Norwich bulletin., 1909-06-10
ARcHDEAcoN J. ELDRED BROWN
 NAMED ON COMMITTEE
To Consider AdvisabiIity of Division of piocsss-ciose of Episcopal Con vention.

VI Sfose oI EPtsSvPhi WI vention.
 The annual convention of the Prot estant Episcopal diocese of Connecticut concluded late Tuesday afternoon in Hartford. Its most important work of the late afternoon was the action talk en in the matter of a possible division of the diocese. It was voted that committee of seven clergymen and six laymen be appointed to report at the next convention on the advisability of a division and on what lines, or on any other provision to meet the difi- culty suggested by the bishop. Bishop Brewster appointed the following: The Rev. Drs. Storrs O. Seymour, w. H. Lewis, F. W. Hartman, O. H. Raftery, and the Revs. J. Eldred Brown. George T. Linsley and Charles o. Scoville, and Burton Mansfield. Charles H. Tibbits. Schuyler Merritt. Charles E. Jackson, Charles w. Bar mum and William M. Stark. Moderator Dr. Lewellyn Pratt of the Connecticut Congregational association was presented to the gathering, and made brief address of congratulation and fraternal greeting. The conven- ton rose to greet him, and rose as he left the church.
 Burton Mansfield, Judge A. Heaton Robertson and Gardiner Greene were appointed by Bishop Brewster to con- slider the condition of weak parishes.
 Burton Mansfield presented the re- port of the Missionary society, and an appropriation of $11,50e was made for the society.
 Malcolm Graham of North Canaan was appointed trustee for the aged and infirm clergymen and the clergy mems retiring funds William M. Stark of New London was reelected delegate of the Missionary society.
 The Rev. Dr. Samuel Hart, the Rev. Dr. s. O. Seymour, the Rev George T. Linsley, M. G. Thompson and Stewart Means were chosen members of the standing committee. Delegates to the miss ionary council were chosen as fol- lows: The Rev. Dr. s. O. Seymour, the Rev. Dr. F. W. Hartman, the Rev. George T. Linsley, Burton Mansfield. M. W. Seymour, Gardiner Greene and Henry D. Rees.
 Announcement was made of bequest and donations as follows:
 Bequess of $1, GOO under the will of Harriet White for the benefit of Trin- ity church, Brooklyn, the income to be added to the salary of the pastor.
 Christ church parish, New Haven, conveying in trust for said parish land with buildings thereon in New Haven, and securities comprising endowment funds of said parish as follows: The Mary I. Linzee fund, securities valued at $12,421.55; Caroline s. Edwards fund. $4,S66.44; the semi-centennial fund. $1SO646.
 of Julia E. Briggs, late of Greenwich Conn., income for current expenses and salary of rector of Calvary church. Round Hill, in town of Greenwich.
 From Cornelius B. Gold, deed of land situated in Washington, for bene- fit of St. Johns parish. Washington.
 Statistics of Year.
 In his report Bishop Brewster said:
 Since the last convention have yis- ited churches, chapels. missions, and places. to the number of one hundred and eighteen. In the couruse of these visitations, and at other times, have officiated on one hundred and eighty five occasions, have delivered two hundred and twenty-five sermons and addresses, celebrated the holy com two marriages and five funerals, and have confirmed one thousand eight hundred and ffty-eight persons. There were also confirmed by the bishop as- sistant of South Dakota ten persons, and by the bishop of Colorado one person, making total of one thou sand eight hundred and sixty-nine
 
 ordained to the diaconate and seven deacons have been advanced to the priesthood. Nine clergymen have presented letters dimissory and been received into the diocese, and eleven clergymen have received letters dimis- sorry to other dioceses.
 There are on the roll of the diocese one hundred and ninsty-fou priests and eleven deacons. Seven clergy men of other dioceses are regularly officiating in the diocese under my license. In the course of the past year there have been fourteen candi- dates for holy orders, of whom five have been ordained, as stated above. There are at present nine candidates, and several more will probably be admitted very soon. Seven deacon esses are at work in the diocese. Since the last convention l have H. censed twenty eight lay readers and renewed thirty-six licenses which had expired:
 The past year has been on the whole period of quiet progress, perhaps most notably in our Sunday school work and the training of teachers. Never do remember receiving in the same length of time so many applica- tions for admission as postulants for holy orders as were received in the early part of May.
 Division of the Diocese.
 The reasons for considering a divi- sion of the diocese I shall not at this time discuss. Those reasons may briefly be summed up thus; not for the bishops sake, but for the works sake, that it may be better done; for the church's sake, that 1t be set for ward and may more fully accomplish its mission in this commonwealth; and also, let me add, for the sake of genuine diocesan unity The true unit of church life. it must be re- membered, is the diocese. That dio- cesan unity, under present conditions, is not in adequate measure practically realized. Myself a native of Con necticut, I can well understand the feeling of pride in the old diocese as it has been and is. On the other hand, diocesan efficiency would seem to be more weighty consideration than any diocesan prestige.
 In recent years much has been said regarding the historic Episcopate locally adapted" Whether some what more of local adaptation thereof be not necessity here would seem to be reasonable question. Let me express the hope that you will au- thorize the appointment of a repre- sentative committee seriously to con- slider the whole subject and report to the next convention. Let me also say that while I should desire some times to meet with that committee, l think it better that l should not be a member or officer thereof.
 Better Support of the Clergy.
 -k II