The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1916-09-23
Hiq Great contrihrtion

His Great Contribution
Bishop PctcrklnS great contribution
was the development OF the Episcopal
Church in West Virginia. To which he
devoted his life principally as his spe-
cial duty. When he became Bishop of
Wrst Virginia. the first 10 Iold that pu-
Sitiun. the Bishop of Virginia is said To
have remarked To him that it would he
worth his while TO visit eleven places
in the state. Now the Bishop Coadju-
tor visits from ninety to one hundred
places on his official Journeys. Figures
could be compiled showing the results
of the work of Bishop Pctcrkin in the
state. but that comparison shows adc
church due to tho efforts and zeal or
the bishop, who is now no more Of the
living.
Bishop Fcterkin continued actively
in his duties until some three years agn.
when Bishop Cuadjutor William =. Graz
watt Of Charles Town. W. Va. assumed
the burden OF the work. The latter be-
comes the bishop on the dcCcaSe OF
Bishop pctcrkin. by the laws Of tho
church. He was chosen to Ills position
sixteen years ago.
1t will b. recalled that ut tho recent
General Episcopal Council Of the stat,
held in Iarkcrsburg at the Trinity
Church last year. bishop Pcterkin sub
mittcd a remarkable paper. which WAS
read by Hon. Il. NJ. Amber. Of this city.
W
with bowed heads and with eyes fillcd
with tears. the notification of Bishop
rcterkin that he had rendered his res
ignation. The reading "G tho paper
made q remarkable impression on tho
Council and it was unanimously voted
To request him To withdraw his rcSig-
nation and remain till his death rs the
Bishop of the West Virginia Diocese.
During the sessions Of the Council
many Of The rectors OF the churches in
,jcit a2 piShnn Dot fcr
nc last time. 1t. was Il source of great
sorrow that ne could not attend any of
the sessions. though held III his own
city.
bishop Pntrrkin. during his long career
often found time To assist the bishops Of
IN" n"irh boring states Of Ohio and Fir-
ginia in their duties. lie delivered many
addresses and performed Il countless
numpcr Of services in various capacities,
Founded Hospital.
One OF the monumental works If
Rishnp Petcrkin was the founding Gi the
"Shcllering Arms" hospital at llansf"rd,
w. Na.. about 1ASj. 1t was probably the
first hospital 70 be founded III tho state
aside from the hospital at Wheeling.
Located In Il mining region. ii WIS
founded FOR tho miners and railroad /. en-
who were without financial mranS 10 So
euro medical and surgical aid. TIL" hos
pital has since that time grown to he
state und is monument In the hum.,ui-
tarianiSm and generosity of the dead
bishop.
Bishop aud Mrs. P"tcrkin built the
Memorial Church or III" !i"ud Shepherd
Of this city in mcm"ry Of Il child whom
they lost Tn" church stands az anni her
monument /" the memory and honor of
Eishuu I'ctrrkin.
4 word should b. >ald IF tho philan :
thrnphy IF Bishop Frl"rkin. He always
assisted generously in thu religious and
philanthropic work from his means. and
was ever willing and constantly WAS
making sacrifices for his fellow m,.'i.
The work of Bishop irt"rkin. while nf
thu Episcopal church. MAS of such Il M
turr as to win the communication of all
churches in the work hr did for Chris
tan progress and tho results ni his long
r,rnrr are not confined 10 his own
church.