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epidemic of yellow fever (had) destroyed his and his wife's fortune. They
lost enough to have established the Church in all this territories. (He)
(today would be the first to say "how unfortunate.")

With "Leighton" in the hands of creditors, the Polks moved to New Orleans
to enter the Last and most rewarding phase of his ministry. In this French
Catholic city a bishop had stature not accorded in Protestant communities.
Polk set about accomplishing his objectinves. They were to establish
flourishing, self-supporting parishes in New Orleans and out among the
bayous as well. Polk said, "Our mission is to all." His parishes sent of their substance to the Society of Missions in New York, even after
Louisiana seceded. In return clergy came to Louisiana to serve isolated
churches. He chartered a corporation to receive donations, the intere
on whish would pay diocesan expenses, help aged clergy, and provide for
widows and orphans. He asked the donors to promise large capital sums,
agreeing to pay annual interest while retiring the capital amount. This
plan was used to good effect in 1859 when he and Bishop Elliott raised for
their southern university more money (in pledges) than had ever before been provided at once for an American educational institution. By 1861 Polk had
seen his three clergymen increase to thirty-two and his three parishes
grown to forty.

Polk's episcopate was an outstanding succeess; so also are those of
other consecrated men. His personal life was exemplary; that condition
is found in all stations. His attitude under formidable afflictions was
worthy of Job; so also with others. His crowning work was accomplished
quietly in his study durint the most tragic of his years, the early 1850's,

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