The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1892-10-06
CHuRcaMRN IN SESSION.
Opening Services OF the Protestant
Episcopal General Cnnvantior

Opening Services OF the Protestant
Episcopal General Convention.
BALTIMORE, ND, Oct. 5.-As early as
$50 o'clock the crowd began to gather at
the doors Of the Emanuel church, all eager
10 secure seats at the opening service OF the
Protestant Episcopal general convention. as
only those who were fortunate enough to
secure tickets were allowed to enter. Every
seat IN the church was occupied and many
were obliged to stand The clerical del~
egates occupied the front balcony of the
church, visitors and friends of the
bishops occupying the rear and galleries.
The church was devoid OF sll decorations.
AT IL O'Clock the new organ burst forth in
all Its freshness and splendor, the choir
joining their voices In singing the
praises of theSLord. Sixty-six bishops
then entered by the front door
each wearing, in addition TO his white sur
plice. the robe denoting his rank Of Office in
the church. They walked two and two
down ssthe center aisle and took up
their seats on each side Of the chAncel
altar. The procession was closed by the
1T. Rev. John Williams. senior bishop of
Connecticut, and his assistant, Bishop
Nelly Of Maine, all making a grand and
imposing spectacle.
THE OPENING SERMON.
delivered by Bishop Wilmer OF Alabama
was very effective and impressive. Bishop
Wilmer seemed feeble, and shortly after
the sermon, before the sacrament was ad-
ministered, he became i'll and left the
church. and was taken TO the home Of his
nephew, Skepwith Wilmer Of this city
After the sermon the beautiful service of
communion was continued, Bishop WhipDle
consecrsttng the elements and officiating at
the administration Of the sacrament of the
Lords supper. The presiding bishop, who
was seated at the right of the altar, pro-
nounced absolution. Bishops Whlpple and
Paret and the Anglican bishops, after
partaking OF the sacrament, administered it
first to the bishops and then TO the clerical
and lay deputies Many of them had at
tended the early service of the communion
in Emanuel, Grace, st. Paul and St
Michael and other churches In order TO les
son the length of convention services. Not
withstanding this precaution, however, and
the good management Of the master of cere-
monies, nearly an hour was oo-
cupied IN administering the sacra-
ment 60 the throng of deputies. The
gathering at the chancel rail was remark
able one. The men Of the extreme north
oommuned with brethren of the extreme
south, and the east and west met together
in fraternal communion. Que of the most
prominent figures among the laymen was
Melville W. Fuller. chief justice of the
supreme court Of the United States, who
knelt side by side with colored clergy
man at the communion rail. The senior
bishop pronounced the benediction and the
congregation was dismissed. Thirteen
bishops were absent, some Of whom will
probably be here Tomorrow.
The house of deputies was organized in
the afternoon by the unanimous election OF
Rev. Morgan Dix OF New York as presi-
dent, and Rev. DR.. c. L. Hutchins of Con
cord. Mass. as secretary. This Is the third
time that DIR. Dix has been chosen president