Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1899-11-11

ISTRY.
Special 10 the Register,
CHARLES TOWN. w. Va, Noyem-
Der 10-The conservation of Rev. W.
l.. Gravatt. rector of Zion church in
this place. to be Bishop Coadjutor of
the Diocese Of West Virginia, took place
to-day in the church, in the presence of
an immense congregation. The SER
vices we're intensely interesting, and
the ceremonies solemnly impressive.
The church has recently been remodel
ed and handsomely frescoed in the in
teriot, and was opened on this occasion
for the first time since the improve
ments were made.
The regular Episcopal service was
rendered, and the music was furnished
by select choir under the leadership
of Miss Katie NJ. Aisquith, while Mrs.
T. M. Baker presided at the organ, and
long list of selected chants and
hymns were beautifully rendered.
The Rt. Rev. R. A. Gibson. Bishop
Coadjutor of Virginia, and Bishop F.
X Brooke, Of the Diocese CT Oklahoma,
presented the Bishop elect to the con-
secrators.
The Rt. Rev. L. w. Burton. of the
Diocese of Lexington, Kentucky,
preached the conservation sermon.
He is a distinguished prelate, and de-
livered one of the most forcible and
eloquent sermons ever delivered on
such an occasion.
At the close of the sermon the Rt.
Rev. F. M. 'Whittle, of the Diocese of
Virginia, Rt Rev. G. w. Peterkin, Di-
Geese of West Virginia, and Rt. Rev.
H. Y. Satterlee. Diocese of Washing
ton, D. c., performed the conservation
service.
The attending Presbyters were Rev.
r. D. Roller. CT Charleston, w. Va,
and Rev. J. ]. Gravatt, of Richmond,
Va, who is the brother of the new
Bishop Coadjutcr Besides these there
were about fifty clergymen from differ
ent parts of the country, who attended,
and took part in the services. The
ceremonies occupied three hours.
Bishop Coadjutor. w Loyal Gra-
watt was born in Port Royal, Va, and
rooaived hic od,,oot;op ot ~ Wiz; - =,
Military College. at Blackstone. He
graduated in theology at the Virginia
Theological Seminary in 1884, with
honors. He entered at once upon his
duties as assistant to Rev. Charles
Minnegerode, rector of st. Pauls
church, Richmond, Va. He remained
in this position for three years, when
he accepted the rectorship OF st. Peters
church at Norfolk, va, where he was
engaged for period Of about six years.
In 1898, upon a unanimous call of the
vestry. he accepted the rectorship of
Zion Episcopal church in this place.
On July 26th. 1899, he was elected
Bishop Coadjutor for the diocese of
West Virginia by the Episcopal Con-
vention, which met at Clarksburg, w.
Va.
During his rectorship of Zion church,
Mr.. Gravatt became one of the most
popular rectors ever in charge of the
church. He was universally loved In
the community by all Of his own creed,
as well as Others. AS preacher, he
was strong and impressive, and his ser
mons were regarded as eloquent and
instructive. In manner he was digni-
fed, yet always gentle and kind, and
MS ccnsiderate christian conduct won
for him the esteem and love.
From five to seven o'clock in the eve
ming the vestry OF the parish gave a
reception in the parish building to the
newly consecrated Bishop Coadjutor,
the visiting clergy, and the congrega-
ton Of Zion church The new Bishop
was rendered the warmest congratula-
tons.
During the reception refreshments
were served by the ladies' OF the con-
gregation.