known in the primitive times, should have become dissociated from the early missions which they severally worked with untiring zeal, and when occasion required, co-operated pro bono publico, irrespective of sectarian considerations. The Revs. James Forbes, P. B. Geoghegan, and A. C. Thomson were three of the old identities—as well known as Batman's Hill, like which they were gradually obliterated from the public mind. No work of charity or philanthropy was ever mooted in which they were not amongst the foremost volunteers to give a helping hand, and apart from their religious ministrations, no three men were ever held in more general esteem. Mr. Forbes seceded from the parent stock of Presbyterianism, to which he was long and conscientiously affiliated, founded a branch of the Free Presbyterian Church in Melbourne, and died in connection with it. Mr. Geoghegan, who ought to have been thefirstRoman Catholic Bishop of Melbourne, in a few years left the colony, and died Bishop of Adelaide.
On the 31st December, 1850, the Church of England worship in Port Phillip was represented by seven churches, estimated to contain 2460, but having a general attendance of 2550 persons.
The year 1851 was an epoch fraught with much importance to the Church of England in the newly-created-colony of Victoria, and Bishop Perry stuck to his work in a manner to thoroughly establish his reputation as an indefatigable labourer in the cause to which he had devoted himself. On the 8th January he "floated" " The Melbourne Diocesan Board of Missions" at a public meeting held for the purpose, with His Honor the Superintendent as Chairman. The objects of this Institution were (1) to establish and maintain missions and generally assist any efforts for the conversion and civilisation of the Aboriginal inhabitants of the Diocese. (2) Co-operation with the Provincial Board of Missions at Sydney for the conversion and civilisation of the heathen race in all islands of the Western Pacific. (3) To receive and forward subscriptions to particular missionary societies with special missionary objects. The management was to consist of a Patron, President, Vice-president, and Committee, with two Treasurers (one lay and one clerical), two Secretaries (one lay and one clerical), all to be members of the Church of England. Life membership was obtainable by a ten guinea contribution, or executors paying £50. Annual subscribers of £1 is, or collectors of £2 12s. or more annually, were to be members. The office of Patron was reserved for the acceptance by the Governor of the colony; the Bishop and the Archdeacon were to be ex officio President and Vice-president respectively, and the clergy ex officio members. A code of laws was approved, and thefirstelective office-bearers appointed.
Bishop Perry was busily engaged to the westward, and at Belfast, on the 4th May, he confirmed eighteen persons prepared by Dr. Braim. On the following day a dinner was given to 140 children, in a newly-erected boarding school. An ordination was held at St. James', Melbourne, on the 15th June, when the Bishop, assisted by the Archdeacon, the Rev. Mr. Strong, and Chancellor Moor, admitted the Rev. Messrs. Cheyne and Gregory to Priests', and Mr. Clowes to Deacons' orders.
The Church Assembly.
The Bishop having in contemplation to hold a conference of the clergy and laity of the Church, steps were taken for convening the same. This was to consist of two branches, i.e., every clergyman to be an ex officio member, and lay delegates to be elected by the parishes throughout the diocese. The conference was opened in St. James' School-room on the 24th June, 1851. It was the festival of St. John the Baptist and Divine service was held at the Cathedral, after which, the Conference assembled, when there were thirteen ministers and thirty-two lay representatives present. The Bishop, as President, opened the proceedings Their object was to consider and determine matters relating to the good government, discipline, and temporalities of the diocese, such as (1) the permanent endowment of the church, and the best means for carrying out that object; (2) the system and administration of church patronage generally throughout the diocese; and (3) the constitution of the Church of England in Port Phillip, as regarded—(a) the mode of appointment of Bishops—(b), the expediency and mode of organising Diocesan Synods and Conventions—(c), the expediency and mode of organising Provincial Synods and Conventions. From the financial report it appeared that the receipts from 18th June, 1848, to date, amounted to £14,191 8s. 5d. all of which had been expended less balance in hand of £263 9s. 6d. Of the receipts, £10,600 had been received from England, £364 from Sydney, and the residue contributed in Port
