The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1873-12-27

A NEW CHURCH.

An interesting event took place on Sun
day, December 18th, III Pencader Hundred
Delaware, in the organization of the first
congregation in the State of Delaware, Of
the body, known as the Christian Church
The denomination is not very well known
in this vicinity, although a very numerous
and powerful body in the West, number
ing probably not less than 100000 men,
bers.
Their distinctive plea is the unity of the
Church of Christ, and the duty of all
Christians to do all in their power to make
such unity possible. To this end they
advocate the destruction of all human
creeds as tests of fellowship, and the &C
ceptance of the Bible as the only rule of
faith and practice, especially the New Tes-
lament
They claim that nothing should be made
binding upon Christians but what was re-
quired by the Apostles, and that nothing
less should be accepted. In order to church
membership, they require faith in Jesus
Christ as the Son of God and the Saviour
of sinners hearty repentance evidenced
i'll the abandonment of a sinful life, pub
lie confession of faith in Christ and avowal
Of pnrpos to obey him, and an immersion
into the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit, calling Oh the
name of the Lord.
They e,;chew the use of the mourning
bench and the anxious seat, claiming that
they are lot authorized by the New Tesla
ment. Their form of church government
is congregational, each congregation being
strictly independent of every other. They
observe the Lords supper ON every Sunday
in imitati' IL of what they believe to have
been apostle lie practice.
Through the exertions of Mr.. S. OFT,
aided by few neighbors, neat little
church building has been recently erected,
and is finished except plastering, which
will be done in the Spring, and the build
ing is temporarily occupied until then.
On Sun day, December 18th, Rev. F. NJ.
Hawkins, of Falston, Maryland, preached
and after the sermon nineteen persons
were enrolled as communicates of the new
congrega ton, pledging their faith in Christ,
and an earnest endeavor to live faithful
christian life. These had all been pre-
viously immersed. Immediately after the
organization, a pastor and two deacons
were elected as the official board of the
church.
On Monday, at two o'clock, Rev. Alfred
n. Gilbert, of Baltimore, preached on the
distinctive principles of the church, and
afterwards, assisted by Rev. F. NJ Haw-
kins, ordained the elected officers with
fasting prayer and the laying on of hands.
Mr.. 5. OFT was ordained pastor or bishop,
and Messrs r. Simmons and l.. r. Price as
deacons, the three constituting the presby-
terry or eldership of the church, admins.
terlng all its affairs both spiritual and sec
ular. The ordination was very solemn and
affecting. The charge to the church was
given by Mr.. Hawkins, and to the newly
ordained officers by Mr.. Gilbert.
At night, Mr.. Gilbert preached again,
after which one gentleman came forward.
made profession of faith and was subse- |
quently immersed. The congregation will
meet every Sunday for worship, the house
being situated on the Slack or Ash road, |
about miles from Ekton.
This church claims that the bishops of |
the New Testament presided over a single |
not over many, according to
the modern usage of the word.