The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1888-06-15

The following is an abstract of the pro-
ceedings of Wyoming Chassis, at the an
nual sessions, held in the Reformed church,
Bloomsbury, Pa, May 81 to June 8, 1888.
The opening sermon was preached by
Rev. F. X. Levan of Wilkesbarre, Pa
For the current year the following off,
GERS were elected; President, Rev. j. A.
Peters, b. D, of Danville, Pa; Vice-presi-
dent, Rev. F. G. Yost, of Milton, Pa;
Corresponding secretary Rev. ]. s. Wag-
ner, of Bloomsbury, Pa. Treasurer, Rev.
A. Houtz, of Orangeville, Pa; Rev. s. s.
Kohler, of Wapwallopen. Pa, is stated
clerk, the term of office being four years.
Rev. F. X. Levan is trustee, the term of
office being three years.
A classis in the Reformed church is a
body having both legislative and judiciary
powers within its jurisdiction. Its trans
actions partake largely, therefore, of
routine character, and are principally of
interest only to those who may be affected
by the action taken. Yet there are many
things in the proceedings that are of gener-
al interest.
In order to provide for the more effective
working of the territory committed to its
care, Chassis felt constrained to reconstruct
several OF its pastoral charges. BY so do
ing new pastoral charge has been formed,
which will have for one of its congregations
what is known as the Heller or Dutch Hill
church. committee has been appointed
to assist in procuring a pastor for this
charge as soon as possible, who shall take
up his residence somewhere within the
bounds of the charge. In addition to
preaching for the congregations already
organized, it is expected that the pastor
thus located will also preach at other con-
tiguous points, where the people may not
have the privilege of regular divine service.
In response to an invitation from the
Principal of the State Normal School, Rev.
ID. j. Waller, Jr., PHI. D., Oh Tuesday
morning the Chassis as body visited said
institution of learning. Rev. DR.. Peters
conducted the morning devotional exer-
cises in Normal Hail. At the request Of
the Principal the school was then address,
ed by Rev. d. E. Schroeder, of Turbotville,
Pa, Rev. F. X. Levan, both of whom have
been to some extent engaged in education
al work, and briefly by Rev. DR.. Peters.
After the morning service, the Principal
conducted the members through the var
ious departments of the institution, who
expressed themselves as highly pleased
with what they saw of the school, and in
session afterward adopted vote of thanks
to Rev. DIR. Waller and his associates for
the courtesy extended to Chassis.
Two new congregations have been Or
ganized within the bounds of Chassis since
its organization, less than year ago, one
at Hazleton and another at Nanticoke, Pa
The following statistics, however, gather
ed from the reports, will afford some ides
OF the numeral strength of the Chassis, ant
of the work it is doing. There are 10 min
listers, 36 congrega tions and 4S39 members
During the year 43S children were baptized
and IL adults; 1913 were added to the mem
bership, or, on an average, fraction owe
10 to each congregation; lSl members died
There are 32 Sunday schools, with 1884 at
tendants $2,477 were contributed for pure
ly benevolent purposes, and for the variou
expenses of the congregations, including
the salaries OF pastors, $25, 1854.
With respect to the evils of intemper
ance the Chassis adopted the following, sen
down by the General Synod of the church
and directed the pastors to read 1t from
their respective pulpits;
Resolved. That we view with profoun,
regret and sorrow the great evil of intem
perance, and especially its sad and deadl
fruits, crime, poverty, and temporal an
eternal death; and that we here and now
before God and the nation, record our pre-
test against 1t, and earnestly call upon ou
syrods, classes and churches to unite wit
us in Jealous and persistent Christian ei
forts, looking towards its speedy extermir
alton.
Chassis adjourned finally on Tuesda.
evening, 9th inst to meet in annual sess
ions in the Trinity Reformed church, Wat
sontown, Pa, Rev. Geo, S. Sorber, pastor
on Wednesday evening" June 10, 1889.