The following Lay Delegates presented their testimonials, and signed the declaration required by the second article of the Con stitution : John Gibson, S. I. Donaldson, Samuel Cheston, Allen Thomas, Levin Keene, J. A. M. Duncanson, On motion, the Convention proceeded to elect, viva voce, a Secretary to the Convention. Whereupon Hervey Colburn was declared to be unanimously re-elected. The President re-appointed the Rev. F. A. Baker, assistant Seeretary. The Standing Committees were then announced, as follows: ON THE RIGHTS OF CLERGYMEN TO SEATS. Rev. Dr. Wyatt, Rev. Mr. Austin, and Rev. Jos. Trapnell, Jr. ON ELECTION OF LAY DELEGATES.. S. I. Donaldson, Esq., Dr. Allen Thomas, and Jas. T. Earle, Esq. ON PAROCHIAL CONTRIBUtions. Rev. H. Stringfellow, Rev. Mr. Owen, Dr. Jas. Stewart. ON ACCOUNTS. Rev. Alfred A. Miller, T. J. Dorsett, and Jacob Winchester, Esqs. ON ADMISSION OF NEW CONGREGATIONS. Rev. Mr. Atkinson, Rev. Mr. Gassaway, Hon. E. F. Chambers, H. D. Evans, and J. W. Magruder, Esqs. On motion, Resolved, That a Committee of three be appointed, to enquire into the expediency of a form of Constitution for Churches, to be hereafter incorporated, to be recommended by the Convention, but its adoption not to be obligatory upon congregations. The chair appointed the Rev. Mr. Pinkney, H. D. Evans, and B. T. B. Worthington, Esqrs., said committee. On motion, Resolved, That clergymen present who are not entitled to seats, and candidates for orders, be invited to take seats as honorary members. The Secretary made the following reports: The subscriber reports to the Convention, that all the Records of the Convention up to the year 1840, and all the Documents to the year 1843, were destroyed by fire on the 24th of January last. At the same time, the balance of the edition of the Canons, and the printed Journals of Convention, were also consumed. Respectfully submitted, H. COLBURN, Secretary. May 27, 1846. In accordance with the requirements of the 5th canon, the Secretary reports to the Convention the names of the following clergymen who were absent from the Conventions of 1844 and 1845: On motion, Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed to enquire what action it is expedient to take upon the matter brought before the Convention by the report of the Secretary on the subject of the records. The chair appointed the Rev. H. T. Harrison, Rev. Matthias Harris, Dr. H. Penn, J. Mason Campbell, and E. J. Middleton, Esqrs., said committee. On motion, the Convention then adjourned. WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON, May 27, 1846. The Convention re-assembled at 4 o'clock. The roll was called, and the minutes of the morning's proceedings read and approved. The chair stated that the Rev. F. A. Baker being unable to serve, he had appointed Dr. Francis Donaldson assistant Secretary. The following clergymen not present this morning, answered to their names this afternoon : Rev. John R. Keech, "J. N. McJilton, Rev. Charles E. Pleasants, "Russell Trevett. On motion, Resolved, That a committee of two be appointed to enquire whether any and what amount of property may exist in this Diocese to which dilapidated parishes, or churches, may be entitled, and report accordingly. The chair appointed the Rev. R. W. Goldsborough, and Frederick W. Brune, Jr., Esq., said committee. On motion, Resolved, That a committee of three persons be appointed to enquire whether some more suitable place of meeting for this Convention may not be obtained than that now occupied by it. The chair appointed the following gentleman said committee: Robert Neilson, John R. Duvall, and S. I. Donaldson, Esqrs. The Committee on the rights of clergymen to seats in this Convention reported in favor of the following gentlemen: |