New-York tribune., 1908-10-10

The declination of the Rev. Dr. Arthur Sell
den Lloyd announced this week. to become Co
adjutor Bishop of the Diocese OF Maryland Will
necessitate another meeting Of that diocese and
the election of another priest to the episcopate-
Dr. Lloyd caused universal regret to the Prot
estant Episcopal clergy OF Maryland by deehn-
ing the bshopric.
While as yet it is impossible to predict Win
any degree of certainty whom the Maryland do
cese will now elect, yet It can be stated on good
authority that two of the priests who will he
considered for the honor are men at present IN
charge of parishes in New York
Dr. Lloyd holds the unique record of being the
only priest in the Protestant Episcopal Church
who has been elected to the episcopate on four
different occasions, and has each time declined
He is a Virginian by birth, and after graduating
from the University of Virginia went to the Viz
ginia Theological Seminary. at Alexandria, from
which famous institution he was graduated IN
1880.
He first declined to become Bishop OF Mis-
sissippi, then refused to be Bishop Of Kentucky.
and later of the Diocese of Southern Virginia as
coadjutor bishop.
For some years past Dr.. Lloyd has been gen
eraI secretary of the Board Of Domestic and
Foreign Missions Of the Protestant Episcopal
Church. 1t was his desire after his graduation
from the theological seminary to do active work
as a missionary, but was persuaded that MS
duty lay in his own country.
In his letter of declination. addressed TO the
Rev Dr. Arthur Chiffon Powell, rector Of Grace
Church, Baltimore, DR.. Lloyd said:
The letter from your committee. received on
October ., has had serious and reverent conSid-
Grafton. NV conclusion is that must decIhe
the election to be Bishop Coadjutor or the Do Do
cese of Maryland. Your committee VIII PdIuoi
me if 1 try to convey to you some or my Iea-
sons for this decision
When at Boston the Church, assembled in
General Convention, discontinued the Doard OF
managers and committed the missionary depart
n1ent Of its work to a board Of missions you
will recall that a canon was enacted requlrlng
the general secretary Of that board TO be elected
bv the General Convention At that time was
honored by being chosen to fill this othce, ana
again at Richmond I received the same vote OF
confidence During all these years have been
the recipient of most kindly consideration from
the whole Church, and have been honoreu oy IILe
expressed confidence of the bishops and clergy
everywhere Moreover. in the performance or
nv duties 1 have been brought into close con-
tact with all parts Of the Church. so that l have
gained a knowledge OF conditions that ought 70
be of use TO the Board of Missions in the very
ar7uous work intrusted TO it by the Church.
It seems TO me, therefore, that gratitude 10
the Church for the confidence with which II mas
honored me makes it right for me 10 retain tnls
Office until it is vacated by the Will OF Jns
Church or else until Imperative personal consld-
era eions shall make il seem right for me 10 ask
10 he relieved. Of course, any right minded
man must be profoundly moved Dy such con-
siderat tion as has been shown me by the Diocese
Of MARYLAND But the only fit proof Of appre-
citation of such honor must be IN meeting Il
righteoI1sIv This 1 have endeavOred to do.
Certain that the Church in Maryland VIII Know
how gratifed I for its confidence, and per-
suaded that the ChurcIl's head will himself pro-
vide that diocese with a more worthy servant /
am. respectfully and faithfully yours.