The Life and Times of Thomas John Claggett; First Bishop of Maryland and the First Bishop Consecrated in America (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1913. Excerpt: ... THE BISHOP AT WORK In the year 1803 the members of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Delaware, in annual convention, unanimously resolved that it was their wish to have the state of Delaware added to the diocese of the bishop of Maryland, that they might have the benefit of his episcopal visitations, and also resolved that when it was deemed expedient by the Church of Maryland, their convention would cheerfully join in electing a bishop for the eastern shore of Maryland and the state of Delaware. The Rev. William Pryce, of Trinity Church, Wilmington, was appointed to carry this matter before the Maryland Church at its next convention to be held in Baltimore. The following year Mr. Pryce reported to his convention that he had met his Maryland brethren in June preceding, that he was received with attention and politeness, but that the convention of that state deemed an union of the two dioceses, at that time, premature and inexpedient. He further stated that he had waited on Bishop Claggett, had been received by him in a very friendly and affectionate manner, and that the bishop had promised to visit the congregations to which he might be invited as often as his extensive duties, ill health, and declining years would permit. The Delaware convention thereupon passed an unanimous resolution requesting the Bishop of Maryland to make their churches a part of his diocese and to perform all such episcopal duties as he might deem conducive to the interests and prosperity of the Church in Delaware. In 1805 the Delaware convention invited Bishop Claggett to open the next conmention with a sermon, but he did not do this, nor do we find that the bishop ever performed very extensive ministrations in that state. With advancing age and feeble health he already had a fie...