The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1893-05-22
SATURDAYS PROCEEDINGS
or the Assembly--An Interesting Session.
Young Peoples Society.

vi tlle AabuulUly --fAh AutcEcbbtHB 1ebolou-
Young Peoples Society,
WASHINGTON, May 2l.-The first re-
port submitted to the Presbyterian gen.
eral assembly yesterday morning was
that Of the Committee on Ministerial
Relief.
The Presbyterian church, said the re-
port, put no premium on old aye in tho
ministry-the average amount paid to
the families OF tho aged and infrm
clients OF the board being but s2l1 q
year. Although an improvement upon
the work OF the past, the church can
and should do much more. There aro
now on the rolls OF the board 722 per.
sons, 81 OF whom certify that they alb.
soiutely need 5000 year, the maximum
amount allowed to u single family. The
others are content with loss. The total
disbursements OF the board in the year
were $l52, ,492, ull Of which were pro.
vided for Contributions from the
churches we're $3.50 less than in tho
previous year, 1851 churches making
no contribution to this fund.
Before tho adoption Of tho recommen.
d9tions OF the committee, Rev. Mr.
Leftwich, blind minister OF Baltimore,
made an impassioned appeal to the as.
sembly for reconstruction OF the basis
upon which the work of the board is
conducted. 1t should be, he said,
placed upon the rock Of eternal justice.
The superannuated worker for God is
entitled to a comfortable income from
tho church he has served; but until 1t
is backed by sense OF moral obliga.
tion, the discharge OF the duty OF the
church to its needy ministers will be
done inelficientlyand Enthusiastically.
So long will the board be compelled to
say to applicants. ave can give you at
most $500 year" Such a condition OF
things should end right now and here.
[Applause.
Rev, John Fox, D. D., chairman Of
the special committee on methods OF
management OF church temporaIities
presented its report. The committee
recommended change in the form OF
government, looking to deacona
system OF government, rather than that
OF trustees, which is extra.constitution.
al and oftentimes leads to condition
OF things in opposition to tho teachings
OF the church, and from which there Is
no relief except by appeal to the civil
courts.
The committee further recommended
that in tho meantime the following de.
liverance be made by the general assem-.
bly,:
"The general assembly takes notice
that there are frequent complaints that
trustees Of congregations assume pow.
ors and authorities, especially over
music and the use Of church buildings,
which are not warranted by, but in con.
fiiCt with. tho constitution OF the
church. The assembly onjoins upon
the churches loyal adherence to our
form Of government, which provides
that the authority OF the session over
all matters Of worship is paramount,
and at the same time recommends that
all such questions be treated by the
session with Christian tact and court
esy, in the spirit Of love and lorbear-
ance.
Tho report was made tho special
order for next Thursday morning.
Among the interesting reports submit
ted to the general assembly to-day was
that Of the special committee on young
peoples societies. Tho committee
says:
1--WE do not bcliovo that uniformity
OF organization in harmony with our
church policy is TO be attained by the
adoption OF ono constitution by all
local young peoples societies. Such
societies, like Sabbath schools, are n
part OF tho church machinery, and
their conduct should bo left to tho
church. We have no dcnominational
model to which nll our Sunday schools
must conform. The school is under the
caro- Of tho session, and may bc adopted
In constitution and operation to the
needs Of tho folds. So 1t should be
with the young peoples soeieties.
"Uniiormity Ia desirable IN tho roCo9.
milton by tho societies oil Bubjecton To
the session OF tho church and work to
educate members In tho doctrines, pol.
Icy, history and present activities oithu
church. Societies thus organized and
working should havo tho counsel and
holp Of the church, Tho namo 'Pre9by.
torlan Union seems TO tho committee
10 DO we'll chosen, and form OF conati.
tuition for such organization Is Dubml.
nitlod with tho report"
Tho assembly adjourned to mect Mon
day morning. Tho commissioners aud
visiting ladies Bpont tho afternoon al
Mt, Vcrnon,
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A glniNtu0nt ilnninu,