The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-05-19
SOUTHERN PRESBYTERY.
THE GENERIL ASSEMBLY COW
yENES Nv lNNUAL SESSION.
Ruling Elder Chosen Modera,or-Ress-
lutions Against Sunday Worlds
Fair opening-Rsports Read.

MACON. GA, May iS.-Special.s .srhe
General Assembly OF the Presbyterian
Church in the United States met in the
First Presbyterian church here to-day
az IL a. NJ, and was opened with a SER
mon by Rev. Dr. s. A. King, OF Waco,
Tex, from Matthew. xviii. 20: "Lo.
ana with you always, even unto the end
Of the world"
The sermon was a strong presentation
OF Gospel truth. showing that Jesus Christ
was qualified TO make and execute the
promise IN the text. That he was divine
ana omnpotent; that he would be- with
ms people as friend, Saviour and King:
that ne would be with them In all their
tflals ana sorrows, and i'm all their
WJfk Tor him. The disciples went forth
In the consciousness OF the presence OF
their Master, and they were, therefore.
prepared to endure all trials and hard
ships. Tribulation liz the legacy OF Gods
people IN this, as well as i'm preceding
ages, but he promise in the same. Tho
disciples and servants OF Jesus Christ ars
here to-day with the same commission:
GO We into all the world, and preach the
Gospel 90 all nations" The ministry
he showed, was a work committed 10
men, not TO angels. The promise, there
fore, was TO men-to us. who labor for
the uplifting OF the world Access had
been opened mp for the Gospel, OF which
our fathers did not dream Jesus thus
performing his promise 60 us.
Before concluding his sermon, the Doc
tor made happy allusion 20 the fact
that the first General Assembly OF the
Southern Church met I'm this house I'm 1866.
just after the war. and showing the trials
endured by many OF the delegates I'm
reaching the place OF meeting. and their
paying a beautiful tribute 20 the memory
Of our fathers and brethren who had
passed on to tho general assembly and
church OF the first-born in heaven. After
the sermon the assembly was duly con-
stituted with prayer by the moderator.
The roll OF delegates having been called
by the clerk, the assembly proceeded
10 the election Of a moderator for the
present session. Judge j. W. Lapsly
ruling elder OF Anniston. Ala, was unan-
imously elected. this being the first time
I'm the history OF the Church that "A ruling
elder was ever chosen as moderator OF
a general assembly. Judge I.apsly Is n
prominent lawyer, and is a magnificent
presiding officer. Rev. Messrs. Primrose
and Snedicar were chosen as temporary
clerks
A memorial from East Hanover Pres
bytery. Virginia, was read, asking that
the assembly take immediate action In re-
gard TO opening the gates OF the Column
bian Exposition on Sundey The memo
rial was signed by Drs. Hoge and Kerr.
on motion a resolution was adopted
making an urgent request to the com
mittee at Chicago not 10 permit the gates
OF the Worlds Fair 90 be opened on the
Lords day. The resolution was sent by
telegraph.
Rev. Drs Kerr. Hooper, Sanders. Lacey
and other prominent ministers OF Vir-
ginia are present
Rev. Drs. Markland. Wood. Cannon,
Farris. Joshua Wilson, the stated clerk OF
the assembly. ana many other distin-
gulshed ministers and laymen from other
parts OF the South and West are on the
floor OF the assembly.
This meeting OF the assembly Is likely
TO be one OF unusual interest as many
very important matters are to be brought
before Il.
The city Of Macon is AT the height OF
her springtide beauty. and the weather
IL charming.
The afternoon session was taken up
largely with hearing the reports OF the
various assemblies commeittees.
various assembly committees.