S (which
see). It is the fortieth day after Christmas, that being the period
at which the rites of Purification and Presentation were enjoined by
the Law. {218}

Presiding Bishop.--The name given to the Senior Bishop by
consecration of the American Church, who presides in the House of
Bishops and in the General Convention when both Houses meet as one
body. When the Convention is not in session he acts as Primate of
the American Church. Following is the list of those Bishops who have
acted as

Presiding Bishops:

1--Bishop Seabury from Nov. 14, 1784, to Feb. 25, 1796.
2--Bishop White from Feb. 25, 1796 to July 17, 1836.
3--Bishop Griswold from July 17, 1836, to Feb. 16, 1842.
4--Bishop Chase from Feb. 16, 1842, to Sept. 20, 1852.
5--Bishop Brownell from Sept. 20, 1852, to Jan. 13, 1865.
6--Bishop Hopkins from Jan. 13, 1865, to Jan. 9, 1868.
7--Bishop Smith from Jan. 9, 1868, to May 31, 1884.
8--Bishop Lee from May 31, 1884 to April 12, 1887.
9--Bishop Williams from April 12, 1887 to Feb. 7, 1899.
10--Bishop Clark from Feb. 7, 1899.

Priest.--The shortened form for Presbyter. The title of the
second Order of the Ministry. His chief duties are to offer the
Holy Sacrifice in the Eucharist, to administer Baptism, to give
absolution, to give the Priestly Blessing at Marriages, Churchings,
and at other services of the Church: in fact, to exercise every
sacred function which is not properly or exclusively Episcopal,
that is, belonging to the Bishop. (See PRESBYTER, also ELDER.)

Primate.--The name given to a Metropolitan or Archbishop who is the
presiding Bishop of a National Church.

Prime.--One of the seven CANONICAL HOURS (which see). {219}

Prisoners.--(See VISITATION OF PRISONERS.)

Private Baptism.--(See BAPTISM, PRIVATE.)

Proanaphora.--A more Churchly name for the introductory parts of
the Communion Office, commonly called "Ante Communion." Properly
speaking, the Proanaphoral service includes all that portion of the
Communion service which precedes the _Sursum Corda_, "Lift up your
hearts."

Pro-Cathedral.--A Parish Church used for Cathedral or Diocesan
purposes, but without the formation of a legal Cathedral organization
and without a Cathedral chapter.

Procession of the Holy Ghost.--The word "Procession" is used to
express the relation in the Blessed Trinity between the Father and
the Holy Ghost. As we believe that the Son is eternally begotten of
the Father, so we bel