The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1888-05-29
SHAKING HANDS
After a Quarter Of Century's
Separation.
The Delegates Of the northern and Southern
Churches Meet aud Much Good
Feeling Displayed.


the first reunion Of the two great bodies of the
Presbyterian church in America since the di-
vision, more than a quarter Of century ago.
The great audience was apparently made
up in equal proportion from representatives of
the two assemblies, aud when Rev. DR.. Bul-
lock was introduced as presiding officer, there
were thunders Of applause. He was presented
by DR.. Smith, ex-moderatOr OF the northern
assembly, and when DIR. Smith said il vel
coming the southern guests that the audience
should remember that the members of both
these great assemblies were Fresbyterians
above all things, and that tho brethren from
the south had crossed Mason and DiXOn's line
almost without knowing where the division
was, there another round OF enthusiastic
applause. They were Of tho same ancestry,
the same faith. Same glorious history.
Then FIVE thousand PEOPLE rose and sang,
"Praise God From Whom All Bes ngs Flow"
Dr. Bullock, as representative Of the south
ern assembly, in n brief but eloquent address,
cordially reciprocated the fratenal sentiments
Of tic brethren from the north, and said that
whatever might DO the final disposition of the
question Of organic union, there was no feeling
OF alienation or prejudice, or want Of faith in
the doctrines OF their sister assembly. There
was no obstacle that he knew to fraternity and
fellowship.
Then the congregation sang "All People
That on Earth do Dwoll' and "All Hail the
Power of Jesus'S Name"
A great audience also crowded Horticultural
hall, adjoining the academy, and here, too
there was the same cOmlningling Of the blue
badges of the northern assembly and the blue
and white of the representatives of the soHth-
ern branch The same fraternal feeling was
manifest among the commissioners Of both
bodies.
Rev Dr.. Charles L. Thompson, of Kansas
City, moderator OF the northern assembly, was
in the chair, and seated with him on the plat
form were eminent divines representing both
branches. The opening ceremonies were brief
bu, fcrvent, ond when Moderator Thompson
introduced Congressman William G.. Brcckin-
ridge, of Lexington college, there was much
enthusiasm. He spoke on "Calvanism and
Religious Liberty" and eloquently s1etched
tho work of the church in advancing ciyliza-~
and great moral truth. His references to
church union were received with extreme
warmth. When he had finished there was q
whirlwind of applause.
Rev. Howard Crosby, ID. d., followed with
an address On "Prerbytcriansm and Biblical
Scholarship"
The academy and horticultural hall were
both damned this afternoon, although the rain
was falling heavily at o'clock, the hour at
which the ceremonies OF the reunion celebra-
ticn were resumed. Hon William Strong, ex-
Justice Of the United States supreme court, was
in the chair at the academy and around him
were grouped some of the many distinguished
Presbyterian diyines and laymen of both gem
eral assemblies
The first speaker was John Randolph Tuck
or, Of Virginia, who spoke ON the "Adoption of
PreshYterianism TO the Masses" Atheism, he
said, was regaton Of religion and with this
as n text he argued that reason and religion
together required an acceptance of the doc
trine of God as q spirit infinite in power and
faith in God is the conservation of all re
ligious forces. The entire address was
a theological analysis of the religious system
that shows that all things work together for
good to them that love God and repudated
every phase of ssepticism, infdolity and az
Mysticism. Calvin may be our father, but
Paul was our grandfather" was "A sentiment
that brought out II round of applause.
After Mr.. Tucker, Rev. $. j. Mcpherson
ID. D., of Chicago, spoke ON 'Presbyierianism
aud Education" lie Logan his speech:
FATHERS and brethren of these two alas
two-but for this historic, and, let us hope
bly,"
The big audience broke into hand-clappng
nj this alluson to the possibility of organic
union.
At the conclusion of DIR. McPhersons adj
dress the great congregation sang Jesus,
Lover of My Soul"
Mrs. Cleveland, who had arrived during the
speaking and occupied ~ seat in the Prince of
WaleS's box, rose and joined in the singing
The presidents wife remained to the
close of the exercises, which lasted until
six O'Clock y. m. She was also present Mt
tho morning session.
''Cnlvinism aud Human Progress" was the
& Hnthran' ~ SomtL CSraI ~ g"ttvs
- N'thi"h'Hi oHu'h N"loiih'' II CHNlillShl
- narrow aalH NO. ~ ~ because II SEEKS 70
our?l py NC sV'aiei,' ana narrow way 1t Is
H't"oIal ~ tH@. it ii"'N"s no compromise
N W, eltor' IL Is ih'o'etaht OF SIN out not
Congressman Cotlrans peroration walked
tnp "u9'Vhto ~ ana 'noy appiaNoeu TO inc
eei' S ~ lac Sal "o"h' IN imprisoned tones ne
sa i' ,,..,,.,,o.,,,..., &c.
lot"b ,i,n isrn w r" & Wv '" ~ p3,
and bloody COMMIT was slucefe. ana rneh woar to
struggle with ali urlor. with What iii considered 10
he the demands OF Inriotlsm. 10 notw wish tocri-t
icise oNr toes, Wh9 10y superior proves, NanqulShed
rs nor Is any "hesn necessary Tor N! own part IN
,t ru ~ ,ht % =, t i"t a tSf VINO
thoSo engaged on the other SIDE they have At iSast
challenged AND received ueir respect and CHARITY
US
Sand tniinv - ng,ut, with t,, ia ,f II, H. "A