Evening journal., 1919-01-18

terests of this church at that meeting.
In accordance Herewith the following
statement is submitted:
ITO the Presbytery Of New Castle:
"This congregation desires TO advise
Presbytery that the petition presented
to Presbytery at its last meeting by w.
Sterling Evans, w. T. Morrison and II.
NJ Mccullough, In response to which
Presbytery appointed committee to
visit our church, was without the
knowledge, advise, consent or author
lty OF this congregation; that had we
Deen advised such action was contem-
plated, 1t would never have reached
Presbytery without a most vigorous
protest; and we do now protest against
this disregard upon the part Of these
men OF the right Of this congregation
TO be consulted upon matter SO
vitality affecting It's interests, and the
more especially as the congregation by
an overwhelming vote Of 9s 10 As had
April TO- 1918.
We would further advise Presbytery
that az It's meeting on January O. our
congregation took such action as will
pace tne management OF our femporall-
Ties upon a business basis that win
command the confidence Of our congre-
CATION and result unquestionably In sat
isiactory financial conditions. The
church has no deficit that win not be
provided for and the results OF the
Every Member Canvass for the ensuing
year, though not quite completed. will
exceed those Of the previous years. In
TACT there are no conditions In our
church with which it is not abundantly
able 10 cope.
The action Of the elders above re-
terred to was the elimination of y de-
termined effort (of a purely personal
nature) covering a period Of MANY
months, on the part Of the elders. aided |
Dy small minority OF the congreea- |
uon consisting almost exclusively OF |
tneir own families), 10 force fhe Rev /
Dr. John McElmoyle from the pastorate
OF the church. This effort persisted |
despite the fact that an overwhelming
OF the congregation had shown
repeatedly and in unmistakable terms
mat It held such action TO be without
lust cause and that 10 was emphati-
,ally opposed TO 1t.
. Inese repeated attempts 20 override
me Will OF the congregation and 10
leny II the right Of self determination
we're accompanied not only by uniusti-
liable, unwarranted and un-ChristIan /.
attacks upon our pastor, which deeplv
)nended the sensibillties Of the con-
iregation, but also by the withdrawal
rom the church Of moral and flnapc-
al support
"A situation has resulted in which
mere Is an utter lack Of harmony he +
ween the elders on the one side and
nc pastor ana % per cent Of the CON
resdllon on the other. The elders have
OF Inontns displayed lack OF interest |
the spiritual activities of the church
no nave consistently failed to fulnl /
ne obligations voluntarily and uncon-
ltlonally assumed by them upon their ,
lstallation-notably is this apparent in !
neir total neglect Of and indifference !
the Sunday School-and through j
heir attitude and conduct these men J
ave lost the confidence Of the con- :
regation and their usefulness as elders ,
hopelessly gone. In fact the church J
eeds elders who have the respect and ,
onndence OF the ongregatlon-men /,
worthy Of the honor, announcement
nd obedience In the Lord TO which
heir of1lce entities them.) We are voic-
ng the practically unanimous opinion
u our community. and the overwhelm-
n5 sentiment Of our congregation. when
We say that II Presbylery really de-
Tres (as we are firmly persuaded II
oes desired 10 promote the peace.
rogress and prosperity Of our be- |.
oVed church Of honored history and
nviable record. both for work and Civ
is, IL VIII place Itself back OF our
astor and accord us our rights under
10 constitution Of our church 90 meet !
ld elect elders who shall properly rep
sent us by ordering a meeting OF our =
'ngregatlon for the election OF elders a
be held at an early date. I
The congregation has been forced TO j
axe this request by the refusal OF the q
ajority Of the session Of the church
call such a meeting and by firm con- \
ctlon on the part Of a large majority /
the congregation that such an cleo |
on Is vitality essential 10 the best in
rests Of the church.
Respectfully submitted on behalf Of
10 congregation Of the Elkton Presby-
rian Church."