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(title page) Journal of the Sixty-eight Annual Council of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Virginia. Held in St. Paul's Church , Richmond on the 20th, 21st and 22nd May, 1863.
88p.
[Richmond
Macfarlane & Fergusson
1863]
Call number 4556conf 68th 1863 (Rare Book Collection, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)
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| RT. REV. JOHN JOHNS, D. D., BISHOP. |
| REV. WM. SPARROW, D. D., | MR. C. F. LEE, |
| REV. D. F. SPRIGG, | DR. ORLANDO FAIRFAX, |
| REV. C. WALKER, D. D., | MR. J. L. BACON. |
| REV. T. GRAYSON DASHIELL, Richmond. |
| MR. JOHN STEWART, Richmond. |
| Rt. REV. JOHN JOHNS, D. D., President. | |
| Mr. William Pollock, Treasurer. | |
| Rev. Geo. Woodbridge, D. D. | Dr. Thomas H. Claggett, |
| Rev. John Grammer, | Mr. Richard H. Cunningham, |
| Rev. C. W. Andrews, D. D. | Mr. Jeremiah Morton, |
| Rev. John P. McGuire, | Mr. Samuel W. Shelton, |
| Rev. C. Walker, D. D. | Mr. Cassius F. Lee, |
| Mr. D. H. Conrad. |
| Rt. REV. JOHN JOHNS, D. D. | Rev. W. Norwood, D. D. |
| Rev. Geo. Woodbridge, D. D. | Rev. Wm. H. Platt, |
| Rev. C. Minnigerode, D. D. | Mr. J. W. Waddell, |
| Rev. J. Peterkin, D. D. | Mr. W. F. Gray, |
| Rev. F. M. Baker, | Mr. John L. Bacon. |
RICHMOND, May 20th, 1863.
St. Paul's Church.
The Council of the Diocese of Virginia met to-day in St. Paul's Church. Morning prayer was read by Rev. Messrs[.] Platt and John Grammer. The sermon was preached by Rev. J. Peterkin, D. D., from the text II. Corinthians, 1st chapter: 24th verse.
After divine service the Council met in the Lecture Room and was called to order by the Bishop, Rt. Rev. John Johns, D. D.
Rev. Dr. Woodbridge presented the resignation of Col. J. W. Atkinson as Secretary of the Council, which was accepted.
On motion of Rev. D. F. Sprigg, Rev. T. G. Dashiell was elected Secretary. The roll was called and the following clergy answered to their names:
| RT. REV. JOHN JOHNS, | Rev. John Grammer, |
| Rev. F. M. Baker, | Rev. W. W. Greene, |
| Rev. E. Boyden, | Rev. H. S. Kepler, |
| Rev. G. S. Carraway, | Rev. J. A. Latane, |
| Rev. R. A. Castleman, | Rev. G. E. Mortimer, |
| Rev. J. T. Clarke. | Rev. R. R. Mason, |
| Rev. G. W. Dame, | Rev. C. Minnigerode, D. D., |
| Rev. J. B. Dabney, | Rev. J. H. Morrison, D. D. |
| Rev. T. G. Dashiell, | Rev. Wm. McGuire, |
| Rev. Wm. Friend, | Rev. J. P. McGuire, |
| Rev. R. Gatewood, | Rev. Wm. Norwood, D. D., |
| Rev. W. M. Nelson, | Rev. W. Sparrow, D. D., |
| Rev. W. H. Pendleton, | Rev. D. F. Sprigg, |
| Rev. J. Peterkin, D. D., | Rev. H. Stringfellow, |
| Rev. W. H. Platt, | Rev. P. Tinsley, |
| Rev. J. D. Powell, | Rev. Rev. Lewis Walker, |
| Rev. A. M. Randolph, | Rev. C. Walke, D. D. |
| Rev. C. P. Rodefer, | Rev. E. Withers, |
| Rev. P. Slaughter, | Rev. George Woodbridge, D. D. |
On motion of Rev. Mr. Mason, Rev. J. D. Powell was elected Assistant Secretary.
Rev. Lewis Walke, Mr. James Galt and Dr. Charles Carter, were appointed a committee to examine the credentials of Lay Delegates. They reported the following persons duly elected and entitled to seats.
On motion of Mr. Sprigg, Mr. S. P. Mitchell was elected Assistant Treasurer.
Rev. John Grammer presented the report of the Managers of the Widows and Orphans Fund, showing the income of the Society for the past year to be $2,555 86. Expenses of the same $320 00; the permanent fund amounts to $40,221 16.
Mr. Massie moved that Mr. John E. Page, of Clarke county, whose parish was within the enemy's lines, be admitted to a seat as Lay Delegate from Christ church, Milwood,--motion carried.
Mr. Friend moved that the old managers of the Widows and Orphans Fund be re-elected,--motion carried.
Mr. Baker moved that the visiting clergy and theological students be admitted to seats in the Council,--motion carried.
On motion of Dr. Minnigerode the hours of meeting and adjournment of the Council, 9 o'clock A. M. and 3 P. M., were respectively fixed as the hours of meeting and adjournment of the Council.
The Bishop then announced the Standing Committees as follows:
| Rev. C. Minnigerode, D. D. | Judge T. S. Gholson, |
| Rev. R. K. Meade, | Mr. N. H. Massie, |
| Rev. John Grammer, | Mr. J. L. Bacon. |
| Rev. Wm. H. Platt, | Dr. P. H. Foster. |
| Rev. C. Walker, D. D. | Mr. Samuel Tyree. |
| Rev. G. Woodbridge, D. D. | Col[.] Thomas N. Burwell. |
| Rev. R. R. Mason, | Mr. John E. Page. |
| Rev. William Friend, | Mr. Samuel M. Bailey. |
| Rev. H. Stringfellow, | Col. R. E. Withers. |
| Rev. William McGuire, | Mr. T. S. Garnett. |
| Messrs. J. Stewart, Alex. Brown, and E. B. Pegram. |
Dr. Woodbridge moved that the Bishop proceed to read his Annual Report. Motion laid upon the table.
The report of the Executive Committee of the Diocesan Missionary Society was read by the Rev. Dr. Minnigerode.
The report of the Standing Committee was read by Rev. D F. Sprigg.
Mr. Latane moved that the report of the Diocesan Missionary committee be referred to the committee on the affairs of that society. Mr. Sprigg moved as a substitute the following resolution:
Resolved, That Rev. Mr. Latane, Rev. C. Walker, D. D, and N. H. Massie be appointed a committee to examine so much of the report of the Diocesan Missionary Society as refers to the publishing of tracts, and report if any thing can be done to enlarge its sphere of usefulness, or otherwise to further the cause of publishing.
Mr. Latane moved that the name of Rev. J. P. McGuire be added. Amendment accepted and the resolution, as amended, carried.
Mr. Mason presented the report of the committee appointed to examine the accounts of the Treasurer of the Diocesan Missionary Society, showing the same to be correct.
Mr. Massie offered the following resolution.
Resolved, That the Treasurer of the Council be instructed to pay in addition to the salary paid the Bishop for the past year the sum of fifteen hundred dollars, and that he be also instructed to pay the Bishop the same amount in addition to the salary for the current year. Unanimously carried.
The Council then adjourned.
THURSDAY, May 21st, 1863.
Pursuant to adjournment, the Council met at 9 o'clock, A. M., and was opened with prayer by the Rev. Mr. Gibson. The journal of the previous day was read and approved. The following clergymen who were absent yesterday appeared and took their seats.
| Rev. Thomas M. Ambler, | Rev. "E. B. McGuire, |
| Rev. J. Cosby, | Rev. R. K. Meade, |
| Rev. James Grammer, | Rev. E. C. Murdaugh, |
| Rev. C. J. Gibson, | Rev. E. T. Perkins, |
| Rev. J. S. Hansborough, | Rev. H. W. L. Temple, |
| Rev. A. B. Tizzard. |
The following laymen, not present yesterday, appeared and took their seats.
On motion of Mr. Massie, Gen. F. H. Smith was admitted as Lay Delegate from Lexington.
The Bishop then read his report as follows
Brethren of the Clergy and Laity.--Our unfeigned gratitude is due to the Giver of every good and perfect gift, for the kind Providence which has been over us during the conventional year just completed--protecting us in the midst of dangers seen and unseen--sustaining and blessing us in our several callings--and often "compassing us about with songs of dedeliverance." And now, under the same good hand of our God, we are again assembled in our Diocesan Council, in number and with a spirit expressive of your unabated zeal for the welfare of our beloved church and
of the continued favor of its glorified Head. May the mighty power of the Holy Ghost so direct, sanctify and govern us in our present work, that throughout all our borders, "the comfortable Gospel of Christ may be truly preached, truly received, and truly followed."
My first official act after the adjournment of the last Convention, was the ordination of the Rev. George D. E. Mortimer, whom I admitted to the priesthood, in St. Paul's church, Richmond, on the 23rd of May.
May 26th.--I removed to the county of Halifax, and on the kind invitation of Dr. P. H. Foster, my family and self became his guests, and under his hospitable roof made our pleasant home during the ensuing summer. This arrangement accorded with my official duties which now summoned me to that section of the Diocese.
June 1--I preached in Christ church, Halifax, in the morning, and in the afternoon to the servants at Dr. Foster's.
8th--I preached in St. John's church, Halifax C. H.
15th--I preached again at the same place.
22nd--In Christ church, Halifax, I addressed the congregation after a sermon by the Rev. Dr. Sparrow.
The battles in front of Richmond which had now begun, left me in no doubt as to the place of duty. Suspending all other services I hastened to the city to unite with my brethren of the Clergy in such ministrations as might be needed by the wounded and the dying.
The signal successes with which it pleased Almighty God to crown our arms, effectually relieved our beleagured metropolis, and the menacing hosts were driven into a position where, from the demoralization of defeat and the fatal malaria of the region, their remaining numbers were so reduced that their formal withdrawal was hardly noticeable. In the midst of our joy and gratitude for such deliverance there was great cause for lamentation. Many noble men had fallen in our defence, and more wounded, were conveyed to the hospitals in and around Richmond.
The scenes of suffering which resulted from these conflicts, verified the saying of one of the greatest Generals--that next to the sorrow of losing a battle is the sorrow of gaining one. Yet these sufferings furnished occasion for the manifestation of some of the finest phases of character, in the uncomplaining spirit with which they were borne and the grateful, tender and efficient sympathy and care which they promptly received. Nothing seemed too much to be done for those to whom, under God, we owed so much, and whilst ministering to their bodily sufferings their spiritual welfare was not forgotten. Our own Diocesan Society enlarged its operations both by increasing the number of its hospital missionaries and by the purchase and publication of books and tracts for the benefit of our soldiers. I am thankful to be able to say that this action of the Executive committee has been cordially sanctioned and well sustained by the greater liberality upon our parishes and congregations have contributed to the funds of the Society.
June 29--I preached in St. James church, Richmond.
July--13--I preached at Charlotte Court House.
August 10th--I addressed the congregation in Christ Church, Halifax. after a sermon by the Rector.
13th--I preached in the church in Danville, and confirmed 12.
15th--I preached in the Church at Henry Court House; and confirmed 2.
17th--I preached at Franklin C. H.
19th--I preached in the Church at Pittsylvania Court House, and confirmed 2.
24th--At Boydton, we were prevented from holding service by the heavy rain which fell.
25th--I preached at Clarksville, and confirmed 3.
26th--I preached in St. Luke's, Mecklenburg, and confirmed 1.
27th--I preached in St. Andrew's, and confirmed 1.
28th--I preached at Christianville, and confirmed 1.
30th--I preached in St. John's, Lunenburg, and confirmed 8.
31st--I preached in St. Paul's, and confirmed 2.
September 7th--In Christ Church, Halifax, I admitted James Carmichael to Deacon's Orders. Sermon by the Rev. Dr. Sparrow. The Rev. J. T. Clark read prayers and presented the candidate.
14th--I preached in Christ Church, Halifax.
18th--This being the day which the President of the Confederate States appointed for special thanksgiving to Almighty God for the recent signal victories which he had awarded to our arms, I preached in St. John's church, Halifax C. H.
21st--I preached in the same church, and confirmed 3.
28th--In the same church I admitted John McGill to Deacon's Orders. Prayers by the Rector, sermon by the Rev. Dr. Sparrow, who also presented the candidate.
October 5th--I preached in Christ church, Halifax, and confirmed twenty-two. Eight white persons, (three of whom belonged to St. John's, Halifax,) and fourteen colored. On my former visitation of this church I confirmed twenty colored persons, making thirty-four in less than three years. Their attendance on public worship has become so large, that an extension of the church is necessary for their accommodation, and is about being accomplished by the congregation, who regard with great interest the blessing which has attended the labors of their Rector for the spiritual benefit of the servants. I record the fact for our encouragement, and earnestly pray that like success may be vouchsafed to other brethren, who are seeking similar fruits of their ministrations.
The first week of October I left the place of my pleasant sojourn in Halifax, and removed to Ashland, with a view to the facilities which it afforded for communication with the different parts of the Diocese during the coming season. Here there is a public room of sufficient size for our Sunday services, and which is at our disposal three Sundays in the month. And as among the refugees who have filled up the village, many are connected with our own communion, who desired the services of their own church,
the Rev. J. P. McGuire and myself arranged for their regular supply. A flourishing Sunday school has also been established, and the indications are encouraging that in better days an interesting congregation may be organized.
12th--I preached in Ashland.
19th--Morning and night I preached in Trinity church, Staunton, and confirmed 7.
21st--I preached in the Va. Military Institute.
Grace church, Lexington, vacant by the resignation of the Rev. W. N. Pendleton, D. D., remains unsupplied, notwithstanding the zealous and repeated efforts of the vestry to obtain a minister. It is to be hoped that a field so peculiarly interesting will soon secure the services of a faithful laborer, adapted to the work, and blessed of God for its successful performance.
23d--I preached in Trinity church, Buchanon, and confirmed 6.
24th--I preached in St. Mark's, Fincastle, and confirmed 5.
26th--Morning and afternoon I preached in Lynchburg, and confirmed thirty.
30th--I preached in Columbia, Fluvanna, and confirmed 1.
November 2d--I preached at Ashland.
9th--I preached in St. James', Richmond.
10th--Accompanied by the Clerical and Lay deputies from this Diocese to the first General Council, I left Richmond for Augusta, Ga. The Council continued in session ten days. Its chief business consisted in the ratification of our Book of Common Prayer, with only the substitution of "Confederate" for "United," and of "Council" for "Convention," where such alteration was required to adopt the Liturgy to our use; reserving, for future consideration, any other changes or amendments not affecting any essential point of doctrine, discipline or worship, which might be deemed expedient; and in addition to this, in the adoption of a Digest of revised Canons for the government of the Protestant Episcopal church in the Confederate States of America. This will be found to differ but little from our old code--the only variations being such as experience had suggested, and perspicuousness and consistency required. The whole business of the Council was conducted in a spirit of fraternal confidence and with a Christian courtesy which made the association most agreeable in itself and afforded a good hope of continued unity of spirit and generous co-operation.
During the session of the Council I preached in St. Paul's, Augusta, and after the adjournment, I preached in Athens, Ga., on the 23d of November, both morning and afternoon.
30th--I preached in Ashland.
December 7th--In St. James', Richmond, I preached and admitted Magruder Maury to Deacon's Orders. Prayers by the Rev. T. G. Dashiell. The Rev. J. Peterkin presented the candidate.
14th--I preached in Ashland.
18th--I preached in St. James', Richmond, and confirmed 15.
25th--I preached in St. Paul's, Richmond, and ordained Wm. H. Meade and Philip D. Thompson, Deacons. Prayers were read, and the candidates presented by the Rector.
In the afternoon I preached in St. Philip's.
February 8th--I preached in Grace church, Richmond, in the morning; and at night, in St. James'.
15th--I preached in St. Paul's, Richmond.
22d--I preached in St. James', Richmond.
March 1st--In the Monumental church I assisted in administering the Lord's Supper.
The last Convention entrusted to a committee consisting of the Rectors and Vestries of the churches in Richmond and its vicinity, the arrangement for the permanent interment of our late Rt. Rev. Father in God. The wish of the sons of the deceased having been ascertained, a lot was selected in Hollywood Cemetery.
On the 4th March, at 2, P. M., the Rev. R. K. Meade and children, accompanied by clergy and laity of the city and its vicinity, repaired to the cemetery and reverently removed the venerated remains from the vault in which they had been temporarily laid, to the spot chosen for permanent interment, where, with appropriate religious services, we committed the body to the ground--looking for the general resurrection and the life of the world to come, through Christ our Lord.
The proposed monument and enclosure are postponed till they can be more satisfactorily accomplished than under existing circumstances. Meanwhile, as no member of the church in Virginia should be deprived of the privilege of participating in this memorial, it may be proper for this Council to appoint a receiver of contributions, with such directions as will afford the opportunity to all who desire to aid in its erection.
March 4th--In the afternoon I lectured in the Monumental church.
10th--I lectured in St. Paul's church.
15th--I preached at Ashland.
22d--I officiated again at Ashland.
25th--In St. James', Richmond, I admitted Thompson B. Maury to Deacon's Orders. Morning service by Rev. Messrs. Kepler and Dashiell. Address by myself. The Rev. J. Peterkin presented the candidate.
27th--The day appointed for fasting and prayer, I assisted in the services at St. Paul's church.
29th--I preached in St. Paul's Richmond, and confirmed 24. In the afternoon I delivered an address in St. James', Richmond, confirming 4.
30th--I lectured at the morning meeting in St. Paul's, Richmond.
April 3d--I preached at Ashland.
5th--I preached in Fork church, Hanover, and confirmed 6.
6th--I preached in Trinity, Hanover.
7th--I preached in St. John's, Louisa.
8th--I preached in Walker's church, Albemarle, and confirmed 3.
9th--I preached at Buck Mountain, and confirmed 2.
10th--I preached in St. Paul's, Albemarle.
11th--I preached in Christ church, Charlottesville, and confirmed 13.
12th--I preached in Christ church, Green Mountain.
13th--I preached at Howardville, and confirmed 2.
14th--I preached in Christ church, New Market, and confirmed 1.
15th--The appointment was for Trinity, Nelson, but a heavy rain prevented the congregation from assembling.
16th--I preached at New Glasgow, and confirmed 2.
17th--I preached at Amherst C. H., and confirmed 2.
The Rev. George A. Smith, Who, with his family, is sojourning in New Glasgow, officiates for the last two congregations, their Rector being engaged as chaplain in the army.
18th--I was to have officiated at Pedlar's church, but as no conveyance was sent for me, and I could not procure one, I was compelled to pass on to Lynchburg that I might be within reach of my next appointment. This failure as to an arrangement for Pedlar's was no doubt owing to the condition of the mountain road, which the frequent rains had rendered almost impassible.
19th--In the morning I preached in Trinity, Bedford, and confirmed 2. In the afternoon I returned to Lynchburg, and at night preached in St. Paul's, and confirmed 16--making, with the thirty confirmed in November, forty-six in six months.
20th--I rode twenty-two miles to St. John's, Campbell--preached, and confirmed two. In the afternoon I returned ten miles, and preached at night at Campbell C. H.
21st--I rode sixteen miles to St. Stephen's, Bedford, preached, and confirmed 4.
22d--My kind friend, at whose house I lodged, had me conveyed to Forest Depot, before daylight, to take the cars for Liberty, where I arrived at 6, A. M., preached in. St. John's at 7, usual hour, confirmed 7, and returned to Lynchburg by the evening train.
23d--I reached Farmville, where the Rev. Jas. Grammer met me, and the next morning we proceeded to his church in Buckingham.
24th--I preached in St. Peter's, Buckingham, and confirmed 3.
25th--I preached in Grace church, Cumberland, and confirmed 3.
26th--I preached in St. James', Cumberland.
27th--I preached in Emmanuel, Powhatan, and confirmed 9.
28th--I preached in St. Luke's, and confirmed 9.
29th--I preached in Manikin church, and confirmed 1.
May 3d--I preached in Ashland.
The interruption of all travel on the Richmond and Fredericksburg Railroad for a few days, and then its extensive use for army purposes, prevented me from leaving home in time for my appointment at Hicksford on the 8th of May. I succeeded in getting to Petersburg that evening, and hoped to be able to make my way the next morning to Grace church, Greensville, but the arrangement of the trains was such as to prevent my reaching there in time for service, and as no private conveyance could be
procured, I was obliged to forego this appointment also; indeed it seemed as if the entire series would have to be abandoned. I found, however, that by a circuitous movement 1 might succeed in reaching the place where I was engaged for the next morning; and taking the cars at Petersburg at 10, A. M., I passed round by Weldon, to Gaston, North Carolina, and walked from the depot about two miles, to the residence of E. Wilkens, Esq., who received me most kindly, and next morning sent me in his carriage some eighteen or twenty miles to the place of my appointment, which was in that portion of Brunswick county known as Meherrin parish, lying between the Meherrin river and the Southern boundary of Virginia. An effort is making to revive the church in this part of the country. A building which belonged to another denomination has been bought, and measures are in progress for the purchase of a parsonage. The Rev. Mr. Castleman officiates for the congregation. I preached for them on Sunday, May 10th, and confirmed two persons.
11th--I preached in St. Andrew's parish, at Lawrenceville, and confirmed 6.
12th--I preached in Trinity church, Brunswick.
13th--I preached in Sapony church, Didwiddie, and confirmed 5.
14th--I preached in Grace church, Petersburg, at 5, P. M., and confirmed thirty-three.
15th--At 8, P. M., I preached in St. Paul's, Petersburg, and confirmed thirty-one.
During a brief visit to Charles Bruce, Esq., of Charlotte county, in July last, he requested me to receive and use for the Diocese the munificent legacy of his excellent mother, for the benefit of our destitute churches in Virginia, to which, during her life, she had been in the habit of contributing most liberally. The bequest of the testator was also an honorable boon from the heirs at law, who though under no legal obligation to comply with this provision of the will, promptly, and of their own accord, executed it as if really valid. At my suggestion Mr. Bruce associated Mr. John L. Bacon with me in the trust, and we received and hold the amount paid by the executor under a written agreement carefully prepared by Wm. H. Macfarland, Esq., so as to secure the fund, as far as possible from loss or perversion. On the 9th of August, 1862, 1 received Mr. C. Bruce's check on the Farmer's Bank of Virginia, for $13,031, which I forwarded to Mr. John L. Bacon, by whom it was invested in railroad bonds, of the value of $14,000, which with some further payment, the amount of which is not yet ascertained, will form the permanent fund for which the church is indebted to its deceased benefactress. I speak of the fund as permanent, because with the approval of Mr. C. Bruce, the principal is to be preserved intact, the annual interest only to be distributed as specified in the will.
The candidates for Orders, are--for Deacons Orders, John M. Burke, Geo. W. Peterkin, John B. Davies, N. Hunter Lewis, Edward H. Ingle, Horace E. Hayden, Wm. F. Gardiner, James E. Hammond, Randolph Harrison McKim. For Priests Orders, Rev. James B. Averitt, Rev. James Grammer, Jr., Rev. C. P. Rodefer. I have received into canonical connection with the
Diocese, the Rev. Wm. Norwood, D. D., Rev. J. P. B. Wilmer, D. D., Rev. K. J. Stewart, Rev. H. A. Wise.
The Rev. Wm. Norwood, D. D., has been elected rector of St. John's church, Richmond.
Rev. A. M. Randolph, Rev. James Carmichael, Rev. John McGill, and Rev. Magruder Maury, have received chaplains' commissions in the Army of the Confederate States.
Rev. Henry S. Kepler is officiating as a missionary in the vicinity of Richmond. Rev. R. A. Castleman has resigned the rectorship of the churches in Brunswick county.
Rev. J. H. Morrison, D. D., has resigned St. John's and St. Paul's churches, Lunenburg, and accepted the rectorship of St. Andrew's parish, Brunswick.
If other changes than those enumerated have occurred, they Have not been communicated to me in such forms as to authorize their being officially noticed.
I beg leave in this connection to call the attention of the clergy and wardens to Canon II, Sec[.] 1 and 2 of Title No. II, relative to "the election of ministers" and a certificate of such election." Its careful observance is very important in preparing the list of the ministers canonically resident, as directed by Canon XV of the Diocese of Virginia.
During the past year the number of the clergy has not been diminished either by death or removal. Since my arrival in this city, I have received intelligence of the bereavement experienced by a sister Diocese which calls for our sincere Christian sympathy. The Right Rev. James H. Otey, D. D., Bishop of Tennessee, has recently departed this mortal life at his late residence in Memphis. He was a native of Bedford county, Va., and through life cherished the strongest attachment for the scenes and associations of his youth.
He resided for a time in North Carolina, from whence he removed to Tennessee and gave himself diligently to the work of the ministry. In 1834, he was consecrated the first Bishop of that Diocese and devoted himself with zeal and ability to the ardous duties of his office, not only within the limits of his own jurisdiction, but, as requested, in adjacent States and territories then unsupplied with episcopal services.
Of the Convention which prepared the Constitution of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Confederate States, he was an active member.
For some time his health has been failing. During the past year he ventured to re-visit his home in Memphis, where his death occurred. Of his last hours we have no information, but we cherish the assurance of his departure in the faith which he preached, and of his blessed rest with the Master whom he served.
Before closing this report I must again advert to certain special services of christian sympathy and love, to which we are called by the great and eventful conflict in which our country is engaged. In those sections of our State which have been invaded and devastated by the enemy, parishes and congregations previously flourishing and efficient, have been sadly impoverished and
disabled. If they are to continue to enjoy those ministrations of the church to which they have been accustomed, and which they dearly prize, they must be generously aided by brethren who have not been subjected to such spoliations. These devastated parishes are now, in a measure missionary ground, and rendered so by a painful dispensation which must endear them exceedingly to their more favored brethren. The most effectual mode to render them the aid which they need, is through the agency of our Missionary Society, the executive committee of which has entered on this fraternal work, and only needs your yet more liberal support so to conduct it, that the blessing of parishes ready to perish may descend on the congregations with which you are connected. For this cause I ask your fervent prayers and increased pecuniary support for our Diocesan Missionary Society.
In the disturbed condition of our country the usual sources of religious literature are closed to us. We need books and tracts for our families, and Sunday Schools, and for the use of hospitals and camps. To provide such publications formed a part, and very important part of the design of our Diocesan Missionary Society, in which from time to time it has been successfully employed. To the present pressing demand, the executive committee have, as far as practicable, promptly responded. Through their agency several publications suited to existing wants have been carried through the press. A manual of public services and private devotions taken from our book of Common Prayer, with a selection of Psalms and Hymns, has been printed for the special use of our soldiers. Arrangements are in progress to establish a depot in Richmond, where these and other valuable publications will be kept, and an agent be in attendance for their distribution. In these important provisions I find additional reasons for commending our Missionary Society to your liberal patronage. All contributions for aiding its now peculiarly interesting action may be sent to Mr. John L. Bacon, Treasurer, Richmond.
There is, my brethren, another affecting appeal which comes to us from our citizen soldiers, who are out between us and our enemies, ready to sacrifice their lives for the safety and welfare of their country. Those devoted men are there without the services of religion to which they have been accustomed from their childhood, and they now petition us to send to their camps faithful ministers who will preach to them the word of life. A few weeks past I received a message which has since become painfully sacred by that mysterious dispensation which has afflicted the heart of our nation. A youthful chaplain who with a few others formed a committee to confer with the lamented Jackson on the subject of ministerial supply for the soldiers, found him with his staff engaged in a prayer meeting. When its solemn exercises were concluded, he asked the young chaplain to say to me that there were forty vacant chaplaincies in the army of the Rappahannock, and to beg me to send some of our clergy to visit the camp and render those ministerial services which were greatly needed and earnestly desired by the men. This last appeal for the spiritual benefit of a command which he blessed by his consistent example and wholesome influence as a Christian, and inspired with fearless energy by his own noble heroism, I cannot
suppress, and you would not neglect. Though dead, he yet speaketh--"Send faithful ministers to the army."
Within the last week, I was unexpectedly privileged with a brief interview with his surviving friend and brother in arms--the Commander-in-Chief, given us of God, I believe, as a pledge of His protection, and of our ultimate success--and to whom God has signally given the confidence and affection of the nation. From his lips I received an appeal in perfect keeping with the last message of his lamented colleague--an earnest request for special ministerial services for the army, accompanied by the statement that their condition is most favorable for religious improvement.
And now to these appeals from the dead whose memory we cherish with affectionate gratitude, and from the living whom we love, what shall be our response? I greatly mistake our people if they are not willing for a season to share the services of their ministers with our brethren in the camp; and I am sure 1 express the mind of the clergy when, under such circumstances, I answer for them--Here we are, send us as we are needed.
I trust that before we separate, we will take such action on this subject as will be worthy of the noble cause in which it is solicited, and bring down the rich and abundant blessing of Almighty God on his church in Virginia.
Mr. Sprigg moved that so much of the Bishop's report as relates to services for the army, be referred to a committee of three. Motion carried, and Messrs. C. J. Gibson, R. K. Meade, and James Galt, were appointed on said committee.
Dr. Woodbridge moved that a receiver be appointed for funds for a monument to the late Rt. Rev. Wm. Meade, D. D. Motion carried, and Mr. George W. Williams, of Riehmond, appointed.
Mr. Dashiell offered the following resolution:
Resolved, That Art. II of the Constitution be amended, by adding to the words "no person under ecclesiastical censure or process, shall be entstled to a seat in the Council," the following, "and no person shall be entitled to a seat unless he has been canonically connected with the Diocese for six calendar months."
The resolution was approved and ordered to be transmitted to the vestries of the several parishes in the Diocese.
Mr. Latane, from the committee on publishing tracts, made a report as follows:
The committee to whom was referred the annual report of the Diocesan Missionary Society, after mature consideration, have deemed it best not to ask any action of the Council at this time upon matters contained in that report, and therefore respectfully ask to be discharged.
J. A. LATANE, Chairman.
Report received and committee discharged.
Rev. Thomas M. Ambler moved that Dr. Garret from Williamsburg be admitted as a Lay Delegate. Motion carried.
On motion of Mr. Dashiell, Mr. Ashton was admitted to a seat as Lay Delegate from Trinity Church, Portsmouth.
Mr. Dashiell presented the application of the Wardens and Vestrymen of Emmanuel Parish, Washington county, for admission into the Diocese of Virginia. Application grated.
Mr. Baker offered the following resolution:
Resolved, That this Council will meet in this Lecture Room this evening at 8¼ o'clock, to offer prayer and supplication to Almighty God for His blessing upon this Confederacy and our armies in the field.
Mr. Latane moved as a substitute, that the Council resolve itself at once into a meeting for devotional purposes. The substitute was carried, whereupon religious exercises were engaged in by the Council. After some time spent in prayer, the Council resumed its ordinary business.
Mr. Baker offered the following resolution:
Resolved, That this Council will meet in St. Paul's Church to-morrow morning at 6½ o'clock, to unite with the congregation that may be present in offering prayers and supplications to Almighty God for his blessing upon this Confederacy, and upon our armies in the field
The resolution was carried.
Dr. Minnigerode nominated the present members of the standing committee for re-election. Rev. Mr. Baker and Dr. Carter were appointed tellers, who reported the old committee unanimously re-elected.
Mr. Sprigg made the following nominations for the Executive Committee of the Diocesan Missionary Society.
| Rt. REV. JOHN JOHNS, D. D. | Rev. W. Norwood, D. D. |
| Rev. Geo. Woodbridge, D. D. | Rev. Wm. H. Platt, |
| Rev. C. Minnigerode, D. D. | Mr. J. W. Waddell, |
| Rev. J. Peterkin, D. D. | Mr. W. F. Gray, |
| Rev. F. M. Baker, | Mr. John L. Bacon. |
Which were approved and the Council adjourned to meet on Friday morning at 9 o'clock.
FRIDAY, May 22, 1863.
Pursuant to adjournment, the Council met this morning at 9 o'clock. Prayer was offered by Rev. Dr. Woodbridge. Journal of the previous day read and approved.
Rev. Mr. Friend read the report of the Committee on Parochial Reports, as follows:
The committee have been unable to present in their report a full expose of the statistics of the church. Many of the most important churches of the Diocese are in those parts of the State now held by the enemy. Many of the reports are defective in some important particulars, and specially in reference to Sunday Schools, and the sums contributed to various objects. The committee have received sixty-five reports. Thirty-nine of the clergy who have parishes have sent in no reports. The committee were pleased to find that the contributions as far as they have been ascertained, are four times larger than they were last year. The church has reason to be thankful for the evidences of life and prosperity in the present season of trial and discouragement.
WM. FRIEND,
SAM'L M. BAILEY.
| BAPTISMS: | Adults, | White, | 67 | |
| BAPTISMS: | Adults, | Colored | 14 | |
| BAPTISMS: | Infants, | White, | 447 | |
| BAPTISMS: | Infants, | Colored | 38 | |
| Total 566 | ||||
| COMMUNICANTS: | Added, | White | 560 | |
| COMMUNICANTS: | Added, | Colored | 26 | |
| COMMUNICANTS: | Removed | 201 | ||
| COMMUNICANTS: | Died | 100 | ||
| Present number reported 4,578 | ||||
| CONFIRMED: | White | 306 | ||
| CONFIRMED: | Colored | 26 | ||
| Total 332 | ||||
| MARRIAGES: | White | 161 | ||
| MARRIAGES: | Colored | 55 | ||
| Total 216 | ||||
| FUNERALS: | White | 939 | ||
| FUNERALS: | Colored | 98 | ||
| Total 1037 | ||||
| SUNDAY SCHOOLS: | Teachers | 198 | ||
| SUNDAY SCHOOLS: | Scholars | 885 | ||
| Total 1083 | ||||
| Contributions, $83,312 40. |
Rev. Mr. Powell moved that the Secretary be instructed to have 500 copies of blank Parochial Reports and Certificates of Election of Lay Delegates printed for the use of the Council. Carried.
Rev. Dr. Woodbridge moved that Dr. R. H. Tatum be admitted as a Lay Delegate from Grace church, Genito Parish. Carried.
Dr. Minnigerode read the report of the Committee on the the State of the Church. (See Appendix B.)
The committee to whom was referred that portion of the Bishop's Address which referred to army services, presented their report through Rev. Mr. Gibson, as follows:
The committee to whom was referred that portion of the Bishop's Address, which relates to the supply of the army with religious services, beg leave most cordially to respond to the appeal of our Bishop and to recommend immediate and efficient action on the part of our whole Diocese. Regarding the work to be done one of such evident and immense importance not only to the immediate salvation of the souls of our brave defenders but to the future interests of our whole Confederacy, of the cause of our Redeemer, and of our own beloved church in particular, and in view of the calls for faithful laborers, we feel well assured that neither our clergy nor their parishes will shrink from any amount of labor or of self-denial which may be necessary to its accomplishment. If those parishes, who now enjoy the regular ministrations of their clergy will only agree to dispense with such privileges for some short stated period--the clergy, we are persuaded, will gladly engage at such times to supply those ministrations to the army. Not deeming it sufficient, in such an important matter to offer merely a general recommendation on the subject, we propose the adoption of the plan of action embraced in the following resolution:
Resolved, That until our army can be fully supplied with chaplains, the members of this Council as representatives of the several parishes and congregations of the Diocese, do request the Bishop to call upon those clergymen not occupying Parochial cures to render religious services to the army, in such way and for such length of time as he may designate, and we the clerical members of the Council do hereby offer ourselves for the work.
Respectfully submitted.
C. J. GIBSON, Chairman.
The report, with the accompanying resolution, was received and adopted.
Rev. Dr. Woodbridge read the following report of the Committee on the Episcopal Fund:
The committee on the Episcopal Fund, although no returns have been made by the Treasurer since 1860, desire nevertheless to report in order to keep the subject before the Convention, that the Fund at that time consisted of $21,700, that it is invested in funds which are safe and highly productive.
GEORGE WOODBRIDGE.
THOS. N. BURWELL.
Rev. Mr. Powell moved that 700 copies of the Journal be printed. Carried.
Mr. Massie moved that the Secretary procure 700 copies of the revised Constitution and Canons of the Church in the Confederate States. Carried.
Mr. Pegram read the report of the Finance Committee, showing the amount in the hands of the Treasurer upon the assembling of the Council to be $3,093 69, which with the amount handed in during the present session made a fund of $7,858 69, for expenses during the current year. $3,000 of this amount is invested in 8 per cent Confederate bonds.
Mr. Macfarland offered the following:
Resolved, That the application of the Chisholm Fund to the education and maintenance of William Chisholm may exceed the interest of the principal, should his aunt, Miss Page, think it proper, and the Treasurer of the fund concur in her opinion.
Carried.
Rev. Mr. Murdaugh offered the following:
Resolved, That the Clergy and the Laity present in this Council mark with regret the absence of loved brethren with whom it has long been their privilege to gather in annual meeting, and in the name of the Church in the Diocese of Virginia send messages of love and greeting in Christ to ministers and brethren from whom God's Providence is now separating them, with prayers for a speedy restoration of our full communion.
Unanimously carried.
On motion,
Resolved, That the Treasurer be directed to pay to the Sexton $15, for his attendance during the Council.
On motion,
Resolved, That when this Council adjourn, it adjourn to meet at such place as the Bishop may designate.
The members then united in singing the Gloria in Excelsis, after which prayer was offered and the benediction pronounced by the Bishop, and the Council was declared adjourned sine die.
T. G. DASHIELL, Secretary.
The Executive Committee of the Diocesan Missionary Society beg leave to make the following report:
The condition of the country has materially affected the operations of the Society. On one hand, by the temporary occupation of the enemy, our area has been curtailed, and the number of Parishes, heretofore dependent for aid upon the Society, diminished. But on the other hand, the hospitals which have filled the land, especially the city of Richmond, and the large armies which the Confederate States were obliged to call into the field, and occupy on the soil of Virginia, have opened to the Missionary activity of the Church, a new, a vast, and most interesting field of usefulness.
It has been the desire of the Committee to combine the original objects of the Society with the new duties devolved upon them, and which were justly considered as eminently of a missionary character.
In pursuance of this plan the following missionaries have been continued in Parishes, requiring assistance from the funds of the Society, viz: Rev. Messrs. Green, Mowbray, Goodwin; the Rev. H. S. Kepler, until recent events made his mission in New Kent impossible; and the Rev. D. F. Sprigg, at St. Philip's church, (colored,) in Richmond. Some Parishes, like that in which the Rev. D. T. C. Davis officiates, did not apply for a continuance of their appropriation; whilst some new enterprises, as in Madison and Rappahannock counties, which had been proposed, were necessarily postponed, in consequence of their exposure to hostile invasion.
With regard to Parishes hitherto self-supporting, but which, in con-sequence of the occupation by either the one or the other of the contending armies, and the losses incident to their endangered situation, were broken in strength--but in which it was found desirable for our ministers to remain and continue their faithful and self-denying labors--the Committee felt it their duty to secure the position of our ministers, by guaranteeing their salaries and supplying the deficit which might occur. By this means, the invaluable services of the Rev. O. S. Barten, at Warrenton, and the Rev. Jno. Cole, at Culpeper C. H., were retained. These brethren have most signally earned the approbation of the Committee, and are entitled to every assistance that can be extended to them, combining, as they do, in their labors, the duties of the pastor, the hospital-missionary, and the army chaplain. The same line of policy will be pursued towards others, similarly situated, whenever the circumstances justify it.
To meet the demands for ministerial services in our hospitals, two missionaries have been appointed and supported during the last year, and their monthly reports laid before the Committee at their stated meetings. The missionaries thus employed are the Rev. Messrs. Withers and Perkins, of whom the first has recently been transferred to the hospitals in Petersburg, in consequence of the increased demand for such services in that city, and in conformity with the wishes of its clergy.
During the time that the hospitals in Richmond were filled with from 10,000 to 14,000 sick and wounded, Rev. Messrs. Kepler and Sprigg were also assigned to this work. Whenever and wherever such need exists, the Committee are prepared to co-operate with the local pastors, and ready to receive their communications.
The Diocese has liberally responded to the appeal which has been made by the Bishop in behalf of this new branch of our missionary operations, and the Committee, fully relying upon the continuance of the interest so generally felt, and so effectually manifested, proposes to enlarge their operations in this field according to their best judgment, and to the extent of their means, not only as regards money, but suitable missionaries. It is deemed highly desirable that we should send missionaries to the army itself, where they have always been received most cordially by commanders and soldiers, and furnished every facility for pursuing their important duties. The Rev. Wm. Friend has already entered upon this work; and the Rev. Mr. Perkins has spent some time with General Longstreet's Corps, but has temporarily been recalled by indisposition, and also by the fact, that Camp Winder,
where his services were eminently blessed during the winter, has again been filled with our sick and wounded, claiming his attention.
In connection with these labors the Committee have felt the importance of providing a suitable literature for our soldiers--Bibles, Testaments, Tracts and Prayer-Books. The publication and distribution of Tracts has been continued, and a brief Liturgy for the use of the Camps, has been prepared and printed. It is hoped, that a new and better edition may soon be brought out. This whole department has been newly organized, so as to concentrate the efforts of the Diocese upon this interesting work. All contributions for the purchase and publication of religious books and tracts are requested to be sent to Mr. Jno. L. Bacon, acting as Treasurer. Rooms have been taken in a most desirable part of the town for a Depository of our religious literature, and especially all publications intended for the use of the army, and where orders may be received and attended to. This Tract Department has been put under the charge of the Rev. H. S. Kepler, who will devote himself to it exclusively, and superintend the issue of new publications. The rooms are over the book store of Mr. James Woodhouse; they are intended to become the centre of this agency throughout the Diocese, and also to serve as an Intelligence Office for our clergy.
The following is the abstract of the receipts and disbursements of the Society during the last Diocesan year:
| Amount expended for missionaries of all descriptions, | $4,800 50 |
| Amount received for the Society, | 8,591 44 |
| Amount received in addition. for the Tract Department of this Society, and all on hand waiting drafts for printing, &c., | 1,596 34 |
All which is respectfully submitted,
In behalf of the Committee,
CH. MINNIGERODE.
The disadvantages under which the Church in Virginia is laboring, in consequence of the terrible calamity with which the Providence of God has permitted our country to be afflicted, are many and apparent. A considerable portion of the Diocese cut off by the occupation of the enemy; some of our most pleasant and promising fields laid waste; the number of parishes diminished; missionary stations deserted; the great auxiliaries of the church--at once her fostering nurses and her foster-children--either suspended as the High-school, or dragging along a lingering existence as our Seminary; the difficulties of communication often insurmountable, and a comprehensive visitation, on the part of the Bishop, impracticable; the absorption of most minds in the stirring events of the day, upon which is staked our very existence as a nation and thus a national church: all these things prove, that these are times in which our faith is tried, and we are exhorted more than ever to exercise patience, to persevere under difficulties, and humbly wait on the Lord and seek more earnestly His guidance and grace "to stand in the evil day, and having done all to stand." Who has not been struck with the difference in the meetings of our church, for the last two or three years, when compared with those seasons of refreshment and spiritual privileges to which our Diocese was wont to look forward from year to year on the occasion of our annual conventions? Who has not missed those blessed meetings for prayer and services, that hearty intercourse with brethren of the clergy and laity from all parts of our wide-spread-domain, those crowded churches and attentive congregations, and happy opportunities to enlarge the heart by the most grateful hospitality towards the many, who--though strangers in name--were no strangers in a common faith, and common hope, and a common love? We trust the time is at hand when these blessed seasons shall be revived, when the councils of the Diocese shall be as the conventions of old, which have written their influence upon the
pages of the history of our church, and invited the admiration and the imitation of other Dioceses. God be blessed, the day is dawning. Dark as the political horizon may be, the heart of the church of Virginia is beating too vigorously to be content with mere business meetings. By the mercy of God we have been permitted to gather, this year, in something approaching our real strength, and the congregations are beginning to look for the usual services as their prescriptive right. To the mourning exiles of Judea, returning from their captivity to Jerusalem, and weeping as they remembered the glory of the former temple, the Lord vouchsafed the assurance, "the glory of this latter house shall be greater than that of the former." May we not hope that a similar promise is ours? Should we not pray that a great blessing may follow this season of trial; that--chastened by the lessons of adversity--when this calamity is overpassed, we may value our privileges all the more, and all the more earnestly seek the Lord, and remember and cherish our blessings and our duties?
The Committee have to record many things which should excite our deepest gratitude. It has pleased the Lord--amidst all our trials and the fearful issues of the times--to give us comforting proofs of His favor, and symptoms of increasing prosperity. At the last Convention only twenty-eight parishes were represented or reported from. The Council of this year has received already between sixty and seventy reports from the different parishes. The payments to the Contingent Fund have been most gratifying, amounting at this early day to nearly $5,000, an advance over the receipts by the same date of last year's Convention of more than $1,600. With a surplus of about $3,000 in hand, the Diocese is secured for all the expenses it may have to incur. The contributions to church and benevolent objects, have been greater than ever before; and a readiness is manifested everywhere not to withhold the requisite means from the sanctuary and the cause of the gospel, but to respond to every call which the church can make. The number of the clergy, in spite of the many desolated fields, is not diminished. We have to record no transfer of ministers to other Dioceses, whilst the Bishop has received five ministers into the Diocese. Considering the fact that our seminary has had but a very precarious and partial existence, the number of ordinations has been highly gratifying; and there are now eight candidates for Deacon's orders and three for Priest's orders. The Committee cannot speak positively on confirmations; but considering the fact that the visitation of the Bishop was necessarily limited to but a small portion of the Diocese, they believe that the proportionate returns are favorable, a decided increase upon the preceding year, and betokening, in several churches, a
marked revival of religious interest. The testimony of some of our most experienced ministers reports an unusual earnestness and deep searchings of heart on the part of the candidates, and in some places, at least, a large proportion of the males among new communicants. Unless we misinterpret the signs of the times, we are encouraged to hope, and earnestly called upon to pray, for a signal outpouring of God's blessing upon our people. Altogether, the position of the church, in the estimation of the people, has rarely been more favored. The Government of the Confederate States, itself, is marked by a deep appreciation of the religious element; many of its most prominent members imbued with a religious spirit and honored by a religious profession. The army is like a field white for the harvest. From the commanding Generals down to the unknown private, there is extended a hearty welcome to the message of the gospel, and to him who brings it. The influence of our own church, though silent and unostentatious, is unmistakeable, and by the grace of God shall tell upon multitudes for the saving of souls. We have nine or ten chaplains in the army, and several missionaries in a position independent of the Government, but with an unlimited range of usefulness and welcomed to their glorious work by high and low alike. Never, perhaps, in the history of the church, have the masses been more accessible; and never has religious earnestness and truth and consistency been of more importance to the country. Oh, if we could realize this more ! We thank God for the wisdom of our counsels, for the skill of our Generals, for the resoluteness and endurance of our soldiers. But the blessing must come from above. In His name and His strength alone we can succeed; our success can prove beneficial only, if accompanied by the fear of God and baptized in the faith of Christ. The peculiar position of the Diocese invests this with a still higher importance. The masses concentrated upon our soil are from all parts of the South, from every portion of our Confederacy. An influence for good or evil will be carried away from our camps and battle-fields. Let us pray God to bless the labors of our ministers and the prayers of His people.
To this review of the general condition of the church, which must necessarily be incomplete from the fact, that the Parochial Reports, upon which it should be based, can be but very partially inspected at this stage of our proceedings; the Committee beg leave to add a few remarks of practical importance for the consideration of the Diocese. And
1. As to the Support of the Clergy.--The duty of providing a proper and adequate support for the Clergy is self-evident. The Scriptures are emphatic on this point; the tything system of the Old
Testament, the declaration of the Apostle, that those who preach the gospel shall live of the gospel, leave no margin. The exigencies of the times make it proper for the Committee to refer to it. They have great satisfaction in believing, that the attention of not a few parishes has been directed to this point. But it should be considered by all as an imperative duty, and as a proof of the interest they take in the gospel; yes--as a test of their own fairness, justice and equity, to provide for those who forsake all other paths of life to devote themselves to the work of the ministry. The people at large, corporations, legislatures, Congress, have acknowledged the necessities of those who are dependent upon salaries for their support, and have taken measures for their relief. Let not the church be behind the secular authorities and institutions in the land. Ministers are confined, for their resources and means, to the supplies obtained from their congregations. It is not necessary to remind the Diocese of the fact that the absolute wants of their Clergy are the same as ever; for never have the Clergy aspired to more than the satisfaction of these, nor have the churches ever overstepped this limit. Three years ago a contribution of fifty dollars was in reality identical with its nominal value. What is it now? but the wants of the Clergyman and his family remain the same. Some slight approximation, at least, to the real value of things is required; or the dearest interests of the parish, which cannot be separated from the comparative, however humble, comfort of the minister, must suffer. The Committee are happy to believe, that in several parishes this fact is being appreciated. In some churches, we learn, the Minister's salary has been raised to come nearer an adequate support; in others, special donations have been resorted to, to make up the deficiency created by the disproportion in receipts and expenditures. In one or two of our country-congregations a system has been inaugurated, which is deemed highly commendable, of aiding their Pastors by contributions in kind. What it would cost, more money and time, than the faithful, self-denying minister of Christ has to dispose of in his own behalf, is thereby supplied in a manner scarcely felt by the contributors; and the times seem eminently to demand the adoption of some such plan. It is a help to the Pastor, and scarcely a sacrifice to the giver. The producer gives no more, as far as he is concerned, than before, by furnishing flour or meal for instance; but the minister receives what it would cost him three or four times the amount of money to purchase. The partial adoption of such a system--at least in our country parishes--would, beyond doubt, prove of material assistance to the clergy, without involving any loss on the part of the contributors. But whatever system be adopted, the duty is plain and it is earnestly recommended to
our parishes, to adopt measures for the increase of their ministers' support, whenever this is needed to make it adequate to their necessities and the wants of the times.
2. The attention of the Committee has been called to the condition of our Sunday Schools. It is their most painful conviction, based upon numerous and various testimonies, that these nurseries of our church, these blessed auxiliaries of training the young in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, have suffered greatly, and present, almost everywhere, an unfavorable aspect. Where is the fault? It may lie with superintendents and teachers, or ministers; and to them we would send out the most solemn admonition. The war may have told upon them to some extent, at least indirectly, by its dissipating effect upon the minds of the people, and also by taking away some of our teachers. But upon the clearest and most convincing evidence produced, the Committee have come to the conclusion, that the main cause is more deep-seated, and of a more general nature. The fault lies at home, in the neglect of parents to enforce punctuality and attendance and reverential behavior on the part of their children, and thus uphold the work of teachers and superintendents. It is not the orphans and the poor which cause the Sunday School to suffer and languish; but we are sorry to say, it is the children of our own families, baptized in the church, and supposed to be the objects of the prayers of pious parents and professed believers in the Lord Jesus. The duty is plain, and cannot be controverted, that all owe the religious instruction of the church to their children; and that unless they give this basis to their education, they may multiply instructors for the accomplishments of this life, or the acquirements of science and literature, but they fail in the great end for which God has appointed them the natural guardians of their children. The services of the sanctuary itself are deprived of much of their efficacy, if this branch of the activity of the church suffers. Bringing the children to the baptismal font is one thing; but the church teaches plainly, that religious instruction is to follow as the blessing guaranteed in that solemn ordinance to the children baptized. Every household is bound to this duty, and all scriptural discipline requires the necessary authority, on the part of parents, to ensure its blessing. Parents and sponsors should remember, that the Sunday School does not relieve them of this duty. The sanctity of the family altar, and a pious home-education, form the basis of all success; and will readily ensure attendance and due obedience at the Sunday School, and the requisite preparation for its meeting. Parents, themselves, must show interest in it, and use their authority in its behalf. They may pray for their children, they must do so; but they must also follow up their
prayers by the faithful discharge of the duties devolved upon them, as their guardians and guides.
3. In connection with this subject of religious instruction, the committee cannot forbear to add a solemn word of warning to all on the general subject of education. We are living in times of great danger, not only to the present, but also to the coming, perhaps many coming generations. Our young men are killed, our fields devastated, our homesteads destroyed. But beyond all this, the minds not only of adults, but of the young are dissipated, distracted; and in no department do the sad ravages of the war show themselves so glaringly, as in the department of education. A blight seems to have fallen upon it. Let all, conversant with the subject, give their testimony; and though our daughters may continue their studies in the boarding-school or day-school: it is but too true, that nothing has suffered more from this war, than the education of our boys and young men. In the language of our President, "the seed-corn is being ground;" aye, before the seed-corn is ripened, it is checked in its growth, it cannot come to maturity; and what is our prospect for the next generation? Shall the church keep silence, when on all sides we see education neglected, discipline relaxed, and boyhood destroyed by being hurried into immature manhood? What must be the future of our country, if such shall be the facts actually marking out its course? It is the duty enjoined on us by every worldly, every natural and national and politico-economical consideration; but more, infinitely more by every religious principle, to oppose these disorganizing tendencies of the stem the tide of ignorance and barbarism and vice, which is threatening to flow in upon us in the wake of this war. The field of the church is in the hearts of the young. But we vainly hope to cultivate those hearts for God, if we neglect the relative duties enjoined on us by nature and by His word. The only safeguard of a country, the only security of a family, the only hope (humanly speaking) of the individual lies in the use of the ordinary means entrusted to our care; and from the days of Abraham to the present, from the law of Moses to the legislation of our times, the education of the young has been the bulwark and the hope of every godly, every goodly commonwealth.
4. Missions.--In the providence of God we are all but excluded from the intercourse with our missionaries abroad, and in various ways limited in the privilege of contributing to their support. But the missionary spirit must not suffer. The very fact, that we can do so little for foreign missions--that object so dear to the heart of the true christian--should stimulate our efforts in the fields left open to us. We thank God, that our missionary committee have had the means to meet
every application for assistance made by weak congregations. But new fields are opened and opening: among the sick and wounded; among our armies struggling for the defence and deliverance of our country and shielding our very homes from the inroads and the outrages of the invader--exposed to dangers of every kind, the temptations of the camp, the perils of the battle field, away from their homes and friends, and every softening, every hallowing influence; to labor among them, by the living word of the ministry, by the written word of God, by the printed pages of our tracts--what nobler field can we desire? and if by God's mercy the door is opened to us, if officers and soldiers alike covet the bread of life and welcome him that brings it: how can we refuse? God be thanked, the hearts of the people seem alive to the importance of this duty. We bid God speed to our devoted Bishop and our trusty committee, and heartily endorse the measures they propose; and we appeal to the Diocese to aid them by their prayers and contributions in this all-important work.
And there is a special missionary field besides this, which we cannot pass over in silence; one always with us, always appealing to us; the work among our colored population. It is the peculiar trust committed to the Southern church. For years we have labored, to prove ourselves the true--alas! the only true friend of that race, which would be so happy if the wicked had left them to their natural and normal position in this country, but who are made so wretched by the false teachings and allurements and practices of our enemies. God forbid, that the dangers which surround us, should make us forget our duty. But though all the world should misunderstand us and do us wrong, we stand between them and extermination, and are the commissioned heralds of the Gospel to their immortal souls: let us do our duty, stand by them and labor for them! Let us do right in the sight of the Lord; and in our private intercourse by kindness, forbearance and firmness; in our public relation by humane laws and equitable treatment, and the repressing by everything which may foster the spirit of worldliness, extravagance, sin and insubordination; above all, as the servants of God, by bringing them His Gospel and leading them in the paths of peace and love and knowledge and righteousness--let us prove our right, defend our position, if need be die in the performance of our duty towards those whom God has so signally committed to our care, whether as individuals or as a church.
5. But above all, let the church in Virginia remember, and may the same truth pass and repass through the whole of our dear and dearly defended country; that the great work before us, before ministers and people is just the individual work of faith and love in heart and life,
that it is necessary above all things to cultivate personal religion. Nations are made up of individuals; as citizens we owe to the State our individual obedience. The Church is the company of the faithful; to promote the welfare of the Church and hasten the coming of Christ's kingdom, we must ourselves be Christians in word and deed. After all--what we want is not so much this or that measure of worldly wisdom, of statesmanship and diplomacy; this or that mighty army, powerful equipment and prominent generalship, this or that great instrumentality in the church on earth, sensation practices and popular meetings. We need the personal holiness of individual Christians; we need Christ as the hope of our souls and as the pattern of our lives.
To our ministers, especially at this crisis, we would say--what is wanted, is not sermons on the times and the war and the objects of our country's hopes. We need not preach to the soldiers about war and camp and battles; they hear and think enough of that without our help. What they want and expect of us as ministers of Christ, is just the glad tidings of salvation, just the eternal message of grace and love to perishing sinners. We venture to say, that no chaplain and no missionary to the army or to hospitals, will do their work efficiently and faithfully, unless they speak as to immortal souls, standing face to face with God; unless they preach Christ and Him crucified, the power of God unto salvation to those who believe. This we would lay as a solemn injunction upon all our ministers, but especially upon our chaplains, missionaries and all who labor for the army. In every relation of life it holds good, and to every class of men it applies, and the blessing of God's Holy Spirit rests on us only as we faithfully preach His word and convey to perishing sinners the knowledge of the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
And finally, the duty of the Church at all times, and more especially now, is that of prayer; prayer to Almighty God for His grace and the outpouring of His spirit upon us and all His people; prayer to Him, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy, for grace to enable us to live in accordance with His Will; our rulers to be His stewards, our army to be the soldiers of Christ, our people to serve God and work righteousness.
Yes, if ever in our lives, this is the time to show ourselves men, Christian men, preaching the everlasting Gospel of Christ's love in our sermons and our lives; showing the power of God's Holy Spirit and the constraining love of Christ in our every thought and word and deed; and giving all we have, our hearts, souls and spirits, our bodies, strength, wealth and time to Him who bought us with His most precious blood, and consecrating ourselves to Him in all the relative duties
of this life. Then, that "voice of free grace" which has rallied us in our closing anthem so often around the chancel when we met on the last evening of our Convention, shall ring again in our hearts, and rise again from our lips to the God who loved and redeemed us, in the meetings of our Councils, the first of which we have inaugurated in the prayers and services of this season. May God give us His blessing and speed our holy work for Christ's sake. Amen.
CHAS. MINNIGERODE,
R. K. MEADE,
JOHN GRAMMER,
WM. H. PLATT,
THOS. S. GHOLSON,
N. H. MASSIE,
JOHN L. BACON,
P. H. FOSTER.
| May | To cash paid Rev E T Perkins, for 12 months' services as missionary to the hospitals in and around Richmond, | $1,200 00 |
| To cash paid Rev H S Kepler, for 12 months' services as missionary to the hospitals in and around Richmond, and also for missionary services in the same time in the counties of King William and New Kent, | 519 85 | |
| To cash paid Rev W W Green, for 9 months' missionary services in Spottsylvania and Caroline, | 150 00 | |
| To cash paid Rev W Mowbray, for 12 months' missionary services at Abingdon, | 200 00 | |
| To cash paid Rev O S Barten, hospital missionary in Culpeper, for 12 months, | 300 00 | |
| To cash paid Rev F D Goodwin, missionary at Wytheville, for 12 months' services, ending 1st Dec., 1862, | 300 00 | |
| To cash paid same on acc't of his salary for the current year, | 214 00 | |
| To cash paid Rev John Cole, for extra congregational, hospital and camp services at Culpeper C H, | 300 00 | |
| To cash paid Rev D F Sprigg, for half his time devoted to hospitals in and around Richmond, for 6 months, | 266 66 | |
| To cash paid Rev Ed Withers, missionary to hospitals in and around Richmond, for 6 months' services, ending 1st January, 1863, | 600 00 | |
| To cash paid Rev Wm[.] Friend, for 3 months' services, commencing 1st January last, as missionary to the army of the Potomac and the churches in that region, | 150 00 | |
| To cash paid J L Williams, Treasurer for the support of St. Philip's church, Richmond, for 12 months, being the contribution of St. Paul's church, Richmond, for that purpose, | 600 00 | |
| To balance on hand, | 6,119 62 | |
| $10,920 13 |
JOHN L. BACON, Treasurer.
Richmond, May 16th, 1863.
| 1862. | ||
| May 20. | By balance on hand as reported to the Convention, | $2,328 69 |
| 22. | By Cornwall parish, Charlotte, per Rev L B Wharton, | 15 00 |
| By Tillottson parish, Buckingham, per Rev James Grammer, | 26 00 | |
| By Epiphany church, Danville, per Rev Dr Dame, | 11 00 | |
| By Miss Murchie, Manakin church, per Rev A B Tizzard, | 10 00 | |
| By St Martin's, Hanover, per Rev H Stringfellow, | 62 50 | |
| By Mrs Michie, Albemarle, per Rev W M Nelson, | 10 00 | |
| By Buck Mountain church, through Rev W M Nelson, | 10 00 | |
| By Mrs E G Leigh, Lexington, through Rev D F Sprigg, | 10 00 | |
| By J R Zimmerman, 17th Va Vols, by Rev D F Sprigg, | 2 00 | |
| By Rev C J Gibson, | 10 00 | |
| By Christ church, Smithfield, and St Andrew's church, Surry, through Rev E T Perkins, | 75 00 | |
| By Christ church, Charlottesville, per Rev R K Meade, | 80 00 | |
| By Antrim parish, Halifax, through Rev J Grammer, as follows, viz: Mrs Mary Ann Holt, $1, D Cosby, $4, Mrs R A E Leigh, $1 50, Mrs E Borum, $1, Mrs E Carrington, $1, Mrs E H Green, $2, Mrs E A Clark, $2, Mrs N C Bruce, $25, Mrs M J Smith, $1, J Grammer, $15, | 53 50 | |
| 28. | By Christ church, Albemarle, through Rev S Ridout, of which $21 48 are from the Ladies' Sewing Society, | 71 48 |
| By Meherrin parish, Greenville parish, per Rev M H Galusha, | 20 00 | |
| June 2. | Anonymous, through Rev T Grayson Dashiell, of which $10 for hospital missionary, | 82 00 |
| 16. | By Miss E Downman, through Rev D F Sprigg, for hospital missions, | 25 00 |
| By private Zimmerman, of 17th Va Reg't, through same and for same purpose, | 5 00 | |
| By St James' church, Richmond, through Rev J Peterkin, for hospital missionaries, | 100 00 | |
| 18. | By Congregation at Orange C H., by Rev Richard T Davis, through John Stewart, Esq., | 12 00 |
| Amount carried forward, | $3,019 19 |
| Amount brought forward, | $3,019 19 | |
| 1862. | ||
| June 23. | Mrs Sayres, of Alexandria, $15, Mrs W S Boswell, of same place, $10, G P Tayloe, of Roanoke, $5, through Rev Mr Sprigg, | 30 00 |
| By Rev Sam'l Ridout, for hospital missionary, | 30 00 | |
| By Mrs Lucy Green and family, Culpeper C H, through Rev John Cole, for hospital missionary, | 20 00 | |
| July 7. | Ladies' Sewing Society, Rivanna parish, per Rev R R. Mason, through Rev D F Sprigg, | 33 85 |
| 8. | By Rev T F Martin, Nelson county, of which $10 are for hospital missionaries, | 45 35 |
| 14. | By A friend, through Rev D F Sprigg, | 1 00 |
| By St James church, Richmond, for hospital missionary, through W F Gray, Esq., | 120 00 | |
| 25. | St Paul's church, for the support of St Philip's church, through Rev Dr Minnigerode, | 150 00 |
| 29. | By Rev C J Gibson, of Petersburg, for hospital missionary, through Rev D F Sprigg, | 20 00 |
| By St John's church, Roanoke, through Rev P Tinsley, and Mr Sprigg, | 92 00 | |
| 31. | By Rev R T and Mrs Davis, one half of which is for hospital missionaries, | 30 00 |
| August 2. | By St Ann's Parish, proceeds of a collection at Howardsville on the 20th ultimo, per Rev Sam'l Ridout, for hospital missions, | 18 15 |
| 4. | By St Paul's church, Louisburg, N C, by Rev James Moore. through Bishop Johns, for hospital missionaries, | 55 00 |
| 6. | By Miss E Harrison, of Hamner parish, Bedford, through Rev W H Pendleton, | 2 00 |
| 18. | By Col R W Ashlin, through R R Roberts, in letter from the former, | 6 00 |
| 20. | By Grace church, Lexington, for hospital missionary, by Rev D F Sprigg, | 5 00 |
| By Mrs R G Montgomery, Greenville, for same, by same, | 5 00 | |
| By Mrs M C S Lee, of Brunswick, for same, by same, | 10 00 | |
| 26. | By J K H, through Rev J Peterkin, for hospital missions, | 50 00 |
| 28. | By church of Epiphany, Danville, proceeds of Bishop Johns' collection 13th instant, through Dr Dame, | 71 45 |
| Sept'r 2. | By Geo R Watson, Esq, for hospital missionary, through Rev Mr Gatewood, | 50 00 |
| 3. | By Mrs James Carmichael, through Bishop Johns, | 10 00 |
| By church at Pittsylvania C H, through same, | 20 00 | |
| 8. | By Monumental church, Richmond, through George D Fisher, Esq, | 140 00 |
| Amount carried forward, | $4,033 99 |
| Amount brought forward, | $4,033 99 | |
| 1862. | ||
| Sept'r 8. | By Mrs M Harrison, Salt Sulphur Springs, through same, who received it in January last, | 5 00 |
| 12. | By Rev R R Mason, | 10 00 |
| By Miss Goode, Hot Springs, through Rev R R Mason, | 10 00 | |
| 22. | By St Paul's church, Goochland, through Rev G D E Mortimer, for hospital missionary, | 109 85 |
| 24. | By Christ church, Halifax, through Rev J T Clark, for hospital missionary, | 45 00 |
| 30. | By a friend, through Rev D F Sprigg, for hosp'l mis'ry, | 5 00 |
| By Mrs R, Christ church, Middlesex, per do, thro' do, | 20 00 | |
| Oct'r 1. | By Immanuel church, Henrico, per Rev C Walker, | 10 00 |
| 3. | By thank offering from Antrim parish, through Rev Jno Grammer, 106 00 | |
| Less to be paid Educational Society, 53 00 | ||
| 53 00 | ||
| 4. | By Trinity church, Russell parish, Bedford county, thro' Rev W H Pendleton, for hospital missions, | 15 75 |
| 13. | By Christ church, Charlottesville, thro' Gen'l Brown, | 40 00 |
| 14. | By St James church, Richmond, for hospital missionary, through W F Gray, Esq, | 170 60 |
| 29. | By Mrs Nannie C Bruce, of Halifax, | 50 00 |
| By St Mark's church, Fincastle, through Rev Wm McGuire, being proceeds of Bishop John's collection in that church the 24th inst, | 51 45 | |
| By contribution of a lady, through Rev Walter Williams and Dr Minnigerode, | 20 00 | |
| 30. | By Rev Jno D Powell, Powhatan, for hosp'l missions, | 25 80 |
| By Emmanual church, Powhatan, thro' same, for same, | 42 70 | |
| Nov'r 3. | By Mrs M B Robertson, Dinwiddie, through Rev C J Gibson and Rev E T Perkins, | 5 00 |
| 4. | By legacy of Miss H G Williams, of Waverly, Jefferson county, thro' Mr J J Williams and Bishop Johns, | 50 00 |
| By church at Lynchburg, through Rev Mr Kinckle and Bishop Johns, | 10 00 | |
| By Miss Maria L Brook, of Chesterfield, through Rev F M Baker, | 5 00 | |
| By St Paul's church, Richmond, for the support of St Phillip's church, | 150 00 | |
| 29. | By St John's church, Big Lick, Roanoke, through W W Gwathmey, | 55 00 |
| Dec'r 1. | By Mrs G Somerville, Culpeper, thro' Rev D F Sprigg, | 5 00 |
| By Mrs Adams. Rockingham, through same, | 5 00 | |
| By church at Charlotte C H, through same, | 15 00 | |
| By Mlss Mary Berkeley, Amelia county, through Rev Dr Woodbridge, for hospital missions, | 5 00 | |
| Amount carried forward, | $5,023 14 |
| Amount brought forward, | $5,023 14 | |
| 1863. | ||
| Dec'r 4. | By Christ church, Charlottesville, thro' Gen'l Brown, | 90 00 |
| 12. | By Rev F D Goodwin, for hospital missions, | 14 00 |
| By Miss Mary E Nash, Prince Edward county, through Rev J Peterkin, | 2 00 | |
| By St Paul's church, Hanover, thro Rev G S Carraway, | 40 00 | |
| By Trinity, (Miss S V B F,) Mathews, through same, | 5 00 | |
| By Bath Parish, Dinwiddie county, Rev S M Bird, thro' Rev Dr Minnigerode, | 25 00 | |
| By Christ church, Halifax, through Rev J T Clark, | 25 00 | |
| 15. | By Mrs M G Morrison, Powhatan, for hosp'l missions, by Rev D F Sprigg, | 10 00 |
| By St James' church, Richmond, for hospital missions, by W F Gray, Esq, | 103 24 | |
| By Monumental church, Richmond, proceeds of a collection in November last, for hospital missionaries, by G D Fisher, Esq, | 215 00 | |
| 18. | By a thank offering to God, from a member of St James' church, Richmond, for hospital missions, | 50 00 |
| 1863. | ||
| Jan'y 5. | By Cumberland parish, Lunenburg, Rev Dr Morrison, through A H Stokes, for hospital missions, | 39 15 |
| By Moore parish, Campbell, through Rev Mr Sprigg, for hospital missionary, | 17 00 | |
| By Bath parish, Dinwiddie, through Rev Mr Sprigg, | 11 00 | |
| By Miss Landonia J Randolph, through Rev J Peterkin, for hospital missionary, | 15 00 | |
| 12. | By St James' church, Cumberland county, for hospital missions, thro' Rev J D Powell, and Cap R B Kennon, | 47 50 |
| By Rufus A Murrell, Campbell county, thro' Rev Jno B Dabney, | 2 00 | |
| By Rev Dr Morrison, of Lunenburg, through Mr Wm B Isaacs, for hospital missionary, | 5 00 | |
| 20. | By Emanuel church, Henrico county, through Dr Beck, | 64 00 |
| 23. | By South Farnham parish, Essex county, Rev H W L Temple, per Mr Lewis Letane, | 111 25 |
| By St Paul's church, Richmond, through Rev Dr Minnigerode, for support of St. Phillip's church, | 150 00 | |
| From a member of Christ church, Norfolk, $5, and from E B P, of said church, $18, thro' Rev J Peterkin, | 23 00 | |
| By Rev R R Mason, Fluvannah, by Rev J Peterkin, | 10 00 | |
| 24. | By Meherrin parish, thro Rev M H Galusha, | 25 35 |
| By Dr Carter W Wormley, through Bishop Johns, | 200 00 | |
| 31. | By Mrs Geo W Hacket, Louisa, thro' Rev D F Sprigg, | 2 00 |
| By a lady of Amherst, through Rev D F Sprigg, | 5 00 | |
| By Mrs W L Waring, of Essex, thro' Rev D F Sprigg, | 15 00 | |
| By St John's church, Roanoke, per Rev Mr Tinsley, | 25 00 | |
| Amount carried forward, | $6,369 61 |
| Amount brought forward, | $6,369 61 | |
| 1863. | ||
| Feb'y 3. | By a refugee, Miss P, by Rev J Peterkin, for hospitals, | 5 00 |
| 9. | By Mrs Roy, for hospitals, through Rev J Peterkin, | 50 00 |
| 11. | By St James' church, Leesburg, through Rev D F Sprigg, $145, less uncurrent, $3 50, | 141 50 |
| 16. | By Wm Yates Downman, Esq, through Rev D F Sprigg, | 200 00 |
| 21. | By St James' church, Richmond, for hospital missions, through Mr W F Gray, | 100 00 |
| By Mrs Dr Foster, of Halifax, through Bishop Johns, | 20 00 | |
| March 1. | By bequest of a dying Christian, through Rev J T Clark and D F Sprigg, | 5 00 |
| By Gen'l M D Corse, through Rev D F Sprigg, | 25 00 | |
| By Col A Herbert, through Rev D F Sprigg, | 5 00 | |
| By Rev C W Anderson, Shepherdstown, thro' Rev D F Sprigg, | 25 00 | |
| 2. | By Mrs H B Caperton' thro' Rev J Peterkin, | 10 00 |
| By Mrs M A Claiborne, thro' Rev J Peterkin, for hosp'l missions, | 5 00 | |
| By Mrs McGuire, thro' Rev J Peterkin, for hosp'l missions, | 1 00 | |
| 17. | By Miss Elvira Gilham, for hospital missions, through Rev Mr Baker, | 15 00 |
| 23. | By Dr Cochrane, Middleburg, thro' Rev D F Sprigg, | 50 00 |
| By Mrs C R Peyton, Amelia, thro' Rev D F Sprigg, | 5 00 | |
| 31. | By legacy of the late Mrs Eliza Bruce, through Rev J Grammer, | 50 00 |
| By same, through same, for hospital missions, | 100 00 | |
| By St James' church, Warrenton, Fauquier county, Rev O S Barten, rector, through Rev D Minnigerode, | 65 00 | |
| By C J Meriwether, Esq, through Rev J Peterkin, | 10 00 | |
| By Dr Thos M Bayly, Aldie, thro' Rev J Peterkin, | 10 00 | |
| April 14. | By Mrs C J M Jordan, Bedford, hospital missions, per Rev D F Sprigg, | 10 00 |
| By Rev G D E Mortimer, Goochland, per do, for do | 5 00 | |
| By Mrs Chichester, Leesburg, per do, for do | 5 00 | |
| By St James' church, Richmond, by W F Gray, | 150 00 | |
| 16. | By collections of Bishop Johns at St Paul's and Buck Mountain churches, Albemarle, thro' Rev W M Nelson, | 86 25 |
| By proceeds of two collections by Bishop Johns, in Grace church, Albemarle, for missionary chaplains, through Mr E S Pegram, | 135 00 | |
| 17. | By Fork and Trinity churches, Hanover, being collections by Bishop Johns, on 5th and 6th inst, thro' Rev H Stringfellow, | 155 60 |
| 18. | By Christ church, Charlottesville, proceeds of Bishop Johns' collections, through Rev R K Meade, | 300 00 |
| 20. | By Christ church, Albemarle, Rev Sam'l Ridout proceeds Bishop John's collections, | 122 00 |
| 21. | By St Paul's church, Richmond, for support St Philip's church, | 150 00 |
| Amount carried forward, | $8,385 96 |
| Amount brought forward, | $8,385 96 | |
| 1863. | ||
| April 29. | By Bishop Johns, for the following collections by him, viz: church at New Glasgow, $43, church at Amherst C H, $130, Christ churc |