The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1877-04-21
Action Of the Parkersburg
, && Conference.
4 Request for the Formation OF .
New Diocese, Embracing inc
Boundaries OF West VIZ
gina. Unanimously
Adopted.
PARKERsBURs, w. Va, April IL.

PARK w. VA, April 10.
Reported for the Register.
The Episcopal Conference of the Cler-
gy and Lay Delegates OF the State, call
ed together by the Bishop for the pur-
pose of considering the question OF the
formation OF q new Diocese, met this
morning at 10 o'clock in the Cal
vary Presbyterian church Of this
place, Trinity Episcopal church
having some time ago been adJudged
unsafe. The proceedings were opened
with religious services by the Bishop,
and Rev. Jackson, of your city, was
elected Secretary. A majority OF the
clergy OF the State, including Revs.
Meade and Lee, from the eastern part,
were present. The number ofthe lay dele
gates was not as large as might have been
expected, slth ough good many parishes
and vestries that had not sent representa-
tiyes, forwarded their views upon the
subject ID writing. The reports of the
parishes throughout the State were called
for, when it appeared that d large ma
jority expressed themselves as in
favor of division. An at
tempt was made to learn the
actual amount of money that
had been pledged towards the support OF
the new EpiscOpate. The total was not
over $500 per annum. but quite num-
Der of the parishes had not been called
upon to express themselves upon this
point, and among these were the COM
paratively strong parishes OF the Eastern
Pan. Handle aud the Valley. These par
ishes have hitherto been opposed to
being counted in" with the new diocese;
but there seems to be q gathering hope
that they will gracefully yield. In this
case it seems to be pretty generally be-
loved that respectable salary could be
raised for the Few diocesan; otherwise
there will unquestionsbly be strong ef-
fort made by some to have the remaining
portion of the State set apart as mis-
sionary jurisdiction. Much OF the dis.
cussion centred upon these points.
The following resolution was presented
bv Judge Thompson, delegate from st.
Matthews church of Wheeling, and was
adopted:
Rusoised, That in the judgment Of this
Conference, the Interests OF tho
church in our State clearly de-
msnd a division of the diocese OF Vir-
gina, and that the dividing line be the
boundaries between the States OF Virginia
and West Virginia.
The following paper was also pre-
sented and adopted:
WHEREAS, IL appears from the evil
dence before the Conference that West
Virginia is unable to support
Bishop for an independent
diocese without the aid and CO.
operation of the parishes in the counties
of Jefferson and Berkeley; therefore
Resolved, That we earnestly request
our brethren of that part OF the State to
come to our aid that we may, by the
blessing of God, give evidence OF our
willingness and ability to support an
independent diocese in West Virginia
2 That these parishes be earnestly
and affectionateiy requested to take such
action in the premises IN time rs that the
whole question may be definitely settled
at the approaching Council OF the do
cese; and that when this Conference sd-
journs it adjourns to meet in Stanton on
the first day of the meeting OF tie ensu- |
ing Council ut 8 o'clock A. NJ, in order
to furnish the opportunity OF hearing the
final decision OF these parishes, so that
the Conference may present distinct
proposition to the Council.
1t WAS also
Resolued, That the various parishes in
the State, including those in Jefferson
and Berkeley counties, be requested to
report again to the adjourned con-
ference, the amount of which they res
pectively guarantee for the support of
the new Episcopate
The proceedings of the conference were
pleasant and the discussion conducted in
the most fraternal spirit. Adjourned at
4 o'clock Pm.
At7:30 o'clock in the evening the
Bishop admins tered the rite of Conir-
nation, Rev. Meade, of Charleston,
preaching the sermon. At the close the
Bishop delivered stirring address on
behalf of the Educational Society OF the
Diocese. ".