The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1870-05-05
FOrty-T'hird Annual Council of
the HDrOfesGa mt Episcopal Church.

The Forty-third Annual Council of the Prot
estant Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Mis-
sissppi, assembled in this city on Wednesday
last. The meetings were held in the Masonic
Hail. which was kindly rendered by the fra
ternity. The session of the Council was OPEN
ed with Divine Service and the administration
of the Holy Communion. The Council Ser
mon was preached by the Rev. VIM. X. Doug
las. An unusual number of Clergy and Lay
delegates were in attendance, and the reports
from the several parishes seem to show in
creasing prosperity
On Thursday, after Divine Services the Ri.
Rev. Bishop read his Annual Address which
was listened to with deep interest, not only by
the members of the Council, but by a large
congregation of citizens and ladies, which the
occasion had drawn together. In the summary
of his official acts the venerable bishop re-
ported 2O6 combinations 9S baptisms in Par
ishes destitute of Ministerial care, 3 ordina-
TONS the conservation of one Church, the adj
mission of two new candidates for the minis
try, making the present number eleven, most
iy native Mississippians; 5 new Parishes or
ganized.
The Church suffered very greatly during the
late in the restitution of its Houses Of
Worship, Schools, and Parsonagesr and the
restoration of these in the altered clrcum-
stances of our people, has taxed the energies or
the members severely. Under the DIVINE
blessing, these eHOfIs nave Deeu SoAy
cessful. Six Churches now approaching
completion. The largest of these, probably, Is
the one in this city, which, although plain, Is
of fair proportions and promises when COM
pleted to be well suited for its sacred OBJECTS
The building certainly testifies to no common
zeal on the part of the rector, Rev. DIR. Crane,
and his flock.
The Council adjourned at late hour on Fri
day night Before its close, resolutions were
passed unanimously, thanking the Masonic
brethren for the use of the Hall, the several
Railroads for courtesies extended, and the cit
liens of Jackson for their hospitalitles.
The closing scene of the Council was pecu-
harly impressive. This was the presentation
to the venerable Bishop, now in his seventy
third year of Crozier or Pastoral staff. This
is of wood, mounted with silver, in the form OF
the ancient Shepherds Crook. Upon the
mountings are suitable inscriptions in Latin.
At the close of Divine Service, procession was
formed of the Clergy in their SUPPLIES. The
staff was borne by the Rev. DR.. Fox, of Bovlna,
who has officiated as Priest in this Diocese for
nearly half century, and who, forty-two
wears ago, assisted in the organization OF the
frst Council. He presented it to the Bishop,
aRi9ht Reverend Father, l am deputed by
my brethren to present to you this PASTORAL
Staff an emblem Of your authority as CHER
Shepherd in Christ's flock. An Office which,
we bear Won witness, you have faithfully exc
cuted, with mildness and kindness, for edlnea-
ton, and not for oppression. Accept, dear
Bishop, this token of our ahectionate regard,
and we win unite our prayers that you may
bear it many years.
The Bishop received the Staff with some feel
ing expressions, and all present united IN sing
ing the GLORIA IN ExcELsIs DEo. After ap-
propriate prayers, the closing benedlctlon was
pronounced by the Bishop.