Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1891-06-18
A SERIOUS RUPTURE,

1he Sustaining of the Finding of the
fittsburSh Presbytery by the Synod of
tne Reformed Presbyterian Church Re-
suits in Rupture which Will Take a
Number of Ministers from the Ranks of
the Covenanters.
PITTSBURGH, Pa, June 10.-The early
part of the morning session of the Re-
formed Presbyterian synod was occu-
pied in discussing the resolutions intro
duced by Rev. Joseph McCrackin yes
ferday afternoon. Amendment after
amendment was offered and the dis
cussion grew into a heated wrangle.
Finally the moderator submitted the
question giving each member one min
ute in which to explain his vote. When
the name of Rev. f. NJ. Smith, of Balti-
more, was called, he stated that he
could not believe in the position taken
by the Covenater church. Il am going
to resign my pastorate next Sabbath
and leave the church"
The remark created great sensa-
ton There was a strong desire to APP
pIaud Mr.. Smiths declaration. and it
was with difficulty the liberalists kept
their feelings within the bounds of
propriety. The conservatives, how
ever, were victorious by a vote of 90 to
81.
Rev. E. NJ. Milligan, one of the sus-
pended ministers, at once stepped in
front of the platform and said: I'm
view of the fact that the synod has
found me guilty of following divisive
courses and of being guilty of a heinous
sin, i, together with Rev. o. b. Milligan,
appeal to the bar of an enlightened
Christian conscience and place myself
on trial in the Monongahela Presby-
terry of the United Presbyterian church"
Rev. j. r.. Milligan here arose and
said: 81 want to enter my appeal from
the decision of this court and appeal to
the Judgment of a higher court from
which there is no appeal. 1 now bid all
my brethren in the Covenanter church
farewell"
Rev. John Teas, a missionary sta
toned at Selma, Ala, arose and re-
quested the synod to give him letter
of dismission, saying that he could no
longer conscientiously remain in the
church.
Rev. j. +. Carson. of Brooklyn, an
nounced his withdrawal from the
Covenanter church.
Revs- w. l.. c. Jackson and w. III.
Reed followed in a similar strain.
j. C. X. Milligan gave notice of dis
sent, and called upon ali who wished to
join with him in entering his dissent
against the action of the synod to meet
with him Immediately after the noon
adjournment.
The scene which followed these an
nouncements will never be forgotten.
Men and women pressed toward the
platform. Ladies leaned over the gal
Iery railing and waved handkerchiefs
at the young men whom they have
come to look upon as heroes. Old gray
haired ministers and elders had their
hearts touched by the very earnest
words of the young men, and many a
wrinkled cheek was traversed by tears.
The young men stood before the court
which had found them guilty, calm
and defiant, their faces colorless, and
when they spoke there was no doubt
ing the meaning of their words.
When the noon recess was announced
the friends of the young ministers
rushed to them and a general hand
shaking followed.
Rev. DIR. Thompson said to the re-
porter: 1.-The ultimate result of this
unjust action of the Pittsburgh presby-
terry, Endorsed by the synod, will be
stampede from the Reformed Presby-
terrain church. Those withdrawing
will connect themselves with other de-
nominations"
Rev. l.. C. X. Milligan said the action
of the synod meant the greatest rupture
known in church history.
Rev. j. F. Carson. who gave notice of
his withdrawal from the church, said
there were many Covenanter ministers
who would follow his example and that
whole congregations would follow their
pastors.
The trial of Rev. A. w. McClurlxin
will now be taken up.