eason of its origin, history and character
is to be regarded as one of these national churches and the name
which is to embody this idea will no doubt be found and set forth
by the proper ecclesiastical authority in due time. It is difficult
to say just how the name "Protestant Episcopal" came into use, but
it has always been a hindrance to our growth because it requires
so much to be said in explanation, which is always a disadvantage.
Meantime the name "American Church" is coming more and more into
general use, as it is clear, definite and historic, following the
analogy of the naming of the ancient national churches.

The Episcopal Church in the United States is the daughter of the
ancient, historic. Catholic and Apostolic Church of England, is
partaker of the same life and the inheritor with the mother Church
of the same worship, rites, customs, doctrines and traditions, and,
therefore, its position, likewise, is ancient and historic, Catholic
and Apostolic. (See ANGLICAN CHURCH, also ANGLICAN COMMUNION).

The history of the Church in America covers a period of more than
three hundred years, and its first beginnings on these shores are
full of interest. We refer to a few of them. From an old chronicle
it is learned that in the year 1578, on the shores of Frobisher's
Straits, "Master Walfall celebrated a Communion upon land, at the
partaking whereof were the Captain and many others with him. The
celebration {15} of the Divine Mystery was the first signs, seals
and confirmation of Christ's Passion and Death ever known in these
quarters."

It is a remarkable and interesting fact that the Book of Common
Prayer was first used in the territory now covered by the United
States, not on the Atlantic coast as one would naturally suppose,
but on the Pacific coast, on the shores of Drake's Bay, California.
This took place on St. John Baptist's Day, June 24th, 1579, the
officiating minister having been the Rev. Francis Fletcher, chaplain
to Francis Drake. The place where this service was held has been
marked by a handsome cross, known as the "Prayer Book Cross,"
erected by Bishop Nichols through the munificence of the late Geo.
W. Childs, of Philadelphia.

In the course of time, settlements were made along the Atlantic
coast and evidence is given of the Church's services being held at
very early dates. In A.D. 1607, the first permanent settlement was
effected in Virginia. In May of that year, under the Rev. Robert
Hunt, a