Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1849-1856, 1855-06-21

ANNUAL CONVENTION OF THE PkoTEs'
TANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE DIOCESE
OF RHODE IsLASD.-This being the day
appointed for the annual Conven ion of the
Protestant Episcopal Church Of Rhode Ia
land, number of the clergy and laity as
selnbicd in st Johns Church, Providence,
at half past ten o'clock. -
Morning prayer was read by Rev.
Messrs. Vail and Crane, and the ante-Com-
munion service was read by Right Rev.
Bishop Clark, Rev. Mr.. Crane reading the
Epistle.
The sermon was preached by Bishop
Clark from Matt l6, 3. "Can ye not dis
cern the signs of the times ?"
The Communion service was read by
Rev. Mr.. Vail, aud by the Right Rev.
Bishop, and lho Holy Communion was ad-
ministered to the clergy by Bishop Clark,
and to the laity by Rev. Messrs. Vail and
Crane.
Divine service being ended, the Con-
vention was called to order by the Bishop.
The Secretary OF the last Convention hav-
ing removed from the Diocese, Rev. J. III.
Eames was chosen Secretary pro tenn, but
Dir. Eames being unable 10 perform the
duties of the Office, on account of lame
arm, Rev. Mr.. Mills was chosen in his
place.
The Bishop nominated Rev. Messrs.
Waterman and Vail, and Messrs. Ives and
Greene, a committee on "the rights OF
members to seats in this convention"
On motion, resolved, that Clergymen
from other dioceses, and candidates for
Holy Orders, be invited TO take seats in this
convention, whereupon, Rev. Messrs.
Palmer, Townsend and Withinton, OF
Massachusetts, appeared and took seats in
the convention.
Convention adjourned ill p. m.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
Convention met at 4 o'clock, pursuant
to adjourmsnt.
The Committee on the rights ofmembers
to seats and votes in this convention pre-
scented their report, which was accepted, and
adopted.
The roll Of clerical and lay deputies was
next callsd. The election of Secretary
was then gone into by ballot, and Rev. w.
II. Mills was pronounced duly elected.
The Bishop then read his annual address,
from which We learn, that though but a lew
months have elapsed since he entered upon
the duties of his off he has been "dilgent
in business" Death and change have been
busy in our midst during the last year, but
at present, nearly all the parishes in the
diocese are supplied with rectors.
This Treasurer of the convention present
cd his annual report, which was refer ed to
the finance committee, Messrs. G. s..
Wardwol, h. NJ. Larned, and A. Bush,
being chosen that committee
The Standing committee Of the diocese
presented the report Of their doings tor the
last year.
Report of board of Missions not being
ready, permission was asked for delay in
presenting it ill tomorrow.
Depository Board also asked permission
for delay in presenting their report.
The Treasurer OF the "Board for relief
of widows and orphans of deceased clergy
men," presented his report, which was re-
ferred to the finance committee.
Moved, that the thanks Of the convention
be presented TO Rev. BENJAMIN Watson,
now Of the Diocese of Western New York
for his services as Secretary of this con-
vention Tor several years.
A committee, consisting of Rev. Messrs.
Trapnell and Vail. and J. D'Wolf Perry,
was chosen, TO whom was referred the sub
ject of drafting resolutions in relation to
:he death of Rev. John Bristed.
The Parochal reports were then present
cd.
Resolved, That so much Of the Bish-
ops address as related to the subject of
education be referred to special commit
tee, consisting of Rev. Messrs. Waterman
and Brewer, and Mr.. G. s. Wardwell.
Resolved, That so much of the Bishops
address as related to the subject OF missions
and the Depository Board, be referred to n
special committee of three, consisting of
Rev. Messrs. Vail and Crane, and Mr..
Dorrance.
Moved, that the rules or order be sus-
pended while some action be taken in re-
lation to lands formerly belonging to st.
Andrews Church, Providence.
Committee ON unfinished business, Rev.
Messrs. Hathaway and Babbitt, and Mr..
Hale.
Moved TO adjourn till Tomorrow morn
ing at 9 o'clock.