The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-10-17
The Congregational Council.

CHICAGO, Oct. 16.-When the Congregations. Coun-
Gil called to order to-day Prof. Benner president
of the Salt Lake Academy, spoke against polygamy.
The following adopted:
Resolved, That recognize with respect a loyal
and intelligent minority resident in Utah and that
protest in advance against the admission of Utah
loyal minority"
sion was read and the churches urged to take
more interest in assisting the work of educatonn the
West.
The committee clerical standing offered the fol-
lowing resolutions
Resolved, That standing in the Congregational
ministry is acquired by three conditions-frst mem
ton to the Christian ministry: third reception
ordained minister into the fellowship of the Congre-
gaona churches in accordance with the usage of the
State Territorial organization of churches in which
the applicant may reside, and such standing is to be
continued in accordance with that usage
Resolved That all Congregational ministers thus
IL good standing in their respective States who have
been installed by council, who have been regularly
called to the pastorate by the specific vote OF
church, have formally accepted such position and
have been recognized such by definite act of
the church. should be enrolled pastors and we adj
wise that all UNCONVENTIONAL statstics-and di-
rect that far possible year boOk-conform to
this principle"
The resolutions adopted and after prayer. the
council adjourned till afternoon.
At the opening of the afternoon session the Rev.
L. FL. Cobb, D. D., the secretary of the American
Congregational Union read report covering the last
average receipts per year of 500, 7865 So which is
larger than the receipts for any previous three
secutve years. In 1884, 1O2 churches received aid
in building houses of worship and the num-
Der for the succeeding years foot up average
of seven buildings for church use every three weeks
Union from S123, ZIG in 1866, to $23. 500 in 1879.
Of late, however, receipts have begun to increase
again. The Union has 1,413 600 adherents, and the
report suggests that 600 600 is reached and the
receipts reach 81 $50 OO0 the Union might at least
give $500. 600 in the space of year. Two hundred
thousand dollars year is urgently needed ard ap-
The committee on Dr. Cobb's report reported the
| following resolution:
Resolved That $500, 900 are needed annually for
the next three years for the important work of this
society," that may meet the regular demands upon its
treasury. and advance the works which the provi
dence of God are laying at it's door-$100 600 Of
this sum to be used in helping the new Swede churches
the frontier; 800, 900 for the great work in
great cities this last to be raised by contr
button in large sums from individual donors"
Rev. w. H. Ward d. D.. read the report of the
committee Indian affairs. 1t is exhaustive, and
an aspect Of the .h
had made creator progress than during any similar
period The number of acres of land cultivated by
them has risen from FOG. 421 to 267, 03S-about 30
per cent. The number of day schools had increased
| from LOG to 1872, of boarding schools. reserva-
tons, from 81 to &c. The report closed with set of
resolutions expressing gratitude account of the
attitude of the government toward the Indians,
and asking Congress to provide for their admission to
Mr.. Ehnamani a Dakota Indian. was intro
duced at this point and gave through interpreter
| an account of his conversion.
The Rev. DIR. Dexter presented resolution which
| was adopted thanking the municipal government
| of the city of Leyden, Holland for its courtesy in
placing in the wall of the Church of ST. Peter monu
mental tablet to John Robinson who is held in
ence as largely the founder of the churches.
| DR.. S. FL. Virgin, of New York, reported tenn
perance and resolutions adopted recognizing the
| unfinished condition of the conflict with ntemper
ance and declaring cordial sympathy with all workers
seeking by Christian methods to destroy the practice
of using Intoxicating liquors.
resolution on the Mormon question read by
DIR. Moore, recommer ding the appointment of a com
ination of Mormonism, and report upon plan Of
| action concerning it.
The question of ministerial aid then discussed
at considerable length the Rev. Henry Fairbanks OF
| We, mont, and Samuel HI. Virgin, D. D.. Of New York
taking part in it, After desutory discussion the
subject of Mormonism and the holding of caucus
| the committee adjourned until Monday m orning.