Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1906-05-24
Des Moines Assembly
Wild With Enthusi.
asm Over Vote.
BUT TWO OPPOSING
Commissioners Who Had COur-
age of Convictions Near
ly M0bbed.


soIemnly declare and here publicly an
nounce basis of reunion and union is
now in full force and effect and that
the Cumberland Presbyterian church is
now reunited with the Presbyterian
church in the United States Of America
as one church,
With these words uttered before the
general assembly today. Moderator
COrbett officially established the union
of the Cumberland church with the
Presbyterian church i'm the United
States of America. and the big assem-
blage burst into storm of rejoicing
Handclapping. cheering and waving of
handkerchiefs gave expression 10 the
unalloyed pleasure. consummation
devoutly wished and worked for
through many years. despite many OBJ
stacles, had become a reality.
Scene Dramatic.
The most intensely dramatic scene
of the ceremonies attending the formal
union of the churches was the vote
against the union by two commission
ers. Moderator Corbett put the ques.
tion which was i'm the form of resolu.
ton and called for an affirmative vote.
TO be expressed by the commissioners
rising to their feet. Instantly the as
sembly nall was converted into a
stamping, cheering crowd.
Calls for Those Opposed.
AS the handclapping and cheering
died down and the commissioners took
their seats. the moderator said: "All
who are of the opinion that the motion
should not prevail will please rise" A
laugh went around the hall, for il was
believed the request was a mere for
mality and would meet with no re-
sponse. TO the astonishment OF all
present. two commissioners rose tn
their feet.
Were Nearly MObbed.
Pandemonum broke loose and il was
feared for an instant indignities would
be offered the lonely men who oppos-
ed the union. One of the men was DIR.
William Lauri of Bellfonte. Pa. and
the other Rev. Roger F. Cressey of
Jacksonville. III. DR.. Laurie is a stall
wart ScOtchman and his personality
dominated the convention.
Question Of Conscience.
Greatly as ! dislike to record my
vote against this union, and deeply as
feel the pain of being forced TO dis
agree with my fathers and brothers.
Yet | cannot conscientiously vote for
this union. 1t is purely a question be-
tween me and God. / have to oppose
it"
Rev. Cressey said: This is mat
ter OF conscience with me. | cannot
honestly vote for the union"
Welcomes Delegates.
Immediately after the adoption of the
resolution two representatives from
the Cumberland assembly were intro
duced to the assembly, which came
to its feet and applauded. cheered. and
waved hats and handkerchiefs for
minutes. The visitors were Professor
w. II. Black of Lexington, KY. and DIR.
b. II. Fullerton of St. Louis Both
men made speeches expressing their
qualification at the union.
Exchange Greetings
The assembly telegraphed the Cum
berland assembly at Decatur OF the
action on the question of union imme-
diately after the juncture was declared
reply. containing congratulations. an
the official receipt of the in
and the adjournment of the
assembly.
Approves Federation.
The proposed federation of the evan
gelical churches OF the country for
charitable and humane work was .ap-
proved by the assembly. The fedora
tiOn excludes the Unitarian church by
the terms of its preamble to its agree
ment. because the Unitarians disclaim
the divinity of Christ.
Cumberland Assembly Finishes.
Decatur. H.. May 24.-The Cumber-
land Presbyterian general assembly
nearly completed it's business last
night and would have adjourned but
waited the action of the Presbyterian
assembly on the question OF union. A
delegation was appointed TO visit the
assembly at Des Moines Immediately
after the adjournment of the Cumber-
land body to bear the greetings OF the
latter. The work of the board OF pub
ication was approved by the assembly.