poorly lighted and badly ventilated. It would be a blessed charity for any one who could help these silent children of God to better accommodations in their Sunday School work. We have escaped a deficit this year, but have not been able to replace in full the amount used from the Lemuel Coffin estate, which we had hoped to keep towards an Endowment Fund. Signed for the Commission, O. W. WHITAKER, S. C. HILL, Secretary. Bishop of the Diocese. And recommended the passage of the following resolution: Resolved, That the rectors of parishes be earnestly requested to have contributions made to this work upon the Twelfth Sunday after Trinity, or Ash Wednesday, unless some other time be more convenient. And that the Commission be requested to arrange with the other dioceses, where the Missionary is now employed, for co-operation in the work. On motion, the resolution was adopted. For the complete Report (see Appendix D). The Rev. T. W. Davidson offered the following resolution: Resolved, That the date April 25, in Section 12, Canon VIII, line 25, be changed to April 23; which, on motion, was referred to the Committee on Canons. On motion, it was Resolved, That the Convention adjourn to 2.30 P. M. H. M. G. HUFF, Secretary. Tuesday, May 15, 2.30 P. M. The Convention assembled, pursuant to resolution, at 2.30 P. M., the President in the Chair. On motion, it was Resolved, That the Secretary be authorized to print such amendments to the Constitution or Canons as have been or may be referred to the Committee on Canons, together with the names of nominees to offices, requiring a vote by ballot. Mr. William Drayton presented by title an amendment to the Charter of St. Thomas' Church, Whitemarsh; which, on motion, was referred to the Committee on Charters. The Rev. C. Ellis Stevens, LL.D., D. C. L., offered the following resolution: Resolved, That Section 3 of the proposed Canon VIII be amended by transposing the words (see page 106); which, on motion, was referred to the Committee on Canons. Mr. W. W. Montgomery offered the following resolution: Resolved, To amend Canon VIII, Clauses i and iii page 28 (see page 107); which, on motion, was referred to the Committee on Canons. The Rev. J. N. Blanchard, D. D., asked leave to have printed as an appendix to the JOURNAL, the financial statement of the Commissioners of the American Church Building Fund; which, on motion, was granted. REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE CHRISTMAS FUND. The Report of the Trustees of the Christmas Fund was read by the Treasurer, Mr. George H. Fisher, as follows: The Trustees of the Christmas Fund call attention to the following summary of the Treasurer's Report, which is submitted herewith: Balance at last report $4,482 50 Deferred contributions from churches for Christmas, 1898.... 58 80 6,968 65 Gifts from individuals 356 00 Income from investments, rents and interest on deposits.... 3,057 15 3,500 00 $18,423 10 Stationery and stamps Taking title to 2431 North College avenue and repairs thereto Balance in Philadelphia Trust Company 289 42 II 04 5,517 89 $18,423 10 For the first time, it is believed, in the history of this Trust, it has become necessary to sell out a mortgage and take title to a piece of real estate. The mortgage was for $3,000, and some back taxes had to be paid; some repairs were demanded before a tenant could be obtained, and the property now represents an outlay of $3,289.42, exclusive of unpaid interest. But it is now rented for $22 a month, which yields a fair return upon the investment. The Bishop's special appeal for larger Christmas offerings. from churches produced the gratifying result of the largest total contribution within the Treasurer's knowledge. But the appropriations have also increased, and as they are unlikely to diminish, while the rate of interest on investments will surely grow less, it is hoped that the churches will in no way relax their generous efforts. May 14, 1900. G. H. FISHER, For the Trustees. For the Treasurer's Report (see Appendix F). The Report of the Standing Committee was presented by Mr. W. W. Frazier, and read by the Secretary, as follows: REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE. The Standing Committee report that they organized on June 6, 1899, by electing the Rev. Benjamin Watson, D. D., President, and W. W. Frazier, Secretary. During the official year they have recommended for ordination to the Priesthood: On June 6, 1899, the Standing Committee consented to the formation of the Parish of St. Paul's Church, West Philadelphia, and approved its Charter. Consent was given to the Church of the Beloved Disciple. to borrow an additional sum of $3,600 upon the Church property for the purpose of paying off the floating debt. The Standing Committee advised the Bishop that in their opinion Section 5 of Canon VIII does not authorize a Rector, or Missionary, to gather a Congregation, or Sunday School, or establish a place of worship, or chapel, within the boundaries assigned by the Convocation, without conforming to the requirements of Canons XVIII and XIX. On July 3, the Standing Committee gave consent to the consecration of the Rev. Arthur L. Williams, as Bishop Coadjutor of the Diocese of Nebraska, and to the consecration of the Rev. Joseph M. Francis as Bishop of the Diocese of Indiana. Consent was given to the placing of a mortgage of $8,500 on the Parish House of St. Mary's Church, Hamiltonville. On October 3, the Standing Committee elected the Rev. J. DeWolf Perry, D. D., President, in place of the Rev. Dr. Watson, deceased. The Bishop was advised to consent to the removal of the Mission of the Northwest Convocation from 2625 Lehigh avenue to southeast corner of Twenty-fifth street and Lehigh avenue. Consent was given to the consecration of the Rev. W. L. Gravatt, as Bishop Coadjutor of the Diocese of West Virginia. On November 7, the Standing Committee adopted the following minute on the death of their late President, the Rev. Benjamin Watson, D. D.: "With deep sorrow, we enter upon our records the death of our late Associate and President, the Rev. Benjamin Watson, D. D., who on the ninth of August last, at Bay Head, N. J., at the age of eighty-one years, was called into the more fully revealed presence of that Master whom he had so long and lovingly served and so faithfully preached. "Dr. Watson was born in Philadelphia, graduated at Trinity College, from which he received his degrees in Arts; entered the General Theological Seminary, from which he graduated, and was ordained Deacon in 1841. In 1842, he was advanced to the priesthood. He had temporary charge of Grace Church, Philadelphia, was Rector of Zion's Church, Newport, and of St. |