Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1869-11-19
PRESBYTERIAN Church Reunion.

Presbyterian Church Reunion.
The REUNION OF TIE OLD AND New SCHOOL
PREsDYTERIANs Observation-Disclosures
DEVOTIONAL SUBSTANTIAL
Thank OFFERING.
Pitsbmy, November 1.-THE assem-
bles met in their respective churches. In
the Old School member who formerly
strongly opposed to a reunion, prayed that
the hopes Of its friends nigh all be realized,
and the fears of others utterly disappointed.
The official report Of the New School AS
sembly was read, showing that every Pres
bytery had voted afirmatively.
Henry Day offered resolution reclting
the basis, and declaring that having been APP
proved by over two-thirds Of both Presby-
tcries they solemnly declared said basis of
binding force The same resolution was
adopted in the New School Assembly.
At 10 o'clock the assemblies were finally
dissolved by their moderators and process
sion formed of the commissioners. Both as
semblies proceeded to the street fronting the
First church, where, joining arms, and
headed by their moderators, they marched to
the Third church, where jubilee meeting
was held. AS the two lines united the crowd
testified their qualification by clapping their
hands, &c. When the commissioners enter
ed the church over 200 ministers were on the
platform, and the scene was very impress
sive one. After prayer by DR. Beatty, a
committee was appointed to send telegram
announcing the union to the Presbyterians
Of Great Britain and Ireland, care of DIR.
Buchanan, Glasgow. DR.. Jacobus announced
hymn, and DR., Fowler read the Scriptures,
and said be regretted to break the silence !;
he would rather st still and wonder at the
astonishing work that had been accomplished.
He referred to the wonderful unanimity ex-
hiblted and the rapidity with which the nego-
tlations had been effected. He inquired what
had brought about the unanimity Of opinion.
1t was not because one branch needed the
other to support it from lettering, because
neither body was ever SO strong before. He
recognized Gods hand in the whole move
ment, and urged the Church to renewed
zeal. Turning to DR.. Jacobus, the two
moderators clasped hands. and the entire
audience rose and sang:
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow,
with joined hands The effect Of this act
was most impressive.
DR.. Jacobus then said-"These churches
have been united. If any one has good rea-
sons to offer why the churches should not be
united let them state them now" Then ad-
dressing DR.. Elliott, who was Moderator at
the time the churches separated, he said -
"Do you know any reason why they should
not be united %
DR.. Elliott (rising)-'I do not"
George H. Stuart What God has join
ed together let no man put sunder."
DR.. Fisher offered a resolution calling on
the United Church for the special thank
offering of million of dollars.
DR.. John Hall seconded the motion, and
moved $5,000,000 instead. He said the
union would help our young people to break
in pieces the great gold image Of mammon
and fashion. He would use his hearty ef-
forts to raise the FIVE millions.
The moderator announced that, for the
present, "thank offerings" can be sent to
Mr.. William E Dodge, New York, Or Judge
Strong, Philadelphia He said he was at
loss for a symbol to express the idea of the
union. He did not think it marriage, be-
cause the bodies are too near Of kin to per-
nit such smile. Rivers conveyed the idea
of coming from different sources, whereas
these were streams from the same fountain
head, and he could only liken it to the blend
ing Of the drops in the same stream.
Mr.. W. b. Dodge pledged his former
church to raise their share of the memorial
fund.
Senator Drake and Henry Day made brief
addresses.
George H. Stuart, of Philadelphia, was
called upon, and he expressed the hope that
the day was not distant when the united
body would embrace every branch of the
Presbyterian family in the United States.
At three o'clock in the afternoon solemn
communion service was held in the First
church.
In the evening meeting in reference to
foreign missions was held at the same church.
Addresses were made by John Hall, W. E.
Dodge, and George Fl. Stuart.
The following telegram was sent to-day
"Io Tie Re0. DR.. Buchanan, Glasgow
''The two great Presbyterian Churches in
America, this day united, greet the Presby-
terrain Churches of Great Britain and Ire
land, and pray that they also may be one.
GEoRGE H. STUART,
john HALL,
W. E. DODGE.
Many of the commissioners have already
left the city, and others are leaving tonight.
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