University of Virginia Library

OUR CONVENTIONS COME NEXT.

For the first few years after our reorganization our Conventions
were not only small as to numbers, but sad and gloomy in character,
attracting no attention. A succession of the rainy seasons in
May attended them for so many years that the two were closely
associated in the public mind. For some years they were held in
Richmond; but the proverbial and profuse hospitality of that place
was not then generally afforded them. For the most part, both
clerical and lay delegates were to be seen only at the taverns, and
but few religious services were held. The Convention at Fredericksburg—the
first after the system of rotation commenced—was
kindly and hospitably entertained, and from that time onward they
became not only delightful to the clergy and laity composing them.

THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, NEAR ALEXANDRIA.

but attractive to others. To understand aright the history of such
large assemblies as our Conventions attract, and the reasons which
justify our encouragement of them by making religious exercises
so large a part of their doings, it must be stated that not only are
the Virginians a people given to visiting, but that the Episcopalians
are peculiarly so by reason of the fact that, for the most part,
they have sprung from a comparatively few families, who, by marriages
and intermarriages, though scattered all over the State,
make up one great family of tenderly-attached relatives, who are
always pleased at a good excuse, if the ability allows, to assemble
together. The bond of Christian fellowship and of Church feeling
also is very strong, even where the other is not, as well as where it
is. Hospitality also is a strong principle with them, and it is easier
here than in most places to throw open the doors and welcome all
who will come in on such occasions. A more innocent mode—nay,
a more religious mode—of gratifying the social feeling cannot be
than that of meeting together at our Conventions; and an imperative
duty rests on the ministers to afford the people the most frequent
and edifying services in their power, so that they may take
up the song of God's ancient people, when going by Divine command
to the great feasts of His own appointment:—

Sometimes they have been most edifying as well as joyful occasions.
The presence of God has been felt. The word preached
has been attended with great power. Many have remembered
them as the means of their awakening, and many as the channels
of more grace to their already converted souls. Long may they
continue to be thus used. Even if some dioceses are so small, or
the conveyances so convenient and rapid, that a few hours or at
most a day can bring them all to the place of meeting, and a very
short time may suffice for legislation and business, let it be remembered
how very large are the dimensions of the Diocese of Virginia,
how difficult and tedious the journey of many of its members to
the Convention, and it will be felt and acknowledged that to meet
on mere business for a few hours or a day would not be sufficient
to induce and remunerate the attendance of either clergy or laity.