"The state of religion in this province," as Inglis was to write, "is truly deplorable ... Ignorance and lukewarmness on the one hand, fanaticism and irreligion on the other. ... The inhabitants divided into many sects, and carried away by a variety of Enthusiasts that under take to preach to them."
quoted in "Charles Inglis, Missionary, Loyalist, Bishop" by Reginald V. Harris
(Toronto: General Board of Religious Education, 1937)
Today is the commemoration of the consecration of Charles Inglis. He was consecrated on August 12, 1787 at Lambeth Palace. Inglis was, apparently, the only one available for the job. His life and loyalties spanned the rise of an independent America and the war of 1812. His jurisdiction included what was then called Canada - the Maritime provinces, Quebec and part of present day Ontario.
He came from a family of Scots Episcopalians, and set out to America. He worked as a schoolteacher for while, and then was ordained. He eventually settled in as Rector of Trinity Church New York. He and Thomas Paine had a bit of a pamphlet war during the lead up to the American war of independence. Inglis was a fierce Loyalist. According to one legend, Charles Inglis led prayers for George III while George Washington was in the congregation. A militia soon surrounded the church.
On 11 August 1787, George III created the Diocese of Nova Scotia by Letters Patent, and Inglis was consecrated the next day.
From a sermon of Charles Inglis, Trinity church
The Duty of Honouring the King, explained in s sermon
Preached On Sunday, January 30, 1780;
Being the Anniversary of the Martyrdom of
King CHARLES I.
By CHARLES INGLIS, D.D.
RECTOR OF TRINITY CHURCH, NEW-YORK.
INFLUENCED by those Motives, let us, in the Name of God, and in his Strength, resolutely set about this Conduct: Cheared with the pleasing hope which results from it, when pursued, let us look forward to that happy Period---not very distant now, I trust---when we shall return into the soft Bosom of Peace; when the Remembrance of past Sufferings shall serve to enhance its Value, and inspire us with the more Zeal to praise, and thank, and fear God, and to honour the King; when our misguided Brethren, cured of their Delusion, shall be brought back to their Duty, and partake once more of the Benefits which, hitherto, they have too lightly regarded. Let each of us then, Òput on Bowels of Mercy, Kindness, Meekness, long Suffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any Man have a Quarrel against any; even as CHrist forgave youÓ; and let us resolve to imitate the Example of Christ's Subjects in that blessed State, foretold by Isaiah, when all Envy shall be extinguished, and brotherly Love shall abound--- Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall not vex Ephraim.
THAT each of us may cultivate this divine Temper---that each of us, as a Follower of the meek Jesus, may adorn that Profession, and manifest a deep Sense of our Obligation to imitate, and love, and serve him---that each of us may improve by the Chastisements of Heaven, and rise, purified from the Dross of Sin, more bright and shining out of the Furnace of Affliction---that each of us may attain that Amendment, with all its consequent Blessings, which are designed and aimed at by the Dispensations of our merciful God----May He of his infinite Goodness grant, for the Sake and Merits of his dear Son, Jesus Christ; to whom, with the Father, and the Holy Spirit, three Persons, but one eternal God, be ascribed immortal Praise, Glory, and Dominion, henceforth, for evermore.
In 1816, Bishop Inglis died; his remains were buried under the chancel of St. Paul's at Halifax.
Well, there you have it. Raise a glass to Inglis.
add'l sources:
Hein, David; Gardiner H. Shattuck, Jr. (2004). "The Episcopalians. New York"
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