The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1870-01-05
geligiuns gntelligeate,
FROM THE SOUTHERN STATES.
SYNOD of Alabama

| Met in the Gainesville church, October Goth
The Moderator being absent, the Rev. j. K Ha
zen preached the opening sermon, from John xvi
Present. % ministers and 70 ruling elders.
Rev. j, K 'Hazen was chosen Moderator, anC
the Rev. G. L. Petrie, Temporary Clerk.
Marion was chosen as the place for the mex
meeting of the Synod, and Wednesday before the
fourth Sabbath in October at o'clock p NJ, al
the time.
A resolution was offered touching the subject o.
permitting persons other than ministers to speak
the word of exhortation, and referred to commit
tee consisting of Messrs. Raymond, Hamilton
Stlman, Webb, G. III. w. Petrie and Foster
This committee subsequently reported, and aftel
full discussion Of the subject, it was:
l. ReSOlved, That this Synod regard the actor
of the last General Assembly authorising Presby
teries to permit suitable persons other than min
listers to speak the word Of exhortaton as eminent
ly wise and scriptural.
2. ReSotUed, That our Presbyteries be urged tC
put this action of the Assembly into practical opera
ton so far as the necessities of their respective
fields may require, and endeavor to bring into
active exercise the talents Of earnest Christian
men, adapted to this work.,
3. ReSOlUed That in approving and commencing
this action OF the Assembly, We do not regard it a:
giving persons so designated any official authority
In the churches, or as designed to countenance any
departure from the qualifications required in min
listers OF the gospel by the standards of our Church
4. ReSOtUed, That the encouragement, afforded
the persons who shall thus be designated, to enter
a wider field Of usefulness than heretofore, is moi
designed to discourage or interfere in any way with
the pious efforts of others who may seek to do good
! by holding meetings and speaking the work of ex
hortatlon In their own congregations under thu
direction or supervision of the pastor and session
special committee was appointed to bring in
report on the proposed scheme of Presbyterian
University; Messrs Hamilton, Raymond, Stillman
McCorkle, G. FL. W. Petrie, Lowry, and Lloyd
This committee subsequently presented the follow
ing report, which was adopted
Whereas, The subject of establishing Presby
terrain University calculated to meet the wants o.
our church has, of late, been good deal agitated
and, whereas, it seems to have met with considera
bic favor, and from several quarters it has beer
recommended that Convention should be held al
Louisville, Kentucky, Immediately in advance Of
the next meeting of the General Assembly, to take
this subject into consideration and, whereas, il
has been brought to the attention of the Synod Of
Alabama therefore,
ReSolred, l. That this Synod regard with favor
the scheme Of establishing College or University
that shall command the respect and support of oul
whole Church.
Resolved, ?. That four delegates from the Synod
be appointed to attend Convention, if such shall
be held, at Louisville, KY, to confer on the sub
ject of Presbyterian College or University.
ReSolued, 3. That this Synod urges it upon our
Presbyteries and the officers Of our churches to do
all that may be in their power, to bring our people
tie extend their patronage and support to Presby-
terrain schools, and to schools under Presbyterian
influence or CONTROL in preference to others, where
the circumstances of the case will permit
In accordance with the second resolution in the
above report Messrs. 7. A. Hamilton, G. H. W.
Petrie, D. D., G. A. Stillman, D. D., and w. P.
Webb, were appointed to attend the Convention
therein mentioned.
The following Statistical Report to the General
Assembly was adopted:
The Synod of Alabama report to the General
viz, South Alabama, Tuscaloosa, and East Ala