Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1889-10-03

|
Campbell, stated supply, to become regu-
lar pastor, we're read. The congregations
promised lin $500 per annum aad six
weeks vacation each year. The call con-
tained 100 signatures.
The Rev. George H. Stewart Campbell of
Philadelphia, stated that the petition for a
congregational meeting had been sub
mltted 20 Elder Irving spence and he had
approved 1t. The meeting was held on
| August 18th and the Rev. James II. Camp
bell was asked to withdraw his resignation
as stated supply. A. an adjourned meet
ing, held on August 10th, the withdrawal
OF the resignation was read and the stated
supply was elected regular pastor. George
y. Richardson, an elder, WAS moderator OF
| both meetings. On September 22d, at an
adjourned meeting moderated by the
speaker, 10 commissioners we're appointed
TO sign the coll and prosecute 1t before the
presbytery.
DR.. Gayley declared that the proceedings
oithe three meetings mentioned by the pre-
c9ding speaker were irregular the meetings
| had been authorized by the session and the
congregation had no right to convene for
the purpose OF calling pastor unless the
meetings had been called by the session.
He was sorry the brethren at Snow Hill had
acted so oisorderly and illegally.
The Rev. W. 7. Swartz moved that the
| call be declared out CT order, and the Rev.
A. N Kelgwin offered as an amendment
that the call be returned to the church.
Mr.. Campbell OF Philadelphia, insisted
that the elders were Informed thar the
meeting was called for the purpose of
extending u call.
The Rev. NJ. j. Eckels-"Don't send the
call back; 1t wal add detriment to the
| cause"
DR.. Marks expressed the opinion that It
would be more iudicious to refer the matter
| to "a special committee.
Mr.. bwartz withdrew his motion and MIR.
Baird substituted MIR. Keigwin's amend
ment by moving that the matter be referred
to u special committee and that report be
made at the earliest convenience. The
substitute was seconded but was not put to
vote.
Mr.. Stonecipher snid there was division
OF opinion regarding the legality and ille-
| gality of the call and commended that the
presbytery was competent to decide the
| question.
DR.. Marks said there is danger Of dis.
rupting the church because of the division
OF opinion regarding the legality OF the
| call.
Mr.. Baird said he offered the substitute
because of the conflicting statements; a
committee could hear both sides.
MIR. Spence declared that the congrega-
tional meeting was for the purpose OF ex-
! pressing sentiment on the resignation.
United States Senator Wilson referred to
tho trouble at considerable length. He
wanted Snow Hill Church to be kept intact.
1t is weak now and he wants. II to be strong.
Ii he thought that anything he proposed
saying would injure the church he would
say nothing. He had nothing at heart ex-
cept the good OF the church. He was
humiliated that tins affairs OF the
church had to be brought before
the presbytery In this way. He
had tried his best to prevent 1t. In
behalf OF eighty odd members of the church
he would make statement, which he
would fortily by documents. Has there
over been ar election for pastor at Snow
Hill? he Inquired. Then, he read copy OF
the petition OF members OF the church, ask
Ing Tor tho meeting at which the 80 called
election OF the Rev. James II. Campbell
occurred, which copy was prepared by
Alfrei A. Purneil, who drafted the petition.
The paper did not mention that a pastor
would be elected. call for that purpose
must say 50. This is not technloality; 1t
IL part OF the constitutional law OF the
Presbyterian church. A meeting was held
and Mr.. Campbell was asked to withdraw
his resignation as stated supply. The elders
had prepared resolutions accepting the res
ignation, but the congregational meeting
OVERRIDE them. No notices were published
that there would be- q meeting for the pur-
pose OF calling pastor. Consequently
the call wns illegal. Hlxty-one members
OF Snow Hill Church signed the protest
against the call and 81 members of Stock
ton congregation who had signed the call
subsequently signed the protest. Those
who protest against the call pay two-thirds
or more OF the pastors salary. A fine
church has been erected and 95 per cent Of
the money paid was raised by those who
are protesting. This last meeting, held Sep
TENDER 22d, was a sample OF the whole
proceedings. 1t was protested against by
the elders. Mr.. Campbell, of another pres
bytery, was moderator at the meeting. He
had no right to be moderator; he was an
usurper. The call is void because the meet
Ing was held against the protest OF the
elders; void because another usurped the
functions OF the minister asked by the
elders to oillciate.
Oscar NJ. purnell OF Snow Hill Messenger,
who said no made the suggestion that the
first meeting be held, was next heard. He
stated that those he represented have the
utmost regard for those on the other side.
November 9th next MIR. Campbell will have
been stated supply for five years. The
salary and the speaker suggested that u
congregational meeting be held. II became
nolsed about that the meeting instead
OF being held to raise Mr. Campbell'a
salary would be- held TO get rid OF him. A
friend told MIR. Campbell that he would be
asked to resign and on the strength OF that
Information he sent In his resignation. The
call for the first meeting is IN the hand.
writing OF MIR. Spence, an elder. He sent
the call to Snow Hill Messenger fol
, publication. The meeting was held
and committee was appointed to wall
on Mr.. Campbell and ask him to withdraw
his resignation, which after being visited
BY the committee he did. Previous to the
: next meeting membefs OF the congregation
were notified thar Mr.. Campbell had with
drawn his resignation and that at the next
| meeting he would be elected regular pastor
A eBaA md NN,g. n..h
pared. Although the majority OF the con
!. gregation wants MIR. Campbell for pastor
, they are willing to lot him 80, but owing to
the serious illness OF his wife the majol
, part OF the congregation desire him KEEP
another year.
Tho hour OF the noon recess having mr.,
rived, MIR. Purnell postponed further re
marks until 2 O'Clock.