The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1874-06-24
Bgfore the adoption Of this paper mum.

Before the adoption of this paper mum
Der of members briefly expressed their opin-
ion concerDingit.
DR.. II NJ Smith, Chairman of the Com
mittee of Bills and Overtures, said when the
subject was taken up, that it was one of ex-
ceeding great Importance; and on this &C
cunt, as well as on the score of what was
due to the ecclesiastical bodies from which
the memorials had been received, proper
consideration should be given to it.
The Moderator Grew. DR.. Girardesu,) said
that long ago. when bis mind was turned to
the work of Foreign Missions, he was led to
the conclusion that it was his duty to devote
his life to evangelizing the African popula
tion of this country, our heather people at
home. A plan had been adopted in 1866,
at Mobile, which he thought had never been
fairly tried But brethren whose opinions
he highly respected objected to it on the
ground that it was Inconsistent with our con-
stitution. He was now filled with painful
apprehensions about leaving the negro to
himself; he feared the result would be evil.
But under all the circumstances existing he
thought the plan here proposed was the best,
and he was therefore in favor of it. Only
one thing he would say emphatically, we
must in every practicable way reach out a
friendly hand to the negro, and not leave
him to himself because he is in separate
Church.
DR.. Kirkpatrick hoped that this plan
would result in something of real benefit to
this destitute population. He read letter
received from one of our elders of high stand
ing, in which he earnestly expressed "the
hope that some ef9ctual measure, in behalf
of the negro would now be entered upon,
aud that must be upon the basis of a sepa-
rate organization.
DR.. G1ardeau, (the MODERATOR in an
swer to an inquiry how this plan would af-
feet his relation to his present charge, said
that he and others who were pastors over
colOred churches now, could not under the
plan proposed, continue that relation, in it's
technical sense: but they could still continue
their labors as evaDgelists.
DR.. II. III. Smith said that in one of our
Presbyteries they were now ready to form
colored Presbytery, which would be indepen-
dent but have the benefit of counsel and
help There are six or ten colored licenti-
ates, enough to be formed into one or two
Presbyteries. We could help them iu seek
ing out and instructing suitable persons to
be ordained as preachers, and in other i'm
portant matters. We could thus avoid en-
barrassment; because while these men might
not reach the standard of attainment re-
qured among US, they could be useful and
acceptable in this separate organization.
Rev. d. 0. Davies did not see that there
could be any essential difficulty in such
case as DR.. Girardeau's. He might still be
a member of his own Presbytery, and minis
ter to colored congregation. Rev. DR..
Leyburn in Baltimore, and DR.. Axson in
Savannah, were referred to for illustration.
DR.. II. c. Alexander had long thought
that we must come to this plan, though he
was not very sanguine as to the happy re-
suits of it. But We seem to be shut up to it.
There is a difficulty, as a constitutional ques
tlon, about our ordaining ministry for
separate organization. Does it not look like
setting them off to drift we know not with
er? But he knew of no better plan than
the one proposed, and was willing to try it,
hoping for the best.
Dr. IT. NJ Smith answered that we were
not going to cast them adrift; that while, for
the reasons stated, it was judged altogether
best to give them, according to their own
desire, separate organization, it was our
declared purpose to give them all the help
in our power.
ReU. A. W. Pitzer thought this vital
question, reaching fundamental principles in
the organization of the Christian Church.
He had doubts as to this separate organiza-
ton. Bat as it was only plan, and not a
constitutional law, he had few questions to
ask of DIR. H. M. Smith, the chairman. Does
the report say,
/ That the negroes themselves desire and
ask for this separate organization
2. That this Church abates nothing of it's
interest in the evapgelization of the negroes,
and he believes that this is the best, if not
the only, plan for reaching them with the
gospel
8. That no new legislation is attempted
the Presbyteries still have all constitutional
powers to license and ordain, and to organize
churches?
To these questions an affirmative response
having been given, Mr.. Pitzer declared him
self ready to vote for the paper. adopted
unanimously
NOMINATIONS FOR A PROFESSOR.
The hour having come for this purpose, &C
cording to the standing rule, special prayer
was offered for divine direction, the Rev. G.
A. Caldwell leading in this religious exer-
else. Without going into all the particu-
lars, it is enough to state that Rev. j W..
Hoyte nominated the Rev. Alexander Mar.
tin, of Danville, Va, whom he represented
as a Christian gentleman aud scholar, and
having the advantage of excellent health.
Rev. DR.. Kirkpatrick, confirming this
statement, spoke of him in very high terms,
and that while called to other places of in
fuence he had conscientiously declined.
Rev. II. r. Raymond nominated Rev. G..
W. H. Petrie, D. D., of Montgomery, Ala E,
and spoke of his high qualifications for this
office.
The Rev. j. B. Stratton, of Natchez, was
nominated by the Rev. L. H. Wilson, and the
Rev. J. L. Girardeau, was nominated by the
Rev. W. 7. Hall; but both of these gentle
men positively withdrew their names.
The Rev. j. 0. Lindsay, President of the
Board of Directors, stated that the salary
was 50 500, and the cost of living in Co.
lumbia was high.
GENERAL PRESBYTERIAN COUNCIL.
The report of the committee on this sub
iect being called up,
Reu DR.. PlDmer spoke of the benefits to