Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1863-08-26
For the Yorkyille Enquirer.
THE GENERAL CONVENTION OF
THE INDEPENDENT PRESBY-
TERRAIN CHURCH.

lIIlAN I'll o1hS1Is
Mr.. Editor The General Convention
met at Hopewell Church, in York District,
on Thursday, the 18th instant Rev. s.
Bailey preached the opening sermon, and
the Convention was organized by the eleo-
tion of Rev. r. Y. Russell, Moderator,
and Mr.. s: Alexander, Clerk.
The number of delegates attending was
unusually small, but the deliberations and
actions of the body were characterized, in
an eminent degree, by spirit of harmony
and unaninity. All seemed to be actuated
by spirit of brotherly kindness, and an
earnest desire to promote the interests of
the Church and the glory of God. The
ordinary business of Convention was des-
patched as usual; aud although the atten-
dance was small, the session was very
pleasant one. and some resolutions and ar
ticles we're adopted, which make it very
important one in our history.
AT the session of the General Assembly
of the Presbyterian Church, in May, 1862,
some resolutions we're adopted expressing a
strong desire to effect, if possible, union
of all the branches of the Presbyterian
Church in the Confederate States, and ap-
pointing Commissioners to attend the meet.
ing of several Ecclesiastical Bodies. Rev.
VIM. Banks was the delegate to our Cen
eral Convention. The Convention appoint
ed delegates TO attend;the General Assem-
bly,, which met in Columbia, s. c., in May
last, to confer on the. subject of union
The Assembly referred the matter, so far
as the Independent Presbyterians are con-
cerued, to the Synod Of South Carolina, to
meet in November next; aud appointed
Rev. J. e. White, delegate to our Gen.
eral Convention. At the late meeting the
Rev. Mr.. White was present, and in an
address which was exceedingly appropriate
and interesting, presented to the Conven-
ton, the greetings and salutations of the
Assembly; and tenderedto Us bis christian
sympathy in the bereavements and losses
sustained by R, in common with the other
"families of Jacob" during. the past year,
when many of the sous of the church, have
sacrificed their lives on the altar Of their
countrY's Independence, Mr. W. then
made some interesting statistical statements
in regard to the condition, aims, and pros
poets of bis church; and expressed his
earnest desire that the union of churches,
contemplated for some time past, shouldbe
consummated at an early day; and that the
Convention, at its present session, might
adopt some measures which should serve as
basis of action in the Presbytery, and in
the Synod, as the final adjudicationsaf the
matter had been delegated to the Synod by
the General Assembly.
The Convention, after free interchange
of views and feelings On the subject, ap-
poiuted committee of FIVE Grew. W. W.
Carothers, Rev. j. S. Baily, and Messrs.
S. Alexander, p McCallum and j.. Nc
Cnlloch) to consider the matter and report
on Saturday morning.
The Committee reported for the consid-
Grafton and action of Convention, the fol-
lowing resolutions and articles, which after
solemn and earnest prayer to God, for the
gridance and blessing of the Holy Srilit,
were separately considered, and unanimous
ly adopted, viz:
Resozccd lst. That 10 onr opinion the
time has now come when, laying aside all
prejudices and party feelings, and with an
ardent desile by united counsel and effort
to advance the interests Of the kingdom of
our common Lord, the Independent Church
and the Presbyterian Church in the Con.
federate States of America ought to be
more closely united in christian fellowship,
and in ecclesiastical bonds.
Resolced End, That as a basis of union
the Committee recommend the adoption of
the following articles, viz:
ARTICLE 1st We, the Independent
Presbyterians, do consent to transfer our
membership to the Presbyterian Church, in
the capacity of regular churches of Christ,
with our Ministers, Elders and Deacous re-
coguized and received in the character and
Office which pertain to them scverally, we
having adopted the Presbyterian system of
Faith and Government, to be thenccforward
subject to the Laws and regulations of the
Presbyterian Church.
ARTICLE 2ud. All the lands, church
ediGces aud their appurteuauces, Books, Lii
braries and Funds belonging to the 1nde-
pendent Presbyterian Church, to be dis
posed of in such way as the church may
enact previous to her transition into the