Page:The New International Encyclopædia 1st ed. v. 07.djvu/180

* EPISCOPAL CHUKCH. 154 EPISCOPAL CHURCH. Church of England. In Pennsylvania the Eng- huieli was not introduced by foreign offi- cials, as in New York, nor by foreign mission- aries as in New Jersey, but arose from a demand of the inhabitants themselves, holding an analo- gous position to that of Connecticut in relation to Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The charter granted to William Penn, sole proprietor of Pennsylvania and Delaware, stipulated that "on the petitions of twenty persons, a preacher or preachers might be sent out for their instruction and should be permitted to reside in the Province without any denials or molestation whatever." According to this proviso the first church build- ini'. thi precursor of Christ Church, was erected in Philadelphia in 1685, and George Keith, a seceder from the Quakers, became the first travel- ins missionary of the S. P. G. in 1702. But Keith's' coming, in the latter part of 1701, -the Society, in answer to a lawful petition of sufficient citizens, according to the chatter, had sent the first settled missionary. Rev. Evan Evans, a ~i renuous man who, before Keith's arrival, had baptized over 500 adults and children of Quaker families, thus making evident a legiti- mate demand for the Episcopal Church. The movement to constitute one Episcopal Church for the whole United States began on May 11. 1784, at New Brunswick, N. J. Clergymen from New York, Xew Jersey, and Pennsylvania had gathered there by appointment in the inter- ests of the 'Corporation for the Relief of the Widows and Orphans of the Clergy.' But their minds were charged with larger interests than the resuscitation of this benevolent corporation. They began at once to discuss the principles of a national ecclesiastical union. A committee of correspondence was appointed "for the purpose of forming a Continental representation of the Episcopal Church and for the better management of the concerns of said Church." It was resolved also In call a meeting, as generally representa- tive as possible of the clergy and laity of the different States, in the city of Xew York, on October 6th of the same year. Eighl States were represented at this meeting, luit some of the delegates hud not been regularly appointed, and those who were had only received authority to propose and deliberate. The con- vi lit inn. however, signed a declaration of "Fun- damental Principles of an Ecclesiastical Consti- tution," and appointed September 27th of the fol- lowing year | 1786) as the date of a general con- vention to discuss their proposals, which advo- cated "one general Episcopal Church for the United States, to !«■ constitutionally governed by representatives, clerical and lay, from the Church in each Slate." ]t was further resolved "That this Church embody the doctrine and adopt the liturgy of the English Church, so far iili the changed political condi- tion," and "That bishops be recognized as ex members of the General Convention, and m i. in-,, of el b essen- i i ures." 1 bold ant icipat ion of a future which in hi the time of its formulation. The clergy of Connecticut had elected the Re their first bishop, and be had all :, attempt to secure con- the Church of England, which hud failed through political in the way of free action on the part of an established Church. In the event, after waiting sixteen, months, he proceeded to Scotland and there (on November 14, 1784) was finally con- secrated by three bishops of the Scottish Episco- pal Church, who were not hampered by any con- nection with the State. Thus was ended the anomalous condition which had so hampered the Colonial churches, by obliging their candidates for ordination to take the long and perilous sea voyage in order to receive the episcopal laying on of hands. The first authorized General Convention was held in Christ Church, Philadelphia, September 27, 1785. After it had been called, the churches in the separate States had met in convention, or- ganized their dioceses, and appointed their dele- gates. Bishop Seabury was invited to attend, hut his dissent from several of the fundamental principles kept him away, and with him all the delegates from New England absented themselves. However, of the thirteen States, seven (includ- ing all the Middle and Southern States, except Georgia) were represented by 16 clergymen and 24 laymen. The fundamental principles formu- lated in 1784 were adopted with some slight modifications. In accordance with them, the "General Ecclesiastical Constitution of the Prot- estant Episcopal Church in America" was com- pleted, which was to be presented to the churches in the various dioceses and ratified by the General Convention in 1789. It contained the general provisions already expressed and was firm in its maintenance of lay representa- tion in the legislature of the Church. The committee which drafted the Constitution was empowered to make necessary liturgical al- terations in the Prayer Book, and to prepare a plan for obtaining the consecration of more bishops. The Convention then adjourned, to await the reply of the English bishops, and to meet again in Philadelphia, June 20, 1786. The answer of the English bishops, which arrived in May, indicated that they would gladly comply with the request to consecrate bishops for America, could they be assured of the doctrinal and disciplinary soundness of the constitution and liturgy of the Protestant Episcopal Church. A reply was sent, acknowledging the reasonable- ness of hesitation on their part and furnishing copies of the Ecclesiastical Constitution and the Proposed Book, as evidences of the soundness of the American Church in doctrine, discipline, and worship. The English bishops expressed dis- satisfaction with the liturgical changes of the Proposed Hook, insisting only on the restoration of the Apostles' Creed in its integrity, yet urging a retention of the Nicene and Athanasian creeds. even if the use of them were merely optional. Before an answer to this could lie sent, another communication came from the Archbishop of Canterbury, inclosing the act of Parliament authorizing the consecration of bishops for America, and announcing that only three bishops would be consecrated. The Convention of 17S5, already twice ad- journed, loei again at Wilmington, Del., October lit. 1786, and consented to restore the Vpostles' ('reed in its integrity, introduced the Nicene Creed into Optional Use, but declined even III insert the Athanasian Creed. Other changes of lation, not very essential, commended by the