The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1868-05-26
STATE OF THE CHURCH.

Rev. DR.. Norwood presented the report
of the Committee on the State OF the Church.
The report referred to the many unfavora-
BILE symptoms which view of the state OF
the Church presented at the close OF the
war, but expressed profound qualification at
the causes for encouragement now afforded.
The Furnishing state of the Theological
Seminary and High School are spoken of,
the success of those institutions having ex-
ceeded the expectations Of their most san
guine friends. There is an increase ef the
number of rectors in the State, notwith-
standing that many have been under the
necessity Of leaving their parishes for
want of competent support. There
have been accessions also from other
Dioceses, and the belief may be cherished
that soon large proportion of the waste
places will be re0ccupied by earnest labor
ers in the Lords vineyard. There has been
large increase in the number Of commu-
nicants, and during the past year there
were more combinations than in any pre-
yious year since 1912. A considerable in
crease in the amount of the congregational
contributions to religious and charitable In
situations is also reported. The laity seem
to have awakened to the Importance Of Civ
ing their ministers more liberal support,
and during the present session of the Coun-
Gil they have of their own accord inaugu-
rated promising movement looking to this
end. The hearts Of the pious are made
glad, too, by the accession to the diocese OF
the beloved brother lately called to the
bishopric; and the people are pleased with
the prospect of more frequent episcopal
yisitations in the future. All these things
lead the committee to believe that the day
of prosperity is dawning, and that the time
is not far distant when we shall rejoice IN
the salvation of many precious souls.
During the war, by the discontinuance OF
stated services by the removal of families
and the dispersion of congregations, many
parishes were left without ministers, and
too many of these fields have never been re-
occupied by the Church. If much longer
abandoned, these parishes may be alto
pether lost. To prevent this misfortune,
the committee recommend the adoption of
the system of lay reading and occasional.
services by clereymen from neighboring.
parishes, but especially the employment, OF
eyangelists to preach and administer the
sacramentg, and otherwise to cheer the
hearts Of the people deprived of stated op-
portunities to worship God in accordance
with the usages Of the Church which they
prefer. !, !,
the necessity of more labor by the lalty.
The minister in this diocese has to do too
much. Il seems to be expected that ne
should do all. Laymen are urged hereafter
to exert themselves. By. lay reading, by
prayer, By visiting the sick, by exhortation,
and by iudicious conversation, pious lay
man can accomplish o great work and the
committee earnestly hope that every Chris
tan man and woman in the bounds OF the
diocese may look around and see what ne or
she can do for the extension OF the Cnufcn
and for the upbnilding of Christ's kingdom
in the world
THE AIBEsfARLE NATTER AGAIN.
Mr.. Colston, who, few days before, IN
trod,,ced o memorial from parish in Albe-.
=, cole on,,,f =, ofrprpd n aaripg of resolutions