The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1906-05-24
THEY JOIN HANDS.
The Cumberland Presbyterians
Unite With Parent Body.
Great Demonstration Follows
the Announcement.
NOT QUITE UNANIMOUS
Two Votes in Opposition in the
General Assembly.
Excitement Follows and Danger
of Violence to Dissenters.
Not QUITE UNANIMOUS

Des Nfoines. Ia, May 24.-"I do
sa1emnly declare and here publicly an
nounce that the basis of reunion and
union is now in full force and effect
and that the Cumberland Presbyterian
church is now reunited with the Pres
byterian church in the United States OF
America as one church
With these words uttered. before the
general assembly today Moderator
Hunter Corbett officially established
the union of the Cumberland church
with the Presbyterian church in the
United States OF America
The big ecclesiastical assembly burst
into a storm of rejoicing. Hand clap
ping, cheers and waving OF handker-
chiefs gave expression to unalloyed
pleasure. The contamination devoutly
wished and worked for through many I
years, despite many obstacles had be-
come reality.
Yesterday a telegram was received
from Decatur announcing the adop- /
ton of the joint resolution by the I
Cumberland church. At the opening I
session of the Des Aoines assembly !
similar action was taken and messages
to that effect dispatched to Decatur.
The most intensely dramatic scene
of the ceremonies attending the formal I
union of the churches was the vote I
against union by two commissioners.
Moderator COrbett put the question
which was in the form of a resolution
and called for the affirmative vote, to /
be expressed by the commissioners
rising to their feet. Instantly the as
sembly hall was converted into a 1
stamping. cheering crowd. AS the
handclapping and cheering died down
and the commissioners took their
seats. the moderator said:
HAll who are of the opinion that I
the motion should not prevail will
please rise"
A laugh went around the hall for it
was believed that the request was
mere Formally and would meet with /
no response. To the establishment of
all present two commissioners rose to
their feet. Great confusion ensued
and 1t was feared for an instant that
indignity would be offered the lonely
men who opposed the union. One of
the men was DR.. William Laurie of /
Bellefont, Pa, and the other was Rev.
Roger F. Cressey of Jacksonville, Ill
Dr. Laurie is q stalwart ScOtchman I
and his personality dominated the /
convention.
Greatly as I dislike the pain Of he
ing forced to disagree with my fathers 1
and brothers. yet I can not con- /
scientiously vote for this union It is /
purely question between me and my
God have to oppose 1T
Rev. Mr.. Greasy said: s'This is a |
matter of conscience with me [ can
not honestly vote for the union
motion was made that the mega
tive votes be recorded. Cries of mo-
were raised. DR.. Laurie was on his
feet Immediately, declaring:
I desire that the negative votes be
recorded. 1 never yet was ashamed
to stand by my convictions
The record was duly made
Immediately after the adoption of
the resolution uniting the churches
and the declaration by the moderator
that the union was now contaminated.
two representatives from the Cumber-
land assembly were introduced to the
assembly which came to its feet and
applauded, cheered and waved hats
and handkerchiefs for Ave minutes
The cumberland visitors were Prof.
W H. Black, president of the Mis-
| souri, Valley college, Lexington. XIV.
and DR.. B. P. Fullerton. Of Cincin
natl Prof. Black was the Cumber-
land chairman of the joint committee
on church reunion and union.
Both men made speeches to the as
sembly, expressing their qualification
at the union and announcing that to-
morrow Moderator Ira Landright and
a delegation of seven others of the
/ Cumberland assembly would arrive in
/ Des Moines to receive and extend Off
cial greetings The assembly tele-
! graphed the Cumberland assembly at
Decatur of the action on the question
/ Of union Immediately after the Juno
ture was declared operative and re-
ceived telegram in reply Containing
congratulations announcing the on
I cial receipt of the Information and the
adjournment Of the Cum berland as
sembly.
Low Rates to Boston and Return.