Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-10-26
General Protestant Episcopal Convention.

This Convention adjourned finally on Sa-
turday. The Richmond Dispatch notices
the following report Of the closing scenes:
The House of Bishops now entered the
chancel. 1T. Rev. Bishop Meade Presiding
Bishop and Rt. Rev. Bishop McIvaine as
cended the pulpit. Bishop Mcllvaine read
the 2l2th Hymn, commencing
"Lo, what cloud Of witnesses
Encompass US around
Men once like US with suf' ring tried
ButnC with glory crowned
which was sung by the large congregation.
The Presiding Bishop delivered brief
parting address, emitting the usual Pastoral
Letter, which the Bishops had been unable
to prepare, owing to the lateness Of the hour
in which the documents relating to the state
Of the Church were received. lie, however,
recommended the perusal of those docu-
ments by all members of the Church
throughout the land.
Bishop Burgess read Il resolution adopted
by the House Of Bishops, expressive Of their
grateful sense OF the kindness of the Bishop
and Assistant Bishops Of the Diocese Of Nr-
GINA, the Rector and Nestry of st. Pauls
Church, and the citizens OF Richmond gen-
orally.
The Presiding Bishop then resumed his
remarks, acknowledging the feelings Of plea
sure experienced by the Rectors and iaml-
lies of Richmond i'll entertaining the mem
bers of the Convention, and thanking the
visiting Bishops and Ministers for their ser
mons and exhortations during the period OF
the sessions. The discussions had been OF the
most harmonious character and favorable to
the cause Of religion. Charity the best OF
all things-had been increased among US
Bishops were drawn nearer to Bishops, MIN
listers to Ministers, and layman TO layman.--
The bonds of the Union had been strengthen
ed. Voices from the North and South, the
East and West-yea, from over the great wa
ters-had all been heard in union, speaking
and singing the praise Of God. The predo-
minant feeling at parting was one OF regret
that they must part 50 soon. and be deprived
of the pleasures of private intercourse and
public exercises. In conclusion the veneer
able speaker prayed that the blessing OF God
might 90 with those who 60, and remain with
those who remain.
PRAYERS were then offered; Gloria in ENceisiS
was sung: the Apostolic Bcnediction PRONOUNCED
and the House of Bishops retired
A motion 10 adjourn sine die was made. when
the President DR.. Creighton arose and said:
l congratulate you, brethren OF the clergy and
the laity that we have come Ia the close OF anoth
or session of the great Council of our Church III
harmony and peace. Throughout our deliberations
tho voice of party spirit has not once been
heard All seem t. have been actuaied alike BY
controlling desire for the prosperity OF the Ihurch
and the continuance OF it pure religion anu virtue
The credit of this blessed condition OF things no
one will presume to ascrihe to ourselves let u
with devotional rapture give praise to the overrui'
ing Providence and guidance Of the Spirit Of uod.
That you have thought my conduct rs presiding
officer at all worthy of favorable notice. - OWING
moro Ia your charitable construction than 10 my
deserts | thank you with my whole heart i"r
your kind appreciation, and rs a feeble expression
Of NV feelings in return. will pray that God IN
His good Providence may always have you IN iii'
holy keeping, and conduct 70" safely !" your
homes. and to a happy reunion with your families
and friends.
The House then adjourned sine die.