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Cornell University Library 
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 The Records of Convocation, A.D. 1790-A. 
 
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 A PAGE FROM THE "RECORDS" 
 Containing the Approval of the Union of the Church in America 
 
Biocese of Connecticut 
 
 THE 
 
 Records of Convocation 
 
 A.D. 1790— A. D. 1848 
 
 EDITED AND ANNOTATED FOR 
 
 THE DIOCESAN COMMISSION ON 
 ARCHIVES 
 
 The REVEREND JOSEPH HOOPER, M.A. 
 
 NEW HAVEN : 
 
 Printed for the Convention 
 
 mcmiv 
 
THE TUTTLE, MOREHOUSE & TAYLOR COMPANY, 
 NEW HAVEN, CONN. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 With the printing of these "Records" the documentary 
 history of the Diocese is made more complete. Some acts of the 
 earlier Conventions seem obscure until explained by the discus- 
 sions and conclusions of the Bishop and clergy in Convocation. 
 
 While the "Records" have been recognized as of great 
 historic value by all Connecticut Churchmen, and especially by 
 those who have carefully studied "the spotless history," as 
 Bishop Williams styled it, of this the mother diocese of the 
 American Church, there has been but one previous proposal to 
 publish them. 
 
 This was in 1851, when the lovable and erudite Rev. Dr. 
 Alonzo B. Chapin, editor of The Calendar, contemplated issuing 
 them with some historical notes after publishing extracts in the 
 columns of The Calendar; and for this purpose had a copy 
 made which apparently has disappeared. 
 
 The historian of the Church in Connecticut, the revered and 
 learned Dr. Eben Edwards Beardsley, consulted them while 
 preparing; h is "Histo ry" and incorporated some extracts into 
 
 reely in his "Life" of our first 
 
 CORNELL 
 
 UNIVERSITY 
 
 LIBRARY 
 
 GIFT OF 
 
 Prof. Kenneth Walter 
 Cameron 
 
 le permanent Commission upon 
 ril 10, 1899, it was resolved that 
 ing Records of the Convocations 
 with notes for preservation." 
 1 to bring the subject before the 
 
 'Records" was resumed at the 
 ission on May 13, 1902. The 
 ously reaffirmed and a member 
 ) present it to the Convention. 
 Diocese held in Trinity Church, 
 e present publication was unani- 
 
THE TUTTLE, MOREHOUSE & T, 
 NEW HAVEN, CO 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 With the printing of these "Records" the documentary 
 history of the Diocese is made more complete. Some acts of the 
 earlier Conventions seem obscure until explained by the discus- 
 sions and conclusions of the Bishop and clergy in Convocation. 
 While the "Records" have been recognized as of great 
 historic value by all Connecticut Churchmen, and especially by 
 those who have carefully studied "the spotless history," as 
 Bishop Williams styled it, of this the mother diocese of the 
 American Church, there has been but one previous proposal to 
 publish them. 
 
 This was in 1851, when the lovable and erudite Rev. Dr. 
 Alonzo B. Chapin, editor of The Calendar, contemplated issuing 
 them with some historical notes after publishing extracts in the 
 columns of The Calendar; and for this purpose had a copy 
 made which apparently has disappeared. 
 
 The historian of the Church in Connecticut, the revered and 
 learned Dr. Eben Edwards Beardsley, consulted them while 
 preparing his "History" and incorporated some extracts into 
 his text. He also used them freely in his "Life" of our first 
 Bishop, Dr. Samuel Seabury. 
 
 At the annual meeting of the permanent Commission upon 
 Parochial Archives held on April 10, 1899, it was resolved that 
 the Convention "have the existing Records of the Convocations 
 of the clergy carefully printed with notes for preservation." 
 
 No measures were then taken to bring the subject before the 
 Convention. 
 
 The consideration of the "Records" was resumed at the 
 annual meeting of the Commission on May 13, 1902. The 
 former resolution was unanimously reaffirmed and a member 
 of the Commission appointed to present it to the Convention. 
 
 At the Convention of the Diocese held in Trinity Church, 
 Hartford, on June 10, 1902, the present publication was unani- 
 mously authorized. 
 
— 4— 
 
 The Commission subsequently appointed the Rev. Dr. Samuel 
 Hart, Registrar of the Diocese, and the Rev. Joseph Hooper, 
 a committee to superintend its annotation and publication. 
 
 The desire of the Committee to verify every detail of both 
 the text and the notes has made an earlier publication imprac- 
 ticable. , 
 
 The Committee has in all matters connected with the pub- 
 lication acted as a unit. 
 
 Dr. Hart kindly undertook the comparison of the transcript 
 with the original and read the proof of the text also with the 
 original. Mr. Hooper is responsible for the "Introduction," 
 which is intended to give such information as is available con- 
 cerning the "Voluntary Conventions" and earlier Convocations 
 in Connecticut. He has also compiled such "Notes" as seemed 
 necessary. He gratefully acknowledges his indebtedness to his 
 colleague's profound knowledge of our history. 
 
 The "Records" are printed exactly as found in the original 
 minute books with these exceptions : the years are inserted in 
 bold-faced type and a few emendations necessary to complete 
 the sense have been made. They are enclosed in square brackets. 
 
 J. H. 
 
 June, 1904. 
 
HISTORICAL INTRODUCTION. 
 
 It was the custom of the clergy of the Church of England in 
 the Colony of Connecticut to meet from time to time in "volun- 
 tary convention." 
 
 At these meetings matters of common interest were discussed, 
 and often protests were made and measures taken to maintain 
 the rights of oppressed Churchmen in some of the towns. 
 
 Although a yearly gathering of the clergy in each colony or 
 province, or if there were very few in any colony the clergy 
 of two or more colonies, was favored by the venerable Propa- 
 gation Society, the Conventions were held at irregular intervals 
 until the middle of the eighteenth century. Each meeting in 
 New England generally, and in Connecticut especially, had the 
 warrant of some special need of their various cures or the pres- 
 ence of some danger or menace to the Church of which they 
 were ministers. 
 
 The same irregularity is noticed in the Conventions in the 
 other North American colonies and provinces until after 1750. 
 At that time the agitation for an American Episcopate became 
 more active, and appeals and plans for its successful accom- 
 plishment were frequently sent to the venerable Society, "his 
 Grace of Canterbury" or "my Lord of London." 
 
 An organized opposition to this design, and the union against 
 it of all those dissenting from the Church of England, caused 
 the clergy of the more northern colonies to meet more frequently 
 until the Revolution. 
 
 We know certainly from letters of missionaries, notices in 
 the newspapers, and the formal documents sent "home" to the 
 venerable Society or the Bishop of London, that seventeen Con- 
 ventions were held in Connecticut from 1739 to 1776. 
 
 Probably there were other meetings more purely social in their 
 character of which no record was made. 
 
 The first recorded Convention is that held at "Fairfield in New 
 England" on March 20, 1739. It was attended by seven clergy- 
 men, the six then laboring in Connecticut and the Rector of 
 Christ Church, Rye, New York, who ministered to the Connecti- 
 
cut Churchmen on the border of New York at Horse Neck (now 
 Greenwich), and Stamford. 1 From the "representation" sent 
 to the venerable Society the meeting was occasioned by the 
 aggressions of the "Standing Order" upon Churchmen. Taxes 
 for the support of the ministry were levied in every town. These 
 taxes were to be the provision for the salary of the ministers 
 of the "Standing Order," that is, those who subscribed and 
 conformed to the Saybrook Platform of 1708. All "sober dis- 
 senters," including Churchmen, who were certified to belong to 
 other religious bodies could have their ministerial taxes paid to 
 their respective pastors. In practice very few towns were 
 willing to divert any portion of their tax from the local pastor 
 without a formal suit and mandamus. The particular case of 
 aggression in 1739 was that of the Churchmen in Horse Neck 
 and Stamford, where the collectors refused to pay their pro- 
 portion of the tax to Mr. Wetmore. This treatment of a just 
 claim demanded redress. 
 
 The Convention also mentioned the indignity offered to the 
 Rev. Mr. Arnold of West Haven and his servants, who were 
 forcibly ejected by a mob of about one hundred and fifty people 
 from the "Gregson Glebe" in New Haven, of which he was 
 taking possession by ploughing. 
 
 This plot had been deeded to the Rev. Jonathan Arnold 
 by Mr. William Gregson of London in trust for the Church 
 of England in New Haven. The actual title was obscure and 
 disputed. 2 
 
 1 The Rev. Samuel Johnson, of Stratford ; 
 
 John Beach, of Newtown ; 
 
 Samuel Seabury, of New London ; 
 
 Jonathan Arnold, of West Haven ; 
 
 Ebenezer Punderson, of North Groton ; 
 
 Henry Caner, of Fairfield ; 
 
 James Wetmore, of Rye, New York. 
 
 2 The " Representation" is on pp. 166-169 of Documentary History of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America. I. Con- 
 necticut. Francis L. Hawks, D.D.,LL.D., William Stevens Perry, A.M., 
 Editors. Vol.1. New York, James Pott, 1863. Usually quoted as " Con- 
 necticut Church Documents." For the "Gregson Glebe," see pp. 114, 
 115, 168, 170, 171, 224, 227 of The History of the Episcopal Church in Con- 
 necticut, from the Settlement of the Colony to the death of Bishop Seabury. By 
 E. E. Beardsley, D.D. Vol. I. Third edition. New York, Hurd and 
 Houghton, 1874. Also pp. 19, 20, 22, The Beginning of the Episcopal 
 Church in New Haven. By Edwin Harwood, D.D. 1894. 
 
— 7— 
 
 The second Convention was held at New London on May 4, 
 1740. It was attended by representatives of the clergy through- 
 out New England. An extract from its proceedings relating to 
 the establishment of a parish at "Hopkinston," probably the 
 town in Massachusetts, is the only item concerning its delibera- 
 tions available. 1 At Hopkinston, Mass., the Rev. Commissary 
 Price of King's Chapel, Boston, afterward built and endowed 
 with a glebe a commodious church. 2 
 
 On August 24, 1742, the clergy of Connecticut met at Fair- 
 field. Their special object was to ask the Bishop of London 
 to appoint a Commissary for Connecticut. The Rector of 
 Stratford, the Rev. Samuel Johnson, was nominated to Dr. 
 Edmund Gibson, their diocesan, as the most suitable person. 
 The chief reason for such an appointment was : "our distances 
 from the Commissary at Boston is such as makes it impracticable 
 for us to attend upon the yearly Convention, and, consequently 
 to receive the benefits of that appointment." 3 
 
 The research of Mr. George E. Hoadley has enriched the 
 archives of the Diocese with these particulars of several Con- 
 ventions from the files of The Connecticut Courant. As the 
 files are not complete it is probable that other sessions were 
 mentioned in the Courant. 
 
 [Courant, Monday, June 10, 1765.] 
 
 Hebron, June 6th, 1765. 
 
 Yesterday being the Wednesday after Trinity Sunday, there 
 was in this town a convention of the Clergy of the Church 
 of England, belonging to Conn. The Rev. Mr. Learning of 
 Norwalk preached an ingenious and pathetic Sermon on 1st Cor. 
 IV 1 to great satisfaction. The Rev. Mr. Hubbard of Guilford 
 read prayers with much approbation. The Convention for the 
 year 1766 is appointed to be held at New Milford, when the 
 Rev'd Mr. Mansfield of Derby is nominated to preach. 
 
 1 p. 170, Connecticut Church Documents, I. 
 
 'p. 73, Annals of the American Pulpit, V '. Wm. B. Sprague, D.D. New 
 York, Robert Carter and Brother, 1861. 
 
 8 pp. 181, 182, Connecticut Church Documents, I. pp. 135, 136, Dr. 
 Beardsley's "History," I. 
 
[Courant, June 2, 1766.] 
 
 Wallingford, May 29, 1766. 
 
 Yesterday in this town was a meeting of the Clergy of Conn, 
 when a very rational sermon was preached by the Rev. Mr. 
 Mansfield of Darby. Prayers were read by the Rev. Mr. 
 Learning of Norwalk. 
 
 [Courant, June 29, 1767.] 
 Turkey Hills in Simsbury, June 18, 1767. 
 
 Yesterday was held in this place the annual Convention of the 
 Church Clergy in Connecticut, before whom a sermon was 
 preached by the Rev'd Mr. Newton of Ripton in Stratford. 
 Prayers were read by the Rev'd Mr. Jarvis of Middletown. 
 
 [Courant, June 5, 1769.] 
 
 On Wednesday the 24th last, was a full convention of the 
 Church Clergy at New Milford, at which two sermons were 
 preached by the Rev. Mess. Scovil and Kneeland respectively. 
 
 [Courant, Tuesday, May 28, 1771.] 
 
 On Wednesday last there was a Convention of the Church 
 Clergy of this Colony at Norwich. The Service of the Church 
 was read by Mr. Bostwick of Great Barrington, and a Sermon 
 preached by Mr. Andrews of Wallingford. 
 
 [Courant, Tuesday, June 30, 1772.] 
 
 Wednesday of last week was the annual Convention of the 
 Church of England Clergy, when more than twenty Gentlemen 
 of that Character met at Fairfield, to whom a Sermon was 
 preached by the Rev. Mr. Viets of Simsbury. 
 
 An interesting Convention was held on July 23, 1776, at the 
 house of the Rev. Bela Hubbard in New Haven. The Church 
 of England clergy in the colony were firm loyalists with scarcely 
 an exception. When arms were taken up against the King their 
 consciences would not allow them at the bidding of the patriots 
 to omit the prayers for the King and Royal Family in public 
 worship. Threats and imprisonment did not frighten them or 
 cause them to decline "mutilating" the Prayer Book. They 
 could not break their oath of allegiance taken at their solemn 
 
ordination, they were reluctant to close their churches provided 
 they could keep them open with comparative safety to them- 
 selves and their parishioners. After much deliberation they 
 devised a form of service which dispensed with the use of the 
 Book of Common Prayer, and which the Convention authorized 
 for use. "It was voted, that the following mode of public wor- 
 ship should be carried out in their respective churches. I st 
 singing. 2^ a chapter out of the Old Testament. 3 r<Uy Psalms 
 of the Day out of the Old Testament. 4°* some commentary. 
 5 thly a Psalm. 6 tMy a Sermon. And lastly, Part of the 6 th 
 Chap'r of St Math'w, ending with the Lord's Prayer, all kneel- 
 ing. The Blessing." 1 It was not practicable in every place 
 to maintain the accustomed services. Mr. Hubbard at New 
 Haven, Mr. Jarvis at Middletown, Mr. Tyler at Norwich, John 
 Beach at Newtown and Redding Ridge, Richard Mansfield at 
 Derby and Gideon Bostwick in his extensive mission at Great 
 Barrington and the surrounding country in Massachusetts, New 
 York and Vermont, appear to be those who were able without 
 serious disturbance to go about their clerical work and keep open 
 their churches during the Revolution. 
 
 In the closing days of the war, the clergy that remained in 
 Connecticut gathered at Middletown and were welcomed by the 
 hospitable rector, the Rev. Abraham Jarvis. In old Christ 
 Church, near the present South Green, they met in Convention 
 on May 29, 1782. Our only knowledge of this session is from 
 the manuscript of the sermon preached before it by the Rev. 
 Gideon Bostwick of Great Barrington, Mass. 2 
 
 As even then it was known that the United States would be 
 acknowledged as an independent power by Great Britain, it is 
 possible that these stanch adherents of the Episcopal form of 
 Church government discussed at this session the measures neces- 
 sary to introduce into the independent State of Connecticut "a 
 pure, valid and free Episcopacy." While contemporary docu- 
 
 1 Ms. from the Rev. Dr. Slafter, Registrar of the Diocese of Massa- 
 chusetts, extracted from the papers of the Rev. Wm. Clarke, Rector of St. 
 Paul's Church, Dedham, Mass. ; in the Archives of the Diocese of Con- 
 necticut. 
 
 2 This is in possession of the writer. It is in a volume of manuscript 
 sermons collected by the Rev. Dr. Daniel Burhans. The text is : "Take 
 heed unto thy self and thy doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this 
 thou shalt both save thy self and them that hear thee.'' 1 S. Timothy, iv, 16. 
 
ments concerning the preliminaries to the momentous Conven- 
 tion held at the Glebe House in Woodbury on the feast of the 
 Annunciation, 1783, are very few, it is certain that the plan of 
 completing the organization of the Church by the election and 
 consecration of a Bishop was known and discussed by the 
 clergy and leading laymen long before ten out of the fourteen 
 clergymen then connected with Connecticut journeyed over the 
 bad roads of springtime to that town among the Litchfield hills 
 where the courtly John Rutgers Marshall was rector, and there 
 made choice of our first Bishop. 
 
 The letters of the Rev. Daniel Fogg of Pomfret, written in 
 the summer of 1783 to his friend, the Rev. Samuel Parker of 
 Trinity Church, Boston, and the official documents prepared by 
 the ready pen of the Rev. Abraham Jarvis, the Secretary of the 
 Convention, are all that give us any information in writing of 
 the proceedings. Tradition is also quite silent and we know 
 the Convention at Woodbury only by its important conse- 
 quences. 1 
 
 When Dr. Seabury soon after his arrival in England applied 
 to the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Archbishop of York 
 for consecration he was met by three objections : that they had 
 no right to send a Bishop into Connecticut without the consent 
 of the State; that the Bishop would not be received in Con- 
 necticut; that no provision had been made for the support of a 
 Bishop. The Bishop-elect communicated these objections to 
 the Clergy of Connecticut in a letter dated August 10, 1783, 
 and more fully to the Rev. Mr. Learning on September 3, 1783. 
 
 Acting upon his suggestion, the clergy were summoned to 
 meet at Wallingford to consider the best method of meeting 
 these objections. The date of the Convention is given by Dr. 
 Beardsley as January 13, 1784. The Rev. Mr. Learning, the 
 
 1 The best accounts of the Woodbury Convention will be found in these 
 authorities: The Seabury Centenary, 1883-1885. Edited by the Rev. Sam- 
 uel Hart. New York, James Pott & Co., 1885. pp. 3-10, The Service at 
 Woodbury, March 27, 1883. pp. 11-29, Men Ior tlle Times. Bp. Williams' 
 Convention Sermon, June 12, 1883. The Election of Bishop Seabury. A 
 sermon by the Rev. Samuel Hart, preached in Christ Church, Hartford, 
 April I, 1883. The Election in order to Consecration of the first Bishop of 
 Connecticut. A Discourse delivered in the Church of the Annunciation, 
 New York City, Annunciation Day, 1883, by the Rev. Prof. Wm. Jones 
 Seabury, D.D. See also Note, p. 26, Bishop Seabury and Connecticut 
 Churchmanship. Dr. Hart's Convention sermon, June 9, 1896. 
 
— II — 
 
 Rev. Mr. Hubbard and the Rev. Mr. Jarvis were chosen a com- 
 mittee "to collect the opinions of the leading members of the 
 Assembly concerning an application by the clergy of the 
 Episcopal Church in Connecticut for the legal protection of a 
 Bishop for said Church when they shall be able to procure one 
 agreeable to the Common rights of Christians, as those rights 
 are now claimed and understood by all denominations of 
 Christians in the State." The result of their inquiry was 
 transmitted to Dr. Seabury in a letter from Middletown, dated 
 February 5, 1784. 1 
 
 At length the good deed of the Catholic remainder of the 
 Church in Scotland was known in this country and gratefully 
 acknowledged by all true Churchmen. 
 
 Bishop Seabury was as anxious to meet the clergy as they 
 were to greet their Bishop. 
 
 On June 29, 1785, two days after Bishop Seabury's arrival at 
 New London, which was to be his future home, he wrote to the 
 Rev. Mr. Jarvis of Middletown, concerning "the time and place 
 of the clergy's meeting." It was finally arranged to be in Mid- 
 dletown early in August. 
 
 In that pleasant city, in the quaint building known as Christ 
 Church, the clergy met in Convention on Tuesday, August 2, 
 1785, under the presidency of Dr. Learning with the Rev. Mr. 
 Jarvis as Secretary. Eleven were in attendance. The Con- 
 vention also welcomed the Rev. Benjamin Moore of Trinity 
 Church, New York City, who came to salute his old friend the 
 Bishop of Connecticut, and to note the manner in which the 
 Bishop and clergy dealt with the problem of changes in the 
 Prayer Book to conform to American independence. He had 
 no representative character since many in New York and to 
 "the southward" thought with Dr. Samuel Provoost, Rector of 
 Trinity Church, New York City, that Dr. Seabury's consecration 
 was illegal and schismatical. 
 
 The Rev. Samuel Parker, Rector of Trinity Church, Boston, 
 came at the request of his brethren of the clergy to convey to the 
 
 1 Dr. Beardsley's "Life of Bishop Seabury" gives Dr. Seabury's letters 
 and an account of the Convention. He does not mention any authority for 
 the transactions of the Convention; see pp. 108, 109, no, 112. An undated 
 draught of the reply of the Committee will be found on pp. 158-160 of 
 The Churchman' s Magazine, volume III, No. 4, April, 1806. 
 
— 12 — 
 
 Bishop the respectful congratulations of the clergy of Massa- 
 chusetts and Rhode Island, and to observe carefully the pro- 
 ceedings for the use of his brethren when a Convention should 
 be summoned to meet in Boston. 
 
 On the following day the Bishop was formally received, 
 greeted and accepted as their Bishop, by the clergy; and the 
 first four deacons of the American Church were ordained. On 
 Thursday, the first Episcopal charge was delivered. 1 
 
 At the conclusion of the ordination service "the Bishop dis- 
 solved the Convention and directed the clergy to meet him at 
 five o'clock in Convocation." 2 
 
 This is the first time the term is applied to a meeting of the 
 clergy in Connecticut. The learned Dr. Jarvis, a son of the 
 second Bishop, says : "What had before been only a voluntary 
 Convention was now resolved into a Convocation ; a term which 
 implies being convoked by Episcopal authority." 8 
 
 In England the term is used to indicate "an assembly of the 
 spirituality of the realm of England which is summoned by the 
 Metropolitan Archbishop of Canterbury and of York respec- 
 tively within their ecclesiastical provinces, pursuant to a royal 
 writ, whenever the Parliament of the realm is summoned, and 
 which is also continued or discharged as the case may be when- 
 ever the Parliament is prorogued or dissolved." 4 
 
 1 See The Address of the Episcopal Clergy of Connecticut to the Right 
 Reverend Bishop Seabury, with the Bishop's Answer and a Sermon before 
 the Convention at Middletown, August 3, 1785, by the Rev. Jeremiah 
 Learning, A.M., Rector of Christ's Church, Stratford. Also, Bishop Sea- 
 bury's first Charge to the Clergy of his Diocese, delivered at Middletown, 
 August 4, 1785. New Haven, printed by Thomas and Samuel Green. 
 Also, Seabury Centenary, pp. 113-142, Services at Middletown, Connecti- 
 cut, August 3, 1885. 
 
 2 pp. 213, 214, Life and Correspondence of the Right Reverend Samuel 
 Seabury, D.D., by E. E. Beardsley, D.D. Boston, Houghton, Mifflin & 
 Co., 1881. This sentence is quoted from a "Life of Bishop Jarvis," in The 
 Evergreen III, pp. 98 et seq., written by his son the Rev. Samuel Farmar 
 Jarvis, D.D., and evidently from the minutes of the Convention. These 
 minutes seem to have entirely disappeared. 
 
 3 p. 24, A Voice from Connecticut; occasioned by the late Pastoral Letter 
 of the Bishop of North Carolina to the Clergy and Laity of his Diocese. By 
 the Rev. Samuel Farmar Jarvis, D.D., LL.D., with the approbation of the 
 Bishop of Connecticut. Hartford, A. C. Goodman & Co., MDCCCXLIX. 
 
 4 p. 325, The Encyclopaedia Britannica, vol. VI, ninth edition, 1878. 
 From the article on " Convocation," by Sir Travers Twiss, Q.C. 
 
—13— 
 
 It is divided into two Houses. In the Upper House the Bish- 
 ops of the province sit under the presidency of the Archbishop. 
 In the Lower House the Deans of the Cathedrals, proctors for 
 the Cathedral chapters and proctors for the Clergy sit under the 
 presidency of a prolocutor chosen from among the clergy and 
 approved by the Archbishop. 
 
 Anciently Convocation had in all spiritual matters the same 
 power as the Parliament in civil matters. In 1717 its legislative 
 and consultative functions were suppressed and it met only pro 
 forma until 1853, when its consultative function was resumed, 
 and in 1861 its deliberative function was again exercised and 
 has continued to be since. 
 
 The exact powers that Bishop Seabury intended the Convo- 
 cation of Connecticut to exercise must be ascertained from the 
 scanty material available concerning the early meetings and 
 its course when most active from 1790 to 1820. 
 
 From a survey of its work we can formulate this definition 
 of the term as applied to the assembly of the clergy of Con- 
 necticut : The Convocation is the body of the clergy of a Diocese 
 called together by its Bishop to consult upon the spiritual inter- 
 ests of the Diocese, to determine and act upon all matters con- 
 cerning the welfare and edification of the Diocese, and to advise 
 the Bishop in regard to such cases of discipline as he may see 
 fit to lay before it. After the organization of the Convention of 
 clergy and lay delegates in 1792, the Convocation ceased to 
 consider and act upon affairs concerning the temporal interests 
 of the Diocese, while it still occasionally, if requested, advised 
 upon them. 
 
 When the Convocation of Connecticut held its primary session 
 on Wednesday, August 3, 1785, it gave honorary seats, as the 
 Convention had done, to Mr. Moore and Mr. Parker. With the 
 Bishop in the chair, it applied itself to the consideration of the 
 changes necessary in the English Prayer Book. 
 
 Whether any formal scheme of alterations was presented by 
 any member is not known. The subject had been widely dis- 
 cussed; much had been said about the grand opportunity to 
 make a new Book free from superstition, free from ambiguity, 
 and attractive to those who were beginning to be doubtful of our 
 Blessed Lord's divinity. Neither the clergy nor the laity of 
 
—i 4 — 
 
 Connecticut sympathized with such views. They knew the 
 Prayer Book and its teaching and were unwilling to do more 
 than revise the State Prayers, strike out all allusions to the King 
 and Royal Family, and possibly substitute modern for some 
 archaic expressions. 
 
 On Thursday, August 4th, a service was held at eleven o'clock. 
 The Rev. Mr. Parker read prayers and the Rev. Mr. Moore 
 preached a sermon. After this the Bishop delivered his primary 
 charge to the clergy. 
 
 The Convocation resumed its session and continued its delib- 
 erations until Friday, when it adjourned to meet at New Haven 
 in September, "after appointing Mr. Bowden, Mr. Parker and 
 Mr. Jarvis as a committee to consider of, and make with the 
 Bishop, some alterations in the Liturgy needful for the present 
 use of the Church." 
 
 The committee continued to sit for two days in Middletown 
 to perfect the changes then deemed most important. 
 
 They were announced to the Diocese by the Bishop in a pas- 
 toral letter dated New London, August 12, 1785, in which he 
 enjoined the clergy "to make the following alterations in the 
 Liturgy and offices of our Church." He comprised them under 
 eight heads. All the changes were in connection with the State 
 prayers and mention of the King, Royal Family and British 
 government. 1 
 
 The other alterations proposed at Middletown and approved 
 by the committee it was thought best to leave for consideration 
 at New Haven. 
 
 In the meantime Mr. Parker had returned home and at the 
 Convention held in Boston on September 7 and 8, which was 
 attended by clergymen and lay deputies from Massachusetts, 
 New Hampshire and Rhode Island, made his report of the pro- 
 ceedings at Middletown and laid before the Convention the 
 alterations which the committee had adopted. From the 
 minutes of this Convention we learn that in addition to the State 
 prayers it was proposed to abolish the services for November 
 5, January 30, May 29, and October 25 ; a phrase in the Te Deum 
 
 1 A copy of the original broadside is in the Archives of the Diocese. It is 
 printed on pp. 29, 30, Bishop Seabury's Communion Office. Reprinted in 
 facsimile, with an Historical Sketch and Notes, by the Rev. Samuel Hart, 
 M.A. New York, T. Whittaker, 1883. 
 
—15— 
 
 was to be altered ; the words "He descended into Hell" to be 
 omitted in the Apostles' Creed ; the Creed of St. Athanasius to 
 be omitted ; the use of the Nicene Creed left optional ; the minor 
 Litany to be disused ; the Lord's Prayer at the commencement 
 of the Communion Office to be omitted, there were also several 
 slight alterations proposed in other portions of that office. 
 
 In the rubrics in the office for Infant Baptism a change was 
 proposed by which parents were to be admitted as sponsors 
 for their children, the sign of the Cross might be omitted, and 
 several changes were suggested in phraseology; the Committal 
 in the Burial of the Dead was to be modified; the office for 
 the Churching of Women, with the exception of the Introduc- 
 tion and Collect, to be disused ; the Absolution in the office of 
 the Visitation of the Sick expunged. 
 
 The changes suggested in the Marriage Service were in the 
 Address, the troth pledge, and the ceremony of the ring. 
 
 The use of the Collect for the Day more than once in the 
 Morning Service was to be left to the discretion of the minister. 1 
 
 The proper place for the reading of the "Ante-Communion," 
 whether "in the reading desk or in the altar," was also to be 
 discretionary with the minister. 
 
 Slight as many of the proposed alterations were, it is evident 
 that the Boston Convention did not merely register and approve 
 the conclusions of the Committee of the Connecticut Con- 
 vocation. 
 
 Many laymen in Massachusetts were desirous that the Prayer 
 Book should be so revised as to make it acceptable to the great 
 body of Evangelical Christians. 2 Laymen were in the majority 
 in the Boston Convention and their views prevailed. 
 
 It is known the review of the Prayer Book undertaken by 
 Bishop Seabury and his clergy at Middletown was entered upon 
 
 1 The English Prayer Book still enjoins its use as the first of the three 
 Collects in Morning Prayer. 
 
 2 See the "Instructions" given by Messrs. John Tracy and Dudley 
 Atkins, Wardens of St. Paul's Church, Newburyport, to the Hon. Tristram 
 Dalton, lay deputy from that parish to the Boston Convention, on pp. 243- 
 248 of Life and Times of Edward Bass, First Bishop of Massachusetts, 
 by Daniel Dulany Addison. Boston and New York : Houghton, Mifflin & 
 Company, 1897. 
 
— i6— 
 
 at the suggestion of Mr. Parker. 1 In announcing to Bishop 
 Seabury the action of the Boston Convention and forwarding a 
 copy of the alterations, he says : "You will see upon perusal of 
 them that those proposed at Middletown are mostly adopted and 
 some few others proposed. The only material ones that we have 
 not agreed to are omitting the second Lesson in the Morning 
 Service and the Gospel and Exhortation in the Baptismal Office. 
 The additional alterations in some of the offices are such as 
 were mentioned at Middletown but which we had not time to 
 enter upon then." 2 Before the time for the meeting of the Con- 
 vocation at New Haven there had been many expressions of 
 opinion by the Churchmen of Connecticut opposing any other 
 change in the Book of Common Prayer than that made necessary 
 by the transfer of civil authority. 
 
 The Convocation met in Trinity Church, New Haven, on 
 Wednesday, September 14, 1785, under the presidency of Bishop 
 Seabury with the Rev. Mr. Jarvis as secretary. The report of 
 the Committee upon alterations was presented and action 
 deferred. "The Church people in Connecticut were much 
 alarmed at the thought of any considerable alterations being 
 made in the Prayer Book ; and, upon the whole, it was judged 
 best that no alterations should be attempted at present, but to 
 wait till a little time shall have cooled down the temper and con- 
 ciliated the affections of people to each other." 8 
 
 The Convocation duly considered the affectionate and frater- 
 nal letter of the consecrators of Dr. Seabury "To the Episcopal 
 Clergy in Connecticut in North America." 4 The secretary was 
 requested to answer it in behalf of his brethren, expressing the 
 gratitude they felt toward the Church in Scotland and the desire 
 they had always to maintain a friendly and brotherly intercourse 
 
 1 " It was at my Request that the Bishop with his Clergy agreed to make 
 some alterations in the Liturgy and Offices of the Church and a Com'tee 
 from the body of the Clergy was Chosen to attend him for that purpose." — 
 The Rev. Samuel Parker to the Rev. William White. Boston, Septem'. 
 14, 1785. p. go, Bp. Perry's Historical Notes and Documents, being volume 
 three of Journal of General Convention, 1785-1835. Also: p. 286, Connec- 
 ticut Church Documents, II. 
 
 * pp. 284, 285, Connecticut Church Documents, II. The Rev. Samuel 
 Parker to the Rev. Samuel Seabury. " Boston, September 12, 1785." 
 
 8 Bishop Seabury to the Rev. Samuel Parker. " Wallingford, Nov. 28, 
 1785." p. 287, Connecticut Church Documents, II. 
 
 4 The original engrossed on vellum is in the Archives of the Diocese. 
 The text is given on pp. 153-156, Dr. Beardsley's " Bishop Seabury." 
 
—17— 
 
 with it. Mr. Jarvis wrote a letter to the Scottish Bishops in 
 the polished English of which he was master which was grace- 
 ful, grateful, and courteous. It is dated at "New Haven in Con- 
 necticut, September 16, 1785," and signed "Abraham Jarvis, 
 secretary to the Convocation of the Episcopal Clergy in Con- 
 necticut." 1 
 
 During the session of the Convocation three candidates from 
 other states were made deacons 2 and three deacons ordained 
 priests 3 in Trinity Church, New Haven on Friday, Septem- 
 ber 16. 
 
 The Rev. Dr. Ezra Stiles, President of Yale College, in his 
 "Literary Diary" alludes to the Convocation under date of 
 September 15, 1785. "Four important Transactions in this City 
 this Week: the Commencement, a meeting of the Consociation 
 of the C° of New Haven in order to divide themselves into two 
 Consociations, the Ordin a of Mr. Holmes — & lastly a meet 8 of 
 the few Episc Clergy with Dr. Seabury their Bp. for Ordin a of 
 Deacons and Presbyters accord 8 to the Chh of Engl a . The Con- 
 sociation concluded not to divide: they held their Meet 8 in the 
 Coll. Chapel the day of ordination there. The day follow 8 viz. 
 friday 16 th Sept. the Ordinations were pformed at Chh. of Engl a 
 by the Imposition of hands of Bp. Seab y , Mr. Learning & Mr. 
 Mansfield." 4 
 
 There is no contemporary or other notice of a meeting of the 
 Convocation until September 22, 1786, when the clergy attended 
 the Bishop at Derby. The Bishop now seriously considered the 
 subject of the Communion Office of the Church in Scotland as 
 the "Cone or date" and his personal pledges to the Bishops of 
 that Church required. In the unsettled state of the Church in 
 America to the "southward," Dr. Seabury as the Bishop of a free 
 
 1 A copy of the letter is on pp. 239, 240 of Dr. Beardsley's " Bishop 
 Seabury." 
 
 2 Samuel Spraggs, of Mount Holly, New Jersey. 
 Samuel Roe, of Burlington, New Jersey. 
 Samuel Armor, of Queen Anne, Maryland. 
 
 3 The Rev. Henry Van Dyke, of West Haven, Connecticut. 
 The Rev. Philo Shelton, of Fairfield, Connecticut. 
 
 The Rev. Thomas Fitch Oliver, of Providence, Rhode Island. 
 
 4 pp. 188, 189, III, The Literary Diary of Ezra Stiles, D.D., LL.D., 
 President of Yale College, edited under the authority of the Corporation 
 of Yale University, by Franklin Bowditch Dexter, M.A. Three volumes. 
 New York : Charles Scribner's Sons, 1901. 
 
— 18— 
 
 church in a free state thought he could exercise his right as a 
 Bishop of the Catholic Church and set forth such services as 
 might be necessary or expedient. After much deliberation he 
 drew up "The Communion Office," based upon the Liturgy of 
 the Church in Scotland but with some slight variations from it. 
 
 As the Bishop never intended to act in diocesan matters 
 without consulting the clergy, he submitted his draft to the Con- 
 vocation at Derby. It was received with approval and enthu- 
 siasm and the Bishop was requested to set it forth for use. 1 
 Commenting upon its publication, Bishop Williams says : "This 
 he did not, as in the case of the alterations agreed to in Con- 
 vocation, 'enjoin' or 'require.' He simply 'recommended it 
 to the Episcopal Congregations in Connecticut.' We also see, 
 unless I greatly err, in his action in regard to changes in the 
 State prayers and his own Office for the Holy Communion, 
 Bishop Seabury's ideal of the position of a bishop in the Church 
 of God. And this view is confirmed by the active course of his 
 Episcopate. What was established by competent authority he 
 'required.' What was not so established, however much his 
 own heart might be set upon it, he 'recommended'." 2 
 
 The Convocation considered further the State Prayers and 
 ordered the substitutes to be incorporated in their proper places 
 in the Prayer Book. For the petitions in the Litany referring 
 to the Royal Family and British Government there was adopted 
 a petition for the protection of "the United States in Congress 
 assembled." When the Litany was not read there was to be 
 used a special Collect for civil rulers, both the Congress and the 
 State officials. This action of the Convocation was communi- 
 cated by Bishop Seabury to "his Excellency, Samuel Huntington, 
 Esquire, Governor of the State of Connecticut," in a dignified 
 letter in which he expresses this sentiment: "We feel it to be 
 our duty, and, I assure your Excellency, it is our willing dis- 
 position, to pray for, and seek to promote, the peace and happi- 
 ness of the Country in which we live, and the stability and 
 
 1 This Office was published in a small pamphlet under the title : The 
 Communion Office or Order for the Administration of the Holy Eucharist 
 or Supper of the Lord. With Private Devotions. Recommended to the 
 Episcopal Congregations in Connecticut. By the Right Reverend Bishop 
 Seabury, New London : Printed by T. Green, MDCCLXXXVI. 
 
 a pp. 98, 99, The Seabury Centenary. The Wise Ruler. Bishop Williams' 
 Convention Sermon. Hartford, June 9, 1885. 
 
—19— 
 
 efficacy of the Civil Government under which God's providence 
 has placed us." 1 
 
 Before the clergy present at this Convocation the Bishop 
 delivered his second and last charge. It dealt with the incon- 
 venience and suffering which the withdrawal of the Propagation 
 Society stipends would entail upon the clergy, praised that 
 Society for its good work and urged the Clergy to economy, 
 frugality and the arousing of the laymen in the several congre- 
 gations to "benevolence." The Bishop said: "He has cut off 
 one resource and He can open others : and He will open others 
 should He see it best for us." He then considered the spread of 
 Deism, Arianism and Socinianism and set forth lucidly the doc- 
 trine of the Holy Trinity. He noticed briefly the "Continental 
 Convention" held in Philadelphia in September, 1785. He com- 
 mented on the deficiencies of the "Proposed Book" and criti- 
 cised those who presumed to act upon doctrinal and liturgical 
 matters without Bishops. He gave his opinion upon the true 
 method of liturgical revision and the principles which should 
 govern it. From this topic he proceeds to the interpretation 
 of Holy Scripture, which should always be done with due 
 regard "to the interpretation of the oldest Christians and of 
 the Universal Church." His last topic is the Sacraments of 
 Holy Baptism and the Holy Communion, whose doctrinal 
 character was dwelt upon. He closed with an exhortation to 
 his reverend brethren to exert themselves "in support of the 
 Holy Catholic Faith," particularly in their own land, where 
 grave dangers menaced it. 2 
 
 The conduct of some of those who apparently were leaders 
 among the Churchmen who organized the Philadelphia Con- 
 vention was the reverse of conciliatory to the Bishop, clergy 
 and laymen of Connecticut. The New England character was 
 not fully understood; the firmness and stability of those who 
 had by conviction become Churchmen, or whose faith and devo- 
 tion to principle had been tested by persecution, were not appre- 
 ciated. The defects of the "fundamental principles" of 1784, 
 
 1 The letter is dated "New London, October 14, 1786." It is printed in 
 full on p. 266 of Dr. Beardsley's "Bishop Seabury," from the Bishop's 
 Manuscript Letter Book, in possession of the Rev. Professor Seabury. 
 
 ! The charge is reprinted in full on pp. 267-282, Dr. Beardsley's 
 "Bishop Seabury." 
 
20 
 
 the failure to revise them, the changes in the Prayer Book 
 which to very many seemed to weaken its doctrinal character, 
 witness to catholic truth, and fidelity to the ancient liturgies, 
 were keenly felt in Connecticut. There was at that time not 
 even a strong bond of civil union. Each state felt absolutely 
 independent. 
 
 The inherent weakness of the Articles of Confederation and 
 the disregard by the States of any request of the Congress, were 
 rapidly causing political discontent. It was a time of uneasi- 
 ness and perplexity both in Church and State. Where there 
 was suspicion instead of trust and cold respect instead of 
 brotherly affection, there was little hope of concerted action, and 
 plans for such action proposed by Churchmen of New England 
 were either ignored or received with scant courtesy and little 
 consideration. The passage of the Enabling Act by the British 
 Parliament and the embarkation of the Bishops-designate of 
 New York and Pennsylvania to receive consecration at Lam- 
 beth, did not promise to bring about a change in the attitude 
 of the Church in New York and the more southern states 
 toward the Church in New England. The brotherly words 
 of Dr. White and the statesmanlike overtures of Dr. William 
 Smith did not seem to prevail upon their brethren in the Con- 
 vention. The conviction had been constantly growing since 
 September, 1785, that there was no desire for a "Continental 
 union" and that New England must obtain the canonical 
 number of Bishops and be a branch of the Church in America 
 by herself. When the Convention of 1786 adjourned without 
 taking any measures for union, and when even insult was 
 offered to the Bishop of Connecticut by imputations of invalid- 
 ity in his consecration and refusal to recognize those ordained 
 by him, Bishop Seabury and his clergy thought the time had 
 come to perpetuate the New England succession. 
 
 Under the influence of such occurrences and alarmed at what 
 might take place should he be removed by death, Bishop 
 Seabury summoned the clergy to meet in Convocation at Wal- 
 lingford on February 27, 1787. The specific purpose of this 
 meeting was the selection from among the Connecticut clergy 
 of a godly and well learned man to be presented to the Bishops 
 of "the Catholic remainder of the Church of Scotland" to be 
 consecrated Bishop and serve as coadjutor to Bishop Seabury. 
 
21 
 
 It was expected that Massachusetts and New Hampshire would 
 unite in electing the Rev. Mr. Parker, and thus New England 
 secure the canonical number of three Bishops to perpetuate the 
 Church. 
 
 When the Convocation met the clergy chose with great unan- 
 imity that worthy confessor, Jeremiah Learning. Again he 
 put aside the mitre, as his infirmities and advancing age warned 
 him he could not fulfil the onerous duties of the episcopate. 
 Then all turned with one consent to the Rev. Richard Mansfield, 
 whose work at Derby and the whole region round about showed 
 him wise, prudent, humble, and holy. With an instinctive 
 modesty and distrust of himself he declined. Again the lot 
 was cast, and it fell upon the Rev. Abraham Jarvis, Rector 
 of Middletown and for many years Secretary of the Convention 
 as then of the Convocation. 1 
 
 No hasty action was intended. It was earnestly hoped that 
 the Church in the United States would not be divided. Every 
 effort was to be made for unity before the Bishop-designate 
 proceeded to Scotland. Bishop Seabury wrote from Walling- 
 ford on March 2, 1787, after the adjournment of the Convoca- 
 tion, to Bishop Skinner, of Aberdeen, informing him of the 
 alarm of the Clergy "at the steps taken by the Clergy and 
 Laity to the south of us," and that they "will send a gentleman 
 to Scotland for consecration as soon as they know that the 
 measure meets with the full approbation of my good and highly 
 respected brethren in Scotland." 2 Before an answer could be 
 received from the Episcopal College of Scotland, the newly 
 consecrated Bishops of Pennsylvania and New York arrived 
 at New York on Easter Day, April 7, 1787, after a wearisome 
 passage of seven weeks. In an effort for unity of action and 
 with the courtesy natural to him, Bishop Seabury wrote to 
 them letters of welcome and congratulation in which he invited 
 his brother Bishops to a personal conference. In his letter to 
 Bishop Provoost he says: 
 
 1 p. 306, Connecticut Church Documents, II. These particulars are taken 
 from a letter of the Rev. Roger Viets to the Rev. Samuel Parker. It 
 formed a part of the Bishop Parker Correspondence which was in the 
 possession of the late Bishop Perry, Historiographer of the Church, and is 
 now dispersed. 
 
 '•"p. 294, Dr. Beardsley's "Bishop Seabury." 
 
— 22 — 
 
 "A stated convocation of the Clergy of this State is to be held 
 at Stamford, on the Thursday after Whitsunday. As it is so 
 near to New York, and the journey may contribute to the estab- 
 lishment of your health, I should be much rejoiced to see you 
 there; more especially as I think it would promote the great 
 object, the Union of all the Churches. May God direct us in 
 all things." 1 
 
 Bishop White replied courteously but cautiously, expressing 
 however a desire for union. Bishop Provoost does not seem 
 to have replied. Neither Bishop accepted the invitation for a 
 personal meeting. There does not appear to be extant any 
 record of the proceedings at Stamford. Referring to this 
 meeting Dr. Beardsley says: "The Convocation at Stamford 
 could do nothing, under the circumstances, beyond what had 
 been already attempted. The clergy were inclined to leave the 
 matter very much in the hands of their Bishop, in whom they 
 had entire confidence, and let time work the changes necessary 
 to reconcile discordant opinions." 2 
 
 It is stated that when the new St. James' church, New London, 
 was to be consecrated, Bishop Seabury "convoked his clergy 
 to be present." 3 The deed of consecration gives the date as 
 September 20, 1787. A letter of the Rev. Ashbel Baldwin 
 to his friend, the Rev. Tillotson Bronson, then in Vermont, 
 says: "I mentioned in the inclosed of the 14 th instant, of our 
 convening at New London. The clergy were not in general 
 present. The Bishop preached the consecration sermon and 
 was universally applauded: he has a most excellent talent at 
 sermonizing."* Mr. Baldwin says in a letter written later in 
 the same month : "Convocation agreed there might a Christian 
 agreement take place so far as to establish the Church in 
 America, if they could not agree on the particular mode of 
 exercising the right of that Church. . . I forgot when speaking 
 of Convocation to say anything of their church in New Lon- 
 don ; it is a pretty one, I think the neatest building in the state, 
 
 1 P- 3°7> Connecticut Church Documents, II. pp. 299, 300, Dr. Beards- 
 ley's " Bishop Seabury," from Bp. Seabury's MS. Letter Book. 
 8 p. 305, Dr. Beardsley's " Bishop Seabury." 
 
 3 p. 315, Dr. Beardsley's "Bishop Seabury." 
 
 4 This letter is dated November 15, 1787. p. 315, Dr. Beardsley's " Bishop 
 Seabury." 
 
—23— 
 
 elegantly finished. The Bishop had on his royal attire. The 
 Crown and Mitre were refulgent. The reading Psalms were 
 beautifully chanted. The most of the clergy present were 
 clothed in their robes, and the whole day was pleasing." 1 
 
 It was probably at this meeting that Bishop Seabury com- 
 municated the letter of Bishop Skinner in answer to that he had 
 written from Wallingford. Bishop Skinner had waited until 
 he could collect the opinions of the Bishops before answering 
 the very grave question of Bishop Seabury. He counselled 
 patience and expressed his opinion that the "English conse- 
 crate" would not stand aloof from the Bishop of Connecticut. 
 If they did, then the Scottish College could not hesitate. "But 
 fain would we hope better things of these your American 
 brethren, and that there will be no occasion for two separate 
 communions among the Episcopalians of the United States." 2 
 The discussion of this letter is probably referred to in the 
 allusion to the Convocation in Mr. Baldwin's letter. 
 
 Dr. Seabury and the parochial clergy of Connecticut were 
 quietly awaiting overtures of sympathy and union from their 
 brethren. No formal action could be taken by those associated 
 in a general convention until the spring of 1789 when the 
 Convention was to meet. It was, then, with no expectation of 
 friendly overtures that the Convocation met in St. John's Church, 
 North Haven, on Wednesday, October 22, 1788, when the Rev. 
 Samuel Nisbett and David Foot were advanced to the priest- 
 hood. Only routine business seems to have been transacted. 
 The divided state of the Church in America was a matter of 
 anxious concern to thoughtful Churchmen both in New Eng- 
 land and in the other parts of the Union. As the differences 
 and discontent in the State had been composed by the adoption 
 of the Federal Constitution, many hoped that the Church would 
 also adopt measures for godly union and concord. The 
 amiable Bishop of Pennsylvania, the devoted Rector of Trinity 
 Church, Boston, and the active President of Washington 
 College, Maryland are the three men who saw most clearly the 
 
 1 p. 318, Dr. Beardsley's "Bishop Seabury." This is said to have been 
 the first occasion on which Bishop Seabury wore his mitre. It is now in 
 the Library of Trinity College, Hartford, Connecticut. 
 
 '' p. 297, Dr. Beardsley's " Bishop Seabury." The whole letter is on pp. 
 295-298. 
 
—2 4 — 
 
 sin and folly of permanent separation, who contributed by 
 their personal influence with the delegates to the General Con- 
 vention and by their wise plans which did not compromise any 
 principle, by their ready willingness to give up any notion incon- 
 sistent with soundness in the faith and ancient customs of the 
 Church which might thoughtlessly have been temporarily enter- 
 tained, or been embodied in conventional action, to a more Chris- 
 tian and brotherly attitude on the part of the Convention. To 
 them should be added of our Connecticut clergy the venerable 
 Dr. Learning, whose letters to Bishop White are strong and 
 convincing. 1 
 
 Early in the Spring of 1789 it was evident that much of the 
 bitterness against Bishop Seabury and his clergy was subsiding. 
 While the attitude of the Bishop of New York was still 
 unfriendly, the Diocese under the leadership of Dr. Benjamin 
 Moore looked with favor upon the complete union of the Church. 
 This acceptable change was soon known in Connecticut and 
 caused much rejoicing. A letter of Bishop White to Bishop 
 Seabury written in December, 1788, was so cordial and 
 expressed so fully a desire for unity, that in writing to Dr. 
 Parker on April 10, 1789, Bishop Seabury says: "I believe we 
 shall send two Clergymen to the Philadelphia Convention, to see 
 whether a union can be effected. If it fail, the point I believe 
 will here be altogether given up." 2 It was under these encour- 
 aging circumstances that the Bishop and Clergy met in Convo- 
 cation at St. Paul's Church, Norwalk on June 3, 1789. A 
 letter from Bishop Seabury gives clearly their attitude: "The 
 clergy supposed that in your Constitution, any representation 
 from them would be inadmissible without Lay delegates, nor 
 could they submit to offer themselves to make a part of any 
 meeting where the authority of their Bishop had been disputed 
 by one Bishop, and probably by his influence, by a number of 
 others who were to compose that meeting. They therefore 
 must consider themselves excluded, till that point shall be set- 
 tled to their satisfaction which they hope will be done by your 
 Convention." 3 
 
 1 See pp. 305-308, 311-313, 331, 332. 347, 348 Dr. Beardsley's "Bishop 
 Seabury." 
 
 2 p. 327, Connecticut Church Documents, II. Also : p. 347, Dr. Beards- 
 ley's " Bishop Seabury." 
 
 s Bishop Seabury to Bishop White, New London, June 29, 1789. p. 350, 
 Dr. Beardley's "Bishop Seabury." 
 
—25— 
 
 A convention of "Lay delegates from our several congrega- 
 tions" was to meet in the Spring of 1789 to consider "{he 
 support of their Bishop" and "the practicability of instituting 
 an Episcopal Academy in this State." Bishop Seabury and the 
 clergy generally thought that "the point of sending Lay dele- 
 gates to the General Convention should come fairly before 
 them." Bishop Seabury thus outlines their action : "When the 
 matter was proposed to the Lay convention, after some conver- 
 sation, they declined every interference in Church government 
 or in reformation of Liturgies. They supposed the government 
 of the Church to be fixed, and that they had no right to alter 
 it by introducing a new power into it. They hoped the old 
 Liturgy would be retained with little alteration; and these 
 matters they thought belonged to the Bishops and Clergy and 
 not to them. They therefore could send no delegates, though 
 they wished for unity among the Churches, and for uniformity 
 of worship; but could not see why these great objects could 
 not be better secured on the old ground than on the new ground 
 that had been taken with you." Bishop Seabury with impres- 
 sive dignity says in the same letter to Bishop White: "For my 
 own part, gladly would I contribute to the union and uniformity 
 of all our Churches; but while Bishop Provoost disputes the 
 validity of my consecration I can take no step towards the 
 accomplishment of so great and desirable an object." 1 
 
 Dr. Parker had devised a plan which he thought would 
 effectually unite the Church in New England with the Church 
 in the rest of the United States. It was the election of a Bishop 
 for Massachusetts and New Hampshire and a request by 
 Memorial to the General Convention for the three Bishops then 
 in the United States to join in his Consecration. The five other 
 clergymen then resident in those states readily agreed to it. 
 A convention of the Clergy was held at Salem, Mass., on June 
 4, 1789, when the Rev d Edward Bass, Rector of St. Paul's 
 church, Newburyport, Mass. was duly elected. Those present 
 then joined in the preparation of "An Act of the Clergy of 
 Massachusetts and New Hampshire," in which they rejoiced 
 that the good Providence of Almighty God "had supplied the 
 Church in the United States with "a complete and entire 
 
 1 Bishop Seabury to Bishop White, " New London, June 29, 1789." p. 
 350, Dr. Beardsley's "Bishop Seabury." 
 
— 20— 
 
 Ministry," cited the facts of the election of Mr. Bass, and 
 requested that "the Right Reverend the Bishops in the States 
 of Connecticut, New York and Pennsylvania" give "their 
 united assistance in consecrating our said Brother and canoni- 
 cally investing him with the apostolic offices and powers." 1 
 
 Dr. Parker was appointed to transmit the "Act" to the 
 Bishops named and as agent of the Convention to attend "any 
 Convention to be holden at Philadelphia or New York, and to 
 treat upon any measures that may tend to promote an Union 
 of the Episcopal Church throughout the United States of 
 America." 2 When this "Act" was brought before the General 
 Convention, which met in Christ Church, Philadelphia, on Tues- 
 day, July 28, 1789, there was almost immediate approval of it 
 and the passage of a resolution affirming the validity of Dr. 
 Seabury's Consecration. After long discussion in the com- 
 mittee of the whole upon the best method to bring about the 
 union, a series of resolutions offered by Dr. William Smith, 
 President of Washington College, Maryland, and former 
 Provost of the University of Pennsylvania, were adopted. 
 They declared that "a complete order of Bishops derived as well 
 under the English as the Scots line of Episcopacy doth now 
 subsist within the United States of America." 
 
 It was declared that these three Bishops "are fully competent 
 to every proper act and duty of the Episcopal Office and 
 character in these United States." It was affirmed that Chris- 
 tian charity as well as duty required them to supply the wants 
 of "their sister churches in these States :" therefore the "Right 
 Rev. Dr. White and the Right Rev. Dr. Provoost be and they 
 are hereby requested to join with the Right Rev. Dr. Seabury 
 in complying with the prayer of the Clergy of the States of 
 Massachusetts and New Hampshire, for the consecration of the 
 Rev. Edward Bass, Bishop-elect of the Churches in the said 
 States." Should the Bishops consecrated at Lambeth feel "any 
 difficulty or delicacy" in respect to an implied pledge to the 
 Bishops and Archbishops in England that there should be three 
 Bishops of the English line consecrated for the United States 
 before there was any transatlantic consecration by them, "this 
 Convention will address the Archbishops and Bishops, and hope 
 
 1 P- 334) Connecticut Church Documents, II. 
 * P- 335> Connecticut Church Documents, II. 
 
—27— 
 
 thereby to remove the difficulty." 1 The Convention then 
 adopted a body of Canons, and a Constitution in which a pro- 
 vision was made for a House of Bishops when three should be 
 members of the General Convention. It was to act as a house of 
 revision but had no power to originate legislation for the House 
 of Clerical and Lay Deputies. 
 
 The Convention adjourned on August 8 to meet again on 
 September 29 with the full expectation that its members would 
 then welcome Bishop Seabury and deputies from New England. 
 
 The proceedings of the Convention were transmitted to 
 Connecticut very soon after its adjournment. A formal letter 
 signed by the special committee of invitation, Bishop White, 
 Dr. William Smith, Dr. Samuel Magaw, the Hon. Francis Hop- 
 kinson, and the Hon. Tench Coxe, was sent on August 16 to 
 Bishop Seabury detailing what had been done and indicating the 
 liberty allowed in the Constitution adopted for any state to be 
 represented only by clergymen. 
 
 It disclaimed for the Convention in the past any act implying 
 the invalidity of Dr. Seabury's consecration, asserting that its 
 course in the matter had been misunderstood. 
 
 As a proof of "respect for our sister Churches" everything 
 had been postponed "except what was intended immediately to 
 open the door of union" until the session of September 29, "in 
 the full confidence of then meeting a representation from all 
 the Churches in the Eastern States, for the purpose of devising 
 and executing such measures as through the blessing of God 
 may concentre all our future labours in the promotion of truth 
 and righteousness, and for preserving our Church in the unity 
 of the Spirit and in the bond of peace." 2 
 
 Bishop White wrote an affectionate personal letter to Bishop 
 Seabury on August 11. In it he comments upon the deeds 
 and temper of the Convention. He defers answering Bishop 
 Seabury's recent letter as he has "y e Expectation of our soon 
 discussing y e weighty contents of it more fully and effectually 
 than can be done in correspondence." He cannot suppose that 
 the Bishop "will see cause to decline y" unanimous invitation 
 
 1 PP- 53> 54> Journals of the General Convention, 1785-1817. Bioren's 
 reprint, 1817. 
 
 * pp. 347-349, Connecticut Church Documents, II. The copy followed 
 is the original draft in the papers of Dr. William Smith. 
 
—28— 
 
 which you will herewith receive from y e Convention to their 
 adjourned meeting." 1 
 
 Dr. Smith in a very cordial letter gave some of the inner 
 history of the Convention, especially concerning the meaning of 
 the "five resolves" which he had offered. He also invited the 
 Bishop of Connecticut to his house during his stay in Phila- 
 delphia. 2 
 
 Until the arrival of these letters Bishop Seabury and the 
 Connecticut clergy were in great perplexity as to the result of 
 Dr. Parker's proposal. In a letter to him written by Bishop 
 Seabury on August 26 there is this inquiry : "Have you yet heard 
 the result of your application to the Southern Bishops respecting 
 Mr. Bass's Consecration?" The Bishop comments upon the 
 information given him by Dr. Moore and debates the question 
 whether he should keep an appointment for Portsmouth or defer 
 it and go to Philadelphia. Before he finished the letter the mail 
 brought him the three communications already epitomised and 
 he closes with these words : "I have determined to go to Phila- 
 delphia, and hope to see you there. Time will not permit me 
 to add more than that I am 
 
 Your affectionate, Humble Servant, 
 
 S. Bp. Connect." 3 
 
 Bishop Seabury wrote immediately to Bishop White his accept- 
 ance of the invitation to the adjourned Convention. He fears as 
 "the time is so short" that "we shall not be able to get our 
 dispersed clergy together ; but everything shall be done that can 
 be done, and I presume on so sudden an emergency any little 
 informality in the appointment of their representatives will be 
 overlooked."* 
 
 The summons of the Bishop brought together a large number 
 of the clergy in a special Convocation at Stratfield (now Bridge- 
 port) on September 15, 1789. As the Bishop did not attend, 
 the Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Learning was chosen President and the 
 
 1 PP- 337. 338, Connecticut Church Documents, II. 
 
 2 pp. 345, 346, Connecticut Church Documents, II. "August 16, 1789." 
 
 3 pp. 349, 350, Connecticut Church Documents, II., from the Bishop Parker 
 Correspondence. Also : Bishop Perry's Journals of the General Conven- 
 tion, 1785-1835. p. 408, volume third, Historical Notes and Documents. 
 
 4 P- 351, Connecticut Church Documents, II. Also, p. 409, Historical Notes 
 and Documents. 
 
—29— 
 
 Rev. Mr. Jarvis retained his office of Secretary. The letters and 
 documents received from Philadelphia were submitted to the 
 Convocation for discussion and action. 
 
 The Rev. Dr. John Bowden, then residing in Stratford, whose 
 word always had great weight, moved that the Diocese be 
 represented by clerical proctors, which was adopted. After 
 some informal discussion the Convocation adjourned to the 
 following day. The Rev. Bela Hubbard, of Trinity Church, 
 New Haven and the Rev. Abraham Jarvis, of Christ Church, 
 Middletown, were then elected as "proctors," or clerical depu- 
 ties, to the adjourned General Convention to be holden in 
 Philadelphia on Tuesday, September 29, 1789. 
 
 They were "empowered to confer with the General Conven- 
 tion on the subject of making alterations in the Book of Common 
 Prayer." The Convocation expressly stipulated that "the 
 ratification of such alterations was expressly reserved to rest 
 with the Bishops and clergy of this Church." 1 
 
 An account of the proceedings of this adjourned session of 
 the General Convention, and the consummation of the continen- 
 tal union of the Church in America will be found elsewhere in 
 this volume. 2 
 
 The table of voluntary Conventions and meetings of the 
 Convocation to 1790 appended to this introduction is that given 
 in the Convention Journal of 1891, with the benefit of careful 
 revision by Dr. Hart, the compiler. 
 
 1 These particulars are given by Dr. Beardsley on pp. 409, 410 of his 
 History, I. Also on pp. 367, 368 of his Life of Bishop Seabury. The quo- 
 tation marks are as above. Dr. Beardsley does not mention his authority. 
 
 8 See Note V. 
 
— 3°— 
 
 VOLUNTARY CONVENTIONS OF THE CLERGY 
 OF CONNECTICUT. 
 
 A.D. 1739— A.D. 1785. 
 
 1739, March 29 Fairfield. 
 
 1740, May 4 New London. 
 
 1742, August 24 Fairfield. 
 
 1743, May 16 Stratford. 
 
 1744, March 28 Norwalk. 
 
 1760, June 4 New Haven. 
 
 1765, June 5 Hebron. 
 
 1766, May 28 Wallingford. 
 
 1766, October 8 Stratford. 
 
 1767, June 17 Turkey Hills in Simsbury. 
 
 1769, May 24 New Milford. 
 
 1770, June 13 Litchfield. 
 
 1771, May 22 Norwich. 
 
 1772, June 24 Fairfield. 
 
 1773, September 8 
 
 1776, July 23 New Haven. 
 
 1782, May 29 Middletown. 
 
 1783, March 25 Woodbury. 
 
 1784, January 13 Wallingford. 
 
 1785, August 2 Middletown. 
 
 MEETINGS OF THE CONVOCATION OF THE 
 CLERGY OF CONNECTICUT. 
 
 A.D. 1785— A.D. 1790. 
 
 1785, August 3 Middletown. 
 
 September 14 New Haven. 
 
 1786, September 22 Derby. 
 
 1787, February 27 Wallingford. 
 
 May 31 Stamford. 
 
 1788, October 22 North Haven. 
 
 1789, June 3 Norwalk. 
 
 September 15 Stratfield. 
 
Records of the Convocation 
 
 Connecticut 
 
Records of the Convocation 
 
 Connecticut 
 
 [1790] 
 
 At a Convocation of the Clergy of Connecticut, holden at 
 Litchfield, on the 2 a . day of June 1790 — 
 
 Prefent, 
 
 
 The 
 
 Bishop 
 
 
 
 Rev'd Mefs rs 
 
 . Hubbard 
 
 The Rev'd Mefs™. 
 
 Ives 
 
 
 Jarvis 
 
 
 
 Prindle 
 
 
 Bostwick 
 
 
 
 Foot 
 
 
 Sayre 
 
 
 
 Clarke 
 
 
 Shelton 
 
 
 
 Hull 
 
 
 Baldwin 
 
 
 
 Marsh 
 
 
 Perry 
 
 
 Edw a . 
 Sol n . 
 
 Blakeslee 
 Blakeslee 1 
 
 The Clergy met at 11. "clock, & by particular defire attended 
 Divine Service at the Presbyterian Meeting-House. 2 The 
 Rev'd M r . Sayre read Prayers — The Rev'd M r . Truman Marsh 
 was ordained Priest — And a Sermon was preached by the 
 Bishop, the Rt. Rev'd Doct r . Samuel Seabury. — 
 
 At 4. "clock P. M. the Clergy met again at the Rev'd M r . 
 Baldwin's ; & the* Rev'd M r . Sayre was chofen Secretary. 
 
 Refolved, that a Blank-Book be provided at the expence of 
 Convocation, in which, minutes of their proceedings shall be 
 entered by the Secretary — And that the said Book shall be pro- 
 duced, by the Secretary, at every Convocation. 
 Adjourned, to meet tomorrow-morning. 
 
 1 Note 1. * Note 11. 
 
 3 
 
—34— 
 
 Met June 3 d - 9. "clock A. M. as p r . adjournment. The Rev'd 
 M r . Sayre refigned the office of Secretary: — and The Rev'd 
 M r . Perry was chosen in his place. — 
 
 On motion, it was agreed, that the Constitution & Canons 
 of the Church, formed by the late General Convention at Phila- 
 delphia, be read: Which, after a short examination, were 
 deferred for further consideration, at the adjourned Convoca- 
 tion, to be holden on the 26 th . of Aug*. — 
 
 Doct r . David Perry, Layman, was admitted as a candidate for 
 Holy Orders — & being examined by Mess™. Jarvis, Bostwick, & 
 Baldwin, was found worthy to receive Deacon's Orders. 
 
 Voted, That a Committee be appointed to draw up rules & 
 Canons for regulating the discipline of the Church in Connecti- 
 cut: — and that the Rev'd Docf. Learning, The Rev'd Mess™ 
 Jarvis, Mansfield, & Hubbard be a Committee for the purpose — 
 & that they prepare the fame against the next Convocation. 
 
 June 4 th . met at 9. "clock, A. M. — and adjourned to the 26 th . 
 of Aug 4 , to meet at The Rev'd M r . Perry's at Newtown. 
 
 Sunday, June 6 th . Doct r . David Perry was ordained Deacon by 
 the R'. Rev'd Samuel, Bish p . of Connecticut. 3 — 
 
 At a Convocation of the Episcopal Clergy of Connecticut, 
 holden by adjournment, at the Rev'd M r . Perry's at Newtown, 
 on the last day of Sept r . 1790. 
 
 Prefent.- 
 
 
 
 The Rev'd Mefs™ Mansfield 
 
 The Rev'd Mefs 18 
 
 - Brunson 
 
 Hubbard 
 
 
 Prindle 
 
 Bostwick 
 
 
 Foot 
 
 Sayre 
 
 
 Clarke 
 
 Shelton 
 
 
 Hull 
 
 Perry 
 
 
 Marsh 
 
 Ives 
 
 Ed d - 
 
 Blakeslee 
 
 The Clergy met at 7. "clock in the Evening — & chose the 
 
 Rev'd M r . Mansfield President- 
 Voted, That the Constitution & Canons of the Church, agreed 
 
 to by the General Convention at Philadelphia, in Octob r . 2 a . 
 
 1789, be read, & considered, — agreeably to a vote of the Convo- 
 3 Note in. 
 
—35— 
 
 cation at Litchfield on the 2 d . da)' of June 1790. — Upon which 
 the Constitution & Canons were read, & the Convocation 
 adjourned till to-morrow 10. "clock. — 
 
 Octob r . I st Met according to adjournment in the Church. 
 After morning Prayer, read by R a . M r . Shelton, the Constitu- 
 tion & Canons were examined & considered. After which a 
 motion was made, to take a vote of the prefent members, 
 Whether the Constitution & Canons should be adopted. The 
 motion was not agreed to, as the majority of the Convocation 
 wished for further consideration. 
 
 Adjourned till the Afternoon. 
 
 The R*. Rev'd Bishop Seabury — The Rev'd Mess rB . Fogg, 
 Tyler, & Todd, joined the Convocation 
 
 Met in the Church at 3. "clock — And the Bishop took his seat 
 as Prefident, ex officio. — The Rev'd M r . Ogilvie took his Seat 
 as a member of the Convocation. — * 
 
 The alterations in the Book of Common Prayer, made by the 
 General Convention at Philadelphia, were read & considered. — 
 
 On motion, The question was put, in these words, "Whether 
 "we confirm the doings of our Proctors in the General Conven- 
 "tion at Philadelphia, on the 2 d - day of Octob y . 1789." 5 
 
 Which pafsed in the affirmative by the votes of every member 
 prefent, the Rev'd M r . Sayre excepted: — Who then entered the 
 following Protest against the aforesaid Vote & proceedings of 
 the Convocation, which Protest is here recorded at his defire by 
 order of the Convocation, viz. — 
 
 "In the Name of our Lord Jefus Christ, Amen. 
 
 "I James Sayre, a Minister, in Presbyter's Orders, of the 
 "Church of England, of late having officiated as a Presbyter of 
 "the Church of England in Connecticut, & having been a mem- 
 "ber of a Convention of the Clergy of Connecticut, for the pur- 
 "pose of considering an Invitation of the Episcopal Clergy in 
 "the Southern States, to the Episcopal Clergy in Connecticut, to 
 "unite with them in a general, ecclesiastical System for the Epis- 
 copalians in the United States, — at which Convention, two 
 "Proctors were chosen by ballot, to meet the Episcopal Clergy 
 "at a General Convention held at Philadelphia from the 29 th . of 
 "Sept r . to the i6 tb . Octob 1 . 1789. — & to treat with them upon 
 "terms of union, — but, with this restriction of the power dele- 
 gated to the faid Proctors, or to this effect, "That their pro- 
 4 Note iv. 6 Note v. 
 
-36- 
 
 "ceedings in the s a . Treaty should not be deemed conclusive, till 
 "they should be considered & approved by the body of the 
 "Clergy, their Constituents" do folemnly protest against the 
 "signature of the "General Constitution of the Protestant Epis- 
 "copal Church in the United States of America, made by the 
 "said Proctors, on the second day of Octob r . 1789, in the City 
 "of Philadelphia,— and against the Vote of the Episcopal Clergy 
 "in Connecticut, this day made & taken, whereby the said signa- 
 ture of the aforesaid Constitution by the said Proctors has been 
 "approved & adopted : For Reasons alledging, — 
 "i. 3t That the said General Constitution of the Protestant Epis- 
 copal Church in the United States of America, does not import 
 "in it, that Form of the Government of the Church of Christ, 
 "which it's blefsed & glorious Head imprefsed upon it; which 
 "is therefore, it's proper, & only right Government ; — which was 
 "committed to the Apostles & their succefsors in office, fince 
 "their day stiled Bishops ; & which has therefore obtained the 
 "name of the Episcopal Government of the Church ; but that the 
 "s d . general Constitution signed & approved as aforesaid, is 
 "repugnant to the above-described proper, only right, & episcopal 
 "Government of the Church. — And, altho' I think this reason of 
 "sufficient force, tho' it ftood alone ; Yet I alledge, 
 
 2 diy "That, the faid Constitution will be found disagreeable & 
 "distrefsing to great numbers of good Christians, lately members 
 "of the Church of England in Connecticut, & will have the most 
 "probable tendency to occasion divisions & feparations. 
 
 2 aiy That, by the aforesaid "General Constitution," all the 
 "sacred matters of the Church, her Doctrines, Discipline, Lit- 
 "nrgy, Sacraments, Rites, & Offices, are fubjected to the utmost 
 "hazard ; as they must naturally be fupposed to be in the power 
 "of the same hands in which the government of the Church is 
 "lodged; and which Hazard, it is my opinion, the authorized 
 "Stewards of God are not warranted to encounter, 
 and 
 
 "Lastly, "That the alteration of any fystem of long ftanding 
 "has ever been productive of more or lefs inconvenience & dam- 
 "age; & that, therefore, old fystems should not be changed 
 "without necefsity." — 
 
 "In witnefs whereof I have hereunto fet my Hand this I st . day 
 "of Octob r . in the year of our Lord 1790 — 
 
 "at Newtown — James Sayre" 
 
—37— 
 
 The foregoing Protest being read, & ordered to be recorded by 
 defire of the Rev'd M r . Sayre: — The Convocation was then 
 adjourned to 9. "clock to-morrow, morning. — 
 
 OctoR 2 d . This morning the Rev'd M r . Sayre withdrew & 
 left the Convocation. — 
 
 Met in the Church at 9. "clock 
 
 Morning Prayer being read by Rev'd M r . Prindle, A motion 
 was made, that the Convocation should determine on a mode of 
 introducing the Constitution & Canons & Liturgy in our several 
 parishes : — When it was agreed that each of the Clergy should 
 take that method that should appear to him the most eligible. 
 
 Agreed, also, that in the use of the New-Prayer-Book, we be 
 as uniform as pofsible, — & for that purpose, that we approach 
 as near the Old Liturgy, as a compliance with the Rubrics of 
 the New will allow. — 
 
 Agreed, that the Secretary write letters to the Churches of 
 Woodbury & Salem, recommending to them, an union with the 
 Church at Waterbury, for the purpose of settling a Minister. 6 
 
 Refolved, by a Vote of the Convocation, that a College of Doc- 
 tors of Divinity be established, by the Bishop & Clergy of Con- 
 necticut: And that the College of Doctors shall be considered 
 as the Bishop's Council, — to be consulted on any emergency that 
 may arise : — and that the Rev'd Mefsrs. Dibble, Mansfield, Hub- 
 bard, & Jarvis, be the first four Doctors.'' 
 
 The Rev'd M r . Ogilvie, Deacon, offered himself as a candidate 
 for Priest's Orders : — His title, letters of recommendation &c 
 being produced & read, were deemed fatisfactory. The Rev'd 
 Mefs 18 - Hubbard & Perry were appointed his examiners — and 
 on Sunday morning, Octob r . 3 d . he was ordained (in Christ's 
 Church, Newtown) to the order of Priest, by the R'. Rev'd 
 Samuel B p . Connecticut. 
 
 [1791] 
 
 At a Convocation of the Episcopal Clergy of Connect*, holden 
 at the Rev'd M r . Prindle's, at Watertown, on Wednesday 5 th . of 
 Octob 1 . 1791— 11. "clock A. M. 
 
 6 Note vi. ' Note vn. 
 
-38- 
 
 Prefent. • 
 
 The Rev'd Mefs™ Mansfield The Rev'd Mefs™. Clarke 
 Hubbard Todd 
 
 Shelton Hull 
 
 Perry Ogilvie 
 
 Ives 
 Prindle 
 
 Rev'd M r . Mansfield chosen President, p. t. 
 
 2. "clock P. M. proceeded to the Church. — Prayers were read 
 by the Rev'd M r . Todd ;— & a fermon delivered by the Rev'd M r . 
 Perry.— After fervice, returned to Rev'd M r . Prindle's — When 
 the Convocation was joined by the R*. Rev'd Bishop Seabury, 
 Rev'd Mefs". Jarvis & Tyler,— & Rev'd M r . Perry, Deacon.— 
 Proceeded to businefs. 
 
 Voted ; That a Standing Committee be appointed, as required 
 by the 6 th . Canon agreed on by the Gen 1 . Convent , at Philadel- 
 phia in Oct r . 1789. & that the Committee consist of the Rev'd 
 Mefs 18 . Mansfield, Hubbard, Shelton, Ives, & P. Perry. 8 — 
 
 Voted ; That those who shall hereafter prefent themselves to 
 this Convocation to be admitted as Candidates for Holy Orders, 
 fhall, previous to their admifsion, be examined by the Convoca- 
 tion, or the Standing Committee of Convocation. 
 
 Voted ; That the 6 th - Canon of the General Convention af ore- 
 faid, be the general rule to direct the Convocation, or Standing 
 Committee, in their examination of perfons to be admitted as 
 Candidates. 
 
 Voted ; That every Candidate for orders fhall have been a 
 Communicant in this Church, one year at least, previous to his 
 recommendation for orders, & that this fhall be a necefsary quali- 
 fication. 
 
 Adjourned at 9. "clock this evening, — to meet at 9. "clock, 
 to-morrow-morning in the Church. 
 
 Thursday, Octob 1 . 6 th . met in the Church at 9. "clock A. M. 
 according to adjournment. — When, Prayers having been read by 
 the Rev'd M r . Ogilvie, the Convocation proceeded to bufiness. — 
 
 The Convocation having attended to the application of M r . 
 R. B. Marfhall to be admitted a Candidate for H. Orders, recom- 
 mend to him, to apply to his ftudies for one year, that he may 
 qualify himfelf, as the 7 th - Canon of the general Convention at 
 
 8 Note viii. 
 
—39— 
 
 Philadelphia requires; & then the Convocation will chearfully 
 encourage him & admit him a Candidate for orders, provided he 
 obtain a title, & proper testimonials, agreeably to the 6 th - Canon 
 aforefaid. 
 
 Rev'd Mefs 13 . Bostwick, Baldwin & Marsh joined the Convo- 
 cation. — 
 
 Voted ; That M r . Seth Hart be recommended for examination 
 for the order of a Deacon.- — 
 
 Adjourned to 2. o clock P. M. — 
 
 2. "clock P. M. afsembled as p r . adjournment. — 
 
 Voted : That, in the use of the Common Prayer Book, we will 
 use the Nicene-Creed on Communion Days ; & the Apostle's 
 Creed on all other days. 
 
 Voted : That the College of Doctors shall consist of a limited 
 number : Which number shall never be lefs than four ; (allowing 
 six months to fupply a vacancy which may be caused by death 
 or removal) — & shall never exceed six, unlefs by the content of 
 the Convocation. 
 
 Voted; That the instalment of the Doctors shall be by 
 Diploma from the College of Doctors, which shall be announced 
 by the Bishop in public, at the next Convocation. — 
 
 Voted ; That the Acts of this Convocation relative to the Col- 
 lege of Doctors, shall be published in the Connecticut- Journal. 9 
 
 The Committee, appointed by the Convocation, in June 1790, 
 to prepare Canons for the internal government of the Church in 
 this State, made their report. 
 
 Voted : That the Canons reported by said committee, be 
 revised & completed by the Bishop, & the College of Doctors ; 
 & laid before the next Convocation. 
 
 Adjourned ; to meet at 9. "clock tomorrow-morning in the 
 Church. 9. "clock met as p r . adjournment. 
 
 Prayers having been read by the Rev'd M r . Marsh — the Con- 
 vocation proceeded to businefs. — 
 
 Voted; That we will prefent a memorial to the General 
 Afsembly of this State, praying for a repeal of the Certificate, 
 or Conscience Act, pafsed at their last fefsion in May. 
 
 Voted; That the Rev'd Doct rs . Mansfield & Hubbard be a 
 committee with the Bishop, to confer & concur with Jon 11 . Inger- 
 foll Esq r . in drawing a memorial to be presented to the Afsembly 
 in behalf of this Convocation for the aforesaid purpose. — 
 
 9 Note ix. 
 
—40— 
 
 Voted ; That a Committee be appointed to meet at Reading on 
 the 10 th . inst. to enquire into the state of the feveral Churches of 
 Reading, Ridgefield & Danbury relative to their uniting & fet- 
 tling the Rev'd D. Perry, Deacon, to be their Minister ; — & that 
 the Rev'd Mefs rs . Bowden, Shelton, Ogilvie, Clarke, & Perry, be 
 a Committee for the purpose. In purfuance of which, — 
 
 Voted ; That the Secretary be directed to fend a notification of 
 s a . meeting to the Wardens & Vestry of the aforefaid Churches, 
 & request their attendance, or of Committees in their ftead from 
 s a . Churches 
 
 Voted ; That each Clergyman recommend it to the people of 
 his Cure, to choose one or more persons to reprefent them at a 
 Convocation to be holden at the Church in N. Haven on the 30 th . 
 of May next at 10. "clock, A. M. which reprefentatives are to 
 be considered as a Comm ttee . of conference, to confer with the 
 Convocation, at that time & place, on all matters that respect the 
 temporal interest of the Church. — 
 
 Sunday 9 th . of Octob r . M r . Seth Hart was ordained Deacon 
 at Watertown. 10 — Sunday 16 th . of Oct 1 , the Rev'd D. Perry was 
 ordained Priest at Stratfield by the R'. Rev'd Samuel B D . 
 Connect*. 
 
 [1792] 
 
 At a Convocation holden at East Haddam, on the 15 th . of 
 Feb y . 1792. 
 
 Prefent 
 The R*. Rev'd Bishop Seabury 
 
 The Rev'd Mefs rs . Hubbard Rev'd Mefs"- Prindle 
 
 Bowden Clarke 
 
 Shelton Ogilvie 
 
 Baldwin E. Blakeley 
 
 Brunfon S. Blakely 
 
 Convocation being opened at 10. "clock. A. M. the Rev'd M r . 
 Shelton was chosen Secretary (pro hac vice). 
 
 Voted; That unlefs the Wardens & Vestrymen of Christ's 
 Church in Stratford, shall transmit to the R 4 . Rev'd the Bishop 
 of Connecticut, within 14 days after Easter-Monday next, a 
 10 Note x. 
 
—4i— 
 
 Notification, that the congregation of s a - Church, have adopted 
 the constitution of the Protestant Episcopal Church, as settled 
 by the general Convention at Philadelphia, in Octob 1 . 1789, 
 they (the Congregation) will be confidered as having totally 
 feparated themselves from the Church of Connecticut. 
 
 Voted ; That the Rev'd M r . Shelton acting as Secretary to the 
 Convocation, shall transmit to the Wardens & Vestrymen of 
 Christ's Church in Stratford, the above vote. — 
 
 Voted ; That the feveral Clergy make enquiry of their neigh- 
 bouring Towns, & fee what could be done towards erecting an 
 Episcopal Academy ; & make report to the next Convocation. — 
 
 Voted ; That a Notitia Parochialis be made out, and exhibited 
 to the next Convocation, for the year past. 
 
 Voted; That the next State Convocation be holden at New 
 Haven, on the first Wednesday of June next, at 10. "clock in the 
 morning. 
 
 Proposed as Lay-Delegates to the Gen 1 . Convention at New 
 York in Sept r . next, Mefs ra . Jon 11 . Ingerfoll Esq r . Thomas Belden 
 Esq r . Philip Nichols Esq r . John Wooster Esq r - Mark Prindle 
 Esq r . & Ebenezar Baldwin. — 
 
 Thursday 11. "clock went to Church. The Rev'd M r . Bald- 
 win read prayers : — and the R*. Reverend the Bishop of Connec- 
 ticut, preached the Sermon. — 
 'After Dinner, the Convocation rose. — 
 
 At a Convocation of the Epis 1 . Clergy of Connect*, holden in 
 Trinity Church, New Haven on the 6 th - of June 1792 — 
 
 Prefent — 
 The Right Rev'd the Bishop 
 
 The Rev'd Mefs rs . Dibble- 
 
 Rev'd Mefs rs . Ives 
 
 Mansfield 
 
 Clarke 
 
 Hubbard 
 
 Foot 
 
 Jarvis 
 
 Brunfon 
 
 Bowden 
 
 Todd 
 
 Shelton 
 
 Hull 
 
 Baldwin 
 
 Marsh 
 
 Perry 
 
 Ogilvie 
 
 Prindle 
 
 Blakelee 
 
 
 Blakelee 
 
 
 Hart 
 
—42— 
 
 On application of M r . Herschel to be admitted as a Candidate 
 for Holy Order s, he was referred to the Standing Committee : — 
 who after due inquiry & examination, came to the following 
 determination — "The Committee, for reasons laid before them, 
 do not think proper to admit M r . Herschel at prefent into the 
 List of Candidates: & do direct that he fhall not continue to 
 read prayers at Branford." — 
 
 A copy of the foregoing, by defire of the Committee, was 
 transmitted by the Secr y . of Convoc 11 . to M r . Herschel. — 
 
 Mefs rs . Rufsel Catlin & David Butler on due examination were 
 found qualified for the order of Deacons : — and on Sunday fol- 
 lowing were ordained to the fame in Trinity Church, by the R*. 
 Rev'd B p . Seabury. 11 
 
 At a Convocation of the Episcopal Clergy of Connecticut, 
 holden at Huntington on the 10 th . of Octob r . 1792. 
 
 Prefent. 
 
 The R\ Rev'd the Bishop 
 The Rev'd D r . Mansfield The Rev'd Mefs ra . Brunfon 
 
 The Rev'd Mefs rs . Hubbard Ives 
 
 Bowden Clarke 
 
 Tyler Ogilvie 
 
 Shelton Todd 
 
 Perry Blakeslee 
 Prindle 
 
 At 11. "clock A. M. proceeded to bufinefs. — Upon an applica- 
 tion from a number of Episcopalians in the Parish of Exeter, & 
 town of Lebanon, (who have formed themselves into a Society, 
 & chosen for their Wardens M r . Israel Williams & D r . Noah 
 Coleman) praying the Bishop & Clergy to confider them as a 
 feparate ecclefiastical Society, & to allow them the privileges 
 pertaining thereto: — Voted, — That faid people be confidered as 
 a feparate ecclefiastical fociety, provided they annex themfelves 
 to the Cure of Hebron. — 
 
 Voted, That Mefs rs . Greens, Printers in New Haven, have the 
 refusal of printing an Edition of the Common Prayer-Book : — 
 & that the Rev'd Mefs ra Hubbard & Bowden be a Committee to 
 negotiate the bufiness with faid Printers. And they are hereby 
 authorised to afsure f d - Printers, that they with any perfons, 
 
 11 Note xi. 
 
—43— 
 
 whom they may choose as partners in the businefs, fhall have 
 the exclusive privilege of being recommended to the standing 
 Committee of the General Convention for a Licence. 12 
 
 At 9. "clock in the evening adjourned — to meet at 9. "clock 
 to-morrow-morning, in the Church. 
 
 Thursday, — Met according to adjournment. — 
 
 The Rev'd M r . Shelton read Prayers. — 
 
 Voted, That a Committee be appointed to make out a revifion 
 of the Articles, & prefent it to the next Convoc 11 . for their appro- 
 bation : & that faid Committee consist of the Rev'd M r . Bowden, 
 Rev'd D r . Mansfield, Rev'd Mefs 18 . Hubbard & Jarvis.— 
 
 Voted, That fhould an Act be obtained of the Gen 1 . Afsembly 
 incorporating any number of perfons as Trustees of a Fund for 
 the Bishop's fupport, it is our wish, that The Rev'd D r . Mans- 
 field, Rev'd Mefs 18 . Hubbard, Bowden, Jarvis, Baldwin, Tyler, 
 Perry & Shelton, may be members of that Corporation: And 
 it is our defire further, that at least an equal number of Lay- 
 men fhould be included in the Corporation. 13 — 
 
 Voted, That, the fame perfons, who were appointed a Stand- 
 ing Committee at the last Convocation, be continued to the next. 
 
 The Rev'd M r . Hart, Deacon, prefented himself to be admitted 
 to the order of Priest ; & after due examination, — was on Sun- 
 day 14 th . Octob r . ordained to the fame in S'. Paul's Church, 
 Huntington, by the R*. Rev'd D r . Seabury. — An ordination fer- 
 mon was preached by the Rev'd M r . Shelton. 
 
 [1793] 
 
 At a Convocation of the Episcopal Clergy of Connecticut, 
 holden at Middletown on Wednesday June 5 th - 1793. — 
 
 Prefent. 
 The R'. Rev'd Bishop Seabury 
 The Rev'd Mefs 18 . Hubbard The Rev'd Mefs ra . Brunfon 
 Jarvis Ives 
 
 Tyler Marsh 
 
 Bostwick Ogilvie 
 
 Bowden Hart 
 
 Shelton E. Blakeflee 
 
 Baldwin S. Blakeflee 
 
 Perry Butler 
 
 Catlin 
 12 Note xn. 13 Note xm. 
 
 a 
 
 o 
 o 
 3 
 
—44— 
 
 M r . Charles Seabury; & M r . Daniel Boerhance (of Lanesbor- 
 ough) prefented themfelves for admission to the order of Dea- 
 cons. Being found qualified by due examination ; — They were 
 ordained, in Christ's Church by the R 4 . Rev'd Samuel, B p . of 
 Connecticut. 14 
 
 The Committee appointed at the last Convocat". to make out 
 a revision of the Articles of Religion, laid the fame before the 
 Convocation : Which revision being examined & considered was, 
 with a few alterations, approved as far as the 17 th - Article; — 
 which, with those that follow, was laid over for further confid- 
 eration, at the next Convocation. 
 
 Information being given to the Convocation, that the Rev'd 
 M r . Belden, Deacon, had, in feveral instances, officiated in the 
 parish of another Clergyman, without proper permifsion: — 
 Voted, That the Secretary be directed to write to Mr. Belden, 
 & transmit to him that Canon of the General Convention, which 
 forbids such irregular proceeding. 
 
 Voted, That the Secretary write to the Rev'd D a . Perry, 
 on the subject of his not attending the stated Conventions, or 
 Convocations; & fignify to him, that it is the wish of his 
 Brethren, that he would not neglect to attend, whenever cir- 
 cumstances will pofsibly admit. 
 
 The Rev'd Mefs rs . E. Blakeflee, & S. Blackeflee,— Butler & 
 Catlin, Deacons, being examined for admifsion to the holy 
 Order of Priests, were, on Sunday 9 th . of June ordained to the 
 fame by the R e . Rev'd the Bishop of Connecticut. — 
 
 The Convocation adjourned, to meet at New Milford on the 
 last Wednesday of Sept r . next. 
 
 At a Convocation of the Episcopal Clergy of Connecticut, 
 holden at New Milford, Sept r . 25-1793. 
 
 Prefent, 
 The Rt. Rev'd Bp. Seabury 
 
 Rev'd Mefs" Jarvis 
 Prindle 
 Brunson 
 Ives 
 
 Rev'd Mefs 19 . Marsh 
 Ogilvie 
 Hart 
 Butler 
 
 Voted— That the Rev'd Seth Hart act as Secretary— pro 
 tempore. 
 14 Note xiv. 
 
—45— 
 
 Voted — That, whenever a certain paper relative to the Rev'd 
 M r . James Sayre be transmitted by the Bishop to the feveral 
 Clergymen of the Church in Connecticut, they fhall read it in 
 the feveral Congregations under their care, on the first funday 
 fubfequent to their receiving it. — 15 
 
 Voted, — That, the Clergy, in the execution of their ministerial 
 office, can not pay any attention to the Church at Woodbury, 
 until they accede to the Constitution of the Church in Connec- 
 ticut. — 
 
 Voted. — That M r . Smith Miles be admitted as a Candidate for 
 Holy Orders. — 
 
 Voted. — That, no Clergyman fhall organize any newly formed 
 religious Congregation, until the next annual Convention : — and 
 that it be recommended to any number of people wishing to be 
 acknowledged a distinct Congregation in the Church, that they 
 be reprefented at the next annual Convention, by one or more 
 delegates, authorized to accede to the Constitution of the 
 Church in Connecticut. 
 
 [1794] 
 
 At a Convocation of the Episcopal Clergy of Connecticut, 
 holden in Trinity Church, N. Haven, June 5 th 1794. — 
 
 Prefent 
 The Rt Rev'd Bishop Seabury 
 
 The Rev'd Doct 13 . Mansfield 
 
 The Rev'd Mefs™ 
 
 . Brunfon 
 
 Hubbard 
 
 
 Todd 
 
 Jarvis 
 
 
 Prindle 
 
 The Rev'd Mefs ra . Tyler 
 
 
 Marsh 
 
 Bowden 
 
 
 Ogilvie 
 
 Shelton 
 
 
 Hart 
 
 Baldwin 
 
 E. 
 
 Blakelee 
 
 P. Perry 
 
 
 r Butler 
 
 Ives 
 
 Deacons - 
 
 Seabury 
 1 Burhans 
 
 Prayers were read by the Rev'd M r . Todd. 
 Voted, That the Rev'd Mefs rs . Bowden, Shelton, & Baldwin 
 be a Committee to examine Candidates, & to transact fuch other 
 16 Note xv. 
 
— 46 — 
 
 businefs as may properly come before them till the next Con- 
 vocation. — 
 
 Voted, That, Whereas a Petition has been prefented by a num- 
 ber of persons belonging to the Church in Pauqutannok, to this 
 Convocation, — praying for liberty to admit M r . King & others 
 of his denomination into f.d Church for the purpose of per- 
 forming divine fervice — 
 
 After a full discufsion of the fubject: — 
 
 Voted, That this Convocation do not consider themfelves 
 vested with power fufficient to judge & determine on the request 
 of the Petitioners. 
 
 Voted, That the Rev'd Mefs rs . Ives, Marsh & P. Perry be a 
 Committee for the purpose of accommodating matters with the 
 Ep 1 . Congregation at Woodbury & reconciling them to a union 
 with the Protest*. Episcopal Church. 
 
 M r . Griswold admitted (after due examination) as a Can- 
 didate for Holy Orders. 
 
 Voted, That the Secretary write to the Rev'd David Perry, & 
 inform him, that, if he does not attend the next Convocation, he 
 must expect to fall under the Cenfure of the Church. 
 Adjourned without day 
 
 At a Convocation of the Episcopal Clergy of Connecticut, 
 holden at the Rev'd M r . Ives' in Cheshire on the 12 th . of Novem*. 
 1794— 
 
 Prefent 
 The Rt Rev'd Bishop Seabury 
 
 Rev'd Doct rs . Mansfield The Rev'd Mef". Todd 
 
 Hubbard Prindle 
 
 Jarvis Marsh 
 
 Rev'd Mefs rB . Bowden Ogilvie 
 
 Shelton Hart 
 
 Baldwin E. Blakelee 
 
 P- Perry S. Blakelee 
 
 Ives Deacons \ Belden 
 
 Brunson eacons j g ea ^ ury 
 
 Prayers read by the Rev'd M r . Shelton. 
 
 A fermon preached by the Rt. Rev'd the Bishop. 
 
 Voted, That we will pay our equal proportion of the expence 
 
—47— 
 
 that may accrue for the fupport of a fon of the Rev'd M*. Bost- 
 wick deceased, at the Academy in Stratford, till the month of 
 June 1795.— 
 
 On application of the Churches of Barrington, Salisbury, 
 Canaan, & Sandersfield to this Convocation, that M r . Smith Miles 
 might be admitted into Holy Orders — 
 
 Voted, That, Whereas M r . Smith Miles has by intense appli- 
 cation to ftudy, induced upon himfelf a debilitated ftate of body, 
 which has, at times, been accompanied with fome derangement 
 of mind, 
 
 The Clergy of the Church in Connecticut, therefore, do not 
 think that it would be a prudent meafure at prefent, to recom- 
 mend him to the Bishop for Holy Orders : — But choose to defer 
 his recommendation till his health fhall appear to be fufficiently 
 confirmed to render him capable of performing the laborious 
 duties of a Clergyman. 
 
 Voted, That the Rt. Rev'd the Bishop be requested to admon- 
 ish the Rev'd David Perry of Ridgfield for his neglect in not 
 attending the ftated Convocations & annual Conventions. And 
 that the Secretary be directed to write to the Episcopal Parishes 
 of Ridgfield, Danbury, & Reading acquainting them with the 
 fame,'& informing them, that unlefs the f.d Rev'd David Perry 
 does attend the next annual Convention to be holden at Strat- 
 ford the first Wednesday in June next, at 10. "clock A. M. he 
 will be fuspended from his clerical office, on account of his 
 contumacy. — 
 
 Agreably to this Vote, the Rt. Rev'd the Bishop lent to the 
 Rev'd David Perry a Letter of admonition, — of which the fol- 
 lowing is a true copy: — 
 
 Cheshire Nov 1 . 14, 1794. 
 Rev'd Sir, 
 
 In compliance with a request of the Clergy afsembled in 
 Convocation at this place, & in purfuance of my own duty, I am 
 to admonish you of your neglect in attending the meetings of 
 your brethren, & on account of the apparent contempt you have 
 thereby thrown on them, & on your Bishop, especially as you 
 have been frequently put in mind of your duty in this respect, 
 by their Secretary, at their particular instance. They wish to 
 enquire of you concerning feveral reports which are circulating 
 
- 4 8- 
 
 in the Country to your disadvantage as a Clergyman; and 
 unless you do attend on their next meeting according to the 
 notification of their Secretary, a fuspension from your Clerical 
 Office will be ifsued against you. 
 
 I am, Rev'd Sir, your humble Serv*- 
 
 S. Bp. Connect. & Rho. HI.— 
 The Rev'd D. Perry. 
 
 Adjourned without Day 
 
 [1795] 
 
 At a Convocation of the Episcopal Clergy of Connecticut 
 holden in Stratford June 3 d . 1795. 
 
 Prefent — 
 
 The Rt. Rev. Bishop Seabury; 
 
 The Rev. Dr. Mansfield. Rev. Mefs™. Clarke, Provid. 
 
 Rev. Mefs rs . Hubbard Marsh 
 
 Tyler Ogilvie 
 
 Bowden Hart 
 
 Shelton D. Perry 
 
 Baldwin E. Blakslee 
 
 Perry S. Blakslee 
 
 Ives Butler, Deac 11 - 
 
 Brunson Seabury, Deac". 
 
 Prindle 
 
 Prayers read by Mr. Butler. 
 
 Mr. Amos Purdee, after examination (by the Rev. Mefs™. 
 Shelton & Brunson) was admitted as a Candidate for Holy 
 Orders. — 
 
 Voted, To recommend Mr. Smith Miles, Mr. Caleb Childs, & 
 Mr. Viets Griswold, to the Bishop, for the order of Deacons. 16 
 
 Whereas the Rev. David Perry has requested of the Bishop 
 & his Clergy in Convocation, liberty to resign the pastoral 
 charge of the parishes of Ridgfield, Reading, & Danbury, as 
 well as to relinquish totally the exercise of the Ecclesiastical 
 Function — therefore — 
 
 Voted, That his request be granted, & the resignation of his 
 Letters of Orders be accepted. 
 
 16 Note xvi. 
 
—49— 
 
 Mr. D. Perry was furnished with a Copy of this vote. 
 
 Voted, That the Rev. Mefs rs - Ogilvie, Shelton, & Perry be a 
 Committee, to make enquiry into the state of the parishes of 
 Ridgfield, Reading & Danbury, in fuch way & manner, & at 
 such time and place, as they (the s a . Committee) shall judge 
 proper & expedient. — 
 
 Adjourned without Day. — 
 
 At a Convocation of the Episcopal Clergy of Connecticut, 
 holden at Bristol, Octb r . 2i 8t . & at Harwington Oct r . 22 — 1795. 
 
 Present : 
 
 The Rt. Rev. 
 
 Dr. 
 
 Seabury 
 
 : — 
 
 
 The Rev. Mefs ra . Hubbard 
 
 
 Rev. 
 
 Mefs rs . 
 
 , E. Blakslee 
 
 Shelton 
 
 
 
 
 S. Blakslee 
 
 Baldwin 
 
 
 
 
 Hart 
 
 Perry 
 
 
 
 
 Butler 
 
 Ives 
 
 
 
 
 Griswold 
 
 Prindle 
 
 
 
 
 i Green 
 
 Todd 
 
 
 
 Deacons < ~~. '" 
 { Miles 
 
 Brunson 
 
 
 
 
 
 A new Church (by the name of St. Matthew's Church) was 
 consecrated, at Bristol, by the Rt. Rev. Dr. Seabury : — Who also 
 preached an excellent Sermon on the occafion. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Griswold was admitted to the holy order of 
 Priest. 
 
 M r . Jonathan Bartlet, upon the report of the standing Com- 
 mittee, was admitted as a Candidate for holy Orders ; — 8©" but 
 soon changed his mind. 
 
 Adjourned to meet at Harwington at 11. °cl. to morrow 
 morning. — 
 
 Thursday morning met as p r . adjournment. A New Church 
 (by the name of St. Mark's Ch h .) was consecrated by the Bishop 
 at Harwington, — who also preached the Consecration Sermon. — 
 
 After divine Service met at M r . Bradley's 
 
 Voted, That the Bishop be requested to compose two Collects, 
 for the use of the Clergy in this State, one to be used at the 
 sitting of the Gen 1 . Afsembly; — & the other to be used at the 
 Courts, & that they be printed. — " 
 11 Note xvn. 
 4 
 
— 5o— 
 
 Voted, That we will pay the expence of Harry Bostwic's 
 schooling till next June.— & that information shall be given to 
 his friends, that his fupport will probably not be continued, 
 unlefs some aid be afforded by the Laity. — 
 
 Voted, That the Bishop be requested to recommend to the fev- 
 eral Congregations in his Diocese, the making collections for the 
 fupport of Harry Bostwick at the Academy. — 
 
 Adjourned without Day 
 
 [1796] 
 
 At a Convention of the Clergy of the ,P. E. Church in Con- 
 necticut, at Rev. Mr. Hubbard's N. Haven Oct*. 20—1796— 
 
 Prefent. 
 Rev. Dr. Mansfield Rev Mefs ra - Brunson 
 
 Rev Mefs 18 . Hubbard Ives 
 
 Jarvis E. Blakflee 
 
 Tyler Todd 
 
 Bowden Butler 
 
 Shelton Seabury 
 
 Baldwin Griswold 
 
 Perry Green 
 
 Prindle Smith, N. Port 
 
 After divine Service performed in the Church by the Rev. Mr. 
 Baldwin. — 
 
 Refolved, That the Rev. Mr Butler be requested to inform the 
 friends of Harry Bostwick, that if f.d Bostwick chooses not to 
 pursue the Study of Divinity, we can do nothing further towards 
 defraying the expence of his education. 
 
 Refolved, That a Letter of thanks be written to the Bishop of 
 Landaff, for his excellent Apology for the Bible, (in answer to 
 Thorn 8 . Paine's Age of Reason) signed by the President & 
 counterfigned by the Secretary in behalf of this Convention. — 
 
 Refolved, That Rev. Mr. Baldwin be requested to draw up an 
 addrefs agreeably to the foregoing resolve. — 
 
 Refolved, That each Clergyman shall propose to his parish, or 
 parishes, the making of a Collection, fome time previous to the 
 next annual Convention, for defraying the expense of the 
 Bishop Elect in obtaining Consecration. 
 
—5i— 
 
 Resolved, That Rev. Mr. Bowden (Bishop Elect) be requested 
 to folicit aid of fuch pious & charitable perfons, or focieties, as 
 it may be convenient for him to make application to, in his Tour 
 to Philadelphia, for the encouragement, fupport, & benefit of the 
 Episcopal Academy in Connecticut. 
 
 Refolved, That the standing Committee of this Church be 
 requested to write a letter in answer to the Letter which they 
 received from the Standing Committee of the Church in Rhode 
 Island. — 
 
 Refolved, That, in the opinion of this Convention, it is expe- 
 dient that a Presbyter of this Church should attend the Bishop 
 Elect to Philadelphia, when he shall go for Consecration. 
 
 Voted, That the Rev. Mr. Baldwin be requested to attend the 
 Bishop elect agreeably to the preceding Refolve: — And that an 
 attempt be made to make provision for defraying his expences, 
 in the manner before provided for defraying the expence of the 
 Bp. Elect.— 
 
 Adjourned to the next annual Convent" of the Clerical & 
 Lay Delegates — 
 
 [1797] 
 
 At a Convention of the Episcopal Clergy in Connecticut, 
 holden at Derby on the I st . Wednesday of June 1797 
 
 Prefent. — 
 The Rev. Dr. Manfield, President. 
 Rev. Mr. Hubbard Rev Mefs rs . Prindle 
 
 Rev. Dr. Bowden Ives 
 
 Rev. Dr. Smith Brunson 
 
 Rev. Mefs 13 . Shelton Marsh 
 
 Baldwin E. Blakslee 
 
 Perry S. Blakslee 
 
 Butler 
 Seabury 
 Green 
 Miles 
 
 Rev. Mr. Butler read prayers. 
 Rev. Mr. Marsh preached. 
 
 Refolved, That the Secretary be directed to write to the Vestry 
 of the Church in Salisbury, & desire them to inform the Stand- 
 
—52— 
 
 ing Committee of this Church, as to the truth of a report which 
 has been circulated, that the Rev. Mr. Child has advanced fen- 
 timents contrary to the doctrines of our Church. — 
 
 Refolved, That the Rev. Mr. Marsh be requested to answer a 
 Petition from a Church in Washington respecting certain Lands, 
 which are claimed by faid Church, & also by the Church in 
 Litchfield. — 
 
 Refolved, That, if the Rev. Mr. Jarvis, the Bishop Elect, 
 should go to Philadelphia for Consecration, the Rev. Mr. Bald- 
 win be requested to attend him : — And that it be recommended 
 to the feveral Churches in the State to have collections for 
 defraying the expences of both, by the I st . Sunday in Aug', next, 
 & that the money be fent to the Rev. Mr. Hubbard by the 3 d - of 
 s d . month. 
 
 Refolved, That the Rev. Mr. Smith be requested to write to 
 the Convention of the Church in Rhode-Island, & inform them, 
 that we shall be happy to continue in union with them, under 
 the episcopal care of the Rev. Mr. Jarvis, (our Bishop elect) as 
 before under Bishop Seabury. 
 
 Refolved, That the Rev. Mefs ra . Baldwin, Shelton & Smith be 
 the ftanding Committee for the year enfuing. 
 Adjourned fine die. 
 
 [1798] 
 
 At a meeting of the Bishop & Presbyters of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church in Connecticut* at the house of M r Thaddeus 
 Clark at Oyster River on Wednesday the 22 d day of August 
 1798.— 18 
 
 Prefent 
 Right Rev d Abraham Jarvis, Bishop. 
 Doctor Jeremiah Learning 
 Doctor Richard Mansfield 
 Doctor John Bowden 
 Mefs Hubbard 
 Baldwin 
 Shelton 
 Ives 
 
 Prindle.— 
 18 Note xviii. 
 
—53— 
 
 M* Baldwin was chosen Secretary — 
 
 Mefs Smith, Shelton & Baldwin were appointed a Committee 
 to frame Articles of Religion to be laid before the next State 
 Convention — 
 
 M r Bethel Judd was recommended to the Bishop for Deacon's 
 Orders. — 
 
 M r Jasper D Jones was admitted a Candidate for holy 
 Orders — 
 
 Reverd M r . Baldwin was requested to address the President 
 of the United States in behalf of this Convocation — 19 
 
 Divine Service was attended at the Church in West Haven — 
 Rev d M r Baldwin read prayers. The Bishop delivered a Ser- 
 mon & attended Confirmation. — 
 
 Convocation Adjourn'd Sine Die 
 
 Ashbel Baldwin Secretary 
 
 [1799] 
 
 At a Convocation of the Episcopal Clergy of the State of 
 Connecticut hoi den at Derby on the 20 th Nov. 1799 — 
 
 Present 
 
 The R*. Rev a . Bishop Jarvis.— 
 
 D r . Bowden M r . Prindle 
 
 Manffield Todd 
 
 Hubbard Hart 
 
 Smith Griswold 
 
 M r . Shelton Butler 
 
 Baldwin Bourhanse 
 
 Ives White 
 
 Brunson Judd — 
 
 Rev d D r . Hubbard read prayers, & 
 
 R*. Rev d . the Bishop preached. 
 
 Voted — that the thanks of this Convocation be presented to 
 the Bishop for his Se'rmon this day delivered at the Confecration 
 of the new Church, & that the Secretary be defired to deliver the 
 same. 
 
 Voted — that the Bishop with D r . Bowden, Mefs rs . Ives, Hub- 
 bard & Brunson be a Committee for the purpose of framing a 
 
 19 Note xix. 
 
—54— 
 
 Canon to regulate Clerical attendance upon State Conventions 
 & Convocations ; — and also to addrefs certain clergymen of this 
 Diocese upon the Subject of their neglect of those clerical 
 meetings. 
 
 R d . M r . Hart prefented a Vote pafsed by the Episcopal 
 churches of Wethersfield & Worthington, adopting the Consti- 
 tution of the Prot. Epifc. Ch. in this Diocese. 
 
 The Secretary prefented an Office of Induction for the con- 
 fideration of this houfe. 
 
 The Convocation refolved itself into a Committee of the whole, 
 D r . Bowden in the chair, in order to examine the proposed Office, 
 paragraph by paragraph. 
 
 The Chairman of the Committee reported to the President of 
 Convocation, that the Committee approved of the proposed 
 Office. 
 
 Voted — That the proposed Office of Induction be adopted by 
 this houfe & that the thanks of the same be prefented to D r . Smith 
 for the same — that it be printed without delay, & that the Bishop 
 be defired to transmit a Copy of the same to the several 
 Bishops in the U. S. & to the Standing Committees of those 
 States, in which there are no Bishops. 20 
 
 Voted — That Mefs 18 . Shelton and Smith be Auditors to exam- 
 ine & pafs M r . Baldwin's Acco*'. of Conventional monies. — 
 
 Adjourned fine die — 
 
 William Smith Sec y 
 
 [Two leaves have been left blank here. There was a meeting 
 of the Clergy at New London, October 15, 1800.] 
 
 [I80I] 
 
 At a Meeting of the Bishop & Clergy of the Diocese of Con- 
 necticut in Convocation holden at (New Town) the 2 a . day of 
 June 1 80 1 
 
 ,0 Note xx. 
 
—55— 
 
 Present 
 Right Rev d . Abraham Jarvis, Bishop of Con. 
 
 Rev a - 
 
 Mefs Mansfield DD 
 
 
 Bowden DD 
 
 Deacons 
 
 Hubbard 
 
 Judd 
 
 Shelton 
 
 Burges 
 
 Baldwin 
 
 Thatcher 
 
 Prindle 
 
 Jones 
 
 Brownson 
 
 Rogers 
 
 Marsh 
 
 
 Butler 
 
 
 Griswold 
 
 
 Burhans 
 
 Mr. Baldwin was appointed Secretary. 
 
 M r . Camp & M r . Basfield petitioned to be admitted Candidates, 
 and were negatived. — 
 
 Capt Chittenden presented a Vote passed by the Episcopal 
 Congregation in Salisbury, adopting the constitution of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church of this Diocese. — 
 
 The report of the Standing Committee upon the complaint 
 exhibited to them against Deacon Caleb Childs, was agreed to 
 by this Convocation and the Bishop was requested to publish 
 his sentence of degradation in such way & manner as he shall 
 judge proper. — 
 
 Adjourned Sine Die 
 
 Ashbel Baldwin Secretary 
 
 At a meeting of the Bishop & Clergy of the Diocese of Connec- 
 ticut^ in Convocation holeden at the City of Hartford the 10 th . 
 day of Nov r . 1801. — 
 
 Present 
 Right. Rev d . Bishop Jarvis, D.D. 
 Doctor Bowden 
 Fogg 
 Tyler 
 Deacons Shelton 
 
 Jones Baldwin 
 
 Prindle 
 Seabury 
 
-56- 
 
 Doctor Marsh 
 Burhans 
 Griswold 
 Reyner 
 Bntler 
 Warner 
 Rogers 
 
 M r . Baldwin was elected Secretary. — 
 
 The following order of proceedings was agree'd upon for to 
 morrow. — (viz) 
 
 A procefsion from M r Reyner's to the Church. 
 
 Consecration Service by the Bishop. 
 
 Morning Service by M r Seabury 
 
 Deed of Consecration by M r Burhans 
 
 Induction Service by M r Shelton 
 
 Sermon — by Mr Baldwin 
 
 Convocation adjourn'd untill 9 OClock to morrow 
 
 Opened agreeable to adjournment — when a procefsion was 
 made agreeable to the order proposed last evening — from the 
 house of M r Reyner to the Church — when the office of Conse- 
 cration & Induction was performed — 21 After Dinner the Con- 
 vocation met at M r Reyner's at 6 OClock P. M. — 
 
 On motion, Voted that the Bishop present the thanks of Con- 
 vocation to Mr. Baldwin for his Sermon delivered before them 
 this day. — 
 
 Voted, That the Rev d - M r Hubbard be requested to call on 
 Deacon Bradley, & demand his Letters of Orders. — 
 
 Voted that M r Whitlock be requested to call on Deacon Bel- 
 den, & enquire of him whether he intends to relinquish his 
 Clerical Office & if he intends to do so, demand his Letters of 
 Orders — and if he does not intend to give up his Letters, that 
 M r Whitlock inform him of the Cannon of degradation, pafsed 
 by the last General Convention. — 
 
 Resolved — That Mefs Tyler, Seabury, & Rogers be a Com- 
 mittee to call on M r Solomon Blakesley & enquire of him the 
 reasons for his not attending the State Conventions & Convo- 
 cations. — 
 
 Adjournd Sine Die 
 
 Ashbel Baldwin Secretary. 
 21 Note xxi. 
 
—57— 
 
 [The following, on a slip of paper, is pinned into the book : 
 On motion 
 
 Resolved, that the Rev a . Ammi Rogers produce Testi- 
 monials from the Brethren in the State of New York, previous 
 to his taking a seat in the Convocation. 
 
 Ordered, that the above be kept on file, but not entered 
 on the Journals. — ] 
 
 [1802] 
 
 At a Meeting of the Bishop & Clergy in Convocation holden 
 at Cheshire at the house of the Rev a . Reuben Ives April 12 th . 
 1802 
 
 Prefent— 
 
 Bishop Jarvis 
 
 Doctor Mansfield Deacons 
 
 Hubbard Jones 
 
 Shelton Whitlock 
 
 Baldwin Burges 
 
 Ives Kilbourn 
 
 Prindle Perry. — 
 
 Brownson 
 Todd 
 Blakesley 
 Griswold 
 E. Rogers 
 Warner 
 Rayner 
 
 Mr. Baldwin was chosen Secretary 
 
 A petition from Rev a Evan Rogers was presented to the Con- 
 vocation, to be removed from his Parish at Hebron, which was 
 granted. Yeas 15 — Nays 3 — 
 
 Adjourned Sine Die 
 
 Ashbel Baldwin Secretary 
 
 At a meeting of the Bishop, Presbyters, & Deacons of the 
 Diocese of Connecticutt holden at the house of the Rev a . 
 Ambrose Tood in Huntington on Wednesday the 2 a . day of 
 June 1802 
 
-58- 
 
 Prefent 
 Bishop Jarvis 
 Doctor Mansfield 
 Doctor Smith 
 
 Shelton 
 
 Baldwin 
 
 Prindle 
 
 Brownson Deacons 
 
 Todd Brownson 
 
 Marsh 
 
 Griswold 
 
 Reyner 
 
 Burges 
 
 Whitlock 
 
 M r Baldwin was chosen Secretary. — 
 
 The Bishop presented the following fentence of degradation 
 which was agreed to by the Convocation, directed to be read 
 publickly in the Churches of Stamford, Norwalk & Canaan, & 
 orderd to be recorded by the Secretary — 
 
 Whereas Caleb Childs Deacon, hath been accused of holding 
 Errors in Faith & of being guilty of immoralities & vices injur- 
 ious to Christianity & disgraceful to the Character of a Clergy- 
 man. — And whereas a Committee hath been appointed to hear 
 and consider the truth & merits of the Facts, exhibited in charge 
 against him, whose fummons for that purpose he utterly disre- 
 garded, & treated the whole ecclesiastical Authority with pub- 
 lick and avowed contempt — And whereas the Committee afore- 
 said, after a fair and full examination, have reported, that the 
 crimes and misdemeanors charged upon him, were clearly & 
 fully proved. From all which it appears that he hath rendered 
 himself unworthy of the office of a Deacon. — Therefore by these 
 presents, be it known unto all whom it may concern, that the 
 s a Caleb Childs, is degraded from the exercise of the office of 
 a Deacon, & is hereby forbidden to execute the same in any 
 instance whatever in future — Of which, all Churches in the 
 Diocese & all the Ministers thereof are called upon to take 
 proper notice. — Done in Convocation at Huntington this 3 a - 
 day of June 1802, & in the 5 th . year of our Consecration 
 
 Abraham Bishop Conect. — 
 
 Convocation adjourned sine die. 
 
 Ashbel Baldwin Secretary 
 
—59— 
 
 [i8o 3 ] 
 
 At a meeting of the Bishop, Presbyters, & Deacons of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church in Connecticutt holden at the 
 house of James Clark Esq r . in Danbury on the I st . day of June 
 1803.— 
 
 Present 
 
 Right Rev a . Bishop Tarvis D.D.— 
 Rev a - Doctor Mansfield 
 Bela Hubbard 
 Philo Shelton 
 Ashbel Baldwin 
 Tillotson Brownson 
 Chauncey Prindle 
 Ambrose Todd 
 Truman Marsh 
 Charles Seabury 
 David Butler 
 Daniel Burhans 
 Visiting Brethren 
 Rev d Joseph Warren 
 Rev a Amos Pardee 
 Deacon Abraham Brownson. — 
 
 Rsolved that the Rev a M r . Hubbard, Rev a M r . Shelton & 
 the Rev a - M r . Baldwin be a Committee to receive any informa- 
 tion from M r . Rogers, & the Lay Delegates accompanying him, 
 which they may wish to communicate to the Convocation & 
 report thereupon. — 
 
 Resolved that the Bishop of this Diocese be requested to 
 require of the Rev d Ammi Rogers that he produce Testimonials 
 from the Bishop & standing Committee in the State of New 
 York previous to his being admitted a member of this Convo- 
 cation. — 22 
 
 Convocation adjourn'd untill 8 OClock to morrow morning. — 
 
 Thursday Morning. — 
 
 On motion from M r . Shelton — Resolved that the Secretary, 
 transmit to the Parishes of Branford, Wallingford, & East- 
 Haven the resolve of this Convocation, respecting the Rev d - 
 Ammi Rogers. — 
 
 Convocation adjourned Sine Die. — 
 
 Ashbel Baldwin Secretary 
 22 Note xxn. 
 
[i8o 3 ] 
 
 At a meeting of the Bishop, Presbyters, and Deacons of the 
 Episcopal Church of Connecticut holden at the house of M* 
 Steele in Chewstown, Derby on the 5 th . day of October 1803 
 
 Present. — 
 Right Rev d Bishop Jarvis 
 Rev d Doctor Mansfield 
 Rev a Bela Hubbard 
 Rev d Doctor Smith 
 Rev a Philo Shelton 
 Rev d Ashbel Baldwin 
 Rev d Chauncey Prindle 
 Rev d Tillitson Brownson 
 Rev d Reuben Ives 
 Rev d Ambrose Todd 
 Rev d David Butler 
 Rev d Solomon Blakesley 
 Rev d . Daniel Burhans 
 Rev d . Henry Whitlock 
 Rev d Alexander V Griswold 
 
 Divine Service was attended in the Church 
 
 Mr Whitlock read prayers — M r Butler delivered a Sermon — 
 After fervice the members of the Convocation convened at the 
 house of M r Steele. — 
 
 On Motion, Voted that the Bishop be requested to return 
 thanks to M r Butler for his Sermon delivered before the Con- 
 vocation. — 
 
 Voted that M r Samuel Griswold be recommended to the 
 Bishop for holy Orders. — 
 
 Voted that the Testimonials presented by Joshua Dudley 
 Esq re . in behalf of the Rev d . Ammi Rogers, are not (in the 
 opinion of this Convocation), agreeable to the requirements, 
 made in their resolve pafsed at Danbury. 
 
 Voted the thanks of this Convocation to President, & Secre- 
 tary for their attendance & Services. 
 
 Convocation Adjourned Sine. Die. 
 
 Ashbel Baldwin Secretary. — 
 
— 6i— 
 [1804] 
 
 At a meeting of the Bishop, Presbyters, and Deacons of the 
 Episcopal Church, in Convocation at the house of the Rev d 
 Truman Marsh in Litchfield on the 6 th . day of June 1804 — 
 
 Present 
 Right Rev d Bishop Jarvis D D 
 Rev a . Bela Hubbard 
 
 John Tyler 
 
 William Smith D D Visiting Brethren 
 
 Philo Shelton Rev a Amos Pardee 
 
 Ashbel Baldwin Dea n Samuel Griswold 
 
 Chauncey Prindle 
 
 Reuben Ives 
 
 Tillotson Brownson 
 
 Charles Seabury 
 
 David Butler 
 
 Truman Marsh 
 
 Menzies Rayner 
 
 Daniel Burhans 
 
 Henry Whitlock 
 
 Nathan B Burgis 
 Deacon Clemment Meriam 
 
 Convocation adjourned untill 7 OClock to morrow morn- 
 ing.— 
 
 Thursday 7 OClock A. M. Convocation opened agreeable to 
 adjournment. 
 
 Rev d Ashbel Baldwin chosen Secretary. — 
 On-motion 
 
 Voted that Mefs Baldwin, Burhans Rayner, Smith, & Ives be 
 a committee to digest some plan for the future publication of 
 the Churchman's Magazine, & report to this Convocation. — 23 
 
 Convocation adjourned untill 8 OClock P M. — 
 
 Thursday 8 o'clock P. M.— 
 Convocation opened agreeable to adjourn'. 
 The Committee appointed to digest a plan for publishing the 
 Magazine, reported, that in their opinion, it would be advisable 
 23 Note xxin. 
 
—62— 
 
 for the Convocation to appoint a permanent Committee, to meet 
 as often as it shall be necessary at Cheshire & New Haven, to 
 superintend the publishing the Churchman's Ma[ga]zine, which 
 Committee shall be entitled to a reasonable compensation for 
 their services, when the profits arising from the publication will 
 admit of it. — The above report was accepted by the Convocation 
 & Mefs Smith Ives, Baldwin, Meriam, Shelton, Brownson 
 Burhans & Rayner were appointed the Committee — 
 
 On Motion, Resolved unanimously, that the Bishop, be re- 
 quested to degrade Deacon Bradley from the office of Deacon. — 
 
 On Motion, Resolved unanimously, that the Bishop be re- 
 quested to suspend the Rev d Ammi Rogers from the use of the 
 Churches in this Diocese. — 
 
 Convocation voted thanks to the President & Secretary for 
 their attendance & fervices 
 
 Convocation Adjourned fine die. 
 
 Ashbel Baldwin Secretary. 
 
 At a meeting of the Bishop & Presbyters of the Protestant 
 Epis. Church of Connecticut in Convocation at the house of 
 the Rev a . Doctor William Smith in Cheshire on the 3 d . day of 
 October 1804 
 
 Present. 
 Right Rev a Bishop Jarvis 
 
 Rev a . Bela Hubbard D. D. 
 Rev a . William Smith D. D. 
 Rev a . Philo Shelton 
 Rev d . Ashbel Baldwin 
 Rev d . Reuben Ives 
 Visiting Brethre[n] Rev a . Chauncy Prindle 
 
 Rev a . Bethuel Chittenden Rev a - Tillotson Brownson 
 Rev a - Calvin White. Rev d . Ambrose Todd 
 
 Rev a . Daniel Burhans 
 Rev a . Menzies Rayner 
 
 Rev a A Baldwin was chosen Secretary. — 
 
 A procefsion was formed by the Clergy & the Students of the 
 Academy, & moved from the Academy to the Episcopal Church, 
 where Divine Service was attended. — Rev a M r . Rayner read 
 
-63- 
 
 Prayers, & the Rev d - M r Burhans delivered a Sermon before 
 the Convocation. — 
 
 Met at the house of Doctor Smith and adjourned untill 6 
 OClock P. M.— 
 
 6 OClock P. M.— 
 
 Met agreeable to adjournment. — 
 
 Mefs Baldwin, Ives, Brownson, Burhans, Shelton, Rayner, 
 & Burgis, were appointed as Committee to negotiate with a 
 Printer to publish the Churchman's Magazine the ensuing Year 
 & also to contract with an Editor for the same, & it is to be 
 understood that any five of the above named Persons may form 
 a quorum for transacting the businefs. 
 
 Bishop Jarvis presented a sentence of degradation against the 
 Rev d Ammi Rogers which was unanimously approved of, and 
 ordered the same to be published in usual Form. — 24 
 
 Voted the thanks of Convocation to the President & Secretary 
 for their attendance & fervices. — 
 
 Convocation adjourned fine die 
 
 Ashbel Baldwin Secretary 
 
 By the Bishop of Connecticutt 
 The Rev a . Ammi Rogers, now residing in the Diocese hath for 
 a long time conducted himself in such a way as is contrary to 
 the rules of the Church, & disgraceful to his Office, therefore, by 
 the advice, & at the desire of the Clergy of Connecticut, We 
 the Bishop, do by these presents forbid, & direct the Clergy of 
 this Diocese to forbid the s d . Rogers in future to officiate in their 
 Churches & within their Parishes, & in all vacant Parishes the 
 Wardens are desired to do the same, an[d] the Congregations 
 are exhorted not to give countenance to a Man whose disorderly 
 & refractory conduct is subversive of the harmony & peace of 
 the Church. — 
 
 Abraham, Bishop of Conct. 
 
 New Haven, June II th . 1804 
 
 A true Coppy of the Bishops Circular 
 
 Ashbel Baldwin 
 
 Secretary of Convocation 
 24 Note xxiv. 
 
-6 4 - 
 
 [i8o 5 ] 
 
 At a meeting of the Bishop, Presbyters, and Deacon of the 
 Episcopal Church in Connecticutt in Convocation, holden at the 
 house of the Rev d . Clemment Merriam in the city of Middle- 
 town on the 4 th . day of June 1805 — 
 
 Present. 
 Right Rev a Bishop Jarvis D. D. 
 
 Rev d Doctor Bela Hubbard 
 
 Rev d Doctor William Smith 
 
 Rev a . Philo Shelton 
 
 Rev a Ashbel Baldwin 
 
 Rev d C[h]auncey Prindle 
 
 Rev d Tillotson Brownson 
 Deacons Rev d Reuben Ives 
 
 Clement Merriam Rev d Truman Marsh 
 Asa Cornwall Rev d . Charles Seabury 
 
 Samuel Griswold Rev d . Nathan B Burgis 
 
 Rev d Henry Whitlock 
 
 Rev d Menzies Rayner 
 
 Rev d Ambrose Todd 
 Rev a Nathan B. Burgis 
 
 Rev d . Daniel Burhans 
 
 Rev a Smith Miles 
 
 Convocation adjourned untill 8 OClock to morrow morning — 
 Met agreeable to adjournment. 
 
 Mefs Deacon Clement Merriam 
 Deacon Samuel Griswold 
 Deacon Hilliar 
 
 were recommended to the Bishop for the order of Priests. — 
 Mefs Duncan 
 
 Barber 
 Wheeler 
 Searl 
 Buckley 
 
 were recommended to the Bishop for the order of Deacons. — 
 
 Voted Thanks to the President & Secretary for their Attend- 
 ance & Services. — 
 
 Convocation adjourned Sine. die. 
 
 Ashbel Baldwin Secretary 
 
-65- 
 
 At a meeting of the Bishop, Presbyters, and Deacons of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church of Connecticutt, in Convocation, 
 holden at the house of the Widow Sarah Munday, in Stamford 
 on Tuesday the 14 th - day of October 1805. — 
 
 Present 
 Right Rev d . Bishop Jarvis. D.D. 
 
 Rev d Bela Hubbard. D.D. 
 Rev a . Philo Shelton 
 Rev a Ashbel Baldwin 
 Rev a . Chauncy Prindle 
 Visiting Brethren Rev d Tillotson Brownson 
 
 Rev d John H Hobart Rev a . Ambrose Todd 
 New York. Rev a . Daniel Burhans 
 
 Rev a . Evan Rogers Rev a . Calvin White 
 
 Rye. — Rev d . Henry Whitlock 
 
 Deacon Rufsell Wheeler 
 Deacon Buckley. 
 
 Rev a M r Baldwin was elected Secretary. 
 
 Resolved that the Rev a . John H Hobart from New York, & 
 the Rev. Evan Rogers from Rye be requested to take their 
 seats in the Convocation as visiting Brethren. — 
 
 Resolved that Notification be given to Mefs Cary Leeds, 
 Alexander Bishop, David Marsh, David Waterbury, Isaac 
 Hawley, & others in Stamford, who are disfatisfied with the 
 ecclesiastical proceedings of this Diocese, in regard to M r Ammi 
 Rogers, that the Convocation are now in fefsion, & that if they 
 are desirous of having any interview with the Convocation, 
 they will have an opportunity of being heard at 10 OClock 
 A. M. to morrow at the place where the Convocation is now in 
 Session, or such other place as shall be agree'd upon. — 
 
 Resolved that Notification be given to M r Cary Leeds, that 
 the Convocation are willing to enter into a conference with him, 
 on the subject of the ecclesiastical proceeding of this Diocese, 
 in regard to M r Am[m]i Rogers at 10 OClock, A. M. to 
 morrow at the place of the present fefsion, or any other place 
 that may be agreed upon. — 
 
 Convocation adjourned untill 8 OClock A. M. to morrow. — 
 5 
 
Wednesday 8 OClock A. M. 
 
 Convocation meet agreeable to adjournment. — 
 Upon a Communication received from M r . Cary Leeds. — 
 Mefs Rev d Ambrose Todd & Daniel Burhans were appointed a 
 Committee, to inform M r . Cary Leeds that the Convocation are 
 now ready to enter into a conference with him, respecting the 
 ecclesiastical proceedings of this State, in regard to M r Ammi 
 Rogers. — 
 
 By request from the Convocation the Bishop transmitted to 
 M r Cary Leeds & others the following requisition (viz) — 
 
 Mefs Cary Leeds, Isaac Holly, Alexander Bishop &c. 
 
 Gentlemen — "As I am informed that you have the Key 
 "of St John's Church in your keeping, & on the present occa- 
 sion, having need of the use of the Church, for the convenience 
 "of the Convocation now afsembled in this Town, it is requested 
 "that you send the key of s a . Church to the Bishop for the above 
 "purpose. — Your compliance in this particular will be in strict 
 "conformity to ecclesiastical duty. — 
 
 Abraham. — Bishop — Connecticutt. 
 
 Stamford October 16 th . 1805. 
 
 The Committee appointed to have a conference with M r 
 Cary Leeds & others, made the following report — (viz) That 
 they had attended to the subject of their appointment, & that 
 M r Leeds informed them that he could have no personal con- 
 ference with the Convocation: — 
 
 The following Communication was made by the Bishop, to 
 M r . Ammi Rogers by the request of the Convocation. — 
 
 Stamford Oct r . 16 th . 1805. 
 Sir— 
 
 I have this morning requested Mefs Cary Leeds, Isaac 
 Hawley, & Alexander Bishop to deliver me the Key's of St 
 John's Church in Stamford for the purpose of holding a Con- 
 vocation in s d . Church — to which I have received for answer, 
 that the s a . keys are exclusively subject to your controul — As 
 Bishop of the Diocese of Connecticut, I now direct you to 
 deliver me the Keys of said Church. 
 
 Abraham — Bishop — Connecticut. 
 
-6 7 - 
 
 Resolved — That M r . Cary Leeds be informed that they have 
 just received a communication from him ; & acquaint him that 
 they have an important communication to make him upon the 
 subject of his last letter, which they will be ready to give him 
 at 7 OClock this Evening. — 
 
 Convocation adjourned untill 6 OClock P. M. 
 
 6 OClock P. M. 
 
 Convocation Met agreeable to adjournment. 
 
 Mefs Rev d . Philo Shelton, Rev a . Daniel Burhans & Rev a . 
 Tillotson Brownson were appointed a Committee to draft an 
 answer to the last communication from Cary Leeds to this 
 Convocation. — 
 
 The Committee appointed to draft an answer to the last 
 communication from Cary Leeds — made the following report, 
 which was unanimously approved of, ordered to be engrofsed 
 upon the journals of the Convocation, & a coppy thereof to be 
 immediately sent to M r . Cary Leeds, which was accordingly 
 done. 
 
 To Carey Leeds, Alexander Bishop & others who are disfat- 
 isfied with the ecclesiastical proceedings of the Bishop & Clergy 
 of the Diocese of Connecticut in regard to M r . Ammi Rogers. — 
 
 The Bishop & Clergy of the diocese of Connecticut sincerely 
 desirous, to promote the peace & preserve the authority of the 
 church have met at Stamford in the hope that by a friendly 
 conference with you, it would be in their power to satisfy you 
 of the propriety and duty of submitting to the sentence pro- 
 nounced upon M r Ammi Rogers. — They regret that your refusal 
 to engage in a personal conference has prevented that full, & 
 fair discufsion of the subject, which in every point of view was 
 so desirable. — By persons who profess themselves Churchmen, in 
 principles & in practice ; they still cherish the hope that the fol- 
 lowing statement of facts from the authority of the church will 
 be duly regarded. — It appears from page 17 of the journals of 
 the house of Bishops a copy of which we herewith transmit to 
 you ; that on Friday Sep r . 14 1804 — "a memorial was laid on the 
 table from the Rev Ammi Rogers, accompanied with sundry doc- 
 ument, and a letter requesting that a day may be appointed for 
 the consideration of the points therein stated" — And it further 
 
—68— 
 
 appears that the following Monday was afsigned for the pur- 
 pose, & notice thereof given to M r Rogers. — From page 19, it 
 appears, that the house of Bishops resolved to go into an inves- 
 tigation of the matters which M r . Rogers had bro't before them, 
 in presence of such members of the house of Clerical & Lay 
 Deputies as should pofsefs any information on the subject. — 
 From page 20 it appears that the Clerical members from the 
 state of Connecticut were admitted to a hearing on the subject 
 of M r . Rogers in his presence, documents on both sides were 
 read, and a hearing was given to the parties concerned — From 
 page 21 & 22 it appears that in consequence of an application 
 from M r Rogers made in the absence of the clergy from Con- 
 necticutt ; the house of Bishops resolved that nothing should be 
 done in the businefs except in the presence of both parties, & 
 that on a further application of a Clerical Member from Connec- 
 ticut, both parties were introduced on the folio wing, day, & a 
 further hearing was given. — From page 23 it appears that at 7 
 OClock of the same day the house of Bishops met, & that the 
 Right Rev a Bishop White, the Right Rev a Bishop More, & the 
 Right Rev d Bishop Parker were present, & that the Bishops 
 came to a determination of which the following is an extract — 
 "After a full inquiry &c. — to degradation from the minis- 
 try"— 21 
 
 By recurring to the Journals, you will find that the above is 
 an impartial statement of facts, & that the following particulars 
 undeniably result from it — M r . Ammi Rogers brought this busi- 
 nefs himself before the house of Bishops, & in the words of his 
 memorial declared that — "he has never shunned investigation, 
 but on the contrary has always requested it, and now prays that 
 a candid & impartial enquiry may be made as to his conduct and 
 character" — It appears that M r . Rogers presented to the house 
 his documents ; and that a full hearing of the case, was at dif- 
 ferent times made in the presence of both parties; that M r 
 Rogers confirmed the wish that he exprefsed for an enquiry by 
 always attending for the purpose. And it was not untill the 
 close of the enquiry, & untill he had reason to fear the unfavor- 
 able result to himself, that he exprefsed to the Bishops that he 
 did not wish them to Come to any decision. — Now as persons 
 deeply interested for the peace of the church, & your spiritual 
 
 24 Note xxiv. 
 
— 69 — 
 
 welfare, we intreat your conscientious attention to the follow- 
 ing considerations. — Can you suppose, that if M r Rogers did 
 not wish for an enquiry into his conduct by the house of 
 Bishops ; he would have permitted them to engage in it. without 
 entering his solemn protest against it? Can you suppose that 
 the Right Revd. Bishop White whose impartiality and mildness 
 are so universally acknowledged, That Bishop More, who had 
 been represented by M r . Rogers, as friendly to him — that Bishop 
 Parker, who had just made his solemn vows at the Altar, would 
 have forced M r . Rogers to an enquiry if he had not solicited it; 
 would declare that they had made a full enquiry, and fair exam- 
 ination of the subject, if such enquiry & examination had not 
 been made? — Can you suppose that these Bishops of the 
 church, would have violated every obligation of truth & justice 
 as well as the most solemn vows of office, by condemning an 
 innocent man? — Could Mr. Rogers have had a trial before a 
 more impartial tribunal? — Or can you suppose that after the 
 house of Bishops, had made a full enquiry, & pronounced their 
 opinion, any thing else was left to the Bishop of Connecticut 
 than to carry their decision into effect? M r Rogers made an 
 appeal to the house of Bishops — They tho't proper to investi- 
 gate his conduct & to pronounce a decision. — The cannons of 
 the church of Connecticut in regard to the trial of Clergymen 
 could here have no operation. — The Bishop of Connecticut was 
 the agent to carry the decision of the house of Bishops into 
 effect — M r Rogers has been solemnly degraded from the minis- 
 try after a full investigation of his conduct, & a discufsion in 
 regard to him by the highest authority of the Church — We 
 entreat you as friends to the peace of society & the order & har- 
 mony of the church; we entreat you by your character as 
 Church [men] — by the memory of your forefather who cherished 
 the church with inviolable fidelity — we entreat you by the 
 prospect of that awful tribunal at which all mankind must be 
 judged, to regard the divine injunction — "Hear the church" — 
 In the language of the Apostle we exhort you, Brethren, "Put 
 from you that unworthy person" — Remember the injunction of 
 our Lord — "If any man refuse to hear the church, let him be 
 unto you as a heathan man & a publican" — In the spirit of 
 meeknefs & affection we entreat you "Rend not that divine 
 body the church which your Redeemer purchased with his 
 
— 7o— 
 
 blood — For ourselves we most solemnly declare, that mindful 
 of the comifsion given to us by our divine Master, & relying 
 on his promise, that He will be with His church alway, even to 
 the end of the world, we shall esteem it our sacred duty to pre- 
 serve inviolate the authority committed to us, — And we trust 
 that what is there "done" by the lawful Governors of the church 
 "on Earth will be ratified in Heaven" — 
 
 Tillotson Brownson Chairman of Commi. 
 
 Rev a Tillotson Brownson, Doctor Bela Hubbard & Rev a 
 Ashbel Baldwin were appointed a Committee with full power 
 to confer with Oliver Steele & Co printers of the Churchmans 
 Magazine on the subject of a future publication of s d . Maga- 
 zine. — 
 
 Mefs Rev a A Baldwin, Rev d P Shelton, Rev a A Todd, & Rev a 
 D Burhans were appointed a Committee to publish such part 
 or parts of the Journals of the present Convocation as they shall 
 think proper. — 25 
 
 Mefs Rev a A Baldwin, Rev a P Shelton, Rev a A Todd & Rev a 
 D Burhans were appointed a Committee to publish a history of 
 the ecclesiastical proceedings, in regard to M r Ammi Rogers. — 
 
 Convocation adjourned untill 9 OClock A. M. to morrow. — 
 
 Thursday Morning 9 OClock A. M. — 
 
 Convocation meet agreeable to adjournment. — 
 
 Resolved — That M r Carey Leeds be informed that the Con- 
 vocation have received his communication of October 16 th - 
 accompanied with a certain vote of a meeting held at St John's 
 Church in Stamford on the 27 th . day of May 1805 attested by 
 Isaac Holly Jn r . by which they have declared that they are not 
 under the direction nor ameniable to the Authority of any 
 Bishop. — This Convocation have therefore no further commu- 
 nications to make to M r Leeds on this subject. — 
 
 Resolved. That this Convocation have a grateful sense of 
 the attention of their Brethren in the Diocese of the State of 
 New York, by requesting several Presbyters of their body, to 
 make a Visit to this Convocation, with a view to promote a 
 friendly intercourse, & that this Convocation will most cheer- 
 fully unite with them in promoting that desirable Object. — 
 
 aB Note xxv. 
 
— 7 i— 
 
 Resolved — That it shall be the duty of the Secretary of Con- 
 vocation to give information to the Bishop of the state of New 
 York of the time & place of their meetings. — 
 
 Rev d M r A Baldwin, Rev Doctor Hubbard & Rev d . P Shelton 
 were requested to attend the next Convocation in the State of 
 New York. — 
 
 Voted the thanks of Convocation to the President & Secretary 
 for their attendance & fervices. — 
 
 Convocation Adjourned without day. 
 
 Ashbel Baldwin Secretary 
 
 [1806] 
 
 At a meeting of the Bishop, Presbyters, and Deacons of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church of Connecticutt holden at the 
 house of the Rev a . Reuben Ives in Cheshire on the 3 d day of 
 June 1806. — 
 
 Present — Right Rev a . Bishop Jarvis D D. 
 
 Rev d . Bela Hubbard D D 
 
 Rev d . William Smith D D , 
 
 Rev d . John Tyler 
 
 Rev d . Philo Shelton 
 
 Rev d . Ashbel Baldwin 
 
 Rev a . Chauncey Prindle 
 
 Rev a . Tillotson Brownson 
 
 Rev d . Reuben Ives 
 
 Rev d . Charles Seabury 
 Deacons Rev d . Solomon Blakeley 
 
 Rufsel Wheeler Rev d . Truman Marsh 
 Roger Searl Rev d . Menzies Rayner 
 
 Virgil. H Barber. Rev d . Clement Merriam 
 
 Rev d . Charles White 
 
 Rev d . Henry Whitlock 
 
 Rev d Ashbel Baldwin was chosen Secretary. — 
 
 On motion by Mr. Baldwin — Resolved, that in future no 
 
 person shall be considered as a Candidate in this Diocese, untill 
 
 he has been examined by the Bishop, or such of his Presbyters 
 
 as he may appoint and that previous to any such examination 
 
—72— 
 
 being had the person offering himself to become a Candidate, 
 shall have studied with the Bishop, the Principal of the Acad- 
 emy or some other Presbyter in the Diocese at least one year, if 
 he has received the honors of some College, or incorporate 
 Academy, or the term of two Years if he has not received such 
 honors. — 
 
 Convocation adjourned untill 6 OClock A. M. to morrow. — 
 
 Thursday Morning 6 OClock 
 Convocation meet agreeable to adjournment. — 
 But as there appeared to be no businefs, to be laid before 
 them, it was adjourned without day. — 
 
 Ashbel Baldwin Secretary 
 
 At a meeting of the Bishop & Presbyters of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church in Connecticutt holden at the house of the 
 Rev a . Daniel Burhans in NewTown the 7 th - day of October 
 1806.— 
 
 Present 
 Right Rev a . A Jarvis D D 
 
 Rev a . Doctor Mansfield 
 Rev d . Doctor Hubbard 
 Rev a . Philo Shelton 
 Deacons Rev a . Ashbel Baldwin 
 
 Rufsel Wheeler Rev a . Chauncey Prindle 
 
 Virgil H Barber Rev a Tillotson Brownson 
 
 Rev a Reuben Ives 
 Visiting Brethren Rev d Truman Marsh 
 
 Jonathan Judd Rev d . Daniel Burhans 
 
 from the State of Rev 4 . Calvin White 
 
 New York — Rev a Minzies Rayner 
 
 Rev a . Roger Searle 
 
 Rev a Ashbel Baldwin was chosen Secretary. 
 
 Voted that all regular Clergymen, belonging to the Episcopal 
 Church, who may be present during the fession, be invited to 
 take a seat as visiting Brethren. — 
 
 The Rev a Truman Marsh, Rev a Menzies [Rayner,] Rev 3 
 Ashbel Baldwin & Rev d - Tillotson Brownson were appointed a 
 Committee to enquire into the state of the Church in the Diocese 
 & report to this or the next Convocation. — 
 
 Convocation adjourned untill to morrow at 8 OClock A. M. — 
 
—73— 
 
 Wednesday 8 OClock A. M. 
 Convocation meet agreeable to Adjournment. 
 Convocation adjourned untill 6 OClock P. M. — 
 
 6 o'clock P. M. 
 
 Convocation meet agreeable to adjournment. — 
 
 Whereas the Convention of the Episcopal Church holden at 
 NewTown this 8 th . day of October, decided that they were not 
 competent to judge respecting the suspension & degradation of 
 Ammi Rogers.— 
 
 Resolved by the Convocation that in their opinion the only 
 proper board for redrefs of grievances complained of by s d 
 Rogers in consequence of his suspension & degradation is the 
 House of Bishops, to whose decifsion the Convocation are ever 
 ready to submit. — 
 
 Rv a M r Brownson, Rev a M r . Whitlock & Rev d M r Rayner 
 be appointed a committee to write to Bishop White, Bishop 
 Clagget, & Bishop Moore & request their opinion on the sub- 
 ject of Ammi Rogers — 
 
 Leave of Absence was granted to the Rev a . M r . Baldwin dur- 
 ing the remainder of the Sefsion 
 .Rev d . Mr. Shelton appointed Secretary Pro. Tem. 
 
 The committee appointed to write to the Bishops, reported the 
 following letter, which was directed to be signed by the secre- 
 tary & transmitted to the several Bishops who were present at 
 the last General Convention. — 
 
 Right Rev d Sir.— 
 The Bishop of Connecticutt with the advice of his Presbyters 
 in Convocation afsembled at Cheshire in the Month of October 
 of the Year 1804, pafsed sentence of degredation against M 1 
 Ammi Rogers. In taking this step, the Bishop conceived him- 
 self warranted by the proceedings had with regard to the said 
 M r Rogers before the House of Bishops at New York. — This 
 opinion was formed on the consideration of the full, & solemn 
 hearings that were given to M 1 Rogers & the Delegation from 
 Connecticutt: & on the conceived impropriety of again calling 
 in question facts which the highest ecclesiastical authority in 
 our Church, had said were proved. — Having nothing in view, as 
 is hoped & believed, but the honour of God's Church & the pros- 
 
—74— 
 
 perity of true religion, it is found with regret that a different 
 opinion has been exprefsed by two of the members of the house 
 of Bishops ; in their affidavits given to M r Rogers ; which has 
 exposed the Church in Connecticut to much inconvenience & 
 trouble, & the danger of an unhappy fcism greatly increased by 
 the efforts now carried on by the s a M r Rogers & his adherents. 
 
 If these evils are to be ascribed to the Governors of the 
 Church in Connecticut in consequence of their erroneous con- 
 clusions from what was done at New York, they flatter them- 
 selves that it was the error of the head, & not of the heart; 
 But however this may be, they stand ready to be corrected by 
 the competent authority. — And being disposed to do every thing 
 in their power for the peace of the Church they do hereby 
 request that you will, in conjunction, with the other Bishops 
 concerned, transmit a statement of your view of the whole sub- 
 ject, together with your advice to Connecticut, how it would be 
 prudent in the present state of things, to proceed; & particu- 
 larly whether it would be advisable to give M r Rogers a new 
 Trial on the ground of Nulity in the act of degradation. 
 
 Your advice on this, or any other point, that may tend to 
 remove the unhappy embarasments, under which the Church is 
 laboring will be thankfully received & seriously weighed, & 
 considered. — 
 
 Convocation adjourned without day. 
 
 Ashbel Baldwin Secretary. 
 
 [1807] 
 
 At a meeting of the Bishop, Presbyters and Deacons of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church of Connecticutt holden at the 
 house of Deacon Rufsel Wheeler in Watertown on the 2 a . Day 
 of June 1807. — 
 
 Present Right Rev a . Bishop Jarvis 
 Rev d . John Tyler 
 Rev a . Philo Shelton 
 Rev a . Ashbel Baldwin 
 Deacons — Rev a Chauncey Prindle 
 
 Rufsel Wheeler Rev d - Tillitson Brownson 
 
 Cornwall Rev a Reuben Ives 
 
 Horace V Barber Rev a . Truman Marsh 
 
—75— 
 
 Rev a . Daniel Burhans 
 Rev a Menzies Rayner 
 
 Rev d Henry Whitlock 
 
 Rev d Nathan B Burgis 
 
 Rev a . M r Buckley from Poukeepsiee in the State of New 
 York was present & requested to take a seat. — 
 
 Rev a M r Baldwin was chosen Secretary. — 
 
 A letter from the Rev a Doctor Hobart of New York, respect- 
 ing the Churchmans Magazine was read— & Mefs the Rev d . M p . 
 Shelton, Rev d M r Marsh, & the Rev a Mr Brownson were 
 appointed a committee to answer the same. — 
 
 Convocation adjourned untill 7 OQock to Morrow Morn- 
 ing- 
 Wednesday June 3 a . 7 OClock A M. 
 
 Convocation opened agreeable to the adjournment 
 
 Letters from Bishop White, Bishop Clagget, & Bishop More 
 were read, and ordered to be kept on file. — 
 
 An Addrefs from Ammi Rogers to the Convocation was read, 
 and ordered to be kept on file. — 
 
 Voted the thanks of the Convocation to the Rev a Daniel 
 Burhans for his sermon delivered at the Ordination of the Rev a 
 M r Wheeler.— 
 
 Convocation Adjourned without day. 
 
 Ashbel Baldwin Secretary 
 
 At a meeting of the Bishop, Presbyters & Deacons of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church of Connecticut, in Convocation 
 holden at the house of the Rev a . John Tyler in Norwich on the 
 7 th day of October 1807. — 
 
 Present. 
 Right Rev a Bishop Jarvis D. D. 
 Rev d Bela Hubbard D. D. 
 Rev d John Tyler 
 Rev a Ashbel Baldwin 
 Rev a Truman Marsh 
 Rev d Charles Seabury 
 Rev a Daniel Burhans 
 Rev d Menzies Rayner 
 Rev a Asa Cornwal 
 
- 7 6- 
 
 Deacons 
 Rev d Elijah G Plum 
 Rev a David Baldwin 
 Rev d Benj n Burham 
 
 Visiting Brethren 
 Rev d - Alexander V Griswold — Bristol 
 Deacon John Ward — NewPort 
 
 On motion — Voted, that the Rev d M r Griswold & Deacon 
 John Ward from the Diocese of Rode Iseland be requested to 
 take a seat in this Convocation as visiting Brethren. — 
 
 Voted, That in future the Deacons shall be admitted to vote 
 in Convocation, in all cases excepting when the Bishop decides 
 it will be improper for them to act. — 
 
 Voted That Bishop Jarvis, Mefs Baldwin & Burhans be 
 appointed a Committee with full powers to secure a copy rite 
 for the Churchman's magazine, for the Bishop & Clergfy] of 
 this Diocese, upon condition such copy rite can be legally 
 secured to them & upon condition such a measure shall meet 
 with the approbation of the clergy in New York — and that they 
 be empowered by this body, to negociate with the Printers, & 
 others concerned the manner of its future publication. — 25 
 
 Convocation adjourned untill 8 OClock tomorrow morning. 
 
 Thursday Morning 8 OClock 
 Convocation meet agreeable to adjournment 
 Convocation adjourned to attend publick fervice. 
 A Procession was made to Christs Church, when Morning 
 
 Prayers were said by the Rev a Asa Cornwal, & a Sermon was 
 
 delivered by the Rev d Menzies Rayner. — 
 
 Thursday 6 OClock P. M. 
 
 On motion. — Voted the thanks of this Convocation to the 
 Rev d M r Rayner for his sermon delivered before them. — 
 
 Voted the thanks of the Convocation, to the President & Sec- 
 retary for their attendance, and services. — 
 
 Convocation adjourned without day 
 
 Ashbel Baldwin Secretary 
 85 Note xxv. 
 
—77— 
 
 [i8o8] 
 
 At a meeting of the Bishop, Presbyters & Deacons of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church in Connecticut in Convocation 
 holden at the house of the Rev a Henry Whitlock in Norwalk 
 on the 30 th . day of August 1808. — 
 
 Present 
 Right Rev a Bishop Jarvis D. D. 
 
 Rev d Bela Hubbard D. D. 
 Visiting Brethren Rev d Philo Shelton 
 
 from Maryland Rev a Alhbel Baldwin 
 
 Rev d John Kewley M.D. Rev d Daniel Burhans 
 Rev d Bethel Judd Rev d Menzies Rayner 
 
 from New York State Rev d . Calvin White 
 Rev d . George Strebeck Rev d Asa Cornwall 
 
 Rev d Evan Rogers Rev d Henry Whitlock 
 
 Rev d Ambrose Todd 
 
 Deacons — 
 Rev d Elijah G Plumb 
 Rev d Benjamin Benham 
 Rev d Zalmon Wheaton 
 
 The Rev d Ashbel Baldwin was elected Secretary. — 
 
 The Rev d John Kewley of Chester Parish & the Rev d . Bethel 
 Judd of St Ann's at Anapolis in Maryland were present & 
 requested to take a Seat in Convocation as visiting Brethren. — 
 
 Voted, that the Committee appointed at the last Convocation 
 respecting the Churchman's Magazine be discharged from any 
 further consideration of that subject. — 
 
 Convocation adjourned untill 8 OClock to morrow Morning. — 
 
 Wednesday 8 OClock A. M. 
 Convocation opened agreeable to adjournment 
 The Rev d . George Strebeck from New York & the Rev d Evan 
 
 Rogers from Rye were present, & were requested to take their 
 
 seats as visiting Brethren. 
 
 Convocation adjourned to attend publick Service. — 
 Morning Prayers were read by the Rev d . Menzies Rayner & 
 
 a sermon was delivered by the Rev d Daniel Burhans & Deacons 
 
 Benjamin Benham & Elijah G Plumb were admitted to the holy 
 
 Order of Priests. — 
 
- 7 8- 
 
 Wednesday 5 OClock P. M. 
 Convocation opened in due form. — 
 
 The Rev a . Henry Whitlock & the Rev a Salmon Wheaton were 
 requested by the Convocation to attend the Convocation in New 
 York.— 
 
 Voted the thanks of this Convocation to the Rev a Daniel 
 Burhans for his Sermon delivered before them. — 
 
 Voted the thanks of Convocation to the President and Secre- 
 tary for their attendance & fervices. 
 
 Adjourned sine Die 
 
 Ashbel Baldwin Secretary 
 
 [1809] 
 
 A Convocation of the Presbyters of the Episcopal Church in 
 Cohneeticutt was holden at the house of Cap'. Timothy Johnson 
 in Guilford on the 6 th . day of June 1809 — 
 
 Present. 
 Rev a . John Tyler — President 
 Rev d . Ashbel Baldwin 
 Rev a . Chauncey Prindle 
 Rev d . Tillotson Brownson 
 Rev a . Reuben Ives 
 Rev a . Truman Marsh 
 Rev a . Daniel Burhans 
 Rev d . Nathan B Burges 
 Rev a . Menzies Rayner 
 Rev a . Rufsel Wheeler 
 Rev a - Benjamin Benham 
 Rev a . Virgil H Barber 
 Rev a - John Kewley 
 Rev a David Baldwin 
 
 Visiting Brethren. 
 Rev a Abraham Beach D. D. from New York 
 Rev a Abraham Brownson from Vermont 
 
 Rev a . Ashbel Baldwin was elected Secretary. — 
 Convocation adjourned untill 8 OClock to morrow Morning. — 
 
—79— 
 
 Wednesday Morning 8 OClock 
 Convocation meet agreeable to the Adjournment. 
 
 Rev d . Elijah G. Plumb 
 Rev d Charles Seabury 
 Rev a . Philo Shelton ) took their seats.- 
 
 Resolved that the Rev d Doctor Beach & the Rev d - M r . Brown- 
 son he requested to take their seats with the Convocation as 
 visiting Brethren during its present fefsion. — 
 
 On motion by M r . Ives, resolved unanimously that the Bishop 
 be requested to appoint a meeting of Convocation at Cheshire 
 on the First Wednesday of October next. — 
 
 Convocation adjourned untill 7 OClock P. M. for the purpose 
 of attending publick service in the Church — A procefsion was 
 then formed from the house of Capt Johnson to the Episcopal 
 Church by the Clergy & Lay Delegates — Morning Prayers was 
 read by the Rev d . Rufsel Wheeler, & a Sermon was delivered by 
 the Rev d Ashbel Baldwin — The Revd. David Baldwin was duly 
 & canonically instituted into the Rectorship of Christ's Church 
 in Guilford, & the Churches of North Guilford, and North 
 Killingsworth. — 26 
 
 Wednesday 7 OClock P. M. 
 Convocation meet agreeable to the adjournment. 
 Rev d . M r Baldwin & the Rev d M r Shelton were requested to 
 attend the State Convention in New York. — 
 
 Convocation adjourned untill to morrow at 11 OClock A. M. 
 
 Thursday 11 OClock. 
 Convocation met agreeable to the adjournment. 
 Voted the thanks of Convocation to the President & Secre- 
 tary for their Attendance & Services. 
 
 Adjourned Sine Die 
 
 Ashbel Baldwin Secretary 
 New Haven October 26 th . 1809 
 
 At a meeting of the Bishop & Presbyters of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church in Connecticutt in Convocation holden at 
 Trinity Church in New Haven on Wednesday the 26 th . day of 
 October 1809. 
 58 Note xxvi. 
 
Present. 
 Right Rev a - Bishop Jarvis. D. D. 
 
 Rev d . Richard Mansfield D D 
 
 Rev d . Bela Hubbard D D. 
 
 Rev d - Philo Shelton 
 
 Rev d . Ashbel Baldwin 
 
 Rev d . Tillotson Brownson 
 
 Rev a - Truman Marsh 
 
 Rev d . Chauncey Prindle 
 
 Rev a - Daniel Burhans 
 
 Rev a . Solomon Blakesley 
 
 Rev a . Rogers Searle 
 
 Rev d . Calvin White 
 
 Rev d . Rufsel Wheeler 
 
 Rev a . Virgil H Barber 
 
 Rev a . Nathan B Burges 
 
 Rev a . Asa Cornwall 
 
 Rev a - David Baldwin 
 
 Rev d . Joseph D. Welton — Deacon. — 
 
 Morning Prayers were read by the Rev d . Doctor Hubbard. — 
 Rev d . M r . Barber was appointed secretary Pro. Tern. 
 
 Voted that this Convocation be adjourned untill 9 OClock to 
 Morrow morning, then to meet at the House of Bishop Jarvis. — 
 Thursday 9 OClock A. M. 
 
 Convocation meet agreeable to the adjournment And as there 
 
 was no businefs laid before the Convocasion it was adjourned 
 
 without day. — 
 
 Ashbel Baldwin Secretary 
 
 [1810] 
 
 At a meeting of the Bishop, Presbyters, & Deacons of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church in Connecticut holden at the house 
 of Capt Amzi Talmage in Plymouth on the First Tuesday of 
 June 1810. 
 
 Present. 
 Right Rev a . Bishop Jarvis 
 
 Rev a - Richard Mansfield D D 
 Rev d . Bela Hubbard D D 
 
— Si- 
 Rev 3 . Philo Shelton 
 Rev d . Ashbel Baldwin 
 Rev d . Channcey Prindle 
 Rev d . Tillotson Brownson 
 Rev d . Daniel Burhans 
 Rev d . Henry Whitlock 
 Rev d . Menzies Rayner 
 Rev a . David Baldwin 
 Rev d . Benjamin Benham 
 Rev a - Rufsel Wheeler 
 Rev a . Virgel H Barber 
 Rev d - Roger Searle 
 Rev d Salmon Wheaton 
 Rev d - Solomon Blakesley 
 Rev d . Smith Miles 
 
 Deacons 
 Rev d . Joseph D Welton 
 Rev d . Sturgis Gilbert 
 Rev d . Daniel M°Donald 
 Rev d . Samuel F Jarvis 
 Rev d - Reuben Hubbard 
 
 Convocation adjourned to meet at 8 OClock to morrow. — 
 
 Wednesday 8 OClock A. M. 
 
 Convocation meet agreeable to the adjournment. 
 
 A procefsion was formed to the Church. Morning Prayers 
 was read by the Rev a . Samuel F Jarvis, and a sermon delivered 
 by the Rev a - Chauncey Prindle, and the Rev d . Roger Searle was 
 duly, and canonically instituted into the Rectorship of St. 
 Matthews & St. Peters Churches in Plymouth, by the Rev a 
 Philo Shelton.— 
 
 Voted the thanks of Convocation [to] the President and Sec- 
 retary for their attendance & fervices 
 
 Convocation adjourned without day 
 
 Ashbel Baldwin Secretary 
 
—82— 
 
 [1812] 
 
 At a meeting of the Bishop, Presbyters & Deacons of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church in Convocation holden at the 
 house of the Rev d . Henry Whitlock in New Haven on Wednes- 
 day the 19. of Feb 7 . 1812. — 
 
 Members Present. 
 Right Rev 4 - Bishop Jarvis, D. D. 
 Rev a - Bela Hubbard, D. D. 
 Rev a . Philo Shelton. 
 Rev a - Ashbel Baldwin. 
 Rev a Daniel Burhans. 
 Rev d . Henry Whitlock. 
 Rev a - Bethel Judd. 
 Rev a . Virgel H Barber. 
 Rev d - Rufsel Wheeler. 
 Rev a . David Baldwin. 
 Rev a . Roger Searl. 
 Rev d Elijah G Plumb. 
 Rev a . Joseph D Welton. 
 
 Convocation was opened at 9 OClock A. M. and prayers were 
 read by the Secretary. 
 The following rules were adopted. — 
 
 Rules of Order. — 
 I st - In all Convocations in this State, in case of the Bishop's 
 absence; the Senior Clergyman shall preside, and be stiled the 
 President. — 
 
 2. Prayers shall be attended at the opening of the Convoca- 
 tion, & at all times to which the same shall be adjourned in the 
 Morning. — 
 
 3. The President shall take the chair, & proceed to businefs at 
 the hour appointed. — 
 
 4. Every member disposed to move any question, or to speak 
 upon any question already moved shall rise & respectfully 
 addrefs himself to the presiding Officer. — 
 
 5 No member shall be permitted to speak more than twice 
 upon any question without consent of the Convocation. — 
 
 6. Every member shall attend to the businefs of the Convo- 
 cation. — 
 
-83- 
 
 7 No member shall leave the Convocation without permifsion 
 of the President. — 
 
 8. No member shall interrupt another when speaking. — 
 
 9 The President shall determine all questions of order. — 
 
 io. At the opening of every Convocation the foregoing Rules 
 shall be read. — 
 
 The Bishop delivered an Addrefs to the Convocation. 
 
 The Bishop retired, & the Rev d . Doctor Hubbard took the 
 chair. — 
 
 On motion, resolved unanimously that the President return 
 the thanks of this House to the Bishop for his affectionate 
 Addrefs delivered to the Convocation. — 
 
 The Bishop returned & took his seat. — 
 
 The Rev d Doctor Hubbard, Rev a . M r Judd & the Rev d . M 1 
 Shelton were appointed a Committee, to report on that part of 
 the Bishops addrefs respecting the present state of the Diocese 
 of New York. — 
 
 On motion, Resolved that the Bishop be requested to notify 
 the meetings of Convocation, by a Circular addrefsed to the 
 Presbyters & Deacons. — 
 
 Rev d M r Burhans appeared & took his seat. — 
 
 Convocation adjourned untill 3 OClock P. M. 
 Wednesday 3 OClock 
 
 Convocation meet agreeable to Adjournment. — 
 
 Rev d David Baldwin appeared & took his seat. — 
 
 The Committee appointed to report on the Bishops addrefs, 
 made the following, which was accepted. — 
 
 The Committee appointed to report on that part of the Bishops 
 addrefs, which relates to the unhappy difficulties existing in the 
 Diocese of the State of New York, beg leave to report, that a 
 Committee be appointed to advise with our Brethren of that 
 Diocese, & to take such prudential measures to remove those 
 difficulties as by the blefsing of God may be in their power. — 
 
 Bela Hubbard ) 
 Philo Shelton V Committee 
 Bethel Judd ) 
 
 The Rev d . Tillotson Brownson, Rev d Philo Shelton, Rev d . 
 Bethel Judd, Rev d - Daniel Burhans were appointed a committee 
 to carry the design of the foregoing Report into effect. — 2T 
 21 Note xxvii. 
 
—84— 
 
 Convocation adjourned one hour. 
 
 Wednesday 8 OClock P M. 
 
 Convocation meet agreeable to adjournment. 
 
 Resolved, That a Petition be preferred by the Bishop & Clergy 
 of the Diocese of Conncut., with the consent & approbation of 
 the board of Trustees of the Episcopal Academy, to the next 
 Legislature, praying that said Academy may be erected into a 
 College. — 28 
 
 The Rev a . M r Brownson, Rev a . M r Chase, Rev a . M r . A Bald- 
 win, Rev a M r Whitlock, & Rev a - M r . Judd were appointed a 
 Committee to draft said Petition & advocate the same before 
 the Legislator. 
 
 Voted the Thanks of Convocation to the President & Secre- 
 tary for attendance & services. 
 
 Convocation adjourned without day. 
 
 Ashbel Baldwin Secretary 
 [Two pages have been left blank here, apparently by mistake.] 
 
 At a meeting of the Bishop, Presbyters & Deacons of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church of Connecticut in Convocation 
 holden at the house of John Morgan Esq. in Hartford on the 
 2 a . day of June 1812. — 
 
 Present Right Rev a Bishop Jarvis D. D. 
 Rev a . Bela Hubbard D. D. 
 Rev a Philo Shelton 
 Rev d . Ashbel Baldwin 
 Rev a - Tillotson Brownson 
 Rev a . Reuben Ives 
 Rev d - Chauncey Prindle 
 Rev a . Charles Seabury 
 Rev a . Truman Marsh 
 Rev d Daniel Burhans 
 Rev a . Philander Chase 
 Rev a Menzies Rayner 
 Rev d . Smith Miles 
 Rev a . Henry Whitlock 
 Rev a . Rufsel Wheeler 
 88 Note xxviii. 
 
-«5- 
 
 Rev a - 
 
 Virgil H Barber 
 
 Rev a . 
 
 Benjamin Benham 
 
 Rev d 
 
 Asa Cornwall 
 
 Rev a . 
 
 David Baldwin 
 
 Rev d 
 
 Roger Searle 
 
 Rev a 
 
 Joseph D Welton 
 
 
 Deacons 
 
 
 Rev a . Daniel M c Donald 
 
 
 Rev d Frederick Holcomb 
 
 
 Rev a - Nathaniel Huse 
 
 
 Rev a . Birdsey G Nobles 
 
 
 Rev a . Isaac Jones 
 
 Mefs Brownson, Shelton, & Searle were appointed a Com- 
 mittee to frame a Cannon for the regulation of Easther Meet- 
 ings. — 
 
 Convocation adjourned untill 8 OClock to morrow Morning 
 then to meet in the Church. — 
 
 Wednesday June 3 d . 8 OClock A. M. 
 
 Convocation meet agreeable to the adjour[n]ment. 
 
 The Committee appointed to frame a Cannon to regulate 
 Easter meetings, proposed the following which was unani- 
 mously agreed to, & recommended to the Convention for their 
 consideration, and adoption. — 
 
 A Cannon regulating Easter Meetings 
 
 There shall be a Meeting in Easter Week, of the Wardens, 
 Vestrymen & Parishioners of each Parish in the Diocese for the 
 purpose of appointing the Wardens & Vestrymen, & transacting 
 all other businefs that may canonically come before said meet- 
 ing. — And at every such meeting it shall be the duty of the 
 Rector to preside agreeable to ancient usage, & in case of a 
 vacancy, or necessary absence of the Rector, the seniour Officer 
 present shall preside. — 
 
 Convocation adjourned without day 
 
 Ashbel Baldwin Secretary 
 
—86— 
 
 [I8i3] 
 
 At a meeting of the Presbyters, & Deacons of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church in Convocation holden at the house of the 
 Rev d . Ashbel Baldwin in Stratford on the First day of June 
 1813 at 8 OClock P. M.— 
 
 Present 
 Rev d . Richard Mansfield D. D. 
 Rev a William Smith— D. D. 
 Rev d - Philo Shelton 
 Rev d Ashbel Baldwin 
 Rev d . Tillotson Brownson 
 Rev d Chauncey Prindle 
 Rev d . Reuben Ives 
 Rev d - Daniel Burhans 
 Rev d . Calvin White 
 Rev d . Philander Chase 
 Rev d . Smith Miles 
 Rev d . Charles Seabury 
 Rev d - Bethel Judd 
 Rev d Menzies Rayner 
 Rev d . Henry Whitlock 
 Rev d . Roger Searl 
 Rev d . Rufsel Wheeler 
 Rev d Asa Cornwal 
 Rev d . Vergil H Barber 
 Rev d . Jonathan Judd 
 Rev d . Elijah G Plumb 
 Rev d . Benjamin Benham 
 Rev d . David Baldwin 
 Rev d . Joseph D Welton 
 Rev d . Reuben Hubbard 
 Rev d . Daniel M°Donald 
 Rev d . Frederic Holcomb 
 
 Deacons 
 Rev d . Isaac Jones 
 Rev d Birdsey G Nobles 
 
 The Rev d Doctor Mansfield desired to be excused from serv- 
 
-8 7 - 
 
 ing as President on account of his Age & infirmities; which 
 excuse was accepted by the Brethren. — The Rev a . Philo Shelton 
 being the next oldest Presbyter, took the chair. — 
 
 Rev a . A Baldwin was elected Secretary. 
 
 On motion by M r M c Donald. 
 
 Resolved, that every Presbyter, Deacon, & Candidate in this 
 Diocese be expected to pay an annual subscription to any volun- 
 tary amount, to a purchasing Committee, appointed for that pur- 
 pose, in order to augment, & maintain the Somaster's Library, 
 belonging to the Clergy, & now deposited in the Episcopal 
 Academy. — 29 
 
 M r . M c Donald was requested to draft a subscription for the 
 above purpose & present it to the Clergy in the morning. — 
 
 Convocation adjourned untill 8 OClock to morrow Morn- 
 ing.— 
 
 Wednesday June 2 a . 8 OClock A. M. 
 
 Convocation opened agreeable to adjournment. M r McDon- 
 ald presented a subscription paper which was not. accepted by 
 the clergy. — 
 
 Rev a . Henry Whitlock, Rev a . Tillotson Brownson Rev a Daniel 
 M°Donald was appointed a Committee to carry into effect, the 
 Resolution respecting Somasters Library. — 
 
 Convocation adjourned untill 8 OClock P. M. 
 
 Wednesday 8 OClock P. M. 
 
 Convocation meet agreeable to adjournment. 
 
 On motion by M r . M°.Donald — Resolved to reconsider the 
 Resolution pafsed last evening respecting Somasters Library. — 
 
 M r . McDonald was requested to draft a subscription for the 
 purpose of increasing the Somasters Library, & present it to 
 the Clergy at the next Convocation. — 
 
 Convocation adjourned without day. — 
 
 Ashbel Baldwin Secretary. 
 
 At a Convocation of the Presbyters & Deacons of the Protes- 
 tant Episcopal Church in Connecticut holden at the house of 
 the Rev d . Henry Whitlock in New Haven on the 3 d . day of 
 June 1813. — 
 29 Note xxix. 
 
—88— 
 
 Present. 
 Rev d Philo Shelton, President. 
 Rev d William Smith, D. D. 
 Rev a - Ashbel Baldwin. 
 Rev a . Chauncey Prindle. 
 Rev d . Tillotson Brownson, P. E. A. 
 Rev d Daniel Burhans. 
 Rev a . Calvin White. 
 Rev d Philander Chase. 
 Rev a . Smith Miles. 
 Rev a - Charles Seabury. 
 Rev d Menzies Rayner. 
 Rev a . Henry Whitlock. 
 Rev a Roger Searle. 
 Rev a . Rufsel Wheeler. 
 Rev a . Asa Cornwal. 
 Rev a . Virgil H Barber. 
 Rev d . Jonathan Judd. 
 Rev a . Elijah G Plumb. 
 Rev a - Benjamin Benham. 
 Rev a . David Baldwin. 
 Rev d - Joseph D Welton. 
 Rev d . Reuben Hubbard. 
 Rev d . Daniel M c Donald A. E. A. 
 Rev d Frederick Holcomb. 
 Rev d . Sturgis Gilbert. 
 Rev d . Birdsey G. Nobles, Deacon. 
 
 [The following resolution has been entered and erased, fol- 
 lowed by the words "Expunged by Order" : 
 
 Resolved by this Convocation, that all the Presbyters, and 
 Deacons residing in this Diocese are entitled to a Vote in the 
 election of a Bishop. — 
 
 Convocation adjourned without day 
 
 Ashbel Baldwin Secretary 
 
 At a meeting of the Presbyters, & Deacons of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church in Convocation at the house of the Rev 4 . 
 Henry Whitlock in New Haven on Tuesday the 23 d . day of 
 November 181 3 
 
-8 9 - 
 
 Present 
 Rev a . Philo Shelton. 
 Rev a . Ashbel Baldwin. 
 Rev d - Tillotson Brownson D. D. 
 Rev 4 . Reuben Ives. 
 Rev a - Daniel Burhans. 
 Rev a . Calvin White. 
 Rev d . Philander Chase. 
 Rev d . Menzies Rayner. 
 Rev a - Solomon Blakesley. 
 Rev d . Henry Whitlock. 
 Rev d - Roger Searle. 
 Rev a . Joseph D Welton. 
 Rev d Asa Cornwal. 
 Rev d . Virgil H Barber. 
 Rev d . Bethel Judd. 
 Rev a - Jonathan Judd. 
 Rev 3 . Elijah G Plumb. 
 Rev d - Benjamin Benham. 
 Rev d . Reuben Hubbard 
 Rev d - Birsey G. Nobles — Deacon 
 
 Rev a . Philo Shelton being the oldest Presbyter took the chair 
 as President. 
 
 On motion by M r . Rayner. 
 
 Resolved, That in the opinion of this Convocation, the 
 Presbyters & Deacons officiating by ecclesiastical authority in 
 this Diocefs, are constitutionally entitled to a Vote for a 
 Bishop.— 30 
 
 Convocation adjourned untill half past 8 OClock to morrow. — 
 
 Wednesday Nov r . 24 th . half past 8 OClock, A. M. — Convoca- 
 tion opened, & adjourned without day 
 
 Ashbel Baldwin Secretary. 
 
 [1814] 
 
 At a meeting of the Convocation of the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church of Connecticutt, at the house of the Rev d . Joseph D 
 Welton, in Woodbury on Tuesday the 31 st day of June [May] 
 1814. 
 30 Note xxx. 
 
Present 
 Rev d . Philo Shelton 
 Rev a . Ashbel Baldwin 
 Rev d . Tillotson Brownson D. D. 
 Rev d . Reuben Ives 
 Rev d - Chauncey Prindle 
 Rev d . Daniel Burhans 
 Rev d . Bethel Judd 
 Rev d - Treeman Marsh 
 Rev d . Philander Chase 
 Rev d - Menzies Rayner 
 Rev d . Benjamin Benham 
 Rev d - Jasper D Jones 
 Rev d Roger Searle 
 Rev d . David Baldwin 
 Rev d Elijah G Plumb 
 Rev d . Asa Cornwal 
 Rev d . Sturgis Gilbert 
 Rev d . Reuben Hubbard 
 Rev d - Joseph D Welton 
 Rev d . Frederick Holcomb 
 Rev d . Nathaniel Huse 
 Rev d . Isaac Jones 
 Rev d . Birdsey G Nobles 
 Rev d - M r . Perry from the Diocese of New York 
 
 The Rev d . M r . Shelton being the oldest Presbyter present, 
 
 took the chair as President. — 
 
 The Rev d . M r . Baldwin was elected Secretary. — 
 Convocation was adjourned untill 8 OClock to morrow 
 
 Morning. 
 
 Wednesday 8 OClock A. M. 
 Convocation meet agreeable to adjournment. 
 Convocation adjourned untill 8 OClock P. M. 
 
 Wednesday 8 OClock P. M 
 Convocation meet agreeable to adjournment. — 
 On motion, 
 
 Resolved Unanimously, That so soon as a Bishop shall be 
 consecrated for this Diocese the members of the Convocation 
 
—9i— 
 
 will use their influence in the Convention to obtain the follow- 
 ing alteration in third Article of the Constitution of the Church 
 in this State, (viz), after the words "There shall be a meeting 
 of — "All instituted Presbyters, Afsistant Ministers, Presbyters 
 "employed in incorporated Seminaries of Learning, Presbyters 
 "having no house of publick worship," &c 31 
 Convocation adjourned without day. 
 
 Ashbel Baldwin Secretary 
 
 At a meeting of the Presbyters, & Deacons of the Diocefs of 
 Connecticut in Convocation holden at the house of the late 
 Bishop Jarvis in New Haven on the 25. day of October 1814 
 at 5 OClock P. M.— 
 
 Present. 
 Rev a . William Smith D. D. 
 Rev d . Philo Shelton 
 Rev d . Ashbel Baldwin 
 Rev d . Tillotson Brownson D. D. 
 Rev d . Daniel Burhans 
 Rev d . Calvin White 
 Rev a . Menzies Rayner 
 Rev d - Bethel Judd 
 Rev d . Jonathan Judd 
 Rev d - Elijah G Plumb 
 Rev d . Roger Searle 
 Rev d . David Baldwin 
 Rev a . Reuben Hubbard 
 Rev d . Joseph D Welton 
 Rev a . Frederick Holcomb 
 Rev d . Birdsey G. Nobles — Deacon 
 
 Visiting Bretheren 
 Rev d Rudd from New Jersey. 
 
 Rev a Aron Humphry Dea[c]on Mafsachusetts 
 
 Rev a . Philo Shelton took the Chair. — 
 
 Rev a - Bethel Judd was requested to deliver a Sermon at the 
 opening of the Convention to morrow — And the Rev a . Menzies 
 Rayner was requested to read the morning Prayers. — 
 81 Note xxxi. 
 
—92- 
 
 On motion by M r . Nobles — Resolved that the 2 a appointed 
 Preacher for the next Convention, be the Reader, in case the 
 first comes prepared to deliver a Sermon. — 
 
 Adjourned without day. 
 
 Ashbel Baldwin Secretary. 
 
 [1816] 
 
 At a Convocation of the Presbyters & Deacons of the Protest- 
 ant Episcopal Church of Connecticut holden at New Haven on 
 the 4 th . day of June 1816 7 OClock P. M — 
 
 Rev d . 
 
 Rev a 
 
 Rev a . 
 
 Rev d . 
 
 Rev d . 
 
 Rev d - 
 
 Rev a . 
 
 Rev a . 
 
 Rev d . 
 
 Rev a . 
 
 Rev a . 
 
 Rev a . 
 
 Rev a . 
 
 Rev a . 
 
 Rev d . 
 
 Rev a . 
 
 Rev a . 
 
 Rev a . 
 
 Rev a . 
 
 Rev a . 
 
 Rev a - 
 
 Rev a . 
 
 Rev a 
 
 Rev a . 
 
 Rev d . 
 
 Rev d . 
 
 Rev a . 
 
 Rev a - 
 
 Rev a . 
 
 Present 
 William Smith D. D. 
 Philo Shelton 
 Ashbel Baldwin 
 Tillotson Brownson D. D. 
 Chauncey Prindle 
 Reuben Ives 
 Daniel Burhans 
 Truman Marsh 
 Bethel Judd 
 Smith Miles 
 Menzies Rayner 
 Jonathan Judd 
 Roger Searle 
 Benjamin Benham 
 Solomon Blakeley 
 David Baldwin 
 Elijah G Plumb 
 Reuben Hubbard 
 Isaac Jones 
 Asa Cornwal 
 Jasper D Jones 
 Joseph D Welton 
 Sturgis Gilbert 
 Frederick Holcomb 
 Nathaniel Huse 
 Birdsey G Nobles 
 Alpheus Gear 
 Harry Croswel 
 Aron Humphrey 
 
 Deacons 
 Rev a . Reuben Sherwood 
 Rev a . William J Buckley 
 Rev a . David Belden 
 
—93— 
 
 A Petition from M r Ammi Rogers was handed in, read, and 
 ordered to lie on the Table. 
 
 Adjourned untill 8 OClock to morrow. — 
 
 Wednesday Morning 8 OClock June 5. 
 Meet agreeable to adjournment. 
 Adjourned untill 7 OClock P. M. 
 
 7 OClock P. M. 
 
 Meet agreeable to adjournment. 
 
 The Petition of M r . Ammi Rogers together with the docu- 
 ments attending the same, were attended to, and after a full 
 examination of the same. 
 
 Resolved That in the Opinion of this House, they are not 
 competent to take cognizance of said Petition, & that the said 
 Petition & Papers be returned to M r . Rogers. — 32 
 
 Convocation adjourned without day. — 
 
 Ashbel Baldwin Secretary 
 
 At a Convocation of the Presbyters & Deacons of the P E 
 Church in Connecticut holden at New Haven on the 15 th - day of 
 October 1816. 
 
 Present 
 Rev a .Philo Shelton 
 Rev a William Smith D. D. 
 Rev a Ashbel Baldwin 
 Rev a . Tillotson Brownson D. D. P. E. A 
 Rev a . Reuben Ives 
 Rev a Chauncey Prindle 
 Rev a . Daniel Burhans 
 Rev a . Smith Miles 
 Rev a . Menzies Rayner 
 Rev a . Jonathan Judd 
 Rev a Roger Searle 
 Rev a . Philander Chase 
 Rev a . Benjamin Burham 
 Rev d . David Baldwin 
 Rev a . Elijah G Plumb 
 Rev a . Asa Cornwall A. E. A. 
 82 Note xxxii. 
 
—94— 
 
 Rev a Isaac Jones 
 Rev d - Joseph D Welton 
 Rev a . Frederick Holcomb 
 Rev d . Birdsey G. Nobles 
 Rev d . Alpheus Gear 
 Rev d . Harry Croswell 
 Rev d . Aron Humphrey 
 
 Deacons 
 Rev d . Reuben Sherwood 
 Rev d . William J. Buckley 
 
 Visiting Brethren 
 Rev a . Barzilla Buckley -\ 
 Rev d . Alanson Welton [■ Dioces of New York 
 Rev a . Joseph Perry J 
 Rev a . William Cranson, Deacon, State of Georgia 
 
 Rev a . Philo Shelton, President 
 
 Resolved— That Rev a . M r Croswill & Rev a . M r Burhans be 
 a Committee to wait on the Right Rev a . Bishop Hobart & invite 
 him to take a seat in this Convocation. — 
 
 The Right Rev d . Bishop Hobart took a seat accordingly. — 
 
 Convocation adjourned untill 9 OClock to morrow. — 
 
 Wednesday 16 th 
 Convocation opened agreeable to adjournment 
 Adjourned without day. 
 
 Ashbel Baldwin Secretary. 
 
 [1817] 
 
 At a Convocation of the Presbyters & Deacons of the Protes- 
 tant Episcopal Church of Connecticut holden at the house of 
 the Rev. David Baldwin in Guilford on the 3 d . day of June 1817. 
 
 Rev. Philo Shelton Chairman 
 
 Rev Birdsey G. Noble Sec Pro. Tem. 
 
 Subject moved for consideration — Can we constitutionally 
 proceed to the election of a Bishop at the annual Convention to 
 be holden to morrow. 
 
—95— 
 
 The decision of this question was postponed untill to morrow. 
 Convocation adjourned untill 8 OClock to morrow Morn- 
 ing.— 
 
 Wednesday June 4 th 
 
 8 OClock A. M. 
 Convocation opened. 
 
 Present 
 Rev. Philo Shelton 
 Ashbel Baldwin 
 
 Tillotson Brownson D D. P. E. A. 
 Daniel Burhans 
 Smith Miles 
 Calvin White 
 Solomon Blakely 
 Jonathan Judd 
 Roger Searle 
 Menzies Rayner 
 Elijah G Plumb 
 Benjamin Benham 
 Jasper D Jones 
 Nathan B Burgis 
 David Baldwin 
 Reuben Hubbard 
 Frederick Holcomb 
 Birdsey G Noble 
 Sturgis G Gilbert 
 Aaron Humphrey 
 Alpheus Gear 
 Reuben Sherwood 
 Harry Croswell 
 Charles Smith ) 
 
 Jonathan Wainright i Deacons 
 
 Rev. Philo Shelton in the Chair 
 Rev Ashbel Baldwin Secretary. 
 
 The question as to the constitutionality of proceeding to the 
 election of a Bishop at the anual Convention was indefinately 
 postponed. 
 
 Convocation adjourned without day 
 
 Ashbel Baldwin Secretary 
 
-96- 
 
 [1821] 
 
 At a Convocation of the Bishop, Presbyters, and Deacons of 
 the Protestant Episcopal Church of Connecticut holden at the 
 house of the Rev Alpheus Gear in Waterbury on the 5 M . day 
 of June 1821 at 8 OClock P. M. 
 
 Present 
 Right Rev. Thomas C Brownell D. D. L L D. 
 Rev. Philo Shelton Rv. Isaac Jones 
 
 Ashbel Baldwin " Birdsey G Noble 
 
 Tillotson Brownson P. E. A " Stirges Gilbert 
 Reuben Ives " Joseph D Welton 
 
 Chauncey Prindle " Alpheus Gear 
 
 Truman Marsh " Harry Croswell 
 
 Daniel Burhans " Reuben Sherwood 
 
 Menzies Reyner " Charles Smith 
 
 Asa Cornwall A E A " Joseph Perry 
 
 Benjamin Benham " Rodney Rofsiter 
 
 Smith Miles " Peter G Clark 
 
 David Baldwin " ' Nath S Wheaton 
 
 Jonathan Judd " Origen P Holcomb 
 
 Nathan B Burgis 
 Frederick Holcomb 
 
 Deacons 
 Rev. Daniel Summers 
 " Ambrose Todd 
 " Beardsley Northrop 
 " George B Andrews 
 
 The Rev. Reuben Ives, Rev Truman Marsh, & Rev Benjamin 
 Benham were appointed a Committee, to prepare a Constitution 
 for the establishment of a Society for the relief of decayed 
 Clergymen, & the necesitous Widows & Orphans of Clergy- 
 men. — 
 
 Convocation adjourned untill 8 OClock to Morrow Morning. — 
 
 Wednesday 8. OClock A. M. 
 The Committee appointed to prepare a plan of a Constitution 
 for the Society to be called the Society for the relief of decayed 
 Clergymen &c. made a report, which was read & ordered to lie 
 on the Table. — 38 
 88 Note xxxiii. 
 
—97— 
 
 Convocation adjourned untill 7 OClock to morrow morning. 
 Thursday 7 OClock A. M. 
 
 Convocation opened agreeable to adjournment. 
 
 The Report of the Committee on the subject of the establish- 
 ment of a Society for relief of decayed Clergymen &c. was read 
 by Paragraphs. — 
 
 On motion Resolved, that a further consideration of s d . 
 Report be postponed untill the next meeting of Convocation. — 
 
 Convocation adjourned untill the. first Wednesday in Sep- 
 tember, then to be holden in the Town of Cheshire. — 
 
 Ashbel Baldwin Secretary. 
 Rec a . Dec 29 th . 1824 
 
 At a Convocation held at Cheshire Sept 6. 182 1, agreeably 
 to the appointment of the Bishop at 8 o'clock P. M. 
 
 Present. 
 The Rt Rev T C Brownel, D D. L L D. 
 The Rev T. Brownson — D. D. 
 D. Burhans. 
 T. Marsh 
 M Rayner 
 R. Ives 
 A. Cornwall 
 
 F. Holcomb 
 
 D. Baldwin 
 S. Miles 
 
 B G Noble 
 H. Croswell 
 
 E. Gear — 
 R. Rofsiter 
 O. Holcomb 
 C. Smith 
 
 G. Andrews 
 A. Todd 
 
 J. Jones 
 
 The Rev B G Noble was appointed secretary in the absence 
 of the Secretary of the Convention. 
 
 Resolved that a Committee of three be appointed to take 
 
— 9&— 
 
 into consideration such known diversities of practice, as may 
 exist among the clergy of this Diocese, & to suggest those 
 particulars on which in their judgment it is desirable there 
 should be uniformity. 
 
 The Rev. M ef8ra . Marsh, Rayner and Burhans were appointed 
 on this committee 
 
 The Convocation adjourned to eight o'clock P. M. 
 
 The Convocation afsembled pursuant to adjournment. 
 
 The following resolutions were adopted 
 
 Resolved that the Clergy use the anti Communion Service 
 every Sunday in the year — except under those circumstances 
 which necefsarily prevent 
 
 Resolved that it be recommended to the Clergy to read the 
 anti communion Service from the Chancel on Communion 
 Sundays. 
 
 Resolved that the Congregation be dismifsed, previous to 
 the Communion Service with a Collect & the shorter benediction. 
 
 Resolved, unanimously, that the Lord's prayer be omitted 
 before Sermon. 
 
 Resolved unanimously, that a Collect be used before sermon. 
 
 Resolved, that the Clergy instruct their choir to close every 
 Psalm & Hymn with the doxology. 
 
 The following communication was received from the Trustees 
 of the Episcopal Academy by their secretary. Resolved that 
 the Convocation of the clergy of this Diocefs be requested to 
 enquire into the course & modes of study pursued in this 
 Academy, & that the said committee be requested to give their 
 opinion concerning the general state of the Institution. 
 
 Resolved, that the above request be complied with. 
 
 Dr. Bronson was requested to nominate the Committee. 
 
 The Rev. M 688 ™. Marsh, F. Holcomb, & Wheaton were nomi- 
 nated and appoint [ed]. 
 
 The Convocation adjourned sine die. 
 
 T. C. Brownell President 
 B G Noble Sec. 
 
 [1822] 
 
 Journal of the proceedings of the special Convocation of the 
 Clergy of the Diocese held at the house of the Rt. Rev T. C 
 Brownell DD. LL.D. New Haven Dec. 18. 1822. 
 
—99— 
 
 Present. Rt. Rev. T. C Brownell, D. D. 
 Rev. T.. Bronson DD. 
 " P.. Shelton 
 R.. Ives 
 M.. Rayner 
 D.. Baldwin 
 F.. Holcomb 
 B G. Noble 
 H. Croswell 
 R. Sherwood 
 A. Cornwall 
 J. Perrey 
 O P. Holcomb 
 D.. Northrop 
 N. S. Wheaton 
 
 Garfield 
 J. Buckley 
 H. R Judah 
 
 The Rev. B. G Noble Secretary. 
 
 Resolved unanimously that it is expedient to establish a 
 College in this State which shall be under the direction of the 
 Protestant Episcopal Church in this Diocese. 84 
 
 Resolved 
 
 That a Committee be appointed to draw up a memorial pray- 
 ing the Legislature for a charter on Condition that funds to 
 the amount of $35,000 be obtained, to procure subscribers & to 
 lay the memorial before the next legislature of this state. 
 
 Resolved 
 
 That the several Clergymen of this Diocese, in aid of the 
 Committee shall request their parishoners to sign said memorial. 
 
 That the said Committee consist of three Clergymen and 
 three laymen — 
 
 The Rt. Rev T. C. Brownell 
 
 The Rev. H. Croswell 
 
 The Rev N. S. Wheaton 
 
 The Hon E. Boardman 
 Nathan Smith 
 Charles Sigourney Esqs 
 84 Note xxxiv. 
 
— IOO — 
 
 were appointed with power to fill up the vacancies which may 
 occur in their number. 
 
 Resolved that New Haven, Middletown & Hartford be the 
 places named for the Location in the memorial. 
 
 Resolved 
 
 That the final Location be determined by the Convention. 
 Reconsidered. 
 
 Resolved, that the final location be determined by the Trus- 
 tees to be appointed by the Convention. 
 
 After Prayers by the Bishop the Convocation adjourned 
 
 Attest. B G Noble Sec. 
 [One page is left blank here.] 
 
 [1824] 
 
 Cheshire Nov.. 24.. 1824 
 The Convocation afsembled agreeably to appointment by the 
 Bishop, & 2. O'clock attended divine Service in St. Peters 
 Church. 
 
 Prayers were read by the Rev M r Doane & a sermon deliv- 
 ered by the Bishop. 
 
 The Convocation met at the house of the Rev A Cornwall, at 
 6 O'clock P. M. 
 
 Present 
 
 Rt Rev. T. C. Brownell D. D. 
 Rev. T. Bronson D D. 
 R. Ives 
 P. Shelton 
 D. Burhans 
 A. Baldwin 
 A. Cornwall 
 Rev. R. Rofsiter D. Baldwin 
 
 J. Keeler B G Noble 
 
 A. Todd H. Croswell 
 
 L. Hull R. Sherwood 
 
 Doane A. Gear 
 
 H M. Mason N. S. Wheaton 
 
 E— Ives P. G. Clarke 
 
 W" 1 - Jarvis O P. Holcomb 
 
— 101 — 
 
 The Rev. B. G. Noble was Chosen Secretary 
 
 The Bishop from the Chair proposed for the consideration of 
 the Convention the subject of reviving the Churchman's Maga- 
 zine. He then presented & read a Letter from the Rev D r . 
 Jarvis containing propositions from the Editors of the Gospel 
 Advocate for the union of the two works. 
 
 The Bishop then requested the Rev B. G Noble to lay before 
 the Convocation the plan for reviving the magazine which he 
 had exhibited to him. The plan was to divide the Cost of pub- 
 lication into shares & to put the Magazine to the Holders of 
 shares at Cost, to increase the size of the work to 40 pages & 
 the price to $2.00. After some discussion the plan was 
 rejected. 
 
 , The union proposed by the Editors of the Gospel advocate 
 was also rejected. 
 
 Resolved 
 
 That it is expedient to revive the Magazine in this Diocese — 8S 
 
 That an Editor be appointed by ballot. 
 
 On balloting the Rev D 1 . Bronson was appointed 
 
 A contribution was then taken up in Convention [Convoca- 
 tion] to afsist in defraying the expenses of printing prospectus 
 &c, amount obtained was $2.75. which was placed in the hands 
 of the Editor. 
 
 On motion by the Rev M r Croswell the thanks of the Con- 
 vocation was presented to the Bishop for his discourse delivered 
 before the Convocation. 
 
 After Prayers by the Bishop the Convention adjourned Sine 
 Die. 
 
 Birdsey G Noble 
 
 Secretary. 
 Cheshire Nov. 24, 1824. 
 
 [1825] 
 
 Nov.. 10.. 1825. 
 The Convocation at the house of the Rev Sturgis Gilbert 
 Woodbury, this day at 4. OClock, agreeably to appointment by 
 the Bishop 
 36 Note xxxv. 
 
— 102 — 
 
 Present. 
 The Rt. Rev T. C. Brownell D D 
 Rev T Bronson 
 
 D. Burhans 
 T. Marsh 
 M. Rayner 
 
 A. Cornwall 
 J. Jones 
 
 E. J. Ives 
 
 B. Benham 
 Somers 
 
 S. Gilbert 
 
 R. Rofsiter 
 
 N. S. Wheaton . 
 
 The Secretary being absent the Rev N. S. Wheaton was 
 chosen Secretary pro. Tempore. 
 
 Resolved that it is expedient to altar the Constitution so 
 that the Annual Convention of this Diocese shall be held on 
 the second Wednesday in May. 
 
 The Convocation adjourned until 7. O'clock. 
 
 The convocation met at 7 O'clock & after a desultory con- 
 versation adjourned Sine Die 
 
 N. S. Wheaton 
 
 Sec pro. tem. 
 
 Nov. 11.. 1825. 
 
 True Copy of the original Record 
 Birdsey G. Noble Secretary 
 
 Middletown, Jan y . 27.. 1826 
 
 [Eleven pages are left blank here.] 
 
 At a Convocation of the Clergy of the Diocese of Connecticut 
 held at the house of the Rt. Rev. T. C. Brownell D. D. L. L. D. 
 Hartford on Wednesday June i Bt . 1825. 
 
 Present The Rt. Rev. T. C. Brownell DDLLD. 
 The Rev. G. B Andrews 
 " " A. Baldwin 
 " " D. Baldwin 
 " " S. Beach 
 
— io3— 
 
 The Rev. B. Benham 
 
 " T. Bronson. D D. 
 
 " " N. Burgesf 
 
 " " D. Burhans 
 
 " " P. G. Clarke 
 
 " " H. Croswell 
 
 " " G. W. Doane 
 
 " " J. M. Garfield 
 
 " " A. Gear 
 
 " " S. Gilbert 
 
 " " F. Holcomb 
 
 " " O. P. Holcomb 
 
 " " Lem 1 . B Hull 
 
 " Hector Humphrey 
 
 " " R. Ives 
 
 " " E. J. Ives 
 
 " " W Jarvis 
 
 " " S. Jewett 
 
 " " J. Jones 
 
 " " H R Judah 
 
 " " B. Judd 
 
 " " T. Marsh 
 
 " " B G Noble 
 
 "SB Paddock 
 
 " " R Rofsiter 
 
 " R. Sherwood 
 
 " " A. Steele 
 
 " " A S. Todd 
 
 " R. Warner 
 
 " " N. S Wheaton 
 
 Resolved that this Convocation entertain a deep sense of the 
 lofs they have sustained in the death of their late Brethren the 
 Rev Philo Shelton & the Rev Davis Welton ; & that the Presi- 
 dent & secretary communicate to the widows & families of the 
 deceased, the afsurance of their Condolence & sympathy under 
 this afflicting dispensation of Divine Providence. 
 
 Some observations & enquiries were made Concerning the 
 Churchmans Magazine. 
 
 The Convocation adjourned sine Die. 
 
 T. C. Brownel 
 
 President 
 B G Noble. Sec 
 
— 104 — 
 
 Agreeably to the Resolution of the Convocation the President 
 & Secretary addrefsed the following Letters to M ra . Shelton & 
 M re . Welton. 
 
 Copy of the Letter to M rs . Shelton. 
 
 Hartford June 2.. 1825 
 Dear Madam. 
 
 The absence of your late husband from the recent Convention 
 of the Church, could not fail to excite in the minds of his sur- 
 viving brethren a painful sense of the lofs which they, in com- 
 mon with yourself, your family & the Church, have sustained in 
 his decease. We transmit you the enclosed resolution, expres- 
 sive of their estimation of his worth, & of their sympathy in 
 your affliction under your bereavement. We beg you will 
 accept it as a token of our affectionate respect & consideration, 
 though we trust you needed no such formal expression of our 
 sentiments. Forty years of faithful labour in the vineyard of 
 his divine Master, a manifest devotion to the best interests of 
 the Church, & a character distinguished for Christian symplicity, 
 had secured for your deceased husband a united & affectionate 
 attachment of his clerical Brethren, which few of his survivors 
 can hope to surpafs. It must be some consolation to you that 
 his memory is duly Cherished, but it is a still higher consolation 
 to reflect, that all those amiable qualities & Christian virtues 
 which endeared him to his earthly friends, served to Constitute 
 his preparation for that better world, where they will find their 
 appropriate sphere, & where they will be perfected for a still 
 more elevated service of his God and his Redeemer. 
 
 Permit us Dear Madam to add the afsurance of our personal 
 respect & esteem ; & may that gracious being who is the widows 
 God, & the orphans Father, blefs, preserve & keep you, & may 
 he sanctify to you & your children, as well as to the surviving 
 clergy of the Diocese, the present afflictive dispensation of his 
 providence. 
 
 T. C. Brownell 
 B G Noble 
 
 M 18 . Shelton 
 
—105— 
 
 Copy of the Letter to M ra Welton 
 
 Hartford, June 5.. 1825 
 Dear Madam; — 
 
 We enclose a resolution expressive of the sense which the 
 clergy of the Diocese of Connecticut entertain of the worth of 
 their deceased Brother, your late Husband, & of their sympathy 
 in your affliction under the present bereavement. Permit us to 
 add our prayers that he who orders all things in wisdom & in 
 mercy, may fill your heart with all the consolations of the Gospel, 
 & that he may sanctify to you & the surviving Brethren of the 
 deceased this dispensation of his Providence. 
 
 T. C Brownell 
 
 M re . Welton 
 
 B G Noble 
 
 [1826] 
 
 [Newtown,] June 6.. 1826.. 
 The Convocation met agreeably to appointment at the house 
 of the Rev D. Burhans. Prayers by the secretary. 
 Adjourned until eight O'clock to morrow 
 
 Wednesday 8. O'clock A M 
 
 The Convocation afsembled in the town house 
 
 Present the Bishop & several of the Clergy. 
 
 A constitution for the Society for the relief of the widows 
 & orphans of Clergymen lying upon the table was read. The 
 consideration of the subject was posponed. 
 
 The subject of the Connecticut Society for the Promotion of 
 Christian Knowledge was taken up informally & after some 
 discufsion was posponed. 
 
 The subject of Sunday Schools was presented for considera- 
 tion & a committee was appointed to report on the subject. 
 
 The Rev B G Noble & the Rev B. Judd were appointed on 
 that committee. 
 
 The Rev. M r Rayner obtained liberty to make a statement in 
 relation to a law suit in which he was interested. 
 
 The Rev. M r Barlow obtained liberty to address the Con- 
 vocation on a plan for a society which he had originated, but 
 
— 106 — 
 
 in consequence of want of time, & at his own request it was 
 defered in order to be made to the Convention. 86 
 The Convention adjourned Sine Die 
 
 T. C. Brownel Pres. 
 
 B G Noble Sec. 
 
 [Another record of this meeting will be found on pages 118, 
 119.] 
 
 [One page is left blank here.] 
 
 1826.. New Haven Teusday Oct 3 d . 1826 
 
 The Convocation afsembled at the Lecture room of the Rev. 
 
 M r . Croswell at 10. O'clock agreeably to appointment by the 
 
 Bishop. 
 
 Present the Rev Truman Marsh 
 Isaac Jones 
 James Keeler 
 Peter. G. Clarke 
 Reuben Sherwood 
 Nathaniel Bruce 
 Edward Rutledge 
 W m . Shelton 
 Rev. Nathaniel S. Wheaton George Shelton 
 
 Birdsey G Noble Potter 
 
 Harry Croswell George W Doane 
 
 Lem 1 . B Hull Menzies Rayner 
 
 Hector Humphreys Joseph Perry 
 
 Fred*. Holcomb Asa Cornwall 
 
 Daniel Burhans. Ashbell Baldwin 
 
 David Baldwin 
 W m . Jarvis 
 J. M Garfield 
 Orson V. Howell 
 
 The Bishop was prevented from attending by the illnefs of a 
 member of his family. 
 
 The Rev. Truman Marsh was appointed to the chair. 
 The Secretary opened the Convocation by Prayers. 
 Resolved 
 
 That a Committee of two be appointed to confer with the 
 36 Note xxxvi. 
 
— 107 — 
 
 Rev. B. G. Noble on the subject of the Churchmans Magazine, 
 & that they report at the adjourned meeting of the Convocation 
 such measure as they may judge expedient to be adopted to 
 secure its continuance. 
 
 The Rev M r Hull & the Rev M r Croswell were appointed on 
 this Committee. 
 
 It having been stated that the Rev. M r Doane who was 
 appointed to preach before the Convocation would probably be 
 unable to fulfill the appointment, it was — 
 
 Resolved that the Rev M r Croswell be requested in that case 
 to obtain a preacher. 
 
 The lofs which this Convocation & the Church in Connecticut 
 have sustained in the death of our much respected & venerable 
 Brother the Rev Tillotson Bronson D. D.. Principal of the 
 Episcopal Academy & Editor of the Churchman's Magazine 
 having been stated, it was 
 
 Resolved that blank be a Committee to addrefs a Letter 
 
 of condolence to the family of our Late Brother. 
 
 The Rev B G Noble & the Rev A Cornwall were appointed 
 on this Committee. 
 
 The Rev M r Rutledge stated that he had documents in his 
 pofsefsion, to shew that the Somaster Library now deposited in 
 the Episcopal Academy at Cheshire by a resolution of the Con- 
 vocation, belonged to the Parish of Church at Strat- 
 ford — whereupon the following preamble & resolution, after 
 reading the documents, were adopted — 
 
 Whereas it appears that the books presented heretofore by the 
 Convocation to the Library of Cheshire Academy, by Docu- 
 ments laid before us, appear to have been given for the benefit 
 of the Parish at Stratford, & not to the Diocese of Connecticut — 
 Therefore 
 
 Resolved that said Books be delivered to such person, or per- 
 sons as may be authorized by said Parish to receive them. 
 
 The subject of a general Sunday School Society was men- 
 tioned with reference to the circular ifsued by the P. E. Sund. 
 S. Soc. of Philadelphia, & after some discusion the following 
 resolution was adopted. 
 
 Resolved that be a Committee on the Subject of a 
 
 General Sunday school Society. 
 
— io8— 
 
 The Rev B G Noble & the Rev Edward Rutledge were 
 appointed on this Committee. 
 
 Resolved that be a Committee on the subject of the 
 
 publication of Tracts. 
 
 The Rev H. Croswell & the Rev. N. S. Wheaton were ap- 
 pointed on this Committee. 
 
 Teusday 2. O'clock P. M. 
 
 Public Service was attended in Trinity Church 
 
 Prayers were Read by the Rev George Shelton & a Sermon 
 delivered by the Rev E Rutledge. 
 
 The Convocation afsembled after Divine Service in the Tower 
 of the church. 
 
 The Committee on the subject of the Churchman's Magazine 
 reported verbally that the Rev B G Noble had generously vol- 
 unteered to conduct the magazine through the remaining six 
 Nos of the present volume, with the afsistance of the Clergy, 
 & to publish two numbers a month, in order to complete the 
 volume by the first of January, that the way may be opened for 
 a new paper, & that the family of the late Editor may be saved 
 from lofs. The Committee also reported that they deemed its 
 continuance in some shape expedient & that they concurred in 
 the expediency of a weekly paper under a new title. In con- 
 sequence of a correspondence between the Editor of the Gos. 
 Advocate & the Rev B G Noble in relation to a union of the 
 publications in which they were respectfully concerned, no 
 decisive measure was adopted. 
 
 A Letter from the Bishop was received & read. 
 
 Resolved that the Letter be referred to blank Committee. 
 
 The Rev H. Croswell & Rev N. S Wheaton were appointed 
 on this Committee 
 
 The Convocation adjourned to meet at the Lecture room at 
 half past six O'clock. 
 
 The Committee on the subjects of the Bishop's Letter to the 
 Convocation submitted the following Report, which was adopted. 
 
 Resolved, That the Bishop of the Diocese be requested with 
 the aid & advice of such of his Presbyters as he may see fit to 
 consult on the subject, to concert measures for establishing a 
 periodical publication devoted to the interests of the Church 
 either in Connection with, or independently of the Eastern 
 
— 109 — 
 
 Diocese, & that such publication Commence on the discontin- 
 uance of the Churchman's Magazine, or as soon after as may 
 be practicable. 
 
 The Committee on the Subject of a General Sunday School 
 [Society] submitted the following Report which was adopted. 
 
 Whereas this Convocation have understood from a Circular 
 if sued in Philadelphia that one of the objects which will occupy 
 the attention of the next General Convention is the establish- 
 ment of a General Sunday [School] Society, Therefore 
 
 Resolved, that the Delegates from this State be requested to 
 give afsurance of the hearty approval of such an object on the 
 part of this meeting & to aid in accomplishing it. 
 
 The Committee on the Subject of tracts submitted the fol- 
 lowing report which was adopted. 
 
 Resolved that the Bishop with [ ], be a committee to 
 
 select & prepare for Publication such tracts as they may deem 
 useful to the Church, & that they be & hereby are authorized 
 to contract with some bookseller for the publication of said 
 Tracts, on his own responsibility, in the same manner & at the 
 same rate as the tracts of the American tract Society. 37 
 
 Resolved that we will use our endeavours to promote the 
 circulation of said Tracts in our respective Parishes. 
 
 The Rev M r Croswell & the Rev M r Doane were appointed 
 with the Bishop on this Committee. 
 
 The Rev B G Noble introduced the subject of Washington 
 College & stated the interest which in our individual & collective 
 capacity we were bound to feel in the Prosperity of that Institu- 
 tion. And in consequence of the discusion which took place 
 the following resolution offered by M r . Doane was adopted. 
 
 Resolved that the Bishop & the clerical delegates to the next 
 General Convention be a committee to devise a plan for afsisting 
 indigent & deserving young men members of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church in obtaining a Collegiate Education at Institu- 
 tions under the control of that Church 
 
 Birdsey G. Noble 
 Secretary of Convocation. 
 
 Copy of the Letter addrefsed to the family of the Rev T. 
 Bronson D. D. late a member of the Convocation 
 31 Note xxxvn. 
 
— no — 
 
 Middletown Nov. 1826 
 To the Children 
 of the Late D r . T. Bronson 
 Beloved : 
 The absence of your late venerable & excellent Father 
 from the Convocation of the Clergy of this Diocese afsembled 
 at New Haven Oct. 3 d . could not but excite in the breast of 88 
 
 [The rest of this page is blank.] 
 
 [1827] 
 
 Hartford June 5 th . 1827 
 
 Agreeably to appointment by the Bishop, the Convocation 
 afsembled at his house in the afternoon, & without coming [to] 
 order agreed to meet on Wednesday morning at eight O'clock 
 June 6.. 1827 — 
 
 Wednesday June 6 th . 8 O'clock P. M. [A. M.] 
 
 The Convocation afsembled in Christ Church 
 
 Prayers by the Rev. B G Noble. 
 
 The Bishop took the chair. 
 
 The list of the clergy was called over. 
 
 [A blank space is left here.] 
 
 An enquiry was made concerning the publication of Tracts. 
 
 A statement was made concerning the Protestant Episcopal 
 Sunday School Union. 
 
 The Bishop presented for consideration the subject of a 
 General Education Society. 
 
 The subject of Cheshire Academy was introduced & was dis- 
 cussed at some length. 
 
 The Rev A Baldwin in the chair in the absence of the Bishop. 
 
 On motion the Convocation adjourned to half past 6 O'clock 
 in the afternoon. 
 
 half past 6 O'clock P. M. 
 
 The Convocation afsembled pursuant to adjournment — 
 
 On motion the Convocation adjourned Sine Die 
 
 B G Noble 
 
 Secretary. 
 
 88 Note xxxviii. 
 
— Ill — 
 
 Convocation at Stratford. 
 The Rev G. W. Doane, was appointed Secretary pro tem. — 
 
 [The rest of this page and three following pages are left 
 blank.] 
 
 [1828] 
 
 Norwalk June s tt . 1828 
 The Convocation afsembled agreeably to appointment at the 
 
 house of the Rev. R. Sherwood. Present the Bishop and several 
 
 of the Clergy. Prayers by the Secretary. 
 Adjourned to 8 oclock on the 6 th - 
 
 June 6 th ' 8 oclock A. M. 
 The Convocation afsembled in the Academy. 
 Moved that a committee be appointed to take into considera- 
 tion the state of the Parishes & to report to this Convocation 
 such measures as they may deem expedient. 
 The Committee were 
 
 The Rev D. Burhans 
 H. Croswell 
 N. S. Wheaton 
 
 Moved that a society be formed for the relief of the widows & 
 orphans of Clergyman. 
 
 Moved that a Committee be appointed to report a plan for the 
 formation of such a Society to the next convocation. 
 The Committe 6 were 
 
 The Rev. M r . Rutledge 
 " " Sherwood 
 
 The Rev. Ashbel Baldwin in the chair 
 
 On motion the Convocation adjourned subject to the order 
 of the Bishop. — 
 
 [End of the records in the first volume.] 
 
112 
 
 [The following records are from the second volume.] 
 
 [1829] 
 
 Cheshire Oct.. 14.. 1829. 
 
 The Convocation afsembled agreeably to appointment by the 
 Bishop, & at half past 10 O'clock attended Divine Service in 
 S*. Peter's Church. 
 
 Prayers were read by the Rev. M r . Hull, & a sermon delivered 
 by the Rev. H. Potter. 
 
 The Convocation adjourned to meet at the Episcopal Acad- 
 emy at 3 O'clock this afternoon. 
 
 The Convocation met according to adjournment. Prayers by 
 the Bishop. 
 
 Present. The Rt Rev. T. C. Brownell D.D.L.L.D. 
 The Rev. Ashbel Baldwin The Rev. Rodney Rofsiter 
 
 " David Baldwin " " Nathaniel S Wheaton 
 
 " W m . Barlow 
 
 " Daniel Burhans The Rev. M r . Adams from 
 
 " Peter G. Clarke the Diocese of New York 
 
 " Asa Cornwall was invited to attend the 
 
 " Harry Croswell sittings of the Convoca- 
 
 " C. F. Cruse tion. 
 
 " Alpheus Geer 
 
 " Frederick Holcomb 
 
 " Lemuel B. Hull 
 
 " Hector Humphreys 
 
 Reuben Ives. 
 " W m . Jarvis 
 " James Keeler 
 " Horatio Potter 
 " W m - T. Potter 
 
 The subject of the Society for the Promotion of Christian 
 Knowledge was introduced by the Rev. M r . Wheaton, & after 
 some discufsion as to the best mode of increasing its funds, 
 The following resolution was on motion adopted. 
 
 Resolved that a Committee be appointed to take into consid- 
 eration the propriety of revising the constitution of the "Society 
 
—ii 3 — 
 
 for p[r]omoting Christian Knowledge," with power to make 
 such alterations as may be deemed expedient, & to report the 
 same to the next Convention. The Standing Committee were 
 appointed to perform that duty. 
 
 The subject of a contemplated mifsion to Western & South- 
 western States by the R*. Rev. Bp. Brownell agreeably to a 
 request of the Board of Directors of the Domestic & Foreign 
 Mifsionary Society was brought before the Convocation. On 
 motion, Resolved, that a Committee of three be appointed to 
 frame a report in relation to the measure proposed above. The 
 Rev. M r . Croswell, the Rev. M r . Burhans & the Rev. M r . 
 Wheaton were appointed. 
 
 On Motion the following resolution was passed unanimously, 
 Resolved by the Convocation, that the clergy will present with 
 their Parochial reports to the next Annual Convention, a particu- 
 lar account of their respective Sunday Schools, which shall indi- 
 cate the number of Teachers employed, & of the children 
 instructed; & especially the course of instruction pursued, & 
 the date, wherever such shall be the fact, of their connexion 
 with the Protestant Episcopal Sunday School Union. 
 
 On motion adjourned till 7 O'clock this evening. — 
 
 7 O'clock P. M. 
 
 The Convocation met pursuant to adjournmt. — 
 
 The committee appointed on the subject of the R'. Rev. Bp. 
 Brownell's contemplated tour, reported the following Preamble 
 & Resolution, which were unanimously adopted, & ordered to 
 be published in the Episcopal Watchman : — 
 
 Whereas the Rt. Rev. Bishop of this Diocese has been re- 
 quested by the Board of Directors of the Domestic & Foreign 
 Mifsionary Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church to 
 "visit that portion of our Country which lie 8 West & South of 
 the Alleghany Mountains, to perform Episcopal services wher- 
 ever they may be desired, to examine into the condition of the 
 Mifsions established by the Board, & to take a general survey 
 of the country, for the purpose of designating such Mifsionary 
 Stations as may hereafter be usefully established:" & whereas 
 the Executive Committee of the said Society have expressed a 
 "hope that the Clergy of this Diocese, now afsembled in Convo- 
 cation may be induced to grant to their Bishop a free release 
 from his Diocesan duties, in consideration of the great good 
 which may be done by him to our scattered and destitute breth- 
 
—114— 
 
 ren, in the performance of the duties of this mifsion :" — There- 
 fore, Resolved unanimously, that the clergy of Connecticut in 
 Convocation afsembled, do highly approve of the proposed visi- 
 tation, & cheerfully comply with the wishes of the Executive 
 Committee of the Domestic & Foreign Mifsionary Society in 
 granting a free release from his Diocesan duties during the 
 said Visitation — humbly & affectionately commending him, & 
 the cause in which he is engaged, to the great Head of the 
 Church. — 39 
 
 It was moved and seconded that a new Committee be 
 appointed on the subject of forming a Constitution for the 
 relief of destitute Widows & Orphans of deceased Clergymen. 
 Accordingly the Rev. M r . Sherwood, the Rev. Mr. Hull, & the 
 Rev. M r . Burhans were appointed. 
 
 On Motion the Convocation adjourned after the customary 
 devotional exercises. 
 
 William Jarvis Secretary. 
 
 [1830] 
 
 Middletown November 17 th . 1830. 
 
 Agreeably to appointment by the Bishop, the Convocation 
 afsembled in Christ Church in this city at half past 10 O'Clock 
 A. M. 
 
 Divine service was performed by the Rev. M r . Sherwood, & 
 a sermon delivered by the Rev. M r - Croswell. After the Con- 
 gregation was dismifsed, the Convocation was called to order by 
 the Bishop, & on motion, was adjourned to meet at the house of 
 M r . Francis, at 3 O'Clock this afternoon. 
 
 The Convocation met pursuant to adjournment, & the roll 
 being called, the following persons answered to their names. 
 
 The R*. Rev. T. C. Brownell, D.D. LL.D. 
 
 The Rev. David Baldwin, 
 
 " " Nathan B. Burgefs, 
 
 " Joseph T. Clark, 
 
 " " Harry Croswell, 
 
 " " Alpheus Geer, 
 
 " Hector Humphreys, 
 
 " William Jarvis, 
 
 !9 Note xxxix. 
 
 The Rev. Horatio Potter, 
 " Smith Pyne, 
 " Rodney Rofsiter, 
 Reuben Sherwood, 
 " " Ashbel Steele, 
 
 " Ransom Warner, 
 " " N. S. Wheaton, 
 The Rev. Henry S. Attwater, 
 Ch s . W m . Bradley. 
 
—ii5— 
 
 The following resolution was offered by the Rev. M r . Croswell. 
 
 "The Bishop & Clergy of the Diocese" 
 
 "of Connecticut in Convocation, Nov. 17, 1830." 
 
 On motion, resolved, that the book of "Chants adapted to the 
 service of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States" 
 compiled by Mr. John H. Phoebus, of New Haven, is recom- 
 mended by this Convocation to the churches throughout the 
 Diocese, as a work well calculated to effect the objects proposed 
 by the compiler, by promoting a correct & tasteful execution of 
 the chants, & aiding the congregations generally in this portion 
 of the devotions of the church. 40 
 
 On motion, it was resolved that the above resolution should 
 be referred to a Committee of three, to report to morrow 
 morning. 
 
 The Rev. Messrs. Humphreys, Wheaton, & Pyne were ap- 
 pointed that Committee. — 
 
 On motion, the Rev. Mefsrs. Sherwood & Humphreys, & M r . 
 Samuel Huntington, were appointed a Committee to draft the 
 Constitution of "a society for the relief of destitute widows & 
 orphans of deceased clergymen." 
 
 The subject of the agency of the Rev. Mefsrs. Pyne & Hawks, 
 in behalf of Washington College, was introduced & discufsed at 
 some length. The interests of that institution were shown to 
 be intimately connected with those of the Church, & the conse- 
 quent duty of every Episcopalian, & especially of every Clergy- 
 man, in the Diocese, to extend to it his most efficient patronage, 
 was ably enforced. — On motion, the Convocation adjourned to 
 meet the same place at 9 O'clock tomorrow morning. 
 
 Middletown November 18 th . 1830. 
 
 The Convocation met pursuant to adjournment. 
 
 The Report of the Committee to whom was referred the 
 Resolution of the Rev. M r . Croswell approving and recom- 
 mending the Book of Chants, compiled by M r . John H. Phoebus, 
 was in favor of adopting that resolution, & on motion, was unani- 
 mously accepted. — 
 
 The Convocation adjourned. 
 
 William Jarvis, Secretary 
 40 Note xl. 
 
— ii<5— 
 
 [1837] 
 
 New Haven June 12 th . 1837. 
 The Convocation assembled in the basement room of St. 
 Paul's Chapel, when after being called to order by the Bishop, 
 and after prayers, by the Secretary, the Bishop took the Chair. 
 A communication was read from A. B. Chapin Esqr. Editor 
 of the Chronicle of the Church, whereupon a Committee was 
 appointed to take the communication into consideration con- 
 sisting of 
 
 Rev. Dr Croswell 
 Rev Messrs. Beach 
 Watson 
 Burges 
 & Holcomb, 
 and they were directed to report to the Convention, to com- 
 mence its sittings to-morrow. 41 
 
 The Rev. Dr. Jarvis made a statement in regard to the Chris- 
 tian Knowledge Society, which was laid over for consideration. 
 After which the Convocation adjourned leaving the time and 
 place for calling another to the discretion of the Bishop. 
 
 Attest 
 
 A. C. Morgan, 
 
 Secr y . 
 
 [1847] 
 
 Hartford, June 8 a , 1847. 
 A Convocation of the Clergy was held on the evening of this 
 day in the Chapel of Christ Church Hartford. After having 
 been called to order by the Bishop, the Secretary by direction 
 of the chair read prayers. 
 
 The Rubrics in the Baptismal Service, & especially the proper 
 postures of the officiating minister, formed the subject of con- 
 sideration & discussion. 
 
 The Secretary was ordered not to make a record of the par- 
 ticulars. 
 
 Attest 
 
 W m . Payne, 
 
 Secretary. 
 41 Note xli. 
 
—ii7— 
 
 [1848] 
 
 New Haven, June 13 th 1848 
 
 The Bishop called a Convocation on the evening of this day 
 
 in St. Paul's Church. In his absence the Rev. Dr. Fuller in the 
 
 Chair, who opened the meeting with Prayer. 
 
 The affairs of the Christian Knowledge society formed the 
 
 subject of deliberations. 42 
 
 A committee was appointed to bring the business discussed 
 
 before Convention on the following day. 
 
 Attest, 
 
 W m . Payne 
 
 Secretary. 
 42 Note xlii. 
 
— n8— 
 
 Newtown. June 6 th . 1826 
 
 The Convocation met at the house of the Rev. Daniel Burhans 
 at half past seven O'clock by appointment. 
 
 The secretary opened the meeting with prayers. 
 
 On motion by the Rev. M r Hull the meeting was adjourned to 
 seven o'clock to morrow morning. 
 
 Wednesday June 7 th . 
 
 The Convocation met at the town house agreeably to ad- 
 journment at 7 O'clock A. M. 
 
 Present. 
 
 Rt. Rev. T. 
 
 C. 
 
 Brownell 
 
 Rev. 
 
 A. 
 
 Baldwin 
 
 
 D: 
 
 Burhans 
 Prindle 
 
 
 T. 
 
 Marsh 
 
 
 D. 
 
 Baldwin 
 
 B. 
 
 G. 
 
 Noble 
 
 
 B. 
 
 Judd 
 
 
 H Croswell 
 
 P, 
 
 . G. 
 
 Clark 
 
 0. 
 
 . P. 
 
 Holcomb 
 
 
 F Holcomb 
 
 
 A- 
 
 Gear 
 Hull 
 Beach 
 Andrews 
 
 
 A. 
 
 , Todd 
 
 
 W m 
 
 Jarvis 
 Potter 
 
 Rev M r . Barlow 
 Johnson 
 M r Coit 
 M r . Wells 
 
 The Bishop read the following communication from the Rev. 
 D r . Jarvis. 
 
 Upon which the following resolution was unanimously adopted. 
 
 Resolved that the Rt. Rev. Bishop Brownell be requested to 
 express to the Rev D r . Jarvis the regret of this convocation that 
 he was unable to attend the present meeting when they might 
 have personally taken leave of him previous to his departure for 
 Europe, & to afsure of the affectionate interest which they take 
 in his welfare. 
 
—ii9— 
 
 On motion by the Rev. Truman Marsh the resolution passed 
 at the last meeting concerning the alteration of the Constitution 
 was reconsidered. 
 
 The resolution was indefinitely posponed. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Barlow from the Diocese of South Carolina 
 had leave to bring his plan for the publication of Books before 
 the Convocation. 
 
 Some desultory conversation took place on the subject of a 
 Society for the relief of the widows and orphans, of Clergymen — 
 the constitution was called up & again laid upon the table. 
 
 The Society for the promotion of Christian Knowledge was 
 proposed for consideration — & some desultory conversation took 
 place & the subject referred to the Convention. 
 
 The subject of Sunday Schools was taken up & 
 
 On motion by the Rev. Mr. Judd — 
 
 Resolved that a Committee of three be appointed on the sub- 
 ject of Sunday Schools. 
 
 The Rev. M r Judd 
 
 Croswell 
 
 Noble. 
 
 The Convocation adjourned to meet at 7 o'clock on Thursday 
 morning. 
 
Notes 
 
Note I 
 
 SKETCHES OF MEMBERS OF THE 
 CONVOCATION 
 
 The Right Reverend SAMUEL SEABURY, D.D. 
 
 Samuel, the second son of Samuel and Abigail (Mumford) Seabury, 
 was born at North Groton (now Ledyard), Connecticut, on November 
 30, 1729. His father was then officiating as a licentiate of the "Standing 
 Order" in the meeting house of the Second Ecclesiastical Society of 
 Groton located in North Groton, but soon after conformed to the Church 
 of England, was ordained in England and became the first incumbent of 
 St. James' Church, New London. The future bishop was educated by 
 his father and in the common schools of the town until his father's 
 removal to Hempstead, Long Island, in 1742. He entered Yale College 
 in 1744, and graduated with honor in 1748. Mr. Seabury was sent by 
 his father to Huntington, Long Island, as "catechist" in 1748, in which 
 position he was confirmed by the Venerable Society with a salary of ten 
 pounds sterling per annum. He commenced the study of medicine while 
 at Huntington and in 1752 went to Edinburgh to continue his medical 
 course until of age to present himself to the Bishop of London for 
 ordination. 
 
 He was made deacon in the Chapel of Fulham Palace on St. Thomas' 
 Day, December 21, 1753, by the Rt. Rev. John Thomas, Bishop of Lincoln, 
 acting for the infirm Bishop of London, Dr. Thomas Sherlock. He was 
 ordained priest in the same chapel on Sunday, December 23, 1753, by the 
 Rt. Rev. Richard Osbaldiston, Bishop of Carlisle. 
 
 He was immediately appointed by the Propagation Society to the 
 mission of Christ Church, New Brunswick, New Jersey. In 1757 he 
 went to Grace Church, Jamaica, from which he removed in 1766 to the 
 Rectorship of St. Peter's Church, Westchester County, New York. To 
 add to his small income he opened while at Westchester a classical school. 
 
 As the Revolution approached, with his friends Dr. Chandler, Dr. 
 Inglis, and the Hon. Isaac Wilkins, he allied himself with the cause of 
 the united British Empire, which to his mind included the welfare of 
 the Church of England, and wrote strongly in its favor. His "Letters 
 of a Westchester Farmer" are an excellent specimen of his style in 
 political controversy. He was also for several years the Secretary of 
 the Voluntary Conventions of the Clergy of New York and New Jersey 
 which some from Connecticut occasionally attended. 
 
— 124 — 
 
 He was roughly treated by the patriots in his neighborhood, compelled 
 at various times to conceal himself and on one occasion was taken to 
 New Haven and treated with much indignity. Upon his release from 
 confinement he returned to Westchester, but was soon obliged, early 
 in 1776, to close the churches in his parish and join the numerous 
 loyalists in the city of New York. After the departure of General 
 Washington from Manhattan Island in September, 1776, he officiated, in 
 turn with other clergymen who had left their parishes, for the refugees in 
 the old City Hall on Wall Street. In 1778 he was appointed to the charge 
 of St. Andrew's Church, Staten Island, but found it unsafe to take up his 
 residence there. 
 
 His support for seven years came from the stipend of fifty pounds a 
 year from the Venerable Society, the practice of medicine, and his 
 chaplaincy of the Royal American Regiment of Colonel Edmund Fan- 
 ning. He was made a Doctor in Divinity by Oxford University in 1778. 
 With his election and acceptance of the Bishopric of Connecticut came 
 a new period in Dr. Seabury's life. He went to England in July, 1783, 
 in the flagship of Admiral Digby. His noble and unceasing efforts to 
 induce the Bishops in England to rise above political and traditional 
 precedents and consecrate him under a special act of Parliament, form a 
 chapter of pathetic interest in our annals. In the summer of 1784 he 
 made a formal application to the Bishops of the Church in Scotland to 
 consecrate him. Upon their favorable answer he journeyed to Aberdeen 
 and was consecrated a Bishop in the Church of God, in Bishop Skinner's 
 chapel in Long Acre, Aberdeen on Sunday, November 14, 1784 by the 
 Primus, Dr. Robert Kilgour of Aberdeen, Dr. Arthur Petrie of Moray 
 and Ross, and Dr. John Skinner, Coadjutor Bishop of Aberdeen. He 
 returned to London immediately after and sailed for America in March, 
 1785. He spent some weeks among relatives in Nova Scotia and arrived 
 at Newport, Rhode Island, on June 20, 1785. It is unnecessary here to 
 trace the events of his Episcopate, some details of which will be found 
 in the introduction and text of these "Records". 
 
 Bishop Seabury died suddenly on February 25, 1796 in the sixty- 
 seventh year of his age. 
 
 The Reverend BELA HUBBARD, D.D. 
 
 Bela, a son of Daniel and Diana (Ward) Hubbard, was born in Guil- 
 ford, Connecticut, on August 27, 1739. He was prepared for college in 
 the common schools and at home. In his fourteenth year he entered 
 Yale College, from which he was graduated in 1758. He then enjoyed 
 a year of theological study with his relative by marriage, the Rev. Dr. 
 Samuel Johnson, President of King's College, New York. 
 
 In 1761 he became lay reader at Christ Church in his native town, 
 under the oversight of the Rev. Ebenezer Punderson, of New Haven, 
 whose missionary circuit included Guilford. 
 
 In the fall of 1763, in company with Abraham Jarvis, his life-long 
 friend, and William Walter of Roxbury, Massachusetts, he went "home" 
 to England for ordination. 
 
—125— 
 
 On Sunday, February 5, 1764, in "the Royal Chapel of St. James, 
 Westminster," he was made deacon by the Rt. Rev. Frederick Keppel, 
 Bishop of Exeter, acting for the infirm Bishop of London, Dr. Richard 
 Osbaldiston. On Sunday, February 19, 1764, in "the parish Church of 
 St. James, Westminster," he was ordained priest by the Rt. Rev. Charles 
 Lyttleton, Bishop of Carlisle, acting for the Bishop of London. Upon 
 his return he took charge of Christ Church, Guilford, and St. John's, 
 North Guilford, to which he soon added a congregation in Killingworth, 
 now Clinton, "a seaport Town 10 miles distant." 
 
 He occasionally officiated in remoter places, as Saybrook, Branford, 
 New Haven, Litchfield. His work was fruitful and acceptable. His 
 salary came wholly from his parishioners and was only thirty pounds 
 sterling per annum. The Venerable Society at that time did not think 
 it expedient to form any new missions in New England and would not 
 make any appropriation for Guilford. In 1767 he accepted the joint 
 rectorship of Trinity Church, New Haven, and Christ Church, West 
 Haven, at an increased salary. 
 
 He was a resident of New Haven in the critical days of the Revolution. 
 Although a pronounced loyalist, he retained the full esteem of the patriots. 
 
 His services to the Church in Connecticut at the formative period are 
 great and deserve recognition. His ability as a parish priest and his 
 theological learning were recognized by his alma mater by the degree of 
 Doctor in Divinity in 1804. After an incumbency of forty-five years in 
 one parish Bela Hubbard rested from his earthly labors on Sunday, 
 December 6, 1812, in the seventy-fourth year of his age and the forty- 
 eighth of his ministry. 
 
 In the present Trinity Church, New Haven, which his zeal and tact 
 made possible, there is in the chancel an appropriate monument setting 
 forth his excellencies. 
 
 The Right Reverend ABRAHAM JARVIS, D.D. 
 
 Abraham, the sixth son and ninth child of Captain Samuel and Naomi 
 (Brush) Jarvis, was born at Norwalk, Connecticut, on May 5, 1739. 
 He was carefully trained in the district school and at home, and then 
 placed under the tuition of the Rev. Noah Wells, the Congregational 
 minister of Stratford, to be prepared for college. He became a student 
 at Yale when eighteen and graduated with honor in 1761. 
 
 He went immediately after to Middletown to officiate as lay reader in 
 Christ Church. He also pursued by himself a course in theology, pre- 
 sumably set forth for him by the learned Dr. Samuel Johnson. 
 
 About 1762 it becoming necessary to leave his work to be inoculated 
 for the small pox, he resided for several months at Elizabeth Town, New 
 Jersey, in the family of the Rev. Dr. Thomas Bradbury Chandler, the 
 well-read theologian and acute pleader for an American Episcopate. 
 Under him he probably completed his course in theology. 
 
 In the fall of 1763, in company with his intimate friend, Bela Hubbard, 
 and William Walter of Roxbury, Massachusetts, he sailed for England 
 
— 126 
 
 to seek holy orders. His expenses were defrayed by a subscription of 
 the members of the Middletown parish. He was made deacon in "the 
 royal Chapel of St. James, Westminster,'' on Sunday, February 5, 1764, 
 by the Rt. Rev. Frederick Keppel, Bishop of Exeter. 
 
 He was ordained priest in "the parish Church of St. James, West- 
 minster," on Sunday, February 19, 1764, by the Rt. Rev. Charles Lyttle- 
 ton, Bishop of Carlisle. 
 
 Both of these ordinations, at which his companions also were ordained, 
 were by special commission from the aged and feeble Bishop of London, 
 Dr. Richard Osbaldiston, who, as had his predecessors, exercised jurisdic- 
 tion over the American Colonies. He sailed for America in April and 
 was again at work in June. He had been duly chosen as Rector of 
 Christ Church, Middletown. An annual salary of seventy pounds ster- 
 ling was pledged to him by the parish. For some reason not now to be 
 ascertained, the Venerable Society declined to continue the stipend of 
 twenty pounds which had been allowed to the Rev. Ichabod Camp, the 
 first Rector and Missionary. Mr. Jarvis became a true pastor not only 
 for the people in Middletown, but in all the surrounding country. He 
 greatly encouraged the small band of churchmen in Hartford by his 
 presence, his services and his advice. There would have been rapid 
 growth in Hartford had the suggestion to make Middletown and Hart- 
 ford a mission under Mr. Jarvis met with the approval of the authorities 
 in England. 
 
 His energy and success as a parish priest are shown by a memorandum 
 made a few years after his ordination, in which three hundred and sixty- 
 five souls, of whom one hundred and fifty were communicants, are 
 recorded as under his charge. The esteem in which Mr. Jarvis was 
 held by his brethren and the active part he took in the organization of 
 the Church in Connecticut, his wisdom and prudence in all the steps taken 
 for a true General Convention, are detailed in the introduction to these 
 "Records." 
 
 With the continued regard and affection of his parishioners he served 
 them in holy things for thirty-five years. 
 
 Upon the death of Bishop Seabury, at the special Convention held in 
 Trinity Church, New Haven, on May 5, 1796, he was chosen Bishop. As 
 there had been a diversity of opinion among the clergy and some opposi- 
 tion by prominent laymen, he immediately declined the election. 
 
 When Dr. Bowden, who in October, 1796, had been elected, finally 
 declined the Episcopate, Mr. Jarvis was unanimously elected for the 
 third time, by his brethren at the annual convention held in St. James's 
 Church, Derby, on June 7, 1797. He accepted and was consecrated in 
 Trinity Church, New Haven, on the feast of St. Luke, October 18, 
 1797. The sermon was preached by the Rev. Dr. William Smith, of 
 St. Paul's Church, Norwalk. It is one of the five instances in the history 
 of the American Church when the sermon at the consecration of a 
 Bishop has been by a priest. 1 
 
 1 The others are : The Rev. Dr. William Smith, Provost of the University of Pennsylvania, 
 preached at the consecration of Dr. Claggett, 1792 ; Dr. Robert Smith, 1795 ; and Dr. Bass, 
 1797. The Rev. Dr. Frederick Beasley preached at the consecration of Mr. Chase in 1819. 
 
— 127 — 
 
 The consecrators were the presiding Bishop, Dr. William White, and 
 the Bishop of New York (Dr. Provoost), and the Bishop of Massachu- 
 setts (Dr. Bass). Yale College conferred on him, in 1797, the degree 
 of Doctor in Divinity. 
 
 The second Bishop of Connecticut was faithful in his administration 
 of the Diocese and saw a moderate but real growth. During his later 
 years he was afflicted with asthma and any clerical duty was done with 
 difficulty, but he never allowed his bodily infirmity to interfere with his 
 official and religious obligations. In 1799 he removed to Cheshire, where 
 the Episcopal Academy, under Dr. Bowden, was coming into favorable 
 knowledge of the people. 
 
 The "Records" give particulars of the unhappy incident of his Epis- 
 copate, the career of Ammi Rogers in the Diocese, and other events of 
 diocesan life in which the Bishop took an active part. 
 
 In 1803 Bishop Jarvis removed to New Haven, where he passed the 
 remainder of his days. 
 
 He departed this life at New Haven on May 3, 1813, having lived 
 nearly seventy-four years. 
 
 When the present Trinity Church was erected his body was removed 
 from the public cemetery and buried beneath the chancel. An elegant 
 Gothic monument with a classic and affectionate Latin inscription written 
 by his son, the distinguished scholar, Dr. Samuel Farmar Jarvis, adorns 
 the walls of the Church. 
 
 The Reverend GIDEON BOSTWICK, M.A. 
 
 Gideon, the fifth son and eighth child of Captain Nathaniel and Esther 
 (Hitchcock) Bostwick, was born in New Milford, Connecticut, on Sep- 
 tember 21, 1742. He was strictly brought up in the pious ways of the 
 "Standing Order." He was educated principally at home and then fitted 
 for college by the celebrated Nathaniel Taylor, the Congregational minis- 
 ter of New Milford. He entered Yale College in 1758, sustained a high 
 rank throughout his course and graduated with honor in 1762. He had, 
 under the influence of an intimate friend and classmate, "declared" for 
 the Church of England. As then there was little prospect of a new mis- 
 sion being erected in any part of New England by the Venerable Society, 
 he went, at the suggestion of the Rev. Thomas Davies, Rector of St. 
 John's, New Milford, and an ardent missionary, to Great Barrington, 
 Massachusetts. A small and vigorous parish had been founded there 
 under the auspices of the Rev. Solomon Palmer and the Rev. Thomas 
 Davies. Mr. Bostwick became the lay reader and opened a classical 
 school, which from the first was successful. The young candidate was 
 not content with merely reading the service on Sunday, but did such 
 pastoral work as a layman could, and went into the surrounding country 
 to seek out the lost or strayed sheep of Christ. 
 
 In 1769 such strength had been developed that it seemed expedient 
 to the clergy of Connecticut, with which the work had always been con- 
 nected, to make an effort to obtain a grant from the Venerable Society 
 
—128— 
 
 and the erection by it of a mission to include Great Barrington and 
 Lanesborough in Berkshire County, together with Nobletown and New 
 Concord on the New York side of the Berkshire Hills, in what was aptly 
 called "a wilderness country." 
 
 A petition from the four congregations was prepared and universally 
 signed, asking for recognition by the Society, a stipend, and the ordina- 
 tion of Mr. Bostwick. With this and a commendatory letter from the 
 clergy of New York, Mr. Bostwick went to England late in 1769. He 
 was successful in his quest. The Society broke its rule, erected the Berk- 
 shire Mission, assigned to it a stipend of twenty-five pounds sterling per 
 annum and appointed Mr. Bostwick the Missionary upon his ordination. 
 After due examination he was made deacon by the Bishop of Lon- 
 don, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Richard Terrick, on St. Matthias' Day, February 
 24, 1770, in the royal Chapel of St. James. He was ordained priest by 
 the same Bishop on Sunday, March 11, 1770, "in the Chapel Royal at 
 Saint James's Palace in Westminster." 1 
 
 After a pleasant passage of six weeks, he arrived at New York on May 
 29, and reached his mission on June 4. 
 
 From that day he was abundant in labors laying foundations to be 
 afterward built upon. He made a house to house visitation in the newly 
 settled towns of what is now Columbia County, New York, Bennington 
 County, Vermont, and Berkshire County, Massachusetts. For the earlier 
 years of his ministry his services were almost daily. His letters show 
 him to be active, diligent, and discerning. His influence over those who had 
 moved into this northern portion of New England after the old French 
 war was very great. His private register records in his ministry of 
 twenty-three years the baptism of two thousand two hundred and seventy- 
 four children and eighty-one adults, the marriage of one hundred and 
 twenty-seven couples and the burials of eighty-four persons. There is 
 hardly another record equal to it in the missionary annals of our coun- 
 try. The "Records" show that Mr. Bostwick was honored in the Dio- 
 cese. Much of his work was ephemeral for many promising settlements 
 never attained maturity, but enough remains to keep green the memory of 
 a true herald of the Cross, notably St. James's, Great Barrington, Trinity, 
 Lenox, and Christ Church, Hudson, New York. Upon his return from 
 the Convocation and Convention at Middletown on June 5, 1793, where 
 he had presented his friend and lay reader at Lanesborough, Mr. Daniel 
 Burhans, for ordination, he rode a hard-trotting horse. When he arrived 
 at his old home in New Milford, he was taken violently and dangerously 
 ill as the result. After lingering in much pain for some days, he entered 
 into the rest of Paradise on June 13, 1793, in the fifty-first year of his 
 age. Over his grave in the lower cemetery at Great Barrington, friends 
 erected a handsome marble monument appropriately inscribed. 
 
 1 Mr. Bostwick's letter of Orders as priest is in the custody of the writer. 
 
— 129 — 
 
 The Reverend JAMES SAYRE, M.A. 
 
 James Sayre is supposed to have been born in Scotland in 1745. He 
 is said to have come to America with his older brother John, while a boy. 
 
 He studied at the College of Philadelphia when that institution was 
 under the presidency of Dr. William Smith. He was graduated in 1765 
 in the same class with Bishop White. 
 
 Removing to New York City, he studied law and was admitted to the 
 bar in 1771. His brother John had been ordained in 1768 and taken 
 charge of an extensive mission on the west bank of the Hudson, which 
 included Newburgh, New Windsor, and Walden. He was laborious 
 and successful. It was possibly through his persuasion and influence 
 that Mr. Sayre abandoned the law and sailed in the summer of 1774 for 
 England. He was ordained in the fall of that year and was licensed 
 to officiate in the Plantations on September 21, 1774. 
 
 A manuscript note on the margin of the Book of Licenses of the 
 Diocese of London assigns him to "Fredericksburgh precinct." This 
 term evidently indicates the region bordering on Connecticut east of 
 Poughkeepsie, Peekskill, Fishkill, and other towns on the east bank of 
 the Hudson. It was sparsely settled and spiritually destitute. 
 
 There had been intermittent church work in the river towns from 
 I 76s, when the Rev. Samuel Seabury made a missionary tour and held 
 the first services. The Rev. John Beardsley became, in 1761, the 
 missionary in Dutchess County, and in 1766 was promoted to the rector- 
 ship of Poughkeepsie. Probably it was to assist him by caring for the 
 "back country," as Mr. Beardsley's work was over a wide area, that 
 Mr. Sayre was ordained. 
 
 The commencement of actual hostilities with England taking place 
 soon after his return, it is extremely doubtful if he remained long in 
 the precinct. 
 
 In 1775 he accepted a commission as chaplain to one of the loyalist 
 battalions raised by Colonel De Lancey. Camp life and the monotony 
 of service in and near the city of New York, to which the British were 
 principally confined, was irksome. His power as a preacher was acknowl- 
 edged by all who heard him and his reading of the service was impres- 
 sive and solemn. 
 
 He felt that it was a great relief to be asked to officiate for the few 
 churchmen at Brooklyn Ferry, then a hamlet of about sixty houses 
 and less than two thousand people. Previously they had traveled the 
 long distance to Grace Church, Jamaica, or crossed the East River to 
 worship in Trinity Church or one of its chapels. 
 
 Mr. Sayre commenced his work in Brooklyn in 1778 and continued it 
 for five years. His success in the little village, now part of a great city, 
 can only be inferred from the fact that in 1787 a parish was organized. 
 
 The archives of St. Ann's, the mother parish of Brooklyn, contain the 
 record of only one official act of Mr. Sayre. It is a copy of a baptismal 
 certificate dated August 20, 1783, and signed 
 
 "James Sayre, Minister of the Church at Brooklyn Ferry." 
 9 
 
— 13°— 
 
 Upon the evacuation of New York City by the British on November 
 25, 1783, Mr. Sayre, with many other loyalists, went under the escort 
 of the fleet to St. John, New Brunswick. Here a tract of land had been 
 assigned him. He does not appear to have had any settled congregation 
 or sought any parish. He evidently was not placed on the list of the 
 Venerable Society's missionaries and the poor refugees were unable to 
 give adequate salaries to their ministers. 
 
 After an experience not altogether pleasant, he returned to the United 
 States and seems to have been in Connecticut in the spring of 1784. In 
 June, 1784, he became the minister of Trinity Church, Branford, Christ 
 Church, Guilford, and St. John's, North Guilford. He resided in Bran- 
 ford, giving three-quarters of his time to Branford and Guilford and 
 the other quarter to North Guilford. He was both active and popular. 
 In the following year efforts were made to induce him to live in Guilford, 
 but without success. He resigned in the spring of 1786 and went to live 
 in Fairfield, where the Rev. Philo Shelton was Rector. 
 
 In July, 1786, Bishop Seabury recommended him to the vestry of 
 Trinity Church, Newport, one of the important parishes of New England, 
 as "a worthy and prudent man," of "good understanding" who "reads 
 prayers much to my satisfaction." 
 
 Mr. Sayre accepted the invitation to visit Newport sent during the 
 summer and removed to that town in October, 1786. 
 
 For nearly a year he was beloved and respected by all his parishioners. 
 An unhappy conflict with some of the prominent laymen in the parish 
 then occurred, principally concerning the revision of the Prayer Book, 
 and for two years there was bitter controversy and mutual discontent. 
 Finally, by the intervention of Bishop Seabury, the pastoral relation was 
 dissolved and Mr. Sayre returned to Fairfield in the early days of 1789. 
 
 The parish at Stratford became vacant by the resignation of Mr. 
 Learning in 1790. Its members esteemed Mr. Sayre highly and had 
 endeavored to have him visit them during the Revolution, but permission 
 was refused by the civil authority. They were now glad to call him as 
 their rector. His services were peculiarly acceptable to them and they 
 gave him a loyal and sincere support. 
 
 The fixed conviction of Mr. Sayre that the revision of the Prayer Book 
 at Philadelphia was unnecessary and deprived it of essential features; 
 that laymen should never have any influence or authority in the Church, 
 or sit in ecclesiastical conventions, he so strongly impressed upon the 
 people of Christ Church that they determined never to use the new book 
 or to approve the union of the Church in the United States. 
 
 The text of the "Records" shows the serious and unpleasant conse- 
 quences of this course. 
 
 The Rev. John Bowden was then living in Stratford. He had the 
 cordial good will and respect of the churchmen of the parish. With the 
 desire of convincing them of their error and leading them to see the 
 absurdity of their position, he wrote in March, 1792, an affectionate and 
 logical "Address" and a "Letter" to Mr. Sayre. 1 His letter to Mr. Sayre 
 
 1 An Address from John Bowden, A.M. to the Members of the Episcopal Church in 
 Stratford, to which is added a Letter to the Rev. Mr. James Sayre. * * * New Haven : 
 Printed by T. and S. Green, n. d. i2mo, pp. 39. 
 
—i3i— 
 
 rehearses the manner in which Mr. Bowden was welcomed by Mr. Sayre, 
 and their pleasant relations until Mr. Sayre made his "Protest." 
 
 The change that then occurred is noted, Mr. Sayre's abuse of his 
 brethren mentioned, and he is asked to reconsider and pause before lead- 
 ing "a congregation into a separation that must in a few years end in 
 their ruin." 
 
 The effect of the "Address" upon the parish was slowly apparent and 
 Mr. Sayre was compelled to resign at Easter, 1793. He removed to 
 Woodbury and became the rector of St. Paul's Church. Here again he 
 aroused the people of that staid old parish to open defiance of the whole 
 Diocese and refusal to submit to the constituted authorities. But in July, 
 1794, Woodbury conformed and Mr. Sayre was once more obliged to 
 leave his home. He spent the remainder of his days in Fairfield. It 
 is said that he continued to denounce bitterly the Bishop and clergy, 
 finally renouncing the Church of his fathers. He died in 1798, in the 
 fifty-third year of his age. It was learned after his death, that he had 
 been for some years mentally unbalanced. 
 
 His life is a sad instance of perverted energy and misdirected zeal. 
 
 The Reverend PHILO SHELTON, M.A. 
 
 Philo, a son of Samuel Shelton, was born in Ripton (now Hunt- 
 ington), Connecticut, on May 5. 1754. His ancestors had been church- 
 men in the days when it meant persecution and much personal abuse. 
 His grandfather, Daniel Shelton, a pioneer of the town and a large 
 land owner, had been one of the founders and benefactors of St. Paul's 
 Church in that village. 
 
 Mr. Shelton was carefully trained in the ways of the Church. He 
 attended the district school, where only a slight knowledge of the rudi- 
 ments of education could be obtained. He also came under the instruc- 
 tion of his pastor, the Rev. Christopher Newton, aand when seventeen 
 years old was ready for college. He was graduated with honor from 
 Yale College in 1775. 
 
 He had early determined to study for the holy ministry. His son, the 
 Rev. Dr. William Shelton, states that his theological course was pursued 
 with the Rev. James Scovill, Rector of St. John's, Waterbury, a man 
 of excellent attainments and sound judgment. The condition of Con- 
 necticut during the Revolution did not allow any new church work to 
 be undertaken. 
 
 As noted in the "Introduction," several clergymen were able to keep 
 open their churches. 
 
 It is probable that Mr. Shelton while with Mr. Scovill aided him as 
 lay reader in his widely extended parish, which included Waterbury, 
 Westbury (now Watertown), Northbury (now Plymouth), and New 
 Cambridge (now Bristol). On July 8, 1779, Fairfield was burned by the 
 British under General Tryon, when the church, rectory, meeting houses, 
 and many dwellings were destroyed. The minister of Trinity Church, 
 
—132— 
 
 the Rev. John Sayre, with his family, lost everything and became a 
 refugee in New York. 
 
 On August 24, 1779, a meeting of members of the parish was held at 
 the house of Mr. John Sherwood at Greenfield. 
 
 It was resolved "to apply to Mr. Shelton at Ripton in order to hire 
 him to officiate for them if Mr. Shelton will please to come." 
 
 A regular routine for the three sections of the parish, Fairfield, Strat- 
 field (now Bridgeport), and North Fairfield (now Weston), was made 
 out. Mr. Shelton accepted and for six years faithfully read the service 
 according to the routine, visited the people in every part of the parish 
 and accumulated much experience for his future ministry. 
 
 With several other Connecticut candidates, Mr. Shelton patiently 
 waited for the return of the Bishop-designate invested with the Episcopal 
 character. 
 
 On August 3, 1785, he was presented in Christ Church, Middletown, 
 to "Samuel, Bishop of Connecticut," to be made deacon. The others 
 ordained at this memorable first ordination by a Bishop of the American 
 Church were : Ashbel Baldwin, of Litchfield ; Henry Van Dyck, of Mil- 
 ford, and Colin Ferguson, of Maryland. The evidence of these "Records" 
 and the tradition of Mr. Shelton's descendants and the older clergy of 
 the Diocese show that he was the first deacon ordained in the Church 
 in the United States. Mr. Shelton was ordained priest by Bishop 
 Seabury in Trinity Church, New Haven, on September 16, 1785. 
 
 Upon his return home, he entered upon the rectorship of the parish he 
 had served as lay reader. His incumbency continued throughout his life. 
 
 The work done by him was large and encouraging. 
 
 His "Parochiales Notitiae" show that in the forty years of his ministry 
 he baptized nineteen hundred and seventy-eight persons, four hundred 
 and fifty-four persons were confirmed, five hundred and eighty persons 
 had become communicants, and eight hundred and thirty-eight persons 
 had been buried. 1 
 
 New churches were built in Fairfield in 1790, and in the borough of 
 Bridgeport in 1801. Mr. Shelton paid much attention to developing the 
 Church in the new borough, which was rapidly filling up with an intel- 
 ligent population. He was, however, zealous in maintaining the work 
 in the other portions of the parish. 
 
 At Easter, 1824, as he felt the growing infirmities of age, he resigned 
 the charge of St. John's, Bridgeport, and confined his attention to Fair- 
 field. Mr. Shelton died on February 27, 1825, in the seventy-first year 
 of his age. He was buried under the chancel of Trinity Church on 
 Mill Plain, Fairfield. A tablet to his memory was placed in the church. 
 
 Subsequently his body was removed to Mountain Grove Cemetery, 
 Bridgeport, where an elaborate monument of Italian marble suitably 
 inscribed has been erected. 
 
 1 The Rev. Dr. Guilbert in his "Annals of an Old Parish " (New York : T. Whittaker, 
 1898) has printed this valuable document as Appendix I., pp. 183-273. The original is in the 
 possession of Mr. Hamilton Shelton of Bridgeport. 
 
—133— 
 
 Few clergymen were more beloved, honored and trusted. He held 
 many responsible offices in the gift of the Convention and of the Con- 
 vocation. He was almost continuously from 1795 a member of the 
 Standing Committee, and from 1801 a deputy to the General Convention. 
 During the vacancy in the Episcopate from 1813-1816, he as senior 
 presbyter presided in the Diocesan Convention. In a letter to Mrs. 
 Shelton, Bishop Brownell gives this estimate of his character: "I feel 
 that I have lost one of my best friends and counsellors, and that the 
 Diocese has lost one of its best patterns of ministerial faithfulness and 
 Christian simplicity." 
 
 The Reverend ASHBEL BALDWIN, MA. 
 
 Ashbel, a son of Isaac Baldwin, was born in Litchfield, Connecticut, 
 on March 7, 1757. 
 
 His father, a graduate of Yale in 1735, had commenced life as 
 licentiate for the Congregational ministry and preached for some time in 
 that portion of Litchfield County now the town of Washington. He 
 abandoned the ministry for farming and became a useful and public 
 spirited citizen of Litchfield. 
 
 Mr. Baldwin sent two of his sons to Yale College after they had been 
 prepared in the common schools and under his own direction. Isaac, 
 the elder, was graduated in 1774, and Ashbel, the younger, in 1776. 
 Both achieved distinction in their classes. 
 
 It was in the early days of the Revolution and Litchfield County was 
 thoroughly patriotic. The young graduate with several of his class- 
 mates was eager to enter the army. Circumstances, however, compelled 
 Mr. Ashbel Baldwin to accept a private tutorship, as have many other 
 of Yale's brightest men. He was pleasantly situated in a delightful 
 home in Dutchess County, New York, near the Hudson River. The 
 family were members of the Church of England. It was at that time 
 customary for the tutors in the old colonial families to conduct the family 
 worship, and when the house was remote from church to read the 
 service and a sermon to the household and neighbors. When called 
 upon for this duty, Mr. Baldwin, who had been brought up a strict 
 Congregationalist, was perplexed, for his ignorance of the Prayer Book 
 was profound. A friendly gardener on the place, whom he consulted, 
 made him familiar with the Book. He then read the service with fervor 
 and intelligence. From admiration of the pure English and devotional 
 fervor of the prayers he advanced to a belief in the doctrines expressed 
 in the Prayer Book. By study and examination, he became thoroughly 
 convinced that the Church of England was a pure branch of the Catholic 
 Church of Christ, and conformed to it. 
 
 At the close of his tutorship, about 1778, he secured a position as 
 quartermaster in the commissary department of the Connecticut line of 
 the Continental army, and was stationed at Litchfield in charge of a 
 large depot of stores, many of which had been surrendered at Saratoga 
 by General Burgoyne. Much to his regret, he could not engage in active 
 
—134— 
 
 service, as imprudence in swimming when a boy had brought on a 
 permanent lameness and shortening of one of his legs. 
 
 His studies for the ministry were probably pursued by himself with 
 the advice of his friend and neighbor, the Rev. Richard Clarke of New 
 Milford. 
 
 He was in attendance as a spectator at the convocation of the clergy 
 at Woodbury, on the feast of the Annunciation, 1783, when the first 
 Bishop of Connecticut was chosen. During the absence of the incum- 
 bent, the Rev. James Nichols, in some other part of his mission, Mr. 
 Baldwin read the service at Litchfield. When Mr. Nichols removed to 
 Sandgate, Vermont, Mr. Baldwin was invited to take charge as lay 
 reader. A parish by the name of Saint Michael's Church, Litchfield, was 
 incorporated under the state law in October, 1784. 
 
 Mr. Baldwin was invited by representatives of St. John's, North 
 Guilford, and Christ Church, Guilford, in November, 1784, to take the 
 lay readership in those parishes at *. salary of eighty pounds, Connecticut 
 currency, which was then equal to forty pounds sterling, and the rector- 
 ship when ordained. As he had already commenced his work at Litch- 
 field, he felt obliged to decline. 
 
 At the first ordination by Bishop Seabury in Christ Church, Middle- 
 town, on August 3, 1785, he, with three others, was made deacon. He 
 was ordained priest in Trinity Church, New Haven, on September 18, 
 1785, by the same Bishop. 
 
 He immediately entered upon the rectorship of St. Michael's, Litch- 
 field. 
 
 His work was well planned and carefully carried out, both in the 
 parish and county. He went all over the beautiful hills of Litchfield 
 County reviving the courage of neglected and depressed Church folk. 
 He saw that closed churches were opened, officiated in them himself, 
 and, whenever possible, had the parochial organization completed and 
 clergymen provided for them. 
 
 With sound wisdom he continued the excellent work of those ardent 
 missionaries, Solomon Palmer, Thomas Davies, and Richard Clarke. 
 
 In 1793 he became Rector of Christ Church, Stratford, and spent thirty 
 years of faithful service in that parish, adding to his labors some success- 
 ful missionary effort in the surrounding region. For many years he 
 took charge of Christ Church, Tashua, which as North Stratford had 
 once been part of the mother parish. As Mr. Baldwin grew older he 
 felt that the work of the parish needed a younger man, and in 1824 
 he resigned. 
 
 But to one full of energy, although verging on old age, idleness was 
 impossible, and Mr. Baldwin began to officiate at Southington and 
 Meriden, where the Church was beginning to make progress. These 
 places quickly felt the benefit of his ministrations. 
 
 In 1827 he took charge of St. John's, North Haven, and St. Paul's, 
 Wallingford. After five years of gratifying prosperity for these ancient 
 parishes, he accepted temporarily the rectorship of St. Peter's, Oxford, 
 and Christ Church, Quaker Farms. Here amid rural and pleasant sur- 
 
—135— 
 
 roundings, he spent two years. In 1834 he found that his eyesight was 
 failing and other marks of old age were so apparent that active work 
 for him must cease. For a few years after his resignation he lived 
 in New Haven, Bridgeport, and Stratford. 
 
 To the Convention of the Diocese in 1837 Mr. Baldwin sent a touch- 
 ing and pathetic letter, resigning his office as trustee of the Episcopal 
 Academy, in which he graphically contrasted the condition of the Church 
 in Connecticut when he was ordained and its rapid progress in fifty- 
 two years. "My days of pilgrimage, I know, are almost closed, and 
 I can do no more than to be in readiness by the grace of God to leave 
 the Church Militant in peace. May I be permitted, Sir, to ask the 
 prayers of my Bishop and his clergy that my last days may be happy?" 
 
 His closing years were spent in the family of an old friend who had 
 removed from Connecticut to Rochester, New York, and who gladly 
 made cheerful for him the weary hours of inaction. He ended his 
 earthly life on Sunday, February 8, 1846, having nearly reached the age 
 of eighty-nine years. Mr. Baldwin had a clear and logical mind. He 
 was a ready speaker and could put into writing important papers, resolu- 
 tions, or debates, with accurate rapidity. This made his service as 
 secretary of the Convocation, as secretary of the Convention of the 
 Diocese for thirty years, and as secretary of the House of Clerical and 
 Lay Deputies of the General Convention for twelve years, invaluable. 
 
 Mr. Baldwin held nearly every position in the gift of the Diocese and 
 filled each with efficiency and dignity. 
 
 At the time of his death he was the oldest clergyman of the American 
 Church and the oldest graduate of Yale College. 
 
 The Reverend PHILO PERRY, M.A. 
 
 Philo, a son of Dr. Joseph and Ruth (Preston) Perry, was born in 
 Woodbury, Connecticut, on December 22, 1752. His father was a well 
 known physician. 
 
 His early education was received in the common schools and under the 
 careful guidance of his father. In his twenty-first year he entered Yale 
 College and was graduated in 1777. 
 
 He studied medicine and settled in Stratford, where he built up an 
 extensive practice. 
 
 It is probable that he attended Christ Church, then lovingly served 
 by the Rev. Jeremiah Learning, and through his influence entered upon 
 a course of theology. 
 
 With David Belden, "Tilley" Bronson and Reuben Ives, he was 
 recommended for ordination by the Convocation at Derby in September, 
 1786. The four candidates were made deacons on the feast of St. 
 Matthew, September 21, 1786, in Christ Church, Derby, by Bishop 
 Seabury. 
 
 On January 9, 1787, Mr. Perry became the Rector of Trinity Church, 
 Newtown. 
 
 This parish, one of the very oldest in the Diocese, had been organized 
 in 1732 by the Rev. John Beach, of blessed memory, whose long and 
 
—136— 
 
 brave witness for the truth as this Church hath received the same, had 
 built up congregations in Newtown and Redding, which were the largest 
 of our communion in the colony. 
 
 The four years since the death of Mr. Beach, on March 19, 1782, 
 and the ravages of the Revolution had somewhat impaired its strength. 
 
 Mr. Perry entered upon his work with great enthusiasm; by faithful 
 industry, patience and tact he repaired the waste places of the parish. 
 Mr. Perry was ordained priest in St. John's Church, Stamford, on Trinity 
 Sunday, June 3, 1787, by Bishop Seabury, "upon a Title," says the 
 Bishop's Register, "from Christ's Church, Newton, and from the Church 
 at Newberry." 1 
 
 As a pastor Mr. Perry was constant, both in personal appeals for 
 holiness of life and frequent in his visitations of his parishioners. He 
 is represented as a man of genial manners, a modest demeanor, and 
 sufficient learning. 
 
 His ability as a preacher can be partly judged by an extract of a 
 manuscript sermon of Mr. Perry in the possession of the writer from 
 the text: "Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of 
 peace." Ephesians iv, 3. After considering the circumstances under 
 which the Epistle was written he develops the theme : "We cannot 
 preserve 'the unity of the Spirit' unless we hold to the doctrines taught 
 by the Spirit." In the course of his argument, he insists upon true 
 Christian charity to all men and the duty of Christian forgiveness. In 
 conclusion, he says : "Now, to sum up the whole in a few words : If 
 we have any regard to the welfare of the Church, if we have any regard 
 to our own welfare in the present life, and to our complete felicity in 
 the next, let us all, my friends & Brethren, endeavour, by all the 
 means in our power, 'to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of 
 peace.' As to doctrines, let us 'be perfectly joined together in the same 
 mind & in the same judgment,' — unanimously grounded & settled in 
 the truly excellent and apostolical doctrines of our Church; — not being 
 'tossed to & fro, & carried about with every wind of doctrine by the 
 sleight of men, & cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive ; 
 for this never fails to end in schism and separation. 
 
 "As to our behaviour one toward another; let it be always such as 
 to show forth that meek & quiet spirit, which in the sight of God is 
 of great price,' that heavenly wisdom which is peaceable, gentle & easy 
 to be entreated. Let us put away all bitterness & wrath & anger 
 & clamour & evil speaking with all malice; & be kind one to another, 
 tender hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake 
 hath forgiven us.' If we will thus be directed & governed by the Gospel 
 law of Charity, it will be no difficult matter to preserve unity, peace, & 
 concord in the Ch h which that we may do, & finally be united with the 
 Church triumphant in Heaven, God of his infinite mercy grant, thro 
 our Lord Jesus Christ. To whom &c, &c."2 
 
 1 P. 6. A Reprint in full of the Registry of Ordinations by Bishops Seabury and J arvis. 
 As published in the Journal of A. D. 1882, by order of the Convention. 
 
 2 From a collection of manuscript sermons, made by the Rev. Dr. Burhans. This sermon 
 is endorsed : Newtown, Nov. 6, 1791, and Sept'. 29, 1793. Another sermon of Mr. Perry 
 from Romans viii, 16, is endorsed : Newtown, Aug'. 7, 1796, Aug'. 13, 1797, and Brook- 
 field, May 6, 1798. 
 
— 137 — 
 
 Within five years after Mr. Perry's settlement in Newtown a new 
 church seemed necessary. It replaced that built in 1746, which was forty- 
 six feet long and thirty-five feet wide. 
 
 The new church was considered very spacious and elegant and served 
 the parish for nearly eighty years. 
 
 The consecration was on Thursday, September 19, 1793, by Bishop 
 Seabury, it being the fifth church consecrated by him in the Diocese. 
 
 Mr. Perry continued for five years more to minister in holy things 
 to the people of Newtown, but in the midst of his usefulness he departed 
 this life on October 26, 1798, in the forty-sixth year of his age. 
 
 While still young in his ministry, he had obtained the confidence and 
 regard of his Bishop and brethren of the clergy. 
 
 He was secretary of the Convocation, secretary of the Convention, a 
 member and secretary of the Standing Committee, and a deputy to the 
 General Convention. 
 
 When the present Trinity Church, Newtown, was consecrated on June 
 8, 1882, there were unveiled four mural tablets of marble and brass 
 commemorating the founder and three other rectors of the parish. Upon 
 that in memory of Mr. Perry there is this truthful inscription: 
 
 "He was the devoted and efficient Rector of this Parish — and a Clergy- 
 man of eminence in the Councils of the Church." 
 
 The Reverend REUBEN IVES, M.A. 
 
 Reuben, a son of Mr. Zachariah Ives, was born in Cheshire, Connecti- 
 cut, on October 26, 1762. 
 
 His early life and preliminary education were in his native town. 
 In his twentieth year he entered Yale College, from which he was 
 graduated in 1786. 
 
 It had been from boyhood his cherished desire to enter the holy 
 ministry. The lack of clergymen was so great in the Diocese that 
 Bishop Seabury was willing to ordain him without full theological 
 preparation with the understanding that he would give attention to such 
 studies during his diaconate. Mr. Ives was recommended for ordination 
 by the Convocation during its meeting at Derby in September, 1786. 
 
 On St. Matthew's Day, September 21, 1786, he was made deacon with 
 three others, in Christ Church, Derby, by Bishop Seabury. 
 
 The great privilege was accorded to the young deacon of becoming 
 a member of the Bishop's household and pursuing under his direction 
 a thorough course in patristic and Anglican theology, liturgies and 
 Church history. Mr. Ives also had practical instruction in pastoral 
 theology by acting as the Bishop's assistant in St. James's Church, New 
 London, and during the necessary absences of the Bishop taking charge 
 of the pastoral work. 
 
 On St. Matthias' Day, February 24, 1788, Reuben Ives, Tillotson 
 Bronson and Chauncey Prindle were ordained priests, and Edward 
 Blakeslee made deacon in St. James's Church, New London, by Bishop 
 Seabury. 
 
 He became at once Rector of St. Peter's Church, Cheshire. 
 
—138— 
 
 The earliest services of the Church in that town, which was until 
 1780 "the western society of Wallingford," although the name New 
 Cheshire was given to it from 1720, were about 1750. It formed part 
 of the mission field of the Rev. Ichabod Camp, Rector of Christ Church, 
 Middletown, from 1752 to 1760. It was faithfully served by him for 
 eight years. It then came under the care of the Rev. Samuel Andrews, 
 missionary at Wallingford, who took great pains to implant true Church 
 principles in the people of Cheshire. The first church, which was a 
 square building, forty-two by forty-two feet, and very high, was erected 
 in 1760. Upon Mr. Andrews' removal to Nova Scotia in 1785, there 
 had been only occasional services until Mr. Ives was summoned home 
 to be the first resident rector. By agreement he gave to Cheshire two- 
 thirds of his time and spent the remainder in officiating in the neighbor- 
 ing towns, particularly Wallingford and North Haven. 
 
 By his faithful ministrations the congregations were so increased that 
 in 1795 an enlargement of the church was necessary. 
 
 There was long current among the elder clergy of the Diocese a story 
 that when Bishop Seabury on a visitation to Cheshire was told by one 
 of the parishioners that the parish was intending to add a steeple to the 
 church, he quickly replied with one of his bright flashes of wit: "You 
 had better build a Church to your steeple. 
 
 When the plan for an Academy for the education of the children of 
 the Church was proposed by Bishop Seabury and some of the clergy, Mr. 
 Ives was one of its firmest supporters. He thought that Cheshire pos- 
 sessed many advantages and was instrumental in locating there the 
 Episcopal Academy. 
 
 Until 1820 he was diligent in labor and careful in the administration 
 of the parish. The causes of his resignation are only thus alluded to 
 by Dr. Beardsley, the historian of the parish: "Circumstances then, of 
 which it is needless now to speak, led to a dissolution of a connection 
 which had existed for a period of more than thirty years. During this 
 time, the Church had apparently been visited with the love and favor of 
 God." 1 
 
 Mr. Ives' work did not cease in other parts of the county when he 
 resigned the rectorship of Cheshire, and it is the testimony of those who 
 know that several parishes in the county of New Haven were by him 
 rescued from an almost moribund condition and restored to vigor and 
 prosperity. 
 
 Mr. Ives died at his home in Cheshire on October 14, 1836, having 
 nearly reached his seventy-fourth year. 
 
 He was one of the humble and meek of the earth, whose work and 
 labor of love were indeed appreciated by his contemporaries, but did not 
 make him well known to the Church at large. 
 
 1 P. 10. A Historical Sermon delivered in St. Peter's Church, Cheshire, July 28 th , 1839 ; 
 it being the last Sunday on which divine service was performed in the old Church. By 
 Rev. E. E. Beardsley, Rector of the Parish. * * * Hartford ; Printed by Case, Tiffany & 
 Co., Pearl Street, 1839. 8vo, pp. 16. 
 
—139— 
 
 The Reverend CHAUNCEY PRINDLE, M.A. 
 
 Chauncey, the only son of Eleazar and Anna (Scovill) Prindle, was 
 born in that part of Waterbury, Connecticut, then called Westbury, now 
 Watertown, on July 13, 1753. After being instructed in the district 
 schools he was carefully prepared for college by his uncle, the Rev. 
 James Scovill, Rector of St. John's, Waterbury. He entered Yale College 
 in his nineteenth year and graduated with honor in 1776. During the 
 years of the Revolution he remained at home, and like other young men 
 who could not serve in the Continental Army, cultivated his father's 
 farm to supply a portion of the food needed by the troops in the field. 
 It is also probable that he assisted his uncle in the wide missionary circuit 
 assigned to Waterbury. 
 
 With Philo Shelton he studied theology under his uncle's direction. 
 After due examination he was recommended for ordination by the 
 convocation at its meeting in Stamford on May 31, 1787. With Ambrose 
 Todd and Bethuel Chittenden he was made deacon in St. John's Church, 
 Stamford, on Friday, June 1, 1787. 
 
 His uncle had in the fall of 1785 received an offer from the Venerable 
 Society to settle in New Brunswick, with a competent salary. The neces- 
 sities of his family by the withdrawal from Missionaries of the Venera- 
 ble Society remaining in the United States of the stipends they had 
 received induced him to accept. During his absences in New Bruns- 
 wick, Mr. Prindle supplied his place. When finally Mr. Scovill gave up 
 his temporary arrangement of spending the winters in Waterbury and 
 the summers in his new parish of Kingston, New Brunswick, and in 
 March, 1788, settled permanently in New Brunswick, Mr. Prindle was 
 able to officiate until a rector was called for Waterbury. Mr. Prindle 
 had been lay reader in Watertown for some years previous to his 
 ordination. 
 
 On February 15, 1788, he was formally called to be minister of St. 
 Peter's, Northbury (now Plymouth), at a salary of thirty-seven pounds 
 and ten shillings. During the same month he was also called to be 
 minister of Christ Church, Watertown, at a salary of thirty pounds. It 
 was stipulated that his time should be equitably divided between them. 
 
 Mr. Prindle went to New London soon after accepting the calls and 
 was, at the same time with Reuben Ives and Tillotson Bronson, ordained 
 priest on St. Matthias' Day, February 24, 1788, in St. James's Church, by 
 Bishop Seabury. His work in Watertown and Plymouth was earnest, 
 judicious, and successful. So rapid was the growth of the parish that 
 the church built in 1765, whose dimensions were thirty-seven by forty- 
 five feet, was too small. A new church was determined upon, a better 
 site procured for it and a building larger and upon "a more elegant 
 plan" was erected. It was occupied in the fall of 1793, and consecrated 
 by Bishop Seabury on November 18, 1794. This served the parish until 
 1855, when a beautiful Gothic church was completed and consecrated. 
 
 At Plymouth the increase was equally gratifying. A church was 
 needed to replace that which had been built about 1740. The only 
 difficulty was in agreeing upon a suitable location; finally the new 
 
— 140 — 
 
 St. Peter's was built in 1796, and opened during the fall of that year. 
 It was consecrated on November 2, 1797, by Bishop Jarvis, being the 
 second of those consecrated by that prelate. It still stands upon its hill- 
 top and its doors are still open for the service of prayer and praise. 
 
 Mr. Prindle continued to be the able pastor and persuasive preacher 
 at Watertown until 1804, when he resigned to give his time more fully 
 to Plymouth, which had felt severely the loss of many of its families 
 who had removed to the "western wilderness," which was then in the 
 neighborhood of Whitestown, a few miles beyond Utica, New York. 
 In his farewell sermon at Christ Church, Watertown, Mr. Prindle stated 
 that thirty families had been added to the congregation, there had been 
 three hundred and eighty-one baptisms, eighty-six marriages and sixty- 
 six burials. 
 
 An incident of his pastoral work was long told in Watertown as show- 
 ing his determination to overcome obstacles. He had promised to 
 preach at St. John's Church and to baptize some children in Waterbury 
 whose parents were about to remove to the West. It was the mid- 
 summer of 179S, and there was no clergyman in Waterbury. Between 
 Watertown and Waterbury flows the Naugatuck river, which is about 
 a third of a. mile wide. It was usually crossed in a canoe or forded by 
 travellers on horseback. Some distance beyond the village was a bridge. 
 Mr. Prindle expected to cross in the canoe, but upon reaching the place 
 where it was kept he found that the summer rains had so swollen the 
 river that the canoe had disappeared. To retrace his steps and cross by 
 the bridge would make him late for his appointment. He plunged boldly 
 into the rapid stream and swam across in time to meet his friends, baptize 
 their children and send them to their new home rejoicing. In 1806 
 Mr. Prindle resigned the charge of Plymouth, where he had been able in 
 the two years he devoted to that work to build up again the congregation. 
 During the eighteen years of his pastorate he had baptized three hundred 
 and thirty-nine persons, married seventeen couples, and buried sixty 
 persons. 
 
 In 1806 he became rector of St. Michael's Church, Salem (now 
 Naugatuck), and also of St. Peter's, Oxford. His charge of Salem 
 continued until 1814, but he remained at Oxford to the close of his life, 
 the same clear and sound preacher and good pastor as in his first 
 charge. 
 
 A church was soon commenced at Salem, and that in Oxford improved. 
 St. Peter's, Oxford, was consecrated by Bishop Hobart on his memorable 
 first visitation of the Diocese, on October 21, 1816. 
 
 Mr. Prindle was a real missionary and in every hamlet near his home 
 was well known and honored. For some years he held services in 
 Amity in Woodbridge, and in the later years of his life Christ Church, 
 Bethany received his ministrations. Until extreme old age he labored in 
 the Gospel without diminution of energy or fervor. 
 
 He died at his home in North Oxford on August 25, 1833, in the 
 eighty-first year of his age and was buried in the old cemetery at Gunn- 
 town. 
 
—I4i— 
 
 The Reverend DAVID FOOTE, M.A. 
 
 David, a son of Asa Foote, and a direct descendant of Nathaniel Foote, 
 one of the original settlers of Wethersfield, Connecticut, was born in 
 that part of Colchester now Marlborough, on October 5, 1760. His 
 early years were spent in his native town, where he was fitted for college. 
 In his twelfth year he entered Dartmouth College and was graduated in 
 1776. 
 
 This college in the woods of New Hampshire had under Dr. Eleazar 
 Wheelock, its first president, an enviable reputation for scholarship. 
 
 There is no account of his occupations during twelve years after his 
 graduation. 
 
 The parish of St. Peter, Hebron, was the nearest to Colchester, and the 
 few churchmen in that town attended its services. 
 
 The greater part of St. Peter's congregation were patriots, but its 
 rector, the Rev. Samuel Peters, one of the celebrities of the colony for his 
 missionary zeal, intense dislike of the "Standing Order," and his literary 
 ability, was an outspoken and aggressive loyalist. He went to England 
 in 1774. It is possible that Mr. Foote officiated at St. Peter's although 
 no traditions or records for that period of the parish history have been 
 preserved. 
 
 The Rev. John Tyler, of Christ Church, Norwich, went out from that 
 centre into all the surrounding country upon periodical missionary 
 journeys. Mr. Tyler may have encouraged Mr. Foote to study for holy 
 orders and superintended his studies. In June, 1788, the rector of Nor- 
 wich presented him to the Bishop at New London for examination for 
 the order of deacon. This ordeal was successfully passed, and on St. 
 Barnabas Day, June 11, 1788, David Foote was made deacon by Bishop 
 Seabury in St. James's Church, New London. 
 
 Mr. Foote was licensed to preach and was appointed "to serve in the 
 congregations of Hebron and Chatham." 
 
 The congregation that is meant in Chatham is evidently that at Middle 
 Haddam, where a parish was formed in 1785 and a church built in 1787; 
 for the parish in the portion of Chatham known now as Portland was not 
 organized until September, 1788. There seems to be no records of Mr. 
 Foote's ministrations in the archives of either parish in the town of 
 Chatham. 
 
 Christ Church, Middle Haddam, was until 1791 under the charge of the 
 Rev. Dr. Jarvis of Middletown, as was also Trinity Church, Portland. 
 The first rector mentioned in the annals of the parishes who was resident 
 is the Rev. Tillotson Bronson, in 1791. 
 
 Mr. Foote, although he has been almost forgotten, did diligently in 
 Chatham and Hebron the varied duties of the ministry. 
 
 From his work of restoration and upbuilding he was called to the 
 ancient parish of Grace (now Christ) Church, Rye, Westchester County, 
 New York. 
 
 In this well ordered and settled community he found his efforts for 
 greater temporal prosperity and spiritual growth fully seconded by the 
 
— 142 
 
 members of his new parish. A large increase in attendants and com- 
 municants was soon apparent. But as he was maturing plans for the 
 future he was suddenly taken from this world on August I, 1793, in the 
 thirty-third year of his age. 
 
 His brief ministry showed his courage, his endurance, and his patience 
 and held large promise of a brilliant and faithful career. 
 
 Mr. Foote retained his interest in the Diocese of Connecticut, attended 
 regularly its convocations and conventions and was reckoned among its 
 clergy. His name is also found upon the clergy list of the Diocese of 
 New York. 
 
 The Reverend ABRAHAM LYNSEN CLARKE, M.A. 
 
 Abraham Lynsen Clarke is said to have been a native of Milford, 
 Connecticut, but his parentage, date of birth, and the events of his early 
 years do not seem to be known. 
 
 He was graduated from Yale College in 1785, and then, according to 
 tradition, became lay reader in St. Peter's Church in his native town. 
 
 When the Rev Henry Van Dyck left Milford to assume the rectorship 
 of Christ Church, Poughkeepsie and Trinity Church, Fishkill, Mr. Clarke 
 was left in charge of St. Peter's Church. With Bryan Fairfax, of Vir- 
 ginia, he was made deacon by Bishop Seabury in Christ Church, Stam- 
 ford, on June 9, 1786. In the spring of 1787 he became rector of St. 
 Paul's Church, Huntington, in succession to the Rev. Christopher New- 
 ton, who had died on February 6, 1787. He was also rector of Christ 
 Church, Tashua, to which he gave one-third of his time. 
 
 He served these parishes with devotion and discretion during his 
 diaconate. Upon Trinity Sunday, June 7, 1789, in St. Paul's Church, 
 Norwalk, with the Rev. Ambrose Todd and the Rev. Ambrose Hull, he 
 was ordained priest by Bishop Seabury. 
 
 A new church was commenced at Tashua in 1789. It was fifty feet in 
 length, thirty feet in breadth, and twenty-four feet in height. The 
 church was finished in 1790 and consecrated by Bishop Seabury on June 
 8, 1795- 
 
 The death in September, 1792, of the Rev. Moses Badger, rector of 
 King's Chapel, Providence, Rhode Island, made a vacancy in that 
 important and desirable parish. The vestry followed the suggestion of 
 the Rev. William Smith, then at Newport, and invited the Rev. John 
 Bowden to the parish. His loss of voice compelled him to decline and 
 he cordially commended Mr. Clarke as a clergyman who would fill 
 admirably the rectorship of that parish. Bishop Seabury wrote to the 
 vestry that Mr. Clarke was "not only a gentleman of good character and 
 understanding, but also of easy and polite manners, and of diligence in 
 his profession." 
 
 Mr. Clarke commenced his duties on Easter Day, March 31, 1793, and 
 remained with growing appreciation in Providence for seven years. 
 There was increase in the congregation and general prosperity in the 
 parish during his incumbency. In 1794 the name of the corporation was 
 changed from King's Chapel to St. John's Church. 
 
—143— 
 
 Mr. Clarke resigned on March 30, 1800, and soon after took charge 
 of St. Michael's Church, Bristol, Rhode Island. This was one of the 
 oldest parishes in New England, having been founded in 1719. The 
 beloved and venerated John Usher was then rector. He was the first 
 child baptized in the parish, and after the death of his father, the Rev. 
 John Usher, in 1775, whose connection with St. Michael's extended over 
 fifty-two years, had kept it alive by reading the service. Mr. Usher in 
 his seventy-third year received holy orders and with all the energy of a 
 young man maintained the services and did his parish work. Feeling 
 in his eightieth year the need of some relief, Mr. Clarke was called to 
 his assistance. 
 
 Mr. Clarke's work was commendable and he showed great considera- 
 tion to his colleague. From some cause not fully ascertainable dissension 
 arose in the parish and early in 1803 Mr. Clarke resigned. 
 
 He accepted the united ^parishes of St. James, Newtown, and St. 
 George's, Flushing, on Long Island, and was inducted into them in the 
 spring of 1803. 
 
 The Church of England had been established on Long Island in the 
 beginning of the eighteenth century. Jamaica was the chief parish at the 
 western end of the island. Newtown and Flushing had from their organi- 
 zation been associated with it under the charge of one incumbent. 
 
 The blindness and other infirmities of the Rev. William Hammell, 
 rector in 1794, led to a severing of the long connection between Jamaica 
 and the outlying parishes. The Rev. Henry Van Dyck became in 1795 
 rector of St. James, Newtown, and also officiated at Flushing. 
 
 The resignation of Mr. Van Dyck in the winter of 1802-03 led to a 
 formal union of the two congregations at Newtown and Flushing. It 
 was probably due to the knowledge Mr. Van Dyck had of Mr. Clarke 
 that the call was made by the vestries of these parishes. 
 
 In the exacting but pleasant and varied duties of a country parson 
 Mr. Clarke spent the remainder of his life. He died at St. James's 
 parsonage, Newtown, on December 31, 1810. 
 
 The Reverend AMBROSE HULL, M.A. 
 
 Ambrose Hull is, traditionally, a native of Cheshire, Connecticut. 
 
 No authentic documents are available concerning his ancestry, early 
 years, and many events of his life. 
 
 He is known to have been graduated from Harvard College in 1785, 
 and afterward to have pursued the study of theology. He was recom- 
 mended by the convocation at its meeting in North Haven on October 
 22, 1788. The entry in the Bishop's register gives the date of the ordi- 
 nation of Mr. Hull as deacon as "Sunday the 12th day of October, 1788," 
 in Trinity Church, New Haven. The candidate was presented by the 
 Rev. Jeremiah Learning. To the entry in his register Bishop Seabury 
 appends this : ''Note : The following registry of the ordinations of Mr. 
 Foot and Dr. Nesbitt ought to have preceded that of Mr. Hull." 1 The 
 
 1 P. 7. A Reprint in full of the Registry of Ordinations by Bishops Seabury and Jarvis. 
 
—144— 
 
 exact date of the ordination it is impossible now to ascertain. Mr. Hull 
 was licensed to preach and "appointed to officiate as Deacon at Reading." 
 The parish of Christ Church, Reading, is one of the oldest in the Diocese. 
 Under the fostering care of the Rev. Dr. Samuel Johnson the Rev. 
 Henry Caner established Church of England services there in 1727. The 
 congregation came under the pastoral oversight of the Rev. John Beach, 
 that noble confessor, until his death in 1782. The first church was built 
 in 1732, but as the congregation increased rapidly a larger church was 
 erected in 1750. After the Revolution the Rev. Richard S. Clarke of 
 New Milford officiated occasionally. Mr. Truman Marsh, of Litchfield, 
 acted as lay reader until 1786, when Mr. David Belden was made deacon 
 and began a brief ministry. 
 
 On June 7th, 1789, Mr. Hull was made priest in St. Paul's Church, 
 Norwalk, by Bishop Seabury at the same time with the Rev. Abraham 
 Lynsen Clarke and the Rev. Ambrose Todd. Mr. Hull continued in 
 charge of Reading until 1791, when he resigned. It is not certain that 
 he took another parish immediately. In 1792 he was rector of the 
 "Episcopal Church of Brooklyn," afterward St. Ann's Church. He suc- 
 ceeded the Rev. Elijah D. Rattoone, who had become a professor in 
 Columbia College. 
 
 The incompleteness of the records of St. Ann's Church for this period 
 is an obstacle to ascertaining the cause of Mr. Hull's sudden resigna- 
 tion early in January, 1793. 
 
 Mr. Hull's name does not appear in the Journal of any diocese or of 
 the General Convention after 1792. There is no record of his deposition 
 and there is no reason to suppose any moral delinquency on his part. 
 Like two or three other clergymen of that period, notably the Rev. James 
 Kilbourn, deacon, who became after a brief ministerial career a prominent 
 politician in Ohio, Mr. Hull apparently ceased to execute the priest's 
 office. 
 
 His later years are said to have been spent in South Carolina, Ohio, 
 and Florida. He is reported to have won political honors and ascended 
 the judicial bench in East Florida, where it is supposed he died in 1821. 
 
 The Reverend TRUMAN MARSH, M.A. 
 
 Truman Marsh was born in Litchfield, Connecticut, on February 24, 
 1768. After completing the course in the common schools he was well 
 fitted for college by the Rev. George Beckwith, the Congregational 
 minister of Litchfield South Farms (now Morris). He was graduated 
 from Yale College in 1786. 
 
 It was then customary for Yale graduates to seek employment as 
 tutors in the southern states. Mr. Marsh went to Maryland and became 
 an instructor in Cokesbury College, near Baltimore, under the Rev. Levi 
 Heath. Mr. Heath gave him a full theological course, and probably was 
 his presenter when he was made deacon by Bishop White on March 
 5, 1789. 
 
—145— 
 
 After his ordination, in addition to his duties in the college, he assisted 
 Mr. Heath in the parochial work of St. John's parish, Baltimore. 
 
 For various reasons Mr. Marsh was desirous to become a clergyman 
 in his native state and on that account refused the principalship of 
 Cokesbury College. 
 
 In a letter to Bishop Seabury written from Philadelphia on August 
 II, 1789, Bishop White refers to the ordination of Mr. Marsh and his 
 work in Maryland, which was earnest and acceptable. The Bishop also 
 says : "I believe him to be a deserving young man and of unblemished 
 morals."* 
 
 The ancient and influential parish of St. John's, New Milford, founded 
 in 1742 by the Rev. John Beach, became vacant by the removal of the 
 Rev. Tillotson Bronson, who had been temporarily in charge. 
 
 Mr. Marsh was invited in 1790 to become its rector and accepted. 
 
 He entered upon his duties soon after his ordination to the priesthood. 
 The "Records" show that this service was in the old "meeting house" 
 near the Litchfield Green on June 2, 1790, by Bishop Seabury, and that 
 Mr. Marsh had been recommended by the clergy of Connecticut. 
 
 Mr. Marsh's work in New Milford, Roxbury, and New Preston, which 
 were included in his cure, was characterized by tact, zeal and success. 
 
 The second church building in New Milford, erected in 1765, had 
 remained unfinished. The sale by the town of "highway lands" and the 
 division of the proceeds among the several "ecclesiastical societies" of 
 the town materially benefited the parish. Ultimately the share of St. 
 John's Church was forty-six pounds. With twenty-seven pounds, which 
 had been paid in 1793, and other contributions, the church was com- 
 pleted. Among the "improvements" was a front gallery and a high 
 pulpit with winding stairs. 
 
 The church was consecrated by Bishop Seabury on September 25, 1793. 
 
 In 1799 the Rev. David Butler resigned his charge of St. Michael's, 
 Litchfield. 
 
 Mr. Marsh's townsmen appreciated him and he was asked to become 
 the successor of Mr. Butler. 
 
 Mr. Marsh removed to Litchfield late in 1799. He there spent the 
 remainder of his life; thirty years of it in hard and exacting work. 
 He was ever punctual in the performance of his duty and went into every 
 nook and corner of the town. He was known and beloved by every one. 
 
 As his health and endurance began to fail after 1810, he was obliged 
 to have the help of assistants; among them were the Rev. Dr. Isaac 
 Jones, the Rev. Dr. John S. Stone and the Rev. William Lucas. In 1830, 
 having fallen into a state of nervous hypochondria, he felt obliged to 
 resign, very much to the regret of his parishioners. 
 
 It is said that during the later months of his active ministry he became 
 so much depressed that he shrank from officiating. A simple remedy 
 administered by his wife encouraged him. He mounted his horse and 
 attended by his man servant proceeded to church, where he read the 
 
 1 P. 338. Connecticut Church Documents, II. 
 
— 146 — 
 
 service with dignity arid preached with logical power and eloquence two 
 admirable sermons. In his retirement he did not wholly omit clerical 
 duty. 
 
 He remained to be the confidant and adviser of many of his former 
 parishioners, the counsellor and friend of his successors in the parish, 
 and a venerable and respected senior among his brethren of the clergy. 
 
 Mr. Marsh ended his earthly life on March 28, 1851, in the eighty- 
 fourth year of his age. 
 
 His funeral was largely attended from the Congregational church, 
 as the old St. Michael's had been demolished and the new one was not 
 completed. The full Church service was used and a funeral sermon 
 preached by the Rev. Benjamin W. Stone, rector of the parish. 
 
 Mr. Marsh was entrusted with various diocesan offices, among them 
 membership on the Standing Committee, trusteeship in several boards, 
 and a clerical deputyship in the General Convention. 
 
 In his Convention address in 1851, Bishop Brownell says : "Few of his 
 brethren have surpassed him for clearness of mind, simplicity of char- 
 acter, purity of life, and faithfulness to the trust committed to him. 
 This venerable brother has been taken from us like a shock of corn fully 
 ripe." The Rev. Alonzo B. Chapin in his "Sketches of the Early Clergy" 
 gives this characterization: "a fine scholar, an acceptable preacher, an 
 able instructor, a man of pure character and unblemished reputation." 1 
 
 The Reverend EDWARD BLAKESLEE, M.A. 
 
 Edward, a son of Abraham Blakeslee, was born in North Haven, 
 Connecticut, on June 27, 1766. He was educated in the common schools, 
 and entered Yale College, where he took a high rank, before his twentieth 
 year. He was compelled to leave college in his Junior year on account 
 of the sickness and death of his parents. 
 
 From 1786 he had acted as lay reader for St. John's Church, North 
 Haven. The congregation were very much pleased with his manner 
 of conducting the service and wished him to obtain holy orders. At 
 "a meeting in the red school house near Dr. Trumbull's Church," Mr. 
 Blakeslee was requested to ride to New London and be ordained. Three 
 dollars were voted for his expenses. 
 
 Mr. Blakeslee went to New London bearing letters of commendation 
 from the Rev. Drs. Mansfield, Learning, and Hubbard, also the votes 
 of the meeting of the congregation of St. John's Church. He had a 
 pleasant interview with Bishop Seabury and successfully passed the 
 required examinations. 
 
 On Sunday, February 24, 1788, the feast of St. Matthias, he was made 
 deacon in St. James's Church, New London, by Bishop Seabury. At the 
 same service the Rev. Reuben Ives, the Rev. Chauncey Prindle, and the 
 Rev. Tillotson Bronson were ordained priests. 
 
 Mr. Blakeslee was expected by the people of St. John's to become their 
 minister. He, however, accepted the invitation of Trinity Church, Bran- 
 
 1 The Calendar, August 19, 1854. 
 
—147— 
 
 ford, and for two years worked with faithful diligence in that parish, 
 with which were then associated Christ Church, Guilford, and St. John's, 
 North Guilford. To properly care for them required much riding and 
 constant vigilance. 
 
 In 1790 Mr. Blakeslee resigned, returned to his native town, and 
 accepted the pastorate of St. John's and St. Andrew's, Northford. He 
 was also expected to explore the surrounding country for churchmen 
 and organize new congregations wherever it could be done. During his 
 ministry a parish was formed at Hamden and named Grace Church. 
 
 In 1791 Mr. Blakeslee became assistant to the Rev. Dr. Mansfield at 
 Derby. He was to assist in the services, preach occasionally, and also 
 to visit and hold service in remote parts of the town. 
 
 On Sunday, July 9, 1793, Mr. Blakeslee was ordained priest by Bishop 
 Seabury at the same time with Rev. Solomon Blakeslee, the Rev. Russel 
 Catling, and the Rev. David Butler in Christ Church, Middletown. In 
 the Bishop's register is noted that he was appointed "to the cure of 
 Woodbridge for one-half his time, the other half as assistant to the Rev'd 
 Dr. Mansfield at Derby.'' 
 
 In this double duty he was diligent and faithful. 
 
 In that part of Derby then known as Chusetown, afterward 
 Humphreysville (now Seymour), a parish was organized in February, 
 1797. With this the congregation worshipping on Great Hill was united 
 and the new corporation took the name of Union Church. Mr. Blakeslee 
 laid the corner-stone of a church building for that parish during the 
 early spring of 1797 which was framed and enclosed before the following 
 winter. It was not fully completed and ready for consecration until 1817, 
 when, on September 2, it was consecrated by Bishop Hobart. The 
 ancient frame still remains sound. Upon it in 1857 a new church was 
 built and consecrated by Bishop Williams on May 11, 1858, as Trinity 
 Church, Seymour. 
 
 Mr. Blakeslee died on July 15, 1797, in the thirty-first year of his age. 
 His death was felt as a personal loss by many both in Derby and wher- 
 ever he was known. His clerical brethren mourned for him and grieved 
 that his earthly ministry had so soon ended, as they had anticipated for 
 him a brilliant future. 
 
 This brief extract from a manuscript sermon upon fasting will show 
 his method of sermonizing. His text is from St. Luke v. 34, 35. "Can 
 ye make the children of the bridechamber fast while the bridegroom 
 is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom shall be 
 taken away from them and then shall they fast in those days." 
 
 He first states the circumstances under which our Lord spoke these words 
 and then shows the necessity for joy while the Bridegroom is with His dis- 
 ciples, and the reason for sadness and fasting when the light of His coun- 
 tenance is withdrawn from them. He considers the reasons why Christians 
 should fast and alludes to the practice of the Primitive Church and the 
 obligation resting upon all Christians to follow its example. He then 
 says : "Again this Duty is too often abused by considering y e bare per- 
 formance of it acceptable to God, without regard to those other Religious 
 
—148— 
 
 exercises w h are inseparably connected with it — for Fasting consider 4 in 
 y e Abstract is but A Colateral Duty, & enjoined for no other Purpose 
 y n to assist us in y e great & essential Duties of Prayer, Almsgiving & an 
 holy life, & is intended to be wholly subservient thereto. If ergo we 
 flatter ourselves with y 8 Notion, y* having modified our Appetites for a 
 little Time, we may y n indulge y m at large, till y e return of the next 
 stated Season of Fasting & Humiliation we grossely Deceive ourselves 
 & add to our own Condemnation, by turning y 4 w h is intended for an 
 Assistant to Virtue & Godliness, into an Instrument of Impiety & Wicked- 
 ness; since He who lives A good life without fasting, is a much better 
 Man y n He who abstains from Meat only, without regarding those other 
 ends, w h y* Abstinence was designed to promote. 
 
 Notwithstanding, ergo, this as well as many other Religious Duties 
 is often neglected or Abused, yet, let us not, for this Reason lay aside 
 j* Use of it, but Deliberately consider those good Purposes for w h it was 
 originally Designed, & y e great advantages y* will arise to us from a 
 regular & conscientious Discharge of it. Fasting, it must be acknowl^ 
 edged, is a very fit & becoming Act of Humiliation to God for our past 
 Offences against his Divine Majesty. The best of us all have abundant 
 reason to pray with y e Devout Publican in y 6 Gospel, L d be merciful, &c.'" 
 
 The Reverend SOLOMON BLAKESLEE, MA. 
 
 Solomon, a son of Zophar Blakeslee, was born at North Haven, 
 Connecticut, on November 9, 1762. He was educated in the schools 
 of the town and when nineteen years old entered Yale College, where 
 he maintained a creditable rank and was graduated in 1785. 
 
 He probably studied theology with the Rev. Dr. Mansfield of Derby, 
 but was, like other candidates of the period, better versed in the practical 
 duties of the ministry than in systematic divinity. The lack of ordained 
 clergymen compelled the students to read the service in parishes which 
 otherwise would be wholly without the ministrations of the Church. His 
 time seems to have been spent largely in Claremont, New Hampshire, 
 where a parish had been formed as early as 1770 and a church com- 
 menced in 1773. Among the earliest services in Claremont were those 
 of the Rev. Samuel Peters, of Hebron, Connecticut, who made a mis- 
 sionary tour in 1770 which included Claremont. The parish then was 
 occasionally visited by the itinerant missionary in New Hampshire, the 
 Rev. Moses Badger, and in 1773 the Rev. Ranna Cositt became rector 
 and missionary. An outspoken loyalist, Mr. Cossit finally became a mis- 
 sionary in Sydney, Cape Breton Island. There is evidence that Mr. 
 Blakeslee was in New Hampshire in the closing months of 1788 and that 
 he officiated until the time of his ordination. Mr. Blakeslee entered 
 heartily into the work and did good service not only in Claremont but also 
 in the new settlements of New Hampshire and Vermont. He is known to 
 have made several journeys to Connecticut, where he officiated at North 
 
 1 Dr. Burhans' Collection of Manuscript Sermons. The sermon is thus endorsed : Amity, 
 March n, 1792 ; Great Hill, March 18, 1792 ; Derby, April x Bt , 1792. 
 
—149— 
 
 Haven and other places after his cousin, the Rev. Edward Blakeslee, 
 had in 1791 gone to Derby. A recent writer upon North Haven says 
 that he was "rather in advance of the older people, and locally known 
 as the man who whistled on the sabbath day." 1 
 
 For three years he was in New Hampshire during the greater portion 
 of his time. The last services by him in Claremont are in September, 
 1792. What he did for the upbuilding of the Church and the searching 
 out of the scattered and uncared for people in the wilderness towns and 
 hamlets merits high praise. 
 
 A parish by the name of St. Stephen's Church had been formed at 
 Haddam, on the Connecticut river, under the auspices of the Rev. Dr. 
 Abraham Jarvis of Middletown in April, 1791. Dr. Jarvis in addition to 
 his other onerous duties had cheerfully served it until 1792. On March 
 1st, 1793, Mr. Blakeslee accepted the charge of it. He was a devoted 
 parish priest and a preacher of sound common sense. He possessed a 
 practical knowledge of men which made him attractive to his parish- 
 ioners. Mr. Blakeslee was ordained priest in Christ Church, Middletown, 
 on Sunday, June 9, 1793 by Bishop Seabury at the same time with Edward 
 Blakeslee, Russel Catling and David Butler. 
 
 A church was planned in February, 1792, which was to be "fifty-four 
 feet long, thirty-seven feet wide, and twenty-one feet posts, with a 
 steeple." This church was not finished and ready for consecration until 
 October, 1795. The consecration was on St. Luke's Day, October 18, 
 1795. It served the parish for nearly a hundred years until the erection 
 and consecration of the present St. Stephen's, which is nearer the 
 "Landing," in 1890. It still stands, a witness to the zeal of the 
 fathers, and a conspicuous and cherished object to all vessels passing 
 up or down the river. 
 
 Mr. Blakeslee in 1803 was one of six clergymen who united in a 
 memorial to Bishop Jarvis concerning the right of the Rev. Ammi Rogers 
 to a seat in the Convention of the Diocese; basing their plea upon 
 the principle that "each parish has a right to choose its own rector," 
 subject to the approval of the Bishop. For one of his parishes the 
 memorial stated Mr. Rogers had obtained approval. 2 
 
 In thus joining with five of his brethren of undoubted loyalty to the 
 Diocese and conspicuously successful as parish priests, Mr. Blakeslee 
 did not intend to prejudge the case of Mr. Rogers or oppose the deci- 
 sion of the Bishop. 
 
 The rector of East Haddam had the pleasure of seeing the church 
 well filled and new families of intelligence inquiring into the principles 
 of the American Church, many of whom became earnest and consistent 
 churchmen. 
 
 In 1815 the Rev. Charles Seabury, who had succeeded his father, the 
 
 1 P. i55- North Haven A unals, * * * by Sheldon B. Thorpe. New Haven : 1892. The 
 Rev. Wm. Lusk's sketch of St. John's Church. 
 
 3 P. 31. Dr. Beardsley's "History" II. The other clergymen were the Rev. Dr. Mans- 
 field, of Derby ; the Rev. John Tyler, of Norwich ; the Rev. Ambrose Todd, of Hunting- 
 ton ; the Rev. Joseph Warren, of Middletown : and the Rev. Smith Miles, of Chatham. 
 
—ISO- 
 Bishop, as rector of St. James's Church, New London, resigned. On 
 March 27, 1815, Mr. Blakeslee was chosen as his successor. He accepted 
 immediately and soon after removed to New London. During his three 
 years incumbency there was much activity and abundant life in the old 
 parish. In 1816 the gallery in St. James's Church was lowered' and in 
 1817 a small organ of English manufacture and of excellent tone, was 
 presented to the parish and placed in the gallery. Previously the music 
 had been entirely vocal. This was the first organ in New London. Mr. 
 Blakeslee's advocacy of the deposed priest, Ammi Rogers, in which his 
 neighbor, the Rev. John Tyler, of Norwich, joined, brought him into 
 disfavor with some of his brethren. It seemed expedient for him to 
 resign St. James's Church, which he did early in 1818. East Haddam 
 had been vacant since Mr. Blakeslee's departure for New London and 
 had relied upon him for various clerical offices. 
 
 Yielding to the wishes of his former parishioners, he accepted in April, 
 1818, the call made by them and continued to serve the parish until 
 October, 1821. 
 
 Mr. Blakeslee then went to St. James's Church, Great Barrington, Mas- 
 sachusetts, where he did excellent work until May, 1827. In 1828 he 
 returned to Connecticut but without taking any parochial charge, and 
 soon after removed to the state of New York. He made his home at 
 New Lisbon, Otsego County, in that picturesque region made famous by 
 the pen of James Fenimore Cooper. It was that part of the state long 
 blessed with the unceasing labors of that apostolic missionary affection- 
 ately known as "Father Nash." 
 
 Mr. Blakeslee as he had health and opportunity engaged in mission' 
 work in Otsego and Chenango Counties with much acceptance and 
 success. 
 
 He died at New Lisbon on April 10, 1835, in the seventy-third year of 
 his age. 
 
 Bishop Onderdonk of New York in his Convention address for 1835 
 says of him: "He had been for several years residing on an estate in 
 Otsego County, and rendered important gratuitous service to the mis- 
 sionary cause in this Diocese. * * * I am personally cognisant of 
 much good which he had done to the Church in our Diocese.'' The 
 Rev. Dr. Robert Hallam, who was a boy in St. James's in New London 
 during Mr. Blakeslee's rectorship, gives these recollections of Mr. 
 Blakeslee in his valuable "Annals of St. James's Church, New London": 
 "He was a man of peculiarly cheerful, genial, and social temperament, 
 an agreeable companion and associate ; but was thought to be by many, 
 perhaps not without reason, somewhat deficient in the gravity and 
 seriousness which became his calling." 1 
 
 1 P. 88. Annals of St. James's Church, New London, for one hundred and fifty years ; 
 by Robert A. Hallam, D.D., Rector. The Church Press: M. H. Mallory & Co., Hartford, 
 Conn,, 1873. izmo, pp. v, 120. 
 
Note II 
 
 The edifice in which the opening service of the Convocation was held 
 and the Rev. Truman Marsh was ordained priest, was the second built 
 for the First Ecclesiastical Society of Litchfield. Its first house was 
 commenced in April, 1723, and finished in 1726. It was a neat but plain 
 building without a steeple, forty-five feet long and thirty-five feet wide. 
 The second house was completed in 1762, and was a much more stately 
 structure with a steeple. Its dimensions were sixty feet by forty-five feet. 
 It stood until 1829. 
 
 Its location was nearly in the centre of the Green. The Court House 
 stood about opposite the centre of Town street with the "meeting house'' 
 on the east and the school house on the west. 
 
 The Rev. Judah Champion, a native of East Haddam, Connecticut, 
 who had been settled on July 4, 1753, was then the pastor. Mr. Cham- 
 pion was the firm and helpful friend of the Continental soldiers, many 
 of whom passed through Litchfield on their way to the American camps 
 on the Hudson and in the Jersies. He often gave them substantial meals 
 and provided clothing and other necessities. 
 
 The story was long told in Litchfield of a Sabbath afternoon of weaving 
 and knitting by the women of his congregation when the capture of St. 
 John's New Brunswick, and the destitute condition of the American 
 troops had been announced from the pulpit in the morning. 
 
 A prayer of Mr. Champion's in which he implored the destruction of 
 the enemies of America and the safety of its defenders has often been 
 quoted. Mr. Champion served for some time as a chaplain in the Con- 
 tinental Army. He retired from active service in the ministry in October, 
 1798, and died in 1810, in his eighty-first year. Throughout his long life 
 he was socially and religiously a power in the community. 
 
 The first St. Michael's Church was built in 1747, on a hill about a 
 mile west of the centre of the village. The second church was built upon 
 one of the main streets in 1812. It was consecrated in 1824, by Bishop 
 Brownell. 
 
 The third church was built upon the same site in 1851 and consecrated 
 by Bishop Brownell on December 16, 1851. 1 
 
 T The Rev. Dr. Seymour, the present Rector of St. Michael's, has furnished some inter 
 esting particulars for this note. 
 
Note III 
 
 David, a son of Micah and Grace (Sturgis) Perry, was born in 1747. 
 
 His ancestors were well known in Fairfield County and traced their 
 descent from Richard Perry, an eminent lawyer, who had emigrated from 
 England in 1637, settled in New Haven in 1642 and had acquired large 
 tracts of land in Fairfield County. 
 
 David Perry studied medicine, and at the age of twenty-five settled in 
 Ridgefield. He soon had an extensive practice in that pleasant town and 
 the surrounding region. He is said to have been both bold and successful 
 in the trial of new remedies. Dr. Perry was a stanch supporter of St. 
 Stephen's Church. 
 
 This parish owes its existence to the missionary zeal of the Rev. Dr. 
 Samuel Johnson, who visited the town in 1725. It was faithfully served 
 by the Rev. Henry Caner, the Rev. John Beach, the Rev. James Wet- 
 more, the Rev. Joseph Lawson, the Rev. Richard Clark, and the Rev. 
 Epenetus Townsend during the Colonial period. Mr. Townsend left 
 Ridgefield early in July, 1776. The services were then suspended. The 
 first church had been built in 1740 "directly in front of the Sturtevant 
 lot." It became a storehouse for supplies for the American Army and 
 was burned by the British in April, 1777, on their return from the raid 
 on Danbury. No regular services of the church seem to have been held 
 until after the Revolution, when Dr. Perry acted as lay reader. A 
 meeting to consider the building of a new church was held on June 19, 
 1784. Dr. Perry seems to have been very active in arousing the latent 
 energy of the parish and his name heads the call for this meeting. It was 
 then determined to build a new church whose dimensions were to be 
 "forty by thirty feet with eighteen foqt posts" at "the northeast corner of 
 the Sturtevant lot so called adjoining the town street in the first society of 
 Ridgefield on a piece of ground given by Benjamin Smith for that pur- 
 pose." While the frame of the church was finished and the building 
 occupied in 1785, it was not fully completed and furnished until 1791. 
 
 After the brief incumbency of four months in 1788 by the Rev. David 
 Belden, deacon, Dr. Perry resumed his duties as lay reader, to the great 
 satisfaction of the congregation. At a parish meeting held at the Town 
 House on the first Monday in August, 1789, it was "voted that Doct. 
 David Perry receive Holy Orders for this Society." The "Records'' give 
 the fact of his ordination as Deacon on June 6, 1790. In the "Register" 
 the Bishop records the ordination as "special." The candidate had been 
 recommended by the clergy and was "licensed to preach." 1 
 
 The double duty of priest and physician seems at first to have been 
 performed with much vigor. Three parishes were under his care, Ridge- 
 1 P. 8, Registry of Ordinations^ by Bishops Seabury and Jarvis. 
 
—153— 
 
 field, Redding, and Danbury. He fully earned the higher office of priest- 
 hood to which he was ordained in St. John's Church, Stratfield (now 
 Bridgeport), on October 16, 1791. * His presenter was the Rev. Philo 
 Shelton. 
 
 The growth of the congregations made necessary more supervision 
 than such a busy man as Dr. Perry could give. Discontent arose in 
 some portions of the parish. Rumors of it at last reached the ears 
 of the Bishop and his clerical brethren. They had been grieved that 
 he did not attend the meetings of either the Convention or Convocation. 
 Severe comments were made upon his conduct and urgent requests 
 sent to him to show respect and regard for his brethren by attendance. 
 
 The Convocation finally took action in 1794, as the "Records" show. To 
 the Bishop's letter of admonition a reply was received from Dr. Perry, in 
 which he declared his intention of resigning immediately his pastoral 
 charge and relinquishing the exercise of his ministry. This letter, as the 
 text of the Records informs us, was laid before the Convocation on June 
 
 3, I79S- 
 
 There seems to have been no more formal act of deposition than the 
 resolution entered upon the "Records." 2 
 
 Dr. Perry continued in lay communion, devoting all his time to the 
 practice of medicine, until his death on May 8, 1822. 
 
 His son and grandson became well known physicians in Ridgefield, 
 where his descendants were for many years faithful members of the 
 parish which he had served. 
 
 1 P. 8, Registry of Ordinations. 2 See pp. 44, 45, 46, 47, ante. 
 
Note IV 
 
 The Reverend DANIEL FOGG. 
 
 Daniel Fogg, the son of a prosperous farmer, was born at Rye, New 
 Hampshire, on August 18, 1743. 
 
 The death of his father and mother while he was a child placed him at 
 an early age under the care of his uncle, the Rev. Jeremiah Fogg, who 
 was the Congregational minister of Kensington, a neighboring town. 
 
 By him the boy was carefully trained, and in 1760 entered Harvard 
 College. He maintained a high rank in his class and also excelled in all 
 athletic sports, being, it is said, the best football player of his time. Mr. 
 Fogg was graduated with high honors in 1764. 
 
 It was while in college that he studied the doctrines and polity of the 
 Church of England, and probably learned much of her excellencies from 
 the energetic young missionary of Christ Church, Cambridge, the Rev. 
 East Apthorp, who was both a scholar and a busy parish priest. Becoming 
 convinced of the primitive truth and apostolic order of the Church, he 
 "declared" for it and studied theology under the Rev. Dr. Henry Caner of 
 King's Chapel, Boston. This course of the nephew is represented as not 
 displeasing to his uncle, who was "one of the small minority of his 
 denomination holding Armenian tenets, thus naturally without any 
 extreme antipathy to that very uncalvanistic body, the Communion of the 
 Church of England in America." 1 To support himself he opened a 
 school of high grade in Newburyport, which was well patronized. 
 
 In the spring of 1770 he "went home" to England to receive Holy 
 Orders. He was duly confirmed, passed successfully the Bishop of 
 London's examination, and was made deacon on August 19, 1770, and 
 was ordained priest on August 24, 1770, by the Rt. Rev. Richard Terrick, 
 Bishop of London. 
 
 Upon his return he became temporarily assistant to Dr. Caner. 
 
 After a brief service in Boston, Mr. Fogg went to North Carolina, 
 where he did faithful work as a missionary and a teacher. Ill health 
 obliged him to seek again a Northern climate, and in May, 1772, he 
 accepted the incumbency of Trinity Church, Brooklyn, in the town of 
 Pomfret, Connecticut. 
 
 The story of the building of this church through the determination of 
 Colonel Godfrey Malbone, who owned a large estate in Pomfret, is one of 
 the romantic incidents of our Connecticut Church history. 
 
 Mr. Fogg was an industrious and painstaking pastor. 
 
 During the Revolution he remained in Brooklyn, which was also the 
 home of the patriot General Putnam, sharing with Colonel Malbone the 
 
 1 The Rev. Thomas Brinley Fogg, in The Herald^ New London, Archdeaconry Quar- 
 terly, March, 1891, Vol. I, No. 3. 
 
— 155 — 
 
 odium of being a Tory. Neither was molested. While the church had 
 to be closed, there was no disturbance of the services held at the house 
 of Colonel Malbone. 
 
 Mr. Fogg was one of the ten clergymen who, on the Feast of the 
 Annunciation, 1783, met at Woodbury to elect a Bishop for Connecticut. 
 The importance of his letters on the subject has been already noted. 
 
 In the quiet discharge of his duty in a parish which was neither 
 wealthy nor able to expand largely, he passed the remainder of his life. 
 
 He is described as the kind friend and adviser of his parishioners, fond 
 of society and an agreeable companion. His sermons, it is said, were 
 highly esteemed by persons of good judgment. 
 
 Mr. Fogg departed this life on June 29, 1815, in the seventy-second year 
 of his age. The burial was in Trinity Churchyard on July 2. The Rev. 
 Philander Chase came from Hartford to perform this last office for his 
 brother in the ministry. 
 
 The Reverend JOHN TYLER. 
 
 John, a son of John and Mary (Doolittle) Tyler, was born in Walling- 
 ford, Connecticut, on August 15, 1742. He was descended from Roger 
 Tyler, one of the original proprietors of Wallingford. 
 
 Mr. Tyler was graduated from Yale College in 1765 with distinction 
 and pronounced the valedictory oration. He took a post graduate course 
 at King's College, New York City (now Columbia University), under 
 that versatile, accomplished man, President Miles Cooper. This was 
 then very unusual. He received both the Bachelor's .and Master's 
 degrees from that institution. Like many other young men in Con- 
 necticut, he abandoned the "Standing Order" in which he had been 
 brought up, declared for the Church, and studied theology under the Rev. 
 Dr. Samuel Johnson, then enjoying a well earned rest at Stratford. He 
 assisted Dr. Johnson on Sundays, and by some of the people of Christ 
 Church was thought worthy to be the successor of that Nestor of the 
 Colonial Church. He had also read the services in Dr. Johnson's native 
 town, Guilford, vacant by the removal of the Rev. Bela Hubbard to New 
 Haven. 
 
 Mr. Tyler went to England on May 10, 1768, sailing from New York 
 in the ship Edward. He bore testimonials from Dr. Johnson and the 
 Connecticut clergy to the Bishop of London and the Venerable Society. 
 He also carried a petition from the Wardens and Vestry of Christ 
 Church, Guilford, for the erection of a new mission, of which Guilford 
 should be the central station and the appointment of Mr. Tyler as the 
 missionary. 
 
 Upon his arrival in England he sought first the powerful personal aid 
 of the Hon. William Samuel Johnson, a son of Dr. Johnson, then the 
 agent of the Colony of Connecticut in London. By him he was intro- 
 duced to many persons of influence and the object of his quest facilitated. 
 
 He was examined on June 20, by Dr. Carr, chaplain to the Bishop of 
 London. On Friday, June 24, the feast of St. John Baptist, "at nine 
 
-156- 
 
 o'clock in the morning," Mr. Tyler was made deacon by the Rt. Rev. Dr. 
 Terrick, Bishop of London. On Wednesday, June 29, St. Peter's Day, 
 he was ordained priest in Fulham Chapel by the same prelate. 
 
 It was a very great disappointment that Dr. Burton, the Secretary, and 
 other authorities of the Venerable Propagation Society would not erect 
 Guilford into a mission. Mr. Tyler was chosen by the Society for the 
 mission at Norwich, made vacant by the removal of the Rev. John 
 Beardsley to Poughkeepsie, New York, with a salary of thirty pounds a 
 year. 
 
 Mr. Tyler sailed for New York on August 2 in the same vessel in 
 which he went to England. After a stormy passage and much detention 
 by contrary winds, the Edward reached New York on September 26, 
 1768. 
 
 He made several visits to friends in New York and Stratford, spent 
 some days with his family at the home in Wallingford, and commenced 
 his duties at Norwich on November 1. 
 
 A journal kept by him during the six months he spent in obtaining 
 Holy Orders, which give many interesting glimpses of his life on ship- 
 board and sojourn in London, was privately printed in 1894 by Mr. 
 Tyler's grandson, the Rev. Dr. Alfred L. Brewer, the founder of St. 
 Matthew's Hall, San Mateo, California. 
 
 Mr. Tyler was an earnest and faithful pastor. When Trinity Church, 
 Pomfret, was ready for use, Colonel Malbone invited Mr. Tyler to preach 
 the opening sermon. It is said that the service of opening "was made as 
 nearly one of consecration as was possible." 
 
 During the Revolution the Rector of Norwich remained in his parish. 
 The church was closed from 1776 to 1779, but services were held in the 
 Rector's house. He suffered little indignity from the patriots, although 
 it is traditional that there were attempts to poison his well. 
 
 In 1779 Mr. Tyler, after consultation with his parishioners, agreed to 
 open the church and use the prayer for Congress, provided the congrega- 
 tion desired it. The church was then opened, to the great satisfaction of 
 the people. There were no startling events in the parish of Christ 
 Church. Harmony and progress were apparent. As the years went on, 
 Mr. Tyler became more endeared to the people. He practiced medicine 
 freely among the poor, and this often won them to a true religious life. 
 
 Upon Sunday, February 28, 1796, Mr. Tyler had the distinction of 
 officiating at the funeral of the first Bishop of the American Church, Dr. 
 Samuel Seabury, at New London. Mr. Tyler died on January 20, 1823, 
 in the eighty-first year of his age. 
 
 Two sermons of Mr. Tyler's were printed, that at the "Opening of 
 Trinity Church, Pomfret, April 5, 1771," and one upon "The Blessing of 
 Peace," preached at Christ Church, Norwich, on the "Continental 
 Thanksgiving," February 19, 1795. An extract from the sermon on 
 Peace will show his style : 
 
 "I might, indeed, upon this Occasion congratulate with Views of our 
 National Prosperity — of the extensiveness of our Territory — of the 
 various and happy Climates in it — of our rapidly growing Numbers — of 
 
—157— 
 
 the great Increase of New Settlements— of the Security we enjoy by 
 being so distant from powerful and corrupted Nations — of our various 
 great and increasing Resources for Wealth or War. I might remind you 
 that the natural means of our Subsistence are so great, that in a measure 
 we are become the Granary of other Nations — that Knowledge and all 
 useful arts are making great Progress among us — and I might boast of 
 the Liberality and Prosperity of our free and happy Constitution of Gov- 
 ernment. But what are all these things without the divine Blessing and 
 Protection? And what purpose would all this Adulation serve, but, 
 instead of promoting real Gratitude to God, rather perhaps to excite and 
 encourage pride; which is the great Bane of Man: and it is one great 
 Purpose of God, in national as well as private Judgments to hide Pride 
 from Man. I might indeed have said little else, except what would con- 
 tribute something to promote the Arrogance of National Prosperity. 
 But perhaps I should have fallen under the condemnation of the false 
 Prophets in Judah; of whom Jehovah of Hosts said, — They have healed 
 the hurt of the daughter of my People slightly, saying Peace, peace, when 
 there is no Peace. For says the Prophet There is no Peace, saith my 
 God, to the wicked. This last is what innumerable Facts in every Age 
 have proclaimed. But more especially this holds true in free popular 
 Governments, like ours. For there must be public Virtue, or they can not 
 flourish with Peace and Prosperity. There must also be' private Virtue 
 or there will be no such thing as public Virtue. There must be Religion, 
 or there will be neither public nor private Virtue. There must be true 
 Religion, otherwise there will be generally abundance of false Religion. 
 And there must be attendance on the Worship of God, otherwise there 
 will soon be no Religion at all." 1 
 
 The Reverend AMBROSE TODD, M.A. 
 
 Ambrose Todd was born in that portion of the town of Branford, 
 Connecticut, known as Northford, on December 7, 1764. 
 
 He was educated in the common schools, studied assiduously to pre- 
 pare himself for college and was graduated with honor from Yale College 
 in 1786. He spent a year pursuing a course of theology and was made 
 deacon by Bishop Seabury in St. John's Church, Stamford, on June 1, 
 1787, at the same time as Mr. Chauncy Prindle and Mr. Bethuel Chit- 
 tenden. 2 
 
 He at once took charge of St. Andrew's Church, Simsbury (now St. 
 Andrew's, Bloomfield) , which was vacant by the final removal in 1787 of 
 the Rev. Roger Viets, one of the most accomplished clergymen in the 
 State and Diocese, to Digby, Nova Scotia. 
 
 Mr. Todd was ordained priest in St. Paul's Church, Norwalk, by 
 Bishop Seabury, on Trinity Sunday, June 7, 1789, at the same time as the 
 Rev. Ambrose Hall and the Rev. Abram Lynsen Clark." 
 
 1 Pp. 17, 18, The Blessing of Peace, * * * by John Tyler, A.M., 8vo, pp. 20. Printed 
 by John Trumbull, Norwich, MDCCXCV. 
 
 2 P. 6, Registry of Ordinations. 3 P. 8, Registry of Ordinations. 
 
-158- 
 
 Mr. Todd's work in Simsbury, Granby and other places in the vicinity 
 was both conscientious and successful. He was a man of profound 
 earnestness and strict in his attention to all the duties of his ministry. 
 His direct and plain speaking caused Mr. Alexander Viets Griswold, a 
 nephew of the Rev. Roger Viets, to study for the ministry. The whole 
 Church knows the result ; a faithful priesthood, followed by an energetic 
 episcopate in the association of dioceses, know*n as the Eastern Diocese, 
 which revived the Church in the greater part of New England. 
 
 After eleven years of hard work, to the great sorrow of his par- 
 ishioners, Mr. Todd accepted the rectorship of St. Paul's Church, Hunt- 
 ington, Connecticut, where he remained until the close of his earthly life, 
 using all faithful diligence in building up the parish. 
 
 Mr. Todd died of consumption, after an illness of three months, on 
 July 25, 1809, in the forty-fifth year of his age. 
 
 A writer in The Churchman's Magazine describes Mr. Todd as 
 "prudent in his secular concerns, and an active and faithful servant in 
 the vineyard. He was much beloved by his parishioners, heard with 
 attention and treated with respect, and died much lamented. His life 
 and conversation were such as to leave a lasting impression." 1 
 
 Two of his sons entered the ministry. The Rev. Charles Jarvis Todd 
 was for many years a missionary in Illinois, where he died in 1859. The 
 Rev. Ambrose Seymour Todd spent two years as rector of Christ Church, 
 Redding, and St. James' Church, Danbury, and then became the honored 
 and beloved rector of St. John's Church, Stamford, for nearly forty 
 years. He died in 1861. 
 
 The Reverend GEORGE OGILVIE, M.A. 
 
 George, a son of the Rev. John and Catharine (Symes) Ogilvie, was 
 born at Albany, New York, in 1758. His father, probably the most 
 finished pulpit orator in the Colonial Church, was then the incumbent of 
 St. Peter's Church, Albany, and missionary to the Mohawk Indians. Dr. 
 Ogilvie in 1764 became an assistant minister of Trinity Church, New 
 York City. His son George was very carefully educated at home and in 
 the best schools of the city. He was graduated from King^ College 
 (now Columbia University), of which his father was a governor, in 
 
 1774- 
 
 Great responsibility came to him at this early age, for his father died 
 suddenly of apoplexy on November 26, 1774. 
 
 During the Revolution, like many others in the City of New York, it 
 is said that he joined the Royal American Regiment of Colonel Edmund 
 Fanning and became a commissioned officer. It is traditional that at the 
 close of the war he went to England, but his visit could not have been a 
 long one, as he was living in Newark, New Jersey, in 1785, and studying 
 theology under the Rev. Dr. Uzal Ogden, Rector of Trinity Church, 
 Newark. At the second Convention of the Diocese of New Jersey, which 
 was held in St. Peter's Church, Perth Amboy, on May 16, 1785, Mr. 
 Ogilvie was a lay delegate. 
 
 1 P. 374, The Churchman's Magazine^ September and October, 1809, Vol. 6, No. 5. 
 
—159— 
 
 At the first ordination held by Bishop Provoost on July 15, 1787, in St. 
 George's Chapel, New York City, Mr. Ogilvie was made deacon at the 
 same time with Mr. Joseph Grove John Bend and Mr. Richard Channing 
 Moore. Mr. Ogilvie became minister of Christ Church, New Brunswick, 
 New Jersey, soon after his ordination. He was a good reader of the 
 service and a preacher of marked originality. He had a pleasant manner, 
 and in person is said to. have resembled his father, who was a large, 
 portly man with a highly intellectual countenance. 
 
 St. Paul's Church, Norwalk, Connecticut, to its very sincere regret, 
 had accepted the resignation of the Rev. Dr. John Bowden, whose health 
 required a total cessation from work, in the summer of 1789. At the 
 termination of a six months' engagement with the Rev. David Foote in 
 May, 1790, Mr. Ogilvie was invited to the rectorship. Upon his arrival 
 in that pleasant shore town he found some of the congregation who still 
 recalled with pleasure the brief term forty years before when Dr. John 
 Ogilvie had officiated. Mr. Ogilvie was energetic and industrious. The 
 congregation generously seconded his plans for the improvement and 
 completion of the church edifice, which had taken the place of the one 
 burned by the British during the Revolution, and which had been conse- 
 crated by Bishop Seabury in 1786, on the first occasion when the office 
 of consecration was used in the United States. 
 
 The six years spent by him in this parish were pleasant and profitable 
 to both priest and people. 
 
 Mr. Ogilvie resigned the rectorship of St. Paul's in October, 1796. It 
 was accepted by the Vestry with expressions of unqualified respect and 
 appreciation. 
 
 Upon October 26, 1796, a call was extended by the Vestry of Christ 
 Church, Rye, Westchester County, New York. This was one of the 
 most ancient parishes in that diocese and had been served by many strong 
 and eminent men, among them the Rev. George Muirson, the first clergy- 
 man of the Church who held regularly services in the Colony of Con- 
 necticut. 
 
 Mr. Ogilvie assumed his new duties in the fall of 1796 and was rapidly 
 gaining the affection of his parishioners when, after a brief illness, he 
 died on April 3, 1797, in the fortieth year of his age and the tenth of his 
 ministry. He was buried in the plot reserved in the old cemetery of the 
 parish for its rectors and sincerely mourned by all his friends. 
 
Note V 
 
 The adjourned session of the General Convention of 1789 met in Christ 
 Church, Philadelphia, on Tuesday, September 29, 1789, the feast of St. 
 Michael and All Angels. As there was no quorum present, the Conven- 
 tion adjourned until Wednesday, September 30, when the representatives 
 of the Church in New England, Bishop Seabury, Dr. Parker, Mr. 
 Hubbard and Mr. Jarvis, were cordially welcomed. 
 
 The Rt. Rev. Dr. White of Pennsylvania presided, ex officio. 
 
 The testimonials of the New England deputation were read and 
 "deemed satisfactory." 
 
 Bishop Seabury then "produced his letters of consecration to the holy 
 office of a Bishop in this Church,'* which after being read were ordered 
 to be recorded. 
 
 A resolution to go into committee of the whole on the subject of the 
 proposed union with the Churches in the States of New Hampshire, 
 Massachusetts and Connecticut, as now represented in the Convention, 
 was then unanimously adopted. 
 
 On Thursday, October 1, the Committee of the Whole sat with the Rev. 
 Dr. Robert Smith of Charleston, South Carolina, in the chair. 
 
 The discussion was long but without bitterness. Bishop White had 
 some apprehension that political considerations might enter into the 
 debate, as several of the lay deputies were ardent patriots and held high 
 positions in the State and nation. There was still a feeling of bitterness 
 toward all who had sympathized with England. Bishop Seabury had not 
 only given his sympathy, but had ably argued in pamphlets the cause of a 
 United British Empire. He had also served as chaplain to the Royal 
 American Regiment of Colonel Edmund Fanning and received from the 
 British Government a half-pay pension. The scruples of some who 
 approached Bishop White with this objection to his eligibility to sit in the 
 Convention were met by that wise and amiable prelate with the state- 
 ment that Bishop Seabury received his pension for past and not present 
 or future services; that it was no bar to his being a citizen of Con- 
 necticut, with all its rights and privileges, and that he or any other citizen 
 of that State similarly circumstanced could be returned as a member of 
 Congress. This satisfied them and no objection on that score was 
 raised in the Convention. 1 
 
 The final action of the Committee was to report a resolution that, for 
 the better promotion of an union with the deputies from the Eastern 
 
 1 Pp. 167, 168, Memoirs of the Churck. William White, D.D. Edition of 1880. New 
 York : E. P. Dutton & Co. 
 
— i6i— 
 
 Churches," the General Constitution previously established was open to 
 amendment. 
 
 Upon its report to the Convention the resolution, after a division had 
 been called for, passed in the affirmative. The Rev. Dr. William Smith, 
 Provost of the University of Pennsylvania, the Rev. Dr. Robert Smith, 
 Rector of St. Philip's Church, Charleston, South Carolina, the Rev. 
 Dr. Benjamin Moore, of Trinity Church, New York, the Hon. Richard 
 Harison, of New York City, and the Hon. Tench Coxe of Philadelphia, 
 were appointed a Committee of Conference with the Eastern representa- 
 tives. 
 
 The chief objection of Bishop Seabury and the New England clergy 
 was to the impairment of the rights of the Episcopal office. They con- 
 tended that the Bishops should deliberate by themselves, have the right 
 to originate business, and the power to veto any proposition from the 
 lower house, and that no act should be valid without the concurrence of 
 the two houses. The proposed Book of Common Prayer was too very 
 objectionable. 
 
 It was hoped that the Convention would remedy its defects and return 
 to the sounder presentation of doctrine in the English Book. 
 
 A spirit of harmony and conciliation was apparent at the formal con- 
 ference held on Thursday evening, October I. The full Episcopal 
 negative was granted and a House of Bishops was to be organized when 
 there were three Bishops or more. 
 
 Dr. William Smith drew up the report in which these changes in 
 Article III of the Constitution were proposed. The Episcopal negative 
 was said to be "desirable in itself," and would have "a tendency to give 
 greater stability to the Constitution without diminishing any security that 
 is now possessed by the clergy or laity.'' 
 
 In the course of the debate there was manifest reluctance to yield all 
 power to the upper house, although every one admitted the necessity of a 
 union of the Church in the United States. Finally the article was 
 amended so as to require that the Episcopal veto should be subject to 
 revision by the lower house, and any act could be passed over the veto by 
 four-fifths of the house of clerical and lay deputies. The Bishops were 
 also to send in writing the reasons for their disapproval. 
 
 To this modification, which was largely due to the attitude and argu- 
 ment of Mr. Robert Andrews of Virginia, who said that the full negative 
 would not be allowed or upheld in his State, "the Eastern gentle- 
 men acquiesced, but reluctantly," 1 
 
 The granting of the full negative was left to the consideration of the 
 several dioceses for action at the next General Convention. 
 
 The amended Constitution was submitted to Bishop Seabury and the 
 Eastern deputies, who gave their assent in this brief document : 
 1 P. 170. Memoirs of the Church. Bishop White. 
 
1 62 
 
 We do hereby agree to the Constitution of the Church as Modified this 
 Day in the Convention — 2d October 1789 
 
 Samuel Seabury, D.D. Bp. 
 Epl Ch'ch Connect. 
 Connecticut — 
 Abraham Jarvis A. M. 
 Rector of Christ's Church, 
 
 Middletown 
 Bela Hubbard, A.M. 
 Rector of Trinity Church, 
 New Haven. 
 Samuel Parker, D.D. 
 Rect r Trin»y Church Boston 
 Massachusetts & Clerical Deputy 
 for Massachusetts & New Hampsh re . 
 
 The original is written on a half sheet of letter paper, five and three- 
 quarters by seven inches in size. It is among the most precious docu- 
 ment preserved in the archives of the General Convention and is 
 the witness to the final union of the Church in America. 1 
 
 Bishop Seabury and the Eastern deputies then took their seats as 
 members of the Convention, amid general rejoicing. 
 
 After adding Dr. Parker and Mr. Jarvis to the committee on the 
 revision of the Canons, the Convention adjourned for the day. 
 
 Upon Saturday the Convention met, and after prayers read by the Rev. 
 Uzal Ogden of Newark, New Jersey, and listening to some letters from 
 the Rt. Rev. Dr. Provoost of New York, who was detained by illness, 
 resolved that there was now in this Convention, agreeably to the revised 
 Constitution, a separate House of Bishops. The Bishops withdrew to 
 another room in the State House, where the sessions had been held since 
 Friday. Both houses considered the revision of the Prayer Book, or 
 rather the setting forth of a new book. By general consent the proposed 
 Book was not mentioned. The lower house proceeded on the assumption 
 that they were preparing an entirely distinct form of Common Prayer 
 according to their resolutions. In the House of Bishops, over which the 
 Bishop of Connecticut presided, the English Book served as the basis 
 with such modifications as seemed necessary to adapt it to the circum- 
 stances of the American Church. It is not intended to detail here what 
 was then done. The work of the Convention gave to the American 
 Church the Prayer Book as it was until the revision of 1892. In that 
 work Bishop Seabury and the Connecticut deputies had an influential 
 part. 
 
 That nearly a year should have elapsed before any action was taken by 
 this Diocese is to be explained by the fact that the new standard Prayer 
 
 1 For the action of the Convention, see pp. 70-74, Bioren's reprint of Journals 0/ the 
 General Convention : also pp. 356-359, Connecticut Church. Documents. II. For the agree- 
 ment, see p. 74, Bioren's reprint of Journals ; also p. 355, Connecticut Church Documents 
 II. It is given in reduced fac-simile in Fac-Similes 0/ Church Documents. Papers issued 
 by the Historical Club of the American Church. 1874-1879, privately printed. 
 
— 163— 
 
 Book was not issued from the press of Hall & Sellers in Philadelphia 
 until August, 1790. 
 
 The Rev. Dr. Samuel Farmar Jarvis has preserved this interesting 
 statement taken from the manuscripts of his father, Bishop Jarvis, one 
 of the proctors of the Connecticut clergy : 
 
 "With respect to the extent of the proposed alterations the Convention 
 was equally divided. The delegates from five of the States, viz: New 
 Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey, 
 were averse from any alterations, except the omission or adaptation of 
 particular prayers in the daily service to the Government of the United 
 States. Of the two Bishops present (Bishops Seabury and White), the 
 former advocated the alteration in the Communion Service and the 
 addition of some occasional prayers; in all other particulars he strenu- 
 ously opposed even such as were verbal. Strong impressions that 
 a disunion would work ruin to the American Church induced that part 
 of the Convention most attached to her interest and sound doctrine to 
 submit to a compromise, in hopes that at some future day the real friends 
 of the Church would be enabled to correct these defects to which the 
 want of right principles and the fervor for innovation in their opponents 
 had obliged them reluctantly to consent. 
 
 This may account for all the departures from the English Prayer Book, 
 and for the latitude given in many rubrics to the officiating minister 
 which laid the foundation of diversity in the use of the Liturgy." 1 
 
 Dr. Jarvis adds to these written words of his father the substance of 
 many conversations in which he learned fully the events of the critical 
 period of the American Church, and states "the remarkable fact that 
 notwithstanding all the prejudice against Bishop Seabury which existed 
 in the minds of some of the deputies, principally of the laity from the 
 State of Pennsylvania, Virginia and South Carolina, all the alterations 
 which he advocated were passed without a dissenting voice. I look with 
 devout thankfulness to God that the Prayer of Consecration from the 
 Connecticut Liturgy, modelled as I have said on that of 1549, was 
 admitted without opposition and in silence, if not in reverence. In 
 common with the clergy and laity of the five Northern States the Bishop 
 lamented the exclusion of the Athanasian Creed, the displacement of the 
 Nicene as the Creed of Communion and the false views of absolution 
 which broke down the distinction between Communicants and Non-Com- 
 municants." 2 
 
 1 Pp. 25, 26, A Voice from Connecticut. 
 
 2 Pp. 26, 27, A Voice from Connecticut. 
 
 For an account of the alterations see : pp. 104-107, Bp. Perry's "Early American Prayer 
 Books" in u The Genesis of the American Prayer Book" edited by C Ellis Stevens, 
 LL.D., D.C.L. New York : James Pott & Co. 1893. i2mo, pp. xi, 169. 
 
 Liturgiae Americanae, or the Book of Common Prayer as used in the United States of 
 Amenca, compared with the Proposed Book of 1786 and with the Prayer Book of the 
 Church of England, and An Historical Account and Documents . . . by William 
 McGarvey, B.D. 8vo, pp. lxxxiii, 4go + 90. Philadelphia: MDCCCXCV. 
 
Npte VI. 
 
 St. James's Church (now St. John's), Waterbury, was then vacant by 
 the final removal of the Rev. James Scovill to Kingston, New Brunswick. 
 He seems to have officiated in Connecticut for the last time in May, 1788. 
 Mr. Scovill served Kingston for twenty years, building up a strong and 
 extensive parish. He died on December 19, 1808, in the seventy-sixth 
 year of his age and the fiftieth year of his ministry. It is an interest- 
 ing fact that he was succeeded in turn by his son and grandson, their 
 united ministry extending over a period of ninety years. St. Paul's 
 Church, Woodbury, was then vacant by the death of that gentle scholar, 
 benevolent friend, and conscientious parish priest, the Rev. John Rutgers 
 Marshall, on January 21, 1789, in the nineteenth year of his ministry 
 and the forty-fifth of his age. 
 
 St. Michael's Church had been established in that part of Salem 
 Society (now Naugatuck) known as Gunntown, on February 16, 1786, 
 by fourteen persons at the house of Jobannah Gunn. It was visited 
 monthly by Mr. Scovill as long as he remained in Waterbury, and on 
 the other Sundays Mr. Gunn or some other layman acted as lay reader. 
 A church forty-four by thirty-four feet was built on the hill fifty feet 
 west of Mr. Gunn's in 1803. > 
 
 The advice of the Convocation seems to have been followed, as the 
 records of St. John's, Waterbury, show services for brief periods held 
 in that parish at that time by the Rev. Chauncy Prindle, the Rev. 
 David Foote and the Rev. Solomon Blakeslee. The records of St. 
 Paul's, Woodbury, mention these clergymen as officiating. 
 
 The services at Gunntown were maintained until 1806 in connection 
 with Waterbury, when the Rev. Chauncy Prindle took charge of the 
 parish, giving it one-half of his time. 
 
 The Rev. Seth Hart, deacon, was placed in charge of St. John's, 
 Waterbury, in October, 1791. 
 
 The Rev. James Sayre became the incumbent of St. Paul's, Woodbury, 
 in the spring of 1793. 
 
Note VII 
 
 The earliest degrees in divinity were conferred by the University of 
 Paris in 1150. The first recipients of that of doctor in divinity were 
 the famous Peter Lombard Gilbert de la Portree according to the 
 authority of the learned English antiquarian, Antony de Wood. 
 
 Other continental universities soon followed its example. 
 
 Divinity degrees were introduced into England either during the 
 reign of King John (1199-1216), or that of King Henry III (1216-1272), 
 the actual date being uncertain. They were conferred only by the 
 Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. 
 
 King Henry VIII (1509-1547), bestowed upon the Archbishop of 
 Canterbury the right of conferring such degrees. It has been exercised 
 by the various Archbishops infrequently and discreetly, for a "Lambeth 
 degree" has not in England the same significance as one conferred by 
 a university. 
 
 It was the theory of the middle ages that the Pope was the head of 
 the Visible Church. An outcome of that theory was the acknowledgment 
 of him as the head of all the universities of learning. This gave to 
 him the power to bestow degrees, which he sometimes exercised, but 
 usually delegated to the universities. 
 
 This was a perversion of the Episcopal prerogative by which each 
 Bishop in his own Diocese exercised authority over both religion and 
 learning. 
 
 The manner in which the Bishops in Scotland governed their dioceses 
 greatly impressed Bishop Seabury. The Bishops formed a college and 
 acted as one body, but in their respective jurisdictions they called upon 
 three or four of the most learned of their clergy to advise them in 
 matters of diocesan interests or controversy. 
 
 It was evidently the intention of the Bishop of Connecticut to have 
 the College of Doctors perform similar duties, and especially to approve 
 and examine candidates for Holy Orders. The "Records" bear witness 
 to the activity and usefulness of the college. Each one of the four 
 chosen for this honor received afterward the degree of Doctor in 
 Divinity from an incorporated university, Dr. Mansfield, Dr. Jarvis, 
 Dr. Hubbard from Yale College and Dr. Dibblee from Columbia College. 
 
Note VIII 
 
 This canon provides for the recommendation to the Bishop "by a 
 Standing Committee of the Convention of the State wherein he resides" 
 of every candidate for Holy Orders, and gives a form of the testimonial 
 to be signed by at least a majority of the Standing Committee. It 
 also makes necessary the presentation by the candidate to the Standing 
 Committee of testimonials of "good morals and orderly conduct" from 
 the minister and rector of the parish in which he lives. 1 
 
 The essential features of this Canon are embodied in the present 
 Title I, Canon 3 "Of Candidates for Holy Orders" of the Digest of 
 Canons. 2 More detailed information is now required to be given, and 
 there are various additional regulations which the experience of more 
 than a century have shown to be prudent. 
 
 Note IX 
 
 A careful search of the files of the Journal shows that the publica- 
 tion here ordered was never made. 
 
 1 P. 95, Bioren's Reprint of the Journals of the General Convention. 
 3 Pp. 19-25, Digest of the Canons, appended to the Journal of the General Convention of 
 7901. 
 
Note X 
 
 The Reverend SETH HART, M.A. 
 
 Seth Hart was born at Berlin, Connecticut, on June 21, 1763. After 
 his preliminary course in the common schools and privately, he entered 
 Yale College, from which he was graduated in 1784. During his period 
 of waiting for ordination he probably acted as lay reader under the 
 direction of the Rev. Chauncy Prindle. He was made deacon in 
 Christ Church, Westbury (now Watertown), on Sunday, October 9, 
 1791. 1 He was at once placed in charge of St. James's Church (now St. 
 John's), Waterbury, which served with Salem (now Naugatuck) 
 until 1793. The "Records" give an account of his ordination as 
 priest in St. Paul's Church, Huntington, on Sunday, October 14, 1792.' 
 
 In 1794 he became Rector of St. Paul's Church, Wallingford, and 
 St. John's Church, North Haven. He served these parishes with abun- 
 dant zeal. In 1798 he resigned St. John's Church and took charge of 
 the churches in Worthington (now New Britain) and Wethersfield 
 (now Newington). With three parishes to care for, he found leisure 
 to instruct several young men in the classics and mathematics, and 
 prepare them for college. The old Colonial parish of St. George, Hemp- 
 stead, Long Island, where the Rev. Samuel Seabury, father of the 
 Bishop, had served for many years, became vacant in the fall of 1800 by 
 the resignation of the Rev. John Henry Hobart after a brief incumbency. 
 Mr. Hobart was willing to delay his departure for New York until his 
 successor was appointed. Mr. Hart was commended by Bishop Jarvis, 
 the Rev. Dr. Beach of Trinity Church, New York, and the Rev. Ambrose 
 Hull, to the Vestry of St. George's. Mr. Hart was duly elected, and 
 entered upon his new duties on the feast of St. Thomas, Sunday, 
 December 21, 1800. The parish was an extensive one, its boundaries 
 stretching for fourteen miles in one direction and with two places of 
 worship some miles apart. It was estimated by Mr. Hobart that one 
 thousand souls were under his pastoral care, and the number had 
 increased when the new rector came to Hempstead. During his incum- 
 bency, Christ Church, Manhansett, was built and set off as a separate 
 parish, and a new church erected in Hempstead. 
 
 In addition to his parish work Mr. Hart continued to receive and 
 educate pupils in his own house. He was considered a successful 
 teacher. 
 
 A stroke of paralysis in January, 1829, caused Mr. Hart to resign 
 the rectorship of St. George's on February 16, 1829. He was given a 
 small retiring annuity, and lived in Hempstead until his death on March 
 14, 1832, in the sixty-ninth year of his age and the forty-first of his 
 ministry. 
 
 Mr. Hart was a sound and practical preacher and a careful pastor. 
 He was "a good classical scholar and an amiable man of a cheerful 
 and almost jovial temperament." 3 
 
 ' P. 8, Registry of Ordinations. 2 P. 43, ante. 
 
 3 P. 197, History of St. George's Church, Hempstead, Long Island, N. Y., by the Rev. 
 Wm H. Moore, D.D., Rector of St. George's Church, Hempstead, N. Y. E. P. Dutton 
 & Company. 1881. rano, pp. 508. 
 
Note XI 
 
 The Reverend RUSSELL CATLIN. 
 
 The personal history of Mr. Catlin is almost unknown. He was born 
 in Harwinton, Connecticut. He became after his ordination the incum- 
 bent of St. James's Church, Arlington, Vermont. The Church in that 
 State had received in the Colonial period and after the Revolution the 
 services of several Connecticut clergymen, notably the Rev. Dr. Mans- 
 field, the Rev. Samuel Peters, the Rev. Samuel Andrews, and the Rev.. 
 Gideon Bostwick. Arlington was largely settled from Litchfield County. 
 The first Convention of clergymen and laymen was held at Arlington 
 in September, 1790, with the Rev. Daniel Barber of Arlington, who 
 had been ordained by Bishop Seabury, and the Rev. James Nichols of 
 Sandgate, and representatives from eight towns in attendance. 
 
 Mr. Catlin was ordained priest on Sunday, June 9, 1793, by Bishop 
 Seabury in Christ Church, Middletown. Mr. Catlin seems to have 
 succeeded Mr. Barber when that ardent missionary removed to Clare- 
 mont, New Hampshire, and been a laborious and successful clergyman. 
 In the Convention of Vermont Mr. Catlin was prominent, serving upon 
 the Standing Committee, acting as its President, and being appointed 
 upon important committees, 
 
 Previous to 1804 Mr. Catlin removed to Hartland, Vermont, and 
 organized a parish at Plainfield, New Hampshire. In 1804 he was 
 recognized by the diocesan convention of New Hampshire and declared 
 to be entitled to the leases of the glebe lands in that town. 1 Mr. 
 Catlin was the preacher at the Convention of Vermont held at Man- 
 chester on September 24, 1806. 2 The last mention of Mr. Catlin is 
 in August, 1808, when he is censured by the New Hampshire Convention 
 as acting in "an irregular and improper manner" concerning the glebe 
 lands. The Convention does "not consider him as a clergyman of this 
 State, he not having a parish or cure within the same." 8 This makes it 
 probable that the organization at Plainfield was only temporary. 
 
 There appears to be no definite information as to his subsequent life, 
 and there is no record of his deposition. 
 
 The Reverend DAVID BUTLER, D.D. 
 
 David Butler was born in Harwinton, Connecticut, in 1763. While 
 a very young man he learned a mechanical trade which he abandoned 
 temporarily to serve in the Connecticut line of the American army 
 
 1 P. 13, Journals of the first Twenty Eight Conventions of the Diocese of New Hamp~ 
 shire . Tilton : George Burnham Munsey. MDCCCLXXX1II. 8vo, pp. 290. 
 
 2 P. 103, The Documentary History of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocese of 
 Vermont. New York : Pott & Amey. 1870. 8vo, pp. 418. 
 
 3 P. 23, Journals of the first Twenty Eight Conventions. 
 
— 169 — 
 
 during the later months of the Revolution. At its close he resumed his 
 trade with every prospect of success. He had been much impressed 
 with the beauty of the church service, although a member of the 
 "Standing Order," and his intimacy with the Rev. Ashbel Baldwin 
 caused him to examine the claims of the Church, and especially the 
 origin of the Episcopate. He became convinced of the truth of her 
 doctrines and polity, and soon conformed. He became a candidate for 
 holy orders and was made deacon by Bishop Seabury, as noted in 
 the "Records." Mr. Butler immediately began his work as incumbent 
 of Christ Church, Guilford, St. John's, North Guilford, and the Church 
 at Killingworth (now Clinton). There are no details of his ministra- 
 tions available. We only know that Mr. Butler lived in the new 
 parsonage at North Guilford, and that he was diligent in his visiting 
 every portion of his hard and laborious mission field, Killingworth 
 (now Clinton) being sixteen miles southeast of his home. 
 
 The Bishop visited the parishes on October 17, 18 and 19, 1792, when 
 seven persons were confirmed in North Guilford, one in Guilford, and 
 five in Killingworth; a second visitation was made in June, 1794, when 
 twenty-four were confirmed in North Guilford, four in Guilford, and 
 twenty-seven in Killingworth. This shows honest and faithful work. 
 Mr. Butler was ordained priest on Sunday, June 9, 1793, in Christ 
 Church, Middletown, at the same time with the Rev. Solomon Blakeslee, 
 the Rev. Edward Blakeslee, and the Rev. Russell Catling. 1 
 
 The parishes felt keenly the loss of such an energetic pastor, when in 
 the fall of 1794 Mr. Butler resigned to accept St. Michael's Church, 
 Litchfield, which had been without a rector for a year, as Mr. Baldwin 
 had gone to Stratford in November, 1793. 
 
 Mr. Butler found the people cordial and pleasant, the work exacting 
 and the results gratifying. The secession of some families in 1797 
 who built a church at Bradleyville (now Bantam) rendered it expedient 
 for him to resign, which he did on February 21, 1799. He had already 
 been called to Christ Church, Reading. In this position he served with 
 great fidelity, doing much missionary work for five years. 
 
 In 1804 he received an urgent request from the Hon. Mr. Buel and 
 other churchmen in the new village of Troy, six miles above Albany, 
 New York, to be their pastor. 
 
 Mr. Eliakim Warren and other men of ability and wealth were removing 
 from Norwalk to Troy. Mr. Butler was earnestly desired by them to be 
 the pioneer priest in Troy and the region round about. They sailed in 
 a sloop from Norwalk through the Sound, the East River, and the 
 Hudson River to Troy. The services of the Church had been com- 
 menced twelve years before by the Rev. Thomas Ellison, Rector of St. 
 Peter's Church, Albany. During his residence with Mr. Ellison, from 
 1796 to 1798, as a student in divinity, Philander Chase, afterwards Bishop 
 of Ohio, officiated as lay reader. 
 
 No parochial organization, apparently, was effected until Mr. Butler 
 arrived, when St. Paul's Church was organized, of which Mr. Warren 
 
 1 P. 9, Registry of Ordinations. 
 
— 170 — 
 
 became the senior warden. Mr. Butler showed in his labors for the 
 Church in Troy, Lansingburgh and Waterford, sound judgment, patient 
 tact, persevering energy. Under him the Church, both in the growing 
 village and neighboring towns, was firmly established. In 1827 the 
 present spacious Gothic church of St. Paul's parish was built. He 
 became recognized in the town as a leader in every good work and his 
 missionary zeal led him into many places remote from Troy. His intense 
 application had undermined his health, and in 1834 he resigned his 
 rectorship, retaining, however, a fatherly interest in the rapid expansion 
 of the Church in Troy and watching with interest the moral and material 
 growth of the city. 
 
 Dr. Butler died in his eighty-first year and the fiftieth of his ministry, 
 on July 11, 1842. 
 
 A parishioner who knew him well gives this description : "His personal 
 appearance was at once commanding and attractive. He had a well built, 
 well proportioned frame, indicating a habit of activity and more than 
 common power of endurance. His eye was large and dark, and his 
 whole visage indicative at once of a vigorous intellect and an amiable and 
 genial temper." 1 
 
 Mr. Butler received the degree of Doctor in Divinity from Washington 
 (now Trinity) College, Hartford, in 1832. Dr. Butler published several 
 sermons, including one delivered before a Masonic Lodge in St. Paul's 
 Church, Woodbury, on the feast of St. John, December 27, 1804. 
 
 A son of Dr. Butler, the Rev. Clement M. Butler, D.D., filled many 
 positions of eminence in the Church, and died recently while Professor of 
 Ecclesiastical History in the Philadelphia Divinity School. 
 
 1 Letter of Judge David Buel of Troy in sketch of the Rev. Dr. Butler on p. 390, Annals 
 of the American Pulpit, V, by the Rev. William B. Sprague, D.D. New York: Robert 
 Carter & Brothers. 1861. 8vo, pp. xxi, 822. 
 
Note XII 
 
 No action seems to have been taken under this vote. The only editions 
 of the American Book of Common Prayer known to have been published 
 in the eighteenth century are those by Hall & Sellers in Philadelphia, 
 which included the standard already noticed and a "twenty-fourmo" 
 (24mo) book in 1791 and 1794; the second standard published by Hugh 
 Gains in New York in 1793, an octavo volume, and a folio Prayer Book 
 in 1795, and a "twenty-fourmo" edition in 1798; Thomas & Andrews 
 in Boston published a "twelvemo" edition in 1794 and a "sixteenmo" 
 edition in 1800; Young & Omrod of Philadelphia published a "twenty- 
 fourmo" book in 1795 ; T. Allen of New York published a "twenty-four 
 mo'' book in 1797; and Peter Brynberg of Wilmington a "twenty- 
 fourmo" book in 1800. 1 Other editions may have escaped the research 
 of the custodian of the Standard Prayer Book, Dr. Samuel Hart, and his 
 able coadjutors, the Rev. Dr. L. C. Manchester and Mr. J. Pierpont 
 Morgan. 
 
 The "Family Prayer Book" prepared by the Rt. Rev. Dr. Brownell, the 
 third Bishop of the Diocese, appears to be the first issued in Connecticut. 
 
 This valuable compilation gave the full text of the Prayer Book with 
 notes and comnents, which were distinct from the text. It was issued 
 from Sidney's Press, New Haven, in 1823, in a large quarto volume. 
 Other editions were published in Hartford, and finally Stanford & 
 Swords, in New York City, became the publishers. 
 
 The earliest edition of the Prayer Book without commentary with a 
 Connecticut imprint is one in thirty-two mo published by Andrus & Judd 
 in Hartford in 1826; in the same year a forty-eightmo edition appeared 
 from the press of S. Andrus in Hartford. Other editions, or new impres- 
 sions from the same plates, by the same publishers, appeared in 1831, 1832, 
 1837, 1844, 1845. Gurdon Robbins, of Hartford, published a thirty-two 
 mo edition in 1843, which was reprinted in 1844 by Robbins & Smith of 
 the same city. Sumner & Goodman of Hartford published a sixteen 
 mo edition in 1848. In 1851 A. C. Goodman & Co. of Hartford printed 
 a sixteenmo edition. 2 This completes the list of known editions of the 
 Book of Common Prayer printed in Connecticut 
 
 1 See Appendix to the Report of the Custodian of the Standard Prayer Book, p. 535, 
 Journal of tke General Convention, i8g8. 
 
 2 See pp. 536, 537, 538, 539, 540 of Journal of General Convention 1898, for entries in Cata- 
 ogue of Custodian's Collection. 
 
Note XIII 
 
 No proceedings were taken under this vote. The subject of the 
 Bishop's support was one which was much discussed both in Con- 
 vocation and Convention, and resolutions appointing a committee to 
 memorialise the General Assembly were adopted at the second Conven- 
 tion of the Diocese, held in Middletown on June 5, 1793. Twenty 
 trustees, eight clergymen and twelve laymen were then appointed. 1 
 Nothing was done and the motion was renewed in 1794. Finally, after 
 special convention in New Haven, October 18, 1797, a formal motion to 
 continue the Committee on the Memorial with directions to apply to the 
 May session of 1798, was adopted. It would seem that the Memorial 
 was not presented until May, 1799, when it was favorably received and 
 a resolution incorporating "The Trustees for receiving Donations for the 
 Support of the Bishop" was passed and approved. 1 
 
 The formal thanks of the Convention were given on June 6, 1799, to 
 Messrs. Isaac Beers, Elias Shipman, Ephraim Kirby and the Rev. 
 Ambrose Todd, "for their liberal and spirited exertions before the Legis- 
 lature, to obtain an act of Incorporation for the Bishop's Fund." 
 
 The Trustees named in the resolution were : the Rev. Dr. Bela Hub- 
 bard, the Hon. Jonathan Ingersoll, Mr. John Morgan, the Hon. Samuel 
 William Johnson, Mr. William Herron, Mr. Jonathan Starr, and Mr. 
 Evan Malbone. 
 
 1 Pp. 6, 7, Journals of the Annual Conventions of ' tke Diocese of Connecticut, 1792-1820 
 New Haven : Printed and published by Stanley & Chapin. 1842. 
 
 2 Pp. 8, 11, 13, 19, Journals, 1790-1820. For a copy of the Resolution see pp. 326, 347 
 Private Laws, 1789-1830, pp. 23, 24. 
 
Note XIV 
 
 The Rev. Dr. Burhans has preserved this interesting account of his 
 examination for Holy Orders : 
 
 "On the first of June I accompanied the Rev. Mr. Bostwick to Middle- 
 town, Ct, to attend the annual Convention of that Diocese, who intro- 
 duced me as a candidate for holy orders. The next morning I was 
 examined in the presence of the Bishop by the late venerable Rev. 
 Richard Mansfield, D.D., Rev. Dr. Hubbard & Rev. Mr. Fogg. They 
 were courteous & familiar. I was soon at ease & unembarrassed, sup- 
 porting myself [with] confidence, with becoming humility. 
 
 The most puzzling and difficult question was put by Dr. Mansfield as 
 follows : 'Aside from the fulfilment of Prophecy & Miracles, on what 
 ground would you defend Divine Revelation?' By its internal effects 
 upon the external conduct. Contrast the Civilization & Morality of 
 nations who receive & make the Bible the measure (P) 1 of their Council, 
 with the Nations destitute of the Holy Scriptures ; you have ocular 
 demonstration of the prosperity of the one & the depression of the other. 
 These with a few of the conclusive arguments of Soame Jennings in his 
 unanswerable defence of Christianity from its Internal Evidence. 
 
 This was perfectly satisfactory, & Testimonials were cheerfully signed 
 with many flattering remarks. — In time & due form a Procession of the 
 Bishop, Clergy & Laity proceed to the Church where I was soon robed & 
 presented to the Bishop with his son Charles & received the Order [of] 
 Deacon, June 5, 1793 in the 30th year of my age. 
 
 The mingled sensations of joy & fear under the high responsibilities 
 of the office is better realized by the Novitiate properly impressed than 
 by any language he can express. 
 
 The next day I parted from the Bishop & Clergy with mutual and 
 Christian wishes." 2 
 
 The Reverend DANIEL BURHANS, D.D. 
 
 Daniel, a son of Henry Burhans, an officer in the British army during 
 the "old French war," was born at Sherman, Connecticut, on July 7, 
 1763. As his father had a large family to support by his work upon a 
 small farm, the only opportunity his son Daniel had for education was 
 in the district school during the brief winter terms. He early showed a 
 desire for knowledge and so impressed his teachers that one of them 
 promised to aid, provided Mr. Burhans would consent to send his son to 
 college. This he finally agreed to do. When seventeen he commenced 
 
 1 This word is abbreviated in the manuscript. It may be " medium." 
 
 2 An extract of a portion of the MS. Autobiography of the Rev. Daniel Burhans, D.D., 
 in possession of the writer. 
 
—174— 
 
 his preparation for college, combining with it work upon the farm in 
 summer and teaching in the winter. At the end of two years he was 
 ready for college, but upon visiting his old teacher found him dying. 
 This disappointment was severe, but determined him in a newer part of 
 the country to make his own way and secure an education. He went to 
 Lanesborough, Massachusetts, in the heart of the Berkshires. Here at 
 first working for his board he attended a school of high grade and made 
 as rapid progress as the incompetence of the teacher would permit. 
 Finally his natural ability and acquired knowledge was recognized. The 
 teacher was dismissed and Mr. Burhans offered the principalship, which 
 he accepted. The school grew and flourished and a large brick school 
 house was built for him. 
 
 Lanesborough was a part of the missionary circuit of the Rev. Gideon 
 Bostwick. During a revival in the Congregational Church, which Mr. 
 Burhans attended, several theological and philosophical questions con- 
 cerning Regeneration, Election, and the Means of Grace, were brought 
 before him. In his examination of these abstruse subjects he found that 
 his views of them were widely different from those of his fellow worship- 
 pers. While his mind was puzzled with the problems, the Thirty-Nine 
 Articles of Religion were put into his hands by a friend, but without his 
 knowing with what body of Christians they originated. Their state- 
 ments seemed to him forcible, just, and true. When informed of their 
 origin he immediately sought out Mr. Bostwick, found in him a friend 
 and counsellor, became an attendant and soon a communicant in St. 
 Luke's Church. So fully had his thoughts dwelt upon religious matters 
 that he determined to study for the holy ministry. 1 It was, however, ten 
 years before his intention was carried out. In the meantime he had 
 aided Mr. Bostwick by reading the service at Lanesborough on three 
 Sundays in each month. For some months he read the service at 
 Lebanon Springs, Columbia County, New York, on the western slope of 
 the Berkshires, ten miles from his home, then becoming a fashionable 
 resort. After his ordination he became the minister in charge of Lanes- 
 borough and Lenox, for Mr. Bostwick had died at New Milford on June 
 13, 1793- 
 
 Dr. Burhans vividly pictures his work in Berkshire County and the 
 surrounding country. It was thorough and faithful. He was ordained 
 priest in Trinity Church, New Haven, by Bishop Seabury on Whitsun- 
 Day, June 8, 1794. 
 
 In August, 1799, he accepted the rectorship of Trinity Church, New- 
 town, vacant by the death of the Rev. Philo Perry. He entered upon his 
 duties in October and began a long course of usefulness. "The church," 
 he records, "was filled to overflowing. I had a large number of candi- 
 dates for Communion at Easter, & to have all things done decently & 
 in order according to the excellent provision made in the Rubrics I 
 invite [d the Bishop] to hold a Confirmation, & rising of eighty were 
 confirmed. And a great proportion of [them] were admitted [to] the 
 1 This religious experience is stated in very nearly the exact words of Dr. Burhans in 
 his communication to Dr. Pitkin, who prepared his funeral sermon. 
 
—175— 
 
 Holy Communion on Easter Sunday. At this Revival while there was a 
 Jubilee in the Church, the sectarians stared with astonishment! And 
 were ready [to cry] out '[Is] Saul among the Prophets'?" 1 
 
 Dr. Burhans became very active in Diocesan affairs and was honored 
 with many offices. He was especially energetic as an agent in securing 
 funds for the General Theological Seminary, both at its inception in 1817 
 and when in the Diocese from 1820 to 1822. Upon the verge of old age 
 he resigned his parish on November 1, 1830. Without accepting another 
 charge he officiated in St. Paul's, Woodbury, Christ Church, Bethlehem, 
 and Christ Church, Roxbury. In 1831 he became rector of St. Peter's 
 Church, Plymouth, where he served six years, when he resigned, as the 
 infirmities of old age were increasing upon him. He temporarily served 
 at Oxford and Zoar for some time, and in 1844 ne retired from the active 
 duties of the ministry and spent the remaining years of his life at Pough- 
 keepsie, New York. He retained his vigor of mind and body to the last. 
 In his ninety-first year he commenced his "Autobiography," of which 
 only a portion seems to have been preserved. He was a storehouse of 
 information upon all matters of Connecticut diocesan history, and his 
 recollections of Bishop Seabury and Bishop Jarvis, recorded in Dr. 
 Sprague's "Annals of the American Pulpit," are graphic and lifelike. He 
 departed this life peacefully on December 30, 1853, in the ninety-first 
 year of his age and the sixty-first of his ministry. 
 
 He received from Washington (now Trinity) College the degree of 
 Doctor in Divinity, in 183 1. 
 
 While he wrote much he seems to have published only one sermon : 
 The Scripture Doctrine of the Election of Jacob and the Rejection of 
 Esau Considered? 
 
 The Rev. Dr. Buel, Rector of Christ Church, Poughkeepsie, at the 
 time of Dr. Burhans' residence, says that he was "a man of com- 
 manding personal appearance, of a large and well built frame, of a 
 healthy and ruddy countenance, of a nervous temperament and somewhat 
 quick in his movements. His manners, though not highly polished, 
 were simple and natural, and evinced what he actually possessed, a fine 
 genial spirit." 3 
 
 Dr. Burhans was the last survivor of those ordained by Bishop Sea- 
 bury. During the session of the General Convention of 1853 in the City 
 of New York he was formally welcomed in the House of Bishops. 
 
 The Reverend CHARLES SEABURY. 
 
 Charles, the youngest son of the Rt. Rev. Samuel and Mary (Hicks) 
 Seabury, was born at Westchester, New York, on May 20, 1770. When 
 he was five years old he was taken by his father to New York City, where 
 the family remained during the Revolution and until Bishop Seabury 
 assumed his Episcopal duties and made his home at New London. 
 
 1 MS. Autobiography of Dr. Burhans. 
 
 2 Vergennes, 1810 ; reprinted, 1828. 8vo, pp. 32. 
 
 3 P. 414, Dr. Wm, B. Sprague's A nnals of the American Pulpit, V. 
 
— 176 — 
 
 He studied theology under the Rev. Dr. Mansfield and the Rev. Dr. 
 William Smith the younger, then at Narragansett, Rhode Island. With 
 these well read divines he was made ready for ordination. Upon his 
 return to New London he pursued a special course of systematic divinity 
 with his father. He was made a deacon, as the "Records" note, on 
 June 5, 1793. He spent the year after his ordination at Ripton (now 
 Huntington) in charge of St. Paul's Church. He assisted his father in 
 New London during his frequent absences until the fall of 1795, when he 
 was called for six months to Grace Church, Jamaica, Long Island. Here 
 his services were appreciated and he found much parish work to be done. 
 The sudden death of his father on February 26, 1796, summoned him once 
 more to New London. 
 
 On March 28, 1796, he was called to the rectorship of St. James's 
 Church, New London, which he accepted. Without the force and grace of 
 his father or the profound knowledge of men and books which made the 
 Bishop preeminent, his son Charles was an excellent parish priest. Few 
 events occurred during his rectorship, which covered the period of depres- 
 sion, financial and spiritual, immediately preceding and during the War of 
 1812. On July 17, 1796, Mr. Seabury was ordained priest by Bishop 
 Provoost in St. George's Chapel, New York City. In 1814 Mr. Seabury 
 removed to Long Island and became Rector of Caroline Church, Setauket. 
 Here, in pleasant surroundings, in the busy and unnoted cares of a 
 rural parish he spent the remainder of his days. For several years he 
 had charge also of Huntington and Islip. t 
 
 In 1843 he resigned and accepted a retiring pension from the Aged 
 and Infirm Clergy Fund of the Diocese of New York. His home was 
 still in Setauket, where he died on December 29, 1844, in the seventy- 
 fourth year of his age, fifty-first of his ministry. 
 
 Bishop Onderdonk, in announcing his retirement to the Convention, 
 said that he had since he was commissioned to the ministry given him- 
 self to his Master's work, "unweariedly, disinterestedly, and with no 
 small share of trial and self sacrifice." 1 
 
 Dr. Hallam says : "His was the fate of too many of our clergy even now, 
 whose life is but the trial of the varieties of starvation, and it is believed 
 that his removal to Setauket brought with it little alleviation of his con- 
 dition, so that his whole life, that of a good, kind-hearted, sensible and 
 faithful man, was but a long struggle with adversity, which after being 
 maintained for more than half a century with a zeal and ardor which 
 trouble and privation could not abate, and age could scarcely dull, has 
 ended at last we doubt not in a better and enduring substance." 2 
 
 Mr. Seabury was the third in the illustrious line of clergymen in one 
 family, his grandfather, Samuel Seabury, having been the first resident 
 missionary in New London. His son was the well known Dr. Samuel 
 Seabury, editor, theologian, and professor, and his grandson is the present 
 senior professor in the General Theological Seminary, Dr. William 
 Jones Seabury, the eminent canonist. 
 1 P. 401, Sprague's A xnais, V. 2 P. 83, Annals a/ St. James's, New London. 
 
Note XV 
 
 This refers to an inhibition of Mr. Sayre from officiating in any of the 
 churches of the Diocese until he accedes to the Constitution of the 
 Church and conforms to the Book of Common Prayer of the American 
 Church. No copies of this paper seem to be in existence. 
 
 Note XVI 
 
 The Reverend CALEB CHILD. 
 
 Nothing seems to be known of the birth or parentage of Mr. Child. 
 
 He was made deacon in Christ Church, Stratford, on the first Sunday 
 after Trinity, June 7, 1795, at the last ordination held by Bishop Sea- 
 bury. 1 
 
 He was placed in charge of St. James's Church, Great Barrington, 
 Massachusetts, where he remained for nearly two years. He seems to 
 have returned to Connecticut and officiated wherever there was a 
 vacancy. 
 
 As early as 1800 rumors affecting his character were in circulation and 
 a formal complaint made to the Convocation. The report of the Com- 
 mittee was made at Newtown on June 2, 1801. It had found the charges 
 true and the Bishop was asked to publish his sentence of degradation in 
 such way and manner as he shall judge proper. 1 
 
 The sentence was pronounced on Wednesday, June 2, 1802, by the 
 Bishop of the Diocese and entered on the "Records." 3 No details of 
 his subsequent life have been found after a careful investigation of 
 probable sources of information. 
 
 The Reverend SMITH MILES, M. A. 
 
 Manoah Smith Miles was born in Derby on March 19, 1766. He was 
 educated in the schools of the town and studied by himself and under 
 competent tutors until ready for college. He was graduated with honor 
 from Yale College in 1791. He evidently soon determined to study for 
 the ministry, as the "Records" show. He was made deacon on June 7, 
 1795, in Christ Church, Stratford, by Bishop Seabury, at the same time 
 with Mr. Caleb Childs and Mr. Alexander Viets Griswold. 1 
 
 1 P. 10, Registry of Ordinations. 
 
 2 P. 55, ante. 3 P. 58, ante. * P. 10, Registry 0/ Ordinations. 
 
 12 
 
-i 7 8- 
 
 Mr. Miles took charge of Trinity Church, Branford, Christ Church, 
 Guilford, and St. John's, North Guilford. His work was difficult and 
 required much effort, as the parishes were several miles from each other. 
 He made here full proof of his ministry. In 1796 he became the min- 
 ister in charge of Christ Church, Middle Haddam, and Trinity Church, 
 Chatham. In this field of labor he was most earnest and successful. 
 His charge of Middle Haddam continued until 1810, when he devoted 
 himself wholly to Chatham. He was a good pastor and considered an 
 instructive preacher. Like many of the country parsons he kept for 
 many years a classical school, which gained a high reputation. After a 
 ministry of nearly thirty-four years, he died on January 30, 1830, in the 
 sixty-fourth year of his age. 
 
 The Right Revebend ALEXANDER VIETS GRISWOLD, D.D. 
 
 Alexander Viets, a son of Elisha and Eunice (Viets) Griswold, was 
 born in Simsbury, Connecticut, on April 22, 1766. His ancestry was 
 distinguished in the annals of the Colony, and his father was a man of 
 high reputation in the community. His mother had the charge of his 
 early education and taught him carefully the rudiments of what was then 
 considered essential for one not designed for the law or ministry. He 
 then came under the instruction of his uncle, the Rev. Roger Viets, 
 Rector of St. Andrew's Church, Simsbury, whose attainments in both 
 literature and the classics were remarkable. It was intended by the 
 family and Mr. Griswold that he should accompany his uncle to Nova 
 Scotia, where he accepted the parish of Digby. Mr. Griswold's early 
 marriage, however, interfered with their plan. He temporarily aban- 
 doned the study of theology and commenced to read law. It was the 
 faithfulness of his pastor, the Rev. Ambrose Todd, that brought him to a 
 renewed sense of his duty and led to his becoming a candidate for holy 
 orders. He was made deacon in Christ Church, Stratford, on June 7, 
 
 I79S- 1 
 
 His first charge was at Cambridge (now Bristol), Harwinton and 
 Northfield. The stations were eight miles distant from each other. He 
 gave to Trinity Church, Northfield, and to St. Mark's, Harwinton, one- 
 quarter each of his time. The remainder he devoted to St. Matthew's, 
 East Plymouth, to which church the people of Cambridge then came. In 
 this work Mr. Griswold was extremely useful. He was honored and 
 respected by every one in a wide region of country. A few months after 
 his incumbency the new church of St. Matthew's was ready for conse- 
 cration. The Convocation met on October 22, 1795, and, as the Records 
 state, the Church of St. Matthew's was consecrated and the Rev. Mr. 
 Griswold ordained priest. 2 
 
 "Then, too, it was, though with no thought or expectation of such a 
 thing, that the clergy proposed to the Bishop and to myself that I should 
 
 1 P. 10, Registry of Ordinations. 
 
 2 P. 10, Registry of Ordinations. P. 49, ante. 
 
—179— 
 
 be ordained priest, which was accordingly done." 1 Mr. Griswold now 
 redoubled his efforts, and by his long missionary journeys extended a 
 knowledge of the Church to many hamlets very remote from his home. 
 In June, 1804, after much solicitation he accepted the very pressing call 
 of St. Michael's Church, Bristol, Rhode Island. Here, amid happy sur- 
 roundings, with a parish compact and aggressive, he spent twenty-six 
 years. He was the most prominent clergyman in Rhode Island, although 
 his extreme modesty and self-distrust caused him to shun publicity. In 
 1810 he was about to accept the charge of St. Michael's, Litchfield, as the 
 Rev. Truman Marsh was unable to do full duty, when, to his surprise, he 
 was informed of his election on May 29, 1810, as Bishop of the Eastern 
 Diocese, that confederation of the existing dioceses of Massachusetts, 
 Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Vermont which had been made 
 necessary by the extreme feebleness of the Church in them. 
 
 The consecration of Dr. Griswold took place in Trinity Church, New 
 York City, on May 29, 181 1 by Bishop White, Bishop Provoost and 
 Bishop Jarvis. At the same time the Rev. John Henry Hobart was 
 consecrated assistant Bishop of New York. This event was the turning 
 point in the history of the American Church, the end of the period of 
 extreme depression and the beginning of a constant growth and 
 expansion. 
 
 It is unnecessary here to follow minutely the details of Bishop 
 Griswold's work as Bishop. It was wise, judicious, fruitful. The 
 Church recovered from her despondency throughout New England. The 
 design of the Eastern Diocese was accomplished. Bishop Griswold 
 became Presiding Bishop of the American Church on the death of Bishop 
 White in 1830. 
 
 From 1830 to 1835 he was Rector of St. Peter's Church, Salem, Massa- 
 chusetts. He then relinquished all parochial cares and removed to 
 Boston, giving himself fully to his Episcopal functions. Upon the 
 morning of February 15, 1843, he made a call upon his recently conse- 
 crated coadjutor in Massachusetts, Dr. Eastburn, and fell upon his door- 
 step and died instantly. He was in the seventy-sixth year of his age and 
 the thirty-fourth of his Episcopate. 
 
 Bishop Griswold published a few sermons and charges, among them 
 one before the General Convention of 1817. 
 
 He received from Brown University, Princeton University and Har- 
 vard University the degree of Doctor in Divinity. 
 
 1 P. 70, Extracts from Bp. Griswold's Autobiography in Memoirs 0/ the Life of the Rt. 
 Rev. Alexander Viets Griswold, D.D., by John S. Stone, D.D. Philadelphia: Stavely & 
 McCalla, 1844. 8vo, pp. xl, 620. 
 
Note XVII 
 
 The Bishop had early in his Episcopate set forth prayers for the Civil 
 authorities. 1 These prayers for the use of the Courts do not appear to 
 have been printed. Manuscript copies may have been sent to the clergy 
 who desired them. They are printed here through the courtesy of the 
 Rev. Professor Seabury. 
 
 Occasional Prayers prepared by Right Reverend Samuel Seabury, D.D. 
 Bishop of Connecticut and recorded in his handwriting in a manuscript 
 book entitled, Occasional Prayers and Offices. 
 
 "OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 
 At the opening of a Court of Justice. 
 
 Remember no (sic) Lord our offences, etc: Liturgy. 
 
 O Lord, We beseech Thee mercifully hear our prayers etc — Commination. 
 
 O God, Who art the Author of Peace &c: ') Morning 
 
 O Lord, our Heavenly Father &c ) Prayer. 
 
 The Prayer for the President. 
 
 The Prayer for all conditions of men. 
 
 This Collect. 
 
 Almighty God, Who upholdest and governest all things in heaven and 
 on earth ; Hear the humble supplications which we make before thy 
 divine Majesty in behalf of the Court now opened for the administration 
 of Justice to thy People. Let thy wisdom guide and direct all their 
 determinations ; that impartiality and truth being the directors of all 
 their proceedings, they may promote the peace, order, and happiness of 
 Civil Society: and that we and all thy People being in constant safety 
 under the protection of thy good providence, may, under the impartial 
 administration of just and equal laws, lead godly and quiet lives in this 
 world; and, by thy mercy, obtain everlasting life in the world to come, 
 through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen. 
 
 General Thanksgiving. 
 Aim. God, the fountain of all wisdom etc : 
 
 Post Communion. 
 The Lord's Prayer & Blessing. 
 
 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 
 
 At the supreme Court, New London September 1793. 
 Enter not into judgment etc: Ps. cxliii. 2 
 
 or 
 If we say we have no sin etc: 1 John 1. 8, 9. 
 
 1 See pp. 29, 30 of Dr. Hart's Bishop Seabury 's Communion Office. 
 
— 181 — 
 
 Collect for Ashwednesday. 
 Almighty and everlasting God etc: 
 
 Lord's Prayer. 
 Our Father etc: 
 
 Collect for Peace, Morning Prayer. 
 O God, from whom etc : 
 
 Prayer for the President 6- all in authority. 
 
 O Lord, our heavenly Father, the high and mighty etc: 
 
 Prayer for the people & government of the U. States. 
 
 O Almighty & everlasting God, we make our supplications to thy divine 
 majesty, humbly imploring thy protection & blessing on the people and 
 government of the United States of America, and especially on the 
 people & government of this State in which we live — entreating thy 
 favour and gracious goodness towards them. Particularly we make our 
 prayers to thee in behalf of this Court, by thy good providence, now 
 assembled for the administration of justice to thy people. Look with 
 favour, O God, on the Judges of the Court, on the subordinate officers 
 belonging to it, and on all concerned in the administration of justice in 
 it. Direct them by thy grace in whatever business shall come before 
 them ; and grant that all their decisions may be grounded on the 
 principles of truth and equity: So that peace and happiness, justice and 
 righteousness, religion and piety may flourish among us for all genera- 
 tions : And that thy people being secure, thro' the protection of equal 
 laws and the administration of impartial justice, may joyfully serve thee 
 in all godly quietness, and may live in peace and unity with each other, 
 and in peace and friendship with all mankind. Hear us, we beseech thee, 
 O God, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and Saviour. Amen. 
 
 Prayer for all conditions of men. 
 
 O God the Creator and Preserver of all mankind etc : 
 
 General Thanksgiving. 
 
 Almighty God, Father of all mercies etc : 
 2 Cor. xiii. 14. 
 
 The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ etc: 
 
 Amen." 
 
 I certify that I have compared the foregoing copy with the original 
 manuscript in my possession, and that the same is in all respects a true 
 copy of the said original and of the whole thereof, except that the words 
 "Occasional Prayers" have been in one case omitted (as the heading of 
 a page in the original not needed in the copy), and^ except that the 
 character "&" has been sometimes written out as "and." 
 
 Dated New York, November 27th, 1903. 
 
 Wm. J. Seabury. 
 
 13 
 
Note XVIII 
 
 Oyster River was a part of the boundary between New Haven and 
 Orange, in which the ancient parish of Christ Church, West Haven, was 
 situated. It also gave its name to a locality where were many church- 
 men, prominent among them the descendants of Thomas Clark, one of 
 the founders of the parish in 1732. Thaddeus Clark afterwards removed 
 to Genesee County, N. Y., where he continued to do a good work for the 
 Church in a pioneer community. 
 
 Note XIX 
 
 The Hon. John Adams, President of the United States, was at this 
 time making a tour through New England on his way to the seat of 
 Government at Philadelphia. It was the custom for all public bodies 
 and towns to present to the President a formal address. No publication 
 of that period contains that from the Convocation, Mr. Adams does not 
 refer to it in his "Diary," nor does his biographer allude to any address 
 from religious organizations. 
 
 Note XX 
 
 The need of such an office had been long felt. The comparative 
 insecurity of the tenure of office by the clergy, it was thought, would be 
 taken away if such a solemn service of induction was used. The com- 
 piler was the Rev. Dr. William Smith, then Rector of St. Paul's Church, 
 Norwalk, a native of Scotland, a man of varied accomplishments and a 
 liturgical scholar at a period when few knew much of such an abtruse 
 subject as liturgies. The Office, after its adoption, was used in the 
 Diocese. It formed the basis of the New York Office of 1802, and with 
 a few changes was set forth for general use by the General Convention 
 of 1804. In 1868 its title was changed to "An Office of Institution." 
 Its use was compulsory by Canon until 1832. 
 
Note XXL 
 
 The early history of the Church in Hartford, the organization of Christ 
 Church and some particulars of the consecration will be found in the 
 carefully compiled volume of the present senior warden of Christ Church, 
 Dr. Gurdon W. Russell, entitled Contributions to the History of Christ 
 Church, Hartford. 1 
 
 The first church edifice was erected on land which had been originally 
 purchased for the newly organized parish in 1762, and comprehended the 
 northeast corner of the lot on which the present church building stands. 
 The French and Indian War, soon followed by the Revolution, made it 
 impossible to build as originally intended. After the Revolution the land, 
 which had passed out of the possession of the churchmen of Hartford, 
 was reclaimed. On November 28, 1786, a subscription paper was issued 
 and a little more than three hundred pounds obtained. In March, 1792, 
 a contract was entered into with Ebenezer Clark, joiner, to build the 
 frame of the church, which was raised in June, 1792. It was ninety feet 
 by forty-four in breadth. It was incomplete in 1795, when five hundred 
 and seventy-five dollars were secured to finish it. Mr. Calvin Whiting, 
 of Needham, Massachusetts, served as lay reader from July to October, 
 T 79S- There seems to have been no settled clergyman in the parish until 
 July 1801, when the Rev. Menzies Rayner of Elizabeth Town, New 
 Jersey, took charge. The parish had previously sought to obtain the 
 services of the Rev. Ashbel Baldwin, and the Rev. Ammi Rogers. 
 
 The formal organization as a parish under the charge of the Bishop 
 was on September 15, 1796, when thirty-four gentlemen signed the 
 articles of incorporation. Among them were Mr. John Morgan, M r - 
 Wm. Imlay, Mr. Wm. Burr, Mr. Thomas Sanford, Jr., Horace Church, 
 John Bull, John McCracken. 2 
 
 The day of the consecration was very rainy. Dr. Russell gives the 
 contemporary account of the service from the Courant and a fac simile 
 of the sentence of consecration. The Instrument of Donation was read 
 by Mr. John Morgan, the Senior Warden. 3 
 
 1 Hartford : Belknap & Warfield. 
 3 P. 54. Contributions. 
 
 1898. 8vo, pp. 787. 
 
 3 Pp' 55, 56, Contributions. 
 
Note XXII 
 
 This is the first formal mention of this erratic and pestilent man, the 
 disturber of the peace of the Church in Connecticut. 
 
 Ammi Rogers, a native of Branford, had studied theology with the 
 Rev. Mr. Jarvis, of Middletown. Detected in a flagrant act of immor- 
 ality, he was sent from the home of the Rector. For a short time he 
 studied with the Rev. Dr. Mansfield and the Rev. Edward Blakeslee at 
 Derby. He then went into the recently settled region about Saratoga, 
 locating at Ballston. His work seems remarkable, and much of it was 
 permanent. When he sought Holy Orders in New York in the summer 
 of 1792 rumors of his misconduct had reached Dr. Beach, an influential 
 member of the Standing Committee, and he demanded a certificate of 
 good moral character from the Bishop and clergy of Connecticut. This 
 Mr. Rogers did not obtain, but he did secure from a friend who was 
 visiting the Rev. Philo Perry, Secretary of the Standing Committee, a 
 certificate in the name of Mr. Perry that no proceedings had ever been 
 taken against him. Made deacon on June 24, 1792, by Bishop Provoost 
 in Trinity Church, New York City, he remained at Ballston for nine years 
 longer and then returned to Branford in August, 1801. He took charge 
 of Trinity, Branford, St. John's, Northford, St. Paul's, Wallingford, and 
 East Haven. 
 
 Mr. Rogers attributes the hostility and suspicion of the Bishop and 
 clergy to politics. "Although I have never interfered in politics, yet 
 I now thought it best for the Bishop and all the clergy, to join with the 
 republicans and vote for Colonel Ephraim Kirby to be Governor of Con- 
 necticut, that he was a worthy man, a well informed Churchman, and 
 would without doubt use his best endeavors to have those offensive laws 
 repealed which gave to one sect or party a superiority. At this the 
 Bishop and some of the clergy were very much displeased; and this has 
 been the cause of persecution, slander and abuse, of civil prosecution, 
 of distress, of imprisonment, of disgrace and ruin to myself, to my chil- 
 dren and friends." 1 
 
 Mr. Rogers claimed that he was a clergyman in good standing and had 
 presented in his behalf to the Convocation at Danbury in June, 1803, a 
 petition from the churches in Branford, East Haven, Northford, Wal- 
 lingford, Durham, and also one from Dr. Mansfield, Mr. Tyler, Mr. 
 Blakeslee, Mr. Todd, Mr. Mills and Mr. Warren, stating their knowledge 
 of Mr. Rogers, his character and standing in the Church, of the union 
 and uncommon prosperity of the churches under his care, "and prayed 
 the Bishop and clergy to be reconciled to him, or to bring forward their 
 
 1 Pp. 37, 38, Memoirs oj 'the Rev. Ammi Rogers . . . Composed, compiled and written 
 by the Rev. Ammi Rogers. i2mo. Published for subscribers by the Author. 1824. 
 
-i8 5 - 
 
 accusations, if any they had. In answer to which the Bishop arose and 
 standing within the rails of the altar, and near the communion table in 
 the church in Danbury, and as president of the Convention in 1803, 
 declared and said, We (meaning the Bishop and clergy) have nothing 
 against Mr. Rogers. We acknowledge his character and authority to be 
 good, and on receiving a single line from the Bishop of New York we 
 would receive him with open arms.' "* 
 
 Mr. Rogers's statements are not corroborated by any member of the 
 Convention or Convocation. 
 
 Note XXIII 
 
 This is the first periodical publication of the American Church. It was 
 issued with the cordial approval and aid of Bishop Jarvis. Its articles 
 were clear and direct and their teaching was sound and practical. The 
 first number appeared in January, 1804, with a well written address 
 stating its objects. Several of the clergy of literary ability, including Mr. 
 Baldwin, Mr. Rayner, Mr. Burhans, Dr. Mansfield and others, con- 
 tributed to its pages. The first editor was the Rev. Dr. William Smith, 
 then the Principal of the Episcopal Academy at Cheshire, Commenced 
 as a private enterprise^ its promoters felt the need of the support of the 
 whole Church in Connecticut, and knew that through the Convocation 
 this could be obtained. 
 
 Its original title was The Churchman's Magazine or Treasury of 
 Divine and Useful Knowledge, edited by a Committee of the Convocation 
 of Connecticut A. D. 1804. Its publishers were Oliver Steele & Co., New 
 Haven. 
 
 1 P. 39, Memoir. 
 
Note XXIV 
 
 The action of Bishop Jarvis was based upon the decision of the House 
 of Bishops in September, 1804, to which Mr. Rogers had appealed. 
 There was a full hearing of both the representatives of Mr. Rogers and 
 the Church in Connecticut. Finally the conduct of Mr. Rogers was 
 declared during his residence in Connecticut to have been "insulting, 
 refractory, and schismatical in the highest degree." The action of the 
 Church in Connecticut was approved and the Bishops were of opinion 
 "that he deserves a severe ecclesiastical censure — that of degradation 
 from the ministry. 
 
 Upon the question as to what authority Mr. Rogers was amenable, they 
 were unanimous in declaring that, as there was no Canon regulating 
 clerical removals until that Convention, he was amenable to the authority 
 of that diocese exclusively." 1 
 
 Note XXV 
 
 No action seems to have been taken under this appointment, nor does 
 it appear that the same committee prepared a history of the action 
 relating to Mr. Rogers. 
 
 Note XXVa 
 
 After 1808 the Churchman's Magazine was published in Connecticut, 
 but with the cooperation and financial aid of Dr. Hobart and others in 
 the City of New York. Dr. Hobart had been anxious for its removal to 
 that city. The publication had never commanded the support, literary 
 and pecuniary, which it deserved. This action was only preliminary to 
 the transfer of the publication, which took place early in 1808, when the 
 Rev. Dr. Hobart became its editor. 
 
 1 The full decision is in Bioren's Reprint Journals 0/ the General Convention ; also pp. 
 34-36 Dr. Beardsley's History. 
 
Note XXVI 
 
 The Reverend DAVID BALDWIN. 
 
 David, a son of William Baldwin, was born in Litchfield on February 
 4, 1780. While carefully educated, he did not enjoy the advantages of a 
 college course. He was a student in theology with his cousin, Dr. Ashbel 
 Baldwin, and is known to have been officiating as lay reader in Guilford 
 and North Guilford in November, 1806. In March, 1807, he was called 
 to be the minister of Christ Church, Guilford, but was not made deacon 
 until September 1, 1807. 1 Mr. Baldwin served with great fidelity and 
 unwearied patience the three parishes of Guilford, North Guilford and 
 North Killingworth, sometimes called North Bristol. There are still 
 living those who remember him with gratitude and affection. At Easter 
 1834 he resigned the charge of Guilford, but retained the other parishes 
 and added Branford until 1838. In 1851 he resigned North Guilford. 
 He continued to serve Zion Church, North Branford, and Union Church, 
 Killingworth, until 1858, when his age and infirmities made his retire- 
 ment from all active service necessary. Bishop Williams said of him 
 then, that he was "the senior presbyter of the Diocese and carried with 
 him into his retirement the affectionate veneration of his brethren, and 
 the blessing of those to whom he had so long and faithfully ministered." 
 He died at Guilford on August 2, 1862, in the eighty-third year of his 
 age and the fifty-sixth of his ministry. 
 
 The present Rector of Christ Church, in his history of the parish, 
 says of him that "he was to all men a model of Christian fidelity, and 
 the members of his widely scattered flock, whom he never neglected in 
 heat or cold, in sunshine or storm, though often exposed as he went to 
 and fro on horseback, to severe hardship, and to whom his house was 
 open for unstinted hospitality, found in him a noble example of that 
 unswerving devotion to pastoral duty which distinguished the early 
 representatives of Connecticut Churchmanship." 2 
 
 1 Registry of Ordinations. 
 
 3 P. 70, History of Christ Episcopal Church. 
 
Note XXVII 
 
 The condition which led to this appointment was the controversy 
 aroused in May, 1811, by the publication of the Rev. Cave Jones, an assist- 
 ant minister of Trinity Church, New York City, of "A Solemn Appeal 
 to the Church." In it he arraigned Dr. Hobart, his colleague, for over- 
 bearing and insulting conduct ; he accuses him of love of power and with 
 a desire to make the whole diocese yield to his will. This aroused a 
 fierce controversy and pamphlet war, which was continued for nearly two 
 years and divided the Church in New York City and throughout the 
 State. 
 
 The overtures of this Committee of the Convocation were received 
 with coldness by the authorities in New York and no conference was 
 ever held. Connecticut was even accused of "officious meddling." But, 
 as Dr. Beardsley well says, "It was not officious meddling in them to 
 wish that the parties involved might correct their misunderstandings, 
 sacrifice their worldly resentments, if they had any, at the foot of the 
 Master's Cross, and henceforth proceed hand in hand, as champions of 
 the faith, to build up the Kingdom, whose sublime watchword was 
 'Glory to God in the highest; and on earth peace, good will towards 
 
 Note XXVIII 
 
 This was one of several unsuccessful attempts to obtain a charter for 
 Seabury College, a cherished plan of our spiritual ancestors. 
 
 Note XXIX 
 
 The origin of this Library is obscure. It is claimed that the intention 
 was to form a collection for the benefit of the clergy of Christ Church, 
 Stratford, and for others in Fairfield County. There is no tradition 
 remaining concerning it in Stratford, and nothing appears upon the 
 records of Christ Church in regard to it. None of the books are now in 
 the library of the Episcopal Academy. 
 
 1 P. 78, Dr. Beardsley 's History \ II ; see also Case of Cave Jones. New York, 1813. 
 
Note XXX 
 
 The question of the propriety of allowing deacons who had not been 
 instituted into any parish to vote in Convention and take part in the 
 election of a Bishop had been very widely and acrimoniously discussed. 
 
 The Rev. Philander Chase of Hartford had written upon the subject 
 to Bishop Claggett of Maryland. He evidently led the opposition to the 
 practice. 
 
 Note XXXI 
 
 Article 3 of the Constitution of the Diocese as adopted on June 6, 
 1792, by the first Convention of the clergy and laity of the Diocese 
 reads : 
 
 When the Episcopate of this Church shall become vacant by death or 
 otherwise, the Presbyters, Deacons, and Lay Deputies from the several 
 Churches in the Diocese, shall meet within three months of the time 
 when said vacancy shall happen, either at New Haven or Middletown, in 
 order to elect a person to fill the Episcopal Chair, and the time and place 
 of such meeting shall be notified by a Standing Committee annually to 
 be appointed for that and other purposes, by publishing the same in two 
 or more Newspapers in this State, at least four weeks successively, 
 previous to said Meeting. And whosoever shall be elected by a majority 
 of the votes of the clergy then present, shall be considered as duly 
 elected, provided the person chosen shall be approved by a majority of 
 the Lay Deputies. 1 
 
 The Constitution was evidently quoted from memory by the mover of 
 this resolution. The new paragraph would follow in the original con- 
 stitution the words : "by death, or otherwise." It was intended to 
 exclude unemployed deacons. 
 
 1 P. 4, Reprint of tke Journals, 1792-1820. 
 
Note XXXII 
 
 The career of defiance to constituted authority pursued by Mr. Ammi 
 Rogers can be followed in the pages of Dr. Beardsley's admirable 
 "History." 1 
 
 This attempt to force recognition of his claims upon the clergy is the 
 last made by him. He thought that when the Diocese came under the 
 charge of Bishop Hobart that his case could be reopened. In this he 
 was mistaken and the Convocation took the only proper and consistent 
 course. Mr. Rogers' Memoirs contain letters written at this time by the 
 Rev. Solomon Blakeslee and the Rev. John Tyler pleading for the 
 degraded priest. There is also one from Mr. Rogers to Bishop Hobart, 
 plausible and full of pious and fervent expressions. 2 
 
 Note XXXIII 
 
 The needs of the poorer clergymen in their old age had been much 
 considered in private. The deaths of several whose families had been 
 left destitute brought the matter before the clergy at this time. 
 
 But no method suggested seemed feasible, and even the fuller and 
 more acceptable plan presented in 1823 met with little favor. In 1845 the 
 necessities of the aged clergy were brought before the Convention again 
 and a fund was created by Canon to be disbursed by the Bishop and 
 Standing Committee. There was such an accumulation of money that 
 in 1855 a separate board called "The Trustees of the Aged and Infirm 
 Clergy and Widows Fund" was incorporated. The management and 
 increase of that fund is still under their wise and prudent care. 
 
 1 See pp. 47-53, 54-89, 154-159, History, II. 2 Pp. 54-63, Memoirs. 
 
Note XXXIV 
 
 The successive steps taken to establish a second college in the State 
 of Connecticut, one which should be under the exclusive control of the 
 Church, are well detailed by Dr. Beardsley in his historical address on 
 the twenty-fifth anniversary of Trinity College. 1 
 
 To all petitions and memorials presented on behalf of the Episcopal 
 Academy to confer upon it collegiate privileges and rights the full 
 negative of the Senate, then called Council, defeated the large majority 
 in its favor in the Assembly. With the consecration of Dr. Brownell 
 as Bishop the opportunity came. The more liberal Constitution of the 
 State adopted in 1818 made it possible to urge the plan, which was well 
 matured. The members of the Committee of the Convocation and a 
 general committee selected by Bishop Brownell and Dr. Wheaton were 
 men of much sagacity and knew what could be accomplished. A 
 memorial to the General Assembly was drawn up and copies widely 
 circulated throughout the parishes of the Diocese. It was largely 
 signed and presented on May 13, 1823. The charter applied for was 
 granted in the lower house on May 16, and soon after approved by the 
 Senate and signed by the Governor. It incorporated a body politic to 
 be known as the "Trustees of Washington College." 
 
 Bishop Brownell was chosen President of the College, and with him 
 were associated as professors the Rev. George W. Doane, Belles Lettres 
 and Oratory; Mr. Frederick Hall, Chemistry and Mineralogy; Mr. 
 Horatio Hickok, Agriculture and Political Economy; the Rev. Hector 
 Humphrey, Greek and Latin. 
 
 The Trustees named in the Charter were : Thomas C. Brownell, Harry 
 Croswell, Elijah Boardman, Samuel W. Johnson, Birdsey G. Noble, 
 Samuel Merwin, Nathaniel S. Wheaton, Elisha Cushman, Charles 
 Sigourney, Thomas Macdonough, Richard Adams, David Watkinson, 
 Ebenezer Young, Jonathan Starr, Jr., Nathan Smith, John Thompson 
 Peters, Asa Chapman, Elias Perkins, John S. Peters, Luther Loomis. 
 
 The College was located upon an elevated plateau in the City of Hart- 
 ford, the people of that city having made the largest subscription. 
 
 The grounds were carefully laid out and ornamented under the 
 direction of the Rev. Dr. Wheaton, who succeeded Bishop Brownell in 
 the presidency. To both of these founders the Church in this Diocese 
 owes a debt of gratitude. 
 
 In 1848 the name was changed to Trinity College. 
 
 The original site of the college is now occupied by the Capitol of the 
 State. 
 
 1 An Historical Address pronounced before the House of Convocation of Trinity Col- 
 lege, Christ Church, Hartford. July 30th, 1851, on the occasion of the Twenty-Fifth Annual 
 Commencement of that Institution, by the Rev. E. E. Beardsley, M.A. Hartford : Han- 
 mer & Co., Calendar Press, 1851. 8vo, pp. 30. 
 
Note XXXV 
 
 The first series of the Churchman's Magazine ended with December 
 1811. The second series commenced in 1813, with the Rev. John C. 
 Rudd of Elizabeth Town as editor. It ended in 1816. Bishop Hobart 
 established in 1817 in New York City The Christian Journal to be his 
 official organ. It contained much general church news and original and 
 valuable articles, and obtained a wide circulation. This periodical con- 
 tinued until 1831, when The Churchman, a weekly paper, was established 
 by Bishop Onderdonk. 
 
 Connecticut churchmen had always regretted the necessity which com- 
 pelled them to consent to the transfer of the Magazine to New York. 
 
 In 1821 Bishop Brownell and other clergymen of literary talent com- 
 menced the publication of a new series of The Churchman's Magazine 
 after the Convention of 1820 had formally requested them. All loss or 
 deficiency was to fall upon the publishers, without any direct or indirect 
 obligation on the part of the Convention to make up losses or deficiencies. 
 This third series was issued until 1823, when for lack of support the 
 publication was suspended. 
 
 The final series, under the editorship of Dr. Bronson, became a source 
 of strength to the Diocese. Its articles were eminently readable and its 
 comments on Church events fresh and entertaining. It was continued 
 until the close of 1826. 
 
 Note XXXVI 
 
 Mr. Barlow's plan, which he carefully worked out and presented in 
 an attractive manner, was for an American society similar to the well- 
 known Christian Knowledge Society in England. Its chief function was 
 to be the publication of books of information upon the Church, brief and 
 popular tracts and sometimes reprint standard English Church classics. 
 He had received much encouragement from Bishops and other clergymen. 
 The plan was presented to the General Convention of 1826 and referred 
 to a committee to report, but no practical action was taken. 
 
 Its chief features were used in the establishment three years later of 
 the Protestant Episcopal Press in New York City. Mr. Barlow's 
 printed scheme is a plain and practical document. It is entitled 
 
 "Consideration on the Employment of the Press as a means of dif- 
 fusing the Principles of the Church, with the Plan of a Society and the 
 draft of a proposed Constitution adapted to that object," by the Rev. 
 William Barlow, Rector of Claremont. 1 
 
 1 New York : T. & J. Swords, 1826. 8vo, pp. 24. 
 
Note XXXVII 
 
 So far as can now be known the Committee never carried out this 
 plan. 
 
 Note XXXVIII 
 
 The remainder of this letter cannot be found. 
 
 Note XXXIX 
 
 This tour was the outcome of Bishop Brownell's sermon before the 
 Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society in Philadelphia in August, 
 1829. It was upon "Christian Zeal" and referred feelingly to "the vast 
 territory of our Union, spreading to the west and south," not then under 
 the jurisdiction of any Protestant Bishop. 
 
 The needs of the southwest, while not urged as frequently and ably 
 as those of the west, were nevertheless pressing. Many opportunities 
 were lost because no Bishop has visited them. 
 
 The proposal was to send Bishop Brownell to make a thorough 
 exploration. The Directors requested him to take the journey, perform 
 Episcopal functions and inquire into the condition of the few missions 
 there. 
 
 After some deliberation he accepted the duty laid upon him. He left 
 Hartford on November 5, 1829, went by boat to New York, and was joined 
 by the Rev. William Richmond, a man of intense zeal and missionary 
 energy. Their route was from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh and down the 
 Ohio and Mississippi rivers to New Orleans. On their way they visited 
 all the churches. The Bishop ordained some, confirmed others and 
 blessed all. 
 
 In the course of his journey of six thousand miles he consecrated 
 six churches, ordained one priest, confirmed one hundred and forty-two 
 persons, preached or assisted in the services seventy-four times, bap- 
 tized twenty-two children and twelve adults. 
 
 It was a journey of great extent, free from any serious illness or 
 accident, and set forward the Church in that region. The Bishop pre- 
 sided at the organization of the dioceses of Louisiana and Alabama. He 
 returned to his home in Hartford on March 14, 1830. A detailed 
 account from his Journal was published in The Spirit of Missions in 
 1830. 
 
Note XL 
 
 Mr. Phoebus was the organist of Trinity Church, New Haven. He 
 had acquired much celebrity as a musician. His small publication of 
 chants was long used both in New Haven and elsewhere. 
 
 Its title page is : 
 
 Chants adapted to the Service of the Protestant Episcopal Church in 
 the United States Compiled by John H. Phoebus New Haven Pub- 
 lished by Durrie and Peck 1831 
 
 i2mo pp 24 Baldwin and Treadway print 
 
 In his preface he says: 
 
 "The following compilation is offered to the public in compliance 
 with a wish expressed by many Episcopalians of this city, that the 
 chants commonly used in the Church, might be published in such form, 
 and on such terms as would induce the members of the parish generally 
 to procure them. 
 
 Considering it also as better the whole congregation should join in 
 the chants, no less than in the responses of our services, the compiler 
 endeavored to select such pieces as may be easily learned; admitting 
 only those which are calculated to give expression force & solemnity 
 to the language of devotion." 
 
 Note XLI 
 
 The Chronicle of the Church was a weekly paper of high character, 
 the first work undertaken by Mr. A. B. Chapin for the Church. Its 
 contents were well arranged and readable. The report of the Com- 
 mittee to the Convention embodied resolutions calling for new and 
 vigorous efforts for its support, urging the duty of the clergy to con- 
 tribute more largely to its literary support, and the third that political 
 intelligence should be omitted in the civil summary. The resolutions 
 led to a debate upon the general question of supporting Church periodi- 
 cals and commending the Chronicle. 1 This paper continued until 1842 
 in several forms and was succeeded by The Calendar. 
 
 1 Pp. 194, 195, The Chronicle, 1837. 
 
Note XLII 
 
 The Society was organized in 1818, reorganized in 1837, and had 
 charge of the mission work of the Diocese. With a changed title it 
 still cares for the missionary work. Its present style is the Board of 
 Directors of the Missionary Society of the Diocese of Connecticut 
 
 NOTICES OF UNRECORDED MEETINGS OF THE CONVENTION. 
 [l800] 
 
 The Convocation of the Episcopal clergy was held in the City of New 
 London on the 15th inst agreeably to the order of the Bishop. Divine 
 Service was performed by the Rev. Mr. Griswold, a discourse and charge 
 to the clergy was delivered by the Rt. Rev. Abraham Jarvis, from whom 
 the Apostolic rite of Confirmation was received by nearly fifty. The day 
 following the Rev. Evan Rogers, was ordained a Priest, and is soon to 
 be inducted Rector of the Church in Hebron. 
 
 It appears from the statement of the Clergy to the Bishop, that the 
 Church in this State is generally flourishing and respectable. 1 
 
 [1827] 
 
 In consonance with the ancient custom of the diocese, the semi-annual 
 Convocation of the clergy of Connecticut was held in Christ Church, 
 Stratford, on Tuesday, Nov. 6, as appointed by the Bishop. The 
 evening service was performed by the Rev. Ambrose S. Todd, Rector 
 of St. John's Church, Stamford, and the sermon preached by the Rev. 
 Professor Doane, of Washington College, from 1 Peter, v. 2, 3, 4. In 
 the absence of the Secretary of the Convention, the Rev. Professor 
 Doane was appointed Secretary. The attendance of the Clergy, though 
 very respectable, was not as large as on- some former occasions— a cir- 
 cumstance always to be regretted, as the opportunities thus afforded of 
 mutual encouragement and advice is eminently valuable. The Con- 
 vocation, in addition to the usual business transacted at such meetings, 
 giving information as to the state of the several parishes, making pro- 
 vision for the supply of such as are vacant, consulting together on 
 questions of discipline and order, &c, &c, united in a suitable tribute 
 of respect to the memory of the late lamented Bishop of Maryland. 
 The Rev. Dr. Wainwright and the Rev. Mr. Bulkley of New York 
 were present as visitors. 
 
 We avail ourselves of this opportunity to record our decided and 
 earnest approbation of the practice peculiar, we believe, to our own 
 diocese, of periodical assemblies of the clergy. 
 
 ' American Mercury. Published by Elisha Babcock. [Vol. xvii], Thursday, October 
 23, 1800. [No. 851J 
 
— 196 — 
 
 The best possible opportunity is thus afforded for giving such informa- 
 tion as will enable the Episcopal head to set in order such things as are 
 wanting, while the members, besides being strengthened in their 
 Master's work, by the interchange of free and friendly advice and 
 encouragement, are thus more closely bound together in unity of spirit, 
 of doctrine and of practice. Behold, saith the Psalmist, and God 
 grant that our diocese may always continue to be, as it has always 
 been, an apt illustration of its truth and beauty, behold how good and 
 how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity. 1 
 
 The clergy of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocese of 
 Connecticut, assembled in Convocation at Stratford on Tuesday, 
 November 6, unanimously adopted the following Preamble and Reso- 
 lutions 
 
 Whereas the Convocation have heard with deep and unfeigned regret 
 of the late melancholy decease of that distinguished and faithful servant 
 of God, the Rt. Rev. James Kemp, D.D., Bishop of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Maryland. Therefore Resolved, 
 that this Convocation do heartily sympathize with their brethren, the 
 Clergy and laity of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocese of 
 Maryland, in the late afflictive dispensation of Divine Providence by 
 which that Diocese has been deprived of its venerated head and the 
 Church of its brightest ornaments and firmest and most able supporters ; 
 and that they do most devoutly offer up their prayers that the Great 
 Head of the Church will, in His mercy, visit this sorrowing portion of 
 His household with the spirit of peace and consolation, of wisdom and 
 ghostly Counsel, that they may be sustained and comforted in their 
 present bereavement, and that a successor apt and meet, under God, and 
 with his heavenly blessing, to promote its interests and build it up in 
 peace and holiness, and all spiritual grace and blessedness, may speedily 
 be raised up. 
 
 Resolved that the Secretary of the Convocation transmit this preamble 
 and these resolutions to the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the 
 Diocese of Maryland, and cause a copy of the same to be inserted in 
 
 The Episcopal Watchman. 
 
 G. W. Doane, 
 Secretary 
 Hartford, 
 Nov. 6, 1827 2 
 
 1 P. 370, Episcopal Watchman, Nov. 12, 1827. 
 
 2 Episcopal Watchman, p. 371. Hartford, Nov. 12, 1827. Vol. 1, No. 34. 
 
Index 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Titles and degrees are given to clergymen and others acquired sub- 
 sequently to events mentioned in these "Records." 
 
 A. 
 
 Aberdeen, Scotland 21, 124 
 
 Adams, the Rev. Jasper, D.D 112 
 
 Hon. John 53, 182 
 
 Richard 191 
 
 Addison, the Rev. Daniel D., D.D. 
 
 Life and Times of Edward Bass 15 
 
 Address of the Connecticut Clergy, 1785 12 
 
 Alabama 193 
 
 Albany, N. Y 169 
 
 American Church 3, 163, 185 
 
 Amity, Conn 140, 148 
 
 Andrews, the Rev. George B 96, 97, 102, 108 
 
 Robert 161 
 
 the Rev. Samuel 8, 138, 168 
 
 the Rev. William G., D.D 
 
 A History of Christ Episcopal Church in Guilford, 
 
 Connecticut 187 
 
 Apthorp, the Rev. East, D.D 154 
 
 Archives, 
 
 Diocese of Connecticut 9 
 
 Commission on 3, 4 
 
 Arianism 19 
 
 Arlington, Vt 168 
 
 Armor, the Rev. Samuel 17 
 
 Arnold, the Rev. Jonathan 6 
 
 Articles of Confederation of the United States 20 
 
 Articles of Religion, proposed revision of 43, S3 
 
 Athanasian Creed 163 
 
 Atkins, Dudley 15 
 
 Attwater, the Rev. Henry S 1 14 
 
 14 
 
-200 
 
 B. 
 
 Badger, the Rev. Moses 143 
 
 Baldwin, the Rev. Ashbel, 
 
 sketch of 133-135 
 
 mentioned 22, 23, 33, 39, 40, 41, 43, 46, 48, 49, 
 
 So, Si, 52, 53, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 
 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 70, 71, 74, 75, 76, 
 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 84, 8s, 86, 88, 
 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 95, 96, 100, 102, 
 106, 112, 118, 132, 168, 183, 185 
 the Rev. David, 
 
 sketch of 187 
 
 mentioned 76, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 85, 86, 88, 90, 
 
 91,92,93,94,96,97,99, 100, 102, 
 106, 112, 114, 118 
 
 Ebenezer 41 
 
 Isaac 133 
 
 Baldwin and Treadway 194 
 
 Ballston, N. Y 184 
 
 Barber, the Rev. Daniel 168 
 
 the Rev. Virgil H 64, 71, 72, 74, 78, 80, 81, 82, 85, 86, 88, 89 
 
 Barlow, the Rev. William 105, 112, 118, 119, 192 
 
 Considerations on the Employment of the Press. . . . 192 
 
 Bartlet, Jonathan 49 
 
 Basfield, Mr 55 
 
 Bass, the Rt. Rev. Edward, D.D 15, 25, 26, 28, 126, 127 
 
 Batchelder, the Rev. Charles R. 
 
 The Documentary History of the Protestant 
 Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Vermont 168 
 
 Beach, the Rev. Abraham, D.D 78, 167, 184 
 
 the Rev. John 6, 9, 135, 144, 145, 152 
 
 the Rev. Stephen 102, 116, 118 
 
 Beardsley, the Rev. Eben Edwards, D.D., LL.D. 
 
 mentioned 3, 6, 10, 12, 188, 190, 191 
 
 History of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut 
 
 3, 6, 7, 149, 188, 190 
 Life of the Rt. Rev. Samuel Seabury 3, 11, 12, 21, 22, 23, 24 
 
 History of St. Peter's Church, Cheshire 138 
 
 Historical Address, Trinity College 191 
 
 the Rev. John 129 
 
 Beasley, the Rev. Frederic, D.D 126 
 
 Beckwith, the Rev. George 144 
 
 Beers, Isaac 172 
 
 Belden, the Rev. David 44, 46, 50, 92, 135, 152 
 
 Thomas 41 
 
 Bend, the Rev. Joseph G. J., D.D 159 
 
— 201 — 
 
 Benham, the Rev. Benjamin 77, 78, 81, 85, 86, 88, 89, 90, 92, 
 
 93, 95. 96, 102, 103 
 
 Bennington County, Vt 128 
 
 Berkshire County, Mass 174 
 
 Berlin, Conn 167 
 
 Bioren, John, 
 
 Reprint — Journal of the General Convention 166, 186 
 
 Bishop, Mr. Alexander 65, 66 
 
 Blakeslee, Abraham 146 
 
 the Rev. Edward, 
 
 sketch of 146-148 
 
 mentioned 33, 34, 40, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 48, 
 
 49, 50, Si, 137, 169, 184 
 the Rev. Solomon, 
 
 sketch of 148-150 
 
 mentioned 33, 40, 43, 46, 48, 49, 51, 56, 57, 60, 
 
 71, 80, 81, 92, 95, 164, 169, 184, 190 
 
 Zophar 148 
 
 Boardman, Hon. Elijah 99, 191 
 
 Boston, Mass 7, 12, 14, 15, 179 
 
 Bostwick, Esther 127 
 
 the Rev. Gideon, 
 
 sketch of 127, 128 
 
 mentioned 8, 9, 33, 34, 39, 43, 168, 174, 
 
 Harry 47,50 
 
 Captain Nathaniel 127 
 
 Bowden, the Rev. John, D.D 29, 40, 41, 42, 43, 46, 48, 50, 
 
 52, 53, 54, 55, 127, 130, 131, 
 142, 159 
 
 Bradley, the Rev. Charles William 114 
 
 the Rev. Ezra 56, 62 
 
 Mr 49 
 
 Bradleyville, Conn 169 
 
 Branford, Conn 42, 125, 184 
 
 Brewer, the Rev. Alfred L., D.D 156 
 
 Bridgeport, Conn 132, 135 
 
 Bristol, Conn 49, 131 
 
 Bronson, the Rev. Abraham, D.D 59, 78 
 
 the Rev. Tillotson, D.D 22, 34, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 
 
 46, 48, 49, 50, Si. 53, 55, 57, 
 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 
 66, 67, 70, 71, 72, 74, 75, 78, 
 80, 81, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 
 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 95, 96, 97, 
 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 
 107, 109, 135, 137, 139, 141, 
 146 
 Brooklyn Ferry, N. Y 129 
 
202 
 
 Brownell, the Rt. Rev. Thomas C, D.D., LL.D 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 
 
 101, 102, 103, 104, 
 105, 106, no, in, 
 112, 116, 117, 118, 
 133, 146, 151, 192, 
 
 193 
 
 The Family Prayer Book 171 
 
 Southwestern Missionary tour 113, 114, 193 
 
 Brown University 179 
 
 Bruce, the Rev. Nathaniel F 106 
 
 Buckley [Bulkely], the Rev. Barzillai 64, 65, 75, 94, 195 
 
 the Rev. Wm. J 92, 94, 99 
 
 Buel, Hon. David 170 
 
 the Rev. Samuel, D.D 175 
 
 Bull, John 183 
 
 Burhans, the Rev. Daniel, D.D. 
 
 sketch of I73-I7S 
 
 account of his examination for Orders 173 
 
 mentioned 9, 44. 45. 53. 55, 56, 59, 60, 61, 62, 
 
 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 70, 72. 75, 76, 
 77, 78, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 86, 90, 
 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 100, 
 102, 103, 105, 106, in, 112, 114, 
 118, 128, 185 
 The Scripture Doctrine of the Election of Jacob 
 
 and the Rejection of Esau 175 
 
 Henry 173 
 
 Burgis [Burgess], the Rev. Nathan B 64 
 
 Burgess, the Rev. Nathan B 55, 57, 61, 63, 75, 78, 80, 95, 96, 103, 114 
 
 Burgoyne, General John 133 
 
 Burham [Benham], the Rev. Benjamin 76 
 
 Burr, William 183 
 
 Burton, the Rev. Daniel, D.D 156 
 
 Butler, the Rev. David, D.D. 
 
 sketch of 168-170 
 
 mentioned 42, 43, 44, 48, 49, 50, 51, 53, 55, 56, 
 
 59, 60, 61, 147, 149 
 the Rev. Clement M., D.D 170 
 
 Calendar, The 3, 146, 194 
 
 Cambridge, Conn 178 
 
 Camp, the Rev. Ichabod 126 
 
 Mr 55 
 
 Canaan 47, 58 
 
 Caner, the Rev. Henry, D.D 144, 152, 154 
 
 Canterbury, Archbishop of 5, 10, 12, 165 
 
— 203— 
 
 Carr, the Rev. Dr iSS 
 
 Catlin, the Rev. Russell, 
 
 sketch of , 168 
 
 mentioned 42, 43, 44, 147, 149, 169 
 
 Champion, the Rev. Judah 151 
 
 Chandler, the Rev. Thomas B., D.D 123, 125 
 
 Chapman, Asa 191 
 
 Chapin, the Rev. Alonzo B., D.D 3. "6, 146, 194 
 
 Sketches of the Early Clergy 146 
 
 The Chronicle of the Church * 194 
 
 Chase, the Rt. Rev. Philander, D.D 84, 86, 88, 89, 90, 93, ISS. 169. 189 
 
 Chatham, Conn 14 1 ) J 78 
 
 Chenango County, N. Y 150 
 
 Cheshire, Conn 71, 97, ioo, 112, 138 
 
 Chewstown, Conn 60 
 
 Child, the Rev. Caleb, 
 
 sketch of 177 
 
 mentioned 48, 5 2 
 
 degradation of 58 
 
 Chittenden, the Rev. Bethuel 62, 139 
 
 Captain SS 
 
 Christian Knowledge Society, The 195 
 
 Christian Journal, The '92 
 
 CHURCHES. 
 
 Connecticut — Christ, Bethany 14° 
 
 Christ, Bethlehem I7S 
 
 Trinity, Branford 59, 129. 130, 146, 178, 184 
 
 St. John's, Bridgeport 132, ISS 
 
 St. Matthew's, Bristol 49 
 
 Trinity, Brooklyn 154 
 
 Trinity, Chatham 178 
 
 St. Peter's, Cheshire 62, 100, no, 137 
 
 Christ, Derby 137 
 
 St. James's, Derby 51 
 
 Christ, East Haven 59 
 
 St. Stephen's, East Haddam 41, 149, 150 
 
 St. Matthew's, East Plymouth 178 
 
 Trinity, Fairfield 131, 132 
 
 Christ, Hartford 56,183 
 
 consecration of So 
 
 St. Mark's, Harwinton 49, 178 
 
 St. Peter's, Hebron 141 
 
 St. Paul's, Huntington 43, 81, 131, 142, 158, 167, 176 
 
 Union Church, Killingworth 79, 187 
 
 St. Michael's, Litchfield 134, *45, 151. 169, 179 
 
 Christ, Middle Haddam 141, 178 
 
— 204 — 
 
 Connecticut— Christ, Middletown 9, 11, 12, 112, 125, 126, 147, 149. 
 
 168, 169 
 
 St. Peter's, Milford 142 
 
 St. Paul's Chapel, New Haven 116 
 
 St. Paul's Church, New Haven 117 
 
 Trinity, New Haven 16, 17, 40, 41, 45, 79, 108, 125, 
 
 126, 132, 134. 143. 174 
 
 St. James's, New London 22, 123, 137, 139, 141. 150, 176 
 
 St. John's, New Milford 127, 145 
 
 Trinity, Newtown 35, I3S, 137. 174 
 
 Zion Church, North Branford 187 
 
 St. Peter's, Northbury 139. 140, 175 
 
 St. John's, Northford 184 
 
 Trinity, Northfield 178 
 
 St. John's, North Guilford 79, 130, 134, 146, 169, 178 
 
 St. John's, North Haven 23, 134, 146 
 
 St. Paul's, Norwalk 24, 58, 144, 157, 159 
 
 Christ, Norwich 141. 156 
 
 St. Peter's, Oxford 134. 140 
 
 St. Peter's, Plymouth 81, 112 
 
 Trinity, Portland 141 
 
 Christ, Quaker Farms 134, T S3 
 
 Christ, Redding 169 
 
 St. Stephen's, Ridgefield 152 
 
 Christ, Roxbury 175 
 
 St. Michael's, Salem 140. 164 
 
 St. John's, Salisbury 51, 53 
 
 Trinity, Seymour 147 
 
 Union, Seymour 147 
 
 St. Andrew's, Simsbury 157, 178 
 
 St. John's, Stamford 58, 134, 136, 157, 158, 195 
 
 Christ, Stratford 40, 48, 130, 131, 134, 135, 142, 
 
 155, 177, 178, 195 
 
 Christ, Tashua 134, 142 
 
 St. Paul's, Wallingford 59, 134, 184 
 
 Christ, West Haven S3, 125, 182 
 
 Christ, Wethersfield 54 
 
 St. Paul's, Woodbury 131, 164, 175 
 
 England — Royal Chapel of St. James, Westminster 125, 126, 128 
 
 Parish Church of St. James, Westminster 125, 126, 128 
 
 Maryland — St. John's, Baltimore 145 
 
 Massachusetts — King's Chapel, Boston 7, 154 
 
 Trinity, Boston 10, 23 
 
 Christ, Cambridge 154 
 
 St. Paul's, Dedham 9 
 
 St. James, Great Barrington 128, 150, 177 
 
 St. Luke's, Lanesborough 174 
 
 Trinity, Lenox 128 
 
—205— 
 
 Massachusetts— St. Paul's, Newburyport 25 
 
 St. Peter's, Salem 179 
 
 New York— St. Peter's, Albany 158, 169 
 
 St. Ann's, Brooklyn 129, 144 
 
 Trinity, Fishkill 142 
 
 St. George's, Flushing 143 
 
 St. George's, Hempstead 167 
 
 Christ, Hudson 128 
 
 Grace, Jamaica 123, 129, 176 
 
 Christ, Manhansett 167 
 
 St. James's, Newtown 143 
 
 Christ, Poughkeepsie 142 
 
 Christ, Rye 5, 159 
 
 Grace, Rye , . . . • 141 
 
 Caroline, Setauket 176 
 
 St. Andrew's, Staten Island 123 
 
 St. Paul's, Troy 169 
 
 St. George's Chapel, New York City 169 
 
 Trinity, New York City n, 129, 158, 167, 184, 188 
 
 St. Peter's, Westchester 123 
 
 New Jersey — Trinity, Newark 158 
 
 Christ, New Brunswick 123 
 
 St. Peter's, Perth Amboy 158 
 
 Pennsylvania — Christ, Philadelphia 26, 160 
 
 Rhode Island — King's Chapel, Providence 142 
 
 St. Michael's, Bristol 143, 179 
 
 Trinity, Newport 129 
 
 Scotland — Bishop Skinner's Chapel, Long Acre, Aberdeen .... 124 
 
 Churchman, The 192 
 
 Churchman's Magazine, The 11, 61, 62, 63, 75, 76, 77, 101, 107, 
 
 108, 158, 185, 186, 192 
 
 Church, Horace 183 
 
 Claggett, the Rt. Rev. Thomas J., D.D 75, 126, 189 
 
 Claremont, N. H 148 
 
 Clarke, the Rev. Abraham L., 
 
 sketch of 142, 143 
 
 mentioned 33, 34, 38, 40, 41, 42, 48, 141, 157 
 
 the Rev. Peter G 96, 100, 103, 106, 112, 114 
 
 the Rev. Richard S 134, 145, 169 
 
 the Rev. William 9 
 
 Clark, Ebenezer 183 
 
 James 59 
 
 the Rev. Joseph P 114 
 
 Thaddeus 182 
 
 Coit, the Rev. Thomas W., D.D., LL.D 118 
 
 Cokesbury College 144 
 
 Colchester, Conn 141 
 
206 
 
 Coleman, Dr. Noah 42 
 
 College of Philadelphia 129 
 
 Columbia College, New York City 144, 165 
 
 Columbia County, N. Y 128 
 
 Commissary requested 7 
 
 Concordate with the Bishops in Scotland 17 
 
 Connecticut, Diocese of, see Diocese of Connecticut, 
 
 Church Documents 6, 7, 16, 22, 24, 26, 27, 28 
 
 General Assembly of 172, 190 
 
 State Capitol of 191 
 
 mentioned 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 20, 160, 162, 163 
 
 Connecticut Courant, The 7, 8, 183 
 
 Connecticut Journal, The 39, 166 
 
 Convocation, 
 
 term denned as used in England 12 
 
 powers and duties in England 13 
 
 Convocation of the Clergy of Connecticut 12 
 
 convoked by the Bishop 12 
 
 powers and duties 13 
 
 list of early meetings 30 
 
 Records of 33-120 
 
 mentioned, see Records of Convocation. 
 Action of, on 
 
 Constitution and Canons of the American Church 34, 33 
 
 Prayer Book of 1789 37, 39 
 
 College of Doctors 37, 39 
 
 Articles of Religion 43, S3 
 
 Candidates for Holy Orders 38 
 
 Office of Induction 54 
 
 Requirements for election of a Bishop 88, 89, 90, 91 
 
 establishment .of a College 99 
 
 proposed Society for decayed Clergymen 96, 97 
 
 proposed Society for relief of the widows and 
 
 orphans of Clergymen 105, m, 114, 190 
 
 Sunday Schools 107, 109, 119 
 
 Christian Knowledge Society 105, 112, 116, 117, 119 
 
 proposed new Church periodical 108 
 
 mentioned 135, 137 
 
 Cooper, James Fenimore 150 
 
 the Rev. Myles, LL.D 155 
 
 Cornwall, the Rev. Asa 64, 74, 75, 76, yy, 80, 85, 86, 88, 89, 90, 
 
 92, 93, 96, 97, 99, 100, 102, 106, 112 
 
 Cossit, the Rev. Ranna 148 
 
 Cranson [Cranston], the Rev. William 94 
 
 Croswell, the Rev. Harry, D.D 92, 94, 95, 96, 97, 99, 100, 101, 
 
 103, 106, 108, in, 112, 114, 
 115, "6, 118, 119, 191 
 
 Cruse, the Rev. Christian F ! I2 
 
 Cushman, Elisha I o I 
 
— 207 — 
 
 D. 
 
 Danbury, Conn 40, 48, 49, 59, 153. 184 
 
 Dartmouth College 141 
 
 Da vies, the Rev. Thomas 127, 134 
 
 Dedham, Mass ~ 9 
 
 Degrees in Divinity 165 
 
 Deism 19 
 
 DeLancey, Col. Oliver 129 
 
 Dexter, Professor Franklin B 17 
 
 Dibblee, the Rev. Ebenezer, D.D 37, 41, 165 
 
 Digby, Admiral 124 
 
 Digby, Nova Scotia 157, 178 
 
 Diocese of Connecticut, 
 
 Bishop's Fund of 172 
 
 Candidates for Orders in 71 
 
 Constitution of 45 
 
 Article III of Constitution of 189 
 
 Standing Committee of 51, 133, 146, 165, 184, 190 
 
 Trustees for receiving Donations 172 
 
 mentioned 38 
 
 Diocese of New Hampshire 168 
 
 Diocese of New Jersey 158 
 
 Diocese of New York, 
 
 Aged and Infirm Clergy Fund of 176 
 
 Office of Induction in 182 
 
 Standing Committee of 184 
 
 Doane, the Rt. Rev. George W., D.D 100, 103, 106, 190, 195, 196 
 
 Doctors, College of 37, 39 
 
 Documentary History of the Protestant Episcopal Church in 
 
 Connecticut 6 
 
 Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society 192 
 
 Dudley, Joshua 60 
 
 Duncan, the Rev. * 64 
 
 Durham, Conn 184 
 
 E. 
 
 Eastburn, the Rt. Rev. Manton, D.D 179 
 
 Eastern Churches 161 
 
 East Haddam, Conn 4° 
 
 East Haven, Conn 184 
 
 Edinburgh, Scotland 123 
 
 Ellison, the Rev. Thomas 169 
 
 England 154, 158, 160 
 
 Church of 5, 35, 36, 154 
 
 Episcopal Academy, Cheshire, Conn. 
 
 discussion of ■ • • • • no 
 
 1 This entry on the "Records" is evidently a mistake of the Secretary and should 
 be: Blackburn, the Rev. John Lynn. 
 
— 208— 
 
 Episcopal Academy, Cheshire, Conn. 
 
 petition to erect into a college 84 
 
 inquiry requested 98 
 
 mentioned 25, 41, 51, 62, 112, 127, 135, 138, 185 
 
 Episcopal Watchman, The 196 
 
 Exeter, Conn 42 
 
 England 125, 126 
 
 F. 
 
 Fairfax, the Rev. Bryan 142 
 
 Fairfield, Conn 6, 7, 8, 130, 131 
 
 County 152 
 
 Fanning, Col. Edmund 124, 158, 160 
 
 Ferguson, the Rev. Colin, D.D 132 
 
 First Ecclesiastical Society, Litchfield, Conn 151 
 
 Fishkill, N. Y 129 
 
 Florida 144 
 
 Fogg, the Rev. Daniel, 
 
 sketch of 154, 15S 
 
 mentioned 10, 35, 55, 173 
 
 the Rev. Jeremiah IS4 
 
 Foote, the Rev. David, 
 
 sketch of 141, 142 
 
 mentioned 23, 33, 34, 41, 164 
 
 Nathaniel 141 
 
 Fredericksburgh Precinct 129 
 
 French and Indian War 183 
 
 Fulham, London, England, 
 
 Chapel 150 
 
 Palace 123 
 
 Fundamental Principles 19 
 
 G. 
 
 Garfield, the Rev. John M 99, 103, 106 
 
 Gear, [Geer], the Rev. Alpheus 92, 94, 96, 97, 100, 103, 112, 114, 118 
 
 General Convention, the, 
 
 Adjourned session, 1789 160 
 
 Amendment of Constitution 161 
 
 Assent of the New England deputies 162 
 
 Canon VI, 1789 38, 166 
 
 Constitution and Canons of 34, 186 
 
 Digest of Canons, 1901 166 
 
 House of Bishops formed 162 
 
 mentioned 68, 69, 73 
 
 Office of Induction , 182 
 
 Office of Institution 182 
 
 mentioned 19, 24, 26, 27, 38, 40, 67, 135, 137, 
 
 144, 146, I7S, 176 
 
— 2og — 
 
 General Education Society no 
 
 General Sunday School Union no 
 
 Gibson, the Rt. Rev. Edmund, D.D 7 
 
 Gilbert, the Rev. Sturgis 81, 88, go, 92, 95, 96, 101, 102, 103 
 
 de la Portree 165 
 
 Granby, Conn 158 
 
 Great Barrington, Mass 47, 127 
 
 Great Hill, Conn 148 
 
 Green, T. and T 42 
 
 the Rev. William 49, SO, 51 
 
 Greenwich, Conn 6 
 
 Gregson, William 6 
 
 Glebe 6 
 
 Griswold, the Rt. Rev. Alexander Viets, D.D., 
 
 sketch of 178, 179 
 
 consecration of 179 
 
 Presiding Bishop 179 
 
 mentioned 46, 48, 49, 50, 53, 55, 56, 57, 58, 60, 
 
 76, 158, 177, I9S 
 
 Elisha 178 
 
 Eunice (Viets) 178 
 
 the Rev. Samuel 60, 61, 64 
 
 Guilbert, the Rev. Edmund, D.D., 
 
 Annals of an Old Parish 132 
 
 Guilford, Conn 78, 94, 124, 155, 187 
 
 Gunn, Jobannah 164 
 
 H. 
 
 Hall, Prof. Frederick 191 
 
 Hall and Sellers 163, 170 
 
 Hallam, the Rev. Robert A., D.D., 
 
 Annals of St. James's Church, New London 150, 176 
 
 Hammell, the Rev. William 143 
 
 Hanmer, and Co 191 
 
 Harison, Hon. Richard 161 
 
 Hart, the Rev. Seth, 
 
 sketch of 167 
 
 mentioned 40, 41, 43, 44, 45, 46, 48, 49, 53, 54, 57, 164 
 
 the Rev. Samuel, D.D., D.C.L., 
 
 The Seabury Centenary 10 
 
 The Election of Bishop Seabury 10 
 
 Convention Sermon, 1896 10 
 
 Bishop Seabury 's Communion Office 14, 180 
 
 Report of the Custodian of the Standard Prayer 
 
 Book, 1898 171 
 
 Hartford, Conn 55, 84, 100, no, 116, 126, 189, 191, 193, 196 
 
 Hartland, Vt 168 
 
 Harvard College 143, 154 
 
 University 179 
 
2IO 
 
 Harwinton, Conn 49, 168, 178 
 
 Harwood, the Rev. Edwin, D.D., 
 
 The Beginning of the Episcopal Church in New 
 
 Haven 6 
 
 Hawks, the Rev. Francis L., D.D 6 
 
 Hawley, Isaac 65, 66 
 
 Heath, the Rev. Levi 144 
 
 Hebron, Conn 7, 42, 45, 46, 48, 141, 148 
 
 Hempstead, N. Y 123 
 
 Henry III, of England 165 
 
 VIII, of England 165 
 
 Herron, Wm 172 
 
 Herschel, Mr '. 42 
 
 Hickok, Prof. Horatio 191 
 
 Hilliar [Hilliard] , the Rev. Timothy 64 
 
 Hoadley, George E 7 
 
 Hobart, the Rt. Rev. John Henry, D.D 65, 75, 94, 140, 147, 167, 
 
 179, 186, 188, 190 
 
 Holcomb, the Rev. Frederick, D.D 85, 86, 88, 90, 91, 92, 95, 96, 
 
 97, 98, 100, 103, 106, 112, 118 
 
 the Rev. Origen P., D.D 96, 97, 99, 103, 118 
 
 Holly [Hawley], Isaac 66 
 
 Holmes, the Rev. Abiel, D.D 17 
 
 Hopkinson, Hon. Francis 27 
 
 Hopkinston, Mass. ? 7 
 
 Horse Neck, Conn 6 
 
 Howell, the Rev. - Orson V 106 
 
 Hubbard, the Rev. Bela, D.D., 
 
 sketch of 124, 125 
 
 mentioned 7, 8, 9, 12, 29, 33, 34, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 
 
 42, 43. 49, So, Si, 52, S3, 55, 57. 59, 60, 
 61, 62, 64, 65, 70, 71, 75, 77, 80, 81, 82, 
 83, 84, 146, 155, 160, 162, 165, 172, 173 
 
 Daniel 124 
 
 Diana (Ward) 124 
 
 the Rev. Reuben 81, 86, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 95 
 
 Hudson River 151 
 
 Hull, the Rev. Ambrose, 
 
 sketch of 143, 144 
 
 mentioned 33, 34, 38, 118, 142, 157 
 
 the Rev. Lemuel B 100, 103, 106, 112, 114, 115 
 
 Humphrey, the Rev. Aaron 92, 94, 95 
 
 the Rev. Prof. Hector, D.D 103, 106, 112, 114, 115, 191 
 
 Humphreyille 147 
 
 Humphry [Humphrey], the Rev. Aaron 91 
 
 Huntington, Conn 42 
 
 Long Island, N. Y 123 
 
 the Hon. Samuel 18 
 
 Huse, the Rev. Nathaniel 85, 90, 92 
 
211 
 
 I. 
 
 Imlay, William 183 
 
 Ingersoix, the Hon. Jonathan 39, 41, 172 
 
 Ives, the Rev. Edward J 100, 102, 103 
 
 the Rev. Reuben, 
 
 sketch of 137-139 
 
 mentioned 33, 34, 38, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 48, 49, 
 
 SO, Si. 52, S3, 57, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 71, 
 72, 74, 78, 79, 84, 86, 89, 92, 93, 96, 97, 
 99, 103, 112, 135, 146 
 Zachariah 137 
 
 J. 
 
 Jarvis, the Right Rev. Abraham, D.D., 
 
 sketch of 125-127 
 
 mentioned 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 17, 29, 33, 37, 41, 
 
 43, 44, 46, 50, 52, S3, 54, 55, 56, 57, 
 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 69, 
 7i, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 80, 82, 84, 
 91, 124, 149, 160, 162, 165, 177, 184, 
 186, 195 
 
 Registry of Ordinations 187 
 
 Naomi (Brush) 125 
 
 Capt. Samuel 125 
 
 the Rev. Samuel Farmar, D.D 81, 118, 127 
 
 A Voice from Connecticut 163 
 
 the Rev. William 100, 103, 106, 112, 114, 118 
 
 John, King of England 165 
 
 Johnson, the Rev. Samuel, D.D 6, 7, 124, 125, 144, 152, 155 
 
 Hon. Samuel William 172, 191 
 
 Capt. Timothy 78 
 
 the Rev. 118 
 
 Jones, the Rev. Cave 188 
 
 the Rev. Isaac, D.D 85, 86, 90, 92, 94, 96, 102, 103, 106, 145 
 
 the Rev. Jasper D S3, 55, 57, 90, 92, 95, 97 
 
 Judah, the Rev. Henry R 99, 103 
 
 Judd, the Rev. Bethel, D.D 53, 55, 77, 83, 84, 86, 88, 89, 90, 
 
 91, 92, 103, 105, 118, 119 
 the Rev. Jonathan 72, 86, 89, 91, 92, 93, 95, 96 
 
 K. 
 
 Keeler, the Rev. James no, 112 
 
 Kemp, the Rt. Rev. James, D.D 196 
 
 Kensington, N. H 154 
 
 Keppel, the Rt. Rev. Frederick, D. D 125, 126 
 
 Kewley, the Rev. John, M.D 77, 78 
 
 Kilbourn, the Rev. James 57, 144 
 
— 212 — 
 
 Kilgour, the Rt. Rev. Robert, D.D 124 
 
 Killingworth, Conn 169 
 
 King, the Rev. 46 
 
 King's College, N. Y 124, 155, 158 
 
 Kingston, N. B 
 
 Kirby, Col. Ephraira 172, 184 
 
 Kneeland, the Rev. Ebenezer 8 
 
 L. 
 
 Lambeth degree 165 
 
 England 26 
 
 Landaff [Llandaff], Bishop of, thanked 50 
 
 Lanesborough, Mass 44, 128, 174 
 
 Lansingburgh, N. Y 170 
 
 Lawson [Lamson], the Rev. Joseph 152 
 
 Lay Delegates, Convention of 25 
 
 Leaming, the Rev. Jeremiah, D.D 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 17, 21, 24, 
 
 52, 130, 135, 143, 146 
 
 Lebanon, Conn 42 
 
 Lebanon Springs, N. Y 174 
 
 Leeds, Carey 65, 66, 67, 70 
 
 Lenox, Mass 174 
 
 Litchfield, Conn 33, 61, 125, 133, 134, 145, 187 
 
 London, England 155 
 
 Bishop of 5, 123, 154, 155 
 
 Long Acre, Aberdeen, Scotland 124 
 
 Long Island 123 
 
 Sound 169 
 
 Louisiana 193 
 
 Lucas, the Rev. William 145 
 
 Lyttleton, the Rt. Rev. Charles, D.D 125, 126 
 
 M. 
 
 Macdonough, Commodore Thomas 191 
 
 Magaw, the Rev. Samuel, D.D 27 
 
 Malbone, Evan 172 
 
 Col. Godfrey 154, 156 
 
 Manchester, the Rev. Dr. L. C 171 
 
 Mansfield, the Rev. Richard, D.D 7, 17, 21, 34, 37, 38, 39, 41, 
 
 42, 43, 45. 46, 48, 50, 51, 52, 
 53, 54, 57, 58, 59, 60, 72, 80, 
 84, 90, 92, 96, 97, 98, 102, 
 103, 106, 118, 119, 146, 147, 
 148, 149, 165, 168, 173, 175, 
 184, 185 
 
 Markham, the Most Rev. William, D.D 10 
 
 Marlborough, Conn 141 
 
—213— 
 
 Marsh, David 65 
 
 the Rev. Truman, 
 
 sketch of 144, 146 
 
 mentioned 33, 34, 39, 41. 43, 44. 45, 46, 48, Si, 
 
 SS, 56, 58, 61, 64, 72, 74, 75, 78, 80, 
 84, go, 92, 96, 97, 98, 102, 103, 106, 
 118, 119, 145, 151, 179 
 
 Marshall, the Rev. John Rutgers 10 164 
 
 R- B 3 8 
 
 Maryland j^ 2 
 
 Massachusetts, 7>9t ^o, 162, 163 
 
 Mason, the Rev. Henry M., D.D 100 
 
 McCracken, John 183 
 
 McDonald, the Rev. Daniel, D.D 85, 86, 87, 88 
 
 McGarvey, the Rev. William, 
 
 Liturgiae Americanae 163 
 
 Merriam, the Rev. Clement 61, 62, 64, 71 
 
 Meriden, Conn 3^4 
 
 Merwin, Samuel 191 
 
 Middletown, Conn 11, 12, 14, 43, 64, 100, 114, 115, 125, 126, 161 
 
 Middle Haddam, Conn 141 
 
 Miles, the Rev. Smith, 
 
 sketch of 177, 178 
 
 mentioned 45, 46, 48, 49, 51, 64, 81, 84, 86, 88, 92, 
 
 93, 95, 96, 97, 149, 184 
 
 Mohawk Indians 158 
 
 Moore, the Rt. Rev. Benjamin, D.D 11, 13, 14, 28, 68, 69, 75, 161 
 
 the Most Rev. John, D.D 10 
 
 the Rt. Rev. Richard C, D.D 159 
 
 the Rev. Wm. H., D.D., 
 
 History of St George's Church, Hempstead, Long 
 
 Island 167 
 
 Morris, Conn 144 
 
 Morgan, John 84, 172, 183 
 
 J. Pierpont 171 
 
 Munday, widow Sarah 65 
 
 Muirson, the Rev. George 159 
 
 Munsey, George Burnham, 
 
 Journals of the first twenty-eight Conventions of 
 
 the Diocese of New Hampshire 168 
 
 N. 
 
 Narragansett, R. 1 176 
 
 Nash, the Rev. Daniel 150 
 
 Newark, N. J 158 
 
 New Brunswick, N. J 139 
 
 Newburgh, N. Y. 129 
 
— 214 — 
 
 Newburyport, Mass 154 
 
 New Concord, N. Y 128 
 
 New Hampshire, Diocese of 14, 25, 160, 168 
 
 New Haven, Conn 6, 8, 14, 16, 29, 40, 41, 42, 50, 62, 82, 87, 
 
 88, 93. 98, 100, 106, 116, 124, 135, 194 
 
 New Lisbon, N. Y 150 
 
 New London, Conn 6, 7, 10, 14, 22, 54, 139, 156, 175, 176, 195 
 
 New Milford, Conn 7. 44, 127, 144 
 
 New Orleans, La 193 
 
 New Preston, Conn 145 
 
 Newport, R. 1 124, 142 
 
 Newton, the Rev. Christopher 8, 131, 142 
 
 Newtown, Conn 6, 34, 54, 72, 105, 118, 136, 137, 146, 177 
 
 New York 5, 6, 9, 21, 78, 124, 156, 17s, 186, 192 
 
 City of 124, 175, 186, 192 
 
 Diocese of 176, 182, 184 
 
 Nichols., the Rev. James 134, 168 
 
 the Hon. Philip 41 
 
 Nisbett, the Rev. Samuel, M.D 23, 143 
 
 Noble, the Rev. Birdsey G 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 103, 104, 105, 
 
 106, 108, 109, no, 118, 119, 191 
 
 Nobles [Noble], the Rev. Birdsey G 85, 86, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 94 
 
 Nobletown, N. Y 128 
 
 North Bristol, Conn 187 
 
 North Carolina 154 
 
 Northfield, Conn 178 
 
 Northford, Conn 184 
 
 North Groton, Conn 6 
 
 North Guilford, Conn 125, 187 
 
 North Haven, Conn 23, 138, 143, 146, 149 
 
 North Killingworth, Conn 187 
 
 North Oxford, Conn 140 
 
 Norwalk, Conn 8, 77, no, 144, 169 
 
 Academy in 
 
 Norwich, Conn 8, 75, 141, 156, 157 
 
 Notitia Parochialis 41 
 
 Nova Scotia 124, 138 
 
 O. 
 
 Office of Induction 54, 182 
 
 Ogden, the Rev. Uzal, D.D 158, 162 
 
 Ogilvie, Catharine (Symes) 158 
 
 the Rev. George, 
 
 sketch of 158, 159 
 
 mentioned 35, 37, 38, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 48, 49 
 
 the Rev. John, D.D 158 
 
 Ohio 144 
 
 River 193 
 
—215— 
 
 Old French War 128 
 
 Oliver, the Rev. Thomas F 17 
 
 Onderdonk, the Rt. Rev. Benjamin T., D.D 150 
 
 Osbaldiston, the Rt. Rev. Richard, D.D 123, 125, 126 
 
 Otsego County, N. Y 150 
 
 Oxford, Conn 175 
 
 Oyster River, Conn 52 
 
 P. 
 
 Paddock, the Rev. Seth B 103 
 
 Palmer, the Rev. Solomon 127, 134 
 
 Pardee, the Rev. Amos 59, 61 
 
 Parker, the Rt. Rev. Samuel, D.D 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 21, 23, 25, 
 
 26, 68, 160, 162 
 
 Pauquatannok [Poquetanuck], Conn 46 
 
 Peekskill, N. Y 129 
 
 Pennsylvania 20, 26, 163 
 
 Perkins, Elias 191 
 
 Perry, the Rev. David, M.D., 
 
 sketch of 152, LS3 
 
 mentioned 34, 40, 44, 46, 47, 48, 49 
 
 Grace (Sturgis) 152 
 
 Joseph, M.D 135 
 
 the Rev. Joseph 57, 90, 94, 96, 99, 106 
 
 Micah 152 
 
 the Rev. Philo, 
 
 sketch of 135, 137 
 
 mentioned 33, 34, 37, 38, 41, 42, 43, 45, 46, 48, 
 
 49, 50, 51, I74> 184 
 
 Richard 152 
 
 Ruth (Preston) 135 
 
 the Rt. Rev. William S., D.D., LL.D 6 
 
 Historical Notes and Documents 16 
 
 Peter Lombard 165 
 
 Peters, John Thompson 191 
 
 Hon. John S 191 
 
 the Rev. Samuel, LL.D 141, 148, 168 
 
 Petrie, the Rt. Rev. Arthur, D.D 124 
 
 Philadelphia, Penn 26, 28, 51, 52, 145, 193 
 
 Phoebus, John H 115 
 
 Chants adapted to the Service of the Protestant 
 
 Episcopal Church 115, 194 
 
 Pittsburgh, Penna 193 
 
 Plainfield, N. H 168 
 
 Plumb, the Rev. Elijah G 76, 77, 79, 86, 88, 90, 91, 92, 93, 95 
 
 Plymouth, Conn 80, 81, 131, 139 
 
 Pomfret, Conn 155, J 56 
 
 Potter, the Rt. Rev. Horatio, D.D., D.C.L 106, 112, 114 
 
 William T 118 
 
 15 
 
— 2l6 
 
 PoUGHKEEPSIE, N. Y 129, 175 
 
 Prayer Book, the, 
 
 English IS 
 
 American 19 
 
 Proposed Book 19, 162 
 
 Changes proposed 14, 15, 20, 162, 163 
 
 Changes adopted 163 
 
 Use of 39 
 
 First edition of 162 
 
 Early editions of I7 1 
 
 Connecticut edition proposed 42, 161 
 
 editions issued Vj\ 
 
 Prindle, Anna (Scovill) 139 
 
 the Rev. Chauncey, 
 
 sketch of 139. 141 
 
 mentioned 33, 34, 37, 38, 40, 41, 42, 44, 45, 46, 
 
 48, 49, SO, Si, 52, 53, 55, 57, 58, 59, 
 61, 62, 64, 65, 71, 72, 74, 80, 81, 84, 
 86, 88, 90, 92, 93, 96, 118, 137, 146, 
 164, 167 
 
 Eleazar 139 
 
 Propagation Society, the venerable 5, 6, 123, 125, 126, 127, 128, 
 
 130, 139, 156 
 
 Protestant Episcopal Press, the 192 
 
 Providence, R. 1 142 
 
 Provoost, the Rt. Rev. Samuel, D.D 11, 20, 21, 127, 159, 162, 184 
 
 Price, the Rev. Roger , 7 
 
 Pyne, the Rev. Smith, D.D 114, 115 
 
 Punderson, the Rev. Ebenezer 124 
 
 Purdee [Pardee], the Rev. Amos 48 
 
 R- 
 
 Rattoone, the Rev. Elijah D., D.D 144 
 
 Rayner, the Rev. Menzies Tj, 78, 81, 86, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 
 
 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 102, 105, 183, 185 
 
 Reading [Redding], Conn 40, 48, 49, 144 
 
 Records of Convocation, 
 
 mentioned 3, 123, 124, 127, 153, 165, 167, 175, 177, 178 
 
 Redding Ridge, Conn 9, 136 
 
 Revolution, the American 5, 9, 123, 125, 130, 154, 157, 175, 183 
 
 Reyner [Rayner], the Rev. Menzies ... .56, 57, 61, 62, 63, 64, 71, 72, 75, 76 
 
 Rhode Island 12, 14 
 
 Church in 52 
 
 Richmond, the Rev. Wm 193 
 
 Ridgefield, Conn 40, 49, 152, 153 
 
 Ripton, Conn 8, 131 
 
 Rochester, N. Y 135 
 
— 217 — 
 
 Rogers, the Rev. Ammi 56, 57, 59, 65, 66, 67, 73, 75, 127 
 
 suspension of with sentence 62, 63 
 
 degradation of 63 
 
 petition of 93 
 
 mentioned 149, 150, 183, 184, 185, 186 
 
 the Rev. Evan 55, 57, 65, 77 
 
 Rossiter, the Rev. Rodney 96, 97, 100, 103, 112, 114 
 
 Roxbury, Conn 145 
 
 Mass. : 124, 125 
 
 Royal American Regiment 124, 158, 160 
 
 Rudd, the Rev. John C, D.D 91, 192 
 
 Rutledge, the Rev. Edward 106, 108, m 
 
 Rye, N. Y 5,65 
 
 S. 
 
 Salem, Conn 37, 167 
 
 Mass 25- 
 
 Salisbury, Conn 47 
 
 Sandersfield [Sandisfield], Mass '. 47 
 
 Sandgate, Vt 168 
 
 Sanford, Thomas 183 
 
 Saybrook 125 
 
 Platform 6 
 
 Sayre, the Rev. James, 
 
 sketch of 129, 131 
 
 protest of 35, 36 
 
 Inhibition of 45, 177 
 
 mentioned 33, 34, 164 
 
 the Rev. John 129 
 
 Scotland 21, 123, 124, 129 
 
 Scovill, the Rev. James 8, 131, 139, 164 
 
 Seabury, Abigail (Mumford) 123 
 
 the Rev. Charles, 
 
 sketch of 175, 176 
 
 mentioned 44, 45, 46, 48, 50, 51, 53, 56, 58, 64, 
 
 71, 75, 79, 84, 86, 88 
 
 Mary (Hicks) *.... 175 
 
 the Rev. Samuel 123, 126, 167, 176 
 
 the Rt. Rev. Samuel, D.D., 
 
 sketch of 123, 124 
 
 Consecration of 11 
 
 first ordination of 12 
 
 first charge of 12 
 
 second charge of 19 
 
 mitre of 23 
 
 burial of 156 
 
 The Communion Office 18 
 
 Collects for Courts of Justice 49, 180, 181 
 
— 2I&— 
 
 Seabury, Registry of Ordinations 152, 167, 169, 177 
 
 Letters of a Westchester Farmer 123 
 
 mentioned 3, 10, u, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 
 
 21, 22, 23, 25, 33, 35, 37, 38, 39, 40, 
 41, 42, 43. 44, 45. 46, 48, 49. 52, 129, 
 130, 132, 134, 136, 137, 139, 141, 142, 
 143, 145, 152, 153, 157, 160, 161, 162, 
 165, 168, 169, 174. 175, 177 
 
 the Rev. Samuel, D.D 176 
 
 the Rev. William J., D.D., 
 
 The Election in Order to Consecration of the First 
 
 Bishop of Connecticut 10 
 
 mentioned 176, 180, 181 
 
 Searle, the Rev. Roger 64, 71, 72, 80, 81, 82, 85, 86, 87, 88, 
 
 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 95, 142 
 
 Service, form of, during the Revolution 9 
 
 Setauket, Long Island 176 
 
 Seymour, Conn 147 
 
 Shelton, Daniel 131 
 
 the Rev. George 106 
 
 Hamilton 132 
 
 the Rev. Philo, 
 
 sketch of 131-133 
 
 mentioned 17. 33, 34. 38, 40. 41. 42, 43. 45, 46, 48, 
 
 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 
 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 70, 71, 72, 74, 
 75, 77, 79, 80, 81, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 
 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 95, 96, 99, 100, 139, 153 
 
 Mrs. Philo 104, 133 
 
 Samuel 131 
 
 the Rev. William, D.D 106, 131 
 
 Sherlock, the Rt. Rev. Thomas, D.D 123 
 
 Sherman, Conn 173 
 
 Sherwood, John 132 
 
 the Rev. Reuben, D.D 92, 94, 95, 96, 99, 100, 103, 
 
 106, in, 114 
 
 Shipman, Elias 172 
 
 Sigourney, Charles 99 
 
 Simsbury, Conn 8, 178 
 
 Skinner, the Rt. Rev. John, D.D 21, 23, 124 
 
 Slafter, the Rev. Edmund F., D.D 9 
 
 Smith, the Rev. Charles 95, 96, 97 
 
 Hon. Nathan 99 
 
 the Rt. Rev. Robert, D.D 126, 160, 161 
 
 the Rev. William, D.D 20, 23, 26, 27, 28, 161 
 
 the Rev. William, D.D., of Connecticut 51, 52, 53, 54, 58, 60, 
 
 62, 63, 64, 71, 86, 88, 
 91, 92, 93, 126 
 
— 2ig — 
 
 Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, 
 See Propagation Society. 
 
 Som aster's Library 87, 107, 188 
 
 Somers, the Rev. Daniel 96, 102 
 
 South Carolina 144 
 
 Southington, Conn 134 
 
 Spraggs, the Rev. Samuel 17 
 
 Sprague, the Rev. Wm. B., D.D., 
 
 Annals of the American Pulpit, V 7, 170, 175 
 
 Stamford, Conn 6, 22, 65, 66, in 
 
 Standing Order 6, 123, 141, 155, 169 
 
 Starr, Jonathan 172 
 
 State Prayers 14, 17 
 
 Steele, the Rev. Ashbel 114 
 
 Stevens, the Rev. C. Ellis, LL.D., D.C.L., 
 
 The^ Genesis of the American Prayer Book 163 
 
 Stiles, the Rev. Ezra, D.D. 
 
 The Literary Diary 17 
 
 St. John, New Brunswick 130, 151 
 
 Stone, the Rev. Benjamin W 146 
 
 the Rev. John S„ D.D 145 
 
 Memoir of the Rt. Rev. Alexander Viets Griszvold, D.D. 179 
 
 Stratfield [Bridgeport] , Conn 28, 40, 132 
 
 Stratford, Conn 6, 7, 30, 48, 86, 11 1, 130, 135, 195 
 
 Strebeck, the Rev. George 77 
 
 Sydney, Cape Breton 148 
 
 T. 
 
 Talmage, Captain Amzi 80 
 
 Terrick, the Rt. Rev. Richard, D.D 128, 154, 156 
 
 Thomas, the Rt. Rev. John, D.D 123 
 
 Thorpe, Sheldon B., 
 
 Annals of North Haven 149 
 
 Todd, the Rev. Ambrose, 
 
 sketch of 157, 158 
 
 mentioned 35, 38, 41, 42, 45, 46, 49, 50, 53, 57, 58, 60, 
 
 62, 64, 65, 66, 70, 77, 96, 97, 100, 118, 139, 
 142, 144, 149, 172, 178, 184 
 
 the Rev. Ambrose Seymour, D.D 96, 97, 100, 158, 195 
 
 the Rev. Charles Jarvis 158 
 
 Tood [Todd], the Rev. Ambrose 57 
 
 Townsend, the Rev. Epenetus 152 
 
 Tracy, John 15 
 
 Trinity College, Hartford, Conn 23 
 
 See Washington College. 
 
 Troy, N. Y 169 
 
 Trumbull, the Rev. Benjamin, D.D 146 
 
 John 157 
 
220 
 
 Tryon, General William 131 
 
 Turkey Hills [in Simsbury], Conn 8 
 
 Twiss, Sir Travers, D.C.L 12 
 
 Tyler, the Rev. John, 
 
 sketch of 155, 157 
 
 mentioned 35, 38, 42, 43, 48, 50, 55, 56, 61, 71, 74. 
 
 141, 149, 150, 184, 190 
 
 The Blessing of Peace 156, 157 
 
 John 155 
 
 Mary (Doolittle) 155 
 
 U. 
 
 United British Empire 160 
 
 University, Brown 179 
 
 Cambridge, England 165 
 
 Harvard 179 
 
 Oxford, England 124, 165 
 
 Paris, France 165 
 
 Princeton 179 
 
 Usher, the Rev. John 143 
 
 the Rev. John, Jr 143 
 
 V. 
 
 Van Dyck, the Rev. Henry 132, 142, 143 
 
 Van Dyke [Van Dyck], the Rev. Henry 17 
 
 Vermont 9, 128, 148, 168 
 
 Diocese of 168 
 
 Vergennes, Vt 175 
 
 Viets, the Rev. Roger 8, 21, 157, 158, 178 
 
 W. 
 
 Wainwright, the Rt. Rev. Jonathan M., D.D 95, 195 
 
 Walden, N. Y 129 
 
 • Wallingford, Conn 8, 10, 20, 138, 156, 184 
 
 Walter, the Rev. William, D.D 124, 125 
 
 Ward, the Rev. John 76 
 
 Warner [Warren] , the Rev. Joseph 56, 57 
 
 the Rev. Ransom 103, 114 
 
 Warren, Eliakim 169 
 
 the Rev. Joseph ' 59, 149, 184 
 
 Waterbury, Conn 37, 96, 131, 139 
 
 Waterbury, David 65 
 
 Waterford, N. Y 170 
 
 Watertown, Conn 37, 40, 74, 131, 139 
 
 Watkinson, David 191 
 
 Watson, the Rev. William, D.D 1 16 
 
 Washington, Conn 133 
 
— 221 — 
 
 Washington College, Hartford, 
 
 proposed 99 
 
 mentioned 115, 170, 175, 195 
 
 chartered 191 
 
 Name changed to Trinity College 191 
 
 See Trinity College. 
 
 Washington College, Maryland 23, 26 
 
 Wells, the Rev. E. M. P., D.D 118 
 
 the Rev. Noah 125 
 
 Welton, the Rev. Alanson ' 94 
 
 the Rev. Joseph D 80, 81, 82, 85, 86, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 94, 96 
 
 Mrs. Joseph D 105 
 
 Westchester, N. Y 123, 17s 
 
 West Haven, Conn 6 
 
 Weston, Conn 132 
 
 Wethersfield, Conn 167 
 
 Wetmore, the Rev. James '. 6, 152 
 
 Wheaton, the Rev. Nathaniel S., D.D 96, 98, 99, 100, 102, 103, 108, 
 
 in, 112, 114, us, 191 
 
 the Rev. Salmon, D.D 77 
 
 Wheeler, the Rev. Russell 64, 65, 71, 72, 74, 75, 78, 79, 80, 
 
 81, 82, 84, 86, 88 
 
 Wheelock, the Rev. Eleazar, D.D 141 
 
 White, the Rev. Calvin 53, 62, 65, 71, 77, 80, 86, 88, 89, 91, 95 
 
 the Rt. Rev. William, D.D 16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 
 
 68, 69, 72, 75, 127, 129, 144, 145 
 
 Memoirs of the Church 160 
 
 Whitestown, N. Y 140 
 
 Whiting, Calvin 183 
 
 Whitlock, the Rev. Henry 57, 60, 61, 64, 65, 71, 75, 77, 78, 81, 
 
 82, 84, 86, 87, 88, 89 
 
 Wilkins, the Rev. Isaac, D.D 123 
 
 Williams, Israel 42 
 
 the Rt. Rev. John, D.D., LL.D 3, 10, 18, 147 
 
 Men for the Times 10 
 
 The Wise Ruler 18 
 
 deWood, Antony 165 
 
 Woodbury, Conn 10, 37, 45, 46, 89, 101, 131, 134, 155 
 
 Wooster, Hon. John 41 
 
 Worthington [New Britain], Conn 167 
 
 Y. 
 
 Yale College 124, 125, 127, 131, 133, 135, 137, 146, 148, 
 
 155, 157, 165, 167, 177 
 
 York, Archbishop of 10, 12 
 
 Young, Ebenezer 191 
 
 Zoar, Conn 175 
 
ERRATA. 
 
 The Reader is asked to make these Corrections. 
 
 Page 142. 
 
 Stratford for Stamford. 
 
 152. 
 
 Lamson for Lawson. 
 
 157- 
 
 Hull for Hall. 
 
 179. 
 
 1836 for 1830. 
 
 182. 
 
 1808 for 1868. 
 
 184. 
 
 Miles for Mills. 
 
 186. 
 
 1805 for 1808. 
 
 191. 
 
 1845 for 1848. 
 
 195- 
 
 Convocation for Convention