The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-10-13
MODERATOR VIM. BLACK
THE BARRISTER BECAME A sue
CESSFUL MINISTER.
SYNOD WILL MEET IN RALEIGH IN 1900
Able Opening Sermon. Other Strong and In
teresting Addresses. Rev. C. W. Byrd,
Leading Methodist Minister, Trans
feTed to 0wensboro, Ky.

Asheville, n. c., Oct. 12.-(Special.) y
Today's session of the Presbyterian
Synod was devoted mai1ly to education
al matters.
The committee to report on the con
dition of Peace Institute reported that
the controlling interest in the institute
has been purchased by Prof. Dinwiddie,
which is assurance that it will remain
under Presbyterian control, a source
of much qualification to the Synod.
Davidson College was reported as be-
ing in a growing condition.
The four educational institutions for
women had successful and prosperous
year.
DR.. Vardell, of the Red Springs Sem
lnory, spoke in behalf of the young wo-
men, who are studying to be foreign mis-
sionaries.
Speaking of the status of The Presby-
terrain Standard. Rev. A. j. MclKelway
ats editor said its great difficulty has
been to compete with rival papers, chief
ly the Christian Observer. Many were
taking the Christian Observer and not
their home paper. The Presbyterian
Standard at present is about paying ex-
penses, but there is debt OF 81 900.
A committee was appointed to report
on the matter.
The report of the Regents of the Or
phans Home was then read by DIR.
Rumple. The receipts were SS,049. and
the disbursement twenty cents less. 1t
was recommended that an immediate
contribution be made in the churches for
this cause, in view of the low financial
condition. An excursion to the Wander
5ilt estate was given the Synod in the
afternoon, and on the return the mem
bers visited the normal and collegiate
institute and took tea there by invitation
of DIR. Lawrence. The committee on Sc
Letting "A time for the meeting of the
next. Synod reported that it had selected
Tuesday, November 18th, as the date.
The date was adopted by the Synod.
Prof. James Dirwiddie president of
Peace Institute, speaking for the people
of Raleigh, captured the Synod, and Sc
cured the session next year for the capi-
tai city by a Unanimous vote. Prof.
Dinwiddie made a happy speech. recount
ing Raleigh's advantages and the pleas
IRE it would give the Raleigh Presbyte-
rians to welcome the Synod to the fine
new church which will be completed DUR
ing the summer of 1900. DIR. Shearer.
president of Davidson College stated
that>it had been his purpose to invite the
Synod to hold its next session at David
son. but in view of Raleigh's invitation
he would defer it to some future time
and vote to make the choice of Raleigh
unanimous. That sentiment prevailed
and Raleigh was chosen. Prof. Dinwid-
die. Prof. McFayden and Mr.. WherTy
were appointed committee to fix the
time OF holding the next session.
.Asheville is very glad to have the
Synod hold its session lssre. 1t repre-
sellts some forty OF more thousand Chris
tians who at every stage of the States
history have been foremost 1t was main.
~, if not solely, Presbyterians who wrote
and signed the Meclllenburg Declaration
OF Independence, and they We're the
pioneers in education in the State. They
taught the youth of Norm Carolina dur
ing it's first two hundred years. and in
proportion to numbers still lead all other
denominations in educational effort. The
first TWO great presidents of the Uniyer-
sity We're Presbyterians as is the pres
ent accomplished president
Until recent years the Presbyterians
have done more for education than in
revival work I'm fields nnsupplied with
c-urches. They still lead in education.
but have become active and jealous IN
home mission work, and the reports
show a large increase in membership and
the organization of new churches IN
fields hitherto without Presbyterian
preaching. Presbyterian eyangelists
have gone over many sections of the
State qlickening the spiritual life of the
church and adding largely to its mum
bers. The lay delegates and ministers
here are rejoiced at the success of evan
galistic work and are planning for en-
larged usefulness in the home mission
field.
The election of Rev. Williams Black AZ
Moderator will serve to emphasize the
eyangelistic work of the church. 1t is
quite an honor to be chosen as Modera
tor of an assembly composed of the ma
terial here assembled. Mr. Black is
comparatively a young man, is not y
D.. and has not been pastor of any lead
ing church He has had a career that il
instructive and inspiring to young preach
ers After completing his education. he
read law and practised some years at
Maxton. He took deep interest in the
State Guard and was captainAof the Max
ton company. After half a dozen or
more wears at the bar, where he won
success. Mr.. Black felt called to preach
and was admitted to the Presbyterian
ministry. He began eyangelistic work
in which he has been signally successful
endearing himself to the people of all
denominations in the communities where
he has held reviyals. Thousands have
been brought into the fold under his
ministry and il ''greatress is the powe,
ia do" as ii has been defined, Mr.. Black
Is entitled to the leadership in the Pres
byterian church TO which he has been
elevated. w. C. Alexander was elect
ed reading clerk and Rev. Z. X. Law
recording clerk.
THE OPENING SERMON.
The opening sermon Of the Synod was
nraached by Rev, DIR. HoWerton, of