Association of Sunday School Teachers. An association has recently been organized in this city, under the title of the Association of Protestant Episcopal Sunday School Teachers in the City of New-York, and "composed of the superintendents, teachers, and visitors of the several schools connected with the New-York Protestant Episcopal Sunday School Society;" the objects of which are explained in the constitution which follows. The officers of this society, chosen on the 7th of December, 1824, are-Floyd Smith, president; Samuel Marvin, vice-president; Samuel J. Willis, recording secretary; Benjamin Holmes, corresponding secretary; Wil liam R. Whittingham, Thomas T. Groshon, and John I. Glover, committee of arrangement. Much good will no doubt result from this meritorious association. Constitution. ART. I.-Name. This association shall be called the Association of Protestant Episcopal Sunday School Teachers in the City of New-York. ABT. II.-Object. The object of this association shall be to discuss and thoroughly investigate the objects, plans, and government of Sunday schools generally, and of the particular schools with which it is connected; and to recommend, and, as far as may be in its power, carry into effect, such measures as may appear most conducive to their welfare. ART. III. § 1-Members. This associa tion shall be composed of the superintendents, teachers, and visitors of the several schools connected with the NewYork Protestant Episcopal Sunday School Society. § 2. The standing committee of the said society shall be, ex officio, members of this association. START. IV.-Officers. The officers of this association shall be a president, vice-president, recording secretary, and corresponding secretary, to be appointed annually by ballot. ART. V. 1.-Meetings. Stated meetings of the association shall be held on the first Tuesday of every month. $2. Special meetings may be held by adjournment of the association, or by notice of the president, at the request of three members, stating the object of the meeting. ART. VI. § 1.—Business. At every meeting of the association, a question relating to the objects, government, or regulations of Sunday schools, shall be provided for discussion at the next subsequent meeting. § 2. In addition to the discussione of questions, such other business as may be enacted by the by-laws, or as may relate to the interests of the respective schools, shall be transacted. ART. VII.-Committee of Arrangemento. A committee of three shall be elected annually by ballot, to receive, select, and propose questions for discussion, and to make the necessary arrangements for the meetings of the association. ART. VIII.-Obligations. The decisions of this association, on the subjects of discipline, instruction, &c. in Sunday schools, shall be obligatory on all the superintend ents and teachers connected with it. ART.IX.-Report. This association shall make a general report of its proceedings to the New-York Protestant Episcopal Sunday School Society, at each anniversary meeting thereof. ART. X-Additions, &c. Additions, alterations, and amendments to this constitution, may be proposed at any stated meeting of the association, to lay over for consideration at the next stated meeting; when, if adopted by two-thirds of the members present, they shall be considered as of equal authority with the original. Monthly Questions. within the month? How many have been discharged? ing scholars at one time? What is the number of teachers! What is the proportion of scholars to each teacher? Are the absentees regularly visited, and with what effect? Has any thing memorable occurred in visiting? Has any remarkable instance of good behaviour or proficiency occurred? Has any circumstance occurred which, by furnishing new light or new stimulus, may promote the objects of the association? What is the state of the library alivia What are its effects? 1 of t Have any important changes taken place in any of the plans heretofore adopted, and with what effect? Have the rules passed by this association been attended to the stage An Abstract of the Proceedings of the Board of Trustees of the General Theological Seminary of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States,at their annual Meeting, held in the City of New-York, from the 27th to the 30th of July, 1824. The Finance Committee submitted the following annual report, together with the account current of the treasurer, viz. The Finance Committee of the General Theological Seminary of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States, in compliance with the statutes, beg leave to lay before the Trustees the following statement of the funds of the seminary : For a detailed statement of the expenditures of the past year, the committee beg leave to refer to the accompanying account current of the treasurer, which exhibits a balance in favour of the semi. nary of 812 dollars and 80 cents, that may be applied to the payment of the current expenses that fall due on the first of August. The committee experience great sa tisfaction in reporting an increase of the permanent fund; which is owing in a great measure to the exertions of the Rev. Robert B. Croes, who has for some time been›,. acting as agent for the seminary; and the expectation is indulged, that should they have the advantage of the zeal and acti vity of the Rev. Mr. Croes, and other faithful agents, for some time longer, sufficient funds will be procured to supply all the wants of the seminary. All which is respectfully submitted. Committee. The account current of the treasurer, (of which the following is a summary) exhibits the following receipts into the treasury during the past year, viz. Balance of account rendered 20th July, 1823 Salaries to the professors. $3,750 00 Salaries to the librarians 100 00 $76 91 Rent of the house occupied by Cash on account of the Sherred the students 48,244 38 Remitted to Mr.Lawrence from Annual allowance, to four scho lars, in lieu of Professor M'Donald's salary of 300, dollars, provided the contemplated arrangement with the Branch School at Geneva is effected Incidental expenses 400 00 400 00 Charleston, in January and Collected by the Rev. R. B. Croes Collected by the Rev. William Creighton, from members of St. Mark's Church, NewYork $5,300 00 Collected by Thomas S. Townsend, from members of Christ Church, New-YorkCollected by the Rev. Dr. John C. Rudd 750 00 775 00 4,818 90 200 00 $481 10 Collected by Edward R. Jones, from members of Grace Church, New-York 2,875 00 425 00 780.00 680 00 140 00 $2,025 00 Collected by Henry M'Farlan, from members of Trinity Church, New-York, and her chapels 1,090 00 Interest and dividends on capital invested 2,331 56 Carried forward $61,968 28 946 67 Brought forward $61,968 28 Bishop Hobart's draft on the Rev. H. H. Norris, of London Rev. Dr. Milnor's second instalment Collection in Trinity Church for necessitous students The expenditures have been, Salaries to the professors sident in South-Carolina, having conferred as to the concerns of that institution, would respectfully ask leave to submit some of their views to your annual meet100 00 ing. In our General Convention there have been instances in which absent members 106 16 have expressed, by letter, those sentiments which they would have brought be $63,121 11 fore that body; and it appears to us, that the welfare of our seminary would be promoted by a similar proceeding on the part of those trustees who cannot attend the meetings of the Board. librarian $3,945 00 Printing when Bishop Brow- ment of T. Rich's mortgage Collection in Trinity Church for necessitous students paid to Dr. Turner Invested in bonds of individuals, secured by mortgage of real estate in the city of New-York Invested in notes of individuals, secured by a transfer of stock W.F. and S. Mott's acceptance, 145 75 190 20 250 00 21.24 60.00 "We would, in the first place, express our regret that we cannot be present with our colleagues, to participate in the satisfaction of this auspicious anniversary, enhanced, as it now is, by the evidences of improvement in those young men who have completed their studies at the seminary, and are about, in the exercise of the 15.00 sacred ministry, to afford to the Church full proof of the utility of an institution which has long engaged its bounty, its influence, and its prayers. Entertaining the utmost confidence in your Board, we yet 11 31 would respectfully recommend, that mea. sures should be adopted for providing our seminary, as soon as possible, with its own 106 16 proper habitation. Many persons now regard it as a mere experiment, and as if the questions respecting its location and stability were yet unsettled. Hence, some 38,800 00 refuse to contribute; few give as much as they would, and ought; diocesan seminaries are persevered in; candidates hesitate to enter it; and, in short, the institution has not the reputation to which it is entitled from its judicious management and the ability of its faculty. 18,505 60 $62,308 31 812 80 602 80 100 00 110 00 payable 6-9th August Charleston bank notes, which are at present at a discount On motion of Mr. Eccleston, seconded by the Rev. J. Croes, jun, resolved, that this Board approve of the proceedings of the Standing Committee, in passing and authenticating the resolution on its minutes, which they requested the Right Rev. Bishop Hobart to take with him, and use in England. A communication from the South-Caro. lina trustees of this seminary was read, as follows: "To the Board of Trustees of the General "Charleston, July 8, 1824. « GENTLEMEN, The undersigned, who are Trustees of the General Theological Seminary re "The past policy on this subject may have been correct, although, by a contrary course, similar institutions in our coun try have greatly flourished; but, we con ceive, any farther delay would be inexpedient. We are aware that nothing can be spared from the present fund; but, without impairing that, we infer, from the following considerations, that a sum adequate to the proposed buildings can be collected. A very small proportion of the members of our Church have been applied to. Many are not informed of the nature of the institution. They who have been solicited, were not sufficiently prepared by previous information, or were not effi ciently addressed. Several congregations, and some of the dioceses, are new ground, capable of producing an abundant harvest. Local considerations would influence many of the citizens of New-York to contribute. The former contributors might, without impropriety, be invited to aid this pur * "The seminaries at Andover, Princeton, Washington, and Auburn, were, in the commencement, provided with buildings, which, we doubt not, had their effect on the piety and liberality of their respective churches. pose, calculated to ensure the lasting usefulness of their liberality. A draft of the arrangement of the buildings, to be exhibited to the pious, the benevolent, and the public-spirited, might be useful; as well as the inducement offered, that each building should bear the name of the individual or congregation contributing a certain sum. A circular might also be addressed to every one of our clergy, inviting his patronage with this motive, that a contribution to the amount of would entitle him to the use of a room, rent free, at the institution. This might be an object to those who pass the summer from their parishes, and to those who would make provision for old age. As to the proper site for our buildings, we would respectfully express an opinion in favour of the ground given by our worthy professor, C. C. Moore, Esq. In the attempt to procure some other place, there would probably be much delay. This property of the seminary would be enhanced in value by the erection of our buildings on a part of it. But the chief recommendation of this site is its healthfulness. To the students who come from a distance, and the other residents at the seminary, it would be important to have it so situated as to admit of a permanent abode, exempting them from the expense of seeking in the vacation a more healthy and agreeable atmosphere. Those clergy, and others devoted to the study of theology, who, in the summer, retire from our cities and sickly places, might profitably avail themselves of the seminary, if it were on a spot so open and salubrious as that now proposed. "Three advantages would result from the measure here suggested. "I. It would increase the pecuniary resources of the institution, both directly, by saving the rent drawn from the present fund for the recitation and library rooms, and the boarding-house; and indirectly, by attracting the attention of the public, and thus inviting their liberality. It is stated on good authority, that, even in the city of New-York, the existence of the seminary is not generally known. "II. It would greatly diminish the expenses of the students. The building might be constructed with stoves, as a means of saving fuel. This article might be laid up at a moderate charge in the summer. Standing furniture might be provided by private liberality, as at Andover. The clothing of the pupils living together, would be much less expensive than if they lived in private houses. "III. A common residence, while it rendered punctual attendance on the va rious exercises more convenient, would facilitate the intercourse of the different members of the institution with each other, and thus cultivate that friendship among those who are destined to be the ministers of our Church, which is not the least of the many considerations recommending one general seminary. "There is another subject to which we would ask leave to invite your attention. It is believed that the disbursements exceed the annual income; and as it has been specially directed by the General Convention, that the capital of our fund should be untouched, we would respect fully recommend that this deficiency be made known by a circular addressed to our bishops, requesting them to endea vour, by congregational collections, or any other means, to effect its liquidation. Supposing this deficiency to be $1000, (and we have no reason to believe it so great,) it will be perceived that the sum raised by the different dioceses would ren der the quota of each comparatively small. "For the augmentation of our funds generally, we would express a wish that a standing collector should be forthwith appointed. The system of appointing several and occasional collectors is very expensive, and the business is performed in a hasty and inefficient manner. A single collector, having no other business but this, would qualify himself for it; would be daily acquiring a stock of experience; would be satisfied with a moderate compensation, and would prosecute his purpose without distraction and hurry. The travelling expenses, on this plan, would be much reduced; and the same collector returning, after a suitable interval, to the persons who had promised to be ready on his next visit, would act with eminent efficiency. This plan has been adopted by other denominations, with complete success. We trust we shall not be considered too particular, if we add, that this collector might be instructed-to preach, in explanation of the views of the Church in founding this institution, wherever he might go-to obtain a list of each congre gation, and to apply to every individual without discrimination, not refusing the widow's mite; and urging those who could not then give, to lay by them in store, against the return of himself or some other of our agents-to take with him two subscription papers, so that each sub. scriber might designate whether his gift should be applied to the erection of build. ings, or to the general fund. "In conclusion, we would congratulate the Board on the present condition and prospects of the Seminary. That the mem. bers of our Church are becoming more and more sensible of the importance of such institutions; that the considerations in favour of one general seminary are gaining new advocates; and that the in stitution is, if slowly, yet surely rising in public estimation-we have no doubt. We are cheered, and feel grateful to God, in Resolved, That the standing committee be authorized to take measures for the collection of contributions for the erection of buildings, for the accommodation of the professors and students, and for the other purposes of this seminary, on the land conveyed to the use of the seminary by Clement C. Moore, Esq., which contributions shall constitute a separate fund, to be denominated the Building Fund. Resolved, That the agent lately appointed to collect funds for the use of this institution, be authorized, on the requisition of the standing committee, to solicit and receive contributions towards the erection of the said buildings; which contributions shall be entered on a separate subscription book, and the amount thereof shall be carried to the credit of the building fund by the treasurer. Resolved, That as soon as the building fund shall amount to ten thousand dollars, a similar amount, out of the general funds of the seminary, be appropriated in aid of, and placed to the credit of the said fund: after which, the rent of the buildings which may be required for the temporary accommodation of the professors and stu dents, shall be a charge on the building fund. Resolved, That the standing committee be authorized, whenever the building fund, exclusive of the above appropria tion, shall amount to ten thousand dollars, to proceed in the erection of the said buildings, and upon such scale of expenditure as shall be commensurate with the means secured, so that no more than ten thousand dollars be, in any event, drawn from the general funds of the seminary. Whereupon, on motion of the Right Rev. Bishop Croes, it was resolved unanimously, That the said resolutions be accepted, and passed, by this Board. On motion of the Rev. J. Croes, jun. re solved, That the thanks of the Board of Trustees of the General Theological Se minary of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States, be presented to Cle ment C. Moore, Esq., for the very valuable and munificent donation of land which he has made for the use of the said seminary, On motion of the Rev. Professor M'Vic-. kar, resolved, That so much of the report of the Faculty of this seminary as relates to the evil arising from the short term of residence of the students, be printed; and that a copy of the same be transmitted to each of the bishops, with the respectful request of this Board, that they will take the subject under their consideration, and adopt such measures as they may deem expedient to remedy the same." On motion of Bishop Kemp, seconded by the Rev. Mr. Boyd, resolved, That the Trustees of the General Theological Se minary deem it their duty to express the high gratification they have enjoyed, in attending the examination and exercises of the students. The talents and learning of the professors, the judgment and precision with which they conduct the seve ral branches of theological education; the progress of the students, their exact and well arranged knowledge of Scripture, of the doctrines of the Church, of her divine, origin, of her history and polity-have created in the minds of the trustees the most pleasing conviction, that this seminary, under the gracious influence of the Divine Head of the Church, will prove a fruitful nursery of learned, useful, and pious clergymen. On motion of the Rev. Dr. Jarvis, se conded by Mr. Keán, resolved, That the thanks of this Board be presented to the venerable President, for his address delivered this day at the Commencement: and that a copy of the same be requested for publication. Extract from the report of the Faculty referred to in this resolution, "The professors are aware, that the number compared with the whole number of candidates of pupils belonging to the seminary is small, for holy orders. They regret that the want of pecuniary aid obliges so many students of theo-> logy to content themselves with a private edu cation, or to resort to other seminaries, better endowed than their own. They hope that it will not be considered as indecorous, if they suggest the great benefit which would accrue to the cause of religion and of our Church, if the larger and more wealthy of our tions were to support one student annually at congrega the seminary. They hope, too, that experience will justify them in expressing the opinion, that to extend the term of candidateship from one year, as now required by the canons, to three, would promote, in a very high degree, the in terests of the seminary, For it is a fact, that three years in the seminary, if there is a pro but few young men can be induced to spend bability of their receiving orders after a shorter term of probation; and hence it is that our first classes, and our second, at the close of the second session, are so small.” |