Omaha daily bee., 1898-05-22
UNITED PRESBYTERIAN PLAN
Outline of the SCOPE of the Big Con.
VentiOD that Opens the Expo
sition Season.

AS many of the conventions to ne held
in Omaha this year will begin with deyo-
tional exercises. it is perfectly proper that
the first gathering OF the year be re-
lgious assembly. What is known as THE
General Assembly of the United Presby-
terian Church Of North America meets in
the Central church next Wednesday even
ing. May 25. This Is the conservative wing
of the Presbyterian denomination, and has
in the United States about 10000 members
and about 1000 ministers. The Mecca Of
the church is in Pittsburg and Allegheny
City, Pa, q theological seminary being in
the latter city and one also at Xenia, o.
The delegates in this assembly will num-
ber about 25O. equally divided between min
listers and laymen.
In worship the United Presbyterians sing
only psalms, and until a few years ago
used no musical instruments In the churches.
There is still an anti-organ faction, but
it is very small A large body of the church
still holds to strong position against Sc
cret orders and in favor OF close communion.
The missions in foreign lands are con-
| fined to Egypt and India. The mission in
| Egypt is considered by other denominations
| to be model in every respect. This mis-
| sion was founded by DR.. McCague and wife,
| well known in Omaha. To this estimable
| couple is due the credit of establishing the
first mission and church in Omaha. some
thirty-one years ago. The membership of
the three churches in Omaha and one in
South Omaha aggregates about 600.
| The entertainment of the delegates who
| attend the Omaha meeting will be largely
done by these members, with the kindly
help OF the most openhearted citizens. Fur
ther help would not be refused.
| The position of presiding officer, or mod
orator, is one of honor, and the opening ser
mon is preached by the moderator Of tn,
previous gathering The sermon mex
Wednesday evening will be preached by Rev
Thomas H. Hanna, d. D., pastor of the Firs
church Of Monmouth Ill. He is locke,
upon by the denomination as a man Of un
usual eoquence. The day sessions will b.
devoted to business. Thursday evening th
exercises will be appropriate to the 250tl
anniversary of the Westminster Assembl!
of Divines. which promulgated the Presby
terian creed. The address of the evenin,
will be by Rev. w. J. Robinson, ID. D., o
the First church Of Allegheny, his top
being "Calvinism as Embodied in the West
minister Confession OF Faith" Friday even
ing will be devoted to eulogies upon tn
brethren who have died during the year
The speakers will be announced later
There will be no session on Saturday even
ing nor on Sabbath. 1t Is customary, s
far as is desired. to have the visiting min
listers occupy the pulpits Of the cit
churches. The assembly will doubtless ad
journ Monday AFTERNOON on account Of tn
Memorial day exercises. Monday evenin
will be devoted to the cause Of missions
REV. Samuel Martin, d. D.. of sialku
| II. = H. t.
Mission Work of Today" and Rev. G.
Hawes of Portland. Ore, on the Hon
, Mission Work Of Today" Besides these this
have been mentioned, there will be ad
, dresses by representatives Of the differer
, boards of the church and by distinguishe
, delegates from other ecclesiastical bodie
. The public will be welcomed to any and a
, Of these meetings. There will be no close
doors. even during business hours.