The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-04-15
The PresbYterY of Louisiana

Met 10 Jackson, La. March 10 1863
Rev c. S bod was elected Moderator -
Rev. A. r. Young, Temporary Clerk.
Rev. John A. Smyie. by letter resigned hi,
office as Stated Clerk and asked to be dismissed
to Tombeckbee Presbytery; whereupon tie
following resolution was passed:
R,solred That this Presbytery feel impelled
in dismissing Rev John A Smylie, to express
their great regret at losing him from their num-
her. and desire, to tender him their special
thanks for his long and faithful services as
Stated Clerk and Treasurer.
Rev. w. g Kelly was dismissed to the
Presbytery of New Orleans.
Upon petition OF the Baton Rouge Church
permission was given TO employ Rev. A. r.
Graves as their minister for six months.
Rev. j. + c. Doremus was elected Stated
Clerk and Treasurer.
SOUTHWESTERN BIBLE SOCIETY.
The Presbytery having listened with pro
found interest to the statements of DR.. Doremus
in regard to the work of the Southwestern
Bible Society,
R,soired, That this Presbytery sympathize
deeply with the said Society in its endeavor,
to supply our destitute population with the
word of God and recommend the ministers,
elders and churches connected with this body
to take up an annual collection in aid Of its
operations.
ON MINISTERIAL SUPPORT.
Resolred That the Presbytery deeply SYM
pathze with ministers and people in these
times of distress. do vet earnestly recommend
that the utmost capability of every member
of our churches be conscientiously exerted in
the discharge of the duty of supplying the
necessities Of their Ministers.
J.E. C. DoREMUs,
A. NJ. SMYLIE,
Committee.
The Committee on the Minutes of the Gen
eral Assembly reported the following resolu
tons.
/. That this Presbytery recognizes the ur-
gency of supporting our benevolent operations,
viz: The work Of the four Committees Of our
Assembly, and recommend that each Of them
receive the attention Of our churches.
.. That the settlement Of the question OF
the ordination Of men of color is properly
based upon the judgment of the Church, as
guided by the word Of God; and our Church
in taking this stand, neither yields to the
clamor of spurious philanthropy, nor coun-
tenances any confusion Of races. nor any rulers
in Presbyteries and churches except they be
constituted such, by the consent OF the people,
as time out of mindJ our Constitution has
provided
j. f. g. DoREMUs,
A. NJ. SMYLIE,
COMMITTEE
NARRATIVE
The churches of our Presbytery are feeble
in membership by reason OF removals and
Deaths but with the exception of Williams
port and Atchaialaya churches, are holding on
to life, with some bare existence; with
others a thriving ono. Oar ministers have
labored with the usual constancy. They re-
port steady, yet not large increase Of men,
bers, except the Bethany church, which was
visited by the outpouring of Gods Spirit. at
the close of the last meeting OF the Presbyte-
ny, when thirty nine persons made profession
OF their faith-two Of whom have been re
ceived by the Presbytery as candidates for the
Gospel ministry. The churches at Liberty,
Oak Grove and Unity, were also revved-and
seven added at one time at the first named
church. The state of our churches is much
more hopeful than it was year ago.
Some Of the ministers have access as favor.
ably as ever to the colored people, aud preach
to them; but generally the African race in
this region prefer preachers of their own color,
and do not discriminate in regard to their
qualifications, In Il manner common to other
communities of men.
j. E c. DoREMUs,
PRESTON PuND,
Committee.
Rev. J. Il. G. Doremus, d. D., principal,