The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1886-10-27

recommendation from the majority oi
the committee to disapprove of that act
being laid on the table.
The resignation of Hon. James Hemp
hill as director, which was presented to
the Synod prior to any action by it, was
accepted, with the thanks of Synod for
his long and faithful service as mem
ber of the Board. Mr.. Hemphill was
only last year reelected as member OF
the Board, upon the recommendation OF
the entire committee on the theological
seminary, and by a unanimous vote OF
the Synod. Rev. j. G. M Mullen was
chosen as his successor.
The terms of office of Hon. T. B. Fra.
ser and j. Adger Smyth having expired
Rev. j. g. Law and President Henry E.
Shepherd were elected in their place.
Only three of the South Carolina mem.
bers OF the Board favorable to DR.. Wood
row remain, so that, should the repre-.
sentation OF the other Synods remain un-
changed, there will be a majority on.
posed TO DR.. Woodrow of nine to four. as
lines have been drawn in the past wear
or two.
Mr.. Dodge, of the Synod of South
Georgia and Florida, and Mr.. Hempbill
who has just resigned, voted with the
minority during the past year in asking
the resignation of DR.. Woodrow. At the
last meeting of the Synod OF South Caro-
lima, when the Boards action was disap.
proved those directors whose course was
thus condemned resigned at once.
The debates were vigorous, but not at
all acrimonious The chairman of the
committee. on the theological seminary
Rev. David S. McAllister, and the leader
OF the minority in the committee, Rev. J.
Spratt White, were each allowed thirty
minutes In which to advocate their re.
ports, and all other members of the SYNOD
were given FIVE minutes each. The fnll
time allowed was not occupied bv either
OF the brethren given thirty minutes.
All the important votes were taken by
ayes and noes and are upon record, whilst
the house was divided and counted time
after time. Many motions, seemingly of
a dllatory nature, were made, as to ad-
Journ, to docket, to record ayes and noes.
etc. The call of the question was fire.
qaently resorted to by the majority. but
In no case until there had been full
presentation of the main issue, from both
sides. 1t was noticeable that the votes
varied but slightly on the main issues
Whatever phase of the controversy was
presented-a polite request 20 DR.. Wood
row to resign, or an order to the Board
to meet and ask resignation and failing
to receive it to make the chair vacant
or simple resolution endorsing or ap-
proving the Assembly's deliverance on
the naked subject of evolution, or dis.
approval of the Board acts-tlIe great
mass OF the minority stood together.
1t ls 20 the ruling elders that the result
must be attributed The ministers. with
few exceptions, not enough to make a
perceptlble difference, stood as they had
at the last two meetings of the Synod
There was great change, however, in
the character of the representation from
the churches, In all the Presbyteries, and
by this fact the change in this SYNOD.
which has been regarded as DR.. Wood.
rows stronghold, must be accounted for.
The churches, the people, have spoken
out more plainly. DR.. Woodlow lost the
golden opportunity when, reinstated by
the votes of the two Synods and with no
case pending against him, he refused to
resign his chair, though twice asked to
do go by Board OF Directors the major
ity Of which was composed OF his friends,
but chose rather to remain and make his
fight where, in all the blows given and
received, the beloved child of the Church,
its seminary in Columbia, would suffer
more than he. For the good of the sem
mary and for the peace OF the Church he
was asked to give up the professorship.
And still most of his old supporters stand
by and uphold and Justify him
P. S. (Sent by telegraph.) Directors
Rev. T. H. Law and w. J. Mckay re-
signed before the Synod adjourned.