The Portland daily press., 1892-01-23

BISHOP NELLY.
the influence for good of the cathedral
throughout the diocese and they have
been realized to very large extent.
Since 1867 prayer has been said daily
in the parish, and the parish supported
entirely by the free will offerings of the
people, all pew rents and taxes being
abolished. The church was under a
heavy debt for long time, but in 1875
by splendid united effort by the parish
toner's, led by the Bishop, debt of over
$50, 1000 was lifted and the splendid build
ing consecrated. The Instruments of
Donation speak of it as "a parish church
for the congregation therein worshipping,
a cathedral church, as the permanent
home, official residence, and place of or
binary ministration of the Bishop of the
Diocese, and free and open church for
all classes and conditions of men, in
which no pews should ever be leased OF
sold. Combining the cathedral and pa
rochial features, it's chapter, duly incor-
porated, reserves to the parishioners a
full representation in that body and their
approval of appointments of clergy min
istering in the cathedral under the Bish-
OPP
Bishop Nicely has had associated with
him at the cathedral at different times
Revs. Charles Wells Hayes, G. H. Chaplin,
N. Taylor Root, canons; Rev. G. M. Pyne,
priest; Revs. F. S. Sill, F. G. Nicely, G.
J. Ketchum and M. Mclaughlin, as dea-
cons, and Rev. C. NJ. Sills, D. D., the
present canon.
Bishop Nicely saw the great need of
and help to the church to be derived
from parochial schools and has estab-
lished two schools, St. GATHERINGS Hall,
seminary for young ladies situated at
Augusta, an institution which has a high
standing, and ST. Johns school for boys
established few ago at Presque Isle.
During his administration large num-
Der of churches have been built, includ-
ing two fine stone churches at Augusta
and Lewiston respectively. The number
of communicates has increased very
largely, and many organizations for
church work have been established.
A fund of $65, 900 has been raised for the
support of the Episcopate that the Bish-
op may have his entire time to devote
to the Diocese instead of having to Off
ciate as rector of any church.
1t is impossible in sketch of this kind
to more than glance at very few Of the
many things accomplished for the good
of the church under Bishop Neely's re-
gime He has been for twenty-five years
a revered divine and an honored citizen
of our city and State, and his work will
live for generations after he has ceased
his earthly ministrations.
A quarter of century! What retro
spect is in this twenty-five years for him.
With what pardondable pride and thank
1867-an almost unorganized diocese, no
schools, struggling parishes and a dis
heartening outlook. 1S92-an organized
and harmonious diocese, two established
diocesan schools, a magnificent cathe-
dral, fine churches, the fund for the
episcopate self sustaining, a constantly
increasing membership, every year look
ing brighter and brighter, for the church
in Maine. A chief pastor with many of
the greatest desires of his heart accom-
plished, the Bishop may indeed say the
words of the Name Dimittis, lord, now
lettest Thou Thy servant depart in
peace"
Bishop Nicely is too well known to our
citizens to need any personal eulogy.
His life, his words, his deeds speak for
themselves. That many, many years of
active life will yet be granted him is a
prayer that goes up from many hearts
today. His life and his memory will be a
benediction to many generations to come
in the diocese of Maine. He will be re-
membered longest, not for his sermons,
though he is an eloquent preacher; not
for his expositions, though he is an able
scholar; not for his theology; but his big
sympathetic heart, heart that has new
er failed to beat in sympathy for those in
trouble and distress, a kind and tender