USA > Virginia > Henrico County > Henrico County > History and reminiscences of the Monumental Church, Richmond, Va. : from 1814 to 1878 > Part 19
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This report, which is perhaps the shortest ever made to the council, in consequence of the advanced state of the war, and no other place in the diocese but Richmond affording protection to the few of the clergy and laity who were able to attend, closes with one or two sentences relative to training the young; and is signed by the following:
REV. J. PETERKIN, REV. J. T. JOHNSTON, REV. WM. NORWOOD, REV. R. K. MEADE, MR. R. C. L. MONCURE, MR. DAVID FUNSTEN.
Parochial report of the Monumental Church, Richmond .- Rev. Geo. Woodbridge, rector, and Mr. George W. Williams, lay delegate. Com- municants, 240; contributions, $8,340.54.
"I have visited the army, but it was in the midst
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of the engagements which were begun on the 6th of May, and there was no opportunity for service. GEO. WOODBRIDGE."
The vestry held two meetings during the fiscal year, ending with November, 1865. The first was- on the 19th December, 1864, at which time the rector's salary was raised to $10,000 ; one thousand for the organist; twelve hundred to Mrs. Locker- man, chief singer; and seven hundred to the sexton, in the then Confederate currency.
At this meeting Mr. Richard C. Hall, a worthy com- muning member of the congregation, was elected a member of the vestry, in the place of Mr. John Adams Smith, who died on the 24th July.
The next meeting was held on the 17th Septem- ber, 1865, when an election of a lay delegate was- made to the annual meeting of the council, called on the 21st of same month in St. Paul's church,. Richmond, and Mr. Geo. D. Fisher was chosen the- lay delegate from the Monumental Church.
In consequence of the evacuation of Richmond by the Confederate government, on the 3rd of April, and the incoming of the Federal United States army the same day, and the surrender of General Lee at Appomattox C. H., the 9th of that month, the war was regarded at an end; but the breaking up of so many of the public highways, and the dispersed state of our clergy and laity, the regular period in May for the meeting of the council had to be put off until September, hence the meeting on the 21st.
20
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1865. THE LATE CIVIL WAR ENDED.
Pursuant to the appointment of the bishop, the 70th council of the diocese of Virginia met in St. Paul's church, Richmond, on Wednesday, 20th Sep- tember, 1865.
Divine service was read by the Rev. W. L. Hy- land and Rev. John Cosby, and the sermon preached by the Rev. Geo. H. Norton, upon the 11th and 12th verses of the 21st chapter of Isaiah ; and after ser- vice the council adjourned to the lecture-room, and was called to order by Bishop Johns. The secre- tary, Rev. T. Grayson Dashiell, called the roll, when sixty-six of the clergy answered to their names, and thirty-six lay delegates reported as also present.
Bishop Johns, in his annual address of this year, commences by informing the council that all his ap- pointments for May, 1864, were frustrated, and his services confined of necessity to the servants of the plantation on which he resided, and others in the vicinity.
From the second of July, that year, to the 16th April, 1865, the bishop continues his report of each month, and the difficulties which often attended his movements south of James river, as well as in the valley, all owing to the movements of the Federal army and our own, according to circumstances. But now, under date of the 16th of April, 1865, the great struggle is over ; our devoted and gallant Lee has felt it his duty to surrender to the military authority of the United States under General Grant, and Bishop Johns thus addresses the council :
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"I preached in St. John's, and on the 23rd (March) in Christ church, Halifax. As soon as I received reliable intelligence of the entire failure of the pain- ful and protracted struggle for the independence of the Confederate States, and the re-establishment of the Federal authority, I felt it incumbent upon me to prepare a brief circular, addressed to the clergy and laity of the diocese of Virginia, recognizing the duty of prompt and honest obedience to the existing gov- ernment, and the obligation 'to pray for those in authority.' For this purpose I had no hesitation in recommending the use of that form to which we had long been accustomed, and from which any deviation now might be liable to the suspicion of unbecoming subterfuge.
"Further reflection has but strenghtened my con- viction of the propriety of my course, and of the in- sufficiency of the considerations which have been urged in support of a policy somewhat different. Whatever may be the character and relation of the military agencies appointed in certain localities, there can be no doubt in reference to the president of the United States and other civil officers of the general government. 'They are unquestionably in authority.' To them the prayer is strictly appli- cable, and' for them it should be offered, even by those who scruple to use it on behalf of others. It has been gravely asserted that the order prohibiting the omission of that prayer in our public worship is an invasion of our religious liberty, and as such should not be regarded. I am happy to say that
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my own action, though delayed in its transmission to many of the parishes, by the interruption of all mail communication ante-dated any extra-ecclesias- tical order concerning the prayer. I was, there- fore, at the time under no apprehension of even seeming to surrender religions liberty to what has been pronounced unlawful dictation. Truth and justice, however, require me now to say, that whether that requisition was advisable or not, I cannot see that it is justly liable to any such odious charge. The prayer which includes nothing to which an en- lightened conscience need take exception is not a new form prepared and enjoined upon us by the 'powers that be,' but our own adopted form, which has been used by the church for three quarters of a century. Its discontinuance at this particular junc- ture would inevitably be regarded as a public reflec- tion on the civil authority; that it would insist, as it has done, that no such offensive change in the service of the church shall now be made, but that those services shall, in this respect, and for this reason, be conducted as heretofore, avoiding an omission which would be considered a formal slight and indignity offered to the government, appears to me rather an act of self-protection than of officious and unlawful dictation.
" Even if the requisition were an improper inter- ference, I see not how this could absolve us from that which is in itself, and independently of any ac- tion of others, a clear duty expressly enjoined in Scripture. It may be humiliating and painful in
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practice, but not more so than other mortifications of the flesh and spirit, which are not, therefore, less obligatory, less salutary, or less acceptable in the sight of God. I trust, then, we will not be dis- turbed by other opinions, which, however pleasantly presented, I must disapprove as fallacious, or suffer ourselves to be deterred from a clear duty by the imputation of surrendering to military authority our precious heritage of religious liberty. For some time after the war had ceased, I was, as I have stated, isolated from other parts of the diocese by the entire interruption of public travel, and of all communication by mail. I availed myself, however, of the earliest opportunity to make my way to Pe- tersburg and Richmond, and had no difficulty in ex- tending my journey to Alexandria.
"It was gratifying to find the congregations of St. Paul's and Grace churches in possession of their houses of worship, and ministered to by their respec- tive rectors. The buildings of the Theological Semi- nary and the high school, and the residences of the professors, were still held by the government for hospital purposes; but it was understood that they would be vacated and returned to us in time to pre- pare for resuming the exercises of the seminary at about the usual period."
The bishop continues his report, under date of the 13th August, saying : " Understanding that our ap- plication to the secretary of war for the restoration of the property in charge of the Board of Trustees of the Theological Seminary and high school, had
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been successful, I returned to Alexandria to partici- pate in arrangements for the purpose of resuming the exercises of the seminary at the commencement of next session.
"I am happy to report that Professors Sparrow and Packard are again occupying their houses, and that the several halls will be ready for the reception of students, as advertised, in October next.
"Funds for the salaries of our professors have been most providentially obtained, but we shall much need aid in maintaining our beneficiaries, for which we appeal earnestly to those who appreciate the im- portance of this institution to the church.
" I have received letters of Christian sympathy from brethren in the north, none more full of fra- ternal affection than a communication from the bishop of New York, very delicately alluding to the devastating effects of the war on this diocese, and tendering assistance to our parishes from the treasury of the missionary society of his diocese. I need not say to you that I very cordially reciprocated the kind feeling expressed, and gratefully acknowledged the generous offer so delicately made; but believing that our clergy had learned to endure hardships as ' good soldiers of Christ,' and knowing that whatever of their substance was left to our parishioners they were prepared to share with their pastors for their support, and believing the bonds so formed would be better for us, in many ways, than the measure of relief which might result from the benevolent con- tribution proposed, I did not hesitate respectfully and gratefully to decline it.
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"It is proper I should remind you of the fact, that by the action of the Federal government, several millions of slaves have been suddenly set free, and left amongst us a potent power for good or evil, in connection with the destinies of this country; and further, that the character of their influence must be determined by their own character, which, under God, depends on their moral and religious education, for which a large share of responsibility must rest upon us. To meet and manage this successfully will require no little wisdom and tact. As an in- dispensable basis, their reliance on the purity of our purpose must be gained, and that over the prejudices which their former relations may have generated, and which some would be glad to strengthen and perpetuate. Forbearance in refer- ence to the errors occasioned by extravagant notions of liberty, generosity in our business relations with them, kind consideration for their peculiarities in the ordinary concerns of life, humane attention to their necessities in poverty and sickness, are expe- dients to which no one can object, which, persever- ingly and consistently plied, few will fail to feel in conciliating confidence and good will. Duty and interest require this effort. If we of the south, who best understand these people, and who ought to di- rect and control this work, neglect it, other and mischievous hands will take it up, to our great an- noyance, and the serious perversion and ruin of many whom they assume to enlighten. How our obligation may be best discharged is a subject for
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your grave and prayerful consideration, that we may discern what we ought to do, and have grace and power faithfully to fulfil the same.
"I now proceed to notice a subject, which I ap- proach with great diffidence, because it involves so much of difficulty and delicacy. Though its issues are sufficiently momentous to command the greatest care and candor in deliberation, and the most rigid honesty in decision, yet its short history is crowded with events and associations which appeal with pe- culiar power to some of the finest feelings of our nature, to the pleading of which we may love to listen, even against the verdict of sound and sober judgment. I allude to our ecclesiastical re- lations, and the policy which, under existing circum- stances, Christian principle requires.
"The separation of the southern dioceses from the organization with which they were happily con- nected, was occasioned, as you know, not by any disagreement in doctrine or discipline, or manner of worship, but by political changes, which rendered the continuance of that connection impracticable.
"The preservation of the order and purity of the church, in this section of the country, called for a separate organization, which was accordingly effected with a careful avoidance of any alteration which could impair that unity of spirit which our holy re- ligion enjoins. The 'exigency of necessity ' furnished the divine commission under which this association was formed, and constitutes a divine sanction for its continuance, unless good and sufficient reasons to the contrary are manifest.
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"The mere cessation of the causes in which it originated does not, as a matter of course, dissolve it, and restore the relations which previously existed. There may be other considerations which, though they might not alone have warranted a separation, may, when once it has been established, be sufficient alone to authorize its maintenance. Under these circum- stances it could not, on any principle of reason or revelation, be justly liable to the imputation of schism, which is 'a causeless separation from the ex- ternal communion of the church.'
"Our organization was no breach of communion, and for the external separation which it formed there was obvious and ample cause. Such I believe to be an exact representation of the case of the southern dioceses.
"If the question of an external union of all the dioceses of the United States under one and the same ecclesiastical government were now first pro- posed, if there had never been such a connection, many weighty considerations might be urged against its adoption. The general convention has itself been for some years maturing a provincial system, designed to divide the present extensive isolated province, (for such the organization which it repre- sents really is,) into several smaller associations of neighboring dioceses, each association to possess within its prescribed limits the powers and authority now exercised jointly by all the dioceses through a general convention, and all the provinces so formed to be subject in certain respects to a general council,
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meeting at longer intervals than three years, or when specially called. This proposed system will, it is understood, be earnestly pressed in the general convention soon to assemble in Philadelphia. Whether adopted or not, the attention and support already given it are very interesting and instructive in reference to our general policy.
" But the question of union is not to us a new and original question. Such union existed long and happily, and its interruption resulted, as we have observed, from no disagreement as churchmen, but from civil dissension. Yet, as the public mind may not thus discriminate, and as the continuance of ec- clesiastical separation would be regarded as a me- morial of those civil dissensions which made it neces- sary, and so having an offensive political significance, would be the occasion of perpetuating feeling un- friendly to Christian fellowship and injurious to per- sonal piety, it is incumbent upon us to enquire whether it does not become us to dissolve our sepa- rate organization, and, from considerations of high expediency, resume the conventional relation sus- tained previous to the war. The following state- ment may help us to deliberate understandingly, and to determine wisely on a subject which, decide it as we may, must have an important influence on the peace and prosperity of the church in Virginia for years to come :
"1. On the 2nd of August, I received a circular letter, dated July 12th, signed 'John Henry Hop- kins, presiding bishop.' A similar letter was sent
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to each of the southern bishops. It testifies to those to whom it is addressed, 'the affectionate' attach- ment of the writer, and assures them of the 'cordial welcome' which awaits them at the approaching general convention. It states that he was 'authorized to say that his Episcopate brethren generally sym- pathized with him in the desire to see the fullest re- presentation of the churches from the south, and to greet their brethren in the Episcopate with the kindest feeling,' and adds, 'I trust, therefore, that I shall enjoy the precious gratification of seeing you and your delegates in proper place at the regular (tri-annual) meeting.' In acknowledging this letter, I reciprocated the kind feeling expressed, assured the esteemed writer of my readiness to co-operate in any measures calculated to promote peace and good will.
"2. I have also received communications of like purport and spirit from other bishops, and from pro- minent clergymen and laymen of the northern dioceses, and responded cordially to their fraternal greetings.
"3. The published proceedings of the council of Texas shows that diocese has resolved to resume its former ecclesiastical relations, and appointed dele- gates to the general convention.
"4. A joint letter from the Bishops of North Carolina and Arkansas has been addressed to Bishop Elliott, as presiding bishop, expressing it as their 'decided opinion' that 'consideration of principle, and of expediency as well, require us to restore the ecclesiastical relations which existed before the war.
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"5. The Bishop of Georgia, in his reply to the joint letter from the Bishops of North Carolina and Arkansas, expresses himself thus: 'I do not see how we can avoid returning into connection with the church of the Union.'
"'The diocese of Georgia has adopted the follow- ing resolutions : .
"' Resolved, That the diocese of Georgia is pre- pared to resume her position as a diocese in connec- tion with the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States, whenever, in the judgment of the bishop, it shall be consistent with the good faith which she owes to the bishops and dioceses with which she has been in union for the last four years.
"'Resolved, That deputies be elected from this diocese to represent Georgia in the council appointed to be held at Mobile in November next, with the understanding that, if any contingency should arise whereby it should become expedient that this dio- cese should be represented in the general convention to be assembled in October next, the same deputies shall be deputies to that convention, with power to fill any vacancies in their own body.'
" The diocese of North Carolina has adopted simi- lar resolutions.
"After reading this portion of Bishop John's ad- dress, how readily and aptly may we apply the four beautiful verses of the psalmist used in our service for the 28th day of the month-morning prayer, Psalmn cxxxiii. : 'Behold, how good and joyful a thing it is, brethren, to dwell together in unity!
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2. It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down unto the beard, even unto Aaron's beard, and went down to the skirts of his clothing. 3. Like as the dew of Hermon, which fell upon the hill of Zion. 4. For there the Lord promised His blessing, and life for evermore.'"
The Rev. R. S. Mason, for the special committee, submitted the following report :
"The committee to whom was referred that part of the bishop's address which relates to the reunion of the diocese of North Carolina with the Protes tant Episcopal Church of the United States, having considered the subject laid before them, beg leave to report that, being anxious to maintain the unity of the church within the borders of the United States, and remembering with satisfaction the entire harmony which formerly existed among the dioceses, they have heard with gratification the sentiments ex- pressed by the bishop of this diocese in regard to reunion, and have received with equal pleasure the cordial invitation which has been extended by the presiding bishop of the church in the United States to the bishops and dioceses of the south, to return to their places in the 'general convention,'-there- fore,
"Resolved, That the diocese of North Carolina is prepared to resume her position as a diocese in con- nection with the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States, whenever, in the judgment of the bishop, after consultation with the bishops of the other southern dioceses, (which consultation he is
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hereby requested to hold), it shall be consistent with the good faith which she owes to the dioceses with which she has been in union during the past four years ;
" Resolved, That with a view to such contingency, there be four clerical and four lay deputies elected to represent this diocese in the ensuing general con- vention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States."
" 7. The bishops of Mississippi and Alabama are understood to prefer continuing, at least for a season, the organization formed by the southern dioceses.
" The opinions of the bishops and councils of South Carolina and Florida have not been declared, or have not reached us.
" From this statement it appears that the prevail- ing voice of the church in the south is in favor of a return to our former ecclesiastical relations, and that, as far as their action is concerned, the result seems inevitable. What influence this should have on our course it is for this council to determine. If it concludes, as it has the right to do, that the interests of the church require the maintenance of our organi- zation, then it will be for you so to instruct your delegates to the general council, with special direc- tions to advocate proper measures for recognizing and promoting fraternal communion between the two branches of the church in the United States. If, however, this council shall judge that, all things considered, the peace and prosperity of the church require that our separate organization should cease,
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and former relations be resumed, then the mode and the time for effecting this will demand your careful deliberation. In conducting this there are certain pertinent questions which we may very properly pro- pose to ourselves.
" If, as a people, we are solicitous for a speedy reunion, why should we not, as a church, be equally desirous of a speedy re-establishment of our ecclesi- astical relations ?
"Are there any sensibilities which may be disre- garded in the one adjustment, but which require to be consulted and indulged in the other ?
" May we be more implacable as churchmen than as citizens ? If time is necessary to compose our feelings, how much must be taken ? Whose experi- ence is to determine the measure ? Is there any other scriptural limit than the 'going down of the sun ' ? Are not such feelings better disciplined by immediate, resolute mortification than by indulgent allowance? Does not the policy of formally post- poning reconciliation involve a great question of Christian morals, not to be overlooked in seeking to
ascertain our duty ? Again, whilst it would be very agreeable to receive from those from whom we have been separated certain satisfactory assurances in re- ference both to the past and the future, and whilst the voluntary tender of such assurances on their part would be conciliating and grateful, would not such a requisition by us be regarded as dictation, and in- dicate a very offensive want of confidence in their rectitude of purpose ?
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" Would it not be more becoming in us to assume that those with whom we are willing to be reunited will do what is right, without being held to it by a pledge, especially as the doing what we desire would be compatible with their principles ; but a pledge to that effect would involve a recognition irreconcilable with their known convictions of ecclesiastical order, and which, therefore, as they cannot consistently give, we ought not to propose. If such a proposal would, as it certainly will, prevent that which with- out any pledge may be readily conceded, shall we forego the benefit of the action rather than waive the pledge as a prerequisite ? If indeed the waiver were to be understood as a surrender of the princi- ples which have governed us in our organization and subsequent proceedings, and an adoption of those known to be maintained by many with whom reunion is now proposed, it would be both dislion- orable and dishonest, and could not for a moment admit of a question. But if no such change is pro- fessed or supposed, if it is understood that, without reference to theories or antecedent actions on either part, former relations are to be resumed in good faith and with fraternal purposes, may not such an arrangement be mutually acceptable ? Is not re- sumption of former relations, without concessions or promises, the only way in which reunion is practi- cable, and would it not furnish sure hope of a peace- ful and profitable future than any formal concordant attained by diplomatic negotiation ? Ultimate and authoritative action on this subject pertains properly
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