Evening journal., 1919-11-22
PRESBYTERIANS TO
Unite CHURCHES
First and Central Congrega-
tionS Vote TO Consolidate
in One Edihce
ONLY NEED APPROVAL
OF THE PRESBYTERY

Consolidation Of the First and Cen
trail Presbyterian Churches, and the
erection OF a large new church edlilcc
on Market street. between Ninth and
Tenth. Is assured by action taken last
night, by the congregation Of each
church
The new united congregation is TO be
known as the First ana Central Pres
byterlan Church Of Wilmington. peti-
ton will be made az once TO the Pres
bytery OF New Castle 10 approve the
consolidation plan, and a special scs-
sion Of the Presbyiery is expected TO
be called within a few days TO act on
the plan and approval is expected with
out hesitancy.
The First and Central congregations
met separately last night AZ The First
Church, which is without a pastor, the
Rev. Thomas II. Kerr served as moder-
ator. James II. Price was secretary
The vote was 70 for consolidation to
three against
The Central congregation was pre-
sided over by the Rev. Josiah Il. Craw-
ford as moderator. J. II. Burns was
secretary. The vote for consolidation
was 81 for and against.
There was a free and open discus
sion Of the project at both meetings.
The trustees explained that they con
templatcd an Institutional church, That
is one which shall provide not alone
for religious worship. but for a church
house In which will be an auditorium
and quarters for church clubs, Boy
Scouts, mission organizations, etc.
The church building proper will face
on Market street and the church house
on King. There will be no manse ad-
Joining the church. as reported by a
morning paper. The pastor VIII make
his home in whatever section of the
city ne pleases. In addition to pro
viding for the secular activities Of the
church. the church house on King
street also will contain stores and Of
fees. rent from which will help de-
fray the cost OF maintenance. The au-
dltorium Of the church itself will seat
upwards Of 1000 and contain a large
pipe organ.
Judge William {. Prlckett Informed
the Central congregation that the trus-
tees had been offered a handsome price
for its property on King street below
Ninth. and that Central would be not
far behind First in its contribution TO
the fund for the new consolidated edl-
flce.
A few members did not vote saying
that II consolidation were made Tue!
might seek another church home, ana
did not feel they should vote If hey
did not intend becoming members Of
the consolidated congregation.
The reasons set forth in the petition
IN the Presbytery as grounds Tor au-
thorizlng the consolidation are'
To prevent a duplication OF work. 10
prevent duplication OF expense 10
do a larger work in a better way
In order that the above may be ac-
complished. the Presbytery is to be
nefiiioned. First. that the Presoytery
authorize the consolidation; second
that said Presbytery approve thdt the
new name shall be The First ana Zen
trail presbyterian Church; third, the
resignation OF the officers Of each
church. including pastor, elders trus-
tees and deacOns. ,,-.,-
Upon completion Of the consolidatiihs
NJ ihe two congregations the unlleu
church will be authorized TO elect new
elders and trustees from the former
members OF the consolidating church
es one-half Of the officers to be Sc
lected from members Of each church.
THAT the pastor be called by the united
church: that the Presbytery appoint
Inc nresent pastor OF Central. the Rev.
Josiah H. Crawford. to be the stated
snnnlv of the new church until such
tIne as the church shall call a pastor
in due form. and that the session OF
the united church be authorized to call
a congregational meeting as soon as
the time is advisable for the elecuoh
Of n pastor for the united tnurch
That the Prcsbytery authorize the
sale NJ the Central Church property al
such time as may seem advisable 10
ihe United Church, the proceeds to De
turned over together with all other as
cots NJ Central TO the United Church'
IN no held for the purpose OF assistins
In lmllding and equipping. upon tnt
3roneriv OF the First Church, adjacent
IN The library property, an adequate
church edince TO carry on the worn
contemplated by the Uniied Church.
Authority for amendments OF inc
First church charter as are necessary
IN unite the two churches.
That the Presbytery empower inc
trustees OF both churches 10 sign
agreements to carry out the union'