The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-10-27
SYNOD of Kentucky.

This Synod met at Elizabethtown, October 18th
and was opened with sermon by the Rev. j. N
Saunders, from John iii: IS. The Rev. L. A.
Brackeu was elected Moderator and the Rev. W.
R. Brown Temporary Clerk.
The attendance was not large About thirty-one
ministers-less than one-half of its ministeria
membership-were present and thirty two ruling
elders 1t is a rare occurrence in most of oul
Synods that the ruling elders outnumber the min
listers in a Synodical meeting. This evidence Of
the deep interest which they feel in the prosperity
of our church in Kentucky is gratifying. Among
the visitors to the Synod who invited to sit a
corresponding members, were the Rev. j. Leighton
Wilson, D d., of South Carolina, Secretary of the
Assemblys Committee of SustentatiOn and For
eign Missions; the Rev. f. Il. Baird, d. d.. Sc
cretary Of Education and Publication and the Rev
w. S. Plumer, d. D., of Columbia Theological
Seminary, and Rev. DIR. Converse and Rev. L. b.
Converse.
The meeting was one of more than ordinary in
terest-its discussions were animated-and its &C
ton important. Among the great subjects, Oh
which action was taken, was a plan providing 8
sustentation fund for the Synod-to which all it
churches are to contribute the amounts apportOneC
to them, and from which every pastor or supply il
to receive salary of thousand dollars year.
Under the direction of an efficient superintendent
aided by committee of one from every Presby
terry it is believed that this system will ensure to
every minister a support which will enable him to
give his entire attention to bis ministerial work
unembarrassed by worldly anxieties and add greatly
to his efficiency. The plan adopted, is one which
was brought before this body at previous meeting
and is published in its minutes for 1868. As it is
yet an experiment, the committee having it in
charge were authorized to modify or vary from il
in such things as would not be in violation OF the
constitution of the church and general spirit of the
scheme, and report at the next meeting of Synod
what notifications, if any, experience may show
to be needful. A Committee was also appointed
to prepare pastoral letter on this and kindred
subjects.
Several young men are now pursuing their thee
logical studies under the Rev. Messrs. Junkn anc
| Barbour, at Danvile. The necessity Of some pro
vision for their education and that of Others whC
have the ministry in view, was appreciated by thu
Synod, Union Seminary and Columbia are felt t.
be remote-Danville in Kentucky is withheld from
them. Arrangements for their instruction wer
the topic of discussion on Saturday
The effort of radicals in Kentucky, who arr
backed by the Northern Old School Assembly, t,
rob our church and the Synod of their church pro
perty was properly noticed, and judicious com
mittee appointed to resist by rightfu legal means
their aggreSsions and take charge Of such of tn,
suits as might be entrusted to their management
and the churches were enjoned to raise the means
necessary for the conduct of the suits involved
Since the last meeting of the Synod two Of it
members have been called to better world, viz
the Rev, w. N. Forsythe and the Rev. d. T.
Stuart, late of Shelbyville; whose son. upor
whose shoulders the fathers mantle seems to have
fallen, is now preaching in foreign field.
The growth Of worldliness among members O.
the Church was earnestly deprecated, and the
practical question how its evil effects can be counter
acted was subject of serious consideration. The
Synod adopted a. paper calling the attention of the
churches to the true nature Of discipline, enjon
ing its use, and utterng an earnest voice of warn
ing on the subject.
The terms for the union of the Associate Re
formed Presbytery of Kentucky with this body
which had been agreed upon by the Joint commit
tees from the two bodies were adopted by the
Synod Of Kentucky. On their approval by thai
Presbytery the strength Of our Presbyterian organ
ization in this State will be materially increased
After delightful meeting which was protracted
until Saturday evening, the Synod adjourned tC
meet in Paris on the second Wednesday in Octo
Der, 1870, at seven o'clock P. M.-ChriStm Oh
SerUer and Commonwealth