The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1881-11-16
For the Central Presbyterian.
The SYNOD of Memphis

Met in the First church, Memphis, November
I'd, and adjourned last Saturday evening, the
9Th. The Rev. ]. H. Bryson, D. D., of Hunts
WILL Ala. was chosen Moderator. There was
very good attendance, over half of the ministers
of the Synod, and a number of ruling elders be-
ing present. From all the reports it was EVIL
dent that there Is an increase of interest and
spiritual life within the bounds of the Synod
There have been additions to a good many
churches-a season of revival followed three
(out of fve) of the fall meetings of the Presby
terles-in the churches where the Presbyteries
had met. Seven-eighths of the churches of the
Synod are supplied with preaching once month
or oftener. Seven evangelists have been at
work during the year within the bounds of the
Synod-others are wanted and would be en-
ployed if the money could be had to provide for
their support. Churches grouping together, are
making calls for settled ministers
The case of one colored preacher gave rise to
considerable discussion. The Presbytery of
Memphis, acting on the plan proposed several
years ago by the General Assembly ordained
good colored man to the work of the ministry.
to be an evangelist among the people of his
race, under the auspices of the Presbytery,
until such time as three coiored men could be
found, whom the Presbytery would be willing
to ordain, at which time the plan would be to
set off the three into colored Presbytery of
their own.
The colored man so ordained, has conducted
himself with great propriety, has been useful
among his people, and respected and esteemed
by the ministers of Memphis Presbytery He
has never obtruded himself in any way, and
although his qualifications in a literary and
theological point of view were far below the
standard required by our Form of Government,
be has been able satisfactorily to perform the
work he was expected to do.
On one occasion, at pro-re-nata meeting of
the Presbytery, three white ministers and this
colored man were present. One of the white
ministers was called away, and the other two
with the colored man to make out the quorum
finished the business in hand. Again, the
name of the coored minister caused the roll of
the Presbytery to number twenty five ministers.
and this entitled the Presbytery to an additional
representation IN the Assembly, which it re-
ceived on that account. Some months ago
when very important matter, involving per
the colored man was probably not competent to
decide) was voted on in the Presbytery, the col
ored man being present, and being modest, as
usual did not claim any right to vote But one
ofthe white ministers, when the vote the minis
ters present was found to be equally divided,
remarked that the colored man had not voted
Another replied that he had no right to vote.
This sprung the question of his rights. Pres
bytery decided against allowing him a vote.
The minority complained to Synod Rev. Mr..
Rose, OF the Second church of Memphis, was
appointed by Presbytery to defend its action
before the Synod. The line Of argument was
that the colored man, whose qualifications were
lar below the requirements of our standards.
had been ordained in accordance with the plan
recommended by the Assembly, to be an evan
gellst to his own race, with view of setting
him and others apart soon as that could be
done, into Presbytery OF their own and that
it was never intended that colored man. so
ordained, should be regarded as constituent
part of white Presbytery, with authority to
rule over white churches. All this, as to inten.
ton was admitted on the other side, but il was
claimed that no Presbytery could ordain on the
authority OF recommendation from the Assem-
bly, that the only authority to ordain was that
laid down in the Constitution of the Church
and that whenever Presbytery 8olemnly laid
its hands upon man, ordaining him to the
ministry, that they then and there gave him
full authority to be presbyter-and that if in
any such case he, or any one else for him, should
demand his right to vote, that there was no