heath- enish temples ; and that is not my duty, and I have no authority to in- terpose my 'godly admonition' and my 'godly judgment' to prevent. such innovations. But if, on the other hand, as I do not doubt for one moment is the case, you hold that I have simply performed a plain and imperative duty to God and to you (notwithstanding my action has. been protested against, and I myself have been ridiculed and scorned: and denounced), then, my dear brethren, I think I have a right most re- spectfully to demand, that you encourage and help me by such legisla- tion as the case may seem to you to require.
"I conclude with the prayer, that in all your doings you may be di- rected with God's most gracious favor, and furthered with his continual help; that in all your works begun, continued and ended in Him, you may glorify his holy name; and finally, by his mercy, obtain everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord."
The whole subject was referred to a large committee- Revs. G. H. Norton, D. D., W. N. Pendleton, D. D., C. Min- nigerode, D. D., J. S. Hanckel, D. D., J. R. Hubard, D. D., 22
338
COUNCIL OF 1879.
R. T. Davis, D. D., J. G. Armstrong, H. M. Jackson, Judges R. C. L. Moncure, H. W. Sheffey, W. H. Bolling, and Messrs. Wm. Lamb, S. S. Bradford, John Stewart, Sam'l D. Davies- who brought in a report concurred in by 11 out of 15. The report said :
* * According to the law of this Church neither wardens nor vestries have rightful power to prescribe or to regulate Ritual; to change rites or ceremonies, or to prescribe or introduce into the Church ornaments or decorations in connection with worship, the manner of conducting which pertains to the minister in charge, who is amenable to his Bishop, and whom he has promised to obey. And thereupon the committee have adopted the following resolutions, in which they ask the concurrence of the Council :
I. That in the judgment of this Council the Bishop had the rightful power to give to the ministers under his charge the godly admonition contained in his circular-letter of the 18th day of February, 1879, and that irrespective of reasons therefor, it became the duty of those minis- ters to give heed to and obey such admonitions with a glad mind and will; and
2. That it is the earnest wish and prayer of this Council that cheerful and willing obedience be yielded by clergy and laity to the Bishop's views and admonition, so that no occasion may arise for legislation to give effect thereto; that peace and harmony may abound throughout the Diocese, and that clergy and laity, having the mind that is in Christ Jesus our Lord, may with one heart desire those things which make for peace, and our beloved Diocese, in its unity of faith and its ancient loving concord, may go forward to fulfil its holy mission, in establish- ing and building up the Church within its borders, upon the true foun- dation, which is Christ !
This was signed by eleven of the committee. Two de- clined to sign any report, and two signed a minority report, which in its statement of the law of Ritual and in its spirit was in accord with the majority. They said :
The undersigned are constrained to differ from the report of the majority so far as the resolutions appended to the preamble are con- cerned. While acknowledging that in matters of Ritual, where there is no specific direction by Rubric or Canon, we are subject to the control of the Ordinary of the Diocese, we are not prepared to say that the
339
COUNCIL OF 1879.
use of flowers is a part of such ritual, nor that it is a part of a system of false doctrine. At the same time we would express the earnest hope that throughout the Diocese ready obedience may be given to the Bishop's views in regard to these matters, and that there will be faithful cooperation with him in promoting the peace and harmony of the Diocese, and maintaining the Protestant character of this Protestant Episcopal Church.
The preamble of the majority report was adopted unani- mously. The first resolution was adopted by a vote as fol- lows:
Clergy-ayes, 73 Noes, I3
Laity-ayes, .
75 Noes, 13
The second resolution was adopted unanimously.
Pending the discussion a substitute was offered for the majority report, proposing to refer the matter to the next General Convention. It was rejected.
The subject of an assistant Bishop, referred to this Coun- cil by the last, was introduced by a resolution "that the Bishops and Standing Committee be applied to for permis- sion to elect an assistant Bishop on the ground of extent of territory."
The resolution failed for want of concurrence of orders. It was reconsidered and failed again, as on the former vote, for want of a concurrence of orders. The vote stood-
Clergy-ayes, 46 Noes, 49
Laity-ayes, .
60 Noes, 37
A resolution was offered proposing a plan to ascertain the views of the Diocese at large upon the subject of division, and was laid upon the table.
Rev. Philip Slaughter was elected Historiographer of the Diocese, with a salary of $500 per annum.
A proposed amendment to Canon IV, of the report by the Committee on Constitution and Canons, was referred to that
340
COUNCIL OF 1880.
committee. The amendment proposed the establishment of a judiciary system.
Slaughter parish, Culpeper county, and Bishop Moore Memorial church, Richmond, were admitted into union with the Council.
The Committee on the State of the Church said :
The interest manifested by the colored people themselves, in the instruction and care that they now receive at our hands, are favorable signs that they are beginning to realize that our Church not only wel- comes them gladly, but is eminently fitted to meet their religious wants. The remarkable work in Burnswick and adjoining counties, under Mrs. F. E. Buford, has awakened great hope as to our being able to reach on a large scale, and to influence for good this class of our population. Through the efforts of this modest and refined church-woman, under God, we call attention to the fact that, an entire congregation, called the Zion Union Apostolic Church, consisting of their Bishop, more than twenty (20) preachers, and about 2,000 communicants, is seeking to be placed under the care of our Church. When it is considered what an amazing work (unaided and alone except by her Heavenly Father's help) among these people, has been done by this devoted servant of God, can we not take courage and hope, that at last an open door and effectual has been opened to us in the direction of a people whom we have too much neglected.
A committee was appointed to suggest some effectual and practical plan for the arrest of the evils of intemperance, to report to the next Council.
COUNCIL OF 1880.
Council met in St. Paul's church, Petersburg, May 19th.
Mr. H. E. C. Baskervill resigned the office of Treasurer of the Council, and Mr. P. H. Baskervill was unanimously elected to the office.
341
COUNCIL OF 1880.
The Constitution reported at the last Council was acted upon and approved, as published in the Journal, pp. 43-46.
The report on the Canons was postponed to next Council, after being recommitted to the committee enlarged by the addition of five clergymen and five laymen.
The Bishop deprecated the groundless agitation of the question of more frequent Episcopal visitations. He said :
"Beginning with the Council which sat in Alexandria in 1876, the question of more frequent Episcopal visitations has ever since been agitated. This agitation, for which, in my judgment, there is no ground whatever, is not likely to cease until something is done to quiet it. The only thing which can be done is, either to divide the Diocese, or to elect an assistant Bishop. In my address to the Council in Lynchburg, in 1878, I declared my views in regard to these two measures. Those views remain unchanged, except that subsequent reading, reflection, observation and experience have deepened my conviction that I ought not, and have strengthened my resolution that I will not, at this time, consent to a division of the Diocese. I therefore respectfully suggest that you adopt whatever measures may be necessary to obtain the con- sent of the General Convention, which is to meet in October next, to the election of an assistant Bishop 'for the reason of extent of Diocese,' as provided by § 5, of Canon XV, of Title I, of the Digest.
"And now may the Holy Spirit grant us a right judgment in all things, that our sayings, as well as our doings, may tend to the promo- tion of God's glory, and the best interests of our beloved Church."
This subject was referred to a committee-the majority of which reported in favor of asking consent-the minority in favor of taking no action.
The majority report was adopted.
The Bible Society was cordially endorsed in a paper which was recommended to be read in the churches.
A committee was appointed to inquire what relations the Diocese sustains to the General Theological Seminary, and to report to the next Council.
The form of parochial report was amended so as to place first on list of contributions-
1st. Salary promised, $ -.
2d. Salary paid, .
342
COUNCIL OF 1880.
The committee to propose some plan for the suppression of the evils of intemperance, made a report, which was ap- proved, together with earnest resolutions of the same spirit.
The Protestant Episcopal Church Home in Richmond, for ladies, in reduced circumstances, was commended to the re- gard of the Diocese.
The Virginia Female Institute was commended to the confidence and the patronage of the Diocese.
The committee on the subject of work with the Zion Union Apostolic Church made a report, which was approved-and the Council authorized the continuance of an Evangelist to labor amongst them-at a salary of $1,000.
The Historiographer presented a report, which was re- corded.
It was proposed-that in the event of the General Con- vention giving its consent to our electing an assistant Bishop, our deputies be instructed to urge an amendment to section 11 of Canon XV, so that Episcopal visitations should be re- quired once every two years. It was indefinitely postponed.
The Bishop was requested to appoint, for one year, one or two evangelists, at a salary of not more than $600 each, and their traveling expenses.
The Brotherhood report stated that-
The only death (that of the Rev. Dr. Wade) in the last twelve months is the twentieth since the organization of the Brotherhood in 1870. In ten years an aggregate of $24,040.66 has been paid to the heirs of bene- ficiaries, being an average to each of $1,265, exclusive of the last. Thus it appears that at an average annual cost to each member of $4.20 this handsome sum has been secured to the families of a score of clergymen. * * * * * * * *
Your committee, in conclusion, cannot too strongly recommend to the clergy and laity of the Diocese continued and increased support of the Brotherhood. We urge on the clergy to select and name for ap- pointment, to the Secretary in Richmond, a suitable person as agent in every parish, and we urge all lay persons not already connected with the organization to become members.
A committee was appointed to consider the methods of
343
COUNCIL OF 1881.
raising the amount of assessment and the disposition of the Contingent Fund, and to report to the next Council.
The Council refused to concur in a proposed amendment to Article VIII of the Constitution of the Protestant Epis- copal Church in the United States.
COUNCIL OF 1881.
Council met in Epiphany church, Danville, May 18th.
The opening services consisted of the consecration of the new church erected under the auspices of the Rev. George W. Dame, who began the organization of an Episcopal con- gregation in Danville in the year 1840, the communicants then consisting of four ladies.
The report of the Committee on Canons was presented and made the order of the day for Thursday, after the reading of the Bishop's address. The report was discussed on Thursday and Friday, and then recommitted to be con- sidered at the next Council.
The Committee on the Contingent Fund made a report, which was at their request laid over to the next Council. It ably discussed all the questions proposed, and offered the following :
Resolved, That five per cent. of the total contributions of a parish for one year shall be its assessment for the year next ensuing for the stated and contingent expenses of the Diocese: provided, that in no case shall the assessment upon any parish be greater than a sum equal to one dollar for each communicant.
2. That whatever surplus annually remains, after the payment of these expenses, shall be converted into a Permanent Fund, under the direction of the Trustees of the Episcopal Fund.
344
COUNCIL OF 1881.
3. That it is inadvisable to pay the salaries of evangelists from the Contingent Fund of the Diocese.
4. That the Parochial Reports published in the Journal shall be tabu- lated and not published seriatim.
Communications were received from the General Conven- tion and referred to the Standing Committee of the Diocese. The communications were upon the following subjects-An amendment to the ratification of the Book of Common Prayer-The report of the committee on increasing the fund for disabled clergy and their families, and upon The expediency of so increasing the assessment upon. the Dio- ceses as to enable the General Convention to pay the ex- penses incurred by the clerical members in attending its sessions.
Thursday afternoon the Council took recess to hear an address by the Rev. Dr. McKim, of New York, and to or- ganize upon the subject of Temperance Reform. A Society was formed, with the Bishop as President, for the suppres- sion of intemperance, and when the Council reassembled the measure was formally approved.
The Constitution approved at the last Council was adopted.
The Protestant Episcopal Church Home, in the city of Richmond, was endorsed, and congregations requested to have an annual offering for the same in November, if prac- ticable.
A resolution was adopted most earnestly commending the Virginia Female Institute to the liberal patronage of the clergy and laity of the Diocese.
The Committee on the Relations of the General Theolo- gical Seminary made a report, which was recommitted to an enlarged committee.
The Standing Committee on Church Property were author- ized to sell lots in Hollywood cemetery, and to devote the proceeds to the Protestant Episcopal Church Home.
345
COUNCIL OF 1881.
The deputies to the last General Convention reported that the request of this Diocese for consent to elect an assistant Bishop had not been granted.
The Special Committee on Diocesan Missions made a re- port, which was referred to the Executive Committee of the Diocesan Missionary Society, together with five other mem- bers of the Council.
The Historiographer presented a report, which was re- corded.
The Committee on Work with the Zion Union Apostolic Church made a report which was approved. It offered the following :
I. Resolved, That the Bishop be requested to appoint, with the con- sent of the ecclesiastical authorities thereof, assistant ministers for the parishes in Mecklenburg and Brunswick for special work among the colored people in those parishes.
2. Resolved, That the salaries of these assistant ministers be paid by the Diocesan Missionary Committee.
3. Resolved, That in consequence of this extra draft upon the trea- sury, the Diocesan Missionary Committee be instructed to issue an ap- peal to the Diocese for special contributions to colored missions.
It introduced the following action of the Zion Union at their annual conference:
Resolved I, That holding firmly to our Church organization, as now constituted, and with no present desire to change the same, we feel the deepest gratitude to the Protestant Episcopal Church for the Christian love and charity which has been extended to us by the same in teaching and disciplining our people, aiding them to embrace a pure Christian faith, and to lead godly and Christian lives.
Resolved 2, That we earnestly desire that the work controlled by the same principle may be continued. * *
Resolved 3, That the Book of Common Prayer of the Protestant Episcopal Church contains sound doctrine for the edification of all Christian people, and we recommend its use in our churches as the ministers shall find it practicable.
346
COUNCIL OF 1881.
The name of Leeds parish in Prince William county, was changed to "Haymarket" parish, and the metes and bounds between it and Dettingen Parish were fixed.
The Brotherhood Committee made a report recommend- ing the employment of a general agent, and also to reduce mortuary assessments from $2.10 to $1.
The Historiographer was requested to prepare for the next Council a list of all the parishes in the Diocese from the date of its organization, and of the separate congregations within those parishes that have been admitted to lay repre- sentation in the Council.
OFFICERS OF THE
CONVENTIONS AND COUNCILS SINCE 1785. =
BISHOPS AND PRESIDENTS.
Rt. Rev. James Madison, D. D ... I791
Rt. Rev. Richard Channing Moore, D. D. 1815
Rt. Rev. William Meade, D. D., (Elected assistant Bishop 1829) 1842 Rt. Rev. John Johns, D. D., (Elected assistant Bishop 1842). I862 Rt. Rev. F. M. Whittle, D. D., (Elected assistant Bishop 1867). 1876
PRESIDENTS PRO TEMPORE.
Rev. James Madison, D. D 1785, 1786 and 1790
Rev. David Griffith, D. D. 1787
Rev. John Bracken, D. D 1789, 1812 and 1813
Rev. William H. Wilmer 1814
SECRETARIES.
Rev. Robert Andrews 1785
Rev. John Bracken, D. D 1786 to 1788
Rev. Robert Andrews 1789
Rev. Thomas Davis
Rev. Robert Andrews .. 1790
1791 to 1796
Rev. John Bracken, D. D
1797 to 1804
Mr. Charles Marshall 1805 to 18II
Mr. George Deneale. 1812
Mr. Anthony Crease 1813
Mr. Samuel Greenhow. 1814
Mr. William Munford 1815 to 1823
Mr. John G. Williams 1824 to 1833
Mr. Hillary Baker. 1834 to 1844
348
OFFICERS SINCE 1785.
Mr. William M. Blackford 1845 to 1850
Mr. Cassius F. Lee. 1851 and 1852
Rev. George D. Cummins 1853 and 1854
Rev. George Woodbridge. 1855 and 1856
Rev. Henry S. Kepler
1857 to 1859
Mr. J. W. Atkinson
I860 to 1862
Rev. T. G. Dashiell
1863
#
SECRETARIES PRO TEMPORE.
Rev. Robert Andrews 1799
Mr. Edward Colston. 1822
Rev. William F. Lee 1832
Rev. Zachariah Mead.
1840
Rev. Benjamin M. Miller 184I
Mr. Tazewell Taylor ..
1850
TREASURERS.
Rev. John Buchanan. 1785 to 1814
Mr. Samuel Greenhow 1815
Mr. William Munford. 1816 to 1823
Mr. Robert Greenhow. 1824 to 1837
Mr. William H. Hubbard 1838 to 1857
Mr. John Stewart .. 1858 to 1865
Mr. Samuel P. Mitchell 1866
Mr. H. E. C. Baskervill 1867 to 1880
Mr. P. H. Baskervill 1880
CLERGY SINCE 1785.
[This is intended to be a list of the clerical and lay deputies in the Conventions and Councils since the year 1785, the date of the organi- zation of the Diocese. Some of the clerical names will have been seen before in the list that comes down to the year 1785. The dates do not give the time of ordination, nor of first parochial charge, but the year when first reported as present in the Conventions or Councils.]
Clergyman.
Parish.
County.
Date.
Adams, Ephraim
Alexandria 1831
Adie, George .. Shelburne
Loudoun.
1833
Addison, Thomas G. Grace
Caroline 1856
Alberger, John (deacon).
Allanson, Edward, (ass't) ... Grace
Petersburg 1881
Allen, Benjamin.
St. Andrew's
Jefferson 1818
Ambler, John Luray
Shenandoah 1872
Ambler, Charles E. St. Ann's
Albemarle. 1849
Ambler, Thomas M Bath
Dinwiddie 1855
Andrews, Joseph R St. Paul's
King William 1818
Andrews, Robert. York-Hampton
York 1785
Andrews, C. W. Frederick.
Frederick 1834
Armstrong, William. St. Matthew's
Wheeling 1837
Armstrong, John Wheeling
Ohio county 1823
Armstrong, J. G St. Matthews
Wheeling 1875
Atkinson, Thomas St. Paul's
Norfolk 1837
Atkinson, John St. George's
Accomac. 1867
Atwell, J. H. St. Stephen's.
Petersburg 1869
Avirett, J. B. (chaplain)
1862
Baker, F. M.
Botetourt ..
Botetourt 1852
Baker, R. M Piedmont
Fauquier 1862
Ball, David. Christ Church. Lancaster 1789
Frederick 1785 Balmain, Alex Frederick
Banister, J. M Bath
Dinwiddie 1847
Barnes, Richard H
St. Martin's
Hanover 1822
Barr, David. Meherrin
Greenville 1871
1837
Allen, Thomas G.
Dettengen
Prince William 1818
Alrich, W. A Truro
Fairfax 1867
350
CLERGY SINCE 1785.
Clergyman.
Parish.
County.
Date.
Barrett, Robert.
St. Martin's.
Hanover 1785
Barrett, Robert S. Christ Church.
Richmond 1877
Barten, O. S. Hamilton
Fauquier 1859
Bartlett, Hobart M. (ass't) ... Bristol
Petersburg 1835
Bausman, John St. John's.
Hampton 1844
Bausman, John P.
Frederickville
Albemarle
1818
Beall, Upton
Christ Church
Norfolk
1841
Benton, M. M
St. John
Wheeling
1870
Berger, A.
Bath
Dinwiddie
1845
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