The morning news., 1891-11-18
AN EPISCOPAL CONGRESS
EX-SENATOR EDMUNDs THE PRE-
SIDING OFFICER.

Bishop Brooks Delivers the Commun-
ion Address-Nothine Unusual in
Els Ctterances-Every Seat In the
Epiphany Church at Washington
Occupied When thu Proceedings
Were Opened
WASHINGTON, Nov. 17.-When the hour for
opening the Episcopalian congress arrived,
Epiphany church. one of the largest church
edifces in the city, was crowded to the
doors. Not only was every seat occupied
but a large number of interested spectators
stood throughout the entire service At
1879 o'clock ,as the ministers entered from
the vestry and took seats within the chan-
eel rail, the choir, which was composed Of
the leading singers Of the various Episcopal
churches OF the city, sang the 362d hymn,
40, Word of God Incarnate"
Bishop Dudley Of Kentucky read the
communion service, Rev. DR.. Huntington
Of Grace church, New York, reading the
epistle and Rev. DIR. Wells of Riverdale.
N. Y, reading the gospel.
At its conclusion the choir sang the 515th
hymn, Thou Hidden Love Of God" Rt
Rev. Phillip Brooks, D. D., bishop Of
Massachusetts, delivered the communion
address.
Upon the conclusion of Bishop Brooks
address. which contained nothing of an
unusual nature, the communion was served
and the religious exercises came to an end.
EX-SENATOR EDMUNDs PREsIDEs.
Ex-senator Edmunds was introduced as
presiding officer. In his address Mr.. Ed
munds said: 1--WE open this. the fourth
| congress of our church, with auspicious
surroundings. We meet for the first time
in the capital city Of the great republic, in
which happily, the church in its true mis-
sion and in the exercise Of its true functions,
Is independent of the state, as the state In
its true functions is and always ought to be
separate from and independent Of any
church. Our field, therefore, for the pro-
motion of true religion and virtue is a free
one in which our efforts for the Christian
welfare of mankind are not and cannot be
trammelled by any policies OF the political
state. and which reciprocally no church or
sect should rightfully assert or attempt to
exert any political power"
OBJECT OF THE GATHERING.
Continuing, he said they were assembled
Co advance the cause of tue Lord, and pro-
cesding with the sensibility of his presence.
he had no doubt the discussions would be
characterized by moderation and by that
charity which the great apostle had defined
for all the world. They should keep in mind
that their work was not Of to-day, but un-
ceasing warfare against the evils that
atilict mankind. They should en-
deavor to find the best ways
and means to promote peace and good will.
Progress has been made and the condition
Of civilized man is now, on the whole, bot
ter In every sense than 1t was, and each sue
cessive year and century shows a clear ad-
vance. l think it may be safely affirmed
that our church in its work has been the
best among the factors in this advance, not
so much in its ritual or in its ceremonies
as in the constant teaching
Of the direct and immediate per-
sonal relation of the human body and
soul to its Maker and Savior; and as COIL
sequence the duty and value of the right
eousness Of life, not only to the individual,
but as an inseparable part Of the great body
of organized society"
The general secretary, Rev. DR.. Wildes,
then delivered memorial address on the
dead members since the last meeting, among
whom was Bishop Beckwith of Georgia.
This evenings topic of discussion was
"Theism and Evolution"