The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-05-17
PRESBYTERIAN GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Proceedings or Yesterdays Session at
Baitfmore-Rep0rts Read and APP
proved-Grand Arrangements for the
Centennial.
BALTIMORE, May 16, 1878.
The General Assembly OF the Presbyterian Church
OF the United States met promptly at nine O'Clock.
Prayer was offered by Rev. David Hervey.
The Committee on Standing Committees SUBJ
mitted their report, embracing and naming the
list OF the standing committees, which was
adopted.
The Moderator stated that according to rule the
committee should organize this afternoon.
DR.. Hatfield, stated clerk, read the docket, or
order OF business OF the Assembly, containing thirty
subjects, some OF them including many sub
divisions. The docket was adopted
The
ROLL OF THE ASSEMBLY
was ordered TO be printed.
The Synod were then called upon the synodical
record, and the following answered, handing in
their record Baltimore Cleveland Erie, Albany,
Harrisburg, Illinois, Central Iowa, North Iowa,
South Kansas, Missouri, Tennessee ana New York.
The Presbyteres were then called upon for
STATISTICAL REPORTS
narratives and otner presbyterian papers Some
were handed in, but the majority were reported
mot yet ready" or ION their way by mail"
The reports were referred to q specias jmmittee,
consisting OF Rev. Drs 0tterburg and Chambers.
The annual reports OF the Board OF Home Mis-
sions and the Board OF Education were handed in.
Monday, from twelve to two P. NJ, was set apart
for receiving and considering the report o, the
Committee on Benevolence and Finance
The report OF the special
CoMMIrTEE on MANsEs
was submitted and read by the chairman, Rev.
Joseph M. Wilson. u recommends that the
Assembly issue q ''deliverancer covering the
necessity OF building manses, recognizing their
Importance as depository FOR prese wing the his
tory Of the Church. and to this end the synod and
Presbyteres are requested TO take proper action.
The report was referred TO the Committee on
Church Erection.
THE REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THIRTEEN,
Of which James Ross Snowden Is chairman ap-
pointed by the last General Assembly 70 consider
and report TO this Assembly whether It was ex-
Church OF the United States should take part in
the centennial celebration OF American inde-
pendence at Philadelphia, in 1876, was read. 1t
pedient that the Presbyterian Church OF the
United States should participate in the CEN
deace and in the 1rtern atioa Expos
ton of 1876 and, preparatory thereto they
recommend that several persons be designated to
prepare historical discourses to be delivered at
SUCH time as may hereafter be appointed. They
also suggest the following schedule OF periods and
subjects Tor said historical discourses:
FfrSt-A discourse upon the period from the
founding OF the Church In this country to the
commencement of the War OF the Revolution.
Secofl1-From the latter period 10 the adoption
of the Presbyterian form OF government in 1856.
ThaTd-From the latter period to the present
time.
Fouvth-The present condition. prospects, benefi-
cent works, needs and obligations OF the Church.
Fifth--Educ cation under Presbyterian influences.
Stcth-Historcal sketches OF the several boards
and other agencies established by the General ASSN
bly,. The report also recommends thatthe Assembly
request that the appropriate committee OF the Cen
tennial Commission, who have charge OF buildings,
to set apart so much space as may be necessary for
an exposition of books published by the Board OF
Publication American PrcgDy-
terrain authors, ancient books &c, pertaining to
Presbyterianlsm, and that the Board of Publication
be authorized 10 prepare and publish an Illustrated
volume to commemorate the National Centennial
Also that the first Sabbath in July 1876, be desig-
mated as a day OF thanksgiving and prayer to God
Tor the manifest blessings with which ne has
crowned us as people; and it is recommended
that on that day the pastor of each church under
discourse on the history OF the Church; and that q
collection be taken up on that day for the
erection of a suitable freproof building for the
Presbyterian Historical Society and Tor the endow
ment OF said Society. The report was made the
special order for Monday morning next. The Com
mittae on Voluntary Societies was not ready to
report, and was continued till the next Assembly.
The committee to consider the subject Of the pub
LEGATION OF periodical for gratutous distribution
reported favoraby, and the report was placed
on the docket. DR.. Hendrick Johnson, IRON
at the last Assembly to consider the subject
OF representation in the assemblies submitted q
report to the effect that while the plan now IN use
mex pedient, with the recommendation that the
subject be Indefinitely postponed. The report was
adopted and the committee discharged. the re-
port OF
THE COMMITTEE ON VACANT CHURCHES
was read and referred to the Committee on Church
Polity. Rev. X. II. Booth, H. L. Hitchcock and Hon.
Horace Maynard were appointed committee to
consider upon and report place for the next
meeting OF the General Assembly. Thursday
and Friday OF next week were designated
for hearing delegates from corresponding bodies.
resolution was offered by the Rev. Mr.. Lockwood
for the appointment OF d committee to consider
and report upon the term Of office OF elders,
whether they should hold office for life or the ro-
tary system be adopted. Referred to the Commit
tee on Bills and 0vertures. A resolution, by the
Rev. Mr.. Reddng, relative TO what action should be
taken by the Church the use of intoxicating
liquors, was referred to the same committee. Soon
after one O'Clock p. M. the committee adjourned.
and engaged in religious exercises.