The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-02-03
geliaioMs gntelliaente.
FROM THE SOUTHERN STATES
Our Church in Texas.

tentation in Columbia, S. c., Rev. Dr. A. A. Por
ter presented an interesting report of the exten
sive tour he had lately made through Texas to
survey our Missionary fields there Dr. Porter
reached Galveston early in October and from there
his route was to Indianola, Lavaca, Victoria, Gin
ton, Gonzales, Hallettsville Columbus, LaGrange
Austin San Marcos, again to Austin, from that
point to Houston, to Galveston, and thence home.
wards. He says:
cat Hallettsville, on the Doth of October,
met with the PreSbytery Of Western Texas, and
at Columbus, on the 5th of November, with the
Synod of Texas
To both of these judicatories | presented the
objects of my mission, explaining the plans and
wishes of the Committee of Sustentation, and
pleading for the hearty and jealous cooperation Of
the SSIs,ministers and churches thersS;th.
~ warm apd. 49, ~
ard the cause WIN Pmy
pftgll Dmporariy to represent, seemed to
awaken deepinterest and sympathy And may
here say that throughout my tour the Presbyterian
people and ministers Of Texas, manifested the
same spirit in regard TO the objects of my visit
1t appeared to be source of great pleasure and
encouragement to them to know that your Com
mittee is concerned so earnestly for the Church il
Texas, and so DESTROYS to do something for its
welfare.
1t was matter of much regret to me. however
that the attendance # ministers and elders, both
at the Presbytery and at the Synod, was so small
There were at the PreSbytery only five minister,
and three ruling elders aud at the Synod only
eleven ministers and six ruling elders No minis
tiers or elders were present at the Synod from the
Presbytery Of Eastern Texas In my travel through
the State | met with nearly all the ministers,
think, of the Brazos, Central, and Western Pres
byteries who are actively engaged in their appro
pirate work; and so far as those parts of the State
are concerned, succeeded, [ trust in eHecting the
purposes desired by the Committee Of Sustentaton
in my mission.
After hearing me on behalf Of the Committe,
of Sustentation, the Synod of Texas adopted res
olutons heartily approving the plans and opera
lions of the Committee, enioining its ministers anC
churches to encourage and ustan them and re
commencing the PreSbyteries to appoint commit
tees to cooperate with the central Committee a
Columbia. 1t was deemed best not to continue
the Committee appointed last year. but to return
to the common plan of a committee in each Pres
bytery.
The Presbytery of Central Texas had previously
acted in accordance with this plan, and appointed
committee OF which the Rev S. A King, O.
! Waco, Texas is chairman
The Presbytery OF Western Texas has also ap
pointed similar committee, OF which the Rev. j
D. Porter of Victoria is the chairman
The Presbytery of Brazos failel to have meet
ing at the time expected, but was called to NEE
on the 18th of December, when it no doubt APP
pointed committee Of the same sort, and vii
duly inform you of its action.
This meeting was held as noticed in our pape,
of last week. and a committee appointed, of which
Rev. j. r. Hutchinson of Houston is the chair
man.
l failed to have any communication with any
member of the Presbytery of Eastern Texas.
He mentions the faithful labors of Rev. Mr.
Chevalier and Rev. Mr.. King in 1861 and 1868 a:
Evangelists, accounts of which have appeared
frequently in our columns, and then alludes to the
discouragements from the death Of so many faithful
ministers an church members, but adds:
Everywhere | found few faithful and devou
people mourning over the desolations ofthe Church
praying for its deiverance and ready to aid in an,
right efforts for its revival and increase. They
seemed much encouraged by my visit, and look
with hopeful eyes to your Committee. I saw ne
reason to despair or even to be discouraged in re
gard to our Church in Texas if only it can be sup
piled with some additional faithful. seIfdenying
and hard working ministers. 1t will be of no avail
to send there men deficient in talent, energy, and
zeal. Texas needs, above any country have seen
ministers whose abilities will command respect O
fervent piety willing to endure hardships devoted
fully to their proper work, and meddling nothinl
with political affairs or secular empoyments. Fol
such men there are many important and promising
fields open and ready for their entrance, where be
eve in year or two they would be fully supported
without aid from your Committee
| would particularly invite your attention tc
Lavaca, Goliad and Clinton, Seguin and Lavernia
] ~ nd
vile, Columbus, Brennan, Lockhart and Prairie
Lea, and Austin In any of these fields from fv,
hundred to eight hundred dollars, in coin, coulc
at once be secured for the support of minister
OF the character have described"