used as a site for the new church, he believed the new structure would become a Chapel of Ease operated by the Rector and Parish of St. Paul's. A congregational meeting of the parishioners of the parish church was held during the visit of Bishop Binney to the city in 1866. Bishop Binney's original intention had been to explain the implications of the landmark legal decision handed down by the British Privy Council in the Colenso affair which had taken place in . The decision had severe implications for the Church of England within the colonies. Some members of St. Paul's Parish felt that it would be beneficial if the possibilities open to the parish, in terms of expansion, to meet the needs of the growing congregation, could be discussed while the Diocesan Bishop was present. This would provide Bishop Binney with first hand knowledge of the various views on the proposed options and would give him the opportunity of expressing his own wishes and desires as diocesan bishop. Bishop Binney chaired the congregational meeting. He opened the meeting with prayers and a statement that the purpose of the meeting was to decide on the best means of increasing church accommodation in the city. He commented on each of the three options being considered: the proposed enlargement of the parish church; the erection of a large new church; and the completion of a new second church to be deemed a Chapel of Ease. He stated his personal preference for the last option as it provided for a diversity of forms of worship within the church in Charlottetown . The situation became complicated when the Reverend D. Fitzgerald favoured the erection of a large new church. In the end the majority of the individuals supported the idea of the need for a new church and voted for erection of a new second church building. A decisive factor in this decision was the sincere desire of a good many churchmen to make adequate provision of accommodation for all comers in the new church. This could be accomplished by a stipulation that the pews in the new church would be kept free of 'pew rents'. This would have the added benefit of not endangering the financial security of the 'pew rent' system already in operation in the parish church. Chief Justice Robert Hodgson was a leading advocate of this, the third option discussed. His enthusiasm was persuasive and Mr. William Cundall joined in supporting this plan of action. It was the promise of the gift of land to be used as a site for the new church that helped sway a number of undecided individuals in favour of the venture. The gift was to become effective only after a sum of 800.00 had been raised, a sum which was felt sufficient to meet the costs incurred through construction of a moderate sized building. This generous offer was accepted and applauded by other prominent churchmen, including: Mr. Charles Palmer ; Mr. E.J. Hodgson ; Mr. Henry Hazard ; Mr. George Coles ; and Mr. I.S. Carvell .