The Evening critic., 1882-04-06
WASHINGTON CITY PREsBYTERY.
The Proceedings at the Session To-

The Presbytery Of Washington city reassem-
bled at the Fourth Presbyterian Church, and
after spending half an hour in devotional
exercises proceeded TO the regular business
before It.
On the motion of the Rev. Mr.. Bittinger,
Drs. Howe, Chester and Rev. Mr.. Kelley were
chosen TO act at the installation OF Rev. Mr..
Patch In his new charge as pastor Of the Four
teenth-street Presbyterian Church. on motion
OF Mr.. G. Jewell the New York avenue Church
was permitted 10 secure supply until regu-
lar pastor could be obtained; the selection OF
OF the minister is left TO the option Of the con-
gregation.
ltThe Rev. Mr.. Comston, the moderator re-
quested permission TO labor at his own Volt
ton during the ensuing year; his health is
not good and his present labors too extensive.
His request was granted. on motion OF Rev.
Mr. Patch the salary OF the stated clerk was
increased to 500.
Rev. DR.. Sunderland next offered the fol.
ReS0ired, As the sense Of this Presbytery,
that 1t is The duty OF each church session to
revise their roll OF membership at least once
in every two years, and in this revision TO OBJ
serve the following rules:
l. Members absent from the churcn over
two years without excuse or explanation, and
whose address is unknown, should be placed
on the suspended list according to the As
sembly's discretion in such cases.
p Members so absent for said porlod, whose
address is known, should be reminded of their
covenant obligations, and II they are still ne
EleCUul lncy sHouiu DC cllOu as the BOOK
quires, and In case OF neglect OF such citation
they should be suspended for contumacy.
3. When q member, from a change OF reli-
gious views and convictions, absents himself
from the church for n period OF more than two
years 1t is the duty of the sessions to use all
wise efforts TO reclaim him, and In case Of
failure after reasonable time the sessions
should proceed 10 citation and trial as the
Book requires.
4. In case member desires TO unite
with the church Of another evangelical de-
nomination the sessions may give him a'certt-
ncate Of good standing, and when such men,
ber is so received his particular connection
with the original church shall be dissolved.
3. 1t is the duty of the sessions 10 see that
every member contributes 10 the support OF
the churches according 10 his ability ana 10
admOnish and discipline dellnquents, using
all wisdom and fidelity in this respect.
g. And IN no case should the namo OF an
absent or delinquent member DO summarily
stricken from the roll.
All OF these resolutions, except tho 9th and
| 9th, were adopted. The 9TH was changed by
an amendment by Dr. Bittinger, 10 the effect
| that sit is the duty OF the sessions 20 giye.to
| every member an opportunity 70 contribute to
the support Of the church according 10 his
ability, and 10 admonish and, II necessary,
discipline delinquents, using all wisdom and
the vote standing 10 in the affirmative and 7
in the negative. The 9th resolution was laid
ON the table. II was decided that the resolu-
| tions, as carried, should be printed and read
from the various pulptts at the earliest con
| yenience of the pastors.
The Synod, at p. m, adjourned for half an
| hour for lunch.