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Abstract of the Proceedings of the Annual Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the State of New-York

(Continued from page 15, and concluded.) On the 18th, the Festival of St.Luke, the morning service of the day was conducted by the Rev. Daniel McDonald, rector of Trinity Church, Fairfield, and Grace Church, Norway, Herkimer county.

The following preamble and resolution were adopted :

It having been the usage in this diocess, previously to the passing of the 29th canon of the General Convention of 1808, to consider as regularly admitted and settled parochial ministers, in the sense of the 3d article of the constitution of the Church in this state, all clergymen intrusted with the cure of parishes within the same; therefore,

Resolved, that all such, although not instituted agreeably to the office prescribed in the said 29th canon, shall henceforth be considered members of this Convention.

The committee appointed yesterday to prepare and report to this Convention a plan for theological education in this diocess, made a report ; after proeeeding, in part, with the consideration of which, the Convention adjourned until six o'clock this evening.

6 o'clock p. m. The Convention, met pursuant to adjournment. The consideration of the report of the committee on a plan of theological education in this diocess was resumed. The Constitution of a Protestant Episcopal Theological Education Society for the State of NewYork, as prepared by the said committee and amended by the Convention, was finally adopted as follows:Constitution of the Protestant Episcopal Theological Education Society in the State of New-York,established in Convention of the Church in said State, October, 1820.

Art. 1. The name of this society shall be, The Protestant Episcopal Theological Education Society in the State of New-York. Its object shall be the prosecution of theological education, by the establishment of professorships, and by

furnishing aid to candidates for holy orders.

2. The society shall be composed of the Bishop and such of the clergy of the diocess as shall not decline to be mem

bers, and of such other persons as shall contribute annually a sum not less than two dollars, or at one time a sum not less than twenty-five dollars. The former shall be members during the continuance of their contributions; the latter for life. Such of the lay-members, for the time being, of the state Convention as may choose to attend the meetings of this society, shall also be members of the same ex officio. The society shall meet annually at the place of the meeting of the Convention, and on the day succeeding that appointed for such meeting.

3. The officers of the society shall be a President, (who shall be the Bishop of the diocess,) and a Board of Trustees, which shall consist of such of the clergy of the diocess as are members of the society, of at least thirty Vice-Presidents from different parts of the diocess, and not less than one hundred and fifty laymembers of the society from different parts of the diocess, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. The Vice-Presidents and lay-trustees shall be chosen annually, at the stated meetings of the society. The Secretary and Treasurer of the society shall be appointed annually, by the Board of Trustees, from their own body. Contributors to the amount (at one time) of two hundred and fifty dollars, and annual contributors to the amount of twenty dollars, shall also be Trustees; the former during life, the latter during the continuance of their contributions.

4. The Board of Trustees shall appoint annually from their own body a Board of Managers, consisting of not less than twenty-one in number, to superintend and conduct the business and concerns of the society, with such powers as may be delegated to them by the bye-laws of the society, or other wise by the Board of Trustees.

The Board of Managers shall have power to supply vacancies in their own body out of the Board of Trustees.

Nine members of the Board of Mana gers shall form a quorum, and be competent to the transaction of business.

The President of the society shall be, ex officio, President, and the Secretary of the Society shall be, ex officio, Secretary of the Board of Trustees, and of the Board of Managers.

5 The Board of Trustees shall have power to make bye-laws, rules, and regulations, as well respecting this establishment and government of schools or seminaries for theological iustruction, as touching the disposition of its funds, and the general management of its concerns. Provided, that such bye-laws, rules, and regulations, shall not be repugnant to the constitution of the church, or to the canons of the general or state conventions.

6. The Board of Trustees may, in the form of bye-laws, or otherwise, make such arrangements and regulations as they shall judge proper, relative to the founding of scholarships and professorships, and to the institution of auxiliary societies, so as most effectually to call forth individual bounty in aid of the great object of the society.

7. The Board of Trustees shall hold a stated meeting annually, on the day following that appointed for the meeting of the convention, and at the same place; and they may continue to meet, by adjournment, as long as their business shall require.

Twenty-one Trustees shall constitute a quorum, and be competent to the transaction of business.

The Board of Trustees shall have power to fill up all vacancies which may happen in their body by resignation or otherwise.

8. The officers whose names are affixed to this constitution shall be the first officers of the society. The Board of Trustees shall hold their offices until the end of the week appointed for the next meeting of the Convention; at which time the term of their successors shall commence. The first meeting of the Trustees shall take place on such day as the president shall appoint. It shall consist of such Trustees as he may be able to notify of the meeting, and may be continued, by adjournment, until its business shall be accomplished. 9. The Board of Managers shall report their proceedings to the Board of Trustees at the stated annual meetings; VOL. V.

and the Board of Trustees shall make annual report to the Convention.

10. This constitution may be amended by the Trustees; such amendments being previously reported and approved of by the Convention.

The Convention then adjourned until to-morrow at one o'clock P. M.

Thursday, October 19th.

The members attended divine service in Trinity Church, on occasion of the Annual Meeting of the Corporation for the Relief of Widows and Children of Clergymen of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the State of New-York. Morning service was conducted by the Rev. Henry M. Shaw, rector of Trinity Church, Utica, Oneida county; and a sermon, for the benefit of the said corporation, preached by the Rev. Seth Hart, rector of St. George's Church, Hempstead, Queen's county.

Parochial reports were received from 48 parishes, presenting a gratifying view of the state of the church. The clergy also presented an account of their collections for the Missionary Fund, amounting to 1207 dollars 6 cents; and likewise for the Episcopal Fund, amounting to 604 dollars and 64

cents.

The Bishop, from the Committee of the Protestant Episcopal Church for Propagating the Gospel in the State of New-York, presented an abstract of the reports of thirteen missionaries, rendering an account of their proceedings. We have room only for a few extracts from these reports.

66

The Rev. Stephen Jewett, missionary in Washington county, says We experience, annually, considerable loss by death and removal; and, on the other hand, we have constant additions, so that the number of our communicants continues slowly to increase. In both my parishes the churches are, and ever have been, opened on every Sunday, and divine service celebrated, and approved sermons read. On the whole, we have reason to bless God that our affairs, in general, continue to wear a promising aspect."

The Rev. James Thompson, missionary in Greene and Delaware counties, speaking of one object of his charge says" Windham lies on the Catskill 6

Mountain. The inhabitants are gene-
rally poor;
those attached to the Church
are scattered; but, when collected, form
a considerable congregation. They
need the patronage of the Missionary
Society. There has been a good at-
tendance upon public worship when I
have officiated."

The Rev. Charles Seabury, missionary at Setauket and Islip, Soffolk county, says of Setauket-This church is in a growing condition, and the missionary gives half his time to this parish. A higher sense of religion has become the sentiment of the day; and he trusts that Divine Providence will succeed his earnest endeavours to do good." And of Islip-" This Church, under Providence, has assumed a more growing appearance than it ever has had; and the present appearances justify the declaration, that the cause of religion, and the Episcopal Church, has increased, and will, in future, be strongly supported.

The Rev. Daniel Nash, missionary in Otsego county" There appears to be an increased regard to the Liturgy in almost every place I have visited. A more solemn attention to the important concerns of religion prevails among the members of the Church. This apparent devotion indicates, that they are not only cordially attached to the Liturgy, but that they realize their need of a Saviour, and of the influence of the Divine Spirit, by whose aid they may go on to perfection."

The Rev. Ezekiel G. Gear, missionary in Onondaga county-"During the last year, my services have been confined to the churches of Onondaga and Tully, and a small congregation at Otisco. I am happy to state, that these congregations are in a flourishing condition; and have increased, within the last year, in numbers, piety, and zeal, and in an attachment to the doctrines, principles, and institutions of the Church. By a little exertion, I have succeeded in establishing a Sunday school in the congregation at Onondaga, and the most salutary effects have been produced."

The Rev. George H. Norton, missionary in Ontario and Seneca counties, says, "The situation of the church at

Waterloo has been such as to demand my services for one half of the time. The rest has been given to Vienna,with the exception of two Sundays, which were spent at Catharine, Tioga county. The congregations in these different places, though they have not increased equal to my expectations, are in general respectable for numbers, and continue to manifest the same desire as formerly for the ordinances and services of the Church. Some additions have been made to the communion list, and the ordinance of baptism administered both to infants and adults in each parish. Those who have heretofore professed faith in the Lord Jesus, have, we trust, adorned their profession, and are daily making advances in the divine life. The close of another year, I hope, will find us in a still more prosperous condition."

The Rev. Leverett Bush, missionary in Chenango county, reports" I have the happiness to state, that my labours have, in some measure, been blessed. The small congregations under my charge have not only increased in numbers, but in grace, and in knowledge; a greater sensibility to their spiritual interests is apparent among them; and, I believe, a growing attachment to the distinguishing principles and worship of our Church."

The Rev. Francis H. Cuming, missionary in Broome county and parts adjacent-"Your missionary is sorry to report, that no inconsiderable effort had been made to prevent the prosperity of the Church in this place. Her doctrines and usages had been misrepre sented and ridiculed. Strong prejudices existed against her form of worship and hor principles. These, in many instances, have been removed; and your missionary has some reason to believe, that his labours here have not been altogether in vain. He officiated to this congregation twice every Sunday, except when prevented by unavoidable absence, and by exchanging with his brethren. Many tracts and prayer books have been successfully distributed. Early in the spring a Sunday school was organized, from which no small advantage has accrued to the Church. A very good organ has been put up in

this church. It is believed that this congregation perceive the reasonableness, the beauty, and spirituality, of our service.-Union, a very respectable farming town, joining Binghampton, has been visited twelve times, generally on Sunday evening, after the second service at Binghampton. A spirit of inquiry has been excited among this people. When your missionary commenced preaching to them, he could find but two persons who were acquainted with the service of the Church. In his last visit to them, he was gratified by perceiving twelve or fourteen making the responses. It is thought that a congregation will eventually be formed in this town. In the town of Lisle I performed service eleven times. Here there are three families who still pursue the good old path of our fathers. It is believed their example is not without its effect upon the many who have been walking in other roads. In Owego village, I officiated five times. Here the disposition towards the Church is very favourable. I have found that the duty of a missionary, though laborious, is very far from being unpleasant."

The Rev. Deodatus Babcock, missionary at Buffalo, reports" The state of the congregations at Buffalo and Black Rock is much the same as when you received the last annual report concerning them. Their pecuniary embarrassments are such, that it is with difficulty they can provide the means of supporting the Gospel. This, however, is to be said in their praise, that they do all they can. Through the indefatigable exertions of a few individuals in the village of Buffalo, the means have been provided for finishing the church which was commenced last year. It will be ready for consecration by the 20th of this month (October.)

"The congregations to which I have preached appear serious and attentive; and I have reason to think that my labours are not altogether in vain in the Lord. Notwithstanding the many difficulties that have hitherto opposed our success, I am confident that the seed sown will, ere long, spring up, and bring forth fruit to the glory of our Redeemer."

The following resolution, proposing

an alteration to the Constitution of the Church in this diocess, was passed:

Resolved, That if the next Conven tion also accede thereto, the words second Tuesday in May be substituted, in the first article of the Constitution of the Church in this diocess, for the words "third Tuesday in October."

The following gentlemen were elected the Standing Committee of the dio

cess:

The Rev. William Harris, D. D. the Rev. Thomas Lyell, the Rev. Wil liam Berrian, the Rev, Henry U. On derdonk, Richard Harison, Esq. Gen. Matthew Clarkson, William Ogden, and Col. Nicholas Fish.

The following gentlemen were elect, ed "the Committee of the Protestant Episcopal Church for Propagating the Gospel in the State of New-York," of which the Bishop is, ex officio, President::

The Rev. Thomas Lyell, the Rev. Henry J. Feltus, the Rev. John M'Vickar, Gerrit H. Van Wagenen, Esq. Dr. John Onderdonk, and Thomas L. Ogden, Esq.

Report of the Trustees of the Episco pal Fund.

The Trustees of the fund for the support of the Episcopate in the diocess of New-York, respectfully report to the Annual Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church, that the fund now amounts to the sum of twenty-one thousand four hundred and ninety-three 4 dollars.

Viz. in sundry bonds and

mortgages, being the
same held at the last
meeting of the Conven-
tion

Six per cent. stock of the
United States, of the
loan of 1813,
Six per cent. stock of the

state of New-York, of
the loan of 1817, pur-
chased during the cur-
rent year,
Interest outstanding on

bonds and mortgages, Cash deposited in the Bank of New-York,

$17,548 4

1,300 0

950 0

183 51

1,511 87

$21,493 42

The Trustees subjoin a list of the bonds and mortgages belonging to the fund, with the interest outstanding; they also herewith submit their account current, and are prepared to exhibit the bonds and mortgages, and certificates of stock in which the investments are made.

GERRIT H. VAN WAGENEN,
THOMAS S. TOWNSEND,
JOSHUA JONES.
New-York, Oct. 17, 1820:

This report was accepted by the Convention; who also approved of the list of the bonds belonging to the fund, and the account current of the Trustees, with the proof of the same, which were also exhibited.

A vacancy having occurred in the Trustees of the Episcopal Fund, in consequence of the removal from the city of Mr. David I. Greene, it was supplied by the appointment of Mr. Edward R. Jones.

The following resolution was adopt

ed:

Resolved, That this Convention earnestly recommend the Protestant Episcopal Theological Education Society in the State of New-York, established by them at the present session, to the patronage of the members of the Church in this diocess; and particularly request the reverend clergy to exert themselves in their respective parishes, in calling forth the liberality of their parishioners in aid of the valuable and important objects of the said society,

Canons passed in this Convention, 1820.

CANON I. Providing for investiga. tion in the case of public rumour of immoral conduct in a Clergyman. If any clergyman shall, by public rumour, be deemed to be guilty of immoral conduct, the Bishop may, in his discretion, appoint five persons, of whom at least three shall be presbyters, to examine the case; and if, in their opinion, there is sufficient ground for presentment, the presbyters shall present the clergyman accordingly. CANON II. Providing for taking testimony in certain cases of present

ment,

When any person shall be presented according to the first canon of the year 1802, and it shall come to the knowledge of the Bishop, that any witnesses, whose evidence may be deemed material, cannot be procured upon the trial of the said presentment, the Bishop may direct any one or more of the presenting presbyters to give notice to the person presented, that evidence in his case will be taken at a time and place to be mentioned in such notice, before any person empowered by law, to administer an oath, and to be named in such notice, and residing as near the place where the witness resides as may be: such notice to be given at least six days previous to the said time; and if the person presented shall reside more than 40 miles distant from the residence of the witness, then at least one additional day's notice shall be given for every additional 20 miles of the said distance, or for any additional distance less than 20 miles.

And the presenting presbyter is to attend the examination of such witness, and put such questions, touching the matter of such presentment, as he may think proper. And the person presented shall have the right to attend such examination personally, and by counsel, and to put such questions in like manner, touching the said matter. And the questions, with the answers, shall be committed to writing, and, being certified by the person before whom the evidence is taken, shall be admissible evidence on the hearing of such presentment.

And if the person presented shall he shall have a right to have their exhave any witnesses similarly situated, aminations taken in the like manner,

upon

the like notice as above provided; which notice shall be given to such presbyter as the Bishop may appoint for that purpose; and the examinations of such witnesses shall also be admissible as evidence, upon the hearing of the

presentment.

vention, or by a vestry, the Bishop may In case of a presentment by the Condirect any presbyter to attend such examination, and perform the duties above allotted to a presenting presby

ter.

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