 The wardens of the church then took it upon themselves to arrange a lay ordination.In 1787 Freeman was made "Rector, Minister, Priest, Pastor, and Ruling Elder" of Stone Chapel.A group of Episcopal clergymen in the area published a statement protesting "against the aforesaid proceedings, to the end that all those or our communion, wherever disposed, may be cautioned against receiving said Reader or Preacher (Mr. James Freeman) as a Clergyman of our Church, or holding any communion with him as such, and may be induced to look upon his congregation in the light, in which it ought to be looked upon, by all true Episcopalians."