The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-05-25
McPheeters Surprises Assembly.

set for the collection for the committees cause.
 McPheeters Surprises Assembly.
 When Dr. McPheeters read the report of the committee on editing the book Of distinctive principles which is out of print that it may be republished. he surprised the assembly by making a speech register ing his dispair In that the articles of agreemnt had been passed. T came here to move the adoption of this report because l thought the pr1nciples of our fathers would be accepted. I thought that we would stand by the solemn cove nant which we have made to them.
 But since I have come here the im- pression has been growing in my mind that these principles are not the prin- ciples of a majority of the members of our church. It is with great sadness that I am compelled to say that for the last forty years the church has been dragging her anchor and now Is on the high seas waiting for a captain. The shades of our old church wouldn't recognize church which has resolved to send thir teen representatives to a federated court as the church which has pledged herself to these principles and was once ready to do anything for them. l don't think this assembly should publish to the world those principles which she has ceased 10 indorse.
 1 DeH6N6 IHdI AIOu IS DTDlBlHB Iil6 church through these experiences that He may bring her to herself. That is my only hope. the only thing that sheds a ray of light on the gloomy horizon"
 The assembly made no comment on his speech, and proceeded to refer the mat ter to the next assembly.
 The report of the committee on a change of the book of church order where "com- missions" are defined was presented by the Rev. J. P. Robertson. and referred to the presbyteries.
 On motion of Dr. W. M. Alexander the executive committee on foreign missions was authorized to publish a missionary paper, when it could see the way clear.
 Moderator Howerton announced the fol- lowing committees:
 Ad interim on drawing up amendments to the constitution, Dr. MePheeters, G. D. Wilson and A. G. Hall.
 On Calvin celebration, c. D. Wilson, J. D. Murphy, J. W. Faxon, W. J. Martin and A. G. Hall.
 Committees on other subjects to be drawn from the following during the summer, R. F. Campbell J. w. Stagg, l c. M. Richards, D. H. ogden, w. w.. Moore, M NJ. McPheeters.
 Just before adjournment Clerk Alex ander read the report of the auditing committee, among the recommendations of which were that he be supplied with a desk, an office and a f1reproof safe during the year, and a stenographer dur ing the assembly.
 On motion Of Commissioner Dobyns from Missouri Sl vote of thanks was ex- tended to N tor Howerton for the ex- cellent in which he has moder- ated tngs, and upon his fairness dt heated discussions. Russell ,nded the motion, saying humor-
 that " he has done 1t almost as
 ds I could have done myself"
 r. Howerton made an appropriate
 beech In reply. stating that all his suc- cess was due to the Christian spirit of the commissioners, and their careful fol- lowing of parliamentary rules. Resolutions of Thanks. special standing resolution was ten , dered tc the ladies of all the local Pres byterian churches for their kindness in serving the monday lunches, and other favors, and also the following was adopted;
 Resolved, That the general assembly record It's sincere appreciation of the kindness of Dr. Stagg and the people of the First Presbyterian church, Birming- ham, in their splendid entertainment of commissioners, and in this action we would include the other pastors and churches of the city who have so cor dially assisted in this matter; also the l Baptist and Christian churches for the l use of their buildings MT. C. w. Mills, chairman, and Mir. Henderson of the ar- rangement committee for their careful l attentions.
 We also express our cordial sthanks 1 for the unprecedented efficiency of the local press in their excellent service to 1 the assembly; also our sincere appre- citation of the very great kindness of the management and employees of the street car system for unusual courtesies. 1 We desire the above resolutions to be regarded not In the light of formal vote of thanks, but as they area hearty expression of genuine gratitude" l The assembly was then dissolved to meet again in Greenesboro, N. C., in May l of next year.