The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-12-07
CHURCH UNION
 IS REJECTED Close VGtc by Cumberland
 PreSbytery. A LENGTHY DISCUSSION Opposition to Proposition Led
 by Mr. Crawford. Delegates to the General Assembly are Choscn--Body Will Gather Next
 Year, at Green Pend.
A LENGTHY DISCUSSION

AfteT TOUT nOuTS UT lTlCnuly HiSSbS- sion yesterday during the session Of the Birmingham Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church at that church on the subject of joining the Cumberland branch of the church to the Presbyterian Church of Amer ica, the members Of the Presbytery voted down the union of the two or ganizations by a vote of l5 to Ia.
 The question was the topic of con- versation among the members long be- fore 1t was brought up for action and was recognized as the most important business that would come before the Presbytery this year.
 During the latter part Of the morn ing sesion, Rev. I. D. Steele of Bir- mingham preached the subject by makink a strong appeal for the union of the two churches. He went into detail to show the benefits he believed would accrue from such action.
 Rev. W. M. Crawford, pastor of the Montgomery Church. arose and began the lead of the opposition with a force. full argument against the proposed change. He also gave his reasons for opposing the union and was followed by others who voiceu their opinions. The leaders of both sides with their followers went into the four hours of discussion and both factions seemed confident of winning. though only the best feeling was shown and the argu- ment was at all times calm.
 About 1 o'clock the session was ad- journed to meet again at ? o'clock and the members had their dinner and came back to take up the debate. Af- ter all~who wished to speak had ex- pressed his thoughts of the question, D vote was taken with the aforesaid re- suit.
 Delegates to General Assembly.
 The session yesterday opened at 9 o'clock with devotional services by Rev l.. A. Reagor of Ensley, which took about thirty minutes before the regular busme ess was begun.
 The first business In order was the election of the commissioners to the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church which meets in Fresno, Cal, the. third Thursday in May. Rev. W. M. Crawford and Rev. w. T. Swain of Selma from the min isters and w. NJ. Cosby of Birmin gham and w. H. Duke of the eldership, were the commissioners chosen by a vote of the members present.
 The location of the next meeting of the Birmingham Presbytery was taken up and discussed with the result that Green Pond was selected as the place for the meeting to be held in July 1905.
 After disposing of the earlier routine business the members settled back into their seats and listened to an ex- cellent address by Rev. C. C. Russell on Mission Work of the State." s MT. Russell spoke for some time on this interesting phase of church work and his hearers were attentive and showed clearly their appreciation of the splendid address, As Canvassing Agent for the Montgomery Mission, MT Russell was thoroughly familiar with his subject and dealt with 1t according ly.
 At the close of his speech, a collec- tion was taken up for the Montgomery mission which amounted to $2S4.50.
 The members then took a recess un- til 7:3o yesterday evening.
 Strong Sermon at Night
 The evening session was opened with sermon of superior merit by Rev. I, D. Steele of Birming gham who spoke on Jesus. the Bread of Life" His re- marks were much enjoyed. The ses- sion of the day then adjourned to meet again this morning.
 Today's meeting which begins at g o'clock this morning In the church will be filled with the reports of the several . Temperance, Church Ethics etc, and is expected to make an interesting days work.
 In all probability, the Presbytery wlli complete its work by tonight.
 A number of delegates arrived in Montgomery yesterday morning and took part in the deliberations of the body. The delegates proper numbered twenty-eight, but with the alternates and visitors. the total attendance at the session was forty-one.
 At II o'clock this morning Rev. L.. A. Rodgers of Ensley will preach and at 7:30 o'clock tonight, a sermon will be delivered by Rev. W. A. Overton of Green Pond
 The interest and spirit of the meet ing is excellent and the members are highly pleased with their work during the session of the Presbytery with Montgomery and the hospitality they have been shown by MT. Crawford and the members of his church.