The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1859-11-18

EPISCOPAL CHURCH.-The Rev. Henry
B. Whipple, Protestant Episcopal Bishop
of Minnesota arrived in this city last Satur-
day morning. He was received with much
cordially by the clergy and laity of the
diocese. The following account of the pro-
ceedipgs held upon the Sabbath succeeding
his arrival, and of the reception on Monday
evening, we copy from the Times:
Last Sunday was day to be remembered
by Episcopalians in St. Paul. The services
as arranged by the two Rectors we're
Sermon in the morning at st. Paul's, (Dr.
Patterson's) in the afternoon at Christ
Church (Dr.Van Ingen's) and in the evening
joint gathering of the two parishes at st.
Paul's, at which an interesting discourse was
delivered by DIR. Van Ingen relating to the
proceedings of the late General Convention,
which was followed by brief and very happy
remarks from the Bishop. On Monday
evening the Rev. DR.. Patterson threw open
his spacious dwelling for the reception of all
who might desire to pay their respects to
the Bishop, and the Rectors of the two par
ishes introduced their parishioners and
friends to him as they arrived. We observed
the Rev. Mr.. Mattocks of the Presbyterian
church, among the guests. Bishop Whip
ple was born and bred in the regions of New
York, from whence Mr. M. came to Mime
sofa, and a special invitation to be present
had been given him, which all who knew
him would be sure he would accept. The
evening passed delightfully-the Gloria in
Ercelsls was sung soon after ten o'clock, in
which the whole assemblage participated,
led and accompanied on the piano, by Miss
Patterson, with full voice, who also sung,
"Our Father who art in Heaven" In a few
brief collects and blessing from the Bishop
closed the two days of high Christian enjoy
ment, and most happy augury.
We append the circular letter issued by
the new Bishop to the members of the
Diocese The Times says: The custom
of devotng contributions at church on
Thanksgiving Day, as an addition to the
salaries of pastors land where donation Wis.
its are in use) to devote the afternoon and
evening of this day to gatherings at the
residence of pastors, has for many years
been adopted in the Episcopal church in
western New York. 1t seems natural
and very happy idea suggested by the Scrip
lures which have for centuries been read by
the Episcopal church on that day ;-e: g:
Prov. 3: 9 and 10 and Thess. 5: IL,
I3, &C."
CIRCULAR.
ST. PAUL, Nov. IA, 1859.
To the Clergy and Congregations Of the Diocese
of MinneeOfa
DEAR BRETHREN The Civil authority has
appointed Thursday, the oath inst. as day OF
Thanksgiving and Prayer. 1t is the Church
Feast Of the Ingathering of the Harvest. God
has blessed us with peace, health and rich
reward for the labOrs of the husbandman.
hereby request the congregations of the Dio
cese in gratitude to God, to remember on this
day His servants their Pastors by offerings and
donations for their comfort. Let there be ir
every Church an offering and in private dona
lions of your stores as token of your love fol
those who are over you in the Lord. "Le
every man do according as he is disposed in his
heart, not grudgingly or of necessity for Goo
loveth cheerful giver." Praying God to bles!
YOU | am your Friend and Bishop.
HENRY B. WHIPPLE,
Bishop of Minnesota.