Wilmington daily commercial., 1875-10-21
FOURTH EDITION.
The synod.

THIS MORNINGS SESSION THE WEST CHURCH TRoU-
BILE UNDER CONSIDERATION AND A SUBSCRIPTION
RAISED IN Irs BEHALF.
AT $50, this morning, the Synod was opened,
and half hour spent in devotional exercises,
which were condusted by Rev, Mr.. Beach of
Jamestown, Md.
communication ou vacant churches and un-
employed ministers, containing resolution for
the appointment OF d committee over them, con-
tanned some Objectionable features to many OF the
members, and Few Jno Squires, OF Port Depos-
it, spoke in opposition to it, Among other things
he said he would not obey the resolution, III adopt
ed, and recognized the Presbytery Of New Castle
AZ the only ecclesiastical power on the Peninsu-
la to which he was subject. He thought the pro-
position al original discovery and an ecclesiasti-
cal curiosity. On his motion the whole subject
was indefinitely postponed.
The Committee on Home Missions made its
report 1t states that number of churches have
been supplied with the gospel, represents tho
sabbath schools IN aprospering condition, and
says that other churches are needed. The re-
port was adopted.
Rev. j. NJ. p. OTIS, of the West church, this
city, brought the difficulties which now surround
that church to the attention of the Synod, and
asked advice as to the best course 10 be pur-
sued. He said that he had done everything in
his power, that the church membership had un-
dertaken all they were capable of, to remove
debt of $40, 800, upon which Judgment had
been obtained and for which the sheriff had
made levy upon the furniture of the church.
After all the exertion which had been
put forth, only about $1,000 had been
raised, leaving $4,000. for which ho saw no
way Of providing. The church, he said,
was on good foundation the curront expen-
ses have been met notwithstanding tie hard
times, including the monthly payment Of the
minister's salary and an interest of 200 on
debt
Rev. DR.. Backus, of Baltimore, felt more
deeply impressed with this object than the With
erspoon monument, which had already been ia.
vorably acted upon, and was afraid
the Presbyterians are tending too
strongly towards congregatonalism. Did the
church belong to Catholics the Methodists or
Episcopalians, it would not be permitted to be
sold. If permitted the sale would be hurtfu to
the cause aud all the members would feel the
shame. Having been called to look over the
West church i'll ali official capacity, he had dis
covered that it stood second or third in the Pres
bytery in membership, while in the amount of
money 1t gave 1t was above any other.
Rev. s. A. Gayley thought it would be anew
erasting disgrace to the Synod of Baltimore to
permit the church to pass into other hands, and
said that had it not been for the financial pres
sure of the times it would not now be in the
trouble it is. The church, he further said, was
necessity here. and If there is not enough money
In Wilmington to relieve it he thought there was
in the Synod.
Rev. Geo. Morrison, editor of the Presbyte-
ridn Weekly, offered resolution laying as
sessment upon the churches in the Synod to
raise the amount needed. He said he had con-
suited with his elder, and that their church, in
Baltimore, was ready to submit to an assessment
of thirty cents per member, which would return
about $50.
Rev. Mr.. Gayley thought the best way to raise
the money was not by assessment, as his expe-
rience proved that more could be obtained by
simple approval of the object.
Mr.. Otis said that what is done must be done
quickly, as the matter ia in legal process. What
ever is done, he desired that no deluslve hopes
be held out.
Rev. DR.. Chester offered resolution earnest
ly commencing the West church to the Pre5by-
terians of Wilmington, and after that to the
sympathy and help of the churches elsewhere
within the Synod. This was offered as an
amendment to Mr.. Morrisons resolution, but
became the original, the previous motion being
withdrawn.
Rev. DIR. Spottswood offered an amendment
which being adopted. authorized the soliciting
Of voluntary subscriptions from the members OF
the Synod, and in this way S516 were secured.
DR.. Chester's resolution was also adopted after
some further discussion of the subject.
The minutes of the Presbyteries of Baltimore,
New Castle and Washington (and some addition
al papers with the latter We're approved
The Committee on Finance made itn report, i'll
which the assessment of $3.50 with which to de-
fray the expenses of the next Synod was recon-
mended and spportoned as follows Presby-
teries of Baltimore, Sl05, New Castle, s66. and
Washington S79.
The Committee on the Minutes of the Gener-
al Assembly reported series of resolutions ap-
proving the action of the last General Assembly
in relation to the Centennial recommending
the setting apart of one day of the next session
Of the Assembly for the consideration of papers
on certain subjects named, and also the appoint
ment of day of prayer, and expressing the con-
vlcton chat it is inexpedent Tor the Synod to
take any action on the subject Of Synodical Rep
resentation. Adopted
A paper which had been offered by DR.. Nourse
III relation to the instruction of children by par
ents, urging greater watchfulness over them,
and counseling a refusal to place Protestant
children under Catholic teachers, was brought
up and taken from the table, but on motion of
Rev. j. L. Carter the latter clause was amended
to read " all influences which may pervert
them from their faith or vows The paper was
then adopted.
A recess was then taken.
SERMON, THIS EVENING.
Rev. DIR. Wills, of Washington, has consented |
to preach in the Central Church, this evening |
Services will begin at 730. The public are in |
vited
LOAN SsLEs, LAST EyESING-The Aid Loan |