The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-06-10
geligioas antslligeute.
FROM THE SOUTHERN STATES.
Abingdon Presbytery.

Abingdon Presbytery.
The Presbytery of Abingdon met at Marion,
Smythe county, Va, on Wednesday, the 18th
of May, at y O'Clock P. NJ
Owing to inclement weather, the usual open
ing sermon was postponed till II o'clock on
Thursday. There were IA ministers present
during the sessions, and ruling elders.
Rev. j. ii. Martin was chosen Moderator,
and Rev. Robert Gray, and 1. 2. Clapp, X.
E.. from Sinking Spring church, Clerks.
The missionary supplies reported their dill
gence in the discharge of the duties assigned
them. The supply to Russell county reported
the organization of new church in that county
under favorable auspices.
Rev. j. H. Martin, with Rev. Robert Gray,
alternate, were chosen as the ministerial dele
gates to the General Assembly in Baltimore,
and Col. ID. c.. Dunn of Abingdon, with Maj.
JOS Cloyd, of New Dublin, alternate, the rul-
ing elders.
The churches reported the amounts raised
for the contingens funds.
The Commissioners to the last General AS
sembly reported their diligence in attending
the sessions of that body, and expressed their
high pleasure and satisfaction with the spirit
Of harmony and zeal for the cause of Christ
and his kingdom, pervading all its members.
Letters were received from Rev. B. T. Lacy
of ST. Louis. Mo-, and Rev. c. w. Price of
Kentucky, rendering excuses which were
deemed satisfactory, for absence from this and
previous meetings of Presbytery. A similar
letter from Rev. James M. Humphreys was
received, giving reasons for absence from present
meeting which were deemed satisfactory. A
communication from Rev. George A. Caldwell
of Bristol, touching the High School founded
there, was read and referred to a committee
consisting of Messrs. III. NJ. White, j. II.
Wallace, j. McChain, and John I. Preston,
to report on the subject at the next stated meet
ing Of Presbytery.
Delinquent churches to the Commissioner
fund were called on to state the cause of said
delnquencies
The free conversation on the state of religion
was held, evincing good degree Of external
and spiritual prosperity in the churches.
A letter of complaint from Peter g. Clark
and p A. Clark, wife of the same,) against
the session of Green Spring church was read
and referred to committee consisting of Rev.
j. N. Naff, j. Lyons, and ruling elder A. G.
Mathews This committee subsequently re.
ported that the complaint be entertained, and
that Presbytery proceed to hear the parties.
On further conference, however. the complain
ants consented to withdraw their complaint,
and the session consented to grant letter Of
dismission in good standing to said parties to
Cold Spring church, which adjustment Of the
matter was satisfactory to all parties.
The Committee on the State of the Church,
of which Rev. H. NJ White is chairman. made
report which was accepted, adopted, and
the statistics ordered to be spread on the min
utes.
The proposition OF the General Assembly in
relation to a great Southern University under
the control of the General Assembly. was neg
atived by an almost unanimous vote. First,
because we have serious doubt as to the ques
ton whether or not the Church has anything
to do with secular education; and secondly
because already many local institutions under
Presbyterian influence are languishing for want
of funds and patronage, and we decree it
wholly inexpedient to add to the number OF
our already crippled institutions.
The committee to audit the Treasurer ac-
counts reported that they found them correct
and sustained by proper vouchers.
| The report of the Committee on Sustenta-
| ton gave clear and succinct statement of our
operations. showing that we were able to meet
our engagements to our missionaries, and also
noticing the gratifying fact of the new organi-
| cation at Russell G. H., that the church at
Tazewel G. H., would henceforth be self
sustaining, and thus relieve the committee of
the burden of supporting its minister, and af.
ford a surplus of funds to extend our efforts
to the regions beyond.
Rev. j. N Naff was directed to visit Be-
thesda church, and urge it to do its whole duty
in efforts to sustain its pastor
Rev. A. L. Hogshead was appointed in the
place of Rev. VIM V. Wilson, on the Commit
tee of Sustentation and Rev. j. N. Naff in
the place of Rev. j. III. Martin, on the Com
mittee of Publication.
The attention of the Presbytery was called
to the efforts of friends in and around Abing-
don, to establish there aschool of a high order
for the education of young ladies' The enter
prize was highly commended, and the agent
welcomed to our churches, and he and his
cause commended to the benevolent within our
bounds, who are urged to aid in the good
cause. The usual vote of thanks was moved.
Adjourned, closing with the usual services,
to meet at Tazewel G. H., on the Wednesday
before the last Sabbath in September at 7
clock P NJ. DANIEL B. EWING.
Stated Clerk.