Documenting the American South Logo

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:

Electronic Edition.

Episcopal Church. Diocese of Virginia.


Funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services
supported the electronic publication of this title.


Text transcribed by Apex Data Services, Inc.
Images scanned by Bryan Synche
Text encoded by Lee Ann Morawski and Joshua G. McKim
First edition, 2001
ca. 280K
Academic Affairs Library, UNC-CH
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill,
2001.

No copyright in the United States

Source Description:
(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)


        The electronic edition is a part of the UNC-CH digitization project, Documenting the American South.

        The text has been entered using double-keying and verified against the original. The text has been encoded using the recommendations for Level 4 of the TEI in Libraries Guidelines.
        Original grammar, punctuation, and spelling have been preserved. Encountered typographical errors have been preserved and appear in red type.
        Any hyphens occurring in line breaks have been removed, and the trailing part of a word has been joined to the preceding line.
        All quotation marks, em dashes and ampersand have been transcribed as entity references.
        All double right and left quotation marks are encoded as " and " respectively.
        All em dashes are encoded as --
        Indentation in lines has not been preserved.
        Running titles have not been preserved.
        Spell-check and verification made against printed text using Author/Editor (SoftQuad) and Microsoft Word spell check programs.


Library of Congress Subject Headings, 21st edition, 1998

Languages Used:

LC Subject Headings:


Revision History:


        

Illustration

        

Illustration


JOURNAL
OF THE
SIXTY-EIGHTH
ANNUAL COUNCIL
OF THE
Protestant Episcopal Church
IN
VIRGINIA. HELD IN
ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, RICHMOND,
ON THE
20th, 21st and 22nd May, 1863.


Page 3

DIOCESE OF VIRGINIA.

OFFICERS, COMMITTEES, &c., FOR 1863.

        
RT. REV. JOHN JOHNS, D. D., BISHOP.

        

Standing Committees of the Diocese of Virginia.

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.

        

Secretary of the Convention.

REV. T. GRAYSON DASHIELL, Richmond.

        

Treasurer of the Convention.

MR. JOHN STEWART, Richmond.


Page 4

        

Board of Trustees of the Theological Seminary of Virginia,
and of the High School.

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.

        

Executive Committee of the Diocesan Missionary Society of
Virginia.

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.


Page 5

LIST OF THE CLERGY
OF THE
DIOCESE OF VIRGINIA,
May, 1863.


Page 10

LIST OF LAY DELEGATES

IN ATTENDANCE UPON THE COUNCIL, WITH THE PARISHES REPRESENTED
BY THEM.


Page 11

JOURNAL
OF THE
SIXTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL COUNCIL
OF THE
Protestant Episcopal Church in Virginia.

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.,


Page 12

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:

        

On the State of the Church.

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.

        

Widows and Orphans of Deceased Clergymen.

Rev. C. Walker, D. D. Mr. Samuel Tyree.

        

Episcopal Fund.

Rev. G. Woodbridge, D. D. Col[.] Thomas N. Burwell.

        

Accounts of Treasurer of Missionary Society.

Rev. R. R. Mason, Mr. John E. Page.

        

Parochial Reports.

Rev. William Friend, Mr. Samuel M. Bailey.


Page 14

        

New Parishes.

Rev. H. Stringfellow, Col. R. E. Withers.

        

Elections.

Rev. William McGuire, Mr. T. S. Garnett.

        

Finance.

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.


Page 15

SECOND DAY.

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

BISHOP JOHN'S REPORT.

        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


Page 16

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.


Page 17

        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,


Page 18

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.


Page 19

        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.


Page 20

        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


Page 21

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


Page 22

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


Page 23

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


Page 24

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.



Page 25

        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.


Page 26

THIRD DAY.

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.

        

Report of the Committee of Parochial Reports.

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.


Page 27

        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.



Page 28

        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.


Page 29

APPENDIX.

[A.]
REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
OF THE
DIOCESAN MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

        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.


Page 30

        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,


Page 31

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.


Page 32

[B.]
REPORT.
ON THE
STATE OF THE CHURCH.

        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


Page 33

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


Page 34

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


Page 35

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


Page 36

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


Page 37

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


Page 38

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,


Page 39

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


Page 40

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.


Page 41

[C.]

The Diocesan Missionary Society of Virginia,
In account with
JOHN L. BACON, Treasurer.

        

DR.

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.
Page 42

The Diocesan Missionary Society of Virginia,
In account with
JOHN L. BACON, Treasurer.

        

CR.

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


Page 43

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


Page 44

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


Page 45

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


Page 46

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


Page 47

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 church, at New Market, $38 50, St John's church, at Campbell, $47 55, Caroline, a servant of Dr Withers, $2 50, St Stephen's church, Bedford, $44 70, Trinity church, Bedford, $62 50, St Peter's church, Cumberland, $95, Grace church, Cairo, Cumberland, $137 50, St John's church, Liberty, $205 20, St Luke's church, Powhatan, $88 22, Miles C Selden, $70, W B Harrison, Brandon, $100, Mrs L Horseley, Buckingham, $5, 1,069 67
May 4. By Mrs M E M, Staunton, thro' Rev D F Sprigg, 5 00
By Emanuel church, Powhatan, thro' Rev J D Powell, 140 00
By a member of St John's church, Fluvanna county, through Rev J Peterkin, 5 00
7. By St John's church, Lynchburg, thro' Rev W H Kinckle, 859 50
15. By cash received of Bishop John's for collections by him, as follows, viz: St Andrew's parish, Brunswick, $300, Trinity church, Brunswick, $102, Sapony ch., Dinwiddie, $50, Capt Parham, Greenville, $3, 455 00
$10,920 13
1863.
May 16. By balance on hand for use Diocesan Miss. Society, $6,119 62
By amount received to date for the Tract department of this Society, and all on hand, there having as yet been no drafts against the fund, 1,596 34

JOHN L. BACON, Treasurer.

Richmond, May 16th, 1863.


Page 48

[D.]
REPORT OF THE TREASURER--DIOCESAN OR CONTINGENT FUND.

        
COUNTIES, PARISHES. CHURCHES. Communicants reported. Amount paid. Delinquency. Arrears due 1863. Amount paid for former years. Total now due.
Accomac, St. James', St. James,' $00 00 $00 00 $00 00
Accomac, St. George's, St. George's, 72 00
Accomac, St. George's, St. Michael's,
Albemarle, Fredericksville, Buck Mountain, 7 50
Albemarle, Fredericksville, St. Paul's, 39 39 00
Albemarle, Fredericksville, Christ, Charlottesville, 137 140 00
Albemarle, St. Anne's, Trinity, North Garden, 123 00
Albemarle, St. Anne's, Christ, 37 00 44 00
Albemarle, Walker's, Grace, 43 84 00
Albemarle, St. Anne's, Howardsville,
Amelia, Raleigh, Grub Hill, 55 50 00
Amherst, Lexington, St. Luke's, New Glasgow, and Ascension, 75 50 2 00
Augusta, Augusta, Trinity, Staunton, 114 114 00
Augusta, Augusta, Boyden Chapel, 2 00
Alexandria, Fairfax, Christ, Alexandria, 3 00 65 00
Alexandria, Fairfax, St. Paul's, Alexandria,
Alexandria, Fairfax, Grace, 38 00
Bedford, Russell, Trinity, 39 40 00 8 00
Bedford, West Russell, St. Thomas', 32 50


Page 49

COUNTIES, PARISHES. CHURCHES. Communicants reported. Amount paid. Delinquency. Arrears due 1863. Amount paid for former years. Total now due.
Bedford, Heber, St. John's, Liberty, 28 75
Bedford, Hamner, St. Stephen's, 38 38 00 9 00
Berkeley, Norborne, Mount Zion, Hedgesville, 174 00
Berkeley, Norborne, Trinity, Martingsburg, 42 00
Botetourt, Botetourt, St. Mark's, 33 33 00 10 00
Botetourt, Woodville, Trinity, Buchanan, 32 32 00 2 00
Brooke, Christ Church, Christ, 32 00
Brooke, St. John's, St. John's, 104 00
Brunswick, St. Andrew's, St. Andrew's, 16 00 28 00
Brunswick, Meherrin, Emmanuel, 7 7 00
Buckingham, Tillotson, St. Peter's, 48 44 00 6 00
Campbell, Moore, St. John's, 40 40 00 4 00
Campbell, Lynchburg, St. Paul's, Lynchburg, 196 332 50
Caroline, St. Margaret's, St. Margaret's, 26 28 00
Caroline, St. Mary's, St. Peter's, Port Royal,
Caroline, St. Mary's, Grace, 28 00
Caroline, Trinity, Bowling Green,
Charles City, Westover, Mapsico and Westover, 3 50
Charlotte, Cornwall, Roanoke, 24 26 00 19 00
Chesterfield, Dale, Trinity, 23 23 00
Clarke, Frederick, Christ, Millwood, 8 00 10 25
Clarke, Clarke, Grace, Berryville,
Clarke, Wickliffe, Wickliffe,
Culpeper, St. Mark's, St. Stephen's, 37 20
Culpeper, St. Mark's, St. James', 25 00
Culpeper, St. Mark's, St. Paul's,
Cumberland, Lyttleton, Grace, 29 30 00
Cumberland, Leighton, St. James', 22 30 00
Dinwiddie, Bath, Sapony and Cavalry, 30 10 43 00
Elizabeth City, Elizabeth City, St. John's, Hampton, 62 00
Elizabeth City, Elizabeth City, Centurion, Old Point, 20 00
Essex, St. Anne's, Vauter's, 25 25 00
Essex, South Farnham, St. Paul's and St. John's, 58 $116 00 $00 00


Page 50

COUNTIES, PARISHES. CHURCHES. Communicants reported. Amount paid. Delinquency. Arrears due 1863. Amount paid for former years. Total now due.
Fairfax, Truro, Zion, 20 00
Fairfax, Truro, St. John's, 15 00
Fairfax, Fairfax, Falls, 46 00
Fauquier, Hamilton, St. James', Warrenton, 4 00 67 00
Fauquier, Cedar Run, St. Stephen's, 21 00
Fauquier, Leed's, Leed's,
Fauquier, Meade, Trinity,
Fauquier, Piedmont, Trinity, 4 00
Fauquier, Piedmont, Grace, 60 00
Fluvanna, Rivanna, St. John's, 24 24 00
Fluvanna, .........., Corinth, 4 5 00
Franklin, Franklin, At Court House,
Frederick, Frederick, Christ, Winchester,
Frederick, Frederick, St. Thomas', Middlelown, 10 10 00
Gloucester, Abingdon and Ware Abingdon and Ware 20 00 39 50
Goochland, St. James', Northam, St. Paul's, 23 50 00
Goochland, St. James', Northam, Beaver Dam, 14 106 00
Goochland, ........., Trinity, 9 13 00
Greensville, Meherrin, Grace and Christ 37 53 10
Halifax, Antrim, St. John's, 92 185 00


Page 51

COUNTIES, PARISHES. CHURCHES. Communicants reported. Amount paid. Delinquency. Arrears due 1863. Amount paid for former years. Total now due.
Halifax, Roanoke, Christ, 26 40 00
Halifax, Roanoke, Catawba,
Hanover, St. Martin's, Fork and Trinity 66 00
Hanover, St. Martin's, Trinity, 66 00
Hanover, St. Paul's, Immanuel, 26 39 00
Hanover, St. Paul's, St. Paul's, 16 26 00
Hampshire, Hampshire, St. Paul's,
Hampshire, Hampshire, Frankfort,
Hampshire, Hampshire, Zion,
Harrison, Bethel, Christ,
Henrico, Henrico, St. John's, 116 116 00
Henrico, Richmond City, Monumental, 208 208 00
Henrico, Richmond City, St. Paul's, 422 422 00
Henrico, Richmond City, St. James', 350 350 00
Henrico, Richmond City, Christ,
Henrico, Richmond City, Grace, 106 106 00
Henrico, Henrico, Emmanuel, 43 46 00
Henry, Patrick, Christ,
Isle of Wight, Newport, Christ,
Jackson, Ravenswood, Grace,
James City, Bruton, --, Williamsburg, 5 00 11 00
Jefferson, St. Andrew's, Zion, Charlestown, 19 00
Jefferson, St. Andrew's, Trinity, Shepherdstown, 104 00
Jefferson, St. Andrew's, St. John's, Harper's Ferry and St. Bartholomew's, Leetown and Grace 51 00
Kanawha, Kanawha, St. John's, Charleston, 53 00 66 00
Kanawha, Kanawha, St. Luke's, Salines, 53 00 66 00
Kanawha, Kanawha, St. Mark's, Coalsmouth, 20 00
King George, St. Paul's, St. Paul's,
King George, Hanover, St. John's,
King George, Brunswick, Lamb's Creek, 19 00
King William, St. David's, St. David's,
Lancaster, Christ Church, Christ and Grace and White Chapel $00 00 $17 00


Page 52

COUNTIES, PARISHES. CHURCHES. Communicants reported. Amount paid. Delinquency. Arrears due 1863. Amount paid for former years. Total now due.
Lewis, ......, St. Paul's, Weston, 35 00
Loudoun, Shelbourne, St. James', 33 75
Loudoun, John's, Emanuel,
Louisa, Green Spring, St. John's, 31 00
Louisa, Trinity, Trinity, 8 00
Lunenburg, Cumberland, St. John's and St. Paul's 50 23 00 27 00
Madison, Bloomfield, Piedmont and Trinity 4 00
Marshall, Trinity, ......, 61 00
Mason, ......, Bruce Chapel,
Mason, ......, Point Pleasant,
Matthews, Kingston, Christ and Trinity 36 00
Mecklenburg, St. Luke's, Old Church,
Mecklenburg, St. James', St. James' and St. Andrew's 37 257 00
Mecklenburg, St. Luke's, St. Luke's and St. Timothy 50 00
Mecklenburg, St. Luke's, Old, 9 9 00
Middlesex, Christ Church, Christ, 23 09
Montgomery, Montgomery, Mission Station, 8 00


Page 53

COUNTIES, PARISHES. CHURCHES. Communicants reported. Amount paid. Delinquency. Arrears due 1863. Amount paid for former years. Total now due.
Nansemond, Upper Suffolk, St. Paul's, 7 00
Nansemond, Lower Suffolk, St. John's and Old Glebe, 16 00
Nelson, Nelson, Trinity and Christ 67 67 00 19 00
New Kent, St. Peter's, St. Peter's and St. James', 2 00 42 00
Norfolk, Elizabeth River, Christ, Norfolk city, 44 80
Norfolk, Elizabeth River, St. Paul's, 130 00
Norfolk, Portsmouth, Trinity, Portsmouth,
Norfolk, Portsmouth, St. John's, Portsmouth, 22 00
Northampton, Hungar's, Hungar's and Christ 62 00
Ohio, ........, St. Matthew's, 48 75
Ohio, St. John's, St. John's, 186 00
Orange, St. Thomas', St. Thomas', 78 74 00 27 00
Petersburg, Bristol, St. Paul's, 263 265 00
Petersburg, Bristol, Grace, 315 315 00 592 00
Pittsylvania, Camden, Epiphany, 67 67 00
Pittsylvania, Camden, Emanuel,
Pittsylvania, Banister, ........, 29 29 00
Powhatan, Genito, Grace, 43 43 00 5 00
Powhatan, Powhatan, St. Luke's, 44 60 00
Powhatan, St. James', Southam, Immanuel, 31 53 00
Powhatan, King William, Mannakin Town, 11 11 00
Princess Anne, Lynnhaven, Chapel and Emanuel
Prince George, City Point, St. John's,
Prince George, Martin's Brandon, Merchant's Hope, 16 00 4 00
Prince George, Martin's Brandon, Old Brandon and Grace, 34 41 00
Prince William, Dettingen, St. James', 73 93
Prince William, Leeds, St. Paul's, 62 50
Putnam, St. Paul's, Winfield and St. John's and Tye's Valley,


Page 54

COUNTIES, PARISHES. CHURCHES. Communicants reported. Amount paid. Delinquency. Arrears due 1863. Amount paid for former years. Total now due.
Rappahannock, Bloomfield and Washington Woodville and New Church $00 00 $ 7 00 $00 00
Richmond, Lunenburg, 23 00
Richmond, Farnham, 19 00
Roanoke, Salem, St. John's and Big Lick, 23 38 50
Rockbridge, Latimer, Grace, Lexington, 14 00
Rockingham, Rockingham, Port Republic, 10 00
Spottsylvania, St. George's, St. George's, Fredericksburg, 6 00
Spottsylvania, Berkeley, Christ, 12 13 00
Spottsylvania, Berkeley, St. John's, 14 16 00
Stafford, Overwharton, Aquia, 4 50
Surry, Southwark, St. Andrew's, 2 00
Sussex, Albemarle, Immanuel, 5 00
Warren, 58 00
Washington, Holston, St. Thomas', Abingdon, 13 13 00 4 50
Westmoreland, Washington, St. Peter's, 4 00
Westmoreland, Cople, Nominy and Yeocomico, 72 00
Westmoreland, Montross, St. James', 15 00
Wood, Trinity, Parkersburg,
Wythe, Wytheville, St. John's, 19 20 00 68 00
Wetzel, Wetzel, St. Paul's,
York, York, Hampton, Grace,
Total $4,818 20


Page 55

        

1863.

Receipts at Council held in St. Paul's Church, Richmond,
May 20th, and subsequently up to 26th of same month,

Bankable funds, $4,855 00
Uncurrent notes, $24 00
Deduct broker's discount, paid, 2 40 $21 60
Virginia Bank note, $10 00
Add prem. 65 per ct. allowed by broker, 6 50
Add prem. on 25c in silver, 1 00--29 10 $4,884 10
Total receipts as above up to 26th May,$4,884 10.

        Subsequent receipts will be published, from time to time in the Southern Churchman,

        

MISCELLANEOUS CONTRIBUTIONS.

Dr. N. Crawford, $ 5 00
Mrs. Carmichael, Danville, through Bishop Johns, 10 00
$ 15 00

JNO. STEWART, Treasurer.

Richmond, May 26th, 1863.

N. B.--The preceding list shows that some parishes have liberally, and under existing circumstances, thoughtfully, paid more than their quota.


Page 56

E.
TREASURER'S ACCOUNT FOR YEAR ENDING MAY, 1863.
JNO. STEWART, Treasurer of Convention Fund for Year beginning May, 1863 ending May, 1863.

        

DR.

1862.
May 21. To balance on hand as pr acc't rendered to Convention, $3,400 14
June 10. To rec'pts during Convention for year 1862-3, 3,043 75
To rec'pts of arrears not appearing in last Journal, from May, 1861, to date, 403 20
3,446 95
Deduct portion of arrears received since publication of Journal, 1861, to 21st May, 1862, already entered in ac't curr'nt for that year, 332 70
3,114 25
13. Campbell county, Moore parish, J B Dabney, thro' Rev Dr Minnigerode, 25 00
14. Petersburg, Grace parish, Rev C J Gibson, 7 00
16. Orange Co., St. Thomas' parish, thro' Wm M Blackford, 57 00
18. Nelson Co., Christ parish, thro' Rev T G Dashiell, this year, $67, arrears, $12, 79 00
Fauquier, Hamilton, St. James', Warrenton, thro' Rev Dr. Minnigerode, 4 00
26. Prince George, Rev J S Hansborough, $8, Fredericksburg, St George, from Capt and Mrs Knox, $5, Culpeper, Rev Jno Coles, Mrs and Miss Lightfoot, and Mrs Crittenden, $3, received through J L Bacon, 16 00
Henrico, St. John's, Rev Dr Norwood, addt'al payment, 10 00
27. Henry county, Christ church, rec'd thro' Rev Jno R Lee, 15 00
Franklin, Franklin parish, rec'd thro' Rev Jno R Lee, 10 00
July 4. Dinwiddie, Bath parish, Rev C J Gibson, per mail, 15 60
5. Bedford, St Stephen's, Rev Wm H Pendleton, 36 00
7. Hanover, St Paul's, Rev D F Sprigg, 40 00
8. Buckingham, Tillotson, Rev Mr Grammer, by S P Mitchell, 12 00
10. Lunenburg, Cumberland, Dr Morrison, through Rev Dr Woodbridge, 15 00
12. Dinwiddie, Bath parish, Rev C J Gibson, per mail, 3 00
22. Brunswick, St Andrew's, Rev R A Castleman, 35 00
Bedford county, Russell parish, thro' Rev Wm H Pendleton, 7 00
23. Essex county, South Farnham, thro' Miss Parker and Mr Bacon, 52 00
Amount carried forward, $6,952 99


Page 58

Amount brought forward, $6,952 99
1862.
July 24. Spottsylvania, Christ church, thro' Rev W W Greene, 2 00
August 4. Lunenburg, Cumberland, through Rev Dr Peterkin, (making $40 in all 1862,)8 00
Madison, church at C H, thro' Rev Dr Peterkin, and Bishop Johns, 3 00
7. Botetourt, Buchanan, St Mark's, thro' Dr Wm McGuire, 32 00
Bedford, St Stephen's, thro' Rev Wm H Pendleton, 9 00
18. Rockbridge, Lexingtou, thro' Rev D F Sprigg, 33 00
Roanoke, St John's, Big Lick, thro' Rev D F Sprigg, 8 00
Brunswick, from Mrs Mary C Lee, thro' Rev D F Sprigg, 1 00
Sept'r 4. Mecklenburg county, St James' and St Andrew's, thro' Bishop Johns and Mr Bacon, 31 00
12. Army chaplain, Rev J Carmichael, thro' Rev T G Dashiell, 2 50
Nov'r 3. Louisa county, St John's, thro' Rev D F Sprigg, 12 00
12. Gloucester, Abingdon and Ware, thro' Rev Dr Woodbridge, 10 00
13. Westmoreland, St Peters, Washington, thro' Mr Mitchell, 15 00
1863.
Jan'y 22. Prince George and Surry, Martin's Brandon and Cabin Point, Rev Dr Minnigerode, 41 00
Feb'y 11. Interest received on $500, deposited with Treasury C. S. of America, 7 15
March 4. Amelia county, Raleigh and Genito, for delinquences, thro' Rev D F Sprigg, 28 00
Leesburg, Loudoun, St James', for expenses General Council, thro' same, 5 00
May 7. Interest on $4000, deposited in Treasury C. S. of Amertca, from 15th Nov'r to 22d April, 104 30
$7,304 94
$7,304 94
May 14. To balance brought down in Treasurer's hands, $3,093 69

JOHN STEWART, Treasurer.

Richmond, May 14th, 1863.
Page 57

        

CR.

1862.
May 28. By payment to Wm Irving, doorkeeper, services, $10, stationery, $5, voucher No 1, $ 15 00
June 13. By payment to John L Bacon, advanced by him for Funeral Expenses of Bishop Meade, viz: to J A Belvin, $201, to Chiles and Chenery, $57; voucher No 2, 258 00
Aug't 14. By payment through Rev T G Dashell, to Macfarlane & Fergusson, for printing 1000 copies of Journal and 1500 copies Bishop John's sermon and mailing the same, voucher No 3, 296 50
Nov'r 6. By Bishop John's salary, $1,250, expenses, $71, voucher No 4, 1,321 00
Dec'r 4. By Rev Dr Sparrow's expenses to and from General Council, Augusta, voucher No 5, 50 00
12. By Rev G H Norton's expenses to and from General Council, Augusta, voucher No 6, 70 00
1863.
Jan'y 22. By Rev Dr Woodbridge, Express charges on pastoral letter, voucher No 7, 2 25
25. By Rev J Peterkin, D D, expenses attending General Council, voucher No 8, 52 25
29. By J H Sass, Charleston, S C, draft for quota due by Diocese of Virginia, for expenses incurred by General Council in Augusta, 115 clergymen, at $5 each, voucher No 9, 575 00
April 4. By payment to R Maynard, for brick work, digging and turfing grave, and use of hearse in interment of Bishop Meade, voucher No 10, 162 00
Amount carried forward, $2,802 00


Page 59

Amount brought forward, $2,802 00
1862.
May 8. By Bishop Johns' salary, $1,250, expenses General Council, $72 50, travelling in Virginia from November, 1862, $46 75, postages for two years, $40, voucher No 11, 1,409 25
1863.
May 14. By balance in Treasurer's hands, 3,093 69
$7,304 94


Page 60

PAROCHIAL REPORTS.

ALBEMARLE COUNTY.

Grace Church, Walker Parish.

Rev. E. BOYDEN, Rector.

        Baptisms--adults, white, 2; infants, 5; total 7. Communicants--added, 3; died, 2; present number, 42. Confirmed--2. Marriages--colored, 1. Funerals--white, 7; colored, 3; total 10. The congregation has been liberal in its contributions, chiefly in supplying the temporal and spiritual wants of our armies. Postoffice--Cobham Depot.

Christ Church, Charlottesville.

R. K. MEADE, Rector.

        Baptisms--adults, white, 1; infants, 9; total 10. Communicants--added, 18; removed, 4; died, 5; present number, white, 137; colored 1; total 138. Confirmed--white, 13. Marriages--white, 5; colored 4 total 9. Funerals--white, 24; colored, 7; total 31. Contributions, $2,000.

Christ Church, St. Ann's Parish.

Rev. SAM'L RIDOUT, Rector.

        Baptisms--white, adult, 1; (by Dr. Wilmer) white, infants, 2 by Dr Wilmer and 3 by the Rector; total 6. Communicants--removed, 2; present number 37. Marriages--white, 3. Funerals--white, 5. Contributions--Diocesan Missions, $196; tracts for the army, 63 32; Confederate Bible Society, 113 82; Fredericksburg sufferers, 15; other objects in connexion with the P. E. Church, not including parish expenses, 123 40; total $316 04. Postoffice--Scottsville.


Page 61

AMELIA COUNTY.

Grubb Hill Church, Raleigh Parish.

Rev. P. F. BERKELEY, Rector.

        Raptisms--white, infants, 4. Communicants--formerly reported, white, 36; removed, 4; added, 3; present number, 35. Marriages--white, 1. Funerals--white, 3; colored, 2; total 5. Confirmations--white, 3. Contributions--$280 60. Postoffice--Chula.

Grace Church, Genito Parish, Powhatan.

Rev. P. F. BERKELEY, Rector.

        Baptisms--white, infants, 2. Communicants--formerly reported, white, 35; removed, 1; added, 3; present number, 37. Marriages--white, 1. Funerals--white, 4; colored, 2; total 6. Contributions, $201.

AUGUSTA COUNTY.

Trinity Church, Augusta Parish.

Rev. J. A. LATANE, Rector.

        Baptisms--white, adults, 4; infants, 10. Communicants--added, 10; removed, 5; died, 3; present number 114. Confirmations--white, 9. Marriages, white 6. Funerals--white, 14; colored, 3. Contributions--1st. Objects within the parish: communion alms, $327 00; other objects, $125. 2d. Objects in connection with the P. E. C.--the education society, 145; convention fund, 114; other objects, 475. 3d. Objects not in connection with the P. E. C.--Bible society, 620; tracts for army, 390; Fredericksburg sufferers, 650; total $2,846.

        Postoffice--Staunton.

BEDFORD COUNTY.

St. Stephens' Church, Hamner Parish.

Rev. W. H. PENDLETON, Rector.

        Baptisms--infants, white, 7. Communicants--added, white 6; removed, 2; present number 38. Confirmed--4. Marriages--white, 2.


Page 62

Funerals--12. Contributions--objects in connection with the P. E. C. $237 74. Postoffice--Forest Depot.

Trinity Church, Russell Parish.

Rev. W. H. PENDLETON, Rector.

        Baptisms--infants, white, 3. Communicants--added, white, 13; removed, 2; died, 1; present number 39. Confirmations--2. Funerals--4. Contributions--objects in connection with the Protestant Episcopal church, $214 30. Postoffice--Forest Depot.

BOTETOURT COUNTY.

St. Marks' Church, Fincastle.

Rev. Wm. McGUIRE, Rector.

        Baptisms--white, 3. Confirmations--5. Marriages--white, 1. Funerals--2. Communicants--expelled, 1; withdrawn, 2; added, 5; died, 1; present number 33. Contributions--within parish, $58 55; within the Episcopal church, $83 49; outside the church, $42 30; total $183 34. This report is for the last two years. Postoffice--Pattonsburg.

Trinity Church, Buchanan.

Rev. Wm. McGUIRE, Rector.

        Baptisms--2. Communicants--added, 6; removed, 2; died, 1; present number 32. Confirmed--6. Marriages--1. Funerals--4; Contributions--$85 61.

BRUNSWICK COUNTY.

St. Andrews' Parish.

Rev. J. H. MORRISON, Rector.

        The Rector having very recently taken charge of this parish, has nothing more to report than that he has officiated four or five times since he was called to the charge of it, in each church; and that on an Episcopal visitation since his acceptance, six persons were confirmed. The amount contributed to Dioscesan Missions by the two churches of the parish on the occasion of the Bishop's visit was $390 25.


Page 63

Emanuel Church, Meherrin Parish.

Rev. R. A. CASTLEMAN, Rector.

        Communicants--added, white, 2; present number 7. Confirmed--2. Funerals--2. To this parish I have been giving monthly services since I took charge of St. Andrews' Parish, Brunswick. Having recently resigned the charge of the latter, I have accepted and entered upon the duties of Rector of Meherrin Parish. The good people of this parish, being very desirous to secure the services of the church more frequently and regularly than formerly, have contributed liberally towards sustaining the church, and the prospect is good for its permanent establishment and growth. A church edifice was purchased from the Presbyterians and donated to us by a friend of the church, and arrangements are being made for its consecration at an early date.

        Postoffice--Gaston, N. C.

BUCKINGHAM COUNTY.

St. Peters' Church, Tillotson Parish.

Rev. JAS. GRAMMER, Rector.

        Baptisms--infants, white, 1. Communicants--white, 47 ; colored, 2; added, 2; removed, 1 ; present number 50. Confirmed--white, 3. Marriages--1. Contributions--objects within the Parish, $91; objects in connection with the P. E. Church, $125; objects not in connection with the P. E. Church, $68; total $284. Postoffice--Farmville.

CAMPBELL COUNTY.

Moore's Parish.

Rev. JOHN B. DABNEY, acting as Rector.

        Baptisms--white, infants, 14. Communicants--added, 7 ; present number 31. Funerals--white, 1. Contributions--objects within the Parish, not including regular expenses, $17 ; objects not in connection with the Protestant Episcopal Church, $50 ; objects in connexion with the Protestant Episcopal Church, 104 ; total $171.

        Pottoffice--Marysville.

        Remarks.--This Parish has had no regular Rector for several years. The undersigned, recently ordained a deacon, has, by permission of the


Page 64

Bishop, been supplying the place of a Rector in the Parish for the last twelve months; and in that capacity has held regular services in the Parish at four places, except when prevented by sickness, absence from the county, or inclement weather. At some of those places the congregations are small. At others the congregations are occasionally pretty full. The greatest difficulty has been to procure the assistance of a regularly ordained priest in the administration of the Holy Communion. In the present state of the country, the Rectors of adjoining Parishes have deemed it their duty to devote themselves more exclusively and zealously to the service of their own people. Hence the undersigned has not been able to have the Holy Communion administered but twice since he has had charge of the Parish--a privation severely felt by members of the church within the limits of his cure.

St. Paul's Church, Lynchburg.

Rev. W. H. KINCKLE, Rector.

        Baptisms--infants, 29; adults, 6; total 35. Communicants--added, 35; died, 4; removed, 13; present number 201, of whom 4 are colored. Confirmations--46. Marriages--18. Funerals--47. Contributions--Confederate Bible Society, $310; Diocesan Missionary Society, 869 80; for African mission, 50; Education Society, 54 30; for an orphan asylum, 2,838 58; towards endowing Parish school, 6,500; alms for the poor, 1,753 95; for same object from private sources, through Rector's hands, at least 1,000; contingent fund, 332 50; total $13,709 13.

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY.

Trinity Church, Dale Parish.

Rev. A. B. TIZZARD, Rector.

        Baptisms--infants, white, 3; colored, 1; total 4. Communicants--added, 5; removed, 3; present number 27. Marriages--white, 1. Funerals--white, 6; colored, 3; total 9. Contributions--$200.

        Postoffice--Winterpock.

CAROLINE COUNTY.

Margaret's Church, St. Margaret's Parish.

Rev. WM. W. GREENE, Rector.

        Communicants--formerly reported, 22; added 4; present number,


Page 65

white, 26. Funerals--white, 1. Contributions--to contingent fund, $28; to Bible cause, 31 50; to tract cause, 5; to benevolent objects not Episcopal, 2; total $66 50.

Report of WM. FRIEND, Rector, of Grace, Trinity and St. Peter's Churches.

        The Rector of these churches is unable to report the statistics of the several parishes, as the Register was carried away during one of the raids of the enemy. In December last, Port Royal was bombarded by a fleet of gunboats, and many houses were destroyed. A few days after the commander of the fleet warned the inhabitants to evacuate the town, giving them five or six hours to do so. They accordingly removed, and but few of them have returned. Since the Fredericksburg battle, the greater part of Gen. Lee's forces have occupied that portion of the county embraced in my parochial cure--Grace church has been occupied as the headquarters of Gen. Rodes. I have, however, held service and preached there on alternate Sundays during the winter and spring. The congregation of soldiers have been so large that few of my people have been able to attend. On the other alternate Sundays I have officiated at the Bowling Green, chiefly to the artillery of the late Gen. Jackson's corps. I have held but one service at Port Royal since December 1861, as the village is nearly deserted. Most of my time has been employed in doing missionary duty in the several brigades of Gen. Rodes' division. I trust that my ministrations among the soldiers have not been without effect.

CHARLOTTE COUNTY.

Roanoke and Grace Churches, Cornwall Parish.

Rev. L. B. WHARTON, Rector.

        Baptisms--infants, white, 8. Communicants--added, white, 3; present number 24. Marriages--white, 1; colored, 1; total 2. Sunday Schools--teachers, 4; scholars, 22; total 26. Contributions--objects within the Parish, not including regular expenses, $172; objects in connection with the Protestant Episcopal Church, 105; objects not in connection with the Protestant Episcopal Church, 216 45; total $493 45

        Postoffice--Drake's Branch Depot.


Page 66

CUMBERLAND COUNTY.

Grace Church, Lyttleton Parish.

Rev. JAS. GRAMMER, Rector.

        Communicants--formerly reported, white, 26; colored, 1; added, white, 3; removed, colored, 1; total number 29. Confirmed--white, 3. Marriages--white, 2. Funerals--white, 1; colored, 1; total 2. Contributions--objects in Parish, $36 29; objects connected with P. E. Church, foreign missions, 40; Diocesan missions, 127 50; objects not in connection with the P. E. Church, Fredericksburg sufferers, 126 60; Va. Bible Society, 6; for soldiers, 21; total $397 39.

        Postoffice--Farmville.

St. James' Church, Leighton Parish.

Rev. JNO. D. POWELL, Rector.

        Baptisms--infants, white, 2. Communicants--added, white, 3, (two from other cures); present number, white, 22. Contributions--objects within Parish, not including regular expenses, $90; objects in connection with P. E. C., 60 35; objects not in connection with P. Episcopal Church, 232 45; total $382 80. Postoffice--Belmead Mills, Powhatan.

DINWIDDIE COUNTY.

Sapony and Cavalry Churches, Bath Parish.

Rev. S. M. BIRD, Rector.

        Baptisms--infants, 13; adults, 4; total 17. Communicants--added, 15; removed, 5; died, 2; colored, 1; present number, 35. Confirmed--12. Funerals--white, 6; colored, 6; total 12. Marriages--2. Contributions--Fredericksburg sufferers, $92; church purposes, 29 45; contingent fund, 48 55; tracts for the army, 17 50; Diocesan mission Society, 82; communion offerings, 7 40; total $276 90.

        Postoffice--Dinwiddie Court-house.

        This report embraces a period of two years. The first year while awaiting ordination, I was officiating as lay reader--during which time the Parish was indebted to the Revs. Messrs. Gibson, Withers and Galusha for occasional ministrations.


Page 67

ESSEX COUNTY.

St. Paul's and St. John's churches, South Farnham Parish.

Rev. H. W. L. TEMPLE, Rector.

        Baptisms--1 white infant. Communicants added, 2. Present number, 58. Marriages, white, 2. Funerals, white, 11. Sunday school, 1. Teachers, 4. Scholars, 20. Contributions--viz: to missions $181, Confederate Bible Society, $237, Educational Society, $57 46, Dis. Clergymen, $50, Fredericksburg sufferers and soldiers, $176, Convention fund, $116, purposes generally, $60. Postoffice, Miller's Tavern.

FLUVANNA COUNTY.

St. John's Church, Rivanna Parish.

Rev. R. R. MASON, Rector.

        Communicants--formerly reported, 26. Removed, 2. Present number, 24. Sunday schools, 1. Contributions--communion alms, $15 95, Confederate States Bible Society, $95 25, Educational Society, $24 15, Fredericksburg sufferers, $20, Va. Bible Society, $5, Diocesan Mission, $5, Domestic, $5, Foreign, $5, Sufferers by explosion, $5.

        Postoffice, "Dixie."

Corinth Congregation.

        Communicants, 4. Contributions $290.

FRANKLIN COUNTY.

Trinity Church, Franklin Parish.

Rev. JOHN R. LEE, Rector.

        Communicants--white, 10. Marriages--white, 1. Funerals--white, 1. Contributions--to contingent fund, $14. Postoffice, Martinsville, Henry county.


Page 68

HENRY COUNTY.

Christ Church, Patrick Parish.

Rev. JOHN R. LEE, Rector.

        Communicants--formerly reported, white, 15; added, white, 1. Died, 1. Present number, 15. Confirmed, white, 2. Baptized, 1 adult, white. Funerals, white, 3; colored, 1. Contributions--contingent fund, $17. Postoffice, Martinsville, Henry county.

CLARKE COUNTY.

Christ Church, Frederick Parish.

        The Rector of this church, the Rev. Jos. R. Jones, is within the lines of the enemy, and unable to be present in the Council, or to make a parochial report; it is due to him to say that he has continued with unwearied perseverance and zeal to discharge the duties of his high office throughout all difficulties, preaching with but little interruption, almost in the presence of the enemy.

        The undersigned has been unable to find the last report, made two years ago. The number of communicants he thinks was then 60--since that period he thinks none have been added. Six have removed permanently from the parish; many others are absent as refugees, and may or may not return. The present number, including these last, may be stated at 54.

        The general condition of the parish is as favorable as under existing circumstances can be expected.

JOHN E. PAGE, Lay Delegate.

GOOCHLAND COUNTY.

St. Paul's Church, St. James', Northam Parish.

Rev. GEORGE D. E. MORTIMER, Rector.

        Baptisms--white infants, 4. Communicants--Added, white, 2 colored, 1. Removed, white, 2. Present number, white, 23; colored, 1. Died, 1. Marriages, colored, 2. Funerals, white, 2; colored, 2. Sunday school--the Rector during last summer had a weekly lecture for the children of the parish, instead of a Sunday school; it being impracticable to obtain books, &c. Number of families, 11. Amount


Page 69

of contributions to cause of religion and church without the parish, $268,85. Postoffice, Pemberton, Goochland county, Va.

        Remarks--Services are held on two Sunday evenings in every month for the servants. The one, in the chapel at Elk Hill, the other in the chapel at Bolling Hall. These services are well attended. The Rector has also preached at different times for the servants on the plantations within the parish.

Trinity Church, St. James', Northam Parish.

Rev. GEORGE D. E. MORTIMER, Rector.

        Baptisms--1 white, infant. Communicants, 9. Funerals, white, 1. Amount of contributions reported to cause of religion and church without the parish, $16. Postoffice, Pemberton, Goochland county, Va.

Beaver Dam Church, St. James', Northam Parish.

Rev. GEORGE D. E. MORTIMER, Rector.

        Communicants--Added, white, 2. Died, white, 1. Present number, 14. Marriages, white, 2. Funerals, 2. Amount of contribution to cause of religion and church, out of the parish, $108. Postoffice, Pemberton, Goochland county, Va.

GREENSVILLE COUNTY.

Grace and Christ Churches, Meherrin Parish.

Rev. M. H. GALUSHA, Rector.

        Baptisms--white infants, 3. Communicants--Formerly reported, white, 30; colored, 50. Added--white, 7. Confirmations--no Episcopal visitations. Present number--white, 37; colored, 50. Burials, white, 8; colored, 6. Contributions--Diocesan missions, $25 25; communion alms, $18 80; contingent fund, $53; for distribution of Testaments and Tracts, $5; Confederate Bible Society, $143 75. Total, $245 80. Postoffice, Poplar Mount.

HALIFAX COUNTY.

St. John's Church, Antrim Parish.

Rev. JOHN GRAMMER, Rector.

        Baptisms--white infants, 6. Communicants--formerly reported, 109. Added, 3. Removed, 1. Died, 5. Present number, white,


Page 70

92; colored, 14; total, 106. Funerals, 13. Confirmed, 6. Sunday schools, 1. Teachers, 7. Scholars, 30. The contributions from this parish during the past year, were, as to a large proportion, made directly by the contributors for the temporal and spiritual benefit of soldiers in the field and in hospitals. Of such as have passed through my hands, I report as follows, viz: For objects connected with the Protestant Episcopal church--missions--foreign, $99 00, domestic, $125 50, Diocesan, $313 50, Education Society, $113 50; fund for disabled clergymen, $25 00. For objects not restricted to the Protestant Episcopal church--Fredericksburg sufferers, $165 50; religious books and tracts for soldiers, $123 50; Confederate States and Virginia Bible Societies, $131 50. Total, $1,097 00.

HANOVER COUNTY.

York and Trinity Churches, St. Martin's Parish.

Rev. H. STRINGFELLOW, Rector.

        Baptisms--white, 1. Communicants--Added, white, 8. Died--white, 2. Present number 66. Confirmed, white, 6. Marriages, white, 1. Funerals, white, 5; colored, 5. Contributions to soldiers, $1,750 00; for Fredericksburg sufferers, $1,200 00; for Domestic missions, $160 00. Total, $3,110 00.

Immanuel Church, St. Paul's Parish.

Rev. G. S. CARRAWAY, Rector.

        Baptisms--infants, white, 6; colored, 4. Communicants--formerly reported, 27. Added, 1. Removed, 1. Died, 1. Present number, 26. Marriages, white, 8; colored, 1. Funerals, white 12; colored, 8. Contributions--Objects in connection with the Protestant Episcopal Church, $405 45; Objects not in connection with the Protestant Episcopal Church, $622 35. Total, $1,027 80.

St. James' Church, St. Paul's Parish.

Rev. G. S. CARRAWAY, Rector.

        Baptisms--adults, white, 4; infants, white, 2. Communicants--formerly reported, 10. Added, white, 8. Removed, white, 2. Present number, white 16. Confirmations--white, 9, (including 3 from other parishes.) Marriages, white, 1. Funerals, white, 2. Contributions--Objects in connection with the Protestant Episcopal Church,


Page 71

$434 85. Objects not in connection with the Protestant Episcopal Church, $472 55. Total, $907 40.

        Remarks--As the presence of the enemy forbade any representation from Immanuel and St. Paul's churches at the last meeting of this body, the above reports date from May, 1861.

HENRICO COUNTY.

St. John's Church, Richmond.

Rev. WM. NORWOOD, Rector.

        Baptisms--Infants, 19; adults, 2. Communicants--died, 3. With drawn, 5. Removed, 8. Added, 24. Number, 116. Burials, 28. Collections in church, $624 80. Collections in aid of charitable objects, to an amount greater than (probably) ever given by the congregation in any previous year, were taken up in private, and therefore, are not reported.

Grace Church, Henrico Parish.

Rev. F. M. BAKER, Rector.

        Baptisms--infants, white, 10. Communicants--Added, white, 22. Died, 3. Removed, 3. Present number, 106. Marriages, white, 4. Funerals, white, 19. Sunday schools, 1. Teachers, 14. Scholars, 110. Contributions--Objects within the parish, $1,683 63; in connection with the Protestant Episcopal Church, $888 79; not in connection with the Church, $202 65. Total, $2,775 07.

        Postoffice, Richmond.

        Remarks--The effect of the war upon this church has been to diminish the Sunday school in teachers and scholars; to remove families that were connected with it, and, it is feared, to deaden the flame of vital piety. On the other hand, it has added refugees to an extent greater than the removals, and increased the contributions.

St. James' Church, Richmond, Henrico Parish.

Rev. J. PETERKIN, Rector.
Rev. T. G. DASHIELL, Assistant Minister.

        Baptisms--adults, white, 4; infants, white, 35; colored, 1; total, 40. Communicants--Added, 65; removed, 7; died, 10; present number, 350. Confirmed, 18. Marriages, white, 10; colored, 4; total 14. Funerals, white, 110; colored, 11; total 121. Sunday School--


Page 72

        Teachers, 25; scholars, about 150. Contributions--1. Objects within the parish, not including regular expenses: Contingent fund, communion alms and other offerings, $2,039 70; anonymous, for charitable purposes generally, $5,000 00. 2. Objects in connection with the Protestant Episcopal Church, viz: Missions--Foreign, Domestic and Diocesan, $1,562 77. 3. Objects not in connection with the Protestant Episcopal Church: Confederate Bible Society, $230 00; Virginia Bible Society, $385 86; collections for aid of soldiers, viz: Shoes and other supplies, $1,000 00. Total, $10,218 33.

        Remarks--These statistics convey a tolerably accurate idea of the condition of the parish. Its spiritual welfare is believed to be on the increase, although the attentions of the Rector and of the Assistant Minister, also, have been greatly drawn off from their appropriate pastoral work in the congregation. The exigencies of these times of war have demanded labours more widely diffused, and more irregular, than usual, the results of which are known to God alone.

        The amounts raised for benevolent purposes have been large; and in addition to these, the sum of thirteen hundred dollars has been presented to the Rector, and five hundred dollars to the Assistant Minister, over and above their regular salaries, which also have been punctually paid.

St. Paul's Church, Richmond.

Rev. CH. MINNIGERODE, Rector.

        Baptisms--adults, white, 4; infants, white, 31; total, 35. Communicants--last reported, 370: added, white, 82; removed, 25; died, 5; present number, 422. Confirmed, white, 38, (14 at the Council.) Marriages, white, 14; colored, 1; total, 15. Funerals, 80. Contributions--Missions, $2,648 10; Offertory, $2,849 27; St. Paul's Church Home, $3,030 81; Special charities, $1,977 71; Sunday school, $140 41; Church Building, $328 45; Bible Society, $477 55; Contingent fund, $422 00; total, $11,874 30.

        Remarks--The amount of contributions by the donations in aid of the Pastor, would be increased to $13,474 30--which is exclusive of all general charities, in behalf of the army and the benevolent institutions of the town.

        St. Paul's Church Home, which was incorporated in the year, 1861, has been much enlarged in its extent and usefulness. Twenty-five female children, orphans or otherwise destitute, are now supported and educated there under the training of the Church. Two of these are communicants. The expenses of this institution have been greatly increased, partly in consequence of the increased number of its inmates


Page 73

and the necessary furniture of the establishment, and partly because of the high prices commanded by the necessaries of life. The cost of the institution during the last 12 months has been $6,631 43--most of which has been appropriated since the 1st of January. The special contributions to the Church Home, a large part of the offertory, and a portion of the other charitable donations have furnished the means for its support. The condition of the institution, under its present management, is most satisfactory and gratifying, especially as regards the progress and religious improvement of the children. It is a most pleasing reflection, that by means of this institution, a refuge has been afforded to the orphans of the Fredericksburg Charity School, twelve of whom are now the cherished inmates of the Church Home.

Monumental Church, Henrico Parish.

Rev. GEO. W. WOODBRIDGE, Rector.

        Baptisms--adults, white, 2; infants, white, 21; colored, 1; total, 24. Communicants--formerly reported, 217; removed, 25; died, 6; present number, 208. Confirmed, white, 6. Marriages, white, 3; colored, 4; total, 7. Funerals, white, 33; colored, 1; total, 34. Contributions--Objects in connection with the Protestant Episcopal Church: St. Philip's church, $343 95; Disabled ministers, $125 00; Education Society, $120 84; Diocesan missions, $214 83; Communion alms, $1,025 98; Diocesan fund, $208 00; total, $2,038 60. Objects not in connection with the Protestant Episcopal Church: For the poor and for refugees, $1,248 00; for the soldiers and hospitals, $475 00; Confederate Bible Society, $155 00; Va. Bible Society, $310 00; total, $2,185 00. Total contributions, $4,226 60.

Emmanuel Church, Henrico Parish.

Rev. C. WALKER, Rector.

        Baptisms--infants, white, 7; adults, 1; total, 8. Communicants--added, 6; removed, 4; total, 43. Funerals, 19. Contributions for benevolent purposes, $668 97.

        Remarks--Most of the funerals reported were those of soldiers who died in the neighborhood.

St. Philip's (colored) Church, Richmond.

Rev. D. F. SPRIGG, Rector.

        The Rector regrets he has no encouraging report of his congregation to present to the Convention. The attendance is very small, the average being about thirty or forty. The condition of the country, he


Page 74

supposes to have a good deal to do with this statement of facts. The Sunday school is in a tolerable condition; it ought to be much larger than it is; but to get teachers that will remain, is exceedingly difficult. He has married four couples, being the only ecclesiastical acts he has performed.

HALIFAX COUNTY.

Christ Church.

Rev. JOHN T. CLARK, Rector.

        Baptisms--adults, white, 2; colored, 10; infants, white, 1; total, 13. Communicants--added, white, 5; colored, 20. Removed, white, 26; colored, 47; died, 2; present number, 73. Confirmed, white, 4; colored, 20; total, 24. Marriages, white, 1. Funerals, white, 2; colored, 2; total, 4. Sunday school--Teachers, 5; scholars, white, 30; colored, 15; total, 45. Contributions have been liberal, and all sent to the Diocesan Missionary Society--and for hospitals and missionaries, to the army and the Fredericksburg sufferers. But I kept no record of them and do not know the amount.

JAMES CITY COUNTY.

Benton Parish, Williamsburg.

Rev. T. M. AMBLER, Rector.

        Having left Williamsburg very hurriedly about the 1st of April, during the short period that Gen. Wise occupied the town, I am unable to give any accurate statement with regard to the condition of the church. The church building there has not been used for service since October, 1861, Gen. McGruder having taken it at that time for a hospital. Since the Federals have occupied the place I have held services regularly in my own house. I suppose the number of communicants is reduced at least one-half. I was compelled to leave there in April, from having no longer the means of support. Since then I have received the appointment of chaplain to the post at Drewry's Bluff, where I performed my first service on Sunday last, the 17th of May.

        Postoffice--Chester, Chesterfield county.


Page 75

KING GEORGE COUNTY.

St. Paul's Parish.

Rev. HUGH ROY SCOTT, Rector.

        Baptisms--white, adults, 1; infants, 8; colored, 10; total 19. Communicants--added, white, 3; died, 5; removed, 7; suspended, 3; present number of white communicants, 45; colored, 6; total 51. Contributions--for Diocesan missions, $3; for Southern Confederacy, 20; for New Testaments and tracts for 30th Va. Regiment, 27 44; other objects, 69 97; total $119 41.

        Remarks.--In consequence of my parish being overrun by the Federal army, I failed to make a report to the last Diocesan Convention.

        With occasional interruptions, from Federal orders and other causes, services have been regularly kept up for the white congregation since the beginning of the war; but have been almost entirely suspended among the few colored people still remaining in the parish. The minds of my parishioners have been kept in such a constant state of excitement by the continued depredations of the Federal army, and other evils connected with the war, there is great reason to fear that there has been a decided decline in their spiritual condition, while the loss of a large portion of their property has deprived them of the means of contributing much towards the advancement of the Gospel.

LOUISA COUNTY.

St. John's Church, Green Spring Parish.

Rev. E. BOYDEN, Rector.

        Communicants--17. Marriages--white, 1. Funerals--white, 2.

        Remarks.--The congregation has been liberal in their contributions, chiefly in supplying the temporal and spiritual wants of our armies.

        Postoffice--Cobham Depot.

LUNENBURG COUNTY.

Cumberland Parish.

Rev. J. H. MORRISON, late Rector.

        Baptisms--adults, 4; infants, 11; total 15. Communicants--formerly


Page 76

reported, 43; added, 7; total 50. Confirmed--white, 9; colored, 1; total 10. Funerals--white, 8; colored, 1; total 9. Contributions--communion alms, $42 05; collected for a poor soldier's widow, 33 15; hospital missions, 49 15; total $124 35.

        Remarks.--As this is the last report I shall have to make of this Parish, I beg leave to add a few words in relation to its condition, which could not be so fully understood from a simple inspection of the above statement. Its advance, by the blessing of God, has been not inconsiderable, in view of the narrowness of the field, resulting from pre-occupation, to an unusual degree, by christian brethren of other folds. St. Paul's church, where at first there seemed to be very little hope of advancement, presents now no little ground of encouragement to one who, in faith shall sow the Word, and in patience await the harvest. Since I took charge of the Parish, not quite two years ago, ten have been confirmed, and three of four more would have been but for sickness, and absence from the county at the time of the Bishop's visitation, and fifteen have been added to the communion, among whom are several gentlemen of prominence and influence. Within this period, however, the Parish has sustained a most grievous loss in the removal to a better world of Roger B. Atkinson, Esq., one well known in the Council, and who for many years was the nursing father of the church in Lunenburg. The removal of one so adorned with every christian grace, was a heavy blow to the Diocese; I need not say what it was to a feeble Parish, in which he had long been looked up to with that reverence and affection, which a naturally lovely character, mended and fashioned by symmetrical piety, can never fail to win.

MECKLENBURG COUNTY.

St. James and St. Andrew's Churches, St. James' Parish.

Rev. JOHN COSBY, Rector.

        Baptisms--white, infants, 5. Communicants--added, white, 5; colored, 1; died, 1; present number 37. Confirmed--4. Marriages--3. Funerals--15. Contributions--Council fund, $257; communion alms, 100; Southern Churchman, 148; other objects, 120; total $625.

        Postoffice--Boydton.

        Remarks.--The Rector considers it his duty to state that this Parish has cheerfully and nobly supported its minister, and has thus set an example worthy to be followed in times like these.


Page 77

Old Church, St Luke's Parish.

Rev. L. B. WHARTON, officiating.

        Communicants--present number 9. Marriages--colored, 1. Funerals--white, 1; colored, 1; total 2. Contributions--objects not connected with the Protestant Episcopal Church, $5.

        Postoffice--Drake's Branch Depot.

NELSON COUNTY.

Christ and Trinity Churches, Nelson Parish.

Rev. T. F. MARTIN, Rector.

        Baptisms--white, infants, 5. Communicants--formerly reported, 65; added, 7; withdrawn, 1; removed, 2; died, 2; present number 67. Confirmed--white, 1. Marriages--white, 2; colored, 1; total 3. Funerals--white, 15; colored, 2; total 17. Sunday School--teachers, 4; scholars, 25; total 29. Contributions--objects in connection with the P. E. Church: domestic missions, $65 40; Diocesan missions, 39 50; communion alms, 21 80; contingent fund, 67; objects not in connection with the P. E. Church: Fredericksburg sufferers, 251 60; sick soldiers, and for supplying shoes for same, 67 55; for furnishing Testaments to soldiers, 32 75; total $545 60.

        Postoffice--Tye River Warehouse.

NEW KENT COUNTY.

St. Peter's and St. James' Churches, St. Peter's Parish.

Rev. H. S. KEPLER, Rector.

        This Parish has suffered greatly from the late invasion of the enemy Since his expulsion regular semi-monthly services have been held at St. James', but it has been found impracticable to open St. Peter's. Nearly all the parishioners fled at the approach of the enemy, and are stil in exile from their desolated homes.

        During the invasion, I found an ample field of usefulness in the military hospitals in and around Richmond, and in this field I have continued during the year. I have also performed missionary duty two


Page 78

Sundays in the month at St. David's Church, King William County, and at Louisa Court-House.

        Communicants--St. Peter's, 3; St. James', 2; total 5. St. David's, 7; Louisa Court-House, 4; total 11.

ORANGE COUNTY.

St. Thomas' Church, St. Thomas' Parish.

Rev. JOHN L. HANSBROUGH, Rector, (during the absence of Rev. R. T. Davis), at present chaplain 6th Virginia Cavalry.

        Communicants--last report, 92; removed, 9; died, 5; present number 78. Baptisms--5. Marriages--4. Burials--14. Contributions--Fredericksburg relief fund, $305; communion alms, 30; total $335.

PETERSBURG.

St. Paul's Church, Bristol Parish.

Rev. WM. H. PLATT, Rector.

        Baptisms--adults, white, 1; colored, 3; infants, white, 25; colored 1; total 30. Communicants--formerly reported, 255; added, white, 26; colored, 4; removed, 11; suspended, 1; died, 10; present number, 263. Confirmed--white, 25; colored, 4; total 29. Marriages--white, 4; colored, 1; total 5. Funerals--white, 42; colored, 4; total 46. Sunday School--teachers, 6; scholars, 100; total 120. Contributions--objects within the Parish, not including regular expenses, $8,631 60; objects in connection with the P. E. Church: domestic missions, 200; for Bishop Lay, 22; total $8,853 60.

        Remarks.--The Rector thanks God for a most generous and affectionate expression of the good feeling of his congregation, by their gift to him, last winter, of $800, and, within the last few days, of $1,000 more. May our heavenly Father cause these kind benefactors to realize, that it is more blessed to give even than to receive.

Grace Church.

Rev. CHURCHILL J. GIBSON, Rector.

        Baptisms--adults, white, 16; colored, 1; infants, white, 44; colored,


Page 79

12; total 73. Communicants--formerly reported, 307; added, white, 42; colored, 1; removed, 8; withdrawn, 5; suspended, 2; died, 9; present number, 326. Confirmed--white, 32; colored, 1; total 33. Marriages--white, 28; colored, 20; total 48. Funerals--white, 140; colored, 19; total 159. Sunday School--teachers, 31; scholars, 200. Contributions--within the Parish, $1,150; for church objects, 1,021; for other objects, 210; total $2,381.

        Remarks.--It would be nothing less than ingratitude to our gracious God, not to acknowledge that His "Good Hand" has been still upon us during the past year. Thirteen of the additions to our communion have been refugees from other Parishes. The heavy afflictions sent upon other parts of the Diocese render more signally conspicuous His mercies to us.

PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY.

Camden Parish.

Rev. GEO. W. DAME, Rector.

        Baptisms--adults, white, 2; infants, white, 8; total 10. Communicants--formerly reported, 69; added, white, 12; colored, 1; removed, 6; withdrawn, 1; died, 5; present number 70. Confirmed--white, 12. Marriages--white, 3. Funerals--white, 11. Sunday School--teachers, 8; scholars, 50. Contributions--parochial, not regular expenses, $152 36; Episcopal, Diocesan tract society, 42 55; Diocesan Mission Society, 71 45; Dis. clergy fund, 21 75; domestic missions, 50; religious reading for hospitals, 89; Confederate Bible Society, 355; total $782 11.

Banister Parish.

Rev. GEO. T. WILMER, Rector.

        Baptisms--adults, white, 1; infants, white, 7; colored, 4; total 12. Communicants--added, white, 7; removed, 3; died, 1; present number 29. Marriages--white, 1; colored, 1; total 2. Funerals--white, 5; colored, 1; total 6. Postoffice--Chatham.


Page 80

POWHATAN COUNTY.

Manikin Church, King William Parish.

Rev. A. B. TIZZARD, Rector.

        Baptism--Infants, white. 1; Communicants--added 1; Communicants--received 1; Present number 11. Confirmed, 1. Contributions $512. Post Office, Winterpock, Chesterfield Co.

Emmanuel Church, St. James', Southam Parish.

Rev. JOHN D. POWELL, Rector.

        Baptisms--Adults, white, 2; infants, white, 2. Total, 4. Communicants--Added, white 16. (Ten from other cures;) Removed--white, 1; Died--white, 3; Present number--white, 31; colored 1. Total, 32. Confirmed--white, 9; (three from Raleigh Parish, Amelia.) Marriages--white, 1; colored, free, 2; Total 3. Funerals--white, 9; colored, 1. Total, 10. Contributions--First, objects in Parish not including regular expenses, $277 00; second, objects in connection with Protestant Episcopal Church, 239 80; third, objects not in connection with Protestant Episcopal Church, $654 00. Total, $1170 80.

        Post Office, Belmead Mills, Powhatan.

St. Luke's Church, Powhatan Parish.

Rev. LEWIS WALKE, Rector.

        Baptisms--adults, white, 1; infants, white, 4. Total, 5; Confirmations--white, 9; Present number, 44; Funerals, white, 2; Contributions--Bible Society of Confederate States, $30; Diocesan Missionary Society, 314 22; Fredericksburg sufferers, 280; Contingent Fund, 60; Bishop Meade's monument, 35; total, $719 22.

SURRY COUNTY.

Martin's Brandon and Southwark Parishes.

Rev. E. C. MURDAUGH, Rector.

        Baptisms--adults, white, 2; infants, white, 5; colored 7. Total, 14. Communicants--added, white, 1; removed, white, 9; colored 7; died 1; Present number, white 30; colored 4; total 34. Marriages, white 5; colored 6; Funerals, white 5; colored 6; Parish schools, 2; teachers 2; scholars 38; Contributions--communion offering $68 50; Bishop


Page 81

Lay, 55 00; Evangelical Tract Society 50 00; support of Parish about 450.

        Remarks.--In addition, the Rector reports with pleasure, the distribution, gratis, by some of his wealthier parishioners, of a considerable amount of corn among the poor of the counties of Prince George and Surry. Postoffice, Cabin Point, Surry county, Va.

ROANOKE COUNTY.

St. John's Church, Salem Parish.

Rev. J. EARNEST, officiating in the place of Rev. P. Tinsley, Rector.

        Baptims--white, infants, 2. Communicants--white, added, 3; (2 from other cures;) died 3; Present number 23. Marriages--colored 1; Funerals--white 7; colored 1; total 8; Sunday-School teachers 8; scholars 44. Contributions--Diocesan Missions $195; communion alms 62 80; Contingent Fund 38 50; Bible Society 30; Fredericksburg sufferers 221 60. Total $547 90.

        Remarks.--In my exile from my home, and in the absence of its Rector, who is serving as a chaplain in our army, I began in September last to officiate temporarily in this parish. Here I have found for the present, a congenial field of labor, and a pleasant home for my family. Surrounded by a kind and generous people, the ills that are incident to an exilement from home, have been mitigated, if not wholly removed.

        Postoffice, Big Lick.

SPOTTSYLVANIA COUNTY.

St. George's Church, Fredericksburg.

A. M. RANDOLPH, Rector.

        Baptisms--infants, 30; adults, 2. All white. Marriages--white 5; colored--; Funerals--white 112. Of these 65 were of soldiers who died in the hospitals in Fredericksburg. Contributions--Communion alms, $650 00; Charleston sufferers, 500 00; various objects of charity 550 00; total $1700 00; number of communicants when the town was deserted, 290 white; 2 colored.

        Remarks.--This report extends from the 15th of May 1861, to the 1st November 1862. The Federal forces occupied Fredericksburg about the middle of April 1862. In consequence, the Rector was prevented


Page 82

from attending the Convention of that year, or from sending the usual report. The public are familiar with the sad history of Fredericksburg from the 17th of November last. Since that time no services have been held in the church by the Rector. He has been occupied during the winter and spring, in visiting the few families of his congregation which remain in the neighborhood of the town, and in distributing funds so generously contributed for the relief of the Fredericksburg sufferers. He is about to enter upon the duties of a chaplain in the Confederate army. During the bombardment of the town the church was struck twenty-five times. The communion service was stolen--the building desecrated by the enemy.

Christ Church.

Rev. WM. W. GREENE, Rector.

        Communicants--Formerly reported, 13; removed 1; Present number, white, 12; Contributions--To contingent fund, $13; to the Bible cause, 4; total, $17.

St. John's Church, Berkely Parish.

Rev. WM. W. GREENE, Rector.

        Baptisms--infants, white, 3; Communicants--Formerly reported, 15; died 1; Present number, white, 14; Funerals--white, 3. Contributions--To contingent fund, $16; to the Bible cause, 28 75; to benevolent objects not Episcopal, 16 00; total, $60 75. Postoffice, Lewis' Store.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

St. Thomas' Church, Holston Parish.

Rev. WM. MOWBRAY, Rector.

        Baptisms--adults, 1; infants, white, 3; total 4. Communicants--No. last reported, 14; added, 1; removed 2; Present number, 13; Funerals, 5; Sunday-Schools, 1; teachers, 4; scholars, 26; number of families in parish, 11.

        Remarks.--We have much reason to be grateful to God for having enabled us now at last to pay off a debt which has been hanging on this church, and accumulating for the last fifteen years. The ladies of this parish have a will to work--they are few in number, but their zeal and industry has been blessed with an abundant success, and through


Page 83

their efforts we are now free from debt. The communion offerings have been applied this year to some charitable objects, and the education of a few indigent children. I officiate here every alternate Sunday. The Rev. Charles P. Rodefer has lately been officiating the residue of the time. Postoffice, Greenville, Tenn.

Emanuel Parish.

Rev. WM. MOWBRAY, Rector.

        Baptisms--infant, white, 1; Communicants--11; Funerals, 1; Sunday-School, teachers and scholars, 15; families, 8.

        Remarks.--I officiate at this place twice every month, on week days, and occasionally on Sundays. There is a good prospect of a flourishing church at this place. I consider it an important point. They have already collected about twelve hundred dollars towards building. A part of this money has been applied to the purchase of a lot, and we are anxiously waiting for the war to close, so that materials for building can be procured. Postoffice, Abingdon, Va., or Greenville, Tenn.

WESTMORELAND COUNTY.

Nomony and Yeocomico Churches, Cople Parish.

Rev. CHAS. P. RODEFER, Rector.

        Baptisms--infants, white, 1. Communicants--last reported, 36; added, white, 6; died, white, 1; removed, 2; Present number, 39; Funerals, white, 5; number of families in the parish, 24.

        Remarks.--This parish is within the enemy's lines, and the Rector having been absent several months, reports only what occurred during his residence there. He is now officiating in Southwestern Virginia, temporarily. Postoffice, Abingdon.

WYTHE COUNTY.

St. John's Church, Wythe Parish.

T. D. GOODWYN, Missionary.

        Baptisms--infants, white 6; Communicants--formerly reported, 18; added, white, 1; present number, 19. Funerals, white, 14, including 6 soldiers.


Page 84

St. John's Church, Wythe Parish.

Rev. F. D. Goodwyn, Missionary.

        Baptisms--adults, infants, 6; total 7; Communicants--formerly reported 19. Present number 19; Marriages, 3; Funerals--white 17, (including 10 soldiers;) colored 1; total 18; Sunday-School teachers, 5; scholars, 50; total, 55. Postoffice--Wytheville.

Smythe County--Marion.

Rev. F. D. GOODWYN, Missionary.

        Communicants--Formerly reported, 8; added, 4; removed 1; Present number 11; Baptisms--white, infants, 3; Funerals. 1. Postoffice--Wytheville.

For Parochial Report.

        The undersigned was driven from his residence and duties at the Diocesan High School, in May 1861, when the enemy marched over from Washington and took possession of Alexandria. Since then, being homeless, he has been a sojourner in different parts of the State, where he could find a refuge for himself and family. For more than a year, he has been in Richmond and the neighborhood. To this place he came for the purpose of seeking employment in one of the public offices, a step which he found necessary, to procure the means of support, until the church may have something more appropriate for him to do; which of course, he would greatly prefer, if the Lord and master of all should so ordain.

        From October last he has been engaged in preaching regularly at Ashland, where there is a very interesting congregation, formed chiefly of refugees from Fredericksburg and other parts of the State. For some time we had the use of the church building three Sundays in the month, but now can occupy it not more than two, a deficiency in the service which can only be supplied by some extra night appointment during the week. Besides the public services, a Sunday-School is in successsul operation, composed of about fifty pupils, and an ample supply of teachers, all doing their work with apparent zeal, and an encouraging promise of good.

        Some short time previous to the war, an effort was made to raise funds for erecting a church here, and it is thought this very desirable object may yet be accomplished.


Page 85

        Our work thus far has been of the most pleasant and encouraging character. The minds of the people seem to be prepared for the word preached, by the trying circumstances of the times; and it is believed that in due season much fruit will be gathered to the glory of God's grace.

JOHN P. McGUIRE, Rector,
Of Epis. High School of Va.

Ashland, Va., May 20th. 1863.

RICHMOND, VA., May 20th, 1863.

Right Reverend and Dear Sir.

        Having been prevented by sickness, from attending the last annual meeting of the Council, or of making my report to you, I would here state that in the Fall of 1861, I resigned the Norfolk Female Institute into the hands of my brother, the Rev. L. L. Smith, and went to Nashville, Tenn., to take charge of Christ Church, in that city. The unhappy fall of that city into the hands of the enemy, near the close of February 1862, made it expedient for me to return to Virginia.

        In the month of July last, I accepted the appointment of chaplain of the 11th Regiment N. C. T., which I had previously declined, through fear that my health would suffer from the exposure incident to camp life. I am happy to say, however, that I have never enjoyed better health than during the past ten months.

        While stationed at Wilmington during the past summer and fall, I held services in camp regularly every Sunday morning, and every evening during the week. These services were well attended by the soldiers, and I trust, were not without profit. During the winter, the evening services were necessarily suspended. Since the return of warm weather, they have been resumed.

        I have distributed many thousands of pages of tracts among the soldiers, which are always gratefully received by them. And I would say that I have distributed no tracts which are more popular among the soldiers, than those issued by our own society in Richmond.

Respectfully, yours, &c.,

A. J. SMITH.

Rt. Rev. J. JOHNS, D. D., Bishop of Virginia.

        During the past year I have been occupied as Missionary to the hospitals in Richmond. My time has been spent in distributing religious


Page 86

reading, in preaching in hospitals and in camps, and in devotional ministrations at the bedside of sick and wounded soldiers. I have performed three white burials and one white infant baptism.

EDMUND WITHERS.

RICHMOND, May 19th, 1863.

Report of Rev. John C. M'Cabe, D. D.

        In consequence of my absence from Richmond at the last Convention, I made no report of my labors in this Diocese, wither I had been transferred by letter dismissary from Bishop Whittingham, of Maryland, and where I was received by Bishop Meade, in July 1861.

        Appointed chaplain by the Governor of Virginia, I reported by order of General Robert E. Lee, in June 1861, to Colonel, (now Major-General) John B. Magruder, commanding our forces on the Peninsula, for duty in the 32d Virginia Regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel B. J. Ewell, and receiving a new appointment by the President of the Confederate States, I continued to officiate in the same regiment until the following October. During this time I offlciated regularly on the Sabbath in camp, visited the hospitals in Williamsburg, and buried the dead.

        Transferred to the Department of Henrico, I have ever since October 1861, been engaged in the same work--preaching for some time regularly in the St. Charles Hospital, until that institution as such, was closed by order of the Secretary of War; visiting the sick in other hospitals, making daily visitations to one or the other of our large cemeteries, and holding regular funeral services on each and every occasion.

        In addition to these duties already enumerated, I have married one couple, baptized four children, and preached and read the service at various times in all the churches in the city.

Respectfully submitted,

JOHN C. M'CABE,
Chaplain, Department of Henrico.

To the Rt. Rev. JOHN JOHNS, D. D., Bishop of the Diocese of Va.

CAMP RANDOLPH, 19th May, 1863.

Rt. Rev. John Johns, Bishop of Virginia.

        RT. REV. AND DEAR SIR--I respectfully report that I received orders on the 12th September last, relieving me from duty in the 2nd


Page 87

Louisiana regiment, and assigning me to duty in the 4th Virginia Heavy Artillery. My regiment is now stationed at Chaffin's Farm, near Richmond, and I am happy to state that the prospects of good resulting from the use of the means of grace, are very encouraging. The editors of the Church Intelligencer, Southern Churchman, and Christian Observer, have kindly placed at my disposal, a certain number of copies of their papers, for distributiou in the regiment. They are eagerly taken by the men, and have proved more acceptable than tracts I have the promise also, of the Christian Advocate. A chapel was built when the regiment was ordered into winter quarters, and services are held twice on Sunday, and prayers on every evening of the week, varied by a lecture on Wednesday, and Bible class on Friday nights. Until the spring campaign opened, I had a school for the benefit of such of the men as chose to attend, and some I trust have been intellectually and spiritually benefitted thereby.

        I have no report to make of the time which elapsed between the last Council and the day of my leaving the 2nd Louisiana. Our movements were then so continual, that I had to preach as the opportunity offered; and this, together with our attendance on the wounded on several general engagements and numerous skirmishes, was all that I was enable to do.

Respectfully submitted,

P. G. ROBERT,
Chaplain 4th Va. Heavy Artillery, Wise's Brigade.

HEADQUARTERS ARTILLERY CORPS, NEAR FREDERICKSBURG,
Tuesday, May 19th, 1863.

My Dear Bishop.

        It was my hope to be able to attend the Convention or "Council," which begins its session to-morrow, but although the commanding General very kindly consented when I mentioned it to him, I found in a brief conversation with him to-day, that my presence is too necessary, at this juncture, in the responsible post committed to me, to render it altogether safe for me to be absent a day. Present duty is therefore, here, so that I must, under the most sacred obligations, forego the privilege of being with you.

        To you, however, and through you to the Convention, I deem it incumbent on me to make a brief report, as still one of the laboring ministers of the Diocese. Although engaged in duties, often arduous, pertaining to the great struggle for social and individual existence which


Page 88

we are compelled to maintain with unscrupulous assailants, seeking to subjugate or exterminate us, I have endeavored to keep habitually in remembrance the vows of the Lord which are upon me, and not only to cherish towards our enemies the spirit of our blessed Master, but in the habits of my mind and the ordering of my life to conform to His holy example, and whenever opportunity could be reasonably made, to discharge my mission as an ambassador of Christ.

        I have conducted worship and preached a great many times within the pass ecclesiastical year, sometimes in churches near which we have been encamped, but more frequently to congregations of soldiers, in the simple temples of nature, the grove or the field, free for use everywhere in appropriate season. Seldom need a Lord's day pass without such improvement. Many Chaplains are faithful preachers of the Gospel, and the Holy Spirit seems to bless their labors. But it is here as everywhere; the laborers are few while the work is great. And besides the openings thus existing, I find that my office adds somewhat perhaps, to my opportunities, and to the favorable attention granted.

        My observation induces the belief, while I am glad to express, that sober consideration and self-piety are hopefully extending in the army. It is true, I think, that no such body of soldiers has been assembled, presenting so much exemption from gross vice, and so much evidence of good character and christian principle. The puritan armies were in some respects sterner; but the bitter element in their religion rendered it pernicious. Here it is freer and more christian, if less prevalent.

        The simple, hearty, manly, consistent piety of General Lee, and the extraordinary devotedness of the whole-souled christian hero, General Jackson--have been blessed of God, we may believe, to the impressing of many hearts. And the mighty influence going forth from the instructive death of my dear and honored friend last named, will, we may trust, be still more blessed, to the greatest results for the glory of Ged and the development of other heroes. But with all this, there is vast destitution of means of grace, and abounding ignorance and sin. Oh, that the wisest to win souls of our brethren would, as they can make opportunity, seek occasion to take the message of mercy to these exposed multitudes.

        Owing to my necessarily prolonged absence from my late parish in Lexington, Va., I deemed it my duty about the close of 1862, to resign the same. I regret that hitherto the vestry have not been able to secure a Pastor in my stead. And now invoking the prayers of the brethren,

I am, dear Bishop, yours affectionately in Christ,

W. N. PENDLETON.