New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1875-09-19
THE BISHOP OF ILLINOIS,

the Episcopal Church of Illinois convened
in Chicago on the fourteenth instant, with
all parishes represented. It was a session
of unusual interest, made so by the cleo
ton of a bishop of the diocese, to succeed
in office the late Bishop Whitehouse, which
election occurred Gu the fifteenth instant.
The Church is to be congratulated on the
good feeling exhibited in debate, and the
harmony with which the business of the
session was conducted, resulting, as we
have been informed by telegraph, in the
election of of Dr. William McLaren to be
Bishop Of Illinois.
1t will be remembered that in February
last, at a special convention of the Epis-
copal Church of Illinois, DR.. James De-
Koven was elected bishop of the diocese.
He was man in every way fitted for the
position, sagacious, learned and eloquent.
The convention was competent to elect
him, and he was the choice of the clergy
and laity of the Church in Illinois, con-
sldering the majority of the delegates as
representing the will of the churches.
The election of bishop is the most
important act of an Episcopal diocese, for
the office is a life time charge, and into
the hands of single man is given the
guidance and welfare of the Church in a
diocese for perhaps a quarter of CEN
fury. So important is the selection of
bishop that, according to the rules gov
..-.-, ~ T~;-~~."l "h"""l :" tho TTni+nd
States, the election of such an officer in
one diocese must be ratified by all other
dioceses to become permanent In case
the election of a bishop occurs within six
months previous to triennial convention
of the different dioceses, the election is
submitted to such convention for APP
proval or rejection; otherwise, as to
the dates of an election of bishop
and the triennial meeting the election
must be submitted to the standing COM
mittees Of each diocese for independent
voting. The election of DIR. Dekoven
was so submitted, and his election was not
confirmed, The reason assigned why the
diocese of Illinois should not be granted
the bishop Of her choice was given in
various dioceses rejecting DR.. Dekoven
to be that the bishop elect was an extreme
ritualst, or High Churchman, as the most
strict Episcopalians are called to distin-
guish them from the more liberal. This
expression of opinion on ritualism was
not governed by geographical or political
influences but it was nevertheless sign
of the tendency of the church accident
ally brought to view.
To the outside world the particular kind
of prayer book used is of little importance.
1t is the conduct of those who pray and
the effect of their prayers by which the
Church can be judged. The diocese of
Illinois did not rebel from the parent
Church, and its delegates came together
again, and again have chosen a man
equally as learned and eloquent as DIR.
DeKoven to be their bishop. He is in no
way Objectionable, and it is believed his
election will be ratified without dissent
ing voice from any diocese. Such confir-
nation will be most wise and Christian
like
DIR. McLaren, the new bishop elect, was
born at Geneva, New York, in December,
1881. He was educated at jefferson Col
lege, and, in 1853, entered the Presby-
terrain ministry. He was eminently sue
cessful in the Church, and was subse-
quently sent by that denomination to mis-
sionary work in South America. He re-
manned in that field some eight years, and
in 1867 he accepted charge at Peoria, H.
linois. He held that position for while,
and in 1872 was ordained deacon, and
subsequently priest, in the Episcopal
Church. Since then he has labored in
Cleveland, Ohio, as pastor of Trinity
Church, with great success.
The thing most significant of good feel
ing in the convention was the spirit with
which DR.. DeKoven rendered his resigna-
ton. His letter was read to most eager
listeners, and it affected some of them to
tears. The letter was read before the vote
on bishops was taken. 1t is quite lengthy,
and closes as follows:
Brethren, could lot have accepted as l
did the election of the diocese had not
raaliZal " ubot
done with the help of God by bishop OF
| Illinois. Strong are the foundations al
ready laid by the bishop who has gone to
his rest. Everywhere the field is white to
| the harvest. Towns and cities are calling
for help for perishiDg souls, and above ali,
your chief CITY, which has been to me al
most home for so many years, which ID
endeared to me by thousand ties, and
kindnesses l can never forget, pleads fol
work and toll which should correspond tc
it's weight, its needs, and be an example OF
work bravely done to every part of this
mighty West.
My brethren, beloved in Christ, it NAV
| well be thought that you ought not to wait
| for misconceptions to be removed for q
bishop for Illinois. You, then, as generous
hearts, must be by conflicting duties drawn
in one way by grave constitutional rights
| and tender personal considerations; drawn
in another by the needs and sorrows of thie
stricken diocese. i feel it my duty to adopi
q course which leaves at least the great
principles involved unframed.
In the name of the Great Head of the
Church, who taught it with His blood, de
Glazing my loyalty to it's doctrine, discipline
and worship, and protesting against my re
lection by the standing committees as an
injury done ! believe unwittingly) to truth
| and justice, l withdraw my acceptance OF
the pleetiOn tn the hishOnrie Of nlinnia ouI