A history and record of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of West Virginia, Part 25

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USA > West Virginia > A history and record of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of West Virginia > Part 25

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A committee was appointed on this portion of the Bishop's Address, and reported resolutions, which were unanimously adopted as follows:

Whereas, a persistent effort, extending through a series of years and assuming several different shapes, has been

ST. BARNABAS, DAVIS.

GRACE CHURCH, ELKINS.

REV. JAMES LOGAN FISH.

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IN WEST VIRGINIA.

made in the General Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States to change the name of the Church, and-

Whereas, the advocates of such change claim that they are gaining ground year by year, and that in one form or an- other their object will after awhile be accomplished; there- fore,

Resolved, That in the opinion of this Couneil any change whatever in the name of the Church is altogether inexpedi- ent and unwise.

Under the name which it has borne for a hundred years, the Protestant Episcopal Church has flourished and grown beyond the possible expectations of those who organized it.

Associations, strong and tender, have twined themselves around the words which indicate our distinctive place among the Christians of America.

We are not ashamed of Protestantism, nor do we intend to adopt the views of a few foreigners among us, who attach to the word the idea of irreligion. As American and especial- ly Protestant institutions improve these people in other re- spects, so we trust by God's grace to improve their views of Christianity and its historical nomenclature.

In the Church, as at present constituted, we recognize par- ties and schools of thought widely different and ready on any grave provocation to become antagonistic.

The name of the Church we regard as one clause of the compact by which they agree to exist together in the same organization. To change the name would be, in our judg- ment, to inenr the condemnation of "truce-breakers."

We therefore approve the action of our Deputies to the General Convention in Chicago opposing every movement in the direction of change of name of the Church, and call upon good Churchmen throughout the land, to use their best

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endeavors to convince the advocates of change that their effort is futile, dangerous and revolutionary.

ROBERT A. GIBSON, chairman. T. H. LACY, D. D.

R. H. MASON,

R. R. SWOPE,

N. S. WHITE, R. J. MCCANDLISH,

DR. H. McS. GAMBLE, G. W. HALL.

The Bishop reported as received for the Sheltering Arms during the year $1,410.15, making a total of $4,178.56.

From the Bishop's address:

Clerical Support.

I speak now especially to the Laymen as their friend and adviser and chief pastor in the Lord. It does not require very extended observation to teach any one that the heat and burden of the day falls upon the Clergy working in our Parishes and Missions. I am not going to urge any plea for them on personal grounds, however strongly such plea might be made, but I would have you esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake, and I would have you more dis- tinetly understand, and more constantly remember, that there is, perhaps, no one direction in which you can so effect- ually labor for Christ and His Church, as by the hearty and liberal support of those who are set over you in the Lord, and by a cordial co-operation with them. The Clergy are not to be regarded as objects of charity. Putting it on the very lowest ground, the laborer is worthy of his hire. And this, not only because of support pledged and service rendered, but especially because of divine appointment. For even so hath the Lord ordained that they who preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel.

The Council of 1888. Huntington.

The Eleventh Annual Council met in Trinity Church, Hunt- ington, on Wednesday, June 6th. There were present fifteen Clergymen, and fifteen Laymen. The Bishop presided. The Rev. Mr. Gibbons preached the sermon.

Special mention was made of the death of Rev. R. A. Cobbs,

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Hon. Geo. W. Thompson, Major J. C. Covell and General Jno. H. Oley.

In givng summary of progress since the formation of the Diocese, the Bishop reported as built, thirty-two churches, three school houses, a hospital, an Episcopal residence and eleven rectories. In four other places lots have been se- cured and money collected for rectories, and in five other places lots have been secured and money collected for church buildings. In all this work about $180,000 has been expended.

Mr. R. M. Browne, of Wheeling, was elected Trustee of the Episcopal and Permanent Funds, in place of the late Judge Thompson.

A committee was appointed to consider proposed changes in the Prayer Book.

A committee was also appointed to codify the Canons for publication.

Resolutions were passed, urging the Bishop to suspend for a time his visitations, and appropriating $500 for his ex- penses on such trip as he may find it convenient to take.

Received for Sheltering Arms, $1,471.82. Total receipts, $5,650.38.

From the Bishop's Address:

Review of Progress.

During the ten years which have elapsed since I took up the work in West Virginia, I have visited every county in the State, even those where we have no organizations and no membership of our Church. Out of the fifty-four coun- ties there are still twenty-two where we have no organiza- tion of any kind, and eleven in which, so far as I know. we have not even a single communicant. Many of these counties are, however, reached by occasional services, and so the way is being prepared for us to be established. Our plan has been simply to try and care for our scattered people as we had the opportunity. Wherever there have been even a few

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who desired the ministrations of their Church, we have done all we could to help them. In this way we are now repre- sented by organizations of some kind, in sixteen counties, where, ten years ago, we had no such foothold, and no doubt the next few years will still farther spread the influence of our Church. We have come into these various Christian communities not as selfish intruders, but because our pres- ence has been needed and desired; and it is pleasant and helpful to think that now, after these ten years of aggres- sive work, that there is a more kindly feeling towards our Church among the people of West Virginia than ever be- fore. I trust that in all our future activities we shall still keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace.

The general history of our churches has been one of health- ful progress, with the exception of three or four, which, owing to a variety of circumstances, some of them beyond their control, have either stood still or gone back, they have moved steadily forward, and now, at the end of these ten years of independent Diocesan life, having raised and spent perhaps as much as $180,000 in the way of self-equipment- building thirty-two churches, ten rectories, three schools, a hospital and an Episcopal residence-we ought to be in con- dition to do a great deal more than ever we have done here in this vineyard of the Lord.

System in Temporalities.

A point I have insisted upon time and again, but one which demands renewed consideration and still more decided em- phasis, is the necessity for more systematie effort in doing this work. I speak frankly for myself and for my brethren of the Clergy, when I say, that I do not think we want to shirk any work that rightly belongs to us, but that we feel that we ought to be relieved more and more from the grind- ing care of serving tables.

Even the inspired Apostles found these business details too much for them, and appointed chosen persons to look

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after such matters that they might give themselves contin- ually to the ministry of the Word and to prayer. This is what I plead for today, for the Clergy. Let us be relieved from business matters that do not properly come under our care, that we may the more give ourselves to the ministry of the Word and to prayer, and I feel sure that our efficiency will in every way be increased.

I have time and again had Vestries to tell me that the great need of their Parish was a Minister who was, as they called it, a great worker in all the temporal business of the Parish, in raising money for their support, improving Church property, and such like matters; or, to put it in other words, they really wanted a man who could and would do what is the express duty of the Vestry to do. No one can tell, unless he has tried it, how such details of business, en- tering into and filling up a man's life with their daily re- currence, absorb his time, divert his energies and so crip- ple his work.

I am pleading not for the personal comfort and feelings of the Ministry, although that is not beneath your notice, but I am pleading for your own churches that you may ex- perience thie reviving power of a Clergy, that can give them- selves more continually to the ministry of the Word and to prayer.

There are many noble examples of devotion in these mat- ters; we have Vestries that are models of faithfulness, who are ready always to act promptly and wisely, who put no extra care upon their over-taxed Minister, but are ready to do their part, and have the good sense and the grace to man- age all the temporal affairs of the Parish with system and effect. It is one of the most important purposes served by our Annual Councils that the influence and example of such men may be brought to bear upon others that they, too, may be stimulated and guided in their own work.

The business affairs of most of our Churches are, in them- selves, too insignificant to be really burdensome or difficult

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to any one who will undertake to transact them with a ready mind. I appeal to the Diocese to remove from our midst all cause of reproach on this account.

Losses.

When our Tenth Annual Council met in Weston, one year ago, we were all pained to miss from its sessions our efficient Secretary, the Rev. R. A. Cobbs. Few of us perhaps thought that he would so soon be called away to his rest and reward. On Tuesday, June 28th, in the Rectory at Charleston, he was gathered unto his fathers, "having the testimony of a good conscience, in the communion of the Catholic Church, in the confidence of a certain faith, and in the comfort of a reason- able, religious and holy hope." I took occasion in the ser- mon I preached at the time of his funeral, to express more fully my sense of the great loss the Diocese has sustained in his death.

Since our last session we have also lost the faithful custo- dian of our Episcopal Fund, Judge George W. Thompson. He took great interest in the formation of the Diocese, and was present as a Deputy from Virginia at the General Conven- tion of 1877, which effected it, helping by his testimony and influence to bring about the result. Since that time Judge Thompson has served repeatedly in our Diocesan Councils, and in the General Conventions, as his failing health permit- ted. Although for some years past his eye was growing dim and his natural force abated, he always had a keen inter- est in everything connected with the progress of our Church in West Virginia. Of a profoundly philosophical mind, he re- tained to the last a simple faith in the Gospel of Christ as the power and wisdom of God.

We have had also to lament the loss of Major J. C. Covell, of Romney. It is chiefly to his energy and zeal that we are indebted for the erection of St. Stephen's Church. But im- portant as he was to us in our work, he filled his chief meas- ure of usefulness as the Principal of the State school for the

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Deaf, Dumb and Blind. He united in a remarkable degree the qualifications necessary for such a difficult post of duty. He had rare administrative ability and great personal in- fluence with the pupils. He took the liveliest interest in the religious welfare of the scholars, and used his great gifts for their benefit with a faithful assiduity. Himself the son of a clergyman, he had been intended for the church, but I doubt not found his true call to duty in the work which he car- ried on for so many years with such brilliant success.

Nor can I fail, standing in this presence today, to mention one other name from the list of those who have, during the year, passed from our midst. Very suddenly, in the month of March, General John H. Oley received the summons and laid his earthly armour down. Long before I came to West Virginia, General Oley was in the front of every movement looking toward the establishment of our Church in Hunting- ton, and he retained the post of labor and of honor to the last. His loyalty never wavered and his interest did not flag. He could always be depended upon to do with his might what his hands found to do; and as his many personal let- ters to me show, he took most intelligent and judicious views of our Church work, and was ready to co-operate with every effort for the advancement of the Kingdom.

The example of these last two gentlemen named, is espec- ially worthy of note and of imitation by our laymen through- out the Diocese. I trust it will not be lost by them. I mention them in this address because they furnish a standing refutation to the objection so frequently urged, that the or- dinary pressure of business is sufficient excuse for failure in work for Christ and the Church. During the nine or ten years I have known General Oley and Major Covell, it would have been difficult, if not impossible, to find any two men more constantly and laboriously engaged than they have always been. As all who knew them well, perfectly under- stand, their duties were of the most continuous and exacting character; and since these duties involved the interest and

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welfare of others their requirements were all the more im- perious. I say it again, and with deliberation, that I do not believe, that any two men in the State, have been under a greater pressure of business cares and responsibilities than these two men during the ten years past; and yet they were not only active, but foremost in work for the Church, They gave of their means and time and influence to the advance- ment of Christ's kingdom, and by their example may well incite even the busiest of our laymen to renewed activity in the work their hands find to do. This is just what the Church needs today in all our congregations, earnest, devoted men who take such interest in the progress and have such confidence in the stability of the Kingdom of God in the world that they can be depended upon themselves to do and to make others labor steadily and hopefully where God has placed them.

We speak of the loss we have sustained by the death of true and good men, but the work must not suffer harm, it must go on and with increasing ardor. If in this world, men are found brave enough to step to the front and fill up the gap in the wavering column as it charges right on upon the deadly guns, shall not men be found in the Kingdom of God brave enough and true enough, to take up the work their brethren have laid down and carry it on, even in the face of opposition and indifference. Let us see on every side the steady purpose and the hopeful courage that become the Christian soldier, who believes and trusts in the exalted Saviour, his ever living Lord.

The Council of 1889. Shepherdstown.

The Twelfth Annual Council met in Trinity Church, Shep- herdstown, Wednesday, June 5th. Present twelve Clergy and ten Laymen.

From the Bishop's address:

The Sheltering Arms.

I regret that I cannot make a more satisfactory report in

CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, SUMMIT POINT.

ST. BARTHOLOMEW'S, LEETOWN.

CHRIST CHURCH, BLUE RIDGE.

ST. JOHN'S, RIPON.

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regard to this important and interesting work. In our anx- iety to turn to good account that which had been done, we tried during the last fall, without having any assured sup- port, to open our doors, and we found that it was not prac- ticable. Since that time measures have been adopted-with good promise of success-for raising $1,800 or $2,000 per annumı, which we estimate will be necessary for running expenses. The Clergy of the Diocese have fallen in very cordially with these plans, and, we believe, that with a lit- tle more patience and energy we shall soon see our wishes realized.

The total amount of money raised to date has been $6,- 755.05. What, with the buildings erected, and those already on the place, repaired, the renewing of fences, and the put- ting the land in order, we consider the property worth fully $6,000 today. We trust the time will come, when for the work of blessing it does among a large and needy popula- tion, it will be counted ten times as valuable.

Diocesan Finances.

The financial condition of the Diocese will be fairly pre- sented to the Council in the reports of the Treasurer, who continues to deserve our cordial thanks for the ability and faithfulness with which he discharges his troublesome du- ties.

It is the custom in many Dioceses to have regular days fixed for all Canonical Offerings. There are certainly ad- vantages about such an arrangement, as it seems to insure some system where often there is none, and yet I know that in a Diocese like ours, there are some practical difficulties in the way of its adoption. Many of our Churches are open only once, or at the most, twice during the month, and so it would appear to be impossible to select any Sunday, or Sundays, when all our congregations could unite in any plan. And so there would be failure in the system just where it was most important to have it enforced. In the meantime, whatever we do, we must trust more and more to the growing inter-

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est of our people, and above all to the faithfulness of the Clergy in keeping their charges up to their Canonical ob- ligations. The envelopes, with a brief explanatory circular enclosed, have already served a good purpose, and may be made still more helpful. Custom seems to have set apart Christmas Day for our offering for the Widows' and Or- phans' and Disabled Clergy Fund. In regard to other ob- jects, I suggest that it would be the part of wisdom to dis- tribute the offerings judiciously, through the year, and not suffer them all to accumulate during the closing months, when preparations are being made for the Council, and when there is in consequence often more or less hurry and confusion. These are certainly very obvious and common place observations, but yet called for by the general conduct of our Parochial Administration, as shown in the Annual Reports.

I know that the circumstances of our congregations are so different, that hardly any one rule will avail for all, and I know too, that the condition of many is such that they seem compelled in a great many ways to live from hand to mouth, and to maintain themselves as best they can. Still I believe it will be found in all cases a most important means of dis- cipline and training, if our Clergy everywhere will systemat- ically and persistently try to put the responsibility of all business affairs upon the Vestries or committees, on whom the duty properly falls. While I suppose that it is hardly possible to avoid in some cases the use of the offertory to meet current expenses, yet it does not seem to be an ideal arrangement; and I do object to using it as a make-shift for every emergency. I think that the officers of the congre- gation ought to be able to provide for the ordinary expenses of the Church, in the use of the usual business methods, and leave the offertory free for meeting the regular Canon- ical requirements, and for special offerings for the relief of the destitute and the spread of the Gospel. Then might we hope, that when we worship in the sanctuary, our alms as

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well as our prayers, may go up as a memorial before God.

As I meet you thus my Dear Brethren, year after year in our Annual Councils, and as we go over together the rec- ords of our common work, and note its progress and pros- pects, I am well aware that there are peculiar difficulties and discouragements, and particularly in connection with the more feeble Churches and the outlying Missions, which sometimes press heavily upon the heart of the worker. In addition to the natural inertia of our human nature toward spiritual things, and the common indifference and opposition of the heart to the doctrines of grace, and to the life of re- ligion; in addition to these which must be expected by every one who would anywhere, do anything in this world for Christ and His Church; in addition to these are special diffi- culties and discouragements to be expected in a work like ours. In many places there is not only no strong traditional feeling in favor of our Church, but there seems none in favor of religion and no high tone to elevate and anchor society. People do what is right in their own eyes, and have little regard for any authority that would guide and con- trol them. Public opinion works subtlely, but yet really against the claims of religion and of the Church; and even when individuals so far emancipate themselves from its con- trol as to come and take their stand on the Lord's side, it is often very hard to beget in them any sense of personal re- sponsibility for the work of Christ in the world.

There is a very low sense of the obligation of the Lord's Day, and of public worship, and even many Christian house- holds have no family altar, around which to gather the chil- dren and consecrate them, day by day to the holy service of God. The Church organizations are often weak, and for lack of spirit and interest with difficulty drag their slow length along. The condition and prospects of the Church of Christ in the world, are matters that do not seem to be upon the hearts and consciences of the people, and as a consequence, not only are general obligations neglected, but too often the

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ministrations of the Clergy are received as a matter of course, and apparently with no thought that they deserve, and that they need compensation for their time and labor, and this in forgetfulness of the Gospel precept, that even so hath the Lord ordained that they who preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel. These things taken in connection with the isolation of the Clergy, their wide fields of labor, involving in many cases wearisome journeyings, and long ab- sences from home, give a peculiar aspect to our work in this new and truly Missionary Diocese.

The thought of all these things that seem to be against us, should cause us the more carefully to study the true sources of our strength in the work which God has given us to do. It is His work we are doing in this sinful world, and doing it not in any way of man's devising, but along the lines marked out for us in the Church which Christ founded, and which He still guides and will guide by His Spirit until time shall be no more. If we feel the weight of our responsibility, we ought also to feel the sustaining inspiration of a Divine Commission, and be strong in the re- alization of a Divine Promise. Whether these people among whom we dwell, will hear or forbear, we are to preach to them Jesus Christ and him crucified, still steadfastly be- lieving that, in spite of all opposition and hindrance, come from what quarter they may, this Gospel is the power and the wisdom of God. Let us take a larger view of the broadening conflict, learn to look beyond the narrow bounds of our own small fields, watch and rejoice in the tokens of Gospel triumph in every land and among Christians of every name, and so we, standing it may be on some lonely picket post, or holding with difficulty, some part of the line where the tide seems to set all against us, will yet maintain a good heart, for we know that in doing our part where He hath placed us, we are as truly serving the Lord Christ, as if in the most conspicuous sphere, and we have an abiding

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faith that the kingdoms of this world shall yet become the kingdoms of our Lord and His Christ.

Deputies to the General Convention: Rev. L. R. Mason, Rev. Dallas Tucker, Rev. T. H. Lacy, D. D., Rev. R. D. Roller, Mr. E. I. Lee, Mr. R. J. McCandlish, Mr. B. C. Washington, Mr. W. S. Laidley.

Alternates: Rev. C. C. Pearson, Rev. J. Brittingham, Rev. S. S. Moore, Rev. J. S. Gibson, Mr. J. D. Logan, Mr. J. P. Rogers, Mr. Ben Hurxthal, Dr. W. F. Lippitt.

The Council adopted the following memorial:

In Memoriam. Nathan Smith White.

Born in Montgomery county, Maryland, November 6th, 1807.

Died in Charlestown, W. Va., November 5th, 1888.

He was a graduate of Princeton College and studied law at Yale.

From the time of his settlement in Charlestown, in 1840, Mr. White was closely and actively associated with the Church, and all Christian work.

He was Vestryman in Zion Protestant Episcopal Church for more than forty five years and Warden for over twenty years; he was also attached to the Sunday School for forty five years, and Superintendent for twenty five years.

Before the Diocese of Virginia was divided, he was dele- gate from Zion Church to the Virginia Council; and since the erection of the Diocese of West Virginia, he was always sent to represent Zion Church.

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A history and record of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of West Virginia, Part 25

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