The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1888-04-18
For the Central Presbyterian.
The Presbytery of St. Johns

Met April 4th in De Land Fla This town
of 1,200 population lies five miles east of the st.
Johns river, In a rolling pine country. The
lay of the land makes the town look pretty
with ITS broad avenues running at right angles
over the small hills and hollows. The streets
have many young water-oaks planted and
many beautiful orange groves are in town Two
of the hotels are situated in the midst of such
groves. The town is lighted with quite nun
Der of electric lights. No where in the pine re-
gion have | seen prettier orange groves. And
1T, as well as many parts of Florida, will furnish
delgntful homes to those who desire a warm
climate.
Presbytery met in the beautiful new Presby-
terian church recently dedicated. It cost
$1,000 Is trimmed in native oiled wood, and
lighted by electricity. The six chairs, table,
and pulpit are jems of beauty; made of curly
pitch-pine shellaced. There were present thir
teen ministers and thirteen elders. Presbytery
conaists of seventeen ministers, (six of them are
pastors two pastors elect, and three stated sup
plies) one Synodical and one Presbyterial evan
gelist Six churches have been erected during
the year. Con picants added on examina-
ton, l58; by le' 144; total at the beginning
Of the year, l.. iotal increase, 3O2. Being
an increase of % per cent on membership. Con.
tributions to pastors salary, FL 900, congrega-
tional expenses, So 257; benevolent objects, ST.
3o4. AS quite a number of feeble churches
were not heard from this Is less than the real
amounts. The Church can see what little aid
1t gives Florida land it Is far too smalD is not
wasted on a dead Church Ten years ago we
had but six ministers, two Of whom were intirm;
and one active man of the four died that year
and but a few hundred members. and only lit
tie over a dozen churches
Presbytery adopted the overture sent down
by the Permanent Clerk of the Assembly.
1t chose Rev. ]. W Shearer principal and
Rev. B. Helm alternate and elder J G. Speer
principal and elder A. NJ. Jones alternate, as
commissioners to the Assembly.
Considerable time was given to discussion of
family worship and admission to church mem
bershlp.
One evening was devoted to the consideration
OF Home Missions, showing very encouraging
growth But Presbytery felt compelled to try
and strengthen existing churches rather than
enlarge her boundaries for want of funds
shame be it said
Sabbath night was devoted to the considera-
ton Of Foreign Missions. AlSeady about thirty
two shares In this and Florida Presbvtery have
been subscribed TO Synods Band of Hope while
thlrty-six have been taken by Savannah Pres
bytery alone. Supplying themselves with new
churches ls temporarily crlpplng our Foreign
Mission work De Land and Oc4la has to pay
OFF debts on church buildings while Orlando
and Gainesville have to build this year. If the
Church will only aid for few years Florida
will be strong and in working order
Presbytery adjourned to meet Ia Fernardina
Friday, December 9TH, at 2. NJ
Thus ended pleasant m citing on a day with
fine breeze and the mercury registering 800 In
the shade Hence l close to cool off
Yours B. HELM
For other Presbyteries see 4th and 8th pages