The Wilmingtonian., 1886-09-18

and j. H. Mulhausen; Shiloh, Rev. B. T
Moore d. j. Russell and P. H. Boyd Bran
dywine, Rev. G. B. Needham and II. Hay.
burn.
The council was called to order by DR..
Weston who nominated DR.. Cook as modera-
tor, Rev. w. r. Patton of Media was made
secretary.
The statement from Grace Baptist church
was then called for, which was read, as fol-
lows
To the council called by Grace Baptist
church in Wilmington on Tuesday Septem-
ber 18th, 1886.
BRETHREN, Grace Baptist church has
called this council, as your letters indicate,
for the purpose of considering the propriety
of recognizing us as regular Baptist
church.
This company of believers has organized
and taken out letters of incorporation for the
purpose of establishing regular Baptist
church within the Baptist denomination.
A party of sixty members of the mother
church in this city met together October 1st,
last, and completed organization as COM
muniry of Baptist worshipers.
Before undertaking the above the breth-
rem and sisters referred to made careful con-
sideraton of the matter and at length came
to the conclusion that parting fran the
mother church was unavoidable, and as re-
corded of Abraham and Lot separated
themselves.
Our chosen field for work is that district
of the city East of Market Street and North
of Seventh Street, precinct, relatively
speaking unoccupied &c far as Baptist work
is concerned.
| Our boundary lines would in general way
comprise the large district extending towards
the Brandywine, Eastward and towards the
North including Brandywine village, to the
city limits.
In the above is included almost the dem
sest population of Wilmington and distinc-
lively that part of Wilmington least infiu-
enced OF almost absolutely without a Bap-
tist nucleus, being occupied either by other
denominations or having no church connec-
tion at ALL 1t is a most promising field in
these respects and also in the fact of repre-
senting that part OF the city where the great
est increase Of population may be found.
In regard to our means of subsistence as
an organization you are referred to the FL
nancial Secretary.
As to the origin of our church, explanation
has already been given, the letter Of dis
missal from Delaware Avenue church being
on file in the clerks minutes.
We have been duly Incorporated accord
ing to the requirements of State law.
We have by special enactment of the men,
bers of this church accepted the Philadelphia
articles of Faith in lieu of those previously
adopted by the church.
We have organized as regular Baptists and
propose to stand clearly within denomina-
tonal lines as such limitations are commonly
understood. 1t is our desire, with the help
of the Lord to do all VIC can both individual
l I.,a ;,,
with our sister churches of the denomna-
tions.
We have called pastor, the Rev. $. b.
Hayward of Milford.
Full executive organization has been effect
the church, deacons and trustees, are in
charge in the usual way. A roster is kept
of the membership, each deacon having dis
trct in his hands.
This building has been rented for the term
of one year. Regular Baptist service has
been held here since February last with the
limitations according to the terms of our
lease. Wednesday prayer meetings are
regularly held-average attendance being
40. Sunday School is fully organized and
has been maintained since January last.
There are so on the roll including teachers,
But the attendance is somewhat irregular
especially during the recent warm weather
and on account of our custom of a 0 a. m.
session. There is movement on foot to es.
tablsh library in connection With the Sun
day School, and our librarian holds an order
for $50 worth of books. The sisters of the
church have instituted Mite Society which
holds its regular meetings and subscription
list.
The Breaking of Bread is It gularIy held in
the first Lords day of each month.
In reference to the paucity of baptisms and
membership which our record show we are
constrained to remind this Council that oul
church, realizing its position of being with