The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-05-19
PRESBYTERIANS MEET.
THE IO5TH ANNUAL SESSION or THE
GENERAL ASSEMBLP.
Opening Exercises OF the Great Body OF
Northern Presbyterians In Wash
ington-The Sermon.

WASHINGTON, May 1S-The one hum
dred ord fifth annual session Of the Cen
eral Assembly of the Presbyterian Church
convened in New York-avenue Presbyte-
rian church this morning Every nook
and corner was filled. and had the church
been twice as large. 70 would not have
accommodated all who desired 20 be pres
cnt
ON the main floor were seated the
commissioners ana others having busi-
ness ina connection with the assembly.
ON the platform were the onices-Rev.
William G.. Young of Danvnle O<yD
Seminary moderator; Rev William H..
Roberts OF Cincinnati. stated clerk and
Rev Dr. William Alvin Bartlett pastor
of the church, chairman of the executive
committee.
Colored Presbytcrians were sprinkled
about over the church. The leading
commissioner of that race Is Rev. John
A. Savage from the Cape Fear fresby-
terry. Of Nerth Carolina.
The decorations of the church were
simple. but effective. over the pulpit
swung an arch bearing ON It's face the
legend. General Assembly" in white
immOrtelles The keystone Of the arch
showed the number of the assembly,
"105." I'm red The background Of the
arch was of leaves OF galaX rich wine
color. which were also used TO twine
around various columns in the body of
the church. I'm the fretNorl, of the gall
lery front We're iuterlaced branches of
bridal wreath and in the embrasures Of
the windows stood pots of palm. Palms
were also massed on the sides and against
the back of the pulpit, and vases of roses
shed their perfume from the tables OF the
assistant secretaries.
The services of the opening session
began at n o'clock with the singing of
the chorus. "The Glory Of the Lord"
from HandoIs Messiah" by the choir
of fifty voices. a tenor solo. "The Valley
Shall BE Exalted" was ung by W. ID
Mcfarland The anthem was selected
from Elijah including the soprano
solo. Hear Ie Israel succeeded by the
grand chorus. "Be Not Afraid"
Promptly at II o'clock Rev. Dr. W.
c. Young. moderator of the assembly
appeared on the pulpit platform, and
took his seat accompanied 10y Revs. W.
IT, Roberts of Cincinnati stated clerk
W. T.. Moore of Columbus, permanent
clerk Joscpt r.. Smith of Baltimore,
moderator Of the Centennial Assembly,
Charles l.. Thompson OF New York, W.
Home Missions. and Hcrrick Johnson Of
Chicago. ox-Justice William Strong. ex-
Governor Beaver Of Pennsylvania, Rev.
Dr. William Alvin Bartlett. pastor of
New YOrk-avcnuo church. and Teunic
S. Hamlin. Byron Sunderland and S. Y.
v. Holmes. of the local Presbyterian
clergy.
Dr. Bartlett announced that the hour
for the beginning of the service had ar-
.r.F.
was followed by the DoXol. , and
prayer 10y Rev. w. H. Roberts, L.s stated
clerk William kethe's HYMN. "Al Poo-
pie That ON Earth DO Dwell" was then
sung bv the entire congregation.
Rev Herrick Johnson then read a part
OF the Gficth chapter OF Isaiah, begin
ming with the eighth verse and also a
part of 81. Matthew. tenth chapter, from
the tenth verse. Rev. Joseph T. Smith
led the asscmblace I'm prayer asking that
the spirit of wisdom grace and love
might rule over all the meetings Of
the Assembly The anthem from the
oratorio Of Elijah was rendered by the
choir
The annual sermon was then delivered
by DR. Young the moderator.
After the sermon matters of detail were
attended 90. and the assembly took
recess until 3 J.. NJ Upon reassembiing
nominations for moderator were in order
Immediately after the opening devOtons
and roll call. Rev. Dr. Charles A. Dickey
and Rev. George A. Baker. both of Phila- !
delphia; Rev. Willis O.. Craig Of McCor- !
mick University. Chicago, bat who sits
as commissioner from Iowa Presbytery, |
and Rev. Calvin Va. Stewart. of Washing /
ton lState). We're placed in domination. /
Drs Dickcy and Stewart withdrew their /
names. The first ballot resulted:
Craig. 32l: Baker. l9S; total. 522 The /
election Of pr. Craig was made unani- /
nous. and be was presented to the ass /
sembly by the retiring moderator. Dr. /
Bartlett pastor of the church iu which /
the assembly meets. then made am ad- |
dress of welcome
j. ~. Foster of Newark ~. j.. pre-
scented the following resolution, which /
was unanimously adopted hy "a rising vote. |
with a subsequent understanding that 10
should Doe amended or made more COM
prehensive tomorrow:
Resolved. That this assembly protests I'm /
behalf of the Christian sentiment OF the
nation against the opening of the Column
bian Exposition at Chicago on the Lords
day We appeal 20 the national commis-
sioners 10 assert their rightful authority |
TO prevent the local directory from open
ing the Exposition on that day. and we
the National Executive in the enforce
ment of an laws designed or calculated
TO secure that end.
Resolved, That a copy Of this resolution
be communicated TO the President of the
United States, and 90 Hon. y. W. Palmer.
president Of the Worlds Fair Commis-
sion
This evening the ordinance Of the Lords
supper was administered 20 the commits
'ioners and an accompanying congrega-
ion, which again more than taxed the
'apacity OF the church.
Among the spectators at the opening
u the Presbyterian assembly this morning
vas Mrs. Cleveland She was escorted
~ Rev. DR. Wilton Merle Smith. pastor
4 the Central-avenue Presbyterian church
# New York. end who is a guest at the
Executive Mansion.
THE NICARAGUA CAN4L.
Western financiers Organize TO Aid in Its