Bishop Potter                     

16 May 1855

Bishop Potter states in his opening address to the annual convention that he has supported an early division of the diocese ever since his election and had intended on bringing the matter to the convention this year, but a possible change in Episcopal Church canons may provide an alternative option in an assistant bishop.  Any new diocese must have adequate financial support for a bishop, and he is reserving his decision on the path to follow to "Providence" and counsel with his doctors and others.

17 May 1855

George Wharton moves formation of a committee of 4 clergy and 5 laity to consult with the bishop and report on the comparative expedience of electing an Assistant Bishop (if General Convention changes the canons on bishops) or dividing the diocese. The motion was amended removing the requirement that the committee be evenly divided between members of the eastern and western portions of the diocese and was then passed.  

18 May 1855

The committee on division reports to the convention that they need more time for comsultation with the bishop and asks for permission to report at the next sonvention or special convention, if one is called.

Calvary's First Building

18 May 1855          

The governing documents of Calvary, East Liberty are in order and the parish is admitted to union with the convention.  St. Matthews in Etna is not accepted on a technicality, and St. Peter's Pittsburgh documents are rejected after a debate over several parts that vary from the guidelines.  The most controversial is a requirement limiting voters of the corporation to white males.  The committee raises both questions of gender and color.  Bishop Potter and others opposed any parish limited to a single race.