The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1876-09-07
Episcopal Convention.

line second day OF the Episcopal Convention
began at o'clock, when morning prayer was
said, after which the Bishop took the chair
and the convention proceeded to business.
Article second of the proposed constitution
was read, restricting the choice of lay deputies
to the convention to communicates.
Mr.. Hayes discussed the point at some length.
He stated that many clergymen were in favor
of this change, and remarked that only COM
municants were elected deputies to the general
convention. According to the reading of the
present canon, Unitarians, Roman Catholics
and heretics can become members of the con-
vention.
At the conclusion of Mr.. Hayes remarks the
Rev. William J. Alger offered the following
amendment:
The Pensioners of each parish may elect not
more than theee male deputies. baptized per-
sons of full age.
long and interesting discussion followed
by Rev. A. Dalton, rector of St. Stephens, Rev.
Mr.. Greyson of Bath, Henry ingalls, of Wis
casset, A. A. Strout Of Portland, Hon. Joseph
Bridge and Col. c. B. Merrill.
Mr.. Dalton thought the restriction to COM
municants would be very injurious to the
church. Many had been drawn to the church
by its stability, and by reverence for its ancient
customs, and though not baptized or confirmed
show much interest in the church and contrib.
uted literally to its support, and are men of in
tellect and of high standing in society. He
saw no reason why they should be excluded
from representation. By shutting them out we
should lose their service and lose the influence
which the church has exerted over them. AT
any rate, if they were baptized, that would be
sufficient although he would not even press
this point.
Mr.. Greyson thought that it was proper that
men who make laws should be bound by them,
and persons who were mot communicates of
the church are not bound by the laws of the
church.
Mr.. Ingalls, took about the same ground as
the rector of st. Stephens.
Mr.. A. A. Strout was of the same opinion,
Col. Merrill thought it was expedient that
delegates should be communicates, but would
leave the decision to the parishes
Col. Hamilton, q. s. A., thought it very es-
sential that delegates should be Communicates.
AT the close of the session the Bishop said
he had hoped the amendment would have been
concurred in by thei laity. He considered bap-
tsm an essential token of entrance,into Christ $
church.
1t was voted to reeommit the subject.
The report of ST. Catharine Hall was read
The school is in good condition.
George e. B. Jackson, James Bridges and S.
I. Corser were appointed committee on the
assessment of parishes for thu expense of the
convention.
Mr.. Jackson moved that the next convention
be held in ST. Luke's Cathedral, on the first
Tuesday 10 September, 1877.
missionary meeting was held in the after
noon, but nothing Of public nature transpir
ed.
After the evening service at o'clock, meet
ing was held in the Cathedral for discussion O f
Sunday School work. The Rev. Mr.. Miller
read the report of committee on Sunday
Schools, appointed last year. Questions embrac-
ing number of points OF interest had bseD
sent out to all the schools ia the diocese, and
answers received from most of them, showing
decided advance in most parishes in tn at
tention given to this important work and the
success in it.
Mr.. Miller's remarks on the report were fol
lowed by some words from the Rev. Mr.. Sill of
st. PauPs church, on the advantages of Sun
day School associations, derived from his expe-
rience as a teacher in New York
Col. Hamilton followed with some effective
remarks on the need of exactness and punctu-
atty in teachers, and of discipline for them as
we'll as for scholars also on more systematic
and carefully prepared lesson books
The Rev. Mr. Hayes spoke of the value O.
teachers meetings, expressing his surprise that
so few were reported in all our parishes.
Other remarks of Interes. were made the Rev.
| Mr.. Upjohn, on the value of various methods
of instruction, the Rev. Mr.. Wylie, on illus
| trating lessons. and by the Bishop, in clos ing
| the meeting, on the true objects which teach.
ers should have at heart, the same as those Of
the pastor, and the methods which had been
most success .ful in attaining them.
| The meeting was quite fully attended by
Sunday School teachers and others interested
in the work, and was quite successful.
| A reception was given at the residence of
Judge SLepley at the close Of the meeting las
evening.