Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1906-05-24
Presbyterian Assembly Form
ally Votes to Accept Basis Of
Union With Cumberland
ONLY TWO VOTES AGAINST
pramstic Scene Witnessed in the AS:
sembIy Hall When the Vote Was AM
nounced by the Moderator-vast Aus.
dienos Greets The Announcements
With a Pandemonium Of Cheers.

Des Moines, May 24-"I do sole6nnly
declare and here publicly announce that
the basis Of reunion and union Is now IN
full force and effect, and that the Cum
berland Presbyterian church Is now re-
united with the Presbyterian church In
the United States Of America as one
church" With these words, uttered be-
fore the general assembly today. Mod
orator Corbett officially established the
union Of the Cumberland church with
the Presbyterian church In the United
States OF America.
The big assemblage burst into g
storm Of rejoicing. Hand clappir1g,
cheering and waving Of handkerchiefs
gave expression to unallowed pleasure.
The consummation devoutly wished and
worked for thru many years, despite
many obstacles, had become reality.
The most intensely dramatic scene Of
the ceremonies attending the formal
union of churches was the vote against
union by two commissioners. Moder-
ator Corbett put the question: which
was in the form Of resolution. and
called for an affirmative vote. to be ex-ss
pressed by commissioners rising TO-
their feet Instantly the assembly hail
was converted into stamping, cheering
crowds. AS the hand clapping and
cheering died away and the comnnis-3
sioners 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 if
was believed the request was mere
formality and would meet with no re-t
sponse. To the astonishnent Of all
present, two commissioners rose to
their feet. Pandemonium broke hoso
and 1t was feared for an instant indig-l
nifty would be offered the lonely men
who opposed the union One man was
DIR. William Laurie. Of Belle Fopte, Pa.
and the other Rev. George F. Cressey, OF
Jacksonville, Ill. DR.. Laurie is stall
wart Scotchman, and his personality
dominated the convention.
Greatly as dislike to record my
vote against this union, and deeply e.
felt the pain Of being forced to dis,
agree with my fathers and brothers, yet
I can not conscaentiously vote for this
union It Is purely a question between
me and God; have to oppose 1t. Rev
Cressey said: This is matter Of con-
science with me. cannot hQuestly vots
for the union"
Immediately after adoption Of the
resolution the two representatives from
the Cumberland assembly were intro
duced to the assembly, which came to
its feet and applauded, clleered and
waved hats and handkerchiefs for fivo
minutes. The visitors were Prof. w. III,
Black, OF Lexington, KY, and DR.. B. r.
Fullerton of ST. Louis Both men made
speeches expressing their qualification
in the union. The assembly telegraphed
the Cumberland assembly at Decatur OF
the action on the question Of union.
Immediately after this juncture the OPP
orator received telegram In reply COM
tanning congratulations and annOunc-
ing the official receipt OF the inforn1a-
|tion, and adjournmet Of the Cumberland
assembly.
The proposed federation Of the Evans
gelical churches Of country for char
table and humane work, was apprOv-'
ed by the assembly. The federation ex-
cludes the Unitarian church by the
terms Of its preamble to Its agreement.
because the Unitarians disclaim the
divinity Of Christ.