The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-06-09
BISHOP JOSEPH FRANCIS
RECTOR OF ST. PAUL'S AT EVANS
VILE CHOSEN As A COMPROMISE.
The salary Il Raised
$500.

The Episcopal diocesan convention settled
on Rev. Joseph NJ Francis. rector OF st.
Paurs Church, Evansville. to be bishop yes
terday afternoon at 1890 O'Clock. The cler-
gymen and laymen had balloted three hours
the night before and could come TO no con-
clusion- The delegates reconvened at 10
o'clock yesterday morning and balloted two
hours before they elected. 1t was generally
said that Rev c. A Christensen, of this
city, represented the anti-ritualists ana
Rev. John Jacob Faude, of Minneapolis. the
ritualists. Mr.. Christensen was ahead when
the convention adjourned at 124o o'clock
yesterday morning. Neither of the two fac
tions would agree to give over In favor
of the other. and the only course was
middle one, which resulted in Mr.. Francis's
election At yesterday afternoons session.
the closing one. the convention 'loosened
up and raised the bishops salary 500,
making 1t s250o. 1t also allowed him $500
year travelling expenses. 1t is likely that
at next years convention the salary Will
be increased considerably.
The new bishop will probably not come
into his office until next September. The
standing committee of the diocese must
notify every bishop in the country of the
election. and the approval of a majority
ton is valid. Then arrangements must be
made for the conservation of the bishop.
This may take place either in this city or
at Mr.. Franciss own church, but it is ex-
pected that he will ask that it occur at
Evansville, and his wish will receive defer
ence. He Is popular with clergy and lay
men, The vote by which he was elected
twenty-eight. Mr.. Faude had eighteen and
Mr.. Christensen eight. and though Mr.
Francis was thus elected by only one vote
Ii was known that 1t was because prom
ises had been made of votes for the other
candidates. and the reason was not that
any one really objected to Mr.; Francis s
election. The clergy house elected Mr..
Faude twice before it learned that the lay
delegates had elected Mr. Francis. Then the
clergymen also turned to Mr.. Francis.
is years porn oid Al He Mae
from the Theological Seminary at Nasho-
tai; Wis After H;a living short time at
missionary and stayed ten years. He was
chosen bishop. of Toxic, but the church
had for work in Japan and Mr.. Francis did
not become bishop. In January. 1898. he
became ,' rector of St Pauns Church Evans ans,
The one who nominated him said Mr..
Francis came to the parish when il was
divided against itself and far in debt After
year, he continued, Mr.. Francis had
united the factions and cleared the debt.
He said he had no doubt he could bring
the diocese out OF the slough or nndnc1al
despond. He will lift this nightmare that
is around our necks.'' he declared. And
though this climax was followed by storm
of laughter, the speech lost none of its
strength and made an impression.
When two dioceSes were made out of In
diana the funds were divided. and this
weakened both materially. Besides. the
churchmen say, Indiana is truly mission
airy diocese. A plan that has been urged
by the mission boards for several years will
be followed out in building up the new
diocese, IL is said. This plan is to abandon
for a time the attempt to establish the
church in "unfertile'' fields. Effort and
money will be spent in strengthening the
parishes in the towns where there is a
promising prospect. When the church
diocese becomes prosperous. as the Episco-
pals believe Ii must in a few years, the
church will be extended into the secluded
places. The diocese has for many years re-
ceived from the National. Domestic and
Foreign Mission Society 5000 a year for
missions In Indiana. This year the sum will
be reduced $500. The diovese in yesterday
convention pledged itself to raise $500 for
home missions. This will give $4,000 with
which to support the missions in this
diocese this year.