Nashville union and dispatch. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1866-1868, 1867-01-06
LATE BISHOP STEPHEN ID. III
HIoTyF. OF GEORGIA.
From the Rome (Ga.) Commercial.

From a sermon delivered before the con-
gregation Of St. Peters Church, Rome,
Georgia. by Rev w. C. Williams, reia
tive Of the deceased, we gather the follow
inc particulars Of the life and character Of
the lamented Bishop Of the Diocese Of
Georgia
Bishop Elliott was born in Beaufort.
South Carolina, in the year 1906, but re-
moved at an early age TO Charleston. Here
be soon exhibited great ability and aptitude
fog learning. He spent two years at Har-
ward University, Massachusetts, and then
returning a. his native State, entered Co
umbia College After two years spent in
that institution be graduated with high
honors. He returned 20 Charleston, com
menced the study Of law, was admitted TO
the bar. and soon gained a high position
among his compeers.
The death Of his father forced him to
take charge of the editorial department Of
the celebrated Southern ReHeic Under his
management that imagine soon rivaled the
hesi then published in England. During
the great excitement at that time produc
ed hv the tariff and other acts Of the gen
eral government, such was the confidence
in his thorough knowledge Of the COnstitu-
ton anG political economy, that he was
appointed one Of the Committee Of Thir-
tear, which conducted the great Bullihca-
ton movement. He was quite the COM
peer Of the other members of that commit
lee, though much the youngest and least
experienced. In the midst Of the excite
ment growing oat OF these vexed questions,
he visited Beaufort. Here, under the
preaching Of the celebrated Daniel Baker,
he was converted and became q member Of
the Episcopal Church. On his return TO
Charleston. he discharged well and faith
fully the political duties which patriotism
demanded Of him.
Feeling called upon 20 devote himself
exclnsively 10 the church Of his choice, he
lel the political arena and consecrated him
self entirely 30 the service Of God. Hay-
ing completed the required course Of study,
he was ordained Deacon, and assigned the
charge Of the Parish Of Wilton. Shortly
after this he was elected Professor Of Sa-
cred Literature in the College Of South
Carolina, which position he filled with dis
tingnishcd honor 10 himself, and to the
entire satisfaction of all concerned.
The infant Diocese Of Ga, then strug-
Cling into life, turned her eyes towards
him, as the one whom God had raised up
10 build her waste places. In May 1910,
"a Clarksville, Ca, he was unanimously
elected Bishop Of the Diocese, and in Feb
ruary 1871 was consecrated. He entered
upon the duties with all the ardor of his
nature, and established churches where
ever practicable. A new congregation was
formed at Savannah, Of which he became
The first Rector, although officiating half Of
his time in the mother church That new
congregation is now st. Johns, one Of the
largest in the State.
Soon afler entering the Diocese, he was
involved in the Montpelier school affair. In
voluntarily assuming that debt, he sacrificed
every dollar Of his private fortune, includ.
ing even his library. An exhibition Of
greater seli-sacrifce il not recorded Of any
man. Had not his heroic christian forti-
tude, and the devotion Of his patient wife
sustained him. this severe blow would cers
tainly have crushed him. Wherever the
particulars of this affair is known, il will
exalt the character Of Bishop Elliott, and
place him along side Of those illustrious
cOnfessors who have done everything but
die for the truth.
What Bishop Elliott was during the
struggle Just referred to- is well known 10
the country.
His utterances were looked to as oracles
from God. He was a tower of strength 10
the Confederate cause, which he loved,
during its darkest DAYS, and when il went
down in blood, none grieved as he did.
But he felt il was the Lords doings, and
he at once applied himself 20 the task Of
teaching his people their duties az citizens,
and their obligations 20 exercise the great
est charity. Since that time he'had formed
plans for future usefulness, which promise
much for the church in Georgia.
Afler his recent visit 70 Montpelier, on
has arrival home, he was taken suddenly
ne Of heart disease, and died in a few
moments.
The loss is not only that Of the church
but Of the whole State and country Truly.
We have lost father and friend.
When last he addressed che congregation
Of ST. Peters Church, il was from these
words, Watch, lest coming suddenly lie
hnd you sleeping"
He told as that God had a work for each,
a special work, which il we would seek,
God would make it known TO MS He
warned us TO be up and doing, for ain
such an hour as We think not the Son OF
man cometh."
God in His wisdom has taken His faith
iul servant Immediately into His presence.
Let his words now have their due effect
upon as. Let rs carry them ever in our
Thoughts, hearts aud prayers, and let each
he ready, that when the Master come we
may enter into His rest, and receive the
crown Of righteousness that fadeth not
away.