church days, the feeble response in our public wor- | ship, the number of children unbaptized, the want of interest in the church and her institutions, are intimations, too plain to be misunderstood, that there is much room for improvement. Lunenburg and Farnham parishes, Richmond county, and Ycomico Church, Westmoreland. G. W. Nelson, rector. Confirmations sevencommunicants, added eight, total thirty-eight baptisms ten, one adult-one funeral-one marriage. A Sunday School has been recently established at Lunenburg, and one also at Ycomico. There is a flourishing Temperance Society in each county; and the cause of temperance is manifestly gaining ground. Services in the afternoon of the Sabbath have been held in each of the churches for the coloured people, which have generally been well attended. A Female Society, for general religious purposes, has recently been organized in Lunenburg and Ycomico. Lexington parish, Amherst county, and Nelson parish, Nelson county. Communicants, added twelve, died one, total seventy-nine-baptisms, one coloured adult, infants nine-marriages nine -funerals eleven. The benevolent institutions of the church and country have not been overlooked. The Bible Society, the Education Society, the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society, the Colonization Society, and the Society for the promotion of Temperance, have received from the friends and members of the church a support, not large, but, like the widow's mite, blessed of heaven. The coloured people have shared a portion of the minister's care; in return for which they seem thankful, and it is hoped may be built up in the faith. In the death of the Rev. Mr. Black, the churches in Amherst were deprived of a minister, who was zealously employed in the service of his parishion. ers. "But death to him has been gain." Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord." 64 St. Paul's Church, Lynchburg. F. G. Smith, rector. Communicants, added five, removed two, deceased two, total sixty-five-baptisms, of white -infants five-marriages four-funerals four. In behalf of the charities of the church, nothing has been done at all commensurate with their just demands. The attendance on the public services of the church has increased. St. James's parish, Mecklenburg county. William Steel, rector. There is a greater prospect of good resulting from our ministration at present, than at any former time since our removal to this parish. The congregations are greatly increased. Several interesting cases have come to our knowledge, of persons who will join the church when opportunity is offered. Communicants, deaths officiate at their funerals. The congregations have uniformly been large and attentive. Hamilton and Dettingen parishes, Prince William county. P. Slaughter, jr., rector. Communicants twenty-two-families thirty-five. There has been an obvious increase of prayer, and faith, and exertion among the communicants of these parishes; and some souls have, I trust, passed from darkness to light, who will attach themselves to the communion on the first favourable opportunity. Bristol parish, Dinwiddie county. Andrew Syme, rector. Communicants, added five, died two, total seventy-five-baptisms, adults one, infants sixteen, total seventeen-marriages sixdeaths nineteen. Amount of collection made for the Education Society, $70. Cumberland parish, Lunenburg county. C. C. Taliaferro, rector. Communicants, added thirteen, died one, total thirty-nine-funerals two-baptisms, children twelve-three Sunday Schools, and two Bible classes. We have one male and two female Education Societies. lected for objects connected with the church, about $220. Col A mite Missionary Society was formed in January, which promises to do much good. The African chapel, referred to in my last report, has not been built, but arrangements are now making to have it erected early in the summer. I still continue my attention to the poor sons of Africa around me, and believe my preaching to them is not in vain. Of the beneficial influence of Bible classes and prayer-meetings, I have had abundant evidence the past year. Of twelve or fifteen persons who were members, or who constantly attended our Bible class meetings, every one has professed to be converted, and become united to some church in credible profession. Thus the word of God, though sown in much weakness, was blessed of Him who alone can make it efficacious. But for providential circumstances, others would have been added to the communion and reported now. Harrison and Monongalia counties. William Norvell Ward, missionary. Communicants sev. en-baptisms, one adult, infants four-one mar riage-funerals two-a Sunday School at Clarksburg promising much good, number of scholars sixty. Christ Church and North Garden Church, Albemarle county, and Rockfish Church, Nelson county. Communicants, added seven, total fiftytwo-baptisms, white infants five-one marriage --funerals two. The officiating minister reports that he first undertook this charge in October last. Provision has since been made for the erection of two five, removed four, additions four, total thirty-churches, and for the completion of a third, all of eight-baptisms fifteen-funerals ten. A new church has been built at Abbyville, and St. James's Church has been removed during the last winter, for the convenience of members, four miles lower down the country. Charlotte county. I have attended in this county the two last years, one Sabbath in the month, except in the winter; and in October last, had the assistance of the Rev. Messrs. Dresser and Clark, at an association. A church is now building, thirty-two by forty-four feet, which will be ready, it is expected, by July. Much interest is felt for the prosperity of our Zion, and the impression made on the public mind, so far as we have heard, is of the most favourable kind. I have regularly preached to the coloured people at Abbyville on my stated days, in the afternoon, for three years past, and am often called to which are now in progress. Sunday Schools and Trinity Church, Portsmouth parish. Norfolk county. John H. Wingfield, rector. Marriages eleven-baptisms, one adult, infants twenty-two, total twenty-three-confirmed four-communicants, removed five, died one, total thirty-fourfunerals fifteen-families (containing 150 adults and 100 children) fifty-seven-Sunday School, teachers eight, scholars thirty-five-Bible class twelve. Amount collected for religious purposes about $75. Since the last Convention, by the exertions of the ladies of the congregation, the debt due for the rebuilding of the church has been fully discharged; and the state of the parish now, in outward things, is more prosperous than it has ever been since I took charge of it in 1822. I regret that I cannot say as much respecting its spiritual condition. Though religious services are as abundant and more so than ever, yet there is a general indifference on the subject of personal piety, which prevails to a lamentable extent. All seek too much their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's." During the last summer and fall, I preached regularly once a fortnight, on a week day, in Princess Anne county, to a few members of the church in that parish; but the prospect of doing good there by such labours is not at all encouraging. Christ Church, Richmond. George Woodbridge, rector. Communicants, added seven, removed five, died two, total seventy-eight-baptisms, one adult, infants three. There have been five confirmations, two marriages, and six funer als. Amount collected for institutions connected with the church, about $360. The ladies have, during the present year, raised about $800 by means of a fair, for the erection of a lecture and Sunday School room, which is now nearly completed. The Sunday School numbers seventyfive scholars and twenty teachers. St. Martin's parish, Culpepper county. John W. Woodville, minister. The congregations in this parish are large and attentive, and there is an increasing interest on the all-important subject of religion. Episcopal families twenty-communicants twenty-six. Russell parish, Bedford county. D. M. Wharton, minister. Number of Episcopal families about sixty. Regular places of preaching four. Contributed to benevolent objects, near $300. the church has been furnished with a very neat and suitable organ. Christ Church, Winchester. J. E. Jackson, rector. Communicants, added eight, removed nine, died one, suspended one, total one hundred and six-baptisms, one white adult, infants thirteen-marriages four-funerals six. The congregation at Mill Creek continue large and attentive; there are forty-two communicants -one marriage-baptisms two. St. Paul's parish, King George county. Communicants, removed three, died two, total twentyfive-baptisms three-marriages two-funerals five. No visible improvement in the temporal or spiritual condition of this parish since the last report. ZACHARIAH H. GOLDSMITH, Rector. Brunswick parish Communicants, removed three, added one, total nine-baptisms two-one confirmation-one funeral. An evident decline in the temporal and spiritual condition of this parish. ZACHARIAH H. GOLDSMITH, Rector. University of Virginia. The undersigned reports, that in compliance with the wishes of the Convention, as expressed at its last session in Staunton, he removed, in the month of September, to the University of Virginia, at which place he has been officiating during the present session. While he cannot say that his labours have been greatly blessed, he is yet persuaded that they have not been altogether in vain. He is confident that a religious influence is decidedly gaining ground, and he looks forward, with pleasing anticipations, to the time when that institution will send forth many champions in the cause of the gospel. There is manifested a great regard for religion and its ordinances; and the undersigned can truly say, that he never preached to a more orderly and attentive congregation than at the University of Virginia. He has been uniformly treated with respect and kindness by the faculty and the students; indeed, he should feel himself ungrateful if he did not bear this public testimony to the kindness and liberality manifested towards him, as well by the students as by the different families connected with the institution. Among the students are some ten or twelve who are members of different churches; these young men have been a great comfort and support to the officiating minisBotetourt parish, Botetourt county. Commu- ter, and though of different churches, have been nicants, added three, removed one, total sixteen-literally a band of brothers. For several sessions baptisms, children two. I have been in the temporary charge of the churches in Russell parish since Septeinber last. Three fourths of my time have been devoted to this parish, and one fourth to Botetourt parish, Botetourt county. While the general state of religion throughout the scene of his labours is a cause of humiliation rather than rejoicing on the part of the rector, yet he humbly indulges the hope that his imperfect ministrations have not been wholly unprofitable. they have kept up among themselves a weekly prayer-meeting, in which the cause of religion at that institution is a special subject of supplication. If ever the undersigned has heard earnest and fervent prayers, it has been while listening to those pious young men praying for a spiritual blessing on the University of Virginia. necessarily small, is admirably conducted, and is The rector has no material change to report in the state of this parish. He has been able to preach once a month regularly at two places. The desire manifested on the part of the few friends of the church here to have the services of a minister, encourages the belief that the church must increase when they shall be blessed with the There is now in operation, and has been for faithful, constant labours of a servant of Christ. several sessions, a Sunday School, under the suBruton parish, Williamsburg. A. Empie, rec-pervision of the young men; this school, though tor. Communicants, added three, removed three, died three, present total sixty-one, including two coloured persons-baptisms, white infants seven, coloured three, total ten-marriages three, all white-funerals eleven, of whom four only belonged to the parish, viz., three adults and one child; of the rest, two were coloured and two childrennumber of families about fifty-two; of adults one hundred and twenty-six; of children eighty; cate chumens twenty; scholars in the Sunday School forty; teachers do. six; members of the female Bible class twenty-amount of collections for the different religious institutions of the church, $40. Through the spirited and persevering exertions of one lady in the congregation, aided by the efforts and contributions of many other parishioners, On motion of the Rev. Edward C. M-Guire, Resolved, That when this Convention shall adjourn, it do so to meet in Fredericksburg, on the third Wednesday in May next. And then the house adjourned to 4 o'clock this afternoon. SATURDAY AFTERNOON. The Rev. Charles H. Page, Hugh Nelson, and Thomas N. Burwell, Esqrs., resigned as members of the standing committee. public worship during the sitting of this Con Resolved, That the thanks of this body are due, and are hereby tendered, to the inhabitants of Lynchburg, for their kindness and hospitality to the members of this Convention. On motion of the Rev. Dr. Empie, Resolved, That this Convention, in accord-vention. ance with the suggestion contained in the report of the Right Rev. Bishop Moore, do warmly recommend the Southern Churchman, edited by the Rev. William F. Lee, to the support and patronage of this diocess, and that the clergy and laity be requested to use all their influence to extend its circulation. The Rev. Mr. Berkeley, from the committee on the treasurer's account, made the following report, which was accepted : The committee to whom was referred the treasurer's account for examination. ask leave respectfully to report, that they have performed the duty assigned them, and, comparing the several items with the accompanying vouchers, find all correct. The balance in the hands of the treasurer, as per account, is $508 84. The Rev. William V. Bowers made the following report, which was accepted. The committee to whom was referred the treasurer's account, &c., of the Protestant Episcopal Missionary Society of Virginia, beg leave to present the following as the treasurer's report, which appears to be correct. Resolved, That the treasurer be directed to pay the expenses of the secretary in attending this Convention. Resolved, That the treasurer be directed to pay the doorkeeper of the Convention ten dol lars. Resolved, That the secretary be requested to transmit annually a copy of the Journal of this Convention to the secretary of the several Conventions of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and of the General Convention, with a request for an exchange. Resolved, That fifteen hundred copies of the minutes of this Convention be printed, and distributed among the parishes of this diocess. Resolved, That the treasurer pay to the secretary of the General Convention $60, as the quota of this diocess, to defray the expenses of the last General Convention. Resolved, That the funds collected by weekly contributions on the plan suggested by Bishop Moore, be paid into the hands of the treasurer of the Missionary Society, to be appropriated by that society as they shall deem expedient. The following additional canon was adopted: The election of deputies to the General Convention shall be held triennially, at the meeting of the Convention next preceding the General Convention, and the delegates elected shall hold their office until a new election take place. Resolved, That the Rev. George Woodbridge, Mr. Hilary Baker, and Mr. George M. Carrington, be a committee to raise by assessment among the different parishes, having reference to the number of communicants reported to the Convention, the sum of $300, to be paid to Bishop Moore, at the next Convention, for his episcopal services; and that said committee inform the clergyman of each parish of the proportion required from his parish; and, Resolved, That the clergy be required to raise the sum so assessed, and pay it at the next Convention. In addition to the above balance of thirty-six dollars and ninety-seven cents, there is in the hands of the treasurer the scrip for four shares of the stock of the Bank of Virginia, and for The Convention proceeded to the choice of three shares of the stock of the Farmers' Bank the executive committee of the Missionary Soof Virginia, on which there is an undrawn divi-ciety, which resulted in the election of Mr. dend due for the last twelve months, amounting to about $40. The Virginia Bank stock is worth at this time about $110, and that of the Farmers' Bank about $108 per share. Respectfully subinitted. G. M. CARRINGTON, Treasurer. The Rev. Edward R. Lippit, Edmund I. Lee, and John Hooff, Esqrs., were elected members of the standing committee, in the place of the Rev. Charles H. Page, Hugh Nelson, and Thomas N. Burwell, Esqrs., resigned. Resolved, unanimously, That the thanks of this Convention be tendered, through the rector of this church, to the ministers and congregations of the several churches in this town, for the liberal and kind offer of their churches for Hilary Baker as secretary, Mr. George M. Carrington as treasurer, and the Rev. Edward C. M-Guire, William F. Lee, Nicholas H. Cobbs, John Grammer, Adam Empie, D. D., George Woodbridge, Thomas Jackson, and Messrs. John Nelson, Joseph Gill, and Orrin Williams, as members of the executive committee. The following eight delegates were duly elected to represent this diocess in the next General Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America, viz. :-the Rev. Nicholas H. Cobbs, Thomas Jackson, William F. Lee, E. C. M'Guire, and John Nelson, Edward C. Colston, Wm. H. M-Farland, and Hugh Nelson, Esqrs. Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. Wingfield and the Rev. Mr. Lee be a committee to examine the Journals of this Convention from the first organization of the church in this diocess, to ascertain and report what resolutions have at various times been passed by this body, and still remain in force; and which of such resolutions, if any, ought to be rescinded and abolished, and which ought to stand as the judgment and declarations of this body; and that they report to the next Convention. ART. IV. In all matters that shall come before the Convention, the clergy and laity shall deliberate in one body, and the concurrence of a majority shall give validity to any measure; but, when three members require it, there shall be a vote by orders. ART. V. The election of a bishop of this church shall be made in Convention, in the following manner :-The order of the clergy shall nominate and appoint, by ballot, some fit and qualified clergyman for that office, and the votes of a majority of that order shall be requisite to constitute a choice; and thereupon such appointment shall be presented to the order of the lay delegates, and be considered by them; and Resolved, That the treasurer pay to the del- if, on a ballot, it shall appear that the person so egates to the General Convention their ex-nominated is approved of by a majority of the penses in attending the same. lay order, he shall be then declared to be duly elected. The Right Rev. Bishop Moore, the Rev. Mr. Thomas Jackson, and the Rev. Mr. Lee, were appointed a committee to prepare a report of the state of the church in this diocess for the next General Convention. Resolved, That the Convention do now adjourn, after the singing of the 133d Psalm and prayer, with the benediction by the bishop. WILLIAM MEADE, Assistant Bishop of the Diocess of Virginia. REVISED CONSTITUTION, ART. VI. The bishop shall be president of the Convention; in which character it shall be his duty to give to the Convention, annually, a general view of the state of the church; to call special Conventions at whatever time and place he shall think necessary, or when required by the standing committee; to preserve order during the time of session; to put the question, As adopted at the Convention in Lynchburg, in collect the votes, and declare the decision; and May, 1835. ART. I. There shall be a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in this state on the third Wednesday in May every year: but the Convention which meets in the year previous to the meeting of the General Convention, may have power to appoint the time and place of meeting for the next annual session; and in the event of the existence of an epidemic disease, or any other good cause, rendering it necessary or expedient to alter the place fixed on for any meeting of the Convention, the bishop may change the place or the time, or both, at his discretion. he may deliver his sentiments on any subject after it has been discussed, before a vote thereon. ART. VII. In case of a vacancy in the episcopal office, the Convention, immediately upon their assembling, shall choose, by joint ballot, a president from among the order of priests, who shall remain in office until the next annual Convention, or until the next election of a president. He shall perform all duties and possess all the privileges above specified; but he shall not call special meetings of the Convention, unless applied to for that purpose by a majority of the standing committee; and if, while there is a bishop in this church, he shall not be present at any meeting of the Convention, they shall elect, in the manner aforesaid, a president pro tempore. ART. II. The Convention shall be composed of the officiating ministers who have been regularly and canonically elected in parishes and churches within this state, and within that part ART. VIII. A secretary shall be appointed by of the territory of Columbia formerly part of this the Convention, who shall continue in office state; professors of the Theological Seminary during good behaviour. His duty shall be to of Virginia; missionaries acting under the au- make minutes of their proceedings, to preserve thority of the bishop and within the diocess; and their journals and records, to attest the public of those whom age or infirmity prevents from acts of the body, and faithfully to deliver into exercising their clerical functions, who shall be the hands of his successor all books and papers, considered members ex-officio. No person un- relative to the concerns of the Convention, der ecclesiastical censure or process shall be which may be in his possession. It shall be his entitled to a seat in the Convention. The Con- duty to notify, through the channel of the public vention shall also be composed of lay members, papers, as he may think proper, the time and consisting of one delegate from each parish, place for the meeting of the succeeding Conchosen by the vestry thereof. Every parish, vention. The secretary shall annex to the jourhaving more than one officiating minister who nals of every succeeding Convention a list of the hath been regularly and canonically elected, clergy, with all alterations therein produced in shall be entitled to send as many lay delegates the preceding year by ordinations, deaths, reas it has ministers, and in every case the dele-movals, suspensions, and degradations. gate or delegates shall be communicants in the church. ART. III. Twelve members of the clerical, and twelve of the lay order, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business; but a smaller number may adjourn. ART. IX. A treasurer shall be appointed by the Convention, who shall continue in office during good behaviour, and who shall discharge the duties usually appertaining to that office. ART. X. Before the adjournment of each annual Convention, a standing committee, consist ing of six members, three clerical and three of the lay order, who shall be communicants of the church in the diocess, shall be chosen by a ballot of the clergy and laity. ART. XI. Every parish within this diocess shall be entitled to the entire benefit of this constitution, as soon as it shall have signified its ratification thereof, either in writing or by sending a lay delegate to the Convention; and such parish shall thereafter be benefited and bound, equally with the other parishes in this diocess, by every rule and canon which shall be framed, by any Convention acting under this constitution, for the government of this church in ecclesiastical concerns. ART. XII. This constitution shall be unalterable, except in the following manner :-A proposition for any change shall be introduced in writing, and considered in Convention; and, if approved of, the same shall be transmitted to the several vestries of the parishes which shall have ratified this constitution; and, if again approved of in the next ensuing Convention by a majority, the change shall then take place, and the constitution, so altered, shall be valid and obligatory. |