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EDITED FOR

THE BOARD OF MISSIONS

OF THE PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

PREACH THE GOSPEL TO EVERY CREATURE.

Vol. XVIII

JANUARY, 1852.

No. 1.

MISSIONARY REPORTS.

iToriba.

Jacksonville — Rev. W. D. Harlow.

“ In a few weeks, the Bishop of the Diocese of Florida is to visit this parish, on his first tour through the eastern portion of his diocese, when we expect to have six or eight candidates to present for confirmation.

“A few months ago, this parish was presented with a handsome bell, by Samuel Crocker, Esq., of Taunton, Massachusetts. May God bless him for his generosity !

“This summer the Church has been nicely pevved off, and furnished with a reading desk, pulpit, chancel rail, communion table, and silk damask cushions. The desk, pulpit, rail, and table, are made of the red bay of this state, a wood admitting of as fine a polish as mahogany.

“ Before another six months, we hope to be able to report our Church building entirely completed, in all the fixtures necessary to the convenience and decency of divine worship. When completed, it will reflect great credit on the congregation, which has struggled so long to this end.

“ The attendance on our regular services is increasing ; the Sunday School is improving, and, in another year, we hope to dispense with that fostering care, which the Domestic Committee have so indulgently extended to this parish for many years.5’

Randolph — Rev. J. A. Wheelock.

“ The Church at Covington is now reduced, by removals, to only five Communicants; but though weak in numbers, and surrounded by enemies

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[January,

who are ready to persecute them, almost without mercy, yet they are strong in faith, and cling closely to the Church.

“At Randolph, our prospects are very flattering. The Church, a plain wooden building, which had been suffered to go very much to ruin, has been thoroughly repaired, and is now a very neat little place of worship, capable of seating about 150 persons, and has also been furnished with an excellent melodeon, which was paid for, partly by the donations of some kind friends at Memphis, and partly by the needles of our own zealous ladies.

“ Our Sunday School also, taking all things into account, is very flour- ishing, but must soon be closed for the winter.”

Hentuckg.

Covington — Rev. Mason Gallagher.

“ This station was resigned by me on the 1st of October, 1851. During the two years and a half I have had the charge of it, we have met with many discouragements. Two severe visitations of the Cholera have thinned our population, and prostrated the business of the city. Removals from the city have been numerous, while few have come to supply the place of those we have lost. A heavy debt has crippled our energies ; but it is hoped that brighter days are in store for the parish. The debt has been reduced to three hundred dollars. The Church has been repaired and improved — a bell has been procured. The Communicants, who numbered twenty-four, have, notwithstanding thirty deaths and removals, increased to upwards of forty.

“ With God’s blessing on the labors of his successor, the parish must, in time, become one of importance.”

Snhiana.

Fort Wayne — Rev. J. S. Large.

“ Since my April report we have lost, by removal to other places, several important families, which has somewhat decreased our numbers and weak- ened our strength. The congregation, however, continues to maintain its own, and others are coming in to take the places of those who have left.

“ The parsonage is enclosed, and we hope to get into it by Christmas, but this is uncertain. I have officiated regularly since my last report, with the exception of one Sunday, when I was confined to my bed with sickness, and one when I was absent with the Bishop’s permission. Our town is flourishing, and the prospects of the parish fair and promising, and I trust the time is soon coming when we shall be enabled to sustain ourselves with- out any further aid from the Committee.”

Lima — Rev. J. O. Barton.

“ Our congregation here is truly an interesting and promising one. The members of the fold here had long and earnestly been asking for the minis-

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(rations of the Church, and when now enjoyed, are duly appreciated. Re- gular services are held every Sunday, both morning and afternoon, when our ‘ upper room’ is always filled by an interested and devoted congregation. The responses and music are seldom excelled in the West. We greatly need a Church, and hope soon to have one through the zeal and devotion of two eminent lawyers, members of the parish.

“ Our Sunday School, though as yet small, is a delightful one. I hope soon to baptize a number of children, and, at the Visitation of the Bishop, to present a goodly number for Confirmation.

“ At the earnest request of the people, I have held a third service at 5 o’clock, p. m., every alternate Sunday, at the ‘ Greenfield Meeting House,’ on ‘ Pretty Prairie,’ five miles east of Lima. Here also we have good con- gregations.”

Mishawaka — Rev. B. Halsted.

“On the 29th of April, the Bishop entered upon the duties of his Visita- tion of the parish, and during that and the three following days, preached five times, (besides once at South Bend,) and on the festival of St. Philip and St. James, administered the rite of Confirmation to four persons, three of whom have since become communicants. Five infants and two adults have been baptized, and the Holy Communion administered eight times.

“ At the request of the Bishop, I now officiate every second Sunday after- noon at South Bend, where there are a number of persons professing attach- ment to the Church and desirous of her ministrations. The trustees of the Dutch Reformed Congregation have very kindly tendered us the use of their new edifice, in which we have very respectable congregations, a good num- ber uniting audibly in the services. Here is another opening for the Church, which ought to be improved more fully than, under present circumstances, we are able to do, this being the county seat, and a rapidly improving place. I have here baptized one child. With the entire services of a faithful minis- ter, I have no doubt a vigorous parish might here, by God’s blessing, in a short time be built up.”

Terre Haute — Rev. C. P. Clarke.

“ At the earnest request of the vestry, and with the consent of the Bishop, whose certificate is herewith enclosed, I made a tour East, to solicit relief for this feeble parish. Through the generous liberality of eastern friends, I was enabled to bring home, after defraying my travelling expenses, some $640, together with Sunday-school books and a Communion set given by St. George’s Church, New-York, amounting, in all, to $100 dollars more.

“ You will perceive, by the present report, that the Church is gaining ground in this place. I thank God I have not laboured in vain, though surrounded by many discouragements. My pecuniary embarrassments are, indeed, discouraging.

“ I should have added, that all the festivals and fasts for which there is an especial service appointed in the prayer-book, have been duly observed, and the attendance has been good.”

Illinois.

Chester — Rev. W. Mitchell.

“ The want of St. Mark’s Church is a great drawback on the parish. Three infants have been baptized, and the Holy Communion has been admin-

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[J anuary,

istered monthly. I was absent one Sunday, at Pittsfield, Illinois, preached three times, and administered the Holy Communion to over twenty persons. They have no Minister. Also attended the Special Convention, at Pekin, on the 8th inst. The many changes of families in the West, is a constant hindrance to the growth of parishes. And 1 must say, that the poverty of the people is another cause of slow progress in building up the Church here. Amidst these appalling difficulties, the missionary is encouraged to hope that a preached gospel is accomplishing much, in laying the foundation for happiness in eternity.”

Chicago — Rev. Dudley Chase.

“ In the first days of my ministry, I had an appointment to meet on the borders of one of our beautiful prairies, where were settled a number of families, who loved the Gospel and the Church, but were without a shepherd. After a long ride over the undulating prairie, where no sound met the ear but the notes of the plover and the grouse, I approached the wood, at the close of a sultry day, in June. There is a painful sense of loneliness in crossing these plains.

“ Though beautiful, and covered with flowers as well as verdure, the heart bounds with joy at the sight of the habitations of men ; especially when you know that generous hospitalities and Christian greetings await you. The dwelling before me was embowered in trees. The farm stretched far away into the prairie. The orchard, the park, and the mansion, gave evi- dence of taste and competency, as w'ell as industry. The road wound around the base of a mound, which was covered with underwood ; and, scat- tered here and there, on the prairie beyond, were clusters of hazel. A few sheep were hurrying towards me, as if they had but recently left the fold, where they found shelter from winter storms, and shade in summer heat. Between me and them, I saw emerge from the thicket, which covered the mound, two gray wolves, the largest and fiercest of the kind. As their unsuspecting prey approached, the wolves having the setting sun behind them, stealthily crept to a small copse or thicket, which stood directly in tfie path of the sheep, and through which the road they were proceeding passed. As I saw these beasts of prey thus take their post, one on either side of the road, and could discern their forms, scarcely concealed by the thin brush- wood, with their out-stretched necks eagerly awaiting the near approach of the sheep, and reflected on my own position, ready to give the note of warning to save at least the sheep from certain destruction, I thought the whole was an emblem of the missionary’s and the pastor’s work.

“ I seemed to be performing almost a religious act, in driving away the wolves, though I could not do as David, who slew the lion and the bear. Our towns and villages are as thickets, in which those, who lie in wait for souls, conceal themselves

“ Remembering this incident of the past, I cannot but think it applicable to my present position; and 1 cannot but believe that I am placed for some good purpose, where the thoroughfare, for those who seek the fairest portions of the West, passes through a thicket. This city is divided into three portions by the river, which serves as a harbor.

“ I am in the most thinly-settled portion, but containing 7,000 inhabi- tants. The thinnest is large enough to contain a great many wolves. Some say, ‘ You ought to build your own Churches but we may reply to such,

‘ Did you ever kno‘vv of wolves building sheep folds V Churches must be built by Christians, for those who are not : then may the latter be brought

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under the influence of the Gospel. Men will not seek out an inconvenient room in a second or third story, unless a strong religious principle already governs them. My congregation are a “ little flock” — a plain people — but who, foreseeing the influence this city, from its position, must have on the State of Illinois and the West generally, are very desirous to have a Church edifice early, from which time they may grow with the rapid increase of the population. One-third of the estimated amount, which is $3,000, is the utmost they can do. They have also secured a Church lot. I have engaged in the difficult work of endeavoring to obtain the remainder from friends abroad.

“ I have met with partial success, but much kindness from all, and hope to succeed fully.

“ The state of the Church, in regard to its spiritual condition, is hopeful. Evidences of true piety are not wanting, where indifference to the truth existed.

“ The Sunday School has received new interest to the Scholars, by the gift of a library of books, from the Richard Platt class of the Church of the Evangelists, Philadelphia.

“ We hope that ‘ Jesus Christ, and him crucified’ — the doctrine held up in the very name of this parish, ‘ The Church of the Atonement,’ will ever be taught by its ministry, and held by its people, young and old, as the corner-stone of their faith, and foundation of their hope.”

Chicago — Rev. G. Unonius.

“ Since my last semi-annual report, nothing particular has occurred in connection with this mission, which would be of any interest to state. New emigrants from Sweden and Norway have, also, this summer, arrived and increased our number. Others again, have left our city for the country, so that the population of the parish continues nearly the same as last year. This constant change of parishioners makes my work, in many respects, a difficult one, and often of little encouragement. The poorer immigrant, who is not supplied with sufficient means to go farther and settle in the country, takes up his abode, fo*r a season, in our city, trying by arduous labor, to earn so much that he can build up a home for himself and family on a little piece of ground “ farther west.” When he has succeeded, he leaves us, just when he is about to be more acquainted with the Church. In this way, many again become like sheep iu the wilderness, exposed to manifold errors. Still, I trust to God, that the seed sown here by my weak hands will not be entirely lost. It is important that he who comes to our shore, mainly for worldly purposes and advantages, should, in the very beginning, be supplied with the preaching of the Gospel, so that these things, by the grace of God, may not entirely lay hold of his mind. If he afterwards leaves us, and comes in a situation where the Word and Sacra- ments are not for some time to be administered unto him, still it is to be hoped, that some impressions from the earlier days of his emigration may make him, in his toil for the bread of this life, not to forget his Lord and Saviour. In this point of view, we ought to look upon this mission ; although there are, comparatively, but few that can be considered as per- manent members of my parish.”

Collinsville — -Rev. J. L. Darrow.

“ The prospects of the Church here, though not as flattering as I could desire, are still improving. During the last half-year we have added three

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to the communion, and lost one, who has left the state. There are now three candidates for confirmation ; and I trust there are others who, when we receive a visit from our Bishop, will be ready to renew their baptismal vows.”

Grand Detour — Rev. A. J. Warner.

“ The state of my parish at Grand Detour, although not altogether so en- couraging as I could wish, is progressing as much as I could expect under the present circumstances. Our Church is secured, but not yet wholly free from debt, there being about one hundred dollars left unpaid. Last year the scarcity of money had never been greater; but this year, while the neces- sity for it is much greater, it is no more plenty. The failure of crops through this part of the state has cut us off from one chief means of sup- port, and the main article on which we depended to bring money into the country ; and this, together with the wet summer, which interrupted our communication with markets where articles of industry were to be disposed of, and materials for manufacture procured, has paralyzed all business throughout the country around. Every one feels poor, and but few can pay their debts. This will explain why our Church is still in debt. I had positive promises of enough to meet its payment before I left the East, but some of this has not been received.”

Mendon — Rev. W. Sellwood.

“ It would gratify me exceedingly, if I could dispense with the Committee’s aid, but I require it longer; for the year now ended, I have received £ mere trifle from my parish. There is a great deal here to try the faith and damp the spirits of your missionary ; but amidst various discouragements, we rejoice in the thought, — ‘ The Lord of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.’ There is not much difference in the congregation now, than at the time of making my last report. The same may be said of the Sunday School.”

Ottawa — Rev. C. V. Kelly.

“ I regret, exceedingly, the spiritual deadness at this place, and have only to hope that the faithful preaching of the Gospel may, ere long, be blessed by the Spirit’s influence, to the good of those who are the regular attendants at divine worship. For the last year I have received not more than seventy dollars from the people of my charge. The church lot is now free; the last instalment to the Canal Commissioners having been paid.

“The Church at Farm Ridge is increasing rapidly, and your missionary is strongly encouraged to hope that it will soon become one of the most promising and important country parishes in Illinois. Subscriptions are now making for the purpose of erecting a church edifice, and a lot of ground has been given for the building.”

iflicl)igan.

Adrian — Rev. Rufus Murray.

“ Christ Church , Adrian. — This parish, your missionary is happy to report, under the blessing of the divine head, continues in a prosperous condition,

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and an increasing attention is apparent, both in the attendance and growing attachment to the services and liturgy of the Church.

“ Our Church edifice is rapidly progressing toward completion ; and we are all looking forward to the time when we shall occupy, and be blessed, with a comfortable and suitable place of worship.

“ A kind and good feeling seems to be manifest in and throughout the parish ; and all are disposed and willing to promote and aid in the advance- ment of every object pertaining to, and giving character to the Church ; especially since they have the prospect of so soon having so convenient a house wherein to worship God according to the rites and usages of our holy and apostolic Church. Hence we have great reason for thankfulness to God, that notwithstanding the many discouragements incident to new and feeble parishes of the West, we have persevered, and, 1 may truly say, been prospered ; and we are now flattering ourselves that the Church here is establishing a name and character that, with her worship, and all that per- tains to her pure and holy order, polity, ministry, and services, shall be permanent; bringing forth fruits that shall be acceptable in the sight of God.”

Battle Creek — Rev. H. Safford.

‘‘Taking all things into consideration, the prospects of the Church in this place were never more encouraging. Our communicants feel, more deeply than ever, the weighty responsibilities which rest upon them. I can safely say, they desire the prosperity of the Church, once built and now firmly grounded upon the foundation of Prophets and Apostles ; Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone. And we say this, not because they have professed it with their mouths, but because they have proved it in their actions. There are those who are paying, this year, for the sup- port of the missionary, more than ever before, and by their praiseworthy example, exhort to good works.

“ But notwithstanding all we are doing, and can do among ourselves, ufe say emphatically, that we still need, for the present, the fostering and minis- tering care of the Church. We cannot, as yet, walk alone ; we need — yes, we do verily need — assistance; and I do sincerely hope, and earnestly pray, we may still continue to receive it.”

Port Huron — Rev. G. B. Engle.

“ The congregation is apparently improving in Christian knowledge and seriousness. It is decidedly larger than formerly, having a large portion from Port Gratio, as regular attendants, among whom are several commu- nicants.

“Quietness prevails, and I hope the seed sown in patience will, by and by, bring forth fruit worthy of the Gospel. But few additions have been made to the communion, and most of those by removal.”

St. Clair — Rev. Milton Ward.

“Our Church edifice is slowly progressing towards its completion. We feel the want of it exceedingly, not only in respect to the stability and per- manency which a consecrated temple gives to the institutions of the Church, and to their action on the spiritual interests of the people, but also

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[January,

in respect to the facilities which it affords for carrying into effect the pro- visions made by the Church for promoting the continual advancement of her members in knowledge and godliness. For lack of a place of assem- bling, which we can control, we are, for the most part, restricted in our public services to the Lord’s Day. *****

“ We look forward to a brighter day ; we trust that the next season will early witness the completion of our Church edifice, and the entrance of the parish on a career of advancement, from which it will never be turned aside.”

Tecumseh — Rev. W. M. Burton.

“ Since my last October report, in the two parishes which constitute my field of missionary labor, there have been added to the Church of Christ, by holy baptism, fourteen infants and six adults. Twelve have been con- firmed, and ten admitted to the Holy Communion. The attendance in both congregations has been unusually good ; and never, since I entered upon this field, were the prospects of usefulness so flattering.

“ But with all this to encourage us, I am sorry to say, that the ability of the parishes to support a clergyman, unaided from abroad, is less than when I first took charge of them. This is owing to the fact, that several among the principal supporters have been lost by removals and deaths; and those that have been added, being principally females and poor in worldly goods, have contributed very little to the increase of pecuniary strength ; whose souls, nevertheless, are as precious in the sight of God as those of the more wealthy; and whom we should welcome to the fold of Christ with as great a cordiality, and watch over with the same care and vigilance, as if they were possessed of millions. The glory of the New Dispensation is, that “ the poor have the Gospel preached unto them and woe worth the day when Christ’s ministers shall pass by these, their poorer brethren of the Lord’s family, intent only upon the salvation of those, who, as being more highly favored with the abundance of earthly treasure, need less, so far as their enjoyment in this world is concerned, the comforts of the heavenly treasure.”

Wisconsin.

Fond du Lac — Rev. J. Sweet.

“ The prospects of the parish have decidedly improved during the last six months. The number of Communicants has considerably increased, as well as the congregation ; and though the causes of fluctuation still exist in full force, we have gained some firm friends. Our Church building has progressed — certainly not as we could wish — yet so as to guarantee com- pletion at no very distant day. In about three weeks it will be inclosed. The greatest obstacle to its progress is the want of money, which is severely felt by the whole community.”

•#

Montfort — Rev. E. Williams.

“ Your Missionary has, upon three occasions, by his Bishop’s approba- tion, officiated at Prairie du Chien, a distance of forty-six miles. A call

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was given to him to take charge of this long-vacant parish, to which, upon deliberate reflection and prayer, he was obliged to decline. The county of Grant, which is extensive, so as to establish the Church, and spiritually to benefit the souls of its numerous inhabitants, require the unremitting ser- vices of a pastor for a long period uninterruptedly — the too frequent removals of our Ministers have been the great injury of the Western Church.

“At Heathcock Settlement, a parish was organized in July. ’51, where, together with Montfort, our Church services are performed every Sunday.

“ The Right Rev. Bishop Kemper met me at Prairie du Chien, on the 2d of September, and accompanied me home, where he spent part of three days, and officiated at Heathcock Settlement and Montford to large con- gregations.

{1The prospects of the Church, upon the whole, are favorable; but it will require time and zealous diligence to establish the Church, where her services have to contend with strong prejudices.

“ Can we not be assisted by tiis Churches of the East with - 500 ? This, I believe, would enable us to build turn houses of worship, and permanently establish the Church in this hitherto-neglected county, where not a Church exists of our denomination.

“ Your Missionary again repeats, that he is willing to bestow his services without aid from the people, who are mostly poor. T. A. Stanford, Esq., has proffered his kindness to receive any donations that might be extended towards the erection of an humble place of worship in this neighbourhood.

“In conclusion, I would embrace this opportunity of returning my grate- ful thanks for money, books, aud other presents, to the ladies of St Ja-i.es’s Church, Philadelphia; “ Tythe,” ofNevv-York; and particularly to Mrs. T., of Troy.”

Janesville — Rev. T. J. Ruger.

“ I have been seven years a Missionary in Wisconsin, and have lost but one day on account of sickness. In the last six months, 1 have baptized eight children, received ten persons to the communion, solemnized ten marriages, and attended six burials. The parish has paid off* about 8300 of its indebtedness; it owes still §1000, and cannot well become self-support- ing till this is paid.”

Madison — Rev. W. H. Woodward.

“Although your Missionary will not be able to continue any longer at this station, owing to the inadequacy of his pecuniary support, yet he is gratified in being able to recognize indications of future success, which, at no very distant period, must attend the labors of a Clergyman at this im- proving village. The congregation, not having been able to procure assist- ance for building purposes out of the village, have concentrated their efforts on the erection of a Parsonage and Chapel for immediate use. In this object they have been successful ; but while prosecuting it, they have not found themselves able to subscribe for the support of their minister, and are compelled reluctantly, for a time at least, to remain without the services of the Church. Your Missionary is persuaded that a good beginning is made ; and in other hands, by the aid of your Committee, he trusts it will be prosecuted with energy, until the parish is possessed of the power to sustain itself.”

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[January,

Marquette — Rev. G. R. Bartlett.

“ Our prospects at this station are more encouraging than they were at the last report. Some of the congregation had removed from Marquette at that time ; since then, others have removed to it, which have filled the vacan- cies. Consequently, in numerical strength, we are about the same we then were. The parish, however, seems to be composed of a more fixed and settled population, and to give greater hopes of eventually establishing the Church here. Since the latter part of last April, I have officiated on the afternoon of every second Lord’s Day, at Kingston, about five miles distant. In that town and vicinity are a few individuals and families attached to our Church. The number of attendants on our services at both places is respect- able.’ *

(T •

Sheboygan — Rev. L. Wilson Davis.

“At Sheboygan Falls, six miles, and Plymouth, sixteen miles, west, I have held occasional services. The latter place, numbering six communi- cants, and a goodly congregation, I would especially mention as an interest- ing and encouraging field of labor for a missionary of the Church.

“ In leaving this station for another and far-distant portion of the Lord’s vineyard, your Missionary would return, both for himself and in behalf of the parish, most grateful acknowledgments for the assistance received from the Domestic Committee, during the past two years, without which as- sistance it is, indeed, difficult to conceive how the services of the Church could have been maintained here at all. Nor is the parish yet self-support- ing, though, (as the accompanying statistics will show,) gradually gaining in numbers and strength. The present year, owing to certain local, and, it is hoped, transient causes, has been one of business depression ; or, as is com- monly said, 4 hard times,’ beyond any that can be mentioned in the past history of this place. A reaction will doubtless ensue ; and if the ground can be kept occupied as a missionary station even for a year or two more, it is believed that, with the renewed increase of trade and immigration, the Church, under God’s blessing, will find within herself the means of a fair and liberal support, and yield up the portion now so necessary to her sub- sistence, in favor of other and still weaker parishes.”

Watertown — Rev. M. Hoyt.

44 The prospects of the parish were never so encouraging as at present. The congregation is gradually increasing, and many are inquiring, 4 What I shall do to be saved V

4‘ Baptisms — 1 adult, 4 infants. Candidates for confirmation, 7.”

Waulcesha — Rev. J. Abercrombie.

44 This, the blessings of God upon great exertion, the Church lots nave been paid for ; and the building has been put up and enclosed.

44 Now, however, we can progress no further, but only as brethren shall effi- ciently say to us, 4 God speed.' Our wheat crop has failed three or four years successively ; and of money , there is little or none among us to be had. In view of our imperative necessity, and, as for several reasons, it is of the frst importance that the Church should be finished at once , I have resolved

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not to cease striving for this, so long as a Churchman is to be found who will render the least assistance. I have endured too much, and, I may add, spent too largely of my own small means in maintaining, for three years, my position, independent of any other considerations, (and immensely greater there are,) for a moment, now that I am fully in sight of success, ever to think, I will not say of stopping, but even of slacking in my efforts. Through the continued blessing of God, this house, that we would build to the honor of His great name, shall not stand a disgrace to our cause, but shall speedily go on to completion — a monument of ‘ the faith once delivered to the saints.’

“ It will be remembered that our Church is of stone; and in style, is plain Gothic. Perhaps some one may read this, who would be glad to take part with us in the finishing of our permanent work.”

Duck Creek — Rev. F. R. Haff.

“ In making my report to the Committee at this time, I am sorry that I am not able to say, all is as it should be here. There are always hindrances and troubles enough in our way, arising from the many temptations to drunk- enness thrown in the way of the Indians; but during the summer a new trouble has arisen, from a dispute in regard to money belonging to the nation, and proved a sore hindrance, by creating strife and dissensions among the people — so that, among many of them, it has been well nigh im- possible to exert any influence for good. I trust, however, that the difficulty is now over, and that, by God’s blessing, we will return to our usual quietness.

“ Notwithstanding this drawback, we have not stood still. The services have been regularly held, and well attended. We have added a gallery to the Church, for the accommodation of the organ and choir and we shall try to raise the means, among ourselves, to make some further additions, called for by the increased number attending our services during another season.”

intelligence.

CHRIST CHURCH, NEW-ORLEANS,

A. D. 1805.

The Bishop of Illinois, in the following communication, calls attention to a mis-statement as to the time of the organization of a parish in New- Orleans. Tho letter of the Bishop of Connecticut explains how the error was made. There is another trifling inaccuracy to which we would call attention. It would appear from the comparison, as if Georgia had been a regularly organized diocese, with a Bishop at its head, so early as 1830. The Bishop of South Carolina, we believe, had charge of that diocese, and

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hence the statement made in page 475, “ the State of Georgia is under the jurisdiction of another Bishop.” In 1830, there was no Bishop of any of the dioceses visited by the Bishop of Connecticut : —

To the Editors of the Spirit of Missions.

Jubilee College , Dec. 1, 1851.

Gkntlemex : — In the November No. of the Spirit of Missions , there occurs an egregious mistake, which Bishop Brownell is said to give of his visit to New-Orleans. So great is this mistake, that I cannot bring myself to believe that excellent prelate to be the author of it. Some other persons must have drawn it up from oral conversation misunderstood, being ignorant of the events which had taken place in New-Orleans from 1805 to the time (1830) in which Bishop Brownell made his visit to that city. In this charitable belief, I am strengthened by their mistaking the very name of the Church (the only one at that day) of which they make Bishop Brownell to speak.

They (the supposed persons) make him call it Trinity Church , when the true name was, and is now, “ Christ Church .” Still further they show their ignorance, in making the Bishop say, that this Trinity Church 45 was established about fifteen years ago” Nothing could be further from the fact. The truth was, and is, the charter of Christ Church, New-Orleans, was obtained of the Legislature of Louisiana, A. I)., 1805-6, as may be seen by perusing the laws of corporations in that state.

A full account of this important part of the history of the Church in the diocese of Louisiana, is given in Bishop Chase!s Reminiscences :” a copy of which I beg leave to present to you, through the politeness of Mr. Stanford, my bookseller in New-York, with my kind regards. You will find the subject of this letter treated of in the pages of that work, from 54 to 64.

Some time ago I saw, I know where,* the mistakes alluded to, which, at the time, gave mo much pain. But hoping that the good Bishop, acquainted as he must have been with the injury they would bring on my character for veracity, would be anxious to correct them. I remained silent, till the whol e false statement , en masse, had passed out of my mind.

What, then, was my surprise, in reading in the Spirit of Missions for November last, a reprint of the same mis-statement of the facts in relation to Christ Church, New-Orleans, of which I was the founder.

The whole scene, recorded in my Reminiscences, rose to my mind, toge- ther with the (as yet untold) trouble I experienced in obtaining this charter, which gives the landed property for a cemetery of great value to the Pro- testant Episcopal Church, and makes it the duty of the rector of Christ Church, New-Orleans, to preside in all legal meetings of the Wardens and Vestry thereof.

* This is as the MS. reads, — the Bishop probably intended to say, “ I know not where/’

1852.]

DOMESTIC.

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So circumstanced, I may be excused for respectfully requesting you to correct this mistake in your next Number, by publishing this letter from your friend and obedient servant in the Lord Jesus Christ,

Philander Chase.

Right Reverend and Dear Brother,— In reply to your inquiries, I have to state my belief that my report to the Board of Missions, made after my Western tour, more than twenty years ago, has been correctly pub- lished in the Spirit of Missions.

wfth respect to the Church in New-Orleans, I received my information during my transient visit there, from the Rev. Mr. Hull. The i( fifteen years ” spoken of, was probably the term of his own ministry there. It was during subsequent visits to New-Orleans that I learned how much the Church in Louisiana was indebted to you for your valuable services, in the foundation and endowment of Christ Church, which, writing from memory, I called Trinity Church, in my report.

For my mistake, as well as for my omissions, in this matter, my apology may be found in the fact that I was not writing a history of that parish. My sole object was to present to the Board of Missions a true account of the destitute condition of the Western country, and to direct attention to the most prominent fields of labor.

Trusting that your communication to the Spirit of Missions , (a copy of which you send me,) will call the attention of its readers to your “ Remi- niscences,” which may supply my deficiency in doing justice to your labors, I remain, very truly,

Your Friend and Brother,

T. C. Brownell.

Rt. Rev. Bishop Chase.

Hartford, Dec . 12th, 1851.

THE DOMESTIC TREASURY.

We direct the attention of the friends of the Missionary cause to the fact, that the Advent collections have not been as generally made this year as usual ; and therefore, there is danger of embarrassment in the Domestic Department, unless the churches which have not made the desired effort and contribution, should come, though late, to the rescue, or those friends who have contributed shall do even more abundantly than they have. The deficiency is the more to be deplored, because, by a little systematic effort on the part of the clergy, the improved state of affairs which at pre- sent exists might hereafter be maintained, while it is by no means so plea- sant or easy to bring up arrears. To tell of payments due, honor forfeited,

DOMESTIC.

14

[January,

faithful pastors suffering — to implore help to make up the things which are behind — is ever an unwelcome message.

Though it urges forward through very shame, yet how far more inspiriting to move onward freely in advance, with generous hope, with the exultation of improvement, of progress and victory. This is an age of activity and forward movement, it is said ; shall the members of the Church be content only in the cause of the Redeemer, in spiritual motion to be behind them- selves and the age? This is a generous age, it is said, and many a noble gift or endowment proves it— -as do also the smaller accumulated sums from the myriads of individuals — shall it be only in our favored Christian body that generosity is to fail ? Among the characteristics of the age, it is often said that a love of luxury predominates, and it is true — but what strange inconsistency to forego the choicest of luxuries; one which is not only with- out reproach, but pure, elevated and commendable — the luxury of doing religious and charitable work, handsomely, nobly, and successfully. Have any of our readers ever marked the contrasts of parish life, how gloomy every thing goes on, when the minister is starved, the church ruinous, the glebe or the parsonagejneglected. and nothing done for God or our brethren ? Thus, when a blessed change has come, and God has opened the eyes and touched the heart, and sanctified the will of the parishioners ; when the new or renovated Church rears her beauteous front ; when the glebe and parsonage look so inviting, and secure to the honored pastor so comfortable a home ; when the organ, the bell, the chancel furniture, the fences, the trees, the pathways, all give signs of interest and care among the worship- pers; when five hundred dollars are more easily raised for pure charity be- yond the parish bounds than one hundred formerly to pay up some miserable home debt ; when all is going on thus well and prosperously : have they marked how much better all feel, and how much more like men and Chris- tians, moving on bravely, cheerfully and loyally