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The Charles P. McIlvaine letters were written in the 18th and 19th century and therefore may contain language that we understand today as harmful or offensive. You may encounter paternalist descriptions of Native Americans, racial slurs, or sexism. For more information, see our policy page.
Description
Potter and need for clergy--laymen as presiders better than no Presider at all. McCarty's election to Christ Church working exams 2 weeks early so that Seniors ordained have time for quiet reflection.
Date
4-28-1863
Keywords
letter, McIlvaine, Bedell, church, Kenyon College
Recommended Citation
McIlvaine, Charles Petit, "Letter to Bedell" (1863). Charles Pettit McIlvaine Letters. 340.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/mcilvaine_letters/340
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Transcript
Cinc April 28 1863
May 2
My dear Bishop,
When I reached home, I found a letter from Potter, which leaves I think no ground of hope in regard to his acceptance. He says he c[?]ed his letter to Mr. Bancroft [?] and expected it to be so understood that since then he has been making arrangements in that conclusion which it would be difficult to change and that he should re-open the question with great reluctance. He offers to meet me in N.Y.--but it is evidently a mere matter of respect--and without the slightest idea that his mind will be changed. I have not the least expectation that it will. I can say nothing that I have not already written him and what he had rec’d before he wrote me. I am very desponding about this matter. How strange it is that our Church raises up so few men for such places. I agree with you that a clergyman is better than a layman for our Presidency. But where is the clergyman? And if we can get a competent layman had we not better have him rather than go without a Pres.? Our Trustees and others who have not the duty of looking for an incumbent, have no idea of the difficulty. Anticipating Potter’s decision, I wrote to Mr. Brooks of Phila. About Short of when Mr. Powers wrote. Short is in his parish. He writes much in his favor--I enclose his letter. What can we do? I know so few of our clergy that I am a poor hand to find a Pres. I wrote Bp. Burgess for suggestions--but rec’d none of any use. Dr. Dyer for administration would suit, but I suppose he would not come and ought not.
You have heard probably of dear Mrs. K[?]’s sudden death--precious chamber lady. She had her bonnet on and carriage ready to come out to our house--feeling unusually sprightly and well--was [?] with paralysis and died in 12 hours--incapable of communication from the p[?] though apparently not [?] all the while. In her pocket was found checks for various donations accounting to $1000--one of 500 to the Ch. of St. [?] Cinc.--and I believe one for you in answer to some application of yours. I got home on Friday Ev. The [?] was that morning. I suppose you know that Sturgis has resigned Gallipolis. They starved him out--took no care of things the vestry had not met for a year [?]. I met a sensible man of the vestry in the [?] to Wheeling who had been absent from the place a great deal, but acknowledged the great [?]--spoke highly of Sturgis and said they deserved to lose him. What he will do I see not. He is a good, faithful working, judicious Minister--who never complains and minds not high things. I wish we could place him in a compatible parish. Probably Wallace has notified you of his resignation. They have S[?] before them.
McCarty’s election to Christ Ch. is working its fruits--Mr. And Mrs. Anderson have gone to St. Johns. Mr. Sh[?] would have also but he thinks he had better stay and fight. But things got worse.
Ashfield’s papers have gone to the Stand. Committees.
That is a foolish desire of Maxwell. You can do as you please about it. I have requested the [?] Faculty to have the examinations of the Senior Class two weeks before the end of the term--in order to give those who are to be ordained here, a suitable time of quiet consideration before that day. I have always felt it to be painful to have to hurry their matters so much as is necessary when their examinations are put off to the end. I will hold at the same time the examinations for orders. By dividing with you the ordination services I hope I may be able to preach the sermon.
What an account you gave of the state of things at Chicago. Our White House beats that at was [?] in some respects.
Yours affectionately,
C.P.M.