The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-11-30
A SPIRITED CHURCH MEETING.
A Presbyterian Preachers Accusations Against
Brother Pastors Leads to Unkind Remarks.

A called meeting of the indianapolis Presby-
terry was held yesterday morning, at 1920 o'clock
at the Second Presbyterian Church. Rev. Fl. L.
Dickerson presided as oderator, and as the
meeting was lively one vas kept rather busy
Rev. D. r. Love, of Greenfield, was clerk. The
session was for the most part taken up with q
discussion of a petition presented by twenty
seven members-almost the entire congregation
of the Eleventh Presbyterian Church, on Olive
street, near Prospect, asking for dissolution Of
the church and that the property be disposed Of
the reason therefor being that the church had
so greatly run down that it would be inadvisa
bic to continue its existence. Though out of debt
and owning property, the congregation is too
| small to support pastor, and during the eleven
years of it's existence has not had one over half
the time. This church was formed by a colony
from the Seventh Presbyterian Church
The sentiment of the presbytery was generally
in favor of granting the petition. A series Of
resolutions were drawn up to this effect and
authorizing the appointment of a committee con-
sstng of Rev. NJ L. Haines, Rev G. L. Nc
Mutt, Rev. r. V. Hunter Geo. B. Wright, of
the Second, and w. NJ. Mcpherson, Of the
Eleventh churches, to confer with the trustees
regarding the assets of the church
This plan was opposed by Dr. Edison and Rev.
Hendrickson. The discussion that followed was
lively and somewhat personal. Dr. Edison
charged that the committee named was
packed all being of one side. the opposition
not being represented. He doubted the wisdom
of the policy of having the large churches swal-
low up the little ones Messrs. Hunter Pugh
and others denied any such intention, and
Messrs Haines and McNutt declared they had
not decided on which side Of the question they
stood.
Mr. Hunter said that Dr. Edison had for years
had especial charge of the establishment of some
of the smaller churches, especially the at
Brightwood, and that therefore DR.. Edison him.
self was more responsible than any one else for
the general weakness among those churches and
for an apathy and Indifference on the part of
others to help them. With these facts before
him, he said he did not feel like being governed
by the persons who, to greater or less extent,
had brought about this condition of affairs.
DIR. Edison said these personal illusions we're
most ungracious and exceedingly offensive. and
then several peace-makers came with soothing
words to heal the blows of speech. The whole
question as to what should be the policy of
churches was brought up. Mr.. McNutt offered
q resolution which finally passed--yeas TO- nays
9-Ihat the request of the petitioners be granted,
and that the field be put under the charge of the
Seventh Presby terian Church as mission, the
until the spring meeting of the presbytery.
II. A. Cooper, student of the Danville Nor
NAL School, was taken under the care of the
presbytery as candidate for the ministry The
meeting then adjourned to meet two weeks
hence, when the Ninth Presbyterian Church
(coored), similar in condition to the Eleventh
Church, will receive attention.