Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1869-05-28
Annual Convention of the Protestant Epis.
copal Church of Maryland.

The eighty sixth annual Conventio of the
r L Church in Maryland assembled i'm Bal
tmore ON Wedne day, and Rev. Mr. Lewis, OF
Washington city, delivered an eloquent and
impressive opening sermon. The several par
lshes and congregations being called in order,
forty-nye gentlemen responded lay dele
gales Among them Were the Hon. Montgom-
cry BLAIR, OF Md, and the Hon. Pinkney
Mhyte, OF Baltimore. The address of Bishop
Wnittingnam was read by the Rev. DR. Au-
gnstns r. Suyker 1t is OF considerable
length, and sets forth in detail the condition of
the diocese On motion OF the Rev. j. V. Lewis.
the Application OF the Memorial Chapel of
washington city for leave TO organize was re-
ferTed to the appropriate committee The SUBJ
iect Of divis on Of the diocese OF MARYLAND and
also the willingness and ability of the mem-
bers OF the church within such limits to sup
port separate diocs sse, was discussed az length
out no action was taken.
The Convention reassembled yesterday. The
Rev. MIR. Lewis of Washington, announced to
the Convention that the Rev. Ashbel Steele.
presbyter, for over twenty years q resident o..
this diocese, End a member Of this Convention
had died at the residence OF his son, the Rev |.
Steele, assistant rector of Christ Church, Wash.
lngton, ID. g., in the I'D year OF his age
The hour having arrived for the election of
the standing committee, the Convention pro :.
ceeded to an election, with the following
Mahhn, u; d., Rev. CIeland X. Nelson, ID. ID,
Rev. J. r. Hof, Rev. George Leeds, ID. ID /,
Rev: Julius E. Grammar, ID. D., and the Rev
Mr.. Chew.
The consideration OF the Bishop s amendment
TO the constitution IN reference to the admission
OF the laity to the standing committees was
proceed with, and it was discussed at great
length. The Rev. Dr. Stanley, Of Washington,
felt constrained to occupy a position on the
question antagonistic to that Of the Right Rev
Bishop. 1t had been alleged that MARYLAND
and Connecticut Were the only two dioceses in
the Union which excluded the laity from the
standing committee. This did not at all affect
the question. 1t was one of principle and, in
the event OF the death of the Bishop, certain
functions would devolve upon the standing
committee which could not be performed by
other han regularly ordained clergymeu The
Rev. MIR. Lewis, of Washington, had great
respect for the laity, but was opposed to the
admission OF lay members into the highest
dyisory office known to this diocese
Mr.. Carter withdrew amendment offered by
hlm and accepted that Of MIR. Phillips OF
WsshiDgtoB, which provides for the appoint
ment on the standing committee Of five clergy
men and three laymeu. This ameadmen, was
adopted. The Bishops motion was then
MIR. Marbury, of Georgetown, moved that
when the convention adjourns it will resolve
to hold its next session Wi b s.. John Churoh b.
deorgetown, ID. T.. A warm discussion en-
postponement Of the matter.
The committee on the suggestion for the ap-
polntment OF an assistant bishop reported that,
In the Judgment Of the committee. 1t is mad
VISIBLE at this time to make any provision look
ing to the election OF an assistant bishop for
this diocese. They reported resolutions APP
propriating the sum Of - dollars for the use
OF tne Bishop, and subject to his order, to ena.
BILE him to defray the expenses Of such aid as
ne may think proper to obtain in the exerciss
OF his episcopal functions in the Diocese of
maryland until the next annual meeting Of this
convention. The blank was filled With 500.
and the resolutions were adopted.
On motion, it was resolved that this conyen.
ton Will hold its next annual session With
Emanuel p. T.. Church, Baltimore.
Ihe convention adjourned at IL p. m. until
this morning.