The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1882-05-17
Presbytery of West Hanover

Met at Appomattox G. H., Va May 10th, and
was opened with sermon by the Rev H. H.
Hawes.
Rev. Colin Stokes was elected Moderator, and
Rev II. II. Mclean and elder j. X Morton,
Clerks.
DIR. J. NJ. P. Atkinson and Prof L. L. Hol
laday were added to the committee of Educa-
tion.
A report from the Faculty of Union Theolo-
gical Seminary in regard to the standing of the
candidates of Presbytery, was received and or
dered to record. The usual reports were made,
and committees were appointed
Presbytery declined to put calls from four
churches in North Carolina into the hands of
Rev. H. II. Mclean.
A committee was appointed to report at next
stated meeting scheme for the review Of Ses-
slonal records at the Spring meetings.
Mr.. Stephen was authorized to labor as
Catechlst under care of Rev. H. II. Mclean.
MIR. stephen Is specially charged not to assume
the place or duties of lieentiate, such as occu-
Pying the pulpit or delivering sermons.
MIR. Senger, hcentIate, was cited to appear at
next stated meeting.
IL was resolved that the overture sent down
from the Assembly touching Chap. XII, art 8
of Book of Discipline, be answered by this Pres
bytery in the affirmative
Presbytery authorized an additional appro.
prlatlon OF S25 each to the candidates under
care of Presbytery pursuing their studies in
college, the committee on Education having
informed this body that the means can be pro-
vided
The committee on Presbyterial Historical
Society reported, recommending the preparation
OF historical sketches of all our churches by the
pastors, on uniform paper to be furnished by the
stated clerk, and when written in full. to be
bound Also the preparation and contribution
oi other historical information to be sent to the
Presoyterian Historical Society located at
Philadelphia.
Leave was given the stated clerk to have
made two books in which to record tabulated
statement he has prepared Of every minister in
connection with the old Hanover Presbvtery
and its successor, West Hanover, giving the
Presbyterial connection of said minister with
the above Presbyteries from 1855 to 1882.
One copy to be kept by Presbytery and the
other to be presented to the Presbyterian His
torlcal Society.
1t was directed that the special rules in the
manual relating to Sessional Records be printed
uPon separate slips of paper convenient for
placing IN the Session books for ready reference.
An overture was sent TO the General Assembly
In regard to quorums in Church Sessions, making
1t lawful for the pastor and one elder to form a
quorum in case of the absence of other members
of the Session
The Hebron Session sent up the following
questions to Presbytery
lst. May the pastor when there are elders
present, distribute the elements of the Lords
Supper himself without infringing the rights of
the eldership? ID. Should the pastor, when
there are no elders present, distribute these ele-
ments himself, or call upon the deacons or some
other member to do sol
The Presbytery replied" that the breaking
OF the bread and the pouring Of the wine are
parts of the sacramental actions and should al
ways be done before the people by the minis
ter. But after these actions, the handing or
distributing seems to be merely DIAGONAL f1nc.
ton, and not scripturally included in the
special power and function of either the teach
ing or ruling elder. The questions therefore in
volve no vital principle. But Presbvterv adj.
Vlses that as usage exists, whenever an elder is
present, he be employed according to custom
70 hand the elements and that when no elder
IS present, the minister may either himself
nand the elements to all, or they may employ
deacons"
Parts Of trial were assigned to Mr.. II NJ.
Woods, a candidate of Presbvterv
Rev. H. A. Wales, of Orange Presbyterv. was
invited to sit as a corresponding member
The committee on revision of the Directory.
reported, recommending that in Chap. !. art. /
line 8, before the words " And such as are heads
of families" there be inserted the words Thev
should be careful to prepare themselves by
prayer and meditation for he proper enjoyment
of the services Of Gods house. and to assemble. "
&C., or words to that effect
Also, that Chap. III, art be amended by
inserting before the words the parents present
ing, the following words, or their equivalent,
VIZ. Upon the occasion Of administering this
ordinance the congregation should be clearly In
suucted as to It's nature and the right which