The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-08-25
geIisiuns sutetligeute.
FROM THE SOUTHERN STATES.
Presbytery of Roanoke

! Met at Gainesville on the llth, and was opened
with sermon by the Moderator, Rev. A. b. Car
rington. The place of meeting being at the ex
IRENE southeastern edge of the Presbytery. and
the prevailing rain. making long travel by private
conveyance very inconvenient, the attendance was
not large-only seven minister's and ruling elders
from thirteen OF our thirty churches. We had also
the pleasure OF the presence with us throughout
the meeting of Dr. Atkinson, president of Hamp
| Rev. S. I. Martin, OF Statesvle, N. O., and Rev
Mr.. Pauette, of the Methodist church, who sat a:
corresponding members.
Rev. John s. Watkins was chosen Moderator
and Rev. j. Fl. Davis and G. W. Akers clerks.
The pastoral relation between Rev. William r
Atkinson and Village church was dissolved 1.-THE
act to take effect at the close of the month with
view to Mr.. Atkinson s removal to Raleigh, North
Carolina.
DR.. H. G. Alexander was appointed to preach
in Village church and declare the pulpit vacant
Rev. H. A. Brown reported his attendance al
the meeting of the General Assembly, and The non
attendance OF the venerable Dr. Z. q. Venable
on account of the increasing infrmities of age.
Rev. Thomas .Wharey was appointed to write to
Dr. Venable, conveying the Christian salutations
of the Presbytery and the expression of the sympa
thies of It's members. DR.. Venable remains in
Texas l.5.r
The Periphery regretted much the absence oil
Dr. Martin, of Danville. and the stated Clerk was
directed to convey to him the expression of the
cordial sympathies Of his brethren on account oil
his prOtracted sickness.
The committee to organize churches at Browns
Shop, IN Pittsylvanla county, and at Douglass, in
| Prince Edward county, were continued
Pittsylvsnia Court House has chosen as the place
for the next stated meeting, to be held on the first
Wednesday In MAY at u NJ
After the free conversation on the state OF reli-
gion the following was adopted:
ResOlved, That Presbytery has, with deep inter
est and profound sympathy with the congregation
of Chase City and Its pastor Rev. Thomas Drew,
listened to the statement of the controversies and
trials through which they have recently passed {;
and we thereby, in full and affectionate confidence,
commend them to the divine guidance and bless
ing TO the end that all may be overrued for good
60 the glory Of God, and for future growth and
prosperity Of the church.
Sabbath School reports were received from eigh-
teen churches. four Of which reported no schools
The fourteen having schools reported 122 teachers
and 1852 scholars on their rolls and 90 teachers and
SIG scholars average attendance 26 scholars as
having been hopefully converted and received to
the full communion of the church, $l56 contribut-
ed for use of our schools. and 500 contributed to
other benevolent uses TUelUe churches sent IN no
report
The report to Synod on systematic benefcence
covers the period and embraces the facts of the
report in April to the General Assembly. A de-
crease of over two per cent, is noticed in the mum
Der of collections taken up as compared with the
previous year. To remedy past deficiencies in
this respect the Presbytery adopted the following
paper:
Recognizing the facts which called for the reg
ulations on the subject of systematic benefcence
adopted by the last Assembly, and the constitu-
tional power of the Assembly to enact them.
Resolved, That this Presbytery will endeavor
faithfully to comply with these rules.
The regulations referred to require the minis
tiers and sessions Of all the churches to present to
their congregations annually the six objects of be-
nefcence appointed by the General Assembly and
in case of failure to solicit contributions in behalf
of any one of them to report to Presbytery the rea
son for not doing So
The committee appointed at the adjourned meet
ing in May to organize colored church within
the bounds of Roanoke congregation Separate, &c.
Realistically, from our body reported that this
had been done, with ninety-fve members, five rul-
ing elders, and two deaccns, and that Abel Davis,
one of their number, was candidate, under the
care and instruction OF Rev. j. S. Watkins, for
dination as a minister, to be the pastor of the
church.
Upon the representations of Mr.. Watkins as to
the candidate piety and knowledge it was