Delaware tribune. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1867-1877, 1868-10-22

FORMATION or riiE WEST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
Monday evening was one to be remembered
among Prcsbytcrians, IL being the occasion of the
organization of the fifth church of that denomi-
nation in this city. 1t starts under very favora-
Bile circumstances, having d embcrship of ninety
seven persons, and n promise Of nearly $4,000
from the Genital church of which il Is largely
composed.
The organization of the church arose from q
want long felt for church of that denomination
In the western part OF the city, and the rapid IN
crease of popnaiion rendered 1t absolutely neccs-
sary that place should be provided for the in-
corners to worship. The exact spot for the new
church has not yet been chosen, but as the name
would Indicate, IL Is to be In the western part of
our rapidly growing city.
The exercises OF the evening were of an i'm
presslve and highly interesting character ma
lorlty Of the committee, consisting Of Rev. Chas.
ID. Shaw, and Rev. VIM. Aikman, of this city,
and Kew. 3. X. ScOfied, and VIM. w. Ferris,
Esq, of Delaware City, were present and con-
Quoted the exercises.
The choir, with the assistance of the efficient
organst of the church, Prof. Fumcr, performed
very beautifully selection of sacred music. when
Rev. Mr.. Shaw, chairman Of the committee, an
nounccd the Sllh Psalm, commencing:-
My FOUL how lovely is the place
To which thy God resorts."
After the singing of the Psalm. Rev. Mr.. Sco-
field read part of 18th chapter OF Ephesans, after
which Rev. Mr. Shaw made an impressive and
fervent prayer.
Mr.. Shaw then read the names of sixty-two per-
sons from the Central church. thrty-iour from
The Hanover Street church, and one from the
First Presbyterian church, who wished to unite
in forming the new church As their names
were cal cd they came forward, and occupied the
front seats. Mr.. Shaw then made the following
address TO tllem:-
Christian Eiemis Having in other days nc.
ceptcd The Lord Jesus Christ us your Saviour and
entered Into covenant with him to be his forever.
having made n uihlip prnlassinu fr r,i
and united with his visible church, you have, I'M
der the pronptings of duty and as we hope by the
guidance OF tue Holy Spirit, been led oscek from
Prcsbyteiy the authority TO form a new church OF
our order. That authority was gladly granted,
and We are now here as u committee Of Prcsbytc-
ry to constitute you the West Presbyterian church
in Wilmington May the God of I'LL grace album.
dainty bless you, may the work of the Lord Jesus
prosper and flourish in your hands and in your
hearts, may each Of you be shining examples of
Christian faith and fidelity, and as church may
the choicest tokens Of Divine favor constantly
abide with you. May your numbers be increased
by many won from the alluremcnts OF the world
and the snaics of sin, may your influence for GOOD
he nm evcr-cnlargins one, and may our loving
Saviour present you to himself Il glorious church,
not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing,
but holy and without blcmish. And to bis name
be praise forever Amen.
Rev. VIM. Altman Offered up lrrvcni petition
to the Throne of Grace asking for blessings and
prosperity to the new organization.
Mr.. Shaw remarked that no Presbyterian
Church WAS complete without elders, the com
mittec, nj the suggestion of some OF the members
of the church, would appoint Messrs. Jos. W.
Day, and John 7. McLcar to that office, they hay
ing been for n number of years elders in the
churches they formerly belonged to.
II not being desired to install them until all the
elders were elected, Rev. $. X. Scolield delivered
an address welcoming them IN the name of Pres
bytery and the church to the position they were
appointed TO. He defined their duties as Ruling
Elders and eXhortcd them to q faithful and care
full watch over their people He trusted they
would make their life one ofpraycr and steadast-
ness to the faith. The standing of the church de-
pended IN great measure upon them, and they
pearance of evil
The congregation then sung the 510lh hymn,
when Rev. Mr.. Aikman delivered an address full
of encouragement 10 the new enterprise.
Rev. Mr.. Shaw followed In n few remarks com
mendiug To the Most High this congregation OF
which large part came from his church. He
said he was sorry to pait with them, yet at the
same time glad that they had gone forth to fight
the great battle OF truth against error. He assr-
ed them that they would not he forgotten, they
would BE- missed in the Church, in the Sabbath
School, in the Prayer Meeting and in al the meet
ngs where their voices have often been heard In
devout thanksgiving to God, and In songs of
praise to His holy name. He said he expected 10
n few years that this church would become so
large and strong that IL would be equal to Central
church in numsers and strength.
After singing the 10Th hymn commencing with
those wcl-kuown lines:
"Fr0m every stormy wird that bows, .
From very swelling tide that flows"
the congregation was dismissed with the bcnpdc-
ton by Rev. :, Il, Seoiicld.