ST. MARK'S CHURCH SCHOOL.

Male Department.

At the commencement of the last seaton, the superintendent was highly gratified with the prospect of the school, there being from 35 to 40 regular attendants, which were divided into seven classes, and taught by the supe intendent, 2 young gentlemen belonging to the church, and 2 of the oldest of the boys, whom it was thought proper to make teachers. Their improvement is satisfactory, and their be haviour such as to merit the approbation of the superintendent.

But from causes unknown to the superintendent, in November last, the school began to fall away, and is now dwindled to about 20 regular attendants. The superintendent still hopes that, with the opening season, the school will regain its former flourishing situation. Those wh remain in school, are principally the old est attendants; several of them repeat the Church Catechism weekly to the rector,

Female Department.

Thirty-five scholars have been received in this school since the last report; many also have left it-some from necessity, others from choice. It is, however, a source of happiness to state, that there is an increase in point of numbers, both as it regards the names on the register, (now amounting to 77,) and those who regu larly attend. Though there still subsists a vast disproportion between the growth of the little flock generally "in the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour JesusChrist," and the sanguine expectations concerning them; yet the rapid progress of a few, and the desire of improvement manifested by many of the most unpromising among them, encourages the hope, that the God of all grace has been with the work.

This school is at present under the care of a superintendent and teachers. On Sunday last, a premium was awarded to one of the scholars by the rector of the church, for her knowledge and right understanding of the Church Catechism.

ST. PHILIP'S CHURCH SCHOOL. (Composed entirely of coloured persons.)

Male Department.

light, and have made a highly creditable progress. The school might be much enlarged, could a sufficient number of well qualified persons be found, who were willing to perform the labours of teaching and searching for scholars. But as it is, there is cause of thankfulness to God for what he has enabled us to do, and for brightening the prospects of future usefulness to those engaged in the work.

The present scholars and teachers manifest such a pleasure in their work, as indicates its continuance and increase.

Female Department.

The number of scholars on the list is 48, but the general attendance does not exceed 25. There are a superintendent and 4 teachers.

Since the last report, this school has been in an improving state. The teachers and scholars both manifest an increasing pleasure in their employments. The children have made a satisfactory progress in learning, and conduct themselves with a propriety that shows they have not been instructed in vain. They encourage the hope, that some of the brightest future ornaments of the church will be from among their number.

ST. THOMAS'S CHURCH (FEMALE)
SCHOOL.

After several preparatory meetings, this school was opened on the 11th March, 1827, with a very appropriate prayer by the rector, who, at the request of the superintendent, attended on this interesting occasion. Too much praise cannot be given to the young ladies of this church who volunteered their services as teachers, and who have been punctual in their attendance, and unremitting in their endeavours to improve the morals, as well as the minds, of the children committed to their care; many of whom, taken out of the street, had never been at any school, and seldom at church.

The superintendent, in seeking out scholars, met with several Episcopal families who were about placing their children in Sunday schools of other denominations, because there was no Episcopal Sunday school near enough to send their very small children. Others quite unsettled in their faith, are as willing to become Epis. copalians as any thing, and very readily and gladly consented to their children being taken into the school. The school consists of about 40 scholars; between 30 and 40 attend regularly. The others, from sickness and other causes, have been prevented attending as regularly as the teachers would desire.

The school is under the care of a superintendent and 12 teachers, and is divided into four classes-1st. the Bible, 2d. easy

reading, 3d. spelling, 4th. alphabet. They are all instructed in the Church Catechism, except the very small ones, who are taught the Lord's prayer, the creed, and the ten commandments, by repeating them after their teachers. Their progress is beyond the most sanguine expectations of the superintendent, many of them receiving no other instruction.

TRINITY CHURCH (FEMALE) SCHOOL.

The superintendent reports, that the school at present consists of 31 scholars, 15 white and 16 coloured. In consequence of having so recently entered upon the duties of her office, she can give but little information respecting the school. It is very desirable that there should be a larger number of teachers, as the school is gradually increasing; and it affords her satisfaction to observe, that the scholars

are generally attentive and well disposed, some of them meriting particular approbation.

We cannot close this report without adverting to an event in the history of our church, having the most important bearing on her Sunday school operations, which has characterized the past year. We mean the establishment of "The General Protestant Episcopal Sunday School Union." This event took place in the city of Philadelphia, in the month of November last, during the session of the General Convention. It was the result of the co-operation of bishops, clergymen, and laymen, from all parts of the United States. It has been located in this city; and the executive committee have adopted various measures, the result of which will, probably very soon, be an extensive and efficient prosecution of the good purposes designed by its establishment. We are happy to say, that to the funds necessary to this end, the Episcopalians of this city have contributed with a very commendable liberality. Proportioned contributions from other parts of the United States will make it, indeed, a most efficient and influential institution. Its object is to concentrate information, for the purpose of suggesting the best plans of Sunday school instruction, and disseminating intelligence on the subject of this important department of religious and charitable operation; and especially, to provide a supply of all sorts of books, cards, &c. proper to be

It is

used in Episcopal Sunday schools, so ample as to furnish them at the lowest price to all parts of the country. for this last purpose, particularly, that the recent successful application has been made to the members of our church in this city.

Connexion with this General Union does not in the least interfere with the irresponsible control and management which the clergy of the several parishes, and such of their parishioners as may be duly associated with them, ought to have of their respective schools; nor with the similar privileges of any association like ours. It is only intended to afford them facilities in their important operations.

with this general institution; and in Our society has been placed in union perfect consistency with this, will continue to prosecute its own proper work. Its books, &c. will be purchased from the depository of the General Union as soon as that shall be established and in operation; which, it is expected, will soon be the case. Our friends and fellow members of the church will, therefore, distinguish between the contributions which they have generously made towards commencing those operations of the General Union, which will, in a great measure, support themselves by sales of books, &c. to schools in all parts of the country; and the annual appeal, which our society will soon renew, to enable it to furnish to its own schools the requisite supply of those indispensable mediums of instruction.

In contributions to this end, in personal services, and especially in prayers for the direction and blessing of that heavenly grace, without which all human efforts are vain, we ask the cooperation of our fellow-members of the church in the good work which we have in hand. And especially, with gratitude for their past services, would we solicit a continuance of the faithful and successful labours of the superintendents, teachers, and directors of the several schools.

Signed by order of the board,
HENRY ROGERS, Chairman pro tem.
Attested,

THOMAS N. STANFORD, Sec'ry.
New-York, April 27, 1827.

From the Church Register for May 19, 1827.

Bishop White's Address to the Convention of Pennsylvania.

Brethren, the Clergy and the lay

Deputies of this Convention; My report, at this my forty-third attendance on an annual meeting of the convention of the diocese, is as follows: In the last week of July, I attended at the annual meeting of the trustees of the Theological Seminary in NewYork; when, besides the being again gratified by the display of the abilities of the professors, and the proficiency of the pupils, I became a witness of the progress of the building, which is to be the future seat of instruction.

On the 1st day of August, in the city of Newcastle, and state of Delaware, I ordained to the holy office of deacons, Henry V.D.Johns, in Emmanuel church in that city. On the same day, and in the same church, I held a confirmation, and preached twice.

On the 27th day of August, in Trinity church, Southwark, Philadelphia, I ordained to the holy office of deacons, William Bryant and William Henry Rees, and preached on that occasion.

On the 24th of September, in St. James's church, Philadelphia, I ordained to the holy office of deacons, Benjamin Hutchins, of this state.

On the 25th of September, I set off for Wilkesbarre, and for the Beech Woods; being accompanied by the Rev. Jackson Kemper. On the 28th I preached in the borough of Wilkesbarre, as did Mr. Kemper on the 27th, who, on both of these occasions, performed divine service.

On the next day we entered the Beech Woods, being accompanied by the Hon. Judge Scott, who accommodated us by the furnishing of his carriage and his horses on this tour. On the first evening we were at Springville, where Mr. Kemper read prayers and preached.

On the next day, we reached the furthest point of our destination, the neighbourhood of the church lately built near Wyalusing Creek; where, in the evening, Mr. Kemper read prayers and preached.

On the next day, being Sunday, the

1st of October, I consecrated the church. I also preached, confirmed, and administered the communion in it, Mr Kemper assisting. In the afternoon, the Rev. Enoch Huntington, who had joined us from Wilkesbarre, delivered a discourse, Mr. Kemper reading prayers: who also preached in the evening, prayers being read by the Rev. Samuel Marks, the minister of the place.

On the next day, in returning, we departed from the direct road, crossing to New-Milford, in which there is a small body of Episcopalians, who had been accustomed to assemble on the Lord's day for divine worship; a discreet and respectable layman reading the service. Here Mr. Kemper preached in the evening, Mr. Marks, who had accompanied us, reading prayers. On the next day, I preached, confirmed, and administered the communion, Mr. Marks reading prayers: after which, towards the evening, we reached Montrose, the county town of Susquehanna county. There is not here the semblance of an Episcopal congregation; but I preached in the court house to an attentive gathering of the inhabitants, Mr. Marks reading prayers. After the finishing of the exercises, we were most agreeably surprised, on finding ourselves approached by my right reverend brother, Bishop Hobart; who, after a visit to a distant part of his dio, cese, was on his return, through the northern part of Pennsylvania. On hearing of our engagement in the court, house, he repaired to it; and we had the satisfaction of a conversation of an hour or two with him, before our retiring to rest.

In the morning of the next day, we reached Springville, in which there is a congregation recognized by our convention. They are not possessed of a church, but worship in a commodious school-house belonging to them. Here I preached, confirmed, and administered the communion, prayers being read by Mr. Kemper. In the evening, Mr. Kemper preached, Mr. Marks reading prayers. Under his ministry, this place is united with Wyalusing.

The next day we set off for Wilkesbarre, at which we arrived in the evening. Here Mr. Kemper preached on

the evening of the 5th and the 7th, Mr. Huntington reading prayers: and on Sunday the 8th, I preached, confirmed, and administered the communion, Mr. Kemper reading prayers; who also preached in the afternoon and in the evening, Mr. Huntington reading prayers. On the next day we set off for home, where we arrived on the 11th of the month. Our journey, reckoning our deviations from the roads, extended to about four hundred miles.

On the 12th day of November, in St. Peter's church, in the city of Philadelphia, I ordained to the holy office of priests, David C. Page, of this state. On Sunday, the 24th of December, in Christ church, Philadelphia, 1 ordained to the holy office of deacons, Pierce Connelly and James May; the former of whom was soon after transferred to the state of Delaware. In the afternoon of the same day, I held a confirmation in St. Paul's church, of the same city.

On Sunday, the 8th of April, I administered the same rite in St. Stephen's church, Philadelphia. On Sunday, the 22d of the same month, I held a confirmation, preached, and administered the communion in St. John's church, Norristown.

The last particular of my report for the year just now ended, are the ordination of the Rev James De Pui to the priesthood, and the administration of the holy rite of confirmation, which have taken place on this day, in the presence of the body now assembled, after the consecration of the church in which those exercises were performed.

The occasions of my holding confirmations in the churches under my parochial care, have not been noticed. The number of my confirmations is two hundred and five.

The changes in our ministry are as follows:

The Rev William A. Muhlenburg has been transferred from this diocese to that of New-York. It was an omission in my last annual report, not to mention, that in the borough in which we are assembled, he had given a beginning to the organizing of a congregation, which has resulted in the building of the church this day consecrated.

The Rev. Levi S. Ives resigned the charge of Trinity church, Southwark, Philadelphia, and has accepted of the rectory of St. James's church, Lancaster. In the former charge, he has been succeeded by the Rev. William Mead, from New-York, who, soon after the last convention, was chosen to Christ church, Reading, his place there being now supplied by the Rev. Henry J. Whitehouse, from the diocese of NewYork.

The Rev. John V. E. Thorn, from the same diocese, is now settled in the church of St. James the Greater, in Bristol. The Rev. Mr. Chaderton, having removed from Mantua, is resident in the same borough, without a cure. The Rev. Enoch Huntington has been transferred from the diocese. The Rev. James May, a deacon, not long since ordained, has been chosen to the church in Wilkesbarre. The Rev. Benjamin Hutchins, also recently ordained a deacon, has been made a missionary, beyond the Alleghany Mountains, in the service of the Society for the Advancement of Christianity in Pennsylvania. The Rev. George Kirk, lately ordained a deacon by Bishop Moore, of Virginia, has been transferred by him to this diocese.

John T. Adderly, Nathan Stem, George E. Hare, and Christian Wiltberger, have been admitted candidates for holy orders. The present number of candidates is nine.

My account of the various institutions of our church is as follows:

The executive committee of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society have still reason to complain that the members of our communion in the other states have not sustained themi by supplies adequate to what might reasonably have been expected, in favour of an institution established by the authority of the whole church. We have lately the satisfaction of an improvement of our prospects; and there is the greater call of attention to the subject, not only with a view to more extensive usefulness, but because a disproportionate share of the burden has hitherto fallen on the Episcopalians of the city of Philadelphia, who, with very little aid beyond its vicinity, have also

to support a similar society for churches and missions within the limits of the commonwealth.

The society last alluded to, entitled, "For the Advancement of Christianity in the State of Pennsylvania," has had the satisfaction of causing its energies to be felt in most of the districts of country within the contemplated limits. They are, however, embarrassed occasionally by the circumstance, that the notoriety of their existence continues to increase the claims on them, which they will not be able to meet, to the desirable extent, unless by the obtaining of more ample supplies, as well by congregational collections, as by annual contributions of individuals.

Our Sunday School Society continues its course to considerable advantage.

The circumstance ought to be generally known that it has no control over the parochial schools, but is intended to foster institutions of that description generally through the state, chiefly by supplying them with books, on easy terms. It is a satisfaction to be able to state, that the subject has taken a new shape, in consequence of an act of the late General Convention. They have given a beginning to a Sunday school society for the whole union. That of Philadelphia has become auxiliary to it, and have invited the schools in their connexion to do the same.

It is to be lamented that so beneficial an improvement as that of Sunday schools should be made an engine for the invading of the worship and the ministry of any religious communion: but such have been repeated endeavours in regard to ours, under the specious pretence of liberality.

Having been uniform, not only in the instance of such schools, but in regard to some other institutions, to decline the giving of encouragement to them, when a part of the professed design is to be silent in the institutions given, and in the books distributed, on any points coming under the head of gospel truth, it is my design to record the same, as being, in my view of the subject, essential to ministerial fidelity. The principle is not the dictate of hostility to any denomination of professed Christians, but conduces to the living

in amity with them, both congregationally and individually, as is attested to me by the experience of more than half a century. But I cannot concur in a profession to explain the word of truth under a stipulated silence as to any part of its contents. This would be the state of my mind on the subject, were I sure that there would be nothing in disparagement of the principles of our communion. But, whatever stipulations there may have been to this effect, they have not been punctually regarded by any institutions of that description coming under my observation.

The fund for the support of a future bishop is still slowly on the increase; much too slowly, since, in the event of the next choice of a bishop, whether in the character of a diocesan or in that of an assistant, considering the extent in which his administrations will be looked for, there is little probability that any particular parish will, as hitherto, consent to the support of an officer who must be occupied in services which will be so great and so increasing a withdrawing of him from their pastoral concerns. It ought to be known generally, that all the additions to this fund, and all the proceeds from it, have been added to the capital; it having been understood all along, that no benefit from it was to accrue to the present bishop. The generous bequest of Dr. Pilmore is still at issue in our courts of law.

In the Society for the Support of the Widows and Children of deceased Clergymen there is still an increasing treasury. If our clergy generally do not see, or do not choose, to avail themselves of the advantage of this fund, for the benefit of their families in the event of their decease, still it is a satisfaction to know, in reference to the few who feel an interest in this matter, that in the event supposed, their families will be benefited much beyond a propor tion to their contributions.

The Education Society is still in the struggle of its infancy. Probably the favourers of the scheme have been the more slow, because of the many annual demands on the means of the members of our communion in the city, in favour