The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1883-05-24
The Episcopal Council.

The 9Th annual Council OF the EplScO-
pal Church Of Virginia, began its session
in Richmond OH the 10th. Bishop f. M.
Whittle read his pastoral letter, in which
he gave an interesting summary of statis-
tics for the past year showing episcopal
yisitations to have numbered 1855 contir-
nations, 49, white, and AZ colored pres
ent number Of candidates for the priest
hood, "a churches consecrated, 8 present
number OF ministers. IA, OF whom three
are cOlOred. AS to the question of how
could the church do work among the col
Ored people, the Bishop said that in re-
Spouse to an invitation of Bishop Green,
of Mississippi extended to all Bishops in
the Southern States to meet in convention
in July next, he had laid the matter be-
fore the executive committee Of the Do
cesar Missionary Society, and they had
provided for delegation to the proposed
conference. The Bishop cautioned the
council in regard to changes and innOva-
lions in worship, against which he was
thankful the Virginia diocese has been
hitherto so well guarded by loyalty to the
written law and custom. He cited var
ious changes from the common ORDER of
the Church, which. in his judgment, were
not for the good of the people, but were
unlawful, and their introduction tends to
draw people away from the ''old paths' in
which the Church has walked safely and
prosperously so many years. The recon-
mended that the council elect an assistant
bishop to share with him the burdens and
responsibilities of office. This was done
on account of the condition of his health,
and after consultation with the standing
committee. The Bishop asked for a leave
of absence for four months, during which
time he will visit Europe. After the read
ing of the Bishop letter, a committee, in
Guiding three colored ministers, was APP
pointed to consider the question of work
among the colored people.
The committee ON Parochial Reports
submitted the following Baptisms-
Adults, white, 246; Indians, colored.
18-total, 265; infants, 800 colored, 2O4
total, 1,026. Grand total, !, 291. Confirma-
tions-White, 1852; Colored, IS Indians,
|S-total, S15. Communicates, 1889.
Formerly reported White, 1O,70S Color
ed, 1S5-total, 1888. Present number
White, 12,96S Colored, 301 Indians, 49,
total, 10, 2S7. Marriages White, 1856 ; Col
ored, 99-total, 435. Funerals White,
$50 Colored % total, $50. Sunday
schools White teachers, 1886; White
scholars, 1854 Colored Teachers, 81 col
ored scholars, 1,705; Indians, 100. Paro-
chial schools-White teachers, 26; White
scholars, 374; Colored teachers, s.; Colored
scholars, 1924. Members of Brotherhood,
4S8. ContributiOns-Su school, $3,
5S1. IA: general, including salaries of min
listers, $2l3 ,557.21.
The report of the Committee on the Vir-
ginia Female Institute was read by Major
Elder, of Staunton. The report showed
that the school was in fine condition, and
it also INDUCED in high praise of Mrs.
Stuart, the principal of the school, Mrs.
Stuart is the widow of General J. E. B.
Stuart. Mr.. d. B. Tenant, of Peters
burg, and Mr.. Old were elected trustees in
place of Colonel Walter II. Taylor and Mr..
George Newton, both of Norfolk; re-
signed.
A proposition to divide the Diocese was
laid on the table.
elected Assistant Bishop at a salary of
50 900, travelling expenses and house rent.
Mr.. Randolph s acceptance of the posi-
tion is yet in doubt. 1t is not known as
yet whether he will consent to give up his
charge in Baltimore. He is a Virginian
by birth, and is recognized as a thorough
Low Churchman, constant in his oppose
ton to High Churchism and Ritualism,
and is one OF the close and intimate aSso-
ciates Of Bishop Pinkney, who holds like
views. He is recognized us one of the
ablest theologians of his Church in Balti-
more.
Judge Sheifey, of this city, was elected
as one of the delegates to the General Con-
vention to meet in New York, next No
vember.
Bishop Whittle was granted leave of alb
sence to visit Europe. His health has
been far from good for some time and it is
hoped that the trip will fully restore him.